John Goll

Key discussions and approvals during the meeting included several items on the Consent Agenda, such as approving the Consulting Services Agreement with Advantage Government Strategies LLC for grant consulting, approving the Intergovernmental Agreement for Canoe Launch Sites with Kane County, and approving construction administration services for the Blackberry Crossing West project with Fehr Graham Engineering & Environmental. Information reports on payables, payroll, and financial statements were received. A presentation detailed the proposed 2026 Budget, highlighting budgeted revenues of $50,566,444 and expenses of $68,035,931, with specific figures for tax revenue, fees, salaries, and capital expenditures. New business featured the approval of the Fox Valley Park District Strategic Plan, the construction contract for Blackberry Crossing West Phase 2 Improvements, the 2026 Full Time Salary Schedule reflecting a 2% COLA increase, and the 2025 Tax Levy Ordinance No. 25-514 amounting to $26,692,172. The session concluded with a motion to convene into closed session to discuss compensation.

The Fox Valley Park District's 2025 Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan serves as a comprehensive roadmap to identify and address non-compliance issues within its parks, recreation, and management facilities. Building upon previous updates, the plan outlines a phased implementation approach from 2026 to 2032 and beyond, focusing on reducing access barriers. Key areas include improving physical accessibility in parks and facilities, enhancing inclusive recreation programming, administrative practices, and adaptive equipment, and ensuring digital accessibility. The plan integrates community input and a structured timetable for remediation, aiming to promote equitable access and an inclusive environment for all individuals.

Key discussion items for this meeting include public comment, approval of accounts receivable write-offs, ratification of a purchase for direct mail postcards, and review of financial reports for December 2025 and November 2025. New business focuses on approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with East Aurora School District 131 for use of the Vaughan Center, approving engineering and construction administration services for a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the Fox River, and the approval of the Combined Budget and Appropriation Ordinance and the 2026 Financial Year Budget.

The ordinance outlines the combined annual budget and appropriation of funds for the Fox Valley Park District for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2026. It specifies the objects and purposes for which appropriations are made, including general corporate funds, playground and recreation, museum, police/security, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, social security, liability, audit, bond and interest, aquatics, Orchard Valley Golf Course, special recreation, land cash, Fox Bend Proceeds, capital development, and various general obligation bond/capital funds. The ordinance also includes estimates of cash on hand, expected receipts, contemplated expenditures, and cash expected to be on hand at the end of the fiscal year.

The meeting included presentations on the draft Strategic Plan and the Five-Year Financial Forecast, along with budget considerations for 2026. Key points covered were the current operating, recreation, and museum fund balances, projected deficiencies due to rising employee and maintenance costs, outstanding debt, and property tax levy considerations. The board also discussed and ultimately approved the amended Rules of Order, Policies, and Operational Procedures. Additionally, they approved the Lease Agreement and Real Estate, Sale and Purchase Agreement for river front property and ratified the Employee Health Insurance renewal for 2026.