Peter Demski

The Board discussed various operational and administrative updates including the opening of the Prairie Lakes Fitness Center, summer programming staffing needs, and marketing strategies focused on social media and digital platforms. The meeting covered facility renovations, financial reports, budget planning for the upcoming fiscal year, and interlocal agreements for services. Additionally, the Board reviewed departmental reports regarding parks, recreation, and facility maintenance, and addressed community comments and correspondence related to park district operations.

Key discussions included an update from the History Center regarding the demolition of the McDonalds Museum. Updates were provided on the Des Plaines Friends of the Parks (DFOTP), including seeking grants and participation in Winter Wonderland. A presentation reviewed the performance of summer Aquatics and Camps, noting staffing challenges due to minimum wage changes but overall attendance increases, with Chippewa pool attendance rising and Iroquois pool attendance dropping. The Executive Director reported on potential partnerships, including developing a park with the Forest Preserve and seeking public input on a bridge proposal between DP Manor and Cumberland Terrace Parks. The Parks and Golf Department reported the Driving Range was nearing completion and the Skate Park was finished. The Business Department reported on submitting a claim to PDRMA for the Golf Center driving range for property loss and business interruption. New business involved the approval of the 2017 Property Tax Levy Ordinance and the Annexation Ordinance for properties along N. East River Road, which is expected to generate approximately $14,000 in tax revenue. The board also officially approved naming the park at 968 Second Avenue as Westfield Park. Unfinished business involved a presentation on the progress of the PLCC Indoor Pool Project, including layout options and planned seating capacity.

The meeting agenda included several key items and reports. Discussion items involved the Algonquin Bridge. New business featured the approval of an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Des Plaines, the Park District, and the Des Plaines Community Senior Center regarding service provision and funding. Open session actions after Executive Session covered the approval of Position Titles & Grades & Salary Structure for 2026/27, Full-Time Salary Administration for 2026/27, Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance for 2026/27, and the First Amendment to the Executive Director Agreement. Monthly reports detailed progress on the PLCC Fitness Center opening, award recognition for the Lake Opeka Shoreline Restoration project, budget reviews, staffing updates including new hires for Aquatic Supervisor and HR Coordinator roles, and operational updates from Parks and Recreation departments.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the consent agenda, which included previous meeting minutes and financial vouchers/payroll from November 2025. Key discussions focused on monthly reports, including the status of ice rinks following winter weather and updates on the Craig Manor turf condition. Department reports covered the status of the Prairie Lakes renovation, Wi-Fi concerns, and the success of ongoing recreation events. New business involved the approval of several proposed 2026 fees, including outdoor pool passes, general membership fees (with a correction making the indoor walking track free for residents), Golf Center fees, Theater Rental fees, Facility Rental fees, and Athletic Field Rental fees. The Board also approved the 2025 Tax Levy Ordinance and an ordinance regarding the tax levy reduction. Finally, a resolution was adopted confirming the appointment of Alan Osinski to fill a vacancy on the Park Board, followed by his swearing-in ceremony. The session concluded with a discussion and subsequent approval for the release of certain closed session minutes and the destruction of specific verbatim recordings.

The meeting agenda included introductions and presentations on the Community Honor Roll Inductee, History Center Update, Senior Center Update, and Friends of the Parks Update. Key action items scheduled for discussion and potential approval involved the Board Manual, Audit Services, and Pool Pass Fees. Reports were expected from M-NASR, the Executive Director, Recreation Department, Parks and Golf Operations, and Business Department. The board planned to enter an Executive Session to discuss matters pertaining to Real Estate, Personnel, Litigation, the setting of a price for lease of property, Land Acquisition, approval of closed session minutes, and Semi-Annual Review of Executive Session Minutes.