Kankakee Times

Momence Park District Board met Sept. 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

Meeting was called to order at 7: 03 pm Present were Cory Illum, Gary Reaman, Mat Sandstrom and John Hernandez. Absent was Ashly Luft.

The meeting began with public comment from Curt Ralston on the Kankakee Wildlife Refuge and asking for a resolution from the Park Board against the Wildlife refuge. Mr. Ralston brought research materials and left them with the Board for further consideration.

Next was approval of minutes from the previous 2 meetings. A technical issue had prevented the May minutes from being available at the June meeting. A motion was made, seconded and voted unanimously to approve both May and June’s Meeting minutes. Motion passed. A motion was made, seconded and voted unanimously to approve the invoices presented. Motion passed.

The staff report from Ann Cobb began with the heat slowing the staff’s work and there is more work than anticipated. There are many projects that she had wanted to get done, but there wasn’t going to be time before the Glad Fest and seasonal help goes back to school the day after festival. There was much discussion about readying the Park for Glad Fest. Several Board members would be in town and available to assist during that week. She requested for 55 gallon drums and 5 gallon buckets be asked fro from the chocolate factory to help with trash collection during the festival. Mr. Hernandez said he would do that. She gave information on the printer financing and would have more information and possible options at the next meeting. She distributed a proposal for a multi-play surface to replace the tennis court. Much discussion ensued and decision was made that the cost was prohibitive. Mr. Hernandez began an explanation of cost for rubber mulch as something that would be a wish list item. He then asked about the budget being signed and filed with the park’s lawyer. Mrs. Cobb told reported that she had the three original copies that would need to be signed and showed them to the group and said that had been her plan to get them signed that evening.

Board member reports began with Treasurer, Matt Sandstom stating that would have something prepared for the next meeting: as he had only been in this position for 2 weeks.

Activity Director John Hernandez opened with talking about the Purple Martin Project and it’s cost for the materials to have one put on Island Park. He expressed a Nature Center would be a great thing, but the Purple Martin houses would be a start. More options would be explored and be ready for the next meeting. Shipshewana Bus Trip has been advertised and a couple of seats have already been sold according to Mrs. Cobb. The Memorial Bench program was brought up. A bench had been selected by Mrs. Cobb for those that wished to participate, but there has not been any response from the concrete companies to get a final cost for each one. With winter approaching and possible rentals, Mr. Hernandez wanted to replace tables and chairs in the field house. There was information available for everyone. A motion was made, seconded and voted unanimously to replace the tables and chairs in the field house. Motion passed. It was suggested that St. Pat’s may accept the old tables and chairs as a donation. The Skate the Park event and the Movie for Saturday night may be threatened by the weather. Mr. Hernandez said a decision would be made the morning of the events. He mentioned that many people have told him how nice the park’s looks have been improving the last two years and that sediment was echoed by Mr. Illum.

Next was Gary Reaman, Vice President. He said he nothing to add at this time, nor did Cory Illum, President.

Old business was next on the agenda and began with the Wild Life Refuge, and the Park District decided to remain neutral on the matter. Website design will remain as is for now. No slip products for the bridge would not be ready before festival so it was decided that a layer of sand would be spread both mornings to aid traction. A more permanent solution would be worked on and presented soon. An employee handbook would be put together soon. Mrs. Cobb asked to keep a couple seasonal employees on a limited basis. The idea was received well and was deemed permissible.

A motion was made, seconded and voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned 8:40 pm.

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