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Sunday, July 27, 2025

Kankakee Valley Park District Board met June 26

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Kankakee Valley Park District Board met June 26.

Here is the minutes as provided by the board:

The Board Meeting was called to order at 5pm by President Hollis. Those present for roll call


were Commissioners D. Tucker, M. Mullady, B. Spriggs and D. Skelly. Staff present: Executive

Director, Dayna Heitz, Superintendent of Recreation, Melissa Woodard. Those absent were

Attorney John Coghlan, Commissioner Matt Mullady, and Rick Collins, Superintendent of

Buildings & Grounds.

Public Present: Richard Rhodes, Larry Osenga, John Dykstra, Tom Breitenbucher, Carolyn

Mitchell, Steven Hunter, Norman Grimley, Fred Brant.

Pledge of Allegiance

Public Comment

NA

Consent Agenda

Consent agenda for Monday, June 26, 2017 consists of board, committee, and executive session

(not for public viewing) meeting minutes, bills payable, and financial statement.

A motion to receive the consent agenda was made by Commissioner Mullady, seconded by

Commissioner Hollis. Upon roll call vote the following Commissioners voted aye: M. Mullady,

D. Skelly, D. Tucker, B. Spriggs, A. Hollis. With 5 ayes, 0 nays motion carried.

A motion to approve the consent agenda, minus item C, was made by Commissioner Tucker,

seconded by Commissioner Mullady. Upon roll call vote the following Commissioners voted

aye: M. Mullady, D. Skelly, D. Tucker, B. Spriggs, A. Hollis. With 5 ayes, 0 nays motion carried.

Old Business

Appointment of Auditors FY 2017, 18, 19

There is info in your packet for the FY 17,18 & 19. One auditor has done the last 3 audits. They

are included. Originally 7 auditors received our proposal. The services from all of them are the

same. Commissioner Tucker asked for clarification on “the auditors services are the same”.

The work is the same. There is a little more work from a new auditor.

Would like to table until committee meeting. Commissioner Tucker asked about timeline. They

would receive our info in July. That gives them time to input everything and do fieldwork. They

go back to the office and finish compiling. Then come back in September with preliminary and

we review it and gets presented to board. Director Heitz said if you approve an auditor in July

that would still leave enough time. It is a little later than the original timeline. The audit is due

in November. Commissioner Hollis asked if we think the auditor would meet the November

deadline. Yes. Commissioner Spriggs would like SKDO because they are local. Have worked

for us and know us. Commissioner Mullady asked which has Director Heitz worked with? She

has worked with all 4 and will work with whoever the board selects. She is comfortable with all.

Commissioner Hollis made a motion to table until July meeting. Commissioner Mullady

seconded. On voice vote, motion passed. Item Tabled.

BMX Land Use Agreement

Spoke at the Committee meeting. They have sent in some samples of what the track would be.

One of the issues that was brought up at the last meeting was the liability insurance. They do

state they are insured during their sanctioned events. This does not cover practice. We are

asking them for that to be all the time. Commissioner Spriggs said at the last meeting didn’t we

decide we already have enough on our plate.

Commissioner Hollis made a motion to approve the BMX last use agreement, seconded by

Commissioner Skelly. Discussion: Commissioner Skelly said they are trying to do something for

the community. They don’t have the means they would like to have. Their timeline hasn’t been

swift but it’s something they can improve on and it could be good for the district. It won’t cost

the district anything. Commissioner Hollis said they will eventually need a water source. Is

there something already there? Rick said the closest water is next to the ball field.

Commissioner Spriggs thinks we have enough going on. Let’s focus on the cleanup of the

backlog. This could be put on hold for awhile. Know they may be community minded, just

preposterous to add something else. Commissioner Hollis said if this passes, we are still going

to need to talk to them about insurance. We will need it insured year around. Will still have to

come back here in a month or so to redo it. Having insurance during their season isn’t going to

cut it. Attorney John Coghlan said that’s a big concern. The container they have on site right

now is a liability concern. Would need a 1-3 million dollar liability policy. No one has indicated

they would be able to get that. It’s going to be an attractive nuisance and could be an issue for

the district.

Upon roll call vote the following Commissioners voted aye: 0 The following Commissioners

voted nay: B. Spriggs, D. Tucker, M. Mullady, A. Hollis. D. Skelly abstained. With 4 nays, 1

abstain, motion fails.

Boat Club Parking Agreement

Same agreement they have had in the past. Only exception when they have their end of

summer party, it is included in their agreement.

