Winnetka Park District

The meeting commenced with administrative announcements regarding virtual attendance, public comment procedures, and location of the meeting packet. Key discussions during the public comment session heavily focused on two main issues: the proposed fencing for Centennial Beach, with several speakers expressing concerns over safety, exclusion, loss of public beach area, and inconsistency with the area's natural character, while others advocated for alternative locations for a dog beach. The second major topic involved support for local community programs, specifically regarding flag football initiatives, highlighting the positive impact on youth development, employment opportunities for young adults with intellectual disabilities, and fostering community engagement and leadership skills.

The meeting began with administrative formalities, including roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence for the passing of Tom Fry. Public comments were then heard, addressing boundary clarification issues for park district residents and concerns regarding rumors about expanding daycare services, emphasizing the need for proper protocol and public discussion on such significant matters involving public funds. The agenda was amended to include a discussion item concerning a meeting among the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and park district staff regarding park matters. The consent agenda, which included the approval of the August 28, 2025, regular meeting minutes and the August 2025 financial report, was approved. The primary focus of the session was a presentation on the 2026 to 2030 long-range capital plan, which informs the 2026 budget request. Discussions covered capital project funding needs, the status of various bond issuances for elder and centennial life projects, and upcoming maintenance at the golf course. Financial updates highlighted a current bond fund balance exceeding $6 million and the dependency on Cook County property tax allotment, with contingency plans involving shorter-term CDs. The summary of the 2026 operating and capital budget requests by fund was presented, noting that golf fund projections were pending input from Keer Sports at the next meeting.

The meeting commenced with administrative announcements regarding virtual viewing, public comments, and meeting decorum. Key discussions involved approving the meeting agenda and hearing public comments, where residents addressed issues concerning tree evaluation, an investigation involving Commissioner Root, and the high cost of legal fees associated with that investigation. The consent agenda included approvals for past closed session minutes, regular meeting minutes from December 18, 2025, financial reports, temporary officer appointments, FOYA rules updates, and various bank authorization updates, as well as an agreement regarding the Paddle Hut expansion. The meeting also featured the 2025 Annual Report presentation, highlighting financials, the completion and adoption of the comprehensive master plan, various park projects such as the Hap Road playground completion and Green Bay Trail paving, and recreation statistics showing increased participation in youth sports, fitness programs, and beach/facility passes compared to 2024. Future projects slated for 2026 were also presented.

The special board meeting commenced with procedural announcements regarding virtual access, public comments, and meeting decorum. Key discussions focused on the agenda sequencing, specifically concerning the Dog Beach Fence Concepts and the Ishbia Family Foundation donation agreement. The board ultimately maintained the original agenda order after a failed motion to reorder items. Unfinished business involved a detailed review of the Centennial Dog Fence Plan, driven by direction from the Park Board following a prior Plan Commission review that recommended denial. The presentation covered regulatory compliance (IDNR, IEPA, US Army Corps, Cook County), clarification of previous size motions for Centennial Beach, and the presentation of an Alternate One Design Plan. This alternate plan proposed significant size reduction, relocating the entry gate to beach level, utilizing existing jetty structures for fencing instead of new barriers, and ensuring fence heights follow beach topography while adhering to a maximum 4-foot height above the steel cap structure. The materials proposed shifted to black vinyl-coated fencing.

The committee meeting commenced with roll call, noting the absence of Commissioner Austin. Agenda items included moving remarks from visitors to an earlier section. A visitor addressed the non-funding of the sailing program at Lloyd Beach for the 2023 season, advocating for its reinstatement. Communications recognized entities involved in a Veterans Day event. Unfinished business involved a presentation on the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, specifically reviewing preliminary numbers for the Special Recreation fund (including collaboration with NSSRA and ADA components), Workers Compensation fund, IMRF and FICA funds (noting a decrease in the employer IMRF rate), and Audit funds. Discussions highlighted the impact of the Cook County tax delay on fund revenues and reserves, and the need for a temporary waiver for the 25% minimum reserve threshold. Further discussion covered ADA access issues at Elder Centennial, the funding allocation for such features, and the requirement for a fenced dog park at Centennial Park, necessitating design plans and coordination with liability insurers. Debt Service fund review focused on the 2014 GO bonds.