City of Rock Island Park Board met Aug. 16.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
1. Call to Order
President Fred Dasso called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
2. Attendance
Members Present: Fred Dasso, Bill Anderson, Mike Foley, John McEvoy, Paul Hansen, Venessa Taylor
Members Absent: none
Staff Present: John Gripp, Executive Director; Todd Winter, Assistant Director; Dan Gleason, Special Events and Grants Manager
Staff Absent: Kimberly Kruse, Parks Administrative Office Manager
Audience: Drew DeVore
3. Motion to move 11F and 11A. Mr. Anderson motioned. Mr. Foley seconded. All voted yes.
Mr. DeVore spoke about the HAPS event and addressing concerns. Staff recommends approval to updated request that there are three police officers on site until the park is cleared. Mr. Anderson motioned. Mr. Foley seconded. All voted yes.
4. Dan Gleason gave a presentation on the going on with Special Events and Grants. He talked about the Easter bunny visits and egg deliveries. Spring Community Garage Sale went well and talked about how the ARC helps with egg stuffing. During COVID-19 went with a map for the garage sale for the community and may look at utilizing more. Summer kick off series with the QC Rock Academy is an all youth bands and holds a great partnership that is growing at Schwiebert Park. Starlight Revue is in its 66th year at Lincoln Park. Talked about how we do the concessions in house. Red, White, and Boom was a big success. So many amazing things that has kept Dan busy down at Schwiebert Park and engagements with the community. Pride was premiered this year and went well. Funding has been going through the Foundation more but also benefits us. There has been over $241,000 in funds raised since tracking has started in 2018. Several grants are being applied for. So much worked has gone into building community impact and the park board thanks Dan for all his hard work!
5. July Park Board Minutes
Mr. Hansen motioned to approve the minutes; Mr. Foley seconded. All voted yes.
6. Thank you from the American Red Cross was recognized.
7. Monthly Report from Finance Department as of June
Received just under half of the tax support. Whitewater Junction showing a nice bottom line with a great season. Highland Springs showing a negative due to clubhouse construction and a poor April weather. Saukie is negative as well but also due to poor weather in April. Continue to rebuild from Covid-19 for RIFAC. Working with Johnson Controls and city attorney on replacing ceiling tiles due to condensation.
8. Approval of the Bills for the Month of July $214,723.32
Mr. Dasso: Aye Mr. Foley: Aye Mr. McEvoy: Aye Ms. Taylor: Aye Mr. Hansen: Aye Mr. Anderson: Aye
9. Director’s Report and other reports
Firehouse Station #5 at Douglas recommendation will be to tear down due to exceptional costs and been condemned by inspections. RIFAC shutdown completed several upkeep items along with the basketball and racquetball courts resurfaced. Completed evaluations for Sports Manager who continues to do a great job and the Assistant Director who has done an exceptional job overseeing managers and the golf courses. Held volunteer staff party at Whitewater Junction. The department is grateful for all the volunteers, sponsors and people that make events an programs happen. Park walk throughs done with Public Works and the parks are doing a great maintenance plan.
Highland Springs clubhouse slab should be poured next week. Golf outings going on. High Schools and Colleges holding practices and tournaments. Working with students to gather community information.
Weekends only at Whitewater Junction now with schools back and less staff. Several Friday party rentals. Montana is doing a wonderful job with the pools. Revenue is $77k over estimation.
Greens aeration will begin soon at golf courses. One set of nine get closed and then do the other side to provide the healthiest greens possible. Always get many compliments.
Adventure summer camp has ended. It was extended two weeks for non RISD students. Preschool has added a third room and almost full already. Hodge Park holding a park party. Volunteer group coming to Hodge to paint the restroom on the inside and out. Flag football and soccer starting. Adult games day going to be held at Douglas Park on September 24th.
Lots of field rentals at all locations. David is doing a great job with work on field maintenance. Marc is doing the calendar box at Longview Park. Mowing is slowing down but tree work is picking up.
10. New Business
Grant applications:
Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program: Connection and Enhancement of Sunset Mississippi River Overlook
Tourism Attractions & Festivals Grant Program: Lincoln Park Bandshell Upgrades OSLAD: Longview Park Recreation Enhancement
Park Report Cards – Todd and John go around to all the parks once a month to look at the parks and have created these report cards for staff, park board and members of the community to go around and spend a little time at each park and rate each park.
Special Event Request: Staff recommends approval of the Home Run Derby Community Caring Conference. Mr. Foley motioned. Mr. McEvoy seconded.
11. Other Business
Highland Springs Clubhouse construction underway.
Carriage House has had several fundraising opportunities to raise funds. The updates to the upstairs will make for a rentable space and the downstairs provides many education and entertainment possibilities.
12. Items Not on the Agenda
none
Motion to adjourn by Mr. Foley. Mr. McEvoy. All voted yes.
The meeting adjourned at 6:48 pm.
https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08162022-996
Alerts Sign-up