Lauren Clancy

Key discussion and action items for the meeting include the President's report covering holiday closures and upcoming events, such as the Cabin Fever Family Fun day and the Youth Egg Hunt. Staff reports detail potential actions, including authorization to bid for the Office Furniture Purchase & Installation Project and Summerhill Park Site Improvements Project. Further staff actions involve bid acceptance and contract approvals for various site improvements at Ide's Grove East Park and Jubilee Point Park, including electrical service and utility line burial. A resolution authorizing a change order exceeding $10,000 for the Jubilee Point Park Phase 2 Development Project is also slated for action. Other staff items include contract approvals for Natural Area Weed Control, purchase order approvals for new Ford trucks and an aerator, authorization to bid for the ARC High Dusting Project, and bid acceptance for 2026 Printing Projects. The Executive Director's report includes a proposed License Agreement with Woodridge Rotary, Inc., and status updates on the Strategic Masterplan and TIF District.

The Board of Commissioners meeting commenced with approval of agenda changes. A public hearing was held regarding the intent to sell not to exceed $5,500,000 in General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds (BINA Issuance) for land acquisition, facility improvement, and debt service payments. Key actions during the meeting included calling for a Public Hearing for the FY2026 Budget & Appropriation Ordinance to be held in January 2026, and approving revisions to the 2026 Annual Schedule of Meetings to comply with new open meetings act restrictions. Finance actions involved adopting the 2026 Amended and Restated Section 125 Premium Only Plan document and authorizing the execution of the annual auditing Statement of Work with Sikich, LLC. Planning & Development authorized staff to bid the 2026 Winter/Spring Bid Projects. The Parks Superintendent obtained approval for contracts regarding waste and recycling dumpster rentals, park fertilization services, irrigation well repair at Orchard Hill Park, and HVAC preventative maintenance at the Fred C. Hohnke Community Center. The Recreation & Aquatics Superintendent secured approval for a Change Order regarding the Cypress Cove Main Drain Covers Replacement Project and a contract for HVAC preventative maintenance at the Athletic Recreation Center. The Executive Director secured approval for the Tax Levy Ordinance for Tax Year 2025, the Ordinance Establishing Fees and Charges for 2026, and approval of the Draft Tentative 2026 Budget & Appropriations Ordinance, making it available for public inspection starting December 17, 2025. Other administrative actions included approving a resolution regarding the destruction of closed meeting minutes and approving changes to the District's Mission Statement, Strategic Agency Goals, Core Values, and FY2026 Organization Chart and Salary Scale. The SEASPAR committee resolution was approved, modifying joint agreement calculations for member contributions. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss appointment/employment matters and review closed session minutes, followed by authorizing the Secretary to make certain closed session minutes available for public inspection.

The Woodridge Park District's long-term strategic goals aim to enhance environmental quality and sustainability, provide safe and well-maintained parks and facilities, and foster a collaborative workplace. Key priorities include cultivating effective community engagement and partnerships, ensuring fiscal responsibility and operational excellence, and delivering diverse, value-based recreational programs responsive to community needs.

The meeting commenced with the approval of agenda changes, followed by a public hearing regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget & Appropriations Ordinance, totaling $20.1 million, comprising General, Recreation, and Debt Service funds, among others. Key action items during the regular session included the adoption of Ordinance No. 26-2 concerning the issuance of $1,616,270 Taxable General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds, Series 2026. The Board also authorized a revised 3-year contract for actuarial services with Lauterbach & Amen, LLP, approved a resolution designating fund depositories, and approved the purchase and installation of improved security cameras from Griffon Systems Inc. Project updates were provided for Jubilee Point Park, noting installation milestones and an OSLAD Grant extension. Approvals were granted for a multi-year agreement with Alpine Amusement Company, Inc. for Woodridge Jubilee carnival rides and concessions, and ratification of several prior contract approvals including ARC projects. Additionally, the Board adopted several Ordinances (26-3 through 26-6) revising the Comprehensive Policies & Procedures Manual concerning various administrative and operational policies. Ordinance No. 26-1, providing for the 2026 Budget & Appropriations, was approved, as was the FY2026 Organizational Chart and Annual Sub-goals and Objectives. Finally, Resolution No. 26-3, approving an addendum to the Executive Director's employment contract establishing a 2026 salary of $159,600 effective retroactively to January 1, 2026, was approved. The Board adjourned briefly to Executive Session to discuss pending litigation before reconvening and formally adjourning the meeting.

The board authorized several projects and purchases, including office furniture, site improvements at Summerhill, Janes Avenue, and Ide's Grove East Parks, professional design services for the Jubilee Point Park Challenge Course, and electrical and cable installation services at Jubilee Point Park. A resolution was passed regarding a change order for the Jubilee Point Park development project. The board rejected a landscaping proposal due to lack of experience, awarded a contract for natural area weed control, and authorized the purchase of a 2026 Ford F250 pickup truck, a 2026 Ford F550 dump truck, and an Aera-Vator. Additionally, the board authorized bidding for an ARC high dusting project and approved a contract for 2026 printing projects. A license agreement with the Woodridge Rotary for park property use was also approved.