A motion to approve the Boat Club Parking Agreement was made by Commissioner Mullady,

seconded by Commissioner Tucker. Upon roll call vote the following Commissioner voted aye:

B. Spriggs, D. Tucker, M. Mullady, A. Hollis. D. Skelly abstained. With 4 ayes, 1 abstain, motion

passes.

School District #111 Intergovernmental Agreement

The agreement with the school district focuses on sharing properties but mainly Jeffers Park.

They did move their stuff so we could do cleaning and would allow us to rent it out. Last year

we thought they were moving out but didn’t. Would not be available for rentals during the

school year. They are going to pay $5,000 for 9 months. They are looking to approve this at

their meeting tonight too.

A motion to approve the School District #111 Intergovernmental Agreement was made by

Commissioner Hollis, seconded by Commissioner Spriggs. Upon roll call vote the following

Commissioners voted aye: B. Spriggs, D. Skelly, D. Tucker, M. Mullady, A. Hollis. With 5 ayes, 0

nays, motion passes.

Prevailing Wage Ordinance 1.74

This is something we need to do every year. The state has the rates for 2017. Anyone that we

contract under, like a public works, have to make sure they are paying prevailing wage. They

have to turn in their payroll. Have to have it signed off on by an accountant. We keep those

records.

A motion to approve the Prevailing Wage Ordinance was made by Commissioner Skelly,

seconded by Commissioner Tucker. Upon roll call vote the following Commissioners voted aye:

B. Spriggs, D. Skelly, D. Tucker, M. Mullady, A. Hollis. With 5 ayes, 0 nays, motion passes.

Commissioner’s Rentals Ordinance

This was an ordinance Attorney Coghlan wrote for us. We received a letter from State’s

Attorney Rowe regarding commissioners receiving free rentals. This will prohibit this.

A motion to approve the Commissioner’s Rental Ordinance was made by Commissioner

Mullady, seconded by Commissioner Tucker. Commissioner Spriggs asked for clarification on

what is being voted on. Attorney Coghlan said the park code says that members of the board

will serve without compensation. In the past the use of facilities was a minimal benefit but not

compensation. The Edgar County Group made the complaint. Mr. Rowe received that and

decided that no matter what the value is no compensation means no compensation. That’s the

reason for the ordinance. Upon roll call vote the following Commissioners voted aye: B.

Spriggs, D. Skelly, D. Tucker, M. Mullady, A. Hollis. With 5 ayes, 0 nays, motion passes.

Splash Valley Williams Architect-Tom Lalonde & Rich Clark

Tom Lalonde and Rich Clark: We were here in March talking to the board about Splash Valley.

The facility is shut down and wanted some ideas on increasing age groups and bringing in

different age groups. We came down and toured the facility. The board was able to see firsthand

the condition. There are still high costs to repair and maintain the lazy river. Going to

show a few opportunities of what could replace the lazy river. You can pick and choose what

amenities you want. Could just select a few or do it in phases.

Tom shared the PowerPoint presentation and showed the options for the project. Option

allows for part of the facility to stay open longer than usual. There are cabana options that

could be used for extra revenue. One advantage of removing the lazy river is the existing

filtration equipment could be used for the elements being presented. Director Heitz said the

majority of the staff usually go back to school and that’s why most districts close earlier. There

is an option for moms and tots that could be utilized longer into the season.

Tom said the cost right now is dependent on doing everything. Can add or remove different

elements for the project. Commissioner Spriggs said you have built several projects, is it the

same project you have done before? Tom said they have done several hundred facilities. They

are elements that we feel work well and add different types of amenities to attract all ages.

The costs are reflective of prevailing wage. First need to decide how much we want to spend

and when you want to implement? Commissioner Spriggs asked if there was another option

that would be a lesser cost? Director Heitz said there is a cost sheet where we could decide

which options we want based on our budget. Could always add some elements later.

Commissioner Hollis said we appreciate what Williams Architects has done for us. This is going

to pull in other demographics and this will help do that.

Public Comment

Richard Rhodes from Dusty’s Outdoor Media. About March or April of 2016, got a call from

KVPD about them wanting a billboard for BBQ Fest. Did everything for that project and at no

time during that process did anyone state that this was for the Foundation. Several emails

between vice president and Loren. Drove 2 ½ hours for this meeting. Still haven’t received

payment.

Tom from SRA. Gave an update and wanted to thank KVPD for their continued support. Over

the years staff has been wonderful to work with in regards to rentals and parks. Our summer

programs are in full swing and reached their limits. We just received our 501c3 and have some

fundraisers coming up. Have started a parent support group and bring in different speakers

each month. Last Wednesday they had a game at River Road. Park looked great and the field

looked good. Left some literature and goodies and encourage us to share the info with anyone

you know that needs those services. Again, thanks for your continued support.

