Carbondale Reporter

Marion Park District Board met Aug. 22.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

1. Call to Order

The regular meeting called to order by President Gott at 7:01 p.m. with the following

Commissioners present:

Commissioner Gardiner

Commissioner Sheffler

Commissioner McReynolds

Commissioner Blades

Commissioner Gott

2. Open Forum

No one from the public was in attendance at this time.

3. Approval of August 22, 2017 Agenda

Commissioner Blades made a motion at 7:02 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Gardiner to approve the August 22, 2017 agenda. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote.

4. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: July 25, 2017

Commissioner Gardiner made a motion at 7:03 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Sheffler to approve the July 25, 2017 minutes. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote.

5. Approval of July 2017 Financial Report

Commissioner Gott asked Director Reed for highlights or areas need attention of the financial report. Director Reed stated that one month into the fiscal year the Marion Park District is in good shape and right on track.

Commissioner Blades made a motion at 7:05 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Sheffler to approve the July 2017 Financial Report. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote.

6. Department Reports

a. Administration

b. Park Services

c. Aquatic

All reports were sent out to the Commissioners prior to the meeting. Director Reed advised that there were a few additions to the Administration report; Sarah Gibbens will be starting the audit in the next few weeks. The new trail mower was shown to the Commissioners and Director advised what it would be used for. Director Reed advised that Park Services will begin working on the bottoms at Pyramid to enhance the disc golf course. Director Reed advised the Commissioners that he has worked on an annual agreement (at least for next year) with the Illinois State Police Special Response Team to use the Aquatic Center for training. Director Reed stated that the 2017 Solar Eclipse was very successful and all Park staff was very cooperative. There were compliments on the staff and the facilities. The Back to School Bash at Jones Park will be on September 9, 2017. We also received notice from IAPD that effective immediately we will no longer have to publish the Prevailing Wage Ordinance in the newspaper. We will still have to pass the ordinance and placing on our website will be acceptable. Pictures of were shown to the Commissioners in regards to the 2017 Solar Eclipse at the park, dump truck and pickup truck. There were no further questions from the Commissioners regarding the Administrative Report.

Commissioner Gott moved to the Park Services Report. Director Reed advised that we were one speed bump short ordered for Pyramid Park. There are now 2 speed bumps on Pharaoh’s Way and the other will be installed shortly. The City of Marion will be installing bump signs. Discussion regarding the speed bumps and if there was still a need of the City’s speed bumps in the neighborhood off of Pyramid. Commissioner Blades inquired about the background checks and the research from IAPD and the email included in the packet. Director Reed advised that he was in contact with IAPD, Lori Strode with USSSA and Eric Hooper with Greater Midwest Baseball inquiring about background checks. IAPD would like all coaches to have background checks, but we are probably one of the most compliant Park Districts. Lori Strode and Eric Hooper both advised that they don’t require background checks from their travel coaches.

7. Commissioners Reports

Commissioner Gott asked if any Commissioners had anything to report. Commissioner Gardiner stated, no.

Commissioner Sheffler stated that the Director and staff were ready for the 2017 Solar Eclipse and did an excellent job. He also added that he did notice the speed bumps in Pyramid Park.

Commissioner McReynolds stated nothing to add.

Commissioner Blades stated that she thinks the Facebook presence has been excellent and has been engaging to the Marion Park District followers.

Commissioner Gott inquired about the pool passes and if anything had been decided on that issue. Director Reed advised that it was researched, and it can’t be allowed, it may be permissible if the passes were given as a safety bonus. Commissioner Gott updated the Commissioners on the Inclusive Playground. Commissioner Gott added that he has also been approached by several other companies regarding the Inclusive Playground and he has graciously met with several and they are very interested and receiving positive feedback. Commissioner Gott has spoken with the perspective donor and we are 2/3 of the way there, they believe they can get more employees involved and the possibility of more money from the donor.

Director Reed added that he has been working with Scott Patterson of American Monument regarding the sign for the Harrison – Bruce Park.

8. Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c) (2) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act (if requested):

a. Executive / Closed Minutes – Discussion of minutes of meeting lawfully closed under Illinois Open Meetings Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes.

b. Negotiations – the collective negotiations between public employers and their employees and deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees.

Commissioner Gardiner made a motion at 7:53 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Blades to approve going into Executive Session. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote.

9. Reconvene to Open Session (possible actions following Executive Session)

Commissioner Gardiner made a motion at 8:01 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds to approve reconvening into Open Session. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote.

10. Old Business

a. Discuss / Approve prioritizing / finalizing the list of Capital Projects.

Discussion regarding the Beach Volleyball and Bocce Courts at Ray Fosse Park continued with a request for Director Reed getting more information and downsizing the pavilion / shelter for the Bocce Court. No action was taken on this due to further research from Director Reed.

11. New Business

a. Approval of Executive Session minutes from June 27, 2017 and July 25, 2017 to remain closed with or without exception.

Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 8:34 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner Blades to approve the Executive Session minutes to remain closed without exception. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote.

b. Discuss / Approve FY18 hiring employees for Park Service and Aquatic Center staff at Director Reed’s discretion.

Commissioner Sheffler made a motion at 8:36 p.m.; seconded by Commissioner McReynolds to approve FY18 hiring employees for Park Service and Aquatic Center staff at Director Reed’s discretion. Roll called. Motion carried with unanimous vote.

11. Next Meeting Date: September 26, 2017

Commissioner Blades advised the Board that she will tender her resignation from the Board as of this meeting. Commissioner Gott advised the Board will read the resignation into the next meeting but no action will be needed.

12. Adjournment

http://marionparks.com/meeting-minutes-august-22-2017/