WINNETKA PARK DISTRICT REGULAR BOARD MEETING

Transcription

WINNETKA PARK DISTRICT
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015
Community Room
540 Hibbard Road
6:30 P.M.
AGENDA
1. Roll Call
2. Additions to Agenda
3. Approval of November Financials
4. Approval of December 2015 Vouchers
5. Remarks from Visitors
6. Approval of Minutes
a. Regular Park Board Meeting Minutes from 11/19/15
7. Committee Reports
a. Committee of the Whole Minutes from 12/10/15
8. Communications
9. Unfinished Business
a. Bikeway Master Plan
b. Hubbard Woods Update
c. Golf Course Master Plan Update
d. Community Survey
e. Lakefront Master Plan Presentation
10. New Business
a. Tax Levy Ordinance
11. Matters of the Director
12. Board Liaison Reports
13. Remarks from Visitors
14. Staff Reports
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15. Executive Session
The Board will enter Executive Session to discuss:
a. the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or
dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the
public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an
employee of the public body or against legal counsel to determine its
validity. 5ILCS 120/2(c)(1)
b. Semi Annual Review of Executive Session Minutes Sect. 5 ILCS 120/2
(c) (21)
16. Return to Open Session/Action
a. Leave Donation Policy
b. Release of Executive Session Minutes
17. Adjournment
Persons with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodations to participate in this meeting
should contact the Park District’s ADA Compliance Coordinator, John Shea, at the Park
District’s Administrative Office, 540 Hibbard Road, Winnetka, IL Monday through Friday from
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Telephone number 847-501-2040;
Fax number 847-501-5779. Requests for a qualified interpreter require five (5) working days
advance notice.
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MINUTES OF THE 2,316th
REGULARLY SCHEDULED BOARD
MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS
AND OFFICERS OF THE WINNETKA
PARK DISTRICT, WINNETKA, IL
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015
President Brad McLane called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Commissioners present:
Mickey Archambault, Gerri Kahnweiler, Ian Larkin, John Peterson, John Thomas and Brad
McLane. Commissioner Teresa Claybrook arrived at 7:17 pm. Staff present: Robert Smith,
Executive Director; Bob Farmer, Chief Financial Officer; John Muno, Superintendent of
Facilities; Costa Kutulas, Superintendent of Parks; John Shea, Superintendent of Recreation;
Rick Schram, Landscape Architect; and Libby Baker, Administrative Manager/Safety
Coordinator. Visitors: Bob Whelan.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
None
APPROVAL OF FINANCIALS
Chief Financial Officer Bob Farmer reported on the October financials. Following questions and
discussion, Commissioner Peterson made a motion to approve the financials as presented. The
motion was seconded by Commissioner Larkin and passed by a voice vote. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS
The Board was presented with the Voucher List for November 2015. Following questions and
discussion, Commissioner Thomas made a motion to approve the vouchers in the amount of
$623,177.11. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Larkin and a roll call vote was taken.
Ayes: Archambault, Kahnweiler, Larkin, Peterson, Thomas, and McLane. Nays: None.
Absent: Claybrook. Motion carried.
REMARKS FROM VISITORS
Bob Whelan addressed the Board. He has been a member of the board of the Winnetka Paddle
Tennis Club (WPTC) for 7 years and paddle player for 20 years. He spoke on behalf of the club
and would like to see more communication between the Park Board, the District and the WPTC.
He expressed his interest in being the spokesperson for the WPTC. Staff will connect with Mr.
Whelan to discuss future communications.
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Continued minutes from the 2,316th
Regular Board meeting
November 19, 2015
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regular Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Thomas made a motion to combine the Regular meeting minutes of October 22,
2015 and the Committee of the Whole minutes of November 5 and 12, 2015 into a consent
agenda. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Archambault and a roll call vote was taken.
Ayes:
Archambault, Kahnweiler, Larkin, Peterson, Thomas, and McLane. Commissioner
absent: Claybrook. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Commissioner Thomas made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Archambault and passed by a voice vote. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Lakefront Master Plan
Director Smith reported on the November 14 lakefront tour and presentation led by Jon Shabica.
The tour was well attended. By December 12 there will be a draft of the plan for the Board’s
review, with approval slated for January. President McLane inquired about the large number of
felled trees at Lloyd Park. Superintendent Kutulas informed the Board that a contractor was
hired to take down the trees and staff will do the clearing during the winter months.
Hubbard Woods
Superintendent Kutulas reported on the progress at Hubbard Woods Park. The recent weather
has caused some delays, but the pavilion will be 100% complete by year’s end. The park site
will remain closed throughout the winter as the landscaping will not be finished.
Strategic Plan
Director Smith reported on his recent meeting with Ron Vine, Leisure Vision and Scott Freres,
Lakota Group, to begin crafting survey questions. A draft should be available soon and will be
brought to the Board for review.
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November 19, 2015
NEW BUSINESS
IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference
Commissioner Thomas made a motion to appoint Ian Larkin as delegate for the IAPD annual
business meeting on January 30, 2016 and Director Smith as the alternate delegate. The motion
was seconded by Commissioner Kahnweiler and a roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Archambault,
Kahnweiler, Larkin, Peterson, Thomas and McLane. Nays: None. Absent: Claybrook. Motion
carried.
2016 Meeting Schedule
Commissioner Kahnweiler made a motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2016 Board Meeting
schedule as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Larkin and a roll call vote
was taken. Ayes: Archambault, Kahnweiler, Larkin, Peterson, and McLane. Abstain: Thomas.
Absent: Claybrook. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Skokie Playfield Service Center
Due to the recent meeting with the Village regarding the use of park district property land for
storm water management, and the potential impact on the Service Center, staff recommended
tabling the current construction proposals until further information is received from the Village.
Commissioner Thomas made a motion to table any further discussions of Skokie Playfield
Service Center proposals until such a time as we have further information from the Village. The
motion was seconded by Commissioner Archambault and passed by a voice vote. Motion
carried.
Truth in Taxation Law Resolution
The Truth in Taxation Resolution is an annual requirement. Commissioner Thomas made a
motion to approve the Truth in Taxation Law Resolution #15-11-19. The motion was seconded
by Commissioner Archambault and a roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Archambault, Claybrook,
Kahnweiler, Larkin, Peterson, Thomas, and McLane. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Land Plan – Golf Course
Director Smith reported on the details of a recent meeting he and Costa attended with the Village
staff, design team, as well as a land planner. Director Smith asked the Board to appoint 1-2
Board members be part of a committee that includes New Trier and the Lakota Group, to meet
with the Village to discuss potential land use of the golf course for storm water management.
Commissioner Larkin made a motion to appoint Commissioners Archambault and Peterson to
the newly formed Golf Course & Duke Childs Field Master Plan design team. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Claybrook and a roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Archambault,
Claybrook, Kahnweiler, Larkin, Peterson, Thomas, and McLane. Nays: None. Motion carried.
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November 19, 2015
MATTERS OF THE DIRECTOR
• Annual performance evaluation - Director Smith will have the evaluation forms to the
Board by early December. The administrative staff will evaluate the Director and the
confidential results will be forwarded to the Board. He recommended that the evaluation
be discussed in January.
• Director Smith will be on vacation next week, returning November 30.
• Board Self-Evaluation – Director Smith inquired if the Board would like to schedule the
Self-Evaluation with IAPD. The Board declined at this time. Director Smith
recommended attendance at the IPRA/IAPD Annual Conference which is scheduled for
January 28-30, 2016.
BOARD LIAISON REPORTS
In lieu of a verbal report, Commissioner Thomas submitted written notes of the Plan
Commission, Caucus Council and the Winnetka Youth Organization. No other reports were
given.
REMARKS FROM VISITORS
None
STAFF REPORTS
Superintendent Kutulas noted that environmental testing has been completed at the Skokie
Playfield Service Center. The Board complimented the recreation staff on the success of the
family special events.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Thomas made a motion to adjourn the regular board meeting at 7:44 pm. The
motion was seconded by Commissioner Archambault and passed by a voice vote. Motion
carried.
________________________________
Brad McLane, Board President
______________________________
Robert Smith, Board Secretary
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015
COMMUNITY ROOM
5:30 P.M.
President McLane called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Commissioners present: Mickey
Archambault, Teresa Claybrook, Gerri Kahnweiler, Ian Larkin, Brad McLane, John Peterson and
John Thomas. Staff present: Robert Smith, Executive Director; Costa Kutulas, Superintendent of
Parks; John Muno, Superintendent of Facilities; Mary Cherveny, Communication & Marketing
Manager; John Shea, Superintendent of Recreation and Libby Baker, Administrative
Manager/Safety Coordinator. Visitors: Paul Godek, Lead Mechanic; Jesus Contreras, Parks &
Facilities Maintenance Staff and Scott Freres, The Lakota Group.
Strategic Plan/Community Survey
The Board reviewed in detail, the draft of the Community Interest and Opinion Survey prepared
by Leisure Vision. The discussion included comments and suggestions regarding reorganization
of the lakefront questions, survey format, strong focus on customer satisfaction, and the manner
in which the survey will be distributed to the community. Director Smith will confer with
Leisure Vision to garner their opinion of the best way for the deployment of the survey to
residents. The Board stressed that the results of the survey need to provide direction for the
initiatives of the strategic plan. Prior to the official launch of the survey to the community,
Leisure Vision will perform a beta test with approximately 10 people and undertake refinements
if needed.
Lakefront Master Plan
Scott Freres of the Lakota Group presented conceptual drawings of the Lakefront Master Plan.
The Lakefront Advisory Committee (LAC) met on Monday, December 6. The purpose of the
meeting was to narrow down the initiatives and prioritize the projects. Scott also noted that he
and John Shea attended a meeting with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to
learn about grant opportunities that could subsidize a portion of the projects associated with the
Master Plan. The grant deadline is January 29, 2016. The LAC is very focused on sharing their
opinion with the Board. The draft report is being prepared and will be given to staff for review.
The final plan and report will be brought to the Board for approval at the January board meeting.
Superintendent Kutulas gave the Board an update on the potential costs associated with breaking
the contracts should the project renovations be cancelled. Money has already been spent on
planning documents. All work is currently on hold until staff receives notification from the
Village on their plans for storm water management.
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Continued minutes of the
Committee of the Whole Meeting
December 10, 2015
Meeting Notification Process
The Board and staff discussed the current process of sending meeting notifications. Libby Baker
will continue to send the invites as directed by the Board.
Other Business
Commissioner Peterson recognized and thanked Greg Sauber for his leadership and initiative in
relocating the boys’ basketball program, due to court size.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:08 p.m.
_____________________________
Brad McLane, President
_____________________________
Robert Smith, Secretary
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Winnetka Park District
Board Summary
Date:
December 14, 2015
To:
Board of Commissioners
Subject:
Lakefront Advisory Committee (LAC) – Draft Report
From:
Robert Smith, Executive Director
Summary:
As part of the Lakefront Master Plan timeline, the LAC is due to deliver a status report to the
Park Board in the month of December 2015 as the planning process nears closure. With the
public engagement phase substantially complete, the LAC has formulated conceptual designs of
each of the five lakefront park sites. In addition, the LAC is currently in the process of
identifying priorities and assigning general cost estimates for each initiative of the plan.
Attached is the working draft of the final report which includes opening narrative, assessment of
each park/beach, analysis of community engagement and an outline of priorities with associated
cost estimates. Please review and forward any comments to me for consideration in the
development of the final report.
It is the intent of the design team and the LAC to compile the final report ready for presentation
to the Park Board in January 2016 with formal Board approval shortly thereafter.
END
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Introduction
To support the goal of leveraging strengths like the lakefront, Winnetka Park District (Park District) officials identified a
lakefront master plan update as a priority initiative in its 2011 – 2015 Strategic Master Plan. In November 2013, the Park
District released an RFP for lakefront master planning services, and selected the Lakota Group team to guide the master
planning process.
Once engaged, the Lakota Group team assisted Park District staff in preparing an application for an Illinois Department of
Natural Resources Coastal Management Grant. The IDNR’s Coastal Management program supports a range of projects that
seek to protect, restore, and manage the Illinois Lake Michigan coast for future generations. In April 2014, the Park District
was awarded $119,000 in funding through the Coastal Management Grant program, and work on the Lakefront Master Plan
began. As a first step, the Park District interviewed interested parties for positions on a ten-member advisory committee.
The Lakefront Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) hosted its first meeting in December 2014.
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Coastal Management Program Goals
The Illinois Coastal Management Program (ICMP) will work to preserve, protect, restore, and where possible, enhance
coastal resources in Illinois for this and succeeding generations. The program will also work to improve the quality of
decision-making by the state and coastal communities resulting in more effective outcomes. The ICMP will achieve this by:
 Enhancing the state’s role in supporting and coordinating partnerships among local, state and federal agencies and
organizations in the planning and management of these efforts. The ICMP will strengthen local stakeholder
capacity to initiate and continue effective coastal management consistent with identified state standards and
criteria.
 Facilitating the development of a shared vision for the protection, restoration and enhancement of our coastal
resources. The ICMP will shape coastal ecosystem management policies, streamlining procedures, and providing a
clearinghouse for information on regulatory programs governing our coast. The program will also increase public
awareness, involvement and opportunities for citizens to participate in decisions affecting our Lake Michigan
coastal resources.
 Coordinating agency and stakeholder efforts that identify regional priorities and implement local projects to
address those priorities. The ICMP will advocate for the wise and balanced use of the coastal environment and the
recognition in federal, state, and local policies of the uniqueness of the coastal environment.
 Leveraging ICMP resources and other funds to maximize the impact of local projects. The ICMP will assist in the
implementation and enforcement of existing programs that manage coastal uses impacting the environment.
Resources will be prioritized where gaps or weaknesses are identified.
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Since December 2014, the project team has engaged hundreds of stakeholders - Village of Winnetka residents, Village and
Park District staff and elected officials, representatives from program partners and affiliates, representatives from neighboring
lakefront communities, permitting agencies, and funding partners – all of whom were enthusiastic when speaking of
Winnetka’s lakefront. The project team heard a lot of ideas for how to improve the lakefront, as well as some concern about
changing things too much. All of this input was taken to heart by the project team and advisory committee in developing the
final recommendations outlined in this plan. The result: a community-supported vision - comprised of large-scale projects
and more modest projects - that will both improve the quality of lakefront amenities available to park and beach users as well
as improve the overall quality of the Illinois Lake Michigan coast for future generations
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Project Process
Project work was organized into four phases: Engage, Analyze, Envision, and Implement. The first phase, Engage, focused on
data collection and facilitating community conversations with a wide range of lakefront stakeholders. These conversations
served two critical functions: first, they provided the project team with an understanding of lakefront history, context, and
ideas for next steps. The conversations also helped the project team to convey information about the project to stakeholders
and the community.
The second phase, Analyze, involved a comprehensive analysis of the data collected, giving way to alternative strategies for
implementation and criteria by which to evaluate each strategy.
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The third phase of the project, Envision, focused on the creation of a shared vision for the lakefront. Strategies for achieving
this vision were drafted during the final project phase, Implement.
Project Mission and Goals
A mission statement, defining the purpose of this Lakefront Master Plan, was established by the project team, based on
themes revealed through stakeholder engagement and input from the Advisory Committee:

