Kimberly Dasbach

The board approved several event requests, including the D.A.R.E. Family Fishing Derby, the Smoke and Irons Music Festival via Ordinance 26-01, the Bartlett Oktoberfest via Ordinance 26-02, the Arts in Bartlett Pet Event, and the 2026 National Night Out schedule. Department updates covered staff hiring, the upcoming Spring Program Guide, program registration options, facility usage, and winter sports statistics. Additionally, the Executive Director provided updates on legislative breakfasts and the progress of the Comprehensive Master Plan.

The Board participated in a Comprehensive Master Plan (CMP) leadership workshop. Discussions centered on the envision and prioritize phases of the plan, with a review of seven strategic objectives including asset updates, facility maintenance, community program offerings, partnership development, technology integration, and accessibility improvements. The Board also reviewed the draft action plan, established a classification system for park renovations, and received clarification regarding code compliance status at the Parks Maintenance facility.

The board meeting included recognition ceremonies for long-term staff service. Key discussions focused on the 2026 outdoor pool operating schedule, specifically addressing staffing shortages and potential adjustments to closing dates. Department updates covered year-end financial reporting, park maintenance and facility upgrades, changes to summer camp registration and scheduling, and branding initiatives for the outdoor pool. Additionally, the executive director provided updates on pending grant applications, legislative events, risk management reviews, and recent safety awards.

The board meeting featured a recognition ceremony for a long-term employee's 25 years of service. Business items included the approval of playground renovation bids for Happy Trails Park and Schick Park, as well as the approval of salary ranges for both full-time and part-time staff for the upcoming fiscal year. Departmental updates provided reports on personnel hiring, upcoming community events such as Bingo and seasonal nature center activities, updates on early voting, and preparations for winter sports operations. Executive updates covered staff attendance at a state conference and discussions regarding a proposed residential development, specifically the preference for a cash donation over a land donation.

The board approved a 4% wage increase pool for full-time staff for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Departmental updates included performance reports on district investment accounts, the status of the memorial tree and bench program, upcoming recreation programs and preschool enrollment, water park pass sales, and operational updates at the golf club. The board also discussed organizational changes regarding the adult day program partnership with NWSRA and voted to release closed session meeting minutes from August 12, 2025.