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GTIA
Board Minutes
Minutes
of the Green Trails Improvement Association
Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday April 10, 2007
President, Peter Bakas called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM at
Kennedy Jr High School. Board members present: Peter Bakas, John
Charicki, Joan Dudas, Rob Getz, Linda Gilbert, Terri Kolman, Julie
LaFond, Les Lavin, Betty Long, Gail Robinson. Board members
excused: Pat Coughlin-Schillo, Rodd Elges, Marg Hough, Gerry
Jackson. Board Member absent: Tom Maslanka. Management: Joe and
Joanne Broda. Paula Gleason was Recording Secretary. A quorum was
present.
Open
Forum
Park District candidates, Barb Will and Don Cook presented brief
autobiographical remarks prior to their responses to roundtable
questions as follows:
“What are the financial challenges facing the district? What is
currently being done to address those challenges? What additional
steps do you propose?”
Barb: Financial challenges are the same as for individuals: the
rising cost of services and of gasoline. We have addressed this by
balancing the budget and are at 5% below anticipated expenses.
Additional steps planned are to increase some fees for out of district
residents, eliminate debt, cultivate corporate donors of grants,
increase advertising and “grab” every dollar available to us.
Don: Another financial challenge is the minimum wage increase we
face. We addressed our utility costs by locking in a 3-year rate
before the current ComEd market increase. Additional steps planned
are to request more money upfront from developers of new construction
and possible funds from the State of Illinois.
“Comment on the physical condition of the Park District’s facilities
(parks, recreational facilities, buildings). What is being done to
address any deficiencies? What additional steps do you
propose/support?”
Don: The Meadows Center does not belong to us and authorizing a
Community Center is too expensive. We are replacing air conditioning
units. The Museum and Nesley-Yender House need painting. We would
like to expand the fitness center and Surrey Ridge Athletic Complex.
Barb: The tennis courts, playgrounds, and park areas are evaluated on
an annual basis. Accessibility and materials change over the years.
Sea Lion Park, The View and River Bend are in excellent condition.
The Meadows belongs to District 202, and we are working with the
school board. We would like to acquire a Community Center or Field
House or expand some current facility.
“Are there any existing programs or facilities that you would consider
for elimination? Is there a need for any new programs or facilities?
What criteria would you use to make these decisions?”
Barb: The Board president presents a synopsis of programs each year.
Swimming programs adjust to the needs of users. If we cannot afford a
program, we bring in outside vendors. It is not our job to
micro-manage. This year, we are going to run the concessions
ourselves at Sea Lion.
Don: We rely on our staff for programs. When we attend state
conference, we get new ideas. We try to be creative if we can afford
it; however, this also depends on community reactions.
“The community currently seems indifferent. As a commissioner, what
is your role in cultivating good rapport with the community? How is
the district using the resident input derived from the development of
its Master Plan? How should the Park District assess the level of
resident satisfaction?”
Barb: I don’t feel the community is indifferent, but rather is
comfortable. In my role, I am always out there and participate in
many events, eat at local establishments and listen to everyone. We
need to send out more surveys and newsletters.
Don: I don’t think the community is indifferent, I think we have a
very good rapport with everyone. In my role, I am also out there and
attend almost all community functions.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, President Peter Bakas thanked the
candidates for their candor and the time they spent with the GTIA
Board.
Minutes
of the Prior Meeting:
Minutes of the prior meeting were reviewed.
Board Motion: John Charicki moved to approve the minutes of the
March meeting, Linda Gilbert seconded. The motion was passed by
unanimous voice vote.
Treasurer's
Report
John Charicki reviewed the March Balance Sheet and Income and Expense
Statement.
Board Motion: Betty Long motioned to accept the revised check
register expenditures of $24,069.33 for April, Joan Dudas seconded.
Motion was passed by unanimous voice vote.
Management Report
Telephone log line items were reviewed.
Management noted that there have been a total of 24 College Green
apartment-condo conversions, leaving 72 left to be converted.
Management stated they are continuing to attempt collection from the
22 residents past due on their 2007 assessments.
Management requested a decision on the tabled issue of a fall
feed/insect control spraying of the evergreens along College Road.
Betty long reported, according to a Morton Arboretum seminar, it is
unproven that the systemic spraying process is effective on conifers.
She also confirmed that spring is the best time for treatment.
Board Motion: Peter Bakas motioned to approve the spring insect
control spraying of the evergreens along College Road by Spring Green,
in the amount of $1,570, Julie LaFond seconded. The motion was passed
by unanimous voice vote.
Management requested a volunteer to pick up the 50 purchased saplings
on Wednesday, April 25th at the Kane-DuPage spring tree sale. Betty
Long volunteered to pick up the trees. As many Board members as are
available will help plant these trees in the pine grove nursery at
9:00 AM on Saturday, April 28th.
Management provided a list of March 2007 newcomers. Board Directors
are encouraged to call on newcomers in their respective areas.
Finance Committee
Committee members met with the auditor on March 14th to review the
2006 GTIA financial statement, a copy of which was distributed to
Board members present. The opinion of the auditor is that liquid
assets are good, there are sufficient replacement funds and reserve
funds are adequate.
Maintenance Committee
Les Lavin reported the Maintenance Committee reviewed the 3% price
increases for trail work, which will result in less than $3,000 over
budget; the committee recommends proceeding with work as approved.
Additionally, there is some flooding around HF5 that will require
repairs.
Communications
Committee
No report.
Parks
Committee
Julie LaFond gave a synopsis of the March Lisle Park District Board
meeting that she attended. Gail Robinson will attend the April Lisle
Park District Board meeting.
Nominating Committee
No report.
Old Business - New Business
Joe Broda thanked Terri Kolman for organizing the well-attended Easter
egg hunt.
Board Member Area Reports
Area F, John Charicki mentioned that area residents have complained
about beer bottle and liquor bottle trash accumulating on neighborhood
streets.
Area B, Betty Long reported that the Timber Park playground is being
replaced.
Executive Session
Board
Motion: Les Lavin motioned to adjourn to Executive session, Joan Dudas
seconded. The motion was passed by unanimous voice vote at 9:25 p.m.
Board
Motion: Rob Getz motioned to adjourn the Executive session, Terri
Kolman seconded. The motion was passed by unanimous voice vote at 9:30
p.m.
Adjournment
Board
Motion: There being no further business, Rob Getz motioned to adjourn
the meeting, Terri Kolman seconded. The motion was passed by a
unanimous voice vote; the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
Respectfully
Submitted,
_____________________________
Paula
Gleason, Recording Secretary
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