To provide a long-term, sustainable strategy for the preservation, protection, restoration, and enhancement of Winnetka’s
lakefront for both Winnetka residents and a broad range of Lake Michigan user groups.
To support this mission, the planning team also established seven project goals:
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Enhance recreation and open space facilities and programming for Winnetka residents.
Develop facilities with intergenerational appeal.
Facilitate safe and convenient access.
Support and enhance Lake Michigan ecosystems.
Adopt a sustainable operations model.
Expos and inform Winnetka residents to the value of the public lakefront.
Encourage and seek partnerships (public and private).
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Engage
Community engagement was a critical component of the planning process, from beginning to end. Community engagement
was approached in a number of ways throughout the process, including:
 The establishment of a citizen’s advisory committee – the Lakefront Advisory Committee
 Stakeholder interviews and focus group discussions
 Public open house meetings
 Web surveys
Lakefront Advisory Committee
At the project onset, a Lakefront Advisory Committee, comprised of Winnetka resident volunteers, was vetted and selected.
The ten advisory committee members possess expertise in a range of lakefront topics, and have helped to guide the planning
process by participating in monthly meetings, providing feedback on draft project deliverables, and attending public
meetings. Two Winnetka Park District Board members participated on the Advisory Committee as well.
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Stakeholder Interviews and Focus Groups
At the project onset, over 200 individuals were identified by Advisory Committee members and Park District staff as
candidates for stakeholder interviews and focus group discussions. The project team interviewed over 85 stakeholders,
representing a variety of interests, including: the Village of Winnetka Board of Trustees, the Village of Winnetka
Environmental and Forestry Commission, Village of Winnetka staff, the Winnetka Parks Foundation, park district staff from
neighboring communities, local institutions, community organizations, lakefront property owners, boat beach users, dog
beach users, and other beach users.
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Public Open House Meetings
Open House #1
Open House #2
Open House #3
Open House #4
Open House #5
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Web-Based Surveys
Lakefront Master Plan Survey
Winnetka Caucus Survey
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Key Themes Derived from Community Input
A number of key themes emerged across all of these discussions.
Lakefront Operations: Improved Safety
Concern about jet-ski traffic being controlled more effectively. There are some management issues that need to be reviewed
to avoid the potential of an accident due to congestion and a variety of user-types.
Lakefront Operations: Improved Maintenance
[text]
Lakefront Operations: Beach Use
Separate beaches for motorized and non-motorized boating uses. Dog beach issue.
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Lakefront Access: Improving Access between Beaches
Connecting key beaches is a priority for many stakeholders, however rules and regulations related to traversing the beaches is
confusing to most people. Improving access also aligns with one of the Winnetka Environmental and Forestry Commissions
key priority projects, to “maintain and expand the number of public access points to beaches and the forest preserve.”
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Lakefront Access: Improving Access from Tableland to Beach
In addition, because of the physical constraints of the Lake Michigan shoreline and some aging infrastructure, access at each
individual park – down the bluff to Winnetka beaches - is a challenge for many stakeholders.
Lakefront Access: Improving Access for Boats
Stakeholders also supported the idea of increasing access for boat users at the Lloyd Beach boat launch, and increasing access
to boat storage at Lloyd. There is a need to increase the boat storage to allow for year-long storage and boat rentals.
Lakefront Amenities: Intergenerational Appeal
There is strong interest in the implementation of lakefront amenities with intergenerational appeal, helping to further activate
the lakefront. Improvements should represent and appeal to the demographic of the community – including seniors.
Lakefront Amenities: Improved Visual Quality
A number of stakeholders want to see the aesthetic quality of Winnetka’s beaches and lakefront facilities brought up to the
same high-level of quality as neighboring communities. Glencoe Beach, in particular, was mentioned as a good model for
Winnetka beaches.
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Lakefront Amenities: Improved Concessions There is strong interest in new types of concessions at the lakefront
including food and beverage service and equipment rentals. There is interest in opportunities for food and evening activity to
extend beyond daylight hours.
Lakefront Environment: Improved Water Quality
Lakefront Environment: Bluff and Shoreline Restoration
Stakeholders supported the idea of clearing views from the tableland to the lake. Clearing scrub trees and invasive species
from the bluffs to help clear views was supported by stakeholders.
Lakefront Programming: Improved Educational Opportunities
Educational opportunities related to environmental and local history should be integrated into park programming and
design. Many stakeholders would like to see local schools using lakefront parks more often.
Lakefront Programming: Fitness
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Winnetka is an active community. It is necessary to consider activities that the serious athlete might like to experience such as
approved long-course swimming, running courses, and fitness areas.
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Analyze
The Analyze project phase involved a comprehensive inventory and analysis collected about the Winnetka lakefront and
individual lakefront parks. The analysis, coupled with input from project stakeholders, gave way to alternative strategies for
lakefront improvements.
The analysis considered universal topics like lakefront history, landscape, water quality, coastal dynamics, and regulatory
requirements. The analysis also considered challenges and opportunities specific to the existing conditions at each lakefront
park.
Lakefront History
Early Acquisition of Lakefront Public Land
To ensure future public beach access, Winnetka Park Commissioners began acquiring lakefront property in the early 1900s.
For $120 per front foot they were able to purchase Winnetka’s first lakefront park, Maple Street Beach, in 1910. By 1913, a
beach house was built and public swimming was officially opened, with shuttles carrying overheated bathers to the cool
waters of Lake Michigan.
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The 1921 Plan for Winnetka
Following the successful public opening of Maple Park, acquisition of lakefront parkland continued to be a priority for Village
leadership. Lakefront parks were addressed by architect Mr. Edward H. Bennett – a contemporary and former partner of
Daniel Burnham - in his 1921 Plan for Winnetka. Providing safe access for recreational lake-users including boaters and
swimmers and connecting the existing lakefront parks were priorities for Bennett. The plan proposed using fill – a byproduct
of a trench planned to be constructed to relocate rail road tracks below grade through downtown Winnetka – to construct a
series of islands in the lake:
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At some future time [the] isolated parks and street ends should be connected either by a parkway reclaimed along the shore,
or by creating a strip of land in the lake at some distance from and parallel to the shore, thus leaving the present shore line and
riparian rights undisturbed.
The latter scheme is indicated on the plans and has many advantages. It would provide a lagoon of quiet water for small craft
and for bathing and skating. Its execution could be carried out by progressive steps: First, by extending the public street ends
into the lake on solid piers or jetties and then by connecting these piers with strips of land paralleling the shore. In this way a
harbor could be created, giving to all citizens the opportunities for canoeing, rowing and sailing which those who are able to
go away in summer seek.
His grand vision was similar to the lakefront treatment envisioned in Daniel Burnham’s famed Plan for Chicago. This vision
was never implemented, and many of the same issues Bennett sought to address with his plan still exist today.
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20th Century Expansion
It was not until well into the 20th Century that Winnetka made its most significant investment in lakefront property. Tower
Road Beach was developed in 1946. Elder Beach, a small swimming beach, officially opened in 1958. Lloyd Park was
acquired in 1962, and a boat launch, bathhouse and boat storage racks were constructed at Lloyd shortly thereafter. And,
Centennial Park was opened in 1968.
In the late 20th century, Winnetka’s lakefront properties faced the threat of severe erosion:
The amount of littoral transport received by the Winnetka lakefront in the late 20th century was greatly reduced. Littoral
material was reduced by the construction of the Naval Training Center littoral barriers on the updrift coast at Waukegan and
Great Lakes Harbors, and by [other updrift] shore protection works, such as steel sheet piling, riprap, and sea walls designed
to reduce beach and bluff erosion.
Lakefront Planning in the 1980s
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These erosion issues led to a renewed interest in lakefront planning for the Winnetka Park District, particularly related to
conditions at Lloyd Beach, which at the time provided the only public boat launch between Evanston and Highland Park.
1981 Lloyd Park Boat Ramp and Breakwater Study
In 1981 the Park Board commissioned a study to inform the construction of a new breakwater at Lloyd Beach:
The Winnetka boat ramp, which is located at Lloyd Park, has no protection from sudden lake storms and the resulting rough
water. This lack of protection prevents the ramp from providing better service for Winnetka boaters. Some of them have been
discouraged and opted to use other better protected ramps in communities which are many miles from Winnetka.
The 1983 Lakefront Long Range Plan
By the 1980s, Winnetka’s lakefront was suffering from extreme problems with erosion, particularly at Lloyd Beach where the
powerplant lagoons prevented most littoral drift from reaching the beach. To identify solutions to the problem, in 1983 the
WPD completed a Lakefront Long Range Plan.
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Bluff and Ravine Landscape
In general, the southwestern shores of Lake Michigan are characterized by bluffs fronted by narrow beaches:
“The Lake Michigan bluff ravine system is also a significant habitat area. Plant communities in the ravines are of
particular concern, as many are locally rare, with as many as 16 state-threatened or endangered species potentially
present in the ravines. Seeps flowing out of ravine slopes create an unusual wetland habitat supporting plant species
that are uncommon in other areas. Because temperatures tend to be somewhat cooler due to the close proximity to
the lake, vegetation found along the lakeshore and in ravines include relict species no longer found elsewhere in
Illinois and whose current natural range are much farther north. These species include paper birch, white pine,
arbor vitae, Canadian buffalo-berry, and star-flower. These plants were probably more common in the area
following the retreat of the glaciers 12,000 years ago when the climate was significantly cooler. The ravines now
provide some of the only remaining habitat for such species in Illinois. The only known colonies of beech in
northern Illinois are also found on the cool, moist, north-facing slopes of Lake Michigan ravines.”1
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Bluff erosion along Lake Michigan is a major concern related to stormwater runoff. Bluff erosion occurs due to waves as well
as runoff from rainfall, and measures can be undertaken to reduce the risk of erosion. The implementation of good drainage
systems that prevent flow from running over the face of the bluff can reduce the impact of bluff-weakening surface erosion.
The maintenance of adequate vegetation on the face of the bluff can also help reduce erosion. Bluff vegetation has the added
benefit of preventing the saturation of soil, which can cause instability of the bluff. Similarly, the installation of dewatering
drainage systems within the bluff can prevent erosion by mitigating seepage of water through the bluff face. Lastly, the use of
storm sewers and the lining of channels in ravines can also prevent erosion and maintain the integrity of bluffs. Bluff erosion
has been a natural process along Lake Michigan, but these strategies can help minimize the impact of stormwater runoff.
Invasive species are also an issue:
“Invasive aquatic species such as Asian carp garner most of the press attention, but flora such as buckthorn,
honeysuckle, grapevine, purple loosestrife, curly-leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, and garlic
mustard have gained a foothold… These non-native species often overrun their competitors and do not allow
native species to grow. Local groups make an effort to remove these invasive species before they spread further, but
they require constant attention and manpower, and can be quite costly to control. Other invasive species have
infiltrated Lake Michigan. Mollusks such as the zebra mussel, crustaceans such as the spiny water flea and the rusty
crayfish, fish such as the common carp, round goby, Eurasian ruffe, sea lamprey, and white perch are exotic species
that are taking over the Great Lakes. These invasive aquatic species impact our native species through competition,
predation, and habitat alteration. They also can impact our economy by clogging our water intake pipes, disrupting
fishing, and impeding navigation.”2
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Illinois Coastal Management Program Issue Paper Habitat, Ecosystem and Natural Area Restoration Illinois Coastal Management Program Issue Paper Habitat, Ecosystem and Natural Area Restoration 1
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Water Quality
Like many communities along Lake Michigan, Winnetka occasionally must close its swimming beaches due to an excess of
fecal coliform bacteria in the water. The contributing sources of water pollution are typically outdated and broken sanitary
sewers (or overflowing combined stormwater and sanitary sewers), stormwater runoff, and wildlife. A major contributing
factor to the amount of pollution present in stormwater runoff is the amount of regional impervious cover such as roads,
driveways, buildings and parking lots.
Water quality is monitored daily at all beaches for bacteria levels, such as coliform and E.coli to ensure the safety of all
patrons. On occasion, beaches may be closed due to higher than acceptable bacteria levels, or due to the presence of unsafe
environmental conditions such as rip currents.
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In the recent past, bacteria monitoring results exceeded State standards—causing numerous closures at Elder Lane Beach. A
much discussed 2011 report by the National Resources Defense Council indicated that Elder Lane Beach was the most
frequently closed beach in Illinois, based on bacteria-related beach closure data from 2010. In 2011, the Village worked
closely with the Park District to investigate the cause of the closings. The Village determined 15 instances where broken
residential sanitary sewer pipes (privately maintained) and two public sewer locations were leaking into the Village’s
stormwater system. The Village is a “separate sewer” community—meaning it has separate underground systems to convey
wastewater and stormwater. The illicit connections were causing release into Lake Michigan at Elder Lane Beach.
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The identified issues were repaired, and in 2012 and 2013 water quality at Elder Lane began to improve substantially. The
chart below reflects the closings, by beach, related to high bacteria levels, over the past several years.
Total Days Closed 2011 HIGH BACTERIA RIP CURRENTS 2012 HIGH BACTERIA RIP CURRENTS 2013 HIGH BACTERIA RIP CURRENTS 2014 HIGH BACTERIA RIP CURRENTS HIGH SURF INCLEMENT WEATHER Tower Maple Elder 7 7 32 0 0 0 4 3 7 7 7 7 3 3 9 7 6 4 9 7 11 3 3 3 3 3 3 5 5 5 Total 46 0 14 21 15 17 27 9 9 15 R
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Coastal Dynamics
As the master planning process evolves and various lakefront improvements are being considered for each site, it will be
important to have an understanding of the site conditions, environmental design conditions and coastal dynamics. In
particular, proposed beaches, breakwaters, marinas, dockage systems, shore protection, habitats and other waterfront
improvements will be subject to various environmental factors, including wind, waves, water levels, ice, nearshore
hydrodynamics and sediment transport. These factors can create significant challenges and limit the improvements that are
technically and/or economically feasible, and can withstand the test of time. A brief overview of the challenges associated
with site conditions, environmental design conditions and coastal dynamics is presented below.
Erosion In general, the southwestern shores of Lake Michigan are characterized by bluffs fronted by narrow beaches, with the
nearshore area characterized by intermittent and variable sand cover over glacial till; however, silt, clay or bedrock may also
be encountered. The presence, depth/thickness and extent of these sediments all present unique design challenges and have
cost implications. E
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Along much of the western and southern shores of Lake Michigan including the Winnetka area, the lake bottom consists of
glacial clay till, which is a cohesive mix of materials (sand and stone 15%) bound together by clay (85%). In shallow
nearshore locations, wave energy can cause erosion of the glacial clay till if it is not protected by layer of sand cover thick
enough to prevent wave energy from impacting the lakebed. Once the clay particles erode, the cohesive mixture has no means
of staying together and can move freely in the littoral stream. The loss of lakebed material is called lakebed down-cutting and
is an irreversible process causing permanent deepening of the lakebed. The small quantity of sand and stone which remains
in the littoral stream moves along shore and eventually settles in protected areas of the coast. This process results in larger
storm waves due to deeper water nearshore, a steeper lakebed profile and progressively narrower beaches as the nearshore
lakebed continues to erode. The result is the requirement for larger, more robust structures for shoreline protection and
other waterfront improvements. This process is an important consideration in the design of any waterfront improvements
along the southwest shore of Lake Michigan.
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Historically, erosion occurred nearly continuously along the 19 miles of Illinois Bluff coast from North Chicago south to
Winnetka. Most commonly this erosion occurred by wave action cutting into the toe of the bluff and undermining the bluff
slope. However, the bluffs also erode due to surface and groundwater runoff. 3 This is well documented in historical
photographs, sketches and personal accounts collected over a 115 year period.4 This research depicts active slumping on the
bluff faces which were often devoid of vegetation resulting in a shoreline littered with fallen trees and other debris.5
Considering erosional trends it was determined that the Illinois coast erodes, on average, between 1 foot and 2.5 feet per year.
Although, much of this erosion is likely to have taken place prior to existing shoreline protection, which was largely
implemented during the 1980’s and 1990’s.6 In the period of time since these installations, it was determined that coastal
erosion was only active along roughly 600 feet of the Illinois bluff coast (Chrastowski 2000). Nevertheless, this success is
dependent on the implementation and maintenance of new and existing shoreline protection. Furthermore, the bluff coast
from North Chicago to Winnetka and further south to Evanston is still considered to have the potential for more severe
erosion due to the degree and extent of shore protection being less prominent than elsewhere on the Illinois coast. 7
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Partially due to the recent success of shoreline protection, residents along the Illinois coast often believe erosion has been
arrested or merely occurs during high lake levels.8 Yet, erosion is constantly occurring along the Illinois coast. Changing lake
levels and introduced shoreline protection have merely shifted where this erosion takes place. For instance, during times of
high lake level, the erosion and subsequent impacts can be easily seen as it directly impacts beaches, bluffs and shoreline
Alliance for the great lakes – Coastal erosion and erosion mitigation planning report Ibid 5
Ibid 6
Ibid 7
Ibid 8
Lakota 3
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structures. Conversely, at low lake levels, erosion is almost invisible and has no immediate impact on coastal amenities. Still,
erosion is constantly occurring across the nearshore lakebed because of a reduced volume of littoral sand along the coast.
This reduced volume of sand is suspected to be a result of interrupted littoral sediment transport caused by longstanding
shoreline structures.9 Although unseen, this type of erosion results in the permanent loss of cohesive lakebed material in the
form of glacial till. As a result, deeper water is seen closer to shore as the lakebed profile becomes steeper. This is especially
troublesome because deeper water closer to shore causes larger waves which in turn cause increased erosion during high lake
levels and causes shoreline protection to become increasingly vulnerable. Damage and irregular maintenance to revetments,
riprap, groins, bulkheads and breakwaters can de-stabilize the existing land/water interface. The loss of these structures can
be equally as detrimental as any erosional loss of beach or shoreline area due to their importance in reversing historic
erosional trends along the beach and bluff. 10
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The understanding that improperly constructed shoreline protection is responsible for nearshore lakebed erosion and the fact
that these very same shoreline protections have almost completely reduced bluff erosion can be confusing and contradicting.
There is significant contention amongst the public surrounding the use of shoreline protection structures because of their unnatural appearance. In general, structures that are placed perpendicular and directly parallel to the shoreline cause the
disruption to littoral transportation and altering the sediment budget. Therefore, it’s important to understand that any new
shoreline structures undergo an extensive permitting process primarily by two authorities; Illinois Department of Natural
Resources (DNR), Lake Michigan Management Section and US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Chicago District
Regulatory Branch. In general, these two agencies will permit no projects that disrupt or arrest the movement of littoral
transport along the beachfront or nearshore.11 However, these agencies also understand the importance of shoreline
protection structures for reducing beach and bluff erosion. Therefore, it becomes essential to monitor, maintain, upgrade if
possible and ultimately replace outdated structures in favor of new structures that are engineered to prevent the arrestment of
littoral sand while still providing protection to the beachfront and bluff and balancing the shoreline sediment budget.
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Wind Wind is the primary factor responsible for wave generation. Wind speed, direction, duration and fetch (distance over water)
determines the wave characteristics that can impact a project site. Sustained strong winds from the north and northeast
sectors can produce very large waves in the southern portion of Lake Michigan. Understanding these wave forces is essential
to the proper design of any improvements anticipated along Winnetka’s lakefront.
The figure to the right provides a statistical summary of historical wind speed and direction data for southern Lake Michigan.
The winds are broadly distributed around the compass, with a slight predominance from the SSW and NNE sectors. The
average wind speed during the year is approximately 15 mph, with winds exceeding 25 mph approximately 10% of the time.
Waves As mentioned above, wind is responsible for wave generation, with the most severe wave conditions at Winnetka associated
with N-NE winds. Numerical model estimates of wave heights on Lake Michigan during a recent storm are shown to the
right; during this event, significant wave heights in excess of 20 feet occurred at the south end of the lake. NOAA buoy 45007
provides a long term data base of wave conditions in deep water; the largest recorded wave height at the buoy was 22.9 ft, and
occurred on Sep. 30, 2011. Peak wave heights of 21.5 to 21.8 ft were recorded during storms on Oct. 31, 2011 (Hurricane
Sandy) and Oct. 31, 2014.
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As waves approach the shoreline in the vicinity of the proposed improvements, they will be affected by the presence of the
lake bottom. Specifically, shallow water effects (refraction, shoaling and breaking) result in changes in both wave direction
and height. A site specific understanding of these processes is required for proper design. In general, the nearshore wave
conditions during severe storms will be “depth-limited”, which means that the size of the waves is limited by the water depth.
Alliance for the great lakes – Coastal erosion and erosion mitigation planning report Alliance for the great lakes – Coastal erosion and erosion mitigation planning report 11
Ibid 9
10
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It is anticipated that any water-based improvements envisioned will be located in relatively shallow water, which will be less
costly to develop than deep water sites. However, the potential variation in water levels is a critical design consideration, as
discussed below.
Water Levels As noted above, the design wave conditions in shallow water will be depth-limited. Hence, the prevailing water level, and the
resulting water depth at the location of interest, will limit the maximum wave height and define the design wave forces at each
location. In general, deeper water results in larger waves and greater wave forces. The greater the force of the wave, the more
robust and expensive a proposed improvement will need to be to withstand the force. As such, improvements in shallower
water depths are typically less expensive than improvements in greater water depths. In either case, the potential variation in
water level is a critical design consideration.
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Water levels on Lake Michigan vary on several different time scales in response to climatic factors. Over the long-term, water
levels vary based on changing precipitation and evaporation patterns over the Great Lakes drainage basin. The maximum
monthly mean lake level on record during this period occurred in October 1986 (+4.9 ft LWD), while the minimum occurred
in March 1964 (-1.5 ft LWD).
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In addition to the long-term variations in lake level, seasonal fluctuations take place due to precipitation patterns and spring
runoff. The average seasonal variation on Lake Michigan is approximately one foot, with the maximum lake level generally
occurring in the summer and the minimum in the winter.
Finally, “storm surge” associated with meteorological effects (atmospheric pressure and wind) associated with passing
