Kankakee Times

Momence Park District Board of Commissioners met May 17.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

John Hernandez was sworn in as Park Board commissioner, having been elected in the consolidate election on April 4, 2017.

The meeting was called to order by Ann Cobb, Park Manager at 7:10 pm. She stated that if anyone wished to act as President Pro-tem and without any objections, she proceeded with the meeting; In the absence of Park Board President Cory Illum, the commissioners present were; Matt Sandstrom, Ashley Luft, Gary Reaman and John Hernandez.

The first order of business was recognition of out- going Board members Steve Gross and Bill Bukowski who were present. Out-going Board member Tim Simpson was not present. Achievement Award plaques were presented and both expressed their hopes for advancement of the Park District and the Momence community in general. Both expressed the willing to help in any capacity in which they were able.

Beginning with Public comment, listed were Mayor Steele regarding use of Island Park for the July 4th Fireworks and Z. Blanchette and A. Navratil regarding a sponsorship of a Softball team in a league in Kankakee. Knowing what the Mayor was looking for; a motion was made, seconded and voted unanimously to allow for the closing of Island Park at Noon on July 4th, to set up the annual fireworks display. Motion passed.

Next was the consent agenda with a motion was made, seconded and voted unanimously to pass the minutes from the May 2nd meeting. Motion passed. A motion was made, seconded and voted unanimously to pass the invoices presented. Motion passed.

Park Manager, Ann Cobb began her report with the great response in the number of applications for the seasonal positions. The application deadline was still 5 days away and it was decided by the Board that when all applications that had been received by the deadline were evaluated, 6 to 8 interviews would take place and hiring would be done. After checking with I-parks and Dana Meyer discovered that the fence that was falling apart was not a necessary structure and would be removed. Communications with the police and fire departments were going to take place regarding the brush pile amassed at the East end of the Island and it’s removal. Background check provider was discussed, hopefully leading to a relationship with the new Police Chief and the park being a positive. The lighting of flags on park property was brought up and she said she would look into a solar options. She had looked into signage and had a couple of contractors to contact. She spoke on the work that had been being done in park and what was planned when more help was available. Mr. Hernandez brought up several procedural issues he wanted addressed and there was much discussion. She invited anyone to spend a day with her if they had any questions about work that was being produced. Sponsorship of a fish for the Kankakee Fishing Derby in July was discussed, as has been done annually. She explained the process for the benefit of new members. A motion was made, seconded and voted unanimously to sponsor a fish for the Kankakee Fishing Derby. Motion passed. Mr. Hernandez brought up signage and shrubbery there again much discussion and plans for pricing were made. She had been called by the library to partner with them in their summer reading program. She explained what they asked for and the Park District would be participating with them along with other businesses in town.

Next in the absence of Mr. Illum, Mrs. Cobb put forth his agenda items which began with filling the officer positions on the Board. Mr. Hernandez had some specific things to say about the responsibilities of Park Board Secretary and the keeping of Executive meeting Minutes. Mr. Sandstrom felt that the matter should be taken under advisement of all five board members and that extra time to consider what position would be best for each member wouldn’t be harmful in anyway. Mr. Hernandez ran down what each position entailed to the best of his knowledge. A rundown of upcoming milestones which passing the budget by July was the most important was given. Mrs. Cobb recounted a conversation with the County Clerk’s office and the levy of Personal Property Tax Replacement. The discussion turned to assessment and planning for interviews so dates and times were set for that. Repair to the electric supply to the West Pavilion and replacement of the 220 amp power pole were discussed and a proposal obtained. A motion was made, seconded and voted unanimously to make the necessary repairs and add 2 more outlets near the ceiling for Christmas lighting to the West Pavilion. Motion passed.

Gary Reaman began with bike racks being installed in the park. Specs would be researched and a meeting set with Diligent Manufacturing in town for pricing. The possibility of sponsorship by local business and expanding into town with bike racks was also discussed. The possibility of sponsorship of walk paths with advertising signage was shown by Mr. Reaman as well.

Ashley Luft was approached by Jackie Bales and her husband who work with the Momence Redskin Bass Fishing Team. The Bales’ wanted to know if there were any opportunities for the Fishing Team to give back to the community. After some discussion that the Team’s help with the Fishing Derby on June 17th would be a great help.

John Hernandez began with paper dispensers for the restrooms. A motion was made, seconded and voted unanimously to replace all dispensers necessary for the restrooms. Motion passed. A motion was made, seconded and voted unanimously to approve 3 movies for the summer. Motion passed. A motion was made. Seconded and voted unanimously to approve a budget for the Annual Fishing Derby. Motion passed. Mr. Hernandez would like to revisit the “Split the Memorial Bench Program”. The idea was tabled after a discussion on material and pricing. A motion was made, seconded and voted unanimously to consult an arborist for long term park tree care and planning. Motion passed.

Matt Sandstrom has been approached about a non-slip coating on the bridge. Finding out if the bridge’s life is middle aged or at the end of it’s life, before looking at applying some sort of non- slip mechanism.

A motion was made, seconded and voted unanimously. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned 9:53 pm.

http://www.momenceparkdistrict.org/park-board-information.html