Quincy Reporter

Quincy Park District Board of Commissioners met Oct. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

ROLL CALL

President Jones called the meeting to order and upon the roll being called the following members were physically present at said location: President Jarid Jones, Vice-President Mark C. Philpot, Commissioner Barb Holthaus, Commissioner Patty McGlothlin, Commissioner Alan Hickman, Commissioner John Frankenhoff and Commissioner Trent Lyons. No Park Commissioner was permitted to attend the meeting by video or audio conference.

Also in Attendance: Executive Director–Rome Frericks, Director of Parks–Matt Higley, Director of Business Services-Brian Earnest, Director of Business Services-Don Hilgenbrinck, Director of Program Services–Mike Bruns, Director of Golf-David Morgan, Director of Marketing/Operations–Marcelo Beroiza, and Board Attorney-Jonathan Hoover.

Members Absent: None.

President Jones led the room in the Pledge of Allegiance.

CONSENT AGENDA

President Jones asked if there were any objections or changes to the September 13, 2023 Regular Board meeting minutes and the September 13, 2023 Decennial Committee meeting minutes or to the check register. Correction to Public Input should read Rick Ehrhart not Mark. President Jones announced they were approved by unanimous consent with the correction to the name change. PUBLIC INPUT

Tieraney Craig and Dave Bellis from the Quincy Riverfront Development stated they are requesting $350,000 to bury power lines along the riverfront at Clat Adams. A fundraiser will be held Friday at the Boat Club and those funds raised will be earmarked to hire an individual to complete grants and raise money to keep the project moving forward. Adam Booth a local businessman spoke against the donation and urged the Board to vote against it. Mike Shull also asked the Board to not make this donation for burying the power lines.

Michael Eastman asked the Board if there were any plans to clean up the site of the former maintenance building at Indian Mounds and put up a marker to commemorate and protect it as there are remains on the site and therefore it should be treated as a cemetery.

BOARD INFORMATION/EDUCATION-None

CORRESPONDENCE-None

VOLUNTEERS-None

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Executive Director Frericks stated he did not have anything to add to his report at this time.

DIRECTORS’ REPORTS

Director Higley did not have anything more to add to his report.

Director Earnest stated that he has nothing further to add to his report.

Director Bruns reported that fall soccer programs are coming to an end next week. The Batting Cage closed on October 9th with a very good year.

Director Morgan reported the last golf tournament was completed. There is one more event on the 29th of October.

Director Beroiza reported that foot traffic data will continue to collect data on each park and next summer we will have one year of data on each park. Moorman Park had 279,000 visitors. This information is helpful with grants and donations. Nature Trail East was opened at 36th Street and Koch’s Lane which is on 15 acres of land and the loop is approximately two and a half miles.

COMMISSIONER COMMITTEE REPORTS

Finance Committee- Vice President Philpot reported that financial committee met and he would submit the reports. Director Earnest stated the general obligation bond is used to help fund projects and operations. We are paying off the current bond by the end of the month and we will be debt free at the end of the year. The irrigation bond will save the taxpayers approximately $70,000.

Quincy Park Foundation- Commissioner Holthaus stated there was no meeting. Quincy City Planning- President Jones added there was nothing that pertained to the Park District. Lorenzo Bull House- Commissioner Lyons reported there was a meeting on the 9th. Progress is being made towards replacement of the range hood. Commissioner Holthaus added some grant funding was secured to help develop some of the grounds.

Personnel Committee – Commissioner Holthaus reported it is time for the annual evaluation of the Executive Director. She handed out an updated timeline and Oct. 20th evaluation forms will be emailed out.

Quincy Riverfront Development- President Jones reminded everyone there is a fundraiser on Friday the 13th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Quincy Boat Club.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS- None.

NEW BUSINESS

Bid for Westview Golf Course Irrigation

Executive Director Frericks reported Les Hill Irrigation Consultant designed the layout and specs and assisted on the advertising and bidding. He received one bid from VM Golf Services for $1,979,946. The 2024A G.O. Bond Fund would pay this bid along with $100,000 from Westview’s operating budget. Staff recommends hiring VM Golf Services to perform the irrigation replacement at Westview Golf Course.

COMMISSIONER FRANKENHOFF MADE A MOTION SECONDED BY VICE PRESIDENT PHILPOT TO APPROVE THE BID FOR WESTVIEW GOLF COURSE IRRIGATION. UNANIMOUS. PRESIDENT JONES DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED.

