MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS OF DECATUR PARK
DISTRICT, MACON COUNTY, ILLINOIS, HELD AT
DECATUR PARK DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
620 E. RIVERSIDE AVENUE, DECATUR, ILLINOIS
AT 12:00 NOON ON THE 1st DAY OF JUNE, 2011
The Board of Park Commissioners of Decatur Park District, Macon County, Illinois, met in
a regular session on Wednesday, the 1st day of June, 2011 at the hour of 12:00 Noon at the
Decatur Park District Administration Office, 620 E. Riverside Avenue, Decatur, Illinois at
which time and place there were present the following officers and members of said Board:
Chris Riley, Vice President
Jack Kenny, Commissioner
Bob Brilley, II, Commissioner
Cindy Deadrick-Wolfer, Commissioner
Absent: Don Luy, President
A quorum of the members of the Board of Park Commissioners being present, Vice
President Riley called the meeting to order and declared the Board to be in session for the
transaction of business.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was recited.
SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION - Cultural Arts Supervisor Marie Jagger-Taylor
explained that the Jerry Menz Arts Scholarship was founded in honor of Jerry Menz who
served as Decatur Park District Director of Recreation from 1961 – 1993. Jerry was a
driving force in the creation of many of the District’s cultural arts programs. Students
submitted nomination forms with letters of interest that showed a real sense of
commitment to the arts. The two recipients – Victoria Rossi and Jordan Villanueva – will
have 75% of their spring/summer program fees paid to applaud their talent and
commitment to the arts. Commissioner Riley reported that the award’s first recipients were
announced at the Cookin’ with the Chorale performances on May 30. Victoria Rossi has
been in B.O.S.S., Storyteller Theatre, YPS and dance classes. Jordan Villanueva has been
in Greater Decatur Youth Band, Storyteller Theatre, PERFORM! and is currently a
member of the Young Park Singers. Jordan said thank you for the scholarship and that
Young Park Singers is the highlight of his summer. Victoria said thank you and stated that
the arts mean a lot to her.
PUBLIC HEARING - A public hearing on the Annual Budget and Appropriation
Ordinance No. 2011-11 for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 having been published for June 1, 2011,
at 12:00 Noon at the Decatur Park District Administration Office, 620 E. Riverside Ave,
Decatur, IL was held accordingly. No one from the public presented questions at the
hearing; therefore the hearing was closed.
NO. 15236 Commissioner Kenny moved that Ordinance No. 2011-11 Annual Budget and
Appropriation be approved and adopted as presented, seconded by Commissioner
Deadrick-Wolfer. Motion carried unanimously upon call of the roll.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Sue Ingram who resides at 3845 Skyline Dr. addressed the
Board concerning the plans for Nelson Park. She read the Park District Mission Statement,
adding that “quality of life” should not be confused with “standard of living.” The parks
should be used for education, recreation and leisure time.
Commissioner Deadrick-Wolfer stated that the Park District is working with the City of
Decatur as well as with the Economic Development Corporation on the lakefront project.
Local companies want young people with children to stay in the community. The lakefront
project is a critical element which will enable us to attract and retain these young families.
Bids have been received for the new walking trail and dog park in Nelson Park.
NO. 15237 A motion was made by Commissioner Deadrick-Wolfer and seconded by
Commissioner Kenny to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. All of the
Commissioners voted aye upon call of the roll.
NO. 15238 Director of Operations Kiefer explained that he received a request for
permission to serve beer at a fundraising event which will be held in the west end of
Fairview Park in September. Director Kiefer introduced Jill Applebee and Elissa
McGlaughlin from Junior Achievement. Ms. Applebee explained that Junior Achievement
will be holding a Mudd Run Fundraising Event on Saturday, September 24th. They would
like permission to serve beer as people are finishing this 3-mile adventure in the mud.
They will have a fenced area with security where ID wrist bands will be required to enter.