weather systems can cause short-term, localized changes in water level. Storm surge can result in either a set-up (increase) or
set-down (decrease) of the water surface, and may reach +/-3 ft on Lake Michigan.
A thorough understanding of both long-term and short-term water level variations on Lake Michigan is critical to the
successful planning and design of any proposed waterfront improvements at Winnetka. In particular, the potential range in
water levels (extreme low to extreme high) will be an important consideration with respect to both structural design and
functional performance over the anticipated life of a project.
Ice Ice conditions, and ice-structure interactions, are highly variable, unpredictable, complex and difficult to assess. Horizontal
ice forces due to thermal expansion, waves and wind can be substantial, and may dictate the use of large stone for breakwater
and shoreline structures to prevent displacement and provide the desired protection. These forces can also damage vertical
and piled structures, such as steel, concrete, and timber breakwaters and piers. In addition, vertical ice movement can extract
(“jack”) piles from the lakebed. If necessary, structures can be designed to reduce or eliminate ice movement; de-icing
systems can also be utilized to reduce damage. Given the complexity of ice processes, and the potential for severe damage to
structures, a review and assessment of ice climatology, ice-structure interactions and associated ice loads is an important part
of the design process.
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Nearshore Hydrodynamics
Nearshore hydrodynamics (i.e. water circulation and currents) may be generated by surface water run-off, river discharges,
wind and wave action. Understanding nearshore hydrodynamics can assist with maintaining healthy water circulation/
quality adjacent to proposed waterfront developments, such as marinas and beaches, and may also provide opportunities to
manage sediment transport. Sediment Transport Sediment transport refers to the movement of sediment in the nearshore zone as a result of waves and currents. Over time,
waves can move significant volumes of sediment along a shoreline. Coastal structures, such as groins and jetties, can
significantly impact this natural process by trapping sediment on the updrift side of a structure, thereby creating erosion on
23
the downdrift side. The direction and rate of longshore sediment transport is a function of the wave conditions (height,
period, direction, and duration), the source and size of sediment particles, and ice conditions. In Winnetka, the longshore
sediment transport is primarily from north to south. Due to various factors, the sediment transport rate is in this region is
relatively low. As a result, most projects will have a limited impact, if any, on adjacent shorelines. In many cases, the projects
can be designed to allow natural “bypassing” of sediment past the project.
Cross shore sediment transport, also initiated by wave action, refers to the movement of sediment in the offshore-onshore
direction. Offshore transport generally occurs during storm conditions, and may result in the loss of beach sediments to
deeper water. Onshore transport may occur during milder wave conditions.
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Although sediment transport rates are relatively low at Winnetka, both longshore and cross shore sediment transport
processes can be impacted by the construction of shoreline improvements, with potential impacts to the adjacent (updrift
and downdrift) shorelines and property owners. In areas where sediment accretes, dredging may be a maintenance expense,
while in areas where sediment is eroded, additional shore protection or beach nourishment may be required. The planning
and design of any waterfront improvements, including the creation, restoration or enhancement of beaches, and possible
aquatic and terrestrial habitat improvements, requires a thorough understanding of these sediment transport processes.
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Utilities and Infrastructure
Winnetka Water Plant
The Village of Winnetka built a modern water plant in 1893 complete with pumping stations, water tower and distribution
system. In 1922, a three million gallon per day water treatment plant to purify the lake water was built. Filtered water storage
and low lift pumping facilities were also constructed at the foot of the bluff on Lake Michigan at Tower Road. Various
modifications and additions have been made to the plant piping and process units, so that by 1991, the net capacity of the
plant was 15 million gallons per day.
Lake Michigan is the raw water source for the treatment plant. Water is supplied by a 3000 foot long 20 inch intake and a 30
inch tap into the 1500 foot long 60 inch cooling water intake for the Winnetka Electric Plant. The 30 inch tap is used to
supplement the capacity of the smaller intake which is insufficient to meet Winnetka's needs.
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Winnetka Electric Plant
In 1900 the Village of Winnetka built a publicly owned 50 kilowatt electric plant in conjunction with a water pumping plant at
the lake front. Electricity was generated by small reciprocating engines; service was limited to a few homes, commercial uses
and street lighting. The electric plant has experienced a gradual but steady evolution over the years until it has become a
modern steam and diesel installation
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Electricity generated by the electric plant is transmitted by underground cables from the plant to various load centers. The
entire electrical distribution system is owned and maintained by the Village of Winnetka.
As a member of the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA), the Village purchases its electric power from this not-forprofit consortium of municipal governments. IMEA’s primary purpose is to provide municipally operated electric utilities
with their wholesale power needs. Contractually, IMEA is required to supply 100% of the Village's electric needs, but the
Village receives substantial credits for keeping its power plant operable to supplement the IMEA power supply at times of
peak demand. If necessary, the Village can generate enough power to meet Village demand on all but the very hottest days of
the year.
Hydrology and Stormwater
In Winnetka, the system for collection and treatment of sanitary sewage is separate from the collection system for storm
water. Sanitary sewage is discharged from the Village system into the large intercepting sewers of the Metropolitan Water
Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) and carried to the Northside Sewage Treatment Plant outside
Winnetka’s corporate limits. Stormwater is discharged either east into Lake Michigan or west into the Skokie River. However,
an area west of the railroad tracks along the Green Bay corridor discharges stormwater into an MWRDGC interceptor sewer.
The natural divide for drainage in Winnetka roughly parallels the shore of Lake Michigan, west of the Union Pacific Railroad.
The area east of the divide drains to the lake; the area west drains to the Skokie River.
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Regulating Agencies
Use and development of the lakefront is regulated by a number of different local, state, and federal agencies.
Winnetka Park District regulates use of its lakefront parks through its own set of policy regulations. Park rules regulate the
hours that park properties are open to the public, the types of uses that are allowed at lakefront parks, and
Village of Winnetka
The Village of Winnetka regulates use and development of lakefront property through its zoning code. All lakefront and
ravine properties are zoned R-2. R-2 zoning preserves the area’s small estate character: buildings on properties are generally
subordinate to the landscape.12
The Village of Winnetka also owns a number of right-of-ways that terminate at the lake, including Fisher Lane; Spruce, Elm,
Oak, Cherry and Willow Streets; and Elder Lane. These street ends afford public access to the lake, however, any proposed
improvement or change to these properties or proposed use of these properties for lakefront access or recreational purposes
is subject to the approval of the Village of Winnetka.
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County and State Agencies
County and state level agencies that may regulate land use and development of the Winnetka lakefront include:
 North Cook Soil and Water Conservation District
 Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
 Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)
 Illinois Historic Preservation Association
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Federal Agencies
Federal agencies that may regulate land use and development of the Winnetka lakefront include:
 US Army Corps of Engineers
 US Fish and Wildlife Service
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Winnetka 2020 Comprehensive Plan. 26
Lakefront Parks and Beaches
The Winnetka Park District (WPD) owns and maintains five parks along the Lake Michigan shoreline. These parks are
Tower Road Park, Lloyd Park, Maple Street Park, Elder Lane Park, and Centennial Park. Each park consists of parking areas,
open space, beaches, and other amenities for use by the public.
The Winnetka Park District collects and maintains data related to beach usage. In 2014, 58% of total beach users were
Winnetka residents, and 42% were non-residents, and 94% of season pass holders were Winnetka residents and 6% were nonresidents.
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Tower Road Park
Tower Road Park is located immediately north of the Winnetka Water and Electric Plant. Total area for the park is about 3.75
acres including about 530 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline.
Soils, slopes, and drainage
• Land cover includes mostly trees with a small amount of open space.
Amenities
• Swim beach
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Structures
• The park includes two primary structures; a picnic shelter located at the top of the bluff and a small building at the
base of the bluff.
• Any potential modifications to the infrastructure at the Water and Electric Plant will need to be closely coordinated
with the Winnetka Water and Electric Department.
Utilities
• Large electric and gas utilities are buried immediately north of the service drive which would need to be relocated if
road widening is considered.
• Frequent flooding has been reported at the base of the concrete staircase.
• Survey information for this park includes limited information regarding underground utilities, however water,
sanitary, and electrical utilities are available at the building at the base of the bluff.
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Access and circulation
• Beach access is also available from a pedestrian path leading down the bluff.
• Two areas are available for parking at this site; approximately 50 spaces are available at the main parking area
adjacent to Sheridan Road and approximately 20 spaces are available at beach level adjacent to the Water and
Electric plant intake pond.
• The park is accessible from either Sheridan Road or the Water and Electric Plant service drive.
• The service drive leading down to beach level is approximately 18 feet wide with slopes in excess of 15 percent in
some locations. This road geometry is likely to result in safety issues for cars traveling in opposite directions or
when access is required for emergency vehicles. Road access down to the beach was built primarily for access to the
water plant and not appropriately sized to allow for cars and pedestrians (used aggressively for stroller access to the
beach). The natural drop off location near the boardwalk is a bit of a choke point for cars.
• The concrete staircase is cracked and uneven, likely due to natural slope movement over many years.
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Programs
• Special events hosted at Tower include: the Beach Clean-Up and BBQ (spring), Father’s Day Brunch (spring),
Winnetka Total Fitness Challenge (summer), Water Carnival (summer), Family Campout (summer), Farewell to
Summer Luau (summer), Pumpkins on the Beach (fall)
Key Issues and Opportunities
• Property lines, easements, and setbacks
o Setback from water plant may be required per federal regulations
o Village-owned property
o Private property between Tower and Lloyd
• Infrastructure
o Buried utility lines on the north of driveway
• Facilities
o Beach house in poor condition
• Access and circulation
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Existing controlled access points require staff at multiple entry points
Roadway is narrow for two-way traffic
Pedestrians with strollers use the road to access the beach from the upper level parking lot
The stretch of beach north of Tower, extending to the Ravine public right of way access point is
unobstructed by any shoreline infrastructure, making it a good walking path.
Beach and shoreline
o Tower Beach has a comparatively steep beach profile and heightened wave activity.
o Tower Beach collects less wind-blown sand, the beach sand has a coarse texture.
o Rip currents often form at the shore, perpendicular to the wall structure.
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Lloyd Beach
Lloyd Park is located immediately south of the Winnetka Water and Electric Plant. Total area for the park is about 9.53 acres
including about 720 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline.
The Winnetka Park District also collects and maintains data related to boat launch usage. In 2014, 71% of season launch pass
holders were Winnetka residents and 29% were non-residents.
• The bluff is overgrown and lacks native vegetation on the bluff slope.
• Land cover includes mostly trees with a small amount of open space.
• Lloyd park beach is the most challenging of the Winnetka lakefront parks when it comes to the effects of changing
Lake Michigan water levels. In the past two years the park has experienced the effects of record low water levels
along with record storms (accretion and erosion).
Amenities
• There have been multiple engineering assessments of the infrastructure and exposure of the Lloyd boat ramp.
• Lloyd Park needs a traffic pattern and basic amenities for the launch staff (currently bring down office chairs and
buckets and store personal items in their cars).
Structures
• A small building and two small storage sheds are located at the base of the bluff.
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• The park includes approximately 65 parking spaces at the top of the bluff.
• Beach access is available from a concrete drive that begins at the top of the bluff and ends at a concrete boat ramp on
the north side of the beach. Concrete stairs provide pedestrian access from the top of the bluff to beach level.
• The concrete staircase is slightly uneven, likely due to natural slope movement over many years.
• The service drive leading down to beach level is approximately 18 feet wide with slopes of approximately 10
percent. This road geometry is likely to result in safety issues for cars traveling in opposite directions or when access
is required for emergency vehicles. Pavement is in relatively good condition. GHA understands this pavement was
replaced within the last 2-3 years.
Utilities
• A water main easement is located along the top of the bluff south of the concrete drive and continues along the
concrete drive to the north property line. This easement will need to be considered if development is proposed in
these areas.
• A storm sewer is located along the south end of the property that discharges at lake level near the concrete
breakwater identified on the survey. This discharge should be inspected further to determine alternatives for the
discharge point that would be more aesthetic, improve water quality, and minimize required maintenance.
• Survey information for this park includes limited information regarding underground utilities, however water,
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Programs
• Special events hosted at Lloyd include: the Leprechaun Leap (spring), the Chili Cook Off and Dessert Bake Off
(spring), Beach Clean-Up and BBQ (spring), the Winnetka Total Fitness Challenge (summer), and the Haunted
Trail of Terror (fall)
•
Property lines, easements, and setbacks
o Utility easements
•
Infrastructure
o No phone lines
•
Facilities
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•
•
•
o Launch basin fills with sand and requires frequent dredging
o Boat house in poor condition
o Roadway is narrow for two-way traffic
o Pedestrians use the road to access the beach from the upper level parking lot
o No formal pedestrian access route to south end of beach
Beach and shoreline
o Lloyd Beach has a comparatively shallow sand profile.
o Lloyd Beach collects more wind-blown sand, therefore the beach sand has a finer texture.
o Lloyd beach loses a large amount of beach during periods of high lake levels.
Program
o Conflict of uses occurs at Lloyd, especially between personal watercraft and non-motorized watercraft.
o Demand exceeds the supply of both motorized and non-motorized boat storage at Lloyd.
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Maple Street Beach
Maple Street Park is located approximately 500 feet south of Lloyd Park. Total area for the park is about 3.00 acres including
about 240 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline.
 Land cover includes mostly open space with a small number of trees. Concrete stairs provide pedestrian access
from the top of the bluff to beach level
 The bluff at Maple has become overgrown which limits the view and increases soil creep. The amount of shade also
contributes to growth and leaf debris on the steep access road.
Structures
 A small concrete pier is located at the north end of the beach. The existing steel sheetpile and concrete pier, while
industrial and stable in nature, does provide a nice albeit hard seating area for lake viewing.
 A small building is located at the base of the bluff.
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 The park includes approximately 13 parking spaces at the top of the bluff.
 Beach access is available from a concrete drive that begins at the top of the bluff and ends on the south side of the
beach.
 The service drive leading down to beach level is approximately 10 feet wide with slopes of approximately 13
is required for emergency vehicles.
 Pedestrian access has been renovated in the last 4-5 years and are in relatively good condition.
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Utilities
 Survey information for this park includes limited information regarding underground utilities, however water,
Programs
 Renting Maple is easy given the small size of the park and easy monitoring of beach activities.
 Special events hosted at Maple include the Beach Clean-Up and BBQ (spring) and the Winnetka Total Fitness
Challenge (summer)
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Elder Lane Park
Elder Lane Park is located immediately northeast of New Trier High School. Total area for the park is about 4.56 acres
including about 410 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline. Elder is a great child swimming beach given the shallow water depth
almost to the end of the modular concrete pier. Unfortunately Elder is sometimes the dirtiest of the Winnetka beaches.
 Land cover includes mostly open space with a small number of trees. The park includes approximately 65 parking
spaces at the top of the bluff.
 Erosion is a problem that is going to need a solution or the bluff will continue to break away each year. The entire
side of the bluff is overgrown with scrub trees and weeds and is very unsightly. Plantings and ground cover is needed
to stop or reduce the run off of soil due to rain and snow. The bottom of the bluff will need a more substantial seawall of some type to reduce the damage caused by the lake.
 Stormwater regularly enters the building under the south door. This is likely due to the orientation of the access
drive as stormwater runoff is directed at the south side of the building.
Amenities
 Swim beach
 A playground is located at the top of the bluff near the parking area.
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Structures
 Two steel groins and one concrete pier project from the beach into the lake. The existing steel groins that help hold
the beach are deteriorating and tipping, as is the modular concrete pier over the stormwater outfall.
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 At times when New Trier High School is in session, parking is available to students from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. for all
spaces except the 3 standard spaces and 2 handicap spaces on the far east side of the lot.
 Beach access is available from an asphalt drive that begins at the top of the bluff and ends at a small building in the
middle of the beach.
 Concrete stairs provide pedestrian access from the top of the bluff to beach level.
 The service drive leading down to beach level is approximately 10 feet wide with slopes of approximately 15
is required for emergency vehicles.
Utilities
 The current Village of Winnetka Stormwater Master Plan includes a proposed large diameter storm sewer outfall at
the east end of Willow Road approximately 450 feet north of Elder Lane Park.
 Survey information for this park includes limited information regarding underground utilities, however water,
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Programs and Events
Special events hosted at Elder include Beach Clean-Up and BBQ (spring) and the Winnetka Total Fitness Challenge
(summer)
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Centennial Park
Centennial Park is located immediately northeast of New Trier High School and immediately south of Elder Lane Park.
Total area for the park is about 5.22 acres including about 550 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline. Land cover includes mostly
open space with a small number of trees. A buried foundation covers much of the parks open space footprint. This
foundation will need to be considered if development is proposed in affected areas.
Structures
 Two steel groins project from the beach into the lake.
Access and Circulation
 The park does not include beach access for vehicles.
 The park includes approximately 11 parking spaces at the top of the bluff. Concrete stairs provide pedestrian access
from the top of the bluff to beach level.
 This park has great potential for local bike riders as it is inline with access to the Green Bay Trail.
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Utilities
Survey information for this park includes limited information regarding underground utilities, however water, sanitary, and
electrical utilities are available from Sheridan Road.
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Envision
Planning and Policy Initiatives
• Formalize a policy dedicating Lloyd beach as Winnetka Park District’s beach for power boats
• Formalize a policy directive regarding land acquisition on the lakefront, specifically addressing:
o Acquisition of the property between Elder and Centennial
o Periodically assess the potential for adaptive re-use of the power plant
o The potential to increase lakefront accessibility through the strategic transfer of riparian rights
(Periodically assess the potential for connectivity between Tower Road Beach and Lloyd Beach)
• Continue to monitor community recreational needs and alternative uses for lakefront parks
• Carry out an accessibility audit of lakefront parks, and implement a plan for recommended improvements
• Carry out a parking study and consider operational changes
• Develop and enact a marketing campaign to promote lakefront parks and amenities
• Formalize a policy regarding concessions, food service, and beverage service. Encourage participation of local
vendors.
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Maintenance and Operations Initiatives
• Enact and implement sustainability and best management strategies
• Create and implement standards for site furnishings at lakefront parks
• Create and implement a water trail signage program
• Create and implement a trail signage program
• Develop an operations plan including revenue goals, development of itemized cost estimates, sources of funding,
and permitting requirements
• Volunteer stewardship program, advancing the relationship with environmental organizations and garden clubs, to
help manage sensitive bluff and shoreline ecosystems.
• Develop and implement a shoreline protection and sand management plan.
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Programming Initiatives
Lakefront Open Space System-wide Improvements
 Lakefront adventure course / fitness course
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Tower Road Beach
The proposed plan for Tower Road Beach addresses the challenges and opportunities
Programming
 Swimming beach
 Upgrade food and beverage concessions, encouraging partnerships with local vendors.
General Site Improvements
 Demolition and site preparation:
o Remove existing beach house
o Remove existing flatwork at beach
o Remove existing beach playground
o Remove existing picnic shelter
 Landscape improvements
 Sign program implementation (allowance)
 Site furnishing and lighting program implementation (allowance)
 Accessibility improvements, per ADA audit (allowance)*
 Stormwater detention improvements (allowance)
 Utility upgrades
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Access Improvements
Shoreline Improvements+
 Rubblemound breakwater structure
 Backshore rubblemound revetment
 Concrete "breakwater promenade" (8' width)
 Breakwater overlook
 Beach sand backfill (3.5' depth over proposed beach area)
Beach Improvements
 Beach playground
 Beach terrace (firepit)
 Boardwalk improvements (10' width)
 Parking expansion (Pavement, curb, Lighting, storm sewer)
 Dune landscape restoration
 Develop a continuous boardwalk
 Re-locate and renovate the beach playground
 Construct a new beach house with concessions, outdoor terrace, and fire-pit.
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Facility Improvements
 New beach house (concessions, bathrooms, showers, lifeguard office, storage)
 Lifeguard station
Bluff and Tableland Improvements
 Bluff restoration (selective clearing, planting, and erosion control)
 Fitness area terrace (w/ outdoor fitness equipment)
 Exercise stairs / vertical trail
 New tableland picnic shelter
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
Construct new fitness area with a “vertical trail”
Relocate the picnic shelter
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Lloyd Beach
Programming
 Provide a rental program for non-motorized boats and paddle boards.
 Provide food concessions, encouraging partnerships with local vendors.
 Develop new partnerships with local rowing clubs, provide space for their operations and explore options for new
program offerings.
 Develop programs like a boat valet service or boat-sharing program to help promote use of the facility by residents
who do not store their boat on site.
 Demolition and site preparation (allowance)
o Remove chain-link fence and gate along Sheridan Road.
o Remove existing groin at south end of beach
o Remove existing beach house
o Remove existing boat storage area / racks
o Remove existing parking lot
 Accessibility improvements, per ADA audit (allowance)
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Access Improvements
 Develop a new, improved roadway system to improve safety and efficiency of boat launch access.
 Develop a new walking trail providing pedestrian access to the south end of the beach.
 Construct a water-trail stop.
Shoreline Improvements
 Rebuild groin (10' width)
 Rubblemound breakwater structure
 Backshore rubblemound revetment
 Beach sand backfill (3-4' depth over proposed beach area)
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Beach Improvements
 Improve and expand storage for non-motorized water craft.
 Improve and expand storage for personal water craft.
 Beach terrace
 Expanded boat launch (boat drop basin)
 Secure power boat / personal water craft storage area (includes fencing, paving, racks)
 Secure non-motorized water craft storage area (includes paving, racks)
 Develop upper level beach overlooks.
 Develop a nature-based playground area.
 Improve picnic areas, including a new fire pit.
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







