Wheeling Park District

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. A significant portion of the proceedings involved moving into and subsequently adjourning from a Closed Session. The purpose of the Closed Session was for the discussion of appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, independent contractors, or volunteers, or for legal counsel matters, pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1). No action was taken on matters discussed in the Closed Session upon reconvening to the regular meeting, and the meeting was adjourned thereafter.

The Board Workshop primarily focused on the Aquatic Center Project, featuring a design update presentation from Confluence and Legat Architects. Updates included the submission of the IDPH permit application, preparation of construction bid documents, and planned submittal of the site plan to the Village. Architectural and site/landscape plan reviews were conducted. Following the workshop session, the board adjourned into a closed session to discuss personnel matters, including appointment, employment, and compensation of specific employees or contractors. Upon reconvening, no immediate action was taken on matters discussed in the closed session.

The meeting included a Public Hearing regarding the Proposed 2026 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance. Key actions taken during the regular board meeting involved the approval of the Consent Agenda, which included the minutes from the previous meeting on January 06, 2026, and the voucher list for January 20, 2026. The Board adopted Ordinance 2025-G, the Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the year beginning January 1, 2026, setting the total budget at $53,676,547. Updates were provided on the Family Aquatic Center demolition bid results, noting that only the GMP would be Board-approved later. Financial discussions included the preliminary Treasurer's Report for December 2025. Staff updates covered upcoming conferences, the Winterfest event, the Summer Camp 2026 Guide development, and progress on the Chevy Chase Country Club fountain project. An update on the Village of Wheeling Board meeting presentation and planned Special Meeting regarding Aquatic Center exterior designs was also given. The Board concluded with a Closed Session to discuss personnel matters before final adjournment.

The meeting included an update on the Aquatic Center Project, detailing key milestones and next steps. Key new business involved the approval of Ordinance 2026-A, which abates a portion of the 2025 tax levy related to debt service payments on specified bonds, and the approval of Ordinance 2026-B, which continues the budget and appropriation ordinance for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 until the full 2026 Budget is adopted. Verbal communications noted that staff evaluations are ready for review, announced the date for the annual Winterfest event, reported on the commencement of fountain work at Chevy Chase, and confirmed that there will be no ice rink at Horizon Park this year.

The meeting included the addition of an item for the appointment of a Secretary Pro Tempore, which was subsequently appointed as Matt Wehby to attest to the tax levy ordinance. The Board approved Ordinance 2025-F, the Tax Levy Ordinance for the Year 2025, amounting to $9,945,784, and adopted Resolution 2025-07 concerning the allocation of tax levy amounts, directing that any necessary reduction be absorbed by the Corporate Fund. A post-issuance compliance report confirmed the District is in compliance with federal tax requirements and continuing disclosure obligations. The Board authorized an agreement with Samantha's Event Linen Services for Chevy Chase Country Club premium linens and voted to reject the bid from Netsynk, Inc. for Food & Beverage Temporary Labor, planning to reissue the bid in January 2026. A three-year non-alcoholic beverage agreement with Pepsi Cola, effective January 1, 2026, through December 21, 2028, was approved. The Board reviewed Ordinance 2025-G, the Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for fiscal year 2026, agreeing to post it for public inspection on December 17, 2025. Updates were provided on various capital projects, including the Chevy Chase Country Club Pond project being temporarily on hold and the timeline for the Aquatic Center Project conceptual plan presentation.