Only one beverage at a time will be allowed. JA will supply a certificate of insurance.
Commissioner Brilley made a motion which was seconded by Commissioner DeadrickWolfer to approve beer to be served at the JA Mudd Run. Upon call of the roll, all of the
Commissioners voted aye.
AIR CHOICE ONE UPDATE – Airport Director Attwood introduced Shane Storz, Air
Choice One owner and operator and Jacqueline Donohoo, Director of Marketing. Ms.
Donohoo stated that ridership for the month of May was over 1,300 compared to 206
passengers last May. Bookings for the next quarter look very promising. She announced
the next promotion which will be $30 one way to St. Louis or Chicago from July 1 to the
end of August. Ms. Donohoo explained that Air Choice One is prepared to broaden the
marketing area, reaching out to the community of Champaign. The website has been
revamped to show Decatur as a destination.
Mr. Storz shared that Air Choice One has had service to Chicago for 1 ½ years and will be
moved to a permanent location within the next 60-90 days. He asked the Board to support
a four year agreement for the next request for proposals for air service. Mr. Storz has been
to Chicago and to the Capitol in efforts to gain political support for becoming a larger
airline service. He feels that a four year contract would show the Department of
Transportation that the Board approves of and wants to continue service with Air Choice
One.
Airport Director Attwood recommends approval to seek a four year contract with Air
Choice One. They have been a good partner for the District including obtaining service to
Chicago.
The consensus of the Commissioners who were present at the meeting was in support of a
four year agreement with Air Choice One. Mr. Storz asked that a work-study session be
arranged at the Airport including Representative Johnson.
NO. 15239 Director of Operations Kiefer asked the Board for approval of the low bid of
$30,989 from General Fence for the dog park fence in Nelson Park. A motion for approval
was made by Commissioner Deadrick-Wolfer and seconded by Commissioner Kenny.
Upon call of the roll all voted aye.
NO. 15240 Executive Director Clevenger requested approval of the purchase of an
electronic message board at the Arts & Recreation Center on Oakland Ave. The funds to
purchase the sign have been declared in the capital budget. Staff was not required to go out
for bid as this item falls under the exception of being unique in nature. The total cost of the
sign is $32,012. A motion was made by Commissioner Kenny and seconded by
Commissioner Deadrick-Wolfer. All voted aye upon call of the roll.
NO. 15241 Staff requested approval of Ordinance No. 2011-17 for payment in the 2010
Debt Certificate Issue relating to construction costs relating to the Steven’s Creek Bike
Trail (Phase I) project. The payout request (work contract) total is $17,501.38 as follows:
Engineering Services
Bainbridge, Gee, Milanski & Assoc.
(Stevens Creek Bike Trail Construction – Phase I)
TOTAL
$ 17,501.38
$ 17,501.38
A motion to approve Ordinance No. 2011-17 was made by Commissioner DeadrickWolfer and seconded by Commissioner Brilley. Upon call of the roll all voted aye.
NO. 15242 Commissioner Deadrick-Wolfer moved that the bills be approved and the
checks issued in payment of the same; seconded by Commissioner Kenny. All of the
Commissioners voted aye upon call of the roll.
FOUNDATION – Director of Marketing and Development Lisa Gillen invited everyone
to attend a fundraising baseball tournament for Sunnyside Park on June 23-26 sponsored
by the Decatur Commodores Baseball Association. The Parks Foundation received a
donation of $7,500 from a local sponsor to help cover expenses incurred. A kick-off picnic
event is planned at the large pavilion in Nelson Park on the 23rd at 5:30.
Wal-Mart will continue to be a presenting sponsor for “Boo at the Zoo” this fall.
AIRPORT – The Senate has approved the FAA funding extension that will give
lawmakers until June 30 to complete action on a multi-year reauthorization bill. This
action, which is the 19th in succession, clears the way for the President to put it into law.
