Jason Herbster

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to recognizing two staff members, Chris Tashik and Mary Steven, for their quick thinking and application of CPR and life-saving procedures in assisting an individual experiencing a medical emergency at the Racket Club. Key new business items included the approval of multiple tax abatement ordinances for the 2024 Levy year. Additionally, the board moved to approve a three-party partner agreement concerning a park donation, although discussion ensued regarding the value cap and timing of the park construction relative to unit completion. The board also addressed revisions to employee policy 7.01 regarding facility and recreation program use, focusing on clearly defining benefits for part-time and seasonal staff alongside full-time employees. Finally, a quarterly goals update was provided, highlighting progress on smaller upkeep and maintenance projects.

The agenda items for this meeting include a discussion regarding the Park Police Review, an update on the Barlina Barn, and consideration of the Park Naming Policy for Haligus Park Name.

The agenda included several key operational and decision-making items. Under Unfinished Business and Consent Agenda, the Board planned to review and approve voucher expenses for January 2026 and interim voucher expenses for February 2026, as well as accept the Treasurer's Report for January 2026. The Board also intended to address the Chicago Area Orienteering Request. Major agenda items included the acceptance of bids for the Hill Farm Barn Lean To Project and the Woodcreek Project, and a purchase related to a Stump Grinder. The meeting included a scheduled Executive Session covering personnel matters, board member performance, land acquisition/lease, sales/lease, litigation, and a review of minutes. Following the Executive Session, the Board was scheduled to take action on the Direction of the Executive Director Hiring Process and the Resolution regarding the Semi-Annual Review and Release of Closed Session Minutes.

This Strategic Plan for the Crystal Lake Park District outlines a roadmap for achieving success across its operations and enhancing community pride from 2017 to 2022. The plan is built upon six key initiatives: Protect, Improve and Advance our Park Land and Facilities; Deliver Exceptional Customer Experiences; Foster Intergovernmental and Community Relationships; Communicate Our Message and Enhance Our Image; Assure Financial Stability; and Employee Engagement, Development and Succession Planning. The overarching mission is to enhance residents' lives through safe, healthy, recreational, and community-focused programs, services, facilities, and open spaces, all managed in an environmentally and fiscally responsible manner.

The Regular Park Board Meeting agenda included several substantive items for discussion and potential action. Key topics involved considering a Board Member Recusal under Unfinished Business. The Consent Agenda featured approvals for voucher expenses ending September 30, 2025 (totaling $444,749.07) and interim voucher expenses ending October 31, 2025 (totaling $218,153.12), accepting the Treasurer's Report for September 30, 2025, and approving minutes from the September 22, 2025 meeting. Major items for determination included the 2025 Property Tax Levy Determination of Funds, approval of the Maintenance Facility Master Plan, and final determination regarding the Northwestern Health and Fitness Center Property. The board also planned to discuss revisions to Park District Policy 5.20 Purchasing & Issue of Purchase Orders and Employee Policy 3.21 Purchasing & Issue of Purchase Orders. Best practices for interacting with the public, the Lake Ecology IGA/Contract, and paving of Lippold Park Parking Lots were also scheduled for discussion. The session included a planned Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, board member performance, land acquisition/lease, sale/lease, litigation, and review of minutes.