Quincy Reporter

Quincy Park District Board of Commissioners met Feb. 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

ROLL CALL

President Frankenhoff called the meeting to order and upon the roll being called the following members were physically present at said location: President John Frankenhoff, Vice-President Barbara Holthaus, Commissioners Nathan Koetters, Patty McGlothlin, Roger Leenerts, Alan Hickman, and Jeff VanCamp. No Park Commissioner was permitted to attend the meeting by video or audio conference.

Members Absent: None

Also in Attendance: Executive Director–Rome Frericks, Director of Parks–Matt Higley, Director of Business Services–Don Hilgenbrinck, Director of Program Services–Mike Bruns, Director of Marketing/Operations–Marcelo Beroiza.

Staff Absent: David Morgan

President Frankenhoff led the room in the Pledge of Allegiance.

CONSENT AGENDA

President Frankenhoff asked if there were any objections or changes to the January 18, 2023, Regular Board meeting minutes or to the check register and upon hearing none, he announced they were approved by unanimous consent.

PUBLIC INPUT - None

BOARD INFORMATION/EDUCATION

Force Account Work Schedule - Director Higley explained that this is a tentative schedule covering in house and contractor projects. Recent good weather has allowed work to start on some projects. President Frankenhoff questioned the number of workers for the force account and Director Higley explained we have two full time employees on force account and have hired two full time seasonal for the summer. President Frankenhoff inquired about tree removal during the winter months and the corresponding replanting of trees. Director Higley advised the average removal of trees is 50 per year. Executive Director Frericks reported that we have planted 722 trees in the last six years. President Frankenhoff questioned if the high visibility areas during prime season could be better landscaped. Executive Director Frericks explained that there used to be 45 seasonal employees to maintain the parks but currently we only have 8, so when we upgrade an area we install low maintenance plantings to help reduce employee hours to once a year maintenance compared to four or five times a year. We are currently trying to hire another full-time employee but have not been successful due to the fact that no applicants have passed the drug test screening. Vice President Holthaus added that the Quincy location also limits contracting services and it will be costly.

CORRESPONDENCE-None

VOLUNTEERS-None

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Executive Director Frericks along with David Morgan and Rick Miles will meet with Wes Hills on March 7th for a second site visit at Westview Golf Course. He then reported that he along with David Penn and President Frankenhoff attended the public hearing for the sale of the parcel in Parker Heights. He mentioned that a date needs to be set to start advertising for ten days. President Frankenhoff stated that Mr. Penn advised that staff can set that date and it doesn’t require another resolution by the Board. Executive Director Frericks agreed stating that there is a resolution from the Board. He also stated he will work with Mr. Penn and get a date set and follow up with an email to the Board.

DIRECTORS’ REPORTS

Director Higley reported that in January Robin Schild, Safety Supervisor, met with Cyber Security Infrastructure Security Agent and they conducted a safe security assessment at first entry called SAFE. Those results and recommendations will be discussed at the safety meeting tomorrow.

Director Hilgenbrinck reported that the business office is running smooth. Director Bruns reported the Annual Job Fair will be held next month March 6th through the 10th from 1 to 4 for open interviews at the Park District office. They will also be recruiting at the high schools during lunch break. Notices have been sent to colleges also to help recruit for the summer. Vice-President Holthaus prompted a discussion of the possibility of offering a sign on bonus which might help with hiring.

Director Morgan President Frankenhoff inquired if keeping the pump house at Westview Golf Course was a key decision at this time. Executive Director Frericks replied that it could be held off at this time.

Director Beroiza stated that he did not have anything to add to his report at this time.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Finance Committee-Commissioner Leenerts reported that the finance committee met and reviewed the investments as a result of the increased interest rates. He stated that staff is doing an excellent job of adjusting the higher interest rate on the CD’s. Art Keller Marina – Commissioner VanCamp reported that he and President Frankenhoff, Executive Director Frericks, Marketing Director Beroiza and Director Higley met with the boating committee bringing them up to date on the actions of the Board such as the extra funds for dredging and reviewed the commitments that the boating committee have made for the marina such as the new boater orientation program and an annual cleanup day. They are also starting a fundraiser to help pay for the Wi-Fi installation.