Disagreements over funding levels for AIP and EAS, at Ronald Reagan Washington
National Airport, continues to be a controversial labor provision in the House along with
about a dozen other items which have yet to be resolved.
Airport Fun Day went very well, with 95 kids taking free plane rides provided by EAA
pilots.
OPERATIONS – Director of Operations Jim Kiefer stated that the ground at Mueller Park
is being prepared for the arrival of the new playground. The Home Builders Association
will be there on Friday to begin erecting the structure.
One hundred and thirty bidders turned out for the District auction last Saturday with all of
the items being sold. The gross amount made was over $60,000.
DIRECTOR OF GOLF – Per Director of Golf Rick Anderson, rain over the last 5-6
weeks has been an issue at the courses. The root system has not had time to set up, and
with the current high temperatures, the grass will start to die.
The creek at Hickory Point has been at the top but has not yet spilled over. Staff discussed
using the Airport fire truck to wash away the silt if it does go over the banks.
The blue grass which was seeded three weeks ago at Red Tail Run is coming in really well.
DIRECTOR OF RECREATION & FACILITIES – Director of Recreation & Facilities
Becky Newton shared that Senator Dick Durbin will be in Decatur on Friday. He is
interested in seeing how the Summer Food Service Program works and will visit The Boys
and Girls Club at approximately 3:30 p.m. Prior to that, a round table has been set up to
discuss the benefits of the program. The Summer Food Service Program is a Federal
reimbursement program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture that serves nutritious
meals to children 18 and under at an income-eligible site when school is not in session.
2011 marks the 28th year the Park District has partnered with the State Board of Education
to present the program. 81,877 meals were served at 31 sites in Decatur last year.
The movie Goonies will be shown on the inflatable screen at Sportsman’s Park on June 4th
at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.).
June 8th is international World Oceans Day. Visitors at Scovill Zoo will enjoy crafts and
book readings. The day will end with the movie Oceans being shown at dusk.
On Fathers’ Day weekend, the 2nd annual canoe launch will be held at Sportsman’s Park
and the zoo will host a Barnyard Bash.
Free Day Thursdays will begin June 2nd at Scovill Zoo.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER BUHR – Chief Financial Officer Buhr stated that staff
is pulling information together for the auditors who will be on-site beginning Monday,
June 13th.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CLEVENGER – Per Executive Director Clevenger, there is
a need for an executive session today for the discussion of the sale or lease of real property.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Deadrick-Wolfer – Commissioner Deadrick-Wolfer observed that the
paper had an article regarding many communities which have had to close their pools.
Last year’s winner of the Tate & Lyle Players Championship, Jennifer Song, ended her
debut on the Tour with a 6-stroke win. She amazed fans by donating one third of her
winnings to Decatur-area charities, one of which was Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
Commissioner Deadrick-Wolfer mentioned that some of the Futures players will meet with
kids from the Big Brothers/Big Sisters group this year, as well.
Commissioner Brilley – Commissioner Brilley stated that work continues on the Fore on
the Floor Car Show. He encouraged everyone to continue to look for sponsors. The
Sheriff’s Department will offer volunteer security and staffing of the beer carts.
Commissioner Riley – Commissioner Riley stated there was a good turn-out for Cookin’
with the Chorale on Saturday though the weather was stormy. Over 400 people attended on
Sunday.
The Park Singers’ 40th Anniversary Concert tickets went on sale June 1st. Several returning
alumni from the last 40 years will be in attendance.
Commissioner Deadrick-Wolfer made and Commissioner Kenny seconded a motion that
the meeting move into closed session to discuss the sale or lease of property. All voted aye
upon call of the roll and the meeting went into closed session at approximately 1:05 p.m.
When the Commissioners returned to open session, Commissioner Deadrick-Wolfer made
and Commissioner Brilley seconded a motion that the meeting adjourn. All voted aye and
the meeting adjourned at approximately 1:20 p.m.
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President, Board of Park Commissioners
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Secretary, Board of Park Commissioners