Mike Jesse

The agenda for the Board of Commissioners meeting includes several administrative and operational items. Key discussion topics cover the review of financial statements, payroll, and bills, along with authorization for various quotes and bids for custodial, mowing, and printing services. The Board will also address strategic plan updates, policy amendments regarding leave types, the Golf Visions contract addendum, and the selection of a construction manager. Additionally, the meeting will cover the semi-annual review of closed session minutes, recognition of the Jack Benny Arts and Humanities Award, discussions on the Hinkston Indoor Pool project, and closed sessions concerning personnel and land acquisition.

The primary discussion topics for this special board meeting involved Commissioner Bill Sarocka, specifically concerning a discussion regarding Commissioner Privileges for Activities/Programs and Facilities, followed by a formal Censure of Commissioner Bill Sarocka for alleged violations of the same Board Policy. The agenda also included sections for a Public Portion, Closed Session, and Adjournment.

The board discussed various departmental reports including legislative updates regarding federal budget cuts, recreation programming highlights for Black History Month, park facility maintenance and permit schedules, and upcoming community relations events. Key actions taken included the approval of the Roosevelt Park development construction bid, the purchase of playground equipment for Roosevelt Park, the adoption of several award resolutions, the authorization of interfund transfers, and the approval of an amended salary schedule. Additionally, the board held a budget workshop covering financial positions, assumptions, and service level issues.

The committee met to discuss the creation of the 2022-2027 Master Plan for parks, open space, and facilities. Key discussion topics included the scope of the new plan, which focuses on infrastructure, high-level recommendations, and simplified service analysis. Representatives from various organizations, including the Waukegan School District, Lake County Forest Preserves, Waukegan Parks Foundation, Lake County Community Foundation, College of Lake County, Waukegan Township, and the City of Waukegan, provided updates on their respective master plans, ongoing collaborative efforts, capital funding initiatives, and potential opportunities for future partnerships in community development, recreation, and infrastructure improvements.

The Special Meeting of the Special Recreation Program Advisory Committee reviewed several program highlights, including full registration for the fall bowling sessions and changes to the virtual fitness offerings. Upcoming events discussed included the in-person Polar Bear Plunge, for which sponsors and volunteers are being sought, and the Recreation Rally planned for April. New program ideas included 'I CAN Cook' and 'Love is a Battlefield' (featuring Laser Tag). Summer ideas focused on incorporating outdoor field trips and expanding the curriculum for the HEART program. Special Olympics updates noted achievements in basketball skills and one athlete qualifying for the state tournament in Bocce. The SRS Survey showed a 50% return rate, confirming the current 80/20 in-person/virtual program ratio. The committee also discussed the ongoing search for new facilities and strategies to potentially increase participation from individuals in group home settings.