Robert Foster

The document contains minutes from two parts of the meeting held on January 12, 2026: a Committee of the Whole session and a Regular Board Meeting. The Committee of the Whole session featured a presentation by ILM Environments regarding the five-year Diamond Lake Management Plan, outlining goals such as improving native aquatic plant abundance, water quality trends, and recreational value, alongside a proposed budget. The Regular Board Meeting included opening and closing a public hearing concerning the intent to sell up to $1,900,000 in General Obligation Park Bonds for land acquisition, facility improvements (including the golf course), and related expenses. Key items discussed during the regular session included the approval of warrants, continued discussion on the Diamond Lake Management Plan (including herbicide suspension, habitat structures, and education on boat washing stations), and consensus to negotiate compensation for an agreement limiting the Park District's driveway opportunity at Rt. 60 and Sheldon Woods.

The event celebrated the opening of the Kracklauer Park Inclusive Space, acknowledging it as a team and community effort driven by long-standing vision and advocacy from various families. Key acknowledgments included the focus group, the SR CLC foundation, the Mundeline Park and Recreation District Board for their leadership and support, and One Line Parks Foundation. Various contractors, architects, and vendors were thanked for their installation, design, and management contributions. State legislators, including Senator Adrienne Johnson and Representative Dan Diddage, were recognized for securing vital grant funding, such as the OLAD grant, which contributes to making parks accessible. Local village officials, including Mayor Robin Meyer, were thanked for their contributions. The event celebrated reaching the $1.3 million funding goal, coming in under budget, through grassroots efforts, local/state partnerships, and numerous individual and business donations. The foundational role of the donors in creating a space where children of all abilities can play was heavily emphasized.

The Committee Meeting included updates on the Skate Park Mural project, a Financial Update proposing funding for unbudgeted expenses such as simulators, new time clocks, and surveillance cameras, and a discussion of future board meetings, noting a potential cancellation or rescheduling of the October 9 meeting due to the NRPA Conference. Updates were also provided on OSLAD projects for Longmeadow Park and Kracklauer Park, developments concerning the Townes at Oak Creek playground and dog park, progress on the Sheldon Woods site, and efforts regarding naming rights for the Crossings of Mundelein area. The only action item was the approval of the Skate Park Mural.

The Special Board Meeting agenda included several key items for discussion and potential action. Discussions focused on approving a delegate for the IAPD Credentials Certificate, reviewing the 2024 Capital Maintenance plan which details significant projects like constructing an All-Inclusive Playground at Kracklauer Park and refurbishing facilities, conducting an initial discussion on the 2023 Tax Levy, and reviewing the draft of the 2024 Budget. The meeting also scheduled an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, real estate purchases or leases, collective bargaining, and litigation.

The Committee Meeting agenda included updates on Regular Board Meeting agenda items. The action items for the subsequent Regular Board Meeting covered the approval of a Change Order and Contingency for Maurice Noll Park, the approval of a Human Resources Generalist Job Description and Wage Range, and the approval of a Skate Park Mural. A separate section details the rules for public comment. Financial memoranda indicate the District was favorable year-to-date compared to budget for July 2023, partly due to timing of capital projects and savings from vacant positions. The Committee of the Whole meeting minutes show discussion regarding the Five-Year Financial Forecast, which revealed growth in several areas and changes to fund transfers, as well as a presentation on Wetland Mitigation Banks at Keith Mione Community Park and Clearbrook Park.