Alexandra Kolar

The board conducted its annual meeting, which included the nomination and appointment of officers, such as the president, vice president, assistant secretary, and treasurer. The board also appointed a representative to the Parks Foundation Board. Following the organizational business, the board heard a presentation regarding the Illinois Department of Transportation project on Prospect Avenue (US 150). The discussion focused on the proposed road diet, lane configurations, bike lanes, sidewalk improvements, and necessary right-of-way and temporary easements on park district property.

The agenda includes the election and appointment of officers and board members for the Champaign Parks Foundation. The meeting features presentations honoring foundation members and reviewing an easement request. Key business items include the treasurer's report, director's report, and the approval of a sponsorship agreement, various appointments to the Parks Foundation, an overnight travel policy, and the purchase of a backhoe loader. Furthermore, the board will address service agreements for pavement maintenance and material handling facility relocation, as well as updates to the investment policy and the establishment of new employee and volunteer codes of conduct. An executive session is planned to discuss personnel matters and a wage increase for the executive director.

The board addressed several key items including updates to full-time staff wages and classifications for the 2026/27 fiscal year. Major business items included the approval of an intergovernmental agreement with the Unit 4 School District for land acquisition near Centennial Park and the authorization of construction bids for the CUSR Center All Activities Hub and Pull-In Drive project as well as Parkland Way repairs. Furthermore, the board reviewed a storm sewer easement agreement with the City of Champaign, insurance renewals for dental, vision, and life coverage, and discussed the relocation of material handling. An executive session was convened to discuss personnel matters, resulting in an action item regarding the executive director's wage increase.

The meeting included a public comment session regarding pickleball court expansion. Key discussion topics included a request from the Stephens Family YMCA to expand a retention drainage pond at Zahnd Park, a temporary easement request from the Illinois Department of Transportation for the Prospect Avenue Project and concerns regarding tree impacts, and a review of various district policies including Family and Medical Leave, Criminal Background Investigations, and Soccer Goal Safety. The board also convened into an executive session to discuss the purchase or lease of real property.

The meeting included a public hearing on the FY27 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance. The Board reviewed the Treasurer's report and heard updates from the Executive Director, the Parks Foundation, and various officers. New business items addressed the approval of disbursements, the budget and appropriation ordinance, the FY 2026/27 budget book, and several service agreements, including playground equipment replacement, a pickleball expansion project, and parking lot design. The Board also reviewed adjustments to the full-time wage and classification table, discussed a facility feasibility study, and handled real property matters during executive session.