Peoria Park District

The meeting addressed several key administrative and financial actions. Staff reports included updates on job fairs, the forthcoming opening of the Golf Learning Center, and coordination of 2026 projects with the City of Peoria procurement plan. The Chief of Police report discussed an attempted abduction at Vicary Bottoms Park, communication protocol strengthening, and the ongoing process for hiring a new Chief of Police. Key new business items involved the approval of the lowest proposal from Republic Bank for $5,000,000 General Obligation Park bonds, subsequent approval of the ordinance for the issuance of these bonds (Series 2026), approval of the Union Council Labor Agreement, and approval of post-travel reports for the 2026 IAPD/IPRA Conference. The Board also approved the Conduct Ordinance Reorganization and approved several bids under the Consent Items, specifically for a shelter, lighting, and floor replacement projects.

The Diversity Equity Inclusion And Accessibility Committee meeting included a review of the 2025 Internship Program, noting that seven interns were active in the current rotation and the Mayor's Youth Internship Program involved four high school participants. Discussions addressed uncertainty regarding future ICJIA funding and the need for legislative advocacy. Workforce statistics were reviewed, focusing on demographic data and upcoming job fairs in February, March, and April. Updates were provided on DEIA contractor participation reports, including metrics for completed projects and initial contractor survey results which indicated that while contractors support DEIA goals, workforce limitations present challenges in meeting minority participation targets. Follow-up actions were established for contractor survey clarification and annual reporting summaries. The meeting concluded with recognition of Trustee Sierra's leadership and the formal transition of committee chairmanship to Trustee Reagan Leslie Hill.

The meeting began with a Public Hearing concerning the intent of the Board to issue $5 million General Obligation Park Bonds for capital improvements, including facility enhancements, equipment acquisition, and various park and golf course upgrades. Key discussion points during the regular session included an update from the Executive Director regarding Peoria Zoo activities and transition planning for Park District police services, which will be further addressed in a future Strategy Meeting. The Finance Committee approved the Accounts Payable. New Business involved the first read of an Ordinance Reorganization for the conduct section of the policy manual, the presentation of 2026 Officer and Advisor appointments, and the approval of a resolution for the sale of a donated real property parcel (PIN# 13-13-203-011). Additionally, staff presented a comprehensive overview of the District's active grant portfolio, totaling approximately $10 million across 24 grants supporting projects like the Peoria Zoo and the Golf Learning Center. The Board concluded with a Closed Session to discuss personnel matters before adjourning.

The Planning Committee meeting addressed new business items concerning District guidelines and annexations. Key discussions involved a request for an exemption to the Tribute and Memorial Guidelines to allow a plaque for a memorial tree honoring a former Superintendent of Recreation; the committee reached a consensus not to forward a recommendation for an exemption to the full Board at that time. The committee also reviewed six annexation ordinances for parcels eligible for annexation and reached a consensus to forward these ordinances to the Full Board for approval and adoption.

The meeting focused extensively on the operational adjustments and public health responses implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning with facility closures on March 15th. Key actions included rapidly building telecommuting capacity for staff, processing refunds/freezes for memberships, and closing playgrounds following the Governor's stay-at-home order. The Board discussed and approved difficult public health decisions, such as removing basketball rims and later closing tennis courts due to social distancing concerns. Staff reported on the implementation of the 'Work Smart Work Safe' program starting April 1st, which involved reassigning staff, including furloughed employees, to essential tasks like facility maintenance and supporting golf operations once reopened under strict restrictions on May 1st. The staff also detailed efforts to engage the community virtually, including celebrating Earth Week with online activities, and noted the positive byproduct of increased interdepartmental respect due to cross-training.