Highland Park Park District

The primary agenda for the regular meeting included consideration of numerous consent items, such as the approval of several committee meeting minutes and various resolutions and change orders. Key resolutions approved included authorizing the purchase of electricity for district facilities, approving a change order for fire alarm coverage at Club Pickle and Padel, approving updates to numerous sections of the Employee Handbook, and approving capital expenditure requests for electrical gear upgrades at Centennial Ice Arena, mechanical pump replacements at Hidden Creek Aqua Park, and a geothermal HVAC unit at Rosewood Interpretative Center. Unfinished business covered the Master Plan Update, approval of concessions license agreements, and approval of change orders for West Ridge Community Center fire alarm revisions and a playground refresh. New business included updates from the Parks Foundation, Board Committees, the Climate Task Force, and the Director's Report, which highlighted upcoming district events.

The key discussion focused on presenting the topline results of a community interest and attitude statistical survey, which included 400 completed responses. The presentation covered resident satisfaction ratings with the district overall (average 7.7 out of 10), noting 86% favorable opinions, which is comparable to 2019 scores, but noting an increase in familiarity. Discussions included usage of parks and facilities, with Sunset Woods being the most visited park, and the recreation center the most used facility. Satisfaction ratings for park attributes showed an improvement in overall cleanliness, maintenance, and upkeep (average 8.5). Needs assessment questions gauged demand for specific outdoor recreational facilities, such as aquatic parks, miniature golf, and outdoor fitness amenities, and assessed how well those needs are currently met. The discussion also addressed resident feelings of inclusion and representation, with 88% reporting adequate inclusion. Barriers to increased usage cited included not having children in the household, being too busy, and fees.

The committee meeting focused on discussions regarding the Millard Bluff stabilization project, specifically addressing grading plans V3. The presentation detailed that a previous tree removal bid was rejected due to unfavorable timelines and winter access concerns, and this work will now be combined with the bluff grading project, planned for a summer or post-Labor Day timeframe. The grading plan aims to alleviate erosion and weight concerns by removing material from steep, 10-foot vertical rise sections at the top of the bluff, pulling that material back to achieve a two-to-one slope ratio, and re-spreading it in designated areas to avoid off-site export costs. Selective grading will be performed to preserve several legacy oak trees. Furthermore, path alterations were discussed, including the removal of an existing path east of the garden shed area due to water runoff issues, directing traffic through the garden area temporarily, and adjusting the path approaching the wooden bridge to accommodate the new grading.

The primary focus of the workshop meeting was the presentation and high-level review of the 2021 Proposed Budget and Appropriations Ordinance. Key discussion points included the district remaining financially healthy despite COVID-19 challenges in 2020, and plans for cost recovery strategies and future facility planning, such as a new multipurpose Recreation and Administration building addressing the Aging West Ridge Center. The budget anticipated a combined operating surplus that would be transferred to capital projects and debt service funds, alongside a planned district-wide expense reduction of $2.3 million. Discussions also covered salary and wage policies, with no recommended changes due to pandemic uncertainty, and the review of debt position, including bond issuance and payoff. Tax funding details were reviewed, noting a budgeted tax revenue of $13 million and a total levy for 2021 of $11.5 million, representing a decrease intended to cause a flat levy. Capital plan initiatives for 2021 included the conversion of the Highland Park Country Club to The Preserve of Highland Park, renovation of the Centennial Ice Arena Lobby/Gymnastics, and the Sunset Woods playground renovation. Fee adjustments were discussed, including implementing a $30 per vehicle sticker fee for residents due to the city no longer providing this service for lakefront parking. The board also addressed the importance of maintaining higher-than-policy fund balances due to pandemic-related uncertainty.

The Lakefront Committee meeting involved a discussion and update on the Park Avenue Wave Protection and Breakwater Replacement Project. Key topics included the completion of design development and permanent applications by Smith Group for Phase 3 of the project. The committee reviewed design refinements, specifically noting a shift in the breakwater alignment to match the parking lot edge, an increase in the boat ramp width by five feet, and the extension of floating docks to 100 feet each. Fixtures discussed for the breakwater included six benches facing east, two navigation lights, and a removable bollard and chain system for the west side and south end, intended to manage pedestrian activity near the water. Concerns were raised regarding the necessity of two navigation lights and the need for bollards on the east side for safety. Discussions also covered the updated opinion of probable construction cost, which remained the same as the previous estimate despite design enhancements, and established next steps, including the target date for releasing bids in late January 2022.