Nick Metropulos

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. Key discussions included the Annual Financial Audit presentation, which resulted in an unmodified opinion and a 7% increase in net position from the prior year, leading to its approval. The Board also adopted the annual Property Tax Levy Ordinance #2025-12-08. The Golf Committee recommended and the Board approved slightly increasing the golf fees for the 2026 season following a record year for the course. Under Committee Reports, the introduction of the new Superintendent of Recreation was noted, and updates were provided across Finance, Safety, and Parks sections, including a slowdown in food donations for the 'Fill the Bed, Feed a Friend' promotion.

Key discussions included an Ordinance for the issue of not to exceed $590,000 General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds, Series 2026, intended for land acquisition, facility development, and associated expenses. Another significant topic involved a discussion regarding the naming of donated real property to the Park District. The agenda also included matters for executive session concerning employee appointments, compensation, discipline, performance review, dismissal, and the semi-annual review and potential release of closed session minutes, as well as the consideration for the destruction of closed session tapes older than 18 months.

The board meeting included updates on the BerryDunn Master Plan Project, a contract renewal with Jeff Ellis Management for the aquatic facility, and a conceptual site plan for the Ellis School land donation. The board discussed a draft tax levy requesting a 2.9% increase and appointed delegates for the IAPD meeting. Staff provided reports on finance, safety, recreation operations, and parks, highlighting successful events and ongoing projects.

The meeting included discussions and audience comments regarding the Today Club program and potential changes to special recreation services. The annual Golf Committee report recommended maintaining current rates, and updates were provided on park projects, including North Shore Park, Sports Center Park, and Renwood driving range. The aquatic season for 2022 was also discussed. Commissioner comments addressed the board's intentions for the special recreation community and the district's transition point.

This Strategic Plan for the Round Lake Area Park District outlines its future direction, focusing on enhancing community quality of life through accessible recreation, inclusivity, and natural space preservation. The plan is structured around a Balanced Scorecard framework with four key themes: Engage the Community, Financial Responsibility, Operational Efficiencies, and Empower Employees. It aims to achieve growth, innovation, and improvement by delivering high-quality services, with initiatives categorized into short-term (April 2025-April 2027), mid-term (May 2027-May 2030), and long-term (June 2030 and beyond) implementation phases.