Robbins Park District

The agenda for the meeting includes a presentation by Just Because Mentoring Services NFP, followed by various reports from the President, Treasurer, Executive Director, and committees, including Building, Grounds & Public Safety and Recreation. Other items include the review of old and new business, and a scheduled adjournment into a closed session to discuss personnel, real estate, and litigation matters, as well as the authorization to pay bills.

The meeting featured a presentation on recreational installations by Great Southern Recreation. Key discussions included proposals for leasing ComEd property for youth sports, initiating youth soccer and baseball programs at Horace Mann school field, and tabling discussions on mental health and physical fitness programs. The board approved the purchase of new office equipment and technology, authorized lawncare services with specific amendments, and tabled discussions regarding the IAPD legislative conference and an inter-governmental agreement with the Village of Robbins pending the selection of new legal counsel. Additionally, the district decided to decline a PowerPlay grant award due to compliance challenges.

The board discussed the annual rollover bond with Speer Financial and officially accepted the bond from Republic Bank. Reports were provided regarding various financial accounts, including tax base, capital, and operating funds. Building and grounds improvements were discussed, specifically regarding necessary facility repairs, lighting upgrades at local parks, and site maintenance. The board also addressed planning for community events and a community-wide calendar, along with authorizing payments for December 2025 expenditures, including insurance and legal fees.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included Old Business concerning property issues and personnel matters, specifically the Mobile Pantry item. New Business involved several financial approvals: the first payment of the Bond at Republic Bank, approval of the monthly bills for January 2026, and approval of the Treasurer's Report for January 2026. Additionally, the Board considered and approved deposits for upcoming events, including the Dave and Buster Event and the Chicago Sky (Women's Basketball) Event, as well as payment for The Robbins Alumni Association Dinner.

The meeting addressed several key operational and financial matters. Discussion centered on the approval of a short-term bridge promissory note with Republic Bank to ensure fiscal solvency until delinquent tax installments are received, necessary for bond repayment obligations due in December 2025. Building and Grounds reports covered winterizing the Splash Pad, repairs to a field after the recent festival, and obtaining service proposals for essential equipment maintenance, specifically a John Deere mower, involving a cost of $970.47. The Board approved paying an invoice for ongoing monthly accounting services and the associated engagement letter for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, while tabling the higher audit preparation fee for further clarification. Additionally, contracts and invoices were approved for Brothers United Property Services for lawn care maintenance and for legal representation services provided by Michelle Broughton-Fountain.