Bluff restoration (selective clearing, planting, and erosion control)
South beach access stairs and overlook
South beach access path 10' width (asphalt)
Picnic area improvements (north and central areas, fire pit and specialty site furnishings)
Vehicular circulation improvements
Retaining walls
Parking expansion - vehicle (Pavement, curb, Lighting, storm sewer)
Parking expansion - trailer (Pavement, curb, Lighting, storm sewer)
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 Expand capa city of existing boat launch with new “boat-drop” and new boat basin (long term)
 Construct new accessory buildings including a small boat launch office and rental facility.
 Construct a new, multi-purpose beach house (beach-level restrooms, showers, and storage; bluff-level community
room, dining venue, and outdoor terrace) with integrated beach-level boat storage.
 Boat launch office
o Office space
 New 3-story beach house
o Event space
o Kitchen
o Storage
o Roof terrace
o Restrooms
o Rental window
o Office
 Covered power boat storage
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Maple Street Beach
 Accessibility improvements, per ADA audit (allowance)
 Accessible pedestrian route from tableland to beach (8' asphalt path)
 Improve existing beach house and event space
 Re-surface and improve existing pier
 Improve existing boardwalk
Shoreline Improvements
 Sheet pile groin
 Backshore rubble mound revetment
 Beach sand backfill (3-4' depth over proposed beach area)
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Beach Improvements
 Existing pier enhancements (structural improvements, resurfacing) (allowance)
 Elder Lane Beach
 Bluff restoration (selective clearing, planting, and erosion control)
 Parking expansion (Pavement, curb, Lighting, storm sewer)
 Maple Street Beach house Improvements
o Renovate bathrooms
o Renovate event space