Quincy Park Foundation – Commissioner McGlothlin reported that they have not met. Letters of thanks for donations for the Friends of the Trails will be sent out twice a month. Friends of the Lorenzo Bull House – Vice-President Holthaus reported that the meeting is for next Monday. She mentioned that she and Commissioner McGlothlin attended the IAPD conference in Chicago along with two staff members and came away with good information to help Board members and will share that information in the future.

Planning Commission – Commissioner Leenerts reported that there were two meetings held but nothing to report at this time.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS-None

NEW BUSINESS

Bid for Westview Golf Course and Grounds Maintenance Chemicals: Recommended Approval (VOICE VOTE)

Executive Director Frericks reported that the District purchases pesticides for Westview annually. Bid proposals were sent out to six distributors. Chemicals are a part of Westview’s maintenance budget. Staff recommends approval of low bids. COMMISSIONER STEINKAMP MADE A MOTION. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HICKMAN TO APPROVE THE STAFF REC AS PRESENTED. UNANIMOUS. PRESIDENT FRANKENHOFF DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED.

Bid for Villa Kathrine Scenic Overlook and Sidewalk: Recommended Approval. (VOICE VOTE)

Executive Director Frericks stated that this is a non-bond project for 2023. Six bids were received. Staff recommends low bid from Million Construction for $75,145 for the scenic overlook and the sidewalk. Budget is $100,000. COMMISSIONER LEENERTS MADE A MOTION. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MCGLOTHLIN TO APPROVE THE STAFF REC AS PRESENTED. UNANIMOUS. PRESIDENT FRANKENHOFF DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED.

Informational/Right-Of-Way-Donor Signs for Bill Klingner Trail to be located at 4th Street, 1810 Quintron Way and 24th Street: Information Only.

Executive Director Frericks reported that Friends of the Trail and the Right-Of-Way-Donors requested informational as well as recognition signs for land donation from 12th Street to 24th Street section of the trail. Staff worked with Friends of the Trail for potential location of the signs. This starts the fifty-day public comment period. Final approval will be at the April 12th Board meeting. Friends of the Trail will pay for all the signs and the installation. Vice President Holthaus will send recommendations for changes to wording on signs to Executive Director Frericks.

Decennial Committees on Local Government Efficiency Act, 3789 / Public Act 102-1088: Discussion Only.

Director Hilgenbrinck reported that this is a new Act that was passed by the State. It is designed to look at the efficiency of the Parks District. The committee report gets filed with the County 18 months after we form the committee. IAPD will be providing support to staff to help with the process around mid to late March, early April. Committee needs to wrap up its final report in 18 months from the formation of the committee. Vice-President Holthaus asked if we have been in contact with the County board about this Act. Director Hilgenbrinck replied that it is too early at this time. He has not heard from the County at this stage. President Frankenhoff mentioned that the 2 additional new board members that join in May and the deadline of June 5th to name and form the committee with the annual re organizational meeting in May will come into play. He feels that the Park District operates well and the County’s scrutinizing will bear out that fact.

Riverfront Development Committee Opening. President Frankenhoff reported that Commissioner VanCamp expressed interest in the committee. President Frankenhoff made it official stating that Commissioner VanCamp will fill the seat that was vacated by Commissioner Steinkamp’s passing. President Frankenhoff attended the last Riverfront Development Committee and noted they are moving forward with different ideas.

PUBLIC INPUT: None

ACTIONS AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION

With no other business to discuss at 6:30 p.m., COMMISSIONER KOETTERS MADE A MOTION SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HOLTHAUS TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. UNANIMOUS. PRESIDENT FRANKENHOFF DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. Meeting adjourned.

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