Corie Caruso

The agenda for the Historic Preservation Commission meeting includes the review and potential approval of minutes from the February 4, 2026 meeting. Key discussion topics cover Sign Permit Reviews for two properties on East First Street, including the installation of permanent window signs at 33 E. First Street and a combination of wall and projecting signs at 29 E. First Street. Public Hearings are scheduled for two Certificates of Appropriateness requests concerning exterior alterations, restoration, and construction of additions/detached garages at 121 S. County Line Road and 131 N. Garfield Street, which also involve requests for various incentives. Discussion items include the Burlington Park Pavilion. Old Business items involve updates on the Memorial Building Historic Plaque, the Sixth Street Improvement Project, and the Sign Code Update.

The meeting included discussions and updates on several key areas. Staff provided an update on the Special Recreation Association (SRA), noting Hinsdale's high participation rate. Reports covered the conclusion of the Movies in the Park series, successful youth T-Ball sponsorships, distribution of the updated Sponsorship Guide, and updates on ongoing budgeting processes. Progress on facility improvements, including completed renovations for Pierce Park bathrooms and tennis courts, was shared. A brief pool report highlighted a successful season, securing a concession vendor for 2026, and finalizing a three-year agreement with the Hinsdale Swim Club. Discussions occurred regarding the debrief from the July 4th event and the timeline for upcoming program brochures. A review of pool revenue indicated a highly successful year, though swim lesson revenue was slightly below target, which staff attributed to scheduling issues mitigated by adding evening and Saturday lessons. Old Business included advancing the Parks Master Plan selection process, with a firm expected to be recommended in October, and planning for community engagement. Commissioner park assessments feedback was summarized for further review by department heads. A comparison between the Village's local sponsorship model and the Chamber's higher-level model was discussed, emphasizing support for smaller local businesses. Under New Business, staff requested input for the 2025 pool survey by September 21st, focusing on operational aspects and amenities. In Other Business, updates were given on the planned November review of the Dog Ordinance Policy changes and preliminary research into cash/land ordinances, which is anticipated to be part of a broader 2026 zoning code review. Concerns were raised regarding the timeline and process for the third-party study on the economic viability of the turf field. Discussions surrounding the Robbins Park playground focused on design alignment with donor intent, ADA compliance, and the need for consistent public input across projects, regardless of funding source.

Key discussions focused on resident concerns regarding neglect and deterioration at Burns Field, specifically concerning benches, roofing, paint, and landscaping uniformity. Staff outlined plans for scheduled maintenance, including replacing wood benches with industry-standard resin benches as wood deteriorates, and mentioned a budget allocation for new benches. The Commission suggested publishing a donation policy for memorial items. The Gateway Special Recreation Association report noted Bronze medals won by participants and updates on budget increases and staffing challenges. The Recreation Staff Report detailed spring programming wrap-up, upcoming summer events like Lunch on the Lawn and Movies in the Park, field maintenance schedules affected by weather, and recent vandalism cleanup. Financial discussions indicated higher pool sales year-over-year, increased field/shelter revenue, and overall reduced operating expenses, although KLM Lodge revenue showed a decrease. Old Business involved a detailed discussion on KLM Lodge marketing, focusing on shifting from print advertisement to social media and online presence, and exploring options for securing corporate meetings. A proposal for adding a pool climbing wall was reviewed, detailing potential costs and installation considerations. New Business included the unanimous approval of a donation application for a memorial bench and tree at Melin Park. The commission also addressed correspondence regarding trademark issues for a Lil Sluggers program, which now requires insurance for park usage.

The meeting commenced with an introduction of the new Superintendent of Parks & Recreation, Michael Hayes. Key discussions included a report from the Gateway Special Recreation Association concerning summer activities and fall plans. The Recreation Staff Report for September 2022 noted strong financial performance for The Lodge, which is on track for a record year, and updates on the Fall Park Clean-Up Day and the upcoming Fall Family Festival. Regarding park amenities, the commission discussed finalizing pool revenue history, potential improvements to the baby pool, and the status of the OSLAD grant, noting the pool climbing wall would not be completed. Updates were provided on the ice rink logistics and ongoing construction at Veeck, including pedestrian bridge completion and greenspace expansion due to an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Tollway. New business addressed a bench donation application for KLM Park.

The agenda for the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting includes several key items for discussion and potential action. Old business involves updates on the Robbins Playground Project and the Burlington Park Pavilion. New business features a presentation from Williams Architects regarding Children's Activity Pool Improvements for the Hinsdale Community Pool, and a presentation from Upland Design concerning the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Under other business, the approved 2026-2030 Capital Budget will be discussed. The document also references the November 11, 2025, Minutes which detailed discussions on the Robbins Park Playground Donation, the Park Comprehensive Plan, Baby Pool Renovation, Burlington Park Gazebo/Pavilion, KLM Lodge Improvements, and updates regarding the Dog Ordinance and Budget Status.