MINUTES OF THE RECREATION COMMITTEE

CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE – COUNCIL CHAMBER

January 17, 2013 6:30 PM

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm. Upon roll call the following were present:

Jim Jasinski, Chairman

Sean McDermott, Alderman

Bob Pondelicek, Alderman

Members Absent:

Mayor Ed Krzeminski, Ex-Officio

Also present:

Scott Musillami, Alderman

Sharon Sweeney, City Clerk

Sharon Peterson, Assistant City Administrator

Jim Essig, Public Works Superintendent

Katie Goggin, Designer Event Chicago

Bob Wagner, Lyons Township Little League

Bob Hyatt, Lyons Township Little League

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – September 19, 2012 – upon motion made, the minutes were approved.

3. LYONS TOWNSHIP LITTLE LEAGUE REQUEST.

Bob Wagner from the Lyons Township Little League was present to discuss some upgrades the little league would like to make to the field at City Park. Mr. Wagner went on to explain that since travel leagues have become so popular, the Little League would like to upgrade the field and turn it into a tournament type field. The Little League would approach Home Depot to inquire about having the materials donated, and the parents that are involved with the League would help build the upgrades.

Chairman Jasinski asked Mr. Wagner about the upgrades that the Little League is interested in putting in at the park. Mr. Wagner said that they would like to purchase and install a scoreboard, lighting for the field, and a concession stand. Mr. Wagner added that the scoreboard is something they would like to do for 2013, but the lighting and concession stand would not be until the following year. Alderman Pondelicek asked what the costs for the upgrades would be. Mr. Wagner stated that the lights would cost approximately $100,000.00, the scoreboard would cost approximately $8,000.00 – 10,000.00, and a cost for the concession stand was not given.

Mr. Wagner went on to say that the Little League has experienced a shortfall over the years due to the fact that City Park does not have lights, a concession stand, or a scoreboard. Alderman Musillami expressed concern over the wear and tear of the field, too much overplay, and not keeping it community focused. Mr. Wagner said that the League is looking to grow and the children that are on the league come from Ideal School, St. Cletus, Hodgkins, and the Highlands School. Mr. Wagner added that the League would give the City a percentage of the money collected from the travel teams. Mr. Wagner said that the League is looking for the City’s blessing to be able to pursue the next steps. Alderman McDermott asked if the League has resources to do this work. Mr. Wagner said that they have the funds to purchase and install the scoreboard for the 2013 season, but the other items would have to wait until the 2014 season. City Clerk Sharon Sweeney reminded the Committee that the concession stand would need a business license from the Clerk’s office. After discussion, it was the consensus of the committee to allow the Little League to move forward with the scoreboard. With regards to the other items, the Little League will conduct further research and come back to the Committee at a later date.

4. CONCERTS IN THE PARK DISCUSSION.

Katie Goggin from Designer Event Chicago was present to discuss the theme, the proposed bands, and the proposed budget for the 2013 Summer Concert Series. As discussed at the last Recreation Committee meeting, the theme for 2013 will be Countryside’s World Tour; a vacation destination theme that will focus on all the various types of music at each different vacation spot. The Committee reviewed the proposed band line up and budget. The cost for the concerts for 2013 will be $23,160.00. The Committee directed Ms. Goggin to move forward with booking each band. Sponsorship options were discussed, and a new item that will be added to the sponsorship levels is an option for sponsors to purchase the giveaways for the evening, such as glow sticks, John Lennon style sunglasses and the like. The Committee thanked Ms. Goggin for her work on this project.

5. CONCERTS IN THE PARK DONATION DISCUSSION.

Alderman Michalczyk asked Chairman Jasinski to discuss with the Committee the option of what charitable organization to donate the raffle proceeds from the 2013 Concerts to. In the past, Westfield Ford, as Presenting Sponsor has donated a scooter to the City to raffle off at the last concert. For the past three summers, the City has raffled off a scooter with the proceeds being donated to a charitable organization:

2010: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

2011: Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization

2012: Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Foundation

It was requested by Alderman Michalczyk that if there is a raffle, the Committee consider a donation to a breast cancer foundation once again. After discussion it was the consensus of the Committee to donate the proceeds to the Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Foundation.

6. CAR SHOW DISCUSSION FOR 2013.

This item was tabled due to the requester being unable to attend the meeting.

7. CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY WRAP UP.

Chairman Jasinski thanked everyone for their help in making the 2012 Children’s Christmas party such a success. It was the consensus of the Committee to pay City Staff to play Santa for 2013, the location of the party will be held at Park Place Banquets, staff will work at the refreshment table, and Old Fashioned Candies will also provide the stockings to be filled by Helping Hand. Staff will look to another vendor in the City to purchase the gift certificates from for 2013.

8. DISCUSSION ON SEASPAR PROGRAMMING AND THE PARK DISTRICT OF LAGRANGE.

Chairman Jasinski presented a letter from the Park District of LaGrange regarding the City’s participation in the SEASPAR program. The bylaws of SEASPAR don’t allow the City to participate; however, they will allow our residents to participate through April 30, 2013. After discussion, staff was directed to allocate $5,000.00 in the budget for the reimbursements to residents who participate in special recreation programming. These funds will help offset the difference in the resident versus non-resident rates for special recreation programming through Gateway SRA.

9. DISCUSSION ON THE IN-LINE SKATING RINK AT COUNTRYSIDE PARK.

The existing in-line skating rink at Countryside Park is 164 x 70 feet. Chairman Jasinski asked the Committee their thoughts on dividing the rink in half and having a BMX park and an in-line skating rink in the space. Alderman McDermott stated that at the last Recreation Committee meeting, staff was directed to allocate money in the Capital Improvement Budget to redesign this space as a BMX park. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Committee to continue with redesigning the in-line skating rink to a BMX park.

10. OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS.

None.

11. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further recreation business, the meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.

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Dated James Jasinski, Chair