Carolyn Mitchell: Would like to thank several commissioners because they had a pretty serious

issue. Commissioner Hollis was very acceptable. Had to call police on the repass using the

pavilion. They were fighting, drinking, and smoking weed. Called Commissioner Hollis and

Commissioner Tucker. Tucker was right there. Director Heitz came out. It took a lot of time to

get everything calmed down. Got a chance to talk with Director Heitz. We have redone the

minor league field, do lots of mowing that’s a high cost to us. There was a complaint that we

had asked the District to get done in the past. It was Director Heitz’s first time at the park and

feels like retaliation. Rick and Dayna came up while she was in front of fans. It was

unprofessional for them to do that at that time. At the end we got a chance to have a very

constructive talk and was able to show her. It’s unfortunate that it happened that way. Thanks

to Commissioner Spriggs for cutting down the weeds down. Appreciate the Facebook

programming and the progress at Washington park. It feels like you listening. Commend you

on the work moving forward.

Communications

Written

Sam Jordan

Had a letter from Sam Jordan.

Bishop McNamara

Request from Bishop Mac for Small Memorial.

Michael Gordon

Compliment on the things we have been trying to do.

Paul and Sierra Miller

Want to do a park bench in memorial of their son.

Commissioner Hollis wants to discuss Sam’s letter. Is there a request here? He’s looking to

contract to be the facilities guy at the Rec Center. Commissioner Hollis said he got on the board

in 2007, the ice arena was not ran by us. Basically he wants to do what was done at the Ice

arena. Attorney Coghlan said there’s no proposal. Commissioner Hollis has talked to Sam. Did

request he send a proposal on exactly what he wants to do. We may have something before

the committee meeting so we can have a better understanding of what he would like to do.

Commissioner Tucker asked if we should talk to him? Maybe give him an opportunity where he

can present or talk to us about what he wants to do. Commissioner Spriggs said they have been

friends. In the last year we have not had the best relationship with the district. Not sure what

he’s proposing. Attorney Coghlan said he would come in and use the Facility. Whatever he

gets paid, and we would get a portion percentage. He’s wanting to run the rec center.

Attorney Coghlan said if he hadn’t quit he would have been running the programming at the

Rec Center. Commissioner Hollis said we need some clarity. We need us to all be on the same

page. Director Heitz will reach out to him.

New Business

Approval of Audit Fees for Fiscal YR 16 $27,900

Director Heitz talked about the billing. There is a balance due of $17,500.

A motion to approve the Audit Fees for Fiscal YR 16 was made by Commissioner Tucker,

seconded by Commissioner Spriggs. Upon roll call vote the following Commissioners voted aye:

B. Spriggs, D. Skelly, D. Tucker, M. Mullady, A. Hollis. With 5 ayes, 0 nays, motion passes.

Staff Reports

Due to time, we are going to skip reports. All reports are in writing.

Maintenance

Recreation

Executive Director

Committee Reports

KCCVB Report

No report. First meeting will be in July.

Historical Society Report

Everything is good.

SRA Report

Tom was here.

Commissioners Forum

On behalf of Larry Osenga: he’s concerned about the bathrooms at River Road. Cliff Cross has

possible information for grants for bathrooms at River Road and Butterfield. He wants to walk

around and get ideas.

Commissioner Skelly wanted to thank Blue Ribbon Committee. Apologize for the timeliness of

this. Not sure why we have the public comment at the end instead of beginning. To have them

sit here for an hour and a half.

Steve Hunter suggests having that presentation from the Splash Pad in front of the Mayor and

Chamber of Commerce. Maybe could get some help. There are some corporations out there

that do have money. Maybe there could be some assistance by other villages or city to help do

some of this work. Might bring the cost down.

Executive Session

NA

Adjourn Meeting

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made at 6:50pm by Commissioner Skelly, seconded by

Commissioner Tucker. Upon voice vote, all ayes, motion carried.

Official Reports:

1. Board Meeting Minutes May 22, 2017

2. Committee Meeting Minutes May 8, 2017

3. Executive Session Minutes (not for public view) April 24, 2017

4. Bills Payable

5. Financial Statements

6. Appointment of Auditors

7. BMX Land Use Agreement

8. Boat Club Parking Agreement

9. School District #111 Intergovernmental Agreement

10. Prevailing Wage Ordinance

11. Commissioner’s Rentals Ordinance

12. Splash Valley Williams Architects

https://daks2k3a4ib2z.cloudfront.net/5902582f18d58d1bc51aea76/597ad8cd385c600001703a23_Jun-26-2017.pdf

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