MINUTES OF THE RECREATION COMMITTEE

CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE – COUNCIL CHAMBER

May 16, 2013 6:00 PM

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Meeting was called to order at 6:00 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

John Von Drasek, Alderman

Sharon Sweeney, City Clerk

Sharon Peterson, Assistant City Administrator

Jim Essig, Public Works Superintendent

Bob Wagner, Lyons Township Little League

Brian Mahoney, Lyons Township Little League

Bob Hyatt, Lyons Township Little League

Carm Scarpace, Westfield Ford

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 17, 2013 – upon motion made, by Alderman Pondelicek and seconded by Alderman McDermott, the minutes were approved.

3. LYONS TOWNSHIP LITTLE LEAGUE REQUEST.

Bob Wagner from the Lyons Township Little League was present to update the committee on the status of the Little League’s prior request, as well as the possibility of naming the ball field at City Park. Due to the timing of the season, it is too late in the year to install the scoreboard, but the Little League would still like to do this for the 2014 season. They have set aside funds for the scoreboard and other items. They would like to install the scoreboard in the winter/spring of 2014, prior to Little League starting. Mr. Wagner is aware that if the League moves forward with installing lights, they would have to get permission from the homeowners in the area first. Chairman Jasinski asked about the Little League season; the season runs from April through the beginning of July. The hours for the games are 5:30 – 7:30 and if there are lights, a second game is played from 8:00 – 9:30. Alderman Musillami asked about the season timeframe when there are tournament games. The tournament games run through the first week of August.

Alderman McDermott inquired about the cost to install lights at the field. The cost would be approximately $120,000.00. Mr. Wagner added that The Home Depot has committed to being an anchor in helping to pay for the project. Alderman McDermott reiterated the importance of the Little League speaking with the residents who live on Jovic Court, Kensington Avenue, and in Countryside Meadows Townhomes; these residents need to be spoken to prior to any decisions being made. Mr. Wagner said that there will be lighting studies conducted, and all maintenance will be the responsibility of the Little League. Public Works Superintendent Jim Essig informed the Committee that once the lights are installed, they would become property of the City as infrastructure.

There was discussion on naming the ball field at City Park. The field would be named, Veterans Field and a tag line would be, A Partnership between the City of Countryside, The Home Depot, and Lyons Township Little League. The Committee was in favor of this and directed staff to work with the City Attorney on this matter.

4. CONCERTS IN THE PARK AND SPONSORSHIP DISCUSSION.

The Summer Concerts in the Park begin on Thursday, June 13^th. The cost for the summer concerts is $22,910.00, and staff has received $20,400.00 in sponsorship revenue. This year, Westfield Ford is once again the Presenting Sponsor. Westfield presented three options, a $10,000.00 donation, a $9,000.00 donation and a scooter, or a $9,000.00 donation and a scooter or $1,000.00 Visa Gift Card (the winner would have their choice of either one). After discussion it was determined that the raffle would consist of both the scooter and the gift card, and the winner would have their choice of what they would like. It was the consensus of the Committee, that with Westfield Ford being the presenting sponsor, Westfield will handle all announcements at the concerts, including the raffles.

5. AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH FRANK NOVOTNY & ASSOCIATES, INC. ON THE BMX PARK PROJECT AT COUNTRYSIDE PARK.

It was the consensus of the Recreation Committee to enter into an Agreement with Frank Novotny & Associates to design the BMX Park at Countryside Park. This item will be referred to the May 22, 2013 City Council meeting for final approval.

6. DISCUSSION ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE PARK DISTRICT OF LAGRANGE.

Chairman Jasinski and Committee members reviewed the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Park District of LaGrange for the shared use of City Facilities. The Committee was in agreement to continue to IGA with the Park District.

7. OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS.

None.

8. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further recreation business, the meeting adjourned at 6:25 pm.

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Dated James Jasinski, Chair