Rick Knipfer

The agenda for the annual meeting includes the election of new Board officers and the appointment of various Board positions and committee members. Staff reports address the approval of several ordinances concerning intra-fund and inter-fund transfers of appropriations, the bid acceptance for Janes Avenue site improvements, and equipment purchases for playground renovations. Further discussions involve the determination of obsolete playground equipment, resolution for a Jubilee Point Park change order, and authorization of various maintenance and emergency repair projects for district facilities. Additionally, the Executive Director's report includes an intergovernmental agreement regarding a Tax Increment Financing District, and final actions relate to the approval of the fiscal year 2026 organizational chart and the filling of the Superintendent of Parks position.

The board discussed and took action on several items including the purchase of network switches for the Athletic Recreation Center, the approval of contracts for asphalt resurfacing and resealing projects, the ratification of change orders for the Jubilee Point Park Phase 2 development, and the removal of chip piles. Additionally, the board approved the purchase of safety pads for a pool slide, adopted a revised organizational chart, and passed ordinances and resolutions regarding a video surveillance policy and administrative filming protocols. Board members also reviewed reports concerning Strategic Master Plan capital projects, SEASPAR inclusion efforts, and pending property donation discussions.

The agenda covers reports on upcoming park district events, various facility maintenance and repair projects including splash pad heater and pool liner repairs, and procurement items such as playground equipment replacements and vehicle fleet upgrades. Financial matters include the approval of a childcare financial assistance program, audit service payments, and vendor payroll reports. Furthermore, the board will consider the adoption of additions to the comprehensive policies and procedures manual and review updates regarding strategic master planning and land donation requests.

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.

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.