Waukegan Park District

The board reviewed several progress reports from the executive director, attorney, and division leads covering recreation, parks, community relations, and finance. Key actions included the approval of fiscal year 2026-27 salary wage schedules, the classification of capital funds via resolution, a supplemental budget and appropriation ordinance, and the final budget and capital improvement plan for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, the board approved the sole source purchase of GPS units for the Bonnie Brook golf course and recognized a nominee through a formal resolution.

The agenda includes the approval of various financial and administrative consent items such as payroll, travel expenses, a sport court maintenance quote, the purchase of an F250 truck, and updates to sick time and FMLA policies. Key activities involve presentations on the memorial endowment fund, employee awards, and golf course improvements, alongside progress reports from executive and divisional leadership. The meeting will address the election and appointment of board officers, staff, and representatives, as well as the appointment of advisory committee members. Further actions include the approval of several banking resolutions, the review of the ordinance for the annual budget and appropriation of funds, and authorization for a sole source purchase of turf equipment.

This Three-Year Capital Improvement Plan outlines capital improvement projects over the next three fiscal years. The plan is funded through Capital, Paving and Lighting, Recreation, Insurance, and Special Recreation Funds, detailing proposed expenditures for areas including Parks, Recreation, Administration, Golf Operations, and Marketing. A primary objective is to strategically manage fiscal responsibility by reducing projected capital project funds to $1,500,000 for both FY2027-28 and FY2028-29, through reallocating resources and identifying cost-saving opportunities, while ensuring essential community needs are met.

The meeting includes reviews and decisions on several administrative and operational items, including the 2026 OSLAD Grant project recommendation, approval of salary wage schedules for FY 2026-27, and the classification of capital funds. Additionally, the Board will review a supplemental budget and appropriation amendment, the budget and capital improvement plan for the upcoming fiscal year, and the sole source purchase of a GPS system for golf carts. The agenda also features departmental progress reports and presentations, including a development plan for the Waukegan Ravine.

The meeting involved a review of various recreation programs, including sports, fitness, aquatics, arts, history, and general programming updates. The committee discussed facility improvements such as locker room updates, therapy pool repairs, and architectural range enhancements. Additionally, the district reviewed news items including the transition to virtual program guides, the implementation of credit and debit card service fees, and the hiring of new recreation specialists. Committee members provided feedback on event organization, memberships at the Field House, and the local economic impact of hosted events.