MINUTES OF THE RECREATION COMMITTEE
CITY OF COUNTRYSIDE – CHAMBER ROOM
September 28, 2011 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

Bob Pondelicek, Alderman

Sean McDermott, Alderman

Members Absent:

None

Also present:

Mayor Ed Krzeminski, Ex-Officio

Karen Michalczyk, Alderman

John Von Drasek, Alderman

Sharon Sweeney, City Clerk

Sharon Peterson, Assistant City Administrator

Bryan Swanson, Community Development Planner

Katie Goggin, Designer Event Chicago

Rick Johnson – Community Garden

Steve Dziak – Community Garden

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – August 1, 2011 – upon motion made, the minutes were approved.

3. SOFTBALL COOPERATIVE WITH THE LAGRGANGE PARK PARK DISTRICT UPDATE.

Assistant City Administrator Peterson provided an update on the softball cooperative program with LaGrange Park. The price for the program will be raised by $5 per player; to $60 for the season. The adult league will be run through LaGrange Park. Alderman Von Drasek asked Ms. Peterson to get quotes on lighting the softball field at Countryside Park and to include it in the budget for next year.

4. CONTINUED DISCUSSION ON POOL REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM POLICY.

This item was continued from the August meeting. After discussion, it was determined that the policy would be changed to include health clubs with outdoor pools. The reimbursement would be eligible after Labor Day and the membership would have to be from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Residents will have to show a cancellation letter. This item was forwarded to the City Council for final approval.

5. SUMMER CONCERT SERIES WRAP UP.

Katie Goggin from Designer Event Chicago was present to discuss the past summer concert series. The turnout was good, despite the unpredictable weather. Ms. Goggin went on to say that about 50% of the attendees were from Countryside, and the others were from surrounding communities. New this year was the opening act and honorary organization; Ms. Goggin felt that there was a value in recognizing the organizations. The sponsorship levels were great this year, not including staff costs, the sponsorships came in higher than the costs of the concert series.

Alderman McDermott asked what the total cost of the concert series would be including staff time. Alderman McDermott directed staff to get a total cost of the concerts, including staff time (Public Works, Police and ESDA), as well as sponsorships. Ms. Peterson will email this to the Council by the end of the week. Alderman McDermott went on to say that if the City is abating property taxes, then the City needs to look at the total cost for programs like the Concerts in the Park.

6. DISCUSSION ON BRANDING THE CITY.

Assistant City Administrator Peterson presented a proposal for changing the City logo slightly in order to sell Countryside t-shirts, mugs, and the like. Mayor Krzeminski questioned the need to alter the City logo. Ms. Peterson explained that there could be issues with someone trying to represent themselves as a City employee and conducting criminal activity. After discussion it was determined that if the City were to move forward with this, it would be important to incorporate the Route 66 logo, and staff need to determine the cost of producing the shirts and if there would be a breakeven point.

7.COMMUNITY GARDEN UPDATE.

Community Development Planner Bryan Swanson provided the Committee with an update on the potential community garden, which would be located at the northwest corner of 61^st Street and Kensington. The initial cost estimates were approximately $20,000. This cost includes:

$ 1,000 for the site upgrades

$ 2,500 for tree removal

$ 5,000 to bring in water from the right-of-way (RPZ irrigation)

$10,000 for a fence

The community garden idea came from a resident who lives in a condominium on Kensington Street. This plot of land would be made available to residents in Countryside who are interested in having a garden, but either live in condominiums or apartments.

There was discussion regarding the parcel and what it was purchased for several years ago. Alderman Pondelicek commented that that space is used for overflow parking for events and concerts in the park.

After discussion it was determined that staff would get a better cost estimate and present it during the budget meetings.

8. DISCUSSION ON BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE.

At the September 14, 2011 City Council meeting, the Mayor announced the formation of a Beautification Committee. This Committee would be an ad hoc committee. Mayor Krzeminski said he envisions this committee looking at ways to beautify the City; public property, street lights, and a garden club. Chairman Jasinski asked if the Mayor envisioned the committee beautifying the City by planting bushes, flowers, and items like that. Yes, that is what the Mayor envisions for this committee.

There was discussion on the liability of having volunteers planting on public property; what happens if someone gets injured. Alderman McDermott suggested that all volunteers would have to sign a waiver, but who will be paying for all of the flowers, etc. Mayor Krzeminski said the items would be donated, and some of the costs could be paid for out of the Hotel Motel budget.

Chairman Jasinski asked how the City gets the word out that this committee is looking for members. Through the Commission questionnaire form.

9. DISCUSSION ON DONATING BALANCE BEAM TO FLYING HIGH SPORTS AND RECREATION CENTER.

In the garage at Countryside Park, there is a balance beam that was once used by the Recreation Department. The balance beam has been stored in the garage for at least five years. This item was referred to the City Council for approval to donate the item to Flying High Sports and Recreation Center.

10. IDEAL SCHOOL PARK UPDATE.

The water fountains will be installed by the end of the week. An onsite walk through meeting is scheduled with the Contractor, School District and City.

11. YMCA BASKETBALL CONTRACT.

The YMCA Basketball contract will be referred to the City Council for final approval.

12. CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY UPDATE.

Assistant City Administrator Peterson provided an update on the Children’s Christmas Party, scheduled for Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 10:30am to 12:30pm. The party will be held at the William Tell Holiday Inn. There was discussion on the items included in the stockings, the McDonald’s gift certificates, and the entertainment.

13. OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS.

None.

14. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further recreation business, the meeting adjourned at 7:07 pm.

_____________________________ __________________________

Dated James Jasinski, Chair