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Lifeguard station
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Elder Lane Beach
Planning and Policy
 Convert Elder Lane Beach to dedicated, non-motorized boating beach.
Programming
 Provide a rental program for non-motorized boats and paddle boards.
 Develop new partnerships with local rowing clubs, provide space for their operations and explore options for new
program offerings.
 Seek partnership opportunities for programming environmental, and explore options for developing new Lake
Michigan-oriented science curriculum for local students.
Access Improvements
 Construct a water-trail stop.
 Expand surface parking between Centennial and Elder.
 Improve pedestrian access from tableland to beach.
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Beach Improvements
 Work with the Village of Winnetka to re-direct stormwater discharge off of the beach, integrating best management
practices and pre-treatment solutions.
 Improve and expand storage for non-motorized water craft.
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 Improve Elder Lane Beach house and event space.
 Expand Elder Lane Beach house as lakefront lab for education and lakefront interpretation.
Centennial Beach
Planning and Policy
 Convert Centennial Beach to swimming beach, relocate the dog park to alternate location within the Village of
Winnetka.
 Construct a new restroom building.
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Implement
Costs
Comprehensive documentation and understanding of the site conditions is a critical first step in the planning and design of
any waterfront improvement, including topography and bathymetry, shoreline and nearshore lakebed characteristics,
subsurface conditions, and existing structures. For structures located in shallow water (at Winnetka, generally less than 30
ft), the nearshore lakebed bathymetry, along with water levels, will generally control the design wave conditions. The cost of
coastal structures is extremely sensitive to water depth and wave conditions, with deeper water resulting in increased
exposure (i.e. more severe wave conditions), more robust design requirements and increased material quantities to achieve a
particular level of performance. Hence, the cost of coastal structures increases significantly as the water depth increases. As
such, it is important to have reliable bathymetric data to allow the development of improvement concepts that are technically
and economically feasible.
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1

