Jim Hynes

The meeting addressed key operational reports and new business items. Staff reports covered program activities such as Trunk or Treat and Boo Bash, high enrollment in K-Pop dance camp, strong tennis class enrollment at 91% capacity, and year-to-date revenue increases at the Tennis facility. Grounds updates included pool painting completion and LED light installation at Iceland. The Finance Director provided updates on the transition to Paylocity for payroll and the delays concerning the 2024 property tax bill second installment due to County system changes. New business included a discussion regarding updating intergovernmental agreements with the Morton Grove Park District concerning resident fee reciprocity for fitness, pool, and tennis facilities. The Board also approved the recommended five-year lease extension with T-Mobile, with an option for a subsequent five-year extension.

The agenda for this regular board meeting included the approval of consent items, which covered the minutes of the 2025 Budget Workshop and the Regular Board Meeting of November 18, 2025, along with voucher lists for November 30, 2025, and December 31, 2025. New business items slated for discussion and/or approval included swimming pool fees, the Oak Park Band Shell Concept, the Post Issuance Compliance Report, a potential Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Morton Grove Park District for resident rates, and approval for a plaque honoring Oak School. The meeting also planned for an executive session to discuss the release of previous executive session minutes and the potential destruction of executive session audio recordings.

The meeting was called to order to discuss the potential selection to fulfill the current vacancy on the Park District's Board of Commissioners. The Board met with Commissioner Candidate George Van Geem to determine if there would be any conflict of interest between the Park District and the Village of Niles with this candidate. After discussion, George Van Geem was appointed to the Niles Park District Board of Commissioners.

The virtual board meeting included a presentation by MNASR on their 2020 programs and adaptation to online formats due to the pandemic. Reports were given by park officials covering various activities such as park patrol, recreation programs, marketing, IceLand operations, Pioneer Park updates, athletics department plans, grounds maintenance, golf course updates, and tennis program status. The board discussed and approved the purchase of a Smithco Sandstar field groomer and the annual post issuance compliance report. Miscellaneous topics included the park district moving to tier 2, allowing for smaller group activities, and a public comment regarding a suspension.

The Niles Park District board meeting included reports from park officials and staff covering various activities and updates. These included the implementation of a new tracking system by the Park Patrol, upcoming events and programs by the Recreation Program Supervisor and Marketing, facility updates by Park Services and Tam Golf Course Maintenance, and operational adjustments at IceLand due to COVID-19. Pioneer Park is scheduled to open in April, and the Athletics Department is running sports clinics and "Pod Leagues." Grounds staff reported on snow removal and facility maintenance, while Tam Tennis reported strong court rental numbers. Tam Golf Course is preparing for the season with staff training and programming. The board discussed and approved a contract with UKB for timekeeping software and discussed the potential opening of the Oasis pool with COVID-19 restrictions, including capacity limits and operational considerations.