South Cook News

City of Palos Heights Recreation Committee met Nov. 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Key called the regular meeting of the Recreation Committee to order at 7:04 p.m. at the Palos Heights City Hall, 7607 W. College Drive. In attendance were Chairman Key, Alderman Bylut, Alderman Begley, Director of Parks and Recreation Matt Fairbanks, Director of Lake Katherine Gareth Blakesley, and Recording Secretary Lauren Koszola.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chairman Key moved to approve the minutes of the October 12, 2021 meeting as written, seconded by Alderman Begley. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENT – None

LAKE KATHERINE REPORT

Director of Lake Katherine Gareth Blakesley provided the Lake Katherine update:

∙ OAKtober was held on October 16. It was a very successful event. There were around 1400 people in attendance.

∙ Threshold 360 virtual tours were filmed on October 13 and offered a virtual tour of Lake Katherine and its facilities.

∙ Harvest hayride was held on October 13. There were around 40 people in attendance.

∙ Halloween Night Hike was held on October 27. Families had a guided tour around the lake and learned about the bugs that were associated with Halloween. There were 60 people in attendance

∙ The After School Education program offered pumpkin decorating. Junior Explorers had the evening creatures and oak trees and leaves program.

∙ Trinity consultancy group had their midterm, and it was presented on October 21.

∙ Trail chipping has been ongoing the last month and has been completed.

∙ Three and shrub planting around the lake, some for restoration purpose and dedication

∙ Event and program planning meeting for 2022

∙ Split rail fence completion around the waterfall was completed

∙ Winter garden prep is happening.

PARKS & RECREATION REPORT

Director of Parks and Recreation Matt Fairbanks, provided the Parks & Recreation update:

∙ Misty Meadows- The bid opening was on October 28 at City Hall. Seven bids were submitted for review. The low bid that was received was $239,604.00 from Hacienda Landscaping. The second lowest bid was $241,950.00 from George’s Landscaping. The low bidder Hacienda Landscaping did not complete all required addendums, and their bid would be disqualified. Director Fairbanks spoke with JSD to review the second lowest bid contractor's qualifications and talked to their references.

JSD stated that they found no evidence which would disqualify them from being awarded the contract. Director Fairbanks has acquired the current quote for the playground equipment. Director Fairbanks wants to purchase the playground equipment before the end of the year before price increases on equipment. The time frame is about 12 weeks.

∙ Recreation Program Manager - On Friday, October 22, an offer was made for the Recreation Program Manager position to Kara Case, and she has accepted. She has been working for the Recreation Department for six years as a part-time employee. She has worked in the summer camp, front desk, before and after school programs, special events, preschool, birthday parties, farmers market, fitness desk, and building supervisor. Her start date will be Monday, November 15.

∙ Facility Fee Waiver Request-Cusack- Superintendent of Facilities Joe Smith, received a facility room wavier fee request from a resident Susan Cusack. She requests a discount or fee waiver to host a “Santa Secret Shop” on December 9. This event would usually happen in school, but it hasn’t been able to due to the pandemic. She will be renting room 102, and the cost is $150.

Alderman Bylut motioned to approve a 50% discount for Susan Cusack's second Alderman Begley. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously

∙ Room Rental, Pool Pass, and Open Gym Fees- Last time fees were adjusted for room rentals, pool passes, and open gym fees was from 2012-2016. Superintendent of Facilities Joe Smith has researched what other Recreation Center fees are with similar amenities. The city of Palos Heights is at the lower end. We believe the quality of our facility, the location, and the rising costs of staffing and supplies are justified to update our current pricing structure to fall closer in line with what the market is charging.

∙ Power Softball Scoreboard- Director Fairbanks has continued to work with Jeff Koenig from Power Softball regarding a proposed scoreboard for Power #1 field in Community Park. The scoreboard requested would look similar scoreboard to the one used by PBO. The scoreboard's location would be in the right field between 1st and 2nd base and would access power from the restrooms. A private donor would pay for this project.

Alderman Key motioned to approve the Power Softball Scoreboard second Alderman Begley. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously

∙ CAPRA Update- Director Fairbanks recently received communication from NRPA regarding the dates for our self-evaluation. The requested weeks are June 20 and the week of June 13. It is still unknown if the visit will be in person or virtual. Our next CAPRA meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 15.

NEW BUSINESS

a. Motion to approve bid to George’s Landscape Co. for the development of the Misty Meadows Park in the amount of $241,950.00

Alderman Key motioned to Motion to approve bid to George’s Landscape Co. for the development of the Misty Meadows Park in the amount of $241,950.00. Alderman Bylut seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously. – AGENDA

b. Motion to approve payment to NuToys Leisure products, INC. in the amount of $123,732.00 for playground equipment to be installed at the Misty Meadows Park 2

Alderman Key motioned to approve payment to NuToys Leisure products, INC. in the amount of $123,732.00 for playground equipment to be installed at the Misty Meadows Park. Alderman Bylut seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously. – AGENDA

c. Motion to approve payment to PowerPlay LT Farmington, INC. in the amount of $14,569.19 for playground equipment to be installed at Veterans Playlot

Alderman Key motioned to Motion to approve payment to PowerPlay LT Farmington, INC. in the amount of $14,569.19 for playground equipment to be installed at Veterans Playlot. Alderman Bylut seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously. – AGENDA

d. Motion to approve 2022 room rental, pool pass, and open gym fees.

Alderman Key motioned to approve 2022 room rental, pool pass, and open gym fees. Alderman Bylut seconded the motion. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS-none

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Chairman Key moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman Begley. All in favor.

Meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11092021-584