Paula Bickel

The committee meeting addressed several key infrastructure and facility projects. Discussions included an update on the Rehm Pool boiler and planning for the Oak Park Conservatory north wall restoration contract. The committee also reviewed progress on the 228-230 Madison parking lot improvements and updates to the 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan. Additionally, the agenda featured a review of the field collaboration intergovernmental agreement between the district and D200.

The Administration and Finance Committee discussed key financial matters. Executive Director Arnold and the Director of Business Operations addressed the 2025 Tax Levy Abatement Resolution for the 2025 Levy Adjustment, confirming the District's practice of abating the automatic increase from Cook County to avoid collecting additional taxes, with a formal resolution to be presented at the January Regular Board Meeting. They also reviewed the 2026 Full-Time Salary Bands, which reflect a 3% increase and fall within established ranges, slated for the January Regular Board Meeting consent agenda. An update was provided regarding the IPRA/IAPD Conference scheduled for late January, noting staff and Board member attendance and the District receiving a Distinguished Accreditation Award.

The agenda for this continued board meeting included several items under Old Business requiring approval motions. These involved approving a contract with Liebe Construction Services for the Field Center Building Demolition. Additionally, the board was set to approve the purchase of two small Tornado shade structures for Longfellow Park through PARKREATION, INC. c/o Shade Systems Incorporated, and to approve the PACT Facility Use License Agreement for Oak Park River Forest Youth Football. An Intergovernmental Agreement between OPPL and PDOP was also scheduled for discussion and potential approval. New Business items were indicated as none.

The agenda covered essential items including Old Business, which focused on the Contract Approval for the Cheney Mansion HVAC Geothermal Rebid Project. A motion was put forth to approve a contract with AMS Industries, not to exceed $736,617.00, covering the Base Bid and Alternate #1 for the project. New Business and Closed Session sections were indicated as having no items. A memo provided detailed background on the project, noting that the first bid round in October 2025 exceeded budget, leading to a redesign and budget increase to $750,000. The recommended bid from AMS Industries was favorable, as they have prior satisfactory experience with a similar system installation at Pleasant Home.

The Regular Park Board Meeting agenda included several key items: Approval of the Consent Agenda covering the Cash and Investment Summary, Warrants and Bills, the appointment of Mekhala Merchant to the Park District Citizen Committee, and approval of Disposal Ordinance 2026-02-13. Old Business featured discussions from three committees. The Administration and Finance Committee was set to address the 2026 PDOP Annual Report and an update on the Intergovernmental Agreement for Shared Facilities at Dole Center. The Parks and Planning Committee planned to seek approval for the Field Park Renovation Project Legal Bid Contract, approval for Owner Purchased Equipment for the Field Park Project, an update on Field Center Demolition, approval for the Shared Mower Replacement with D97, and approval for the Pleasant Home ADA Restroom Professional Services Agreement. The Recreation and Facility Program Committee planned to discuss the Annual Historic Properties Operations Report and the Annual Recreation Report. The agenda also included Commissioner's Comments and a Closed Session.