Site furnishing and lighting program implementation
Tower Road Beach: Shoreline Improvements
1

Pier improvements (electric plant lagoon north wall)
1

Rubblemound breakwater structure
$$$$$$

$$$$$$

$$$$$$
Dependent on shoreline improvements?

(permitting, approvals, community buy‐in)

Level of effort
Revenue generator?
$$$$$$
Partnership opportunity?
Tower Road Beach: Program and Operations Improvements
1

Provide food concessions via partnerships with local restaurants / food trucks
Tower Road Beach: General Site Improvements
1

Sign program implementation
Grant opportunity?
Cost (construction, soft costs)
Supports plan goals?
(1 = highest priority / near‐term implementation)
LAC Priority? Tower Road Beach
low
Partnership with private operator, local preference
low
May be eligible for ICMP Sustainable Coastal Planning Grant, Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) funding*
low
[WPD Operational budget item]
high
Requires permission of / partnership with Village of Winnetka
high
Includes minimum amount of shoreline structure required to improve quality and profile of swimming beach and reduce rip currents; may be eligible for Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Resteration (GLFER) Program funding (US Army Corps of Engineers); requires sensitivity to aesthetics of structure; requires federal, state, and local permitting
low
Restoration projects may be eligible for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grants (USEPA), National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grants, US Fish and Wildlife grants, Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Resteration (GLFER) Program; Garden club / volunteer steward partnership opportunity
$$$$$$

$$$$$$

Beach terrace (w/ firepit)
Remove existing flatwork at beach
$$$$$$

medium
Lifeguard stations
Beach‐level parking expansion (Pavement, curb, Lighting, storm sewer)
$$$$$$


medium
Backshore rubblemound revetment
Concrete "breakwater promenade" (8' width)
Breakwater overlook
Beach sand backfill (3.5' depth over proposed beach area)
Tower Road Beach: Beach Improvements
1

Dune landscape restoration
1

1
2


$$$$$$

low
Remove existing beach playground
2

Beach playground
3

Boardwalk improvements (10' width)
Tower Road Beach: Park Land Improvements (Tableland and Bluff)
1

Bluff restoration (selective clearing, planting, and erosion control)
$$$$$$
$$$$$$


$$$$$$

2

Improve staircase, construct exercise stairs / vertical trail
3

Fitness area terrace (w/ outdoor fitness equipment)
3

New tableland picnic shelter
Tower Road Beach: Park Facility Improvements (Buildings)
2

New beach house
$$$$$$
$$$$$$



$$$$$$

$$$$$$

notes
Gas firepit required per Village ordinance, may be eligible for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grants (OSLAD)*
Standard for lifeguard stations to be defined as part of site furnishing standards
Construction may require coordination with Village, May be eligible for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grants (OSLAD)*
low
May be eligible for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grants (OSLAD)*
low
low
medium
low
low
medium
Concessions
Bathrooms
Showers
Storage
Lifeguard office
Remove existing beach house
$$$$$$ 0 ‐ $250,000; $$$$$$ $250,000 ‐ $500,000; $$$$$$ $500,000 ‐ $1,000,000; $$$$$$ $1,000,000 ‐ $3,000,000; $$$$$$ $3,000,000 ‐ $5,000,000 *grant source funded by State of Illinois
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1
 Site furnishing and lighting program implementation (allowance)
Lloyd Beach: Shoreline Improvements
1
 Rubblemound breakwater structure ‐ PH 1 improvement
$$$$$$
$$$$$$
$$$$$$
$$$$$$
$$$$$$

$$$$$$
$$$$$$

Remove existing groin at south end of beach
Rebuild groin (10' width)
Beach sand backfill (3‐4' depth over proposed beach area)
Expand boat launch (boat drop)
$$$$$$

Boat basin
$$$$$$

Lloyd Beach: Beach Improvements
1
 Dune landscape restoration
$$$$$$


Water trail stop
$$$$$$
$$$$$$



Beach terrace (w/ firepit)
Remove existing flatwork at beach
Secure non‐motorized water craft storage area (includes paving, racks)
$$$$$$
Remove existing boat storage area / racks
Secure power boat / personal water craft storage area (includes fencing, paving, racks)
$$$$$$
2

3

1
1
1
1





Boardwalk improvements (10' width)
2
Lloyd Beach: Park Land Improvements (Tableland and Bluff)
1
 Bluff restoration (selective clearing, planting, and erosion control)
$$$$$$


$$$$$$













level of effort
Revenue generator?
$$$$$$
Lloyd Beach: Program, Operations, and Policy Improvements
1
 Expand program offerings and partnerships with local rowing / sailing clubs
1
 Provide a rental program for non‐motorized boats and paddle boards
1
 Provide food concessions via partnerships with local restaurants / food trucks
2
 Provide a boat‐sharing program
2
 Provide a boat‐valet service
Lloyd Beach: General Site Improvements
1
 Sign program implementation (allowance)
Grant opportunity?
cost (construction, soft costs)
LAC Priority? Lloyd Beach
notes
low
medium
low
medium
medium
low
low
[WPD Operational budget item] high
Includes minimum amount of shoreline structure required to improve beach and protect constructed improvements; requires sensitivity to aesthetics of structure; may be eligible for Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Resteration (GLFER) Program funding (US Army Corps of Engineers); requires federal, state, and local permitting
high
PH 2 improvement; may be eligible for Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Resteration (GLFER) Program funding (US Army Corps of Engineers); requires sensitivity to aesthetics of structure; requires federal, state, and local permitting
PH 3 improvement; may be eligible for Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Resteration (GLFER) Program funding (US Army Corps of Engineers); requires sensitivity to aesthetics of structure; requires federal, state, and local permitting
high
low
low
medium

Gas firepit required per Village ordinance, may be eligible for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grants (OSLAD)*

low

low
Interim plan: before covered boat storage can be constructed, expand secured surface‐grade storage for power boats
low

low
low
Partnership opportunity with Backyard Nature Center; may be eligible for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grants (OSLAD)*
1

Nature‐based play area
$$$$$$
1
1


Vehicular circulation improvements, retaining walls
$$$$$$
high
Parking expansion ‐ vehicle and trailer (Pavement, curb, Lighting, storm sewer)
$$$$$$
low
Remove existing parking
South beach access stairs and overlook
$$$$$$
medium
$$$$$$
low
$$$$$$
low
1

1
 Improve perimeter fencing
2
 Picnic area improvements (north and central areas, specialty site furnishings)
Lloyd Beach: Park Facility Improvements (Buildings)
1
 Seasonal shelter for launch office
1
 New beach house (concessions, bathrooms, showers, office, storage)
1

Remove existing beach house
Event space
Kitchen
Roof terrace
Restrooms
Office
Storage
Covered power boat storage (lower level of beach house building)
$$$$$$


$$$$$$

$$$$$$
low


high


high

May be eligible for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grants (OSLAD)*; opportunity for partnership with private operator (boat share, sailing club, rowing club, etc.)
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1
Maple Street Beach: Shoreline Improvements
1
 Re‐surface and improve existing pier
3

Re‐build south breakwater



Level of effort
Revenue generator?
$$$$$$
Maple Street Beach: Program, Operations, and Policy Improvements
3
 Expand concessions at Maple Street beach house
Maple Street Beach: General Site Improvements
1
Grant opportunity?
Cost (construction, soft costs)
LAC Priority? Maple Street Beach
notes
low
low
$$$$$$
low
[WPD Operational budget item] $$$$$$
low
[WPD Operational budget item] high
Includes minimum amount of shoreline structure required to replace existing structure and maintain beach; requires sensitivity to aesthetics of structure; may be eligible for Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Resteration (GLFER) Program funding (US Army Corps of Engineers); requires federal, state, and local permitting
low
low
low
low
$$$$$$
$$$$$$

$$$$$$

$$$$$$
$$$$$$

$$$$$$

$$$$$$

Sheetpile groin
Maple Street Beach: Beach Improvements
1

1
 Lifeguard stations
1
 Boardwalk improvements (10' width)
Maple Street Beach: Park Land Improvements (Tableland and Bluff)
1
Maple Street Beach: Park Facility Improvements (Buildings)
3
 Improve existing beach house event space



[WPD Operational budget item] low
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

$$$$$$
$$$$$$
$$$$$$
$$$$$$





level of effort
Revenue generator?
Grant opportunity?



$$$$$$
(construction, soft costs)
Elder Lane Beach: Program, Operations, and Policy Improvements
1
 Dedicate north half of beach as non‐motorized boating beach
1
 Establish partnerships for environmental educational programming
2
 Dedicate full beach as non‐motorized boating beach
2
 Expand program offerings and partnerships with local rowing / sailing clubs
2
 Provide a rental program for non‐motorized boats and paddle boards
Elder Lane Beach: General Site Improvements
1
1
1
$$$$$$
cost Supports plan goals?
(1 = highest priority / near‐term LAC Priority? Elder Lane Beach
notes
Interim plan
low
low
low



low
medium

low
low
[WPD Operational budget item] Site furnishing and lighting program implementation (allowance)
$$$$$$
Stormwater management improvements
$$$$$$

medium
$$$$$$

high
PH 1 (north property line); includes minimum amount of shoreline structure required to replace existing structures, maintain beach and protect constructed improvements; requires sensitivity to aesthetics of structure; may be eligible for Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Resteration (GLFER) Program funding (US Army Corps of Engineers); requires federal, state, and local permitting
$$$$$$

low
low
Requires partnership with Village.
Constructed wetland
Storm sewer improvements
Elder Lane Beach: Shoreline Improvements
1
 Rubblemound breakwater structure
Remove existing stormwater outfall & pier
Remove sheet pile groins
Elder Lane Beach: Beach Improvements
1

1
 Secure non‐motorized water craft storage area (includes paving, racks)
1
 Water trail stop
1
Elder Lane Beach: Park Land Improvements (Tableland and Bluff)
1
$$$$$$
2
 Expand surface parking
Elder Lane Beach: Park Facility Improvements (Buildings)
3
 Existing boat house improvements
$$$$$$
$$$$$$




low
low
[WPD Operational budget item] low

low
Potential partnership opportunity with New Trier; revenue generation via New Trier parking permits

low
$$$$$$
$$$$$$
$$$$$$




Lakefront lab space / classroom space
Restrooms
Event space
Rental window / office
46

1
Centennial Beach: Shoreline Improvements
1
 Rubblemound breakwater structure
$$$$$$
low
[WPD Operational budget item] PH 1 (south property line); includes minimum amount of shoreline structure required to replace existing structures, improve beach and protect constructed improvements; requires sensitivity to aesthetics of structure; may be eligible for Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Resteration (GLFER) Program funding (US Army Corps of Engineers); requires federal, state, and local permitting
PH 1 (north property line); includes minimum amount of shoreline structure required to replace existing structures, improve beach and protect constructed improvements; requires sensitivity to aesthetics of structure; may be eligible for Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Resteration (GLFER) Program funding (US Army Corps of Engineers); requires federal, state, and local permitting
PH 2 (north property line); dependent on property acquisition; includes minimum amount of shoreline structure required to improve beach and protect constructed improvements; requires sensitivity to aesthetics of structure; may be eligible for Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Resteration (GLFER) Program funding (US Army Corps of Engineers); requires federal, state, and local permitting

high
$$$$$$

high
$$$$$$

high
$$$$$$

1
 Lifeguard stations
3
Centennial Beach: Park Land Improvements (Tableland and Bluff)
1
$$$$$$
$$$$$$


$$$$$$

3
 Vehicular circulation improvements, retaining walls
Centennial Beach: Park Facility Improvements (Buildings)
2
 Construct a new upper‐level restroom building
2
 Renovate single‐family home into new beachfront event space
3
 New beach house (concessions, bathrooms, showers, lifeguard office, storage)
$$$$$$
2

Requires relocation of dog run to alternate open space within the Village
low
$$$$$$

notes
high
medium
New sheetpile groin
1
$$$$$$


level of effort


$$$$$$
Revenue generator?
Grant opportunity?
Centennial Beach: Program, Operations, and Policy Improvements
1
 Property acquisition
1
 Dedicate beach as swimming beach
Centennial Beach: General Site Improvements
1
$$$$$$
(1 = highest priority / near‐term LAC Priority? Centennial Beach
Centennial Beach: Beach Improvements
1


low
low
low
low
medium


$$$$$$
$$$$$$
$$$$$$





[WPD Operational budget item] 
high
high
low


Concessions
Bathrooms
Showers
Storage
Lifeguard office
47
Overall Lakefront: Land Management
3
 Periodically explore the potential for future adaptive re‐use of the power plant
1
 Periodically assess the potential for connectivity between Lloyd and Tower beach
1
 Periodically assess the potential for strategic property acquisition / access easements
low
$$$$$$



$$$$$$

low
$$$$$$

low
$$$$$$




medium




medium

medium
$$$$$$

medium

medium
$$$$$$
$$$$$$
level of effort
Revenue generator?
Grant opportunity?
(1 = highest priority / near‐term LAC Priority? Overall Lakefront
notes
low
low
Acquisition of riparian rights at key locations to connect public lakefront properties
Acquisition of property between Centennial and Elder
Overall Lakefront: Lakefront Land Use Planning
1
 Formalize a policy regarding the use of beaches
1