RESOLUTION 23-05: Resolution approving Transfer of Paul Dennis Soccer Complex Site from Quinsippi Soccer League Association to the Quincy Park District and Acceptance thereof by the Quincy Park District

Executive Director Frericks reported Attorney Penn worked with President of the Paul Dennis Soccer Complex following the staff recommendation. The transfer and expected closing date will be in November. Staff recommends the Board approve 23-05 as presented.

COMMISSIONER FRANKENHOFF MADE A MOTION SECONDED BY PRESIDENT JONES TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 23-05 AS PRESENTED.

THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTES WERE CAST AND RECORDED:

COMMISSIONER HOLTHAUS YES

COMMISSIONER FRANKENHOFF YES

COMMISSIONER MCGLOTHLIN YES

COMMISSIONER HICKMAN YES

COMMISSIONER LYONS YES

VICE PRESIDENT PHILPOT YES

PRESIDENT JONES YES

PRESIDENT JONES DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED.

Order Calling a Public Hearing to Sell General Obligation Bonds and To Publish a BINA Notice Director Earnest reported the BINA Notice would be in the amount of $2,500,000 to recover both the proposed annual general obligation bond in the amount of $1.3 million dollars and the Westview G.O. Bond Irrigation Project costs. Staff recommends the Board President authorize for a BINA hearing and publication notice to be published as presented.

RESOLUTION NO. 23-06 “Truth in Taxation” Act Resolution

Director Earnest reported the District Tax Levy increase will be less than five percent so there is no hearing required. Staff recommends approval of the resolution as presented.

VICE PRESIDENT PHILPOT MADE A MOTION SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HOLTHAUS TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 23-06 AS PRESENTED.

THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTES WERE CAST AND RECORDED:

COMMISSIONER FRANKENHOFF YES

COMMISSIONER MCGLOTHLIN YES

COMMISSIONER HICKMAN YES

COMMISSIONER LYONS YES

COMMISSIONER HOLTHAUS YES

VICE PRESIDENT PHILPOT YES

PRESIDENT JONES YES

PRESIDENT JONES DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED.

ORDINANCE NO. 23-03: Authorizing the 2023 Property Tax Levy

Director Earnest stated the proposed 2023 tax levy ordinance is presented for your discussion only. The proposed levies for the 2023 property taxes only include aggregate taxes and are not for bond repayment. These taxes provide use for general service and operational expenses of the District. This levy in the amount of $2,501,099 may increase the District’s revenue by $118,560 representing a 4.9% tax revenue increase. This is based on the EAV increasing by 5.6%. However the EAV is not expected and cannot be used for budgeting purposes. Staff has budgeted a levy amount of $2,460,340 which may increase revenue by $77,800 and represents a 3.3 tax revenue increase but a slight decrease in the overall rate. This is based on a 3.5% increase in the District’s EAV and would result in a tax rate of .3181 versus .3916 for 2022. This proposed tax levy is in accordance with the directions set by the Board in the 2023 planning session to maintain a level tax rate. The final tax levy will be presented at the November Board meeting for approval.

Quincy Riverfront Development Corporation Request of $350,000 in Funding from the Quincy Park District Towards the Burial of the Underground Power Lines Along Front Street Executive Director Frericks reported that at the September Riverfront Development Board meeting a request for $350,000 from the Park District which is similar to the City of Quincy and Adams County who each have contributed $200,000 towards the project and are being asked for another $150,000. The 1.18-million-dollar project calls for the lines being buried from Broadway to Hampshire. The $350,000 would come from corporate reserves. We are in the midst of working on our budget so it’s the recommendation of the Park District Treasurer to postpone taking any1 action at this time to give the District time to see what our corporate reserves are once the budgeting process is completed. Discussion was held about the donation. PRESIDENT JONES MADE A MOTION SECONDED BY VICE PRESIDENT PHILPOT TO SUSPEND THE RULES. UNANIMOUS. PRESIDENT JONES DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. Mike Mahair stated that this is a long term $65 million-dollar project. He believes this project will be a catalyst to bring people to Quincy. Tieraney Craig from the Riverfront Development added that she believes this is a partnership and if the Park District doesn’t want a partnership than the donation of Clat Adams Park would be a viable way to go.

COMMISSIONER FRANKENHOFF MADE A MOTION SECONDED BY VICE PRESIDENT PHILPOT TO RESUME REGULAR SESSION. UNANIMOUS. PRESIDENT JONES DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. VICE PRESIDENT PHILPOT MADE A MOTION SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HICKMAN TO TABLE THE REQUEST. UNANIMOUS. PRESIDENT JONES DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED.

ORDINANCE NO. 23-04: AUTHORIZATION TO CONDUCT A PUBLIC SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY

Director Higley reported that upon approval by the Board to sell the surplus equipment listed below, funds will go to the Marina Enterprise Fund and items 5 and 6 will go to the Heritage Tree Fund. Staff recommends approval of Ordinance NO. 23-04 and authorize staff to sell surplus equipment.

COMMISSIONER HOLTHAUS MADE A MOTION SECONDED BY VICE PRESIDENT PHILPOT TO APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. 23-04 AS PRESENTED.

THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTES WERE CAST AND RECORDED:

COMMISSIONER HICKMAN YES

COMMISSIONER LYONS YES

COMMISSIONER HOLTHAUS YES

COMMISSIONER FRANKENHOFF YES

COMMISSIONER MCGLOTHLIN YES

VICE PRESIDENT PHILPOT YES

PRESIDENT JONES YES

PRESIDENT JONES DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED.

Quincy Park District Annual Capital Project Bond List

Executive Director Frericks explained this was the same list as discussed at the planning session.

VICE PRESIDENT PHILPOT MADE A MOTION SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MCGLOTHLIN TO APPROVE THE BOND LIST AS PRESENTED. UNANIMOUS. PRESIDENT JONES DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED.

Quincy Park District 2024-2025 Goals and Objectives

Executive Director Frericks noted that this list has been presented numerous times.

VICE PRESIDENT PHILPOT MADE A MOTION SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HICKMAN FOR APPROVAL AS PRESENTED. UNANIMOUS. PRESIDENT JONES DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED.

Quincy Park District 2023-2024 Goals and Objectives 3rd Quarter Status Update Executive Director Frericks noted this is an update only for information.

Recreational Programming 2023 Overview

Director Bruns stated this annual report is to advise the Board how the recreation programs did in 2023 and plans for 2024. Youth activities were higher this year. He reminded the Board that the minimum wage increase next year would increase his budget by $21,000. Concessions were up this year by $15,000. Tokens were even with previous years despite being closed April and May. Youth soccer and competitive sports numbers were all up this year. Family Activities and Special Ops both were strong with participation. The addition of Paul Dennis Complex will help with the expansion of youth soccer.

FY 2024 Shelter/Special Events/Services Fees

Director Earnest explained that facility fees are annually reviewed for shelter rental and extra services and special events are included in the Park District Policy and Procedures Manual. No changes are recommended for the fees. For Discussion only.

FY 2024 Art Keller Marina Fees

Director Higley reported that the Marina is an enterprise fund intended to generate adequate revenue to pay all expenses related to its operation and maintenance. The 2024 budget includes $35,000 for dredging. 2023 had 114 slips rentals. Staff recommends raising the slip rental, including covered slip and private boathouse .10 per square foot. Trailer storage recommended to stay at $80. Fuel markup to remain at .35 above District’s cost.

FY 2024 Westview Golf Course Fees

Director Morgan advised the golf course is also an enterprise fund intended to generate adequate revenue to pay expenses related to its operation. Staff recommends increasing fees to offset rising costs. This will result in an increase in revenue of approximately $35,000 due to the change in fees. FY 2024 Indian Mounds Pool Fees

Director Bruns advised that no price increase is recommended. The Family pass will not be available next year due to misuse. The individual pass will still be available.

FY 2024 Showmobile Fees

Director Bruns reported that staff advises a raise of $25 for each category. There has not been a raise in approximately 5 to 6 years.

FY 2024 Financial Assistance Program

Director Earnest reported the scholarship program was started in 1995 and provides financial assistance to residents unable to pay for recreational activities. Staff recommends to continue to determine eligibility by those receiving food stamps from the Illinois Dept of Human Services. Fiscal impact is $5,000 budgeted for 2024. This is for discussion only.

FY 2024 Athletic Surface Fees

Director Bruns advised that staff is recommending an increase of $10 for the next five years on the fields then the next five years after that a $15 increase. That would be $235 and $135 for the turf fields Pepsi, Blessing and Avenue. The Wavering Turf Fields would be $175 all day and $100 for four hours or less. The other fields would go up $5. Fees for the Paul Dennis Soccer Complex have been included. He noted that a contract with QTown Tournaments should be completed soon. FY 2024 Batting Cage Fees

Director Bruns stated that an increase of .25 for all fees in 2024 is recommended to cover the increase cost in minimum wage next year.

Vice President Philpot stated that Don Hilgenbrinck was retiring at the end of this month and thanked him for his service to the Park District.

PUBLIC INPUT: None.

ADJOURNMENT

With no other business to discuss at 7:30 p.m., VICE PRESIDENT PHILPOT MADE A MOTION SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MCGLOTHLIN TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. UNANIMOUS. PRESIDENT JONES DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED. Meeting adjourned.