Lloyd as dedicated motorized / non‐motorized boating beach
Elder as dedicated non‐motorized boating beach
Tower, Maple, and Centennial as dedicated swimming beaches
Continue to monitor community recreational needs and consider alternative uses for lakefront parks
Pet recreation needs
Non‐motorized boating needs
Swimming needs
Other
Overall Lakefront: Operational Planning
1
 Develop a business plan for Lloyd beach boating operations and event space
1
 Develop a buisiness plan for Centennial Beach event space
1
 Develop an overall operations plan for the lakefront
1
 Formalize a policy regarding lakefront concessions
$$$$$$
$$$$$$
$$$$$$
medium
medium
low
Food service at beach houses
Food trucks / carts
Equipment rentals
Overall Lakefront: Infrastructure Planning
1
 Create a system wide adventure fitness trail program utilizing new trail and recreational facilities
1
 Carry out an accessibility audit of lakefront parks, and implement a plan for recommended improvements
2
 Carry out a parking study and consider operational changes
1
 Create and implement standards for site furnishings
Benches
Trash receptacles
Fencing / Railings
Lighting
Lifeguard stations
Bike racks
Create and implement a water and land trail signage program
1

Overall Lakefront: Environmental Stewardship Planning
1
 Develop a lakefront volunteer stewardship program
$$$$$$
$$$$$$

$$$$$$
$$$$$$
$$$$$$
1

Enact a selective clearing and tree removal program to help open views to the lake
$$$$$$
1
1


Develop sustainability and best management standards
$$$$$$
Develop and implement a shoreline protection and sand management plan
$$$$$$



medium
medium
medium
medium
medium
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Board Summary
Date:
December 17, 2015
To:
Subject:
Ordinance # 541 – 2015 Tax Levy
From:
Robert Farmer, Business Manager
Summary:
Attached is Ordinance # 541 for the 2015 levy of taxes for the Winnetka Park District. By law,
the approved tax levy ordinance must be filed with the Cook County Clerk not later than the last
Tuesday in December, which falls this year on December 29.
Recommendation
Staff recommends Board approval of Ordinance # 541.
End.
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ORDINANCE # 541
AN ORDINANCE FOR THE LEVY OF TAXES
FOR THE WINNETKA PARK DISTRICT FOR 2015
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS OF THE WINNETKA PARK
DISTRICT, COUNTY OF COOK, STATE OF ILLINOIS, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The sum of Five Million, Twenty Thousand, Six Hundred Forty Four Dollars ($5,020,644), or so
much money as may be authorized by law, is hereby assessed and levied for the anticipated objects and purposes
specified against all taxable property within the limits of the Winnetka Park District at full, fair cash value as the
same is assessed and equalized for State and County purposes, for 2015. Hereafter set forth are the specific
amounts levied for each object and purpose:
I.
The amount to be raised by Tax Levy for Corporate Purposes:
(Authority 70 ILCS 1205/5-1).
Salaries
Supplies
Services
Repairs and Maintenance
Utilities
Capital Projects
Debt Service
$1,253,655
205,201
587,754
173,441
86,425
191,965
437,441
Total Levy for Corporate Fund:
$2,935,882
II. The amount to be raised by Tax Levy for Recreation Purposes:
Salaries
Supplies
Services
Repairs and Maintenance
Utilities
Capital Projects
Total Levy for Recreation Fund:
$436,767
133,333
252,274
37,990
13,634
5,682
$879,680
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III.
The amount to be raised by Tax Levy for Insurance:
Worker’s Compensation Insurance
Liability Insurance
$ 74,548
165,363
Total Levy for Insurance:
IV.
$ 239,911
The amount to be raised by Tax Levy for Audit Expenses:
(Authority 50 ILCS 310/9).
Audit Expenses
$21,687
Total Levy for Audit Fund:
V.
$
253,806
$ 253,806
Total Levy for Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund:
The amount to be raised by Tax Levy for Employer's Social Security
Contributions: (Authority 40 ILCS 5/7-171 and 40 ILCS 5/21-110).
FICA Contribution
$471,353
Total Levy for Employer's Social Security Contributions:
VII.
21,687
The amount to be raised by Tax Levy for Illinois Municipal
Retirement Purposes: (Authority 40 ILCS 5/7-171).
IMRF Contribution
VI.
$
$ 471,353
The amount to be raised by Tax Levy for Handicapped
Purposes: (Authority 70 ILCS 1205/5-8).
Payment of Park District's share of the expense
for the Northern Suburban Special Recreation
Association
$ 218,325
Total Levy for Handicapped Fund:
$
218,325
TOTAL AMOUNT LEVIED
$5,020,644
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SUMMARY
Total Tax Levy for General Corporate Purposes:
$2,935,882
Total Tax Levy for Recreation Purposes:
Total Tax Levy for Insurance Purposes:
Worker’s Compensation Insurance
Liability Insurance
879,680
$74,548
163,363
Total Tax Levy for Audit Expenses:
239,911
21,687
Total Tax Levy for Illinois Municipal Retirement Purposes:
253,806
Total Tax Levy for Employer's Social Security Contributions:
471,353
Total Tax Levy for Special Recreation Purposes:
218,325
TOTAL AMOUNT LEVIED:
$5,020,644
SECTION 2. Pursuant to Section 4-4 of the Park District Code (70 ILCS 1205/4-4), neither the Budget and
Appropriation Ordinance of the District for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2015 and ending December 31,
2015 nor any other budget and appropriation ordinance is intended or required to be in support of the tax levy
made in this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That forthwith upon the passage of this ordinance, it shall be the duty of the Secretary of this
Board to file in the Office of the County Clerk of Cook County, Illinois, a copy of this ordinance properly
certified by said Secretary as to its enactment accompanied by the certificate of the presiding officer as to
compliance with the Truth in Taxation Law, all within the time specified by law, and said County Clerk is
hereby directed to extend the tax to produce the amounts levied herein, as provided by law.
SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect immediately on and after its adoption as required
by law.
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ADOPTED this 17th day of December 2015, pursuant to a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: _________________________________________________________
NAYS: _________________________________________________________
ABSTENTIONS: ________________________________________________
ABSENT AND NOT VOTING: ____________________________________
APPROVED this 17th day of December 2015.
__________________________
Brad McLane, President
Board of Park Commissioners
ATTEST:
____________________________
Robert Smith, Secretary
Board of Park Commissioners
53
Staff Reports
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
December 11, 2015
Winnetka Park District Board of Commissioners
Staff Reports – December 17, 2015 Meeting
ADMINISTRATION
Bob Farmer, Chief Financial Officer
At the December 17th, 2015 Board meeting staff will present the finalized 2015 Tax Levy to the
Board. The total levy of $5,020,644 represents a 2.94% increase over last year’s levy. The 2015
Tax Levy Ordinance, once approved by the Board will be filed with the County on Friday,
December 18, 2015.
At the beginning of December, the District paid $471,881.25 in principal and interest on the
2011 Tax Debt Certificates and $212,538.75 in principal and interest on the 2014 General
Obligation Limited Tax Bonds and on December 31, 2015, the District will pay 62,992.50 in
principle and interest on the 2014 Tax Debt Certificates.
In November, the Second Session Permanent Court Time billing was sent out. The due date for
this billing is in early January.
Edna Alvord, Systems Administrator
Due to several unanticipated layout changes, the timeline for the website development project
has been pushed back. The website launch will now be on January 27, 2016.
Excalibur Technologies is currently building the website templates and converting them to
WordPress. Staff training will begin the week of December 14th and testing of the working
website is scheduled the week of January 5th.
Libby Baker, Administrative Manager/Safety Coordinator
Safety Committee
The Safety Committee met on December 9. Topics included; review of facility inspections and
incident reports, program waivers and training opportunities. The next meeting is January 20,
2016.
Training
November 20: Paul Schwartz, Bob Farmer, Bob Smith, Kevin Rutherford and I attended
PDRMA’s Risk Management Institute at the Tinley Park Convention Center. Over 300 park and
recreation professionals from Illinois were in attendance. Session topics included: Supermarket
Smarts, 10-20 Years of Extra Life -- The Choice is Yours!, The Hidden Forces that Keep Us
Silent in the Face of Danger, The Buried Truth Uncovered, Why Great Places to Work Have
54
Wellness Programs, Make the Most of Your Risk Management Ideas, Pre-planning for a
Property Disaster, Your Liability Prevention and Control Toolkit, You Own the Risk Pool –
Reviewing the PDRMA Owner’s Manual.
December 2: I attended a workshop titled Implementing Building Intruder and Facility
Lockdown Procedures. Ironically, the San Bernadino shooting was happening at the same time.
The workshop was very interesting and we will be doing some internal training in the near
future. Topics included: a discussion of building evacuations vs. sheltering in place,
consideration of practical security features and procedures, tips and strategies for implementing
building lockdown procedures, and a hands-on practice and skill reinforcement for conducting a
facility lockdown.
NSSRA
Camp Wigwam, NSSRA’s annual trip to camp in Waterford Maine, will be awarded the
Program of the Year by ITRS (Illinois Therapeutic Recreation Section) at the annual IAPD/IPRA
Conference. NSSRA has been sending campers to Wigwam for over 30 years. The award will
be presented at ITRS’s annual meeting at the conference. In 1989 I was one of several
chaperones attending Camp Wigwam with 20 developmentally delayed youth. In 1994 the trip
was made available to the young adult population and once again I was a chaperone.
Northbrook resident Laura B is a young adult who participates in a number of programs at
NSSRA. Her favorite program is Gator bowling. On Saturday, December 5 she won the Special
Olympics State Championship in Peoria. When she is not in NSSRA programming she is
bowling and literally bowls almost every day. She has a private coach who works with her
outside of her Gator bowling team.
The Gator basketball team will be playing the half time at Loyola University’s men’s basketball
game on Wednesday December 16.
FACILITIES
Patrick Fragassi, Tennis Manager
Group Lessons
The Winter Session of the Group Lesson program has approached the half way point and
participation continues to be strong with over 600 adults and juniors participating in the session.
The program will break for 2 weeks over the holiday period. The facility will again offer Winter
Break Camps over the holidays with Monday-Wednesday options for both weeks.
Memberships
The outdoor membership season came to an end on October 31st. Tennis membership sales
continue to do well. Starting November 1st, the facility has started selling the Indoor Only
Membership. These discounted memberships will be active thru May 31, 2016. Tennis
Memberships are not required to play, but benefits include discounts to lessons and court time.
The facility currently has 631 active adult and junior members.
55
USTA Tournaments
The facility will host a Girls 16’s Level 5 event on the weekend of December 11th.
Special Events
The weekend of December 4th involved events for players young and old. A Kids Night Out on
Saturday, December 6 brought 18 kids out for a night of tennis and a movie. The Nielsen Tennis
Center also hosted the 13th Annual Century Cup doubles tournament on Sunday, December 6th.
This socially competitive event attracted 10 teams of local men whose ages combined to be 100
years or older.
Ladies Team Tennis
The 7 ladies teams have wrapped up the first half of the season. The league will pick back up
after the new year and run thru the spring.
Matt Johnson, Golf Club Manager/Head Professional
18-hole Course/ Par 3 /Driving Range/Golf Cars
The 18-hole course
The fantastic Fall weather continued through November right up to the final closing weekend.
The Course closed for the year on Saturday, November 21st.
November 2015 Greens Fee Revenue - $17,928
November 4 year average (2011 excluded, flood year) Greens Fee Revenue - $9,431
The Par 3 Golf Course
November 2015 Par 3 Revenue - $2,875
November 5 year average Par 3 Revenue - $1,487
The Driving Range
November 2015 Driving Range Revenue - $2,820
November 4 year average (2013 excluded, renovation year) Driving Range Revenue - $1,593
Golf Cars
November 2015 Golf Car Revenue - $5,186
November 4 year average (2011 excluded, flood year) Golf Car Revenue - $1,446
Group Programming
The first session of Winter programming kicked off on November 10th. Participation is down for
the first session relative to last year. Staff feels warmer than normal temps have dissuaded
participants from indoor golf. Marketing campaigns are in full swing promoting the second
session which begins in January.
2016 Fees
Following the suggestion of Commissioner Archambault, 2016 Membership Fees were further
evaluated and raised slightly. The dollar per round for certain Season Memberships types was
not in line with what is desirable.
Special Events
The 1st annual Par 3 Chili Open was held on Saturday, November 7th. Sixteen teams
participated, and everyone expressed positive feedback. It promises to be the start of an annual
event at the club.
56
Paul Schwartz, Ice Arena Facility Manager
Ice Rink
The Fall Skating Session is winding down and the registration for Winter Session is beginning.
Ice has 150+ Registrations in the first 3 days. Skate with Santa and the Winter Skating
Exhibition is this Saturday, Dec 12th. The start of the outdoor rink season has been a challenge
at the start. Warm temperatures have put the outdoor rink on a day to day basis whether it opens
based on safe skating conditions.
Platform Tennis
Platform Tennis Leagues have started and Paddle Hut Party Rentals are booked through January.
The Hut was decorated for the holidays last week and looks outstanding. The facility is
operating at full capacity every evening and daytime usage is noticeably higher due to the warm
weather.
RECREATION
Jen Gorczyca, Recreation Supervisor
Summer Seasonal Staff
In the weeks to come the staff members who worked for the swimming beaches, Jr. Sailing, and
the boat launch will be receiving a summer intent letter. The letter will be sent out to see if staff
members are interested in continuing their employment with the Park District for the 2015
summer season. Currently all 2015 lakefront positions are posted on our website. Interviews for
beach positions will take place from March to the April during the school’s spring breaks. The
goal is to have all beach staff hired by the middle of April.
Greg Sauber, Recreation Supervisor
Travel Basketball
For the 2015-16 travel basketball season, teams will be competing in a new league based out of
Niles. We switched leagues due to issues with the organization and inconsistency with team
schedules that we faced for the last couple of years. The 4th grade boys’ team is 1 and 1, one of
the 6th grade boys’ basketball team is 2 and 0 and the other 6th grade boys team is 0 and 2. Each
team has 2 more games left before winter break. The 6th grade girls’ feeder team has their first
game on December 12th.
House League Basketball
The 2015-16 season kicked off with the first game on December 5th and games are schedule
until December 19th for the holiday break. This year there are 27 teams with a total of 290
participants compared to 2014 there were 275 participants. We are up 15 participants compared
to last year because this year there was a flourishing at the 6th grade boy level.
57
Toby Ross, Recreation Supervisor
Tiny Tot Olympics
Parents and kids alike had a blast at this year’s Tiny Tot Olympics. This year’s crowd seemed to
be slightly down from last year, but it made for a better experience for those in attendance.
Instead of long lines and crowded areas, kids were able to repeat their favorite activities without
much delay. There was one young lady who did the obstacle course non-stop for at least 45
minutes! In the end we hosted a nice sized crowd of approximately 60 children along with their
parents for around 150 people in attendance.
Santa’s Mailbox
Santa’s Mailbox has been in full swing the past two weeks and is off to another great start with
already over 200 letters dropped off. Paw Patrol and Star Wars toys along with high-priced
electronics are the most asked for, and frequently misspelled, items Santa has noticed coming out
of lists this year. We received some welcome attention via a wonderful article recently written
by The Current as well. There is still a long way to go, but Santa has been busily working on
responding to each little believer.
Santa Claus is Coming… to Winnetka!
On Saturday, December 12th Santa Claus will make his yearly trek down from the North Pole
and set up shop at the Skokie School. Normally he visits Hubbard Woods Park, but due to the
construction his elves needed to come up with a new spot for the big guy to hunker down for a
few hours. He will once again be bringing live reindeer in addition to the other festivities like a
trackless train, cookie decorating, free hot chocolate, etc. While a lot of festive activities are
held the week prior, we have found hosting our event this week opens up more people the
freedom to do all the wonderful things this time of year has to offer instead of having to make
those tough choices. The forecast currently appears to be a little suspect, but having a largely
indoor venue this year should prove beneficial. Hopefully we will have a great turnout!
Kevin Rutherford, Recreation Maintenance Coordinator
Gobble Bowl 2015
The 2015 Gobble Bowl was held on Saturday, November 14. Thanks to a lovely day and the
participation from our patrons, the flag football tournament was a roaring success. Families came
out to cheer on their fathers, mothers, husbands, and wives making this a communal experience
for all those who attended. We also saw some teams from organizations in Winnetka; such as
BMO Harris Bank, Public Schools District 36, and A to Z Chiropractic. Aside from only one
injury, all the participants came out healthy and had a sensational time.
Candy Cane Lane 2015
On Saturday, December 12 the Park District will be running its annual Candy Cane Lane until
January 4, 2016 at Dwyer Park. A new feature for this year’s Lane is that families were given the
opportunity to purchase a tree that will be on display at Dwyer Park. The families will then have
the opportunity to come and decorate their tree with any homemade or plastic ornaments. The
Park District is glad to provide this opportunity for the families to help decorate a section of
Downtown Winnetka for the Holiday Season.
58
PARKS
Costa Kutulas, Superintendent of Parks
Currently we are in a holding pattern with the Skokie Playfield Service Center, and will update
the board in January at the committee meeting. If you have questions or would like further
information please feel to contact me directly.
Hubbard Woods Park Construction
Hubbard Woods Park Pavilion construction is approximately 60% complete. To date the
following items are or near completion, foundation, concrete slab, metal framing, roof trusses,
metal sub structure, roughed in utilities, metal roof decking, roofing, site lighting and masonry.
We are pushing to meet the December 18th deadline, but we skeptical that we’ll be able to
achieve that goal. There have been a few hold ups that have pushed the limits of the project, but
we are moving forward with a fast pace to meet the timeline. We know that there are a few
items that will be completed after the substantial completion date, but these items will have a
minimal effect on holding up other trades.
The site contractor has completed all street cuts, and is now out of the road ways. The new storm
drainage system is nearing completion with about 10% to go. The contractor is working form the
north to the south and has poured the sidewalks on the north end already and will begin with the
site restoration shortly. Side walk installation is being completed on the south end of the property
now and should be complete in the next few days. The seat wall foundation has been poured and
the mason will be following right behind the concrete contractor.
With the temperatures in the fifties we were able to complete the installation of the poured in
place rubberized surfacing. Site furnishings are starting to be installed and the project is really
starting to take shape. We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to keep pushing forward with this
favorable window of weather to get sod and plant material installed this year.
Staff is working to complete the restoration of the benches and assembling the new site
furnishings for Hubbard Woods. Once the concrete pads are poured staff will be installing the
trash and recycling receptacles along with the park benches. This was part of a value engineering
effort to help reduce the overall project cost.
Items of a Routine Nature
With unexpected warm temperatures the parks crew has been able to catch up on a lot of extra
projects. Staff has completed new fence installations at both Crow Island Woods and Lloyd
Park. They are also completing a lot of tree removals and some wood land management out at
Crow Island, Bell Lane and Lloyd Park. The following are routine maintenance items: Trash
control three times weekly, Green Bay Trail monitoring and cleaning weekly, mowing
operations, leaf mulching, rental setup and cleaning, special events, monthly inspections (park,
playground, and facility), and equipment/fleet maintenance.
59
Park/Facility Projects
-Ash tree removals
-Contracted tree removals
-Rebuild 7K trailer
-Facility Cleaning
-Shop cleaning
-Facility Cleaning and Organizing
-Tennis Hallway Renovation
-Beach Cleanup
-Value Engineering for Hubbard Woods Park
-Park Bench refurbishing
-Fire wood splitting
-Trash and Recycling can painting
-Winterize porch at golf course
-Install new lights at Maple Beach House
-Facility repairs at Golf Clubhouse
-Clean out catch basin at Bell Lane
-Install Gullen’s Pond Sign
Communication/Marketing Manager
Mary Cherveny
Special Projects
During the last couple of weeks we have focused on several special projects which include:






Spring Program and Facility Guide
2016 Marketing Plan
2016 Partnership Program
Staff Holiday Party
Survey/Strategic Plan Communication/Marketing Plan
Submittal for IPR Agency Showcase: Print – Tennis Membership Campaign
Recreation Department Marketing Focus
Marketing focus has been placed on late December events, including Candy Cane Lane Tree
Decorating, Santa’s Visit, Santa’s Mailbox, Winter Break Camp and Holiday Sing.
We had a great one day outreach of over 300 on a recent Santa’s Mailbox Facebook post.
60
Facility Marketing Focus
Winnetka Golf Club marketing focus is now on winter group lessons, holiday golf shop sales and
indoor training facility.
At the A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center marketing focus is on, Winter Break Camps and Indoor
Memberships. We’re also gearing up for Winter II registration efforts.
The Winnetka Ice Arena marketing has focused on a winter/spring registration, and holiday skate
events.
Platform Tennis marketing efforts have been on winter lessons.
We did a combined front page strip AD in this week’s Winnetka Current to promote local
registration for both ice and paddle.
61
Spring Program and Facility Guides
Spring guide production is also underway. This guide will be released at the end of January with
summer camp information included.
2016 Partnership Program
Currently there is quite a bit of outreach to existing, past partners (that weren’t partners in 2015)
and potential new partners for 2016.
Community Survey / 2016-2021 Strategic Plan
A draft communication / marketing plan has been compiled as a guide for or outreach throughout
the entire process, which includes a graphic image and a dedicated email subscribe list for
update.
Here’s the link to the email list: http://bit.ly/wpdstratplan.
2016 Marketing Plan
Our marketing meetings are focusing heavily on the 2016 plans. Most departments have
completed a situational analysis and target market worksheet. This information is used as a
reference guide with our campaign planes. As a reminder in 2016 all campaigns will focus on
our KPI’s – revenue, retention, new growth, customer service and brand. On December 9 we
held a recreation/facility metrics marketing think tank.
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Newspaper Clippings
November 12 – December 10, 2015
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Board Summary
Date:
December 14, 2015
To:
Subject:
Policy Review – Leave Donation Policy
From:
Summary:
Please find attached the proposed policy for Paid Sick and Vacation Sharing and Donation for
your review and consideration. This policy is being proposed after several instances this past
year with employees experiencing personal and family situations which required extensive time
off beyond their accrued vacation and sick time. Many staff members have expressed an interest
in such a donation policy to assist others who are facing hardships due to extensive time off for
health emergency or personal crisis. After consulting with legal counsel on this subject, it is
discovered that such policies are very common and are a matter of practice. The proposed policy
as written is straight forward in the intent and administrative review on a case by case basis. In
addition to accommodating personal health, caregiving and individual crisis issues, the policy
has the potential cost savings to the Park District; specifically, higher paid employees donating
“days” to lower wage workers who request such donations.
Recommendation:
The Park Board has made it a practice to reintroduce any policy for a second reading prior to
adoption. Staff recommends the Park Board approve this policy as a first reading and to be
introduced for a second reading at the next official meeting of the Park Board. However, should
there be unanimous support for approval, staff suggests the Park Board waive the second reading
and move for immediate adoption.
END
82
PAID SICK AND VACATION LEAVE SHARING AND DONATION POLICY
Policy Statement
The Winnetka Park District recognizes that employees may have a family emergency or a personal crisis
that causes a severe impact to them resulting in a need for additional paid time off in excess of their
available paid sick and vacation time. To address this need, all eligible employees will be allowed to
donate paid sick and vacation time from their unused balance to their co-workers in need of additional
sick and vacation time. All donations of paid sick and vacation time shall be in accordance with this
Policy and the procedures outlined herein. This Policy is strictly voluntary.
Eligibility
Employees who donate paid sick and vacation time must have been continuously employed with the
Winnetka Park District for a minimum of 1 year prior to the effective date of donation.
Guidelines
1. Any employee desiring to receive paid sick and vacation time donated from their co-workers
must have a condition that meets one of the following criteria:
a. Family Health Related Emergency- Critical or catastrophic illness, injury or disability of
the employee, or an immediate family member, that poses a threat to life and/or
requires inpatient or hospice health care. Immediate family member is defined as
spouse, domestic partner, child, parent or other relationship in which the employee is
the legal guardian or sole caretaker.
b. Other Personal Crisis- A personal crisis of a severe nature that directly impacts the
employee. This may include a natural disaster impacting the employee’s primary
residence such as a fire, tornado, or severe storm.
2. Employees who donate paid sick or vacation time from their unused balance must adhere to the
following annual requirements:
a. Donation minimum- Four (4) hours.
b. Donation maximum- the lesser of eighty (80) hours or fifty percent (50%) of the
donating employee’s current balance
3. Employees who donate time must have sufficient time in their balance and will not be permitted
to exhaust their balances due to the fact that they may experience their own personal need for
time off. All donations are voluntary and will be kept confidential.
4. Employees cannot borrow against future paid sick and vacation time to donate.
5. Employees receiving donated paid sick and vacation time may receive no more than 480 hours
(12 weeks) within a rolling twelve (12) month period.
83
6. Employees who are currently on an approved leave of absence cannot donate sick/personal
time.
7. All donations are donations of time (hours/days) and not donations of dollars represented by
the time.
8. Amounts paid by an employer pursuant to this Policy may be includible in the gross income of
the recipient and the Park District will treat said amounts as wages for employment tax
purposes.
Procedure
1. Employees applying for donated sick/personal time are required to complete a Request for
Donation of Paid Sick and Vacation Time Form which includes authorization to present their
request to the employees of the Winnetka Park District for the sole purpose of soliciting
donations.
2. Employees who wish to donate paid sick and vacation time to a co-worker in need must
complete a Request to Donate Paid Sick and Vacation Time Form.
3. All forms must be returned to the Human Resources Administrator.
4. The Human Resources Administrator and the Executive Director are directed to administer this
Policy in a manner consistent with state and federal law.
Approval
1. Requests for donations of paid sick and vacation time must be approved by the Human
Resources Administrator and the Park District’s Executive Director.
2. If the recipient employee has available in his or her balance paid sick leave, vacation or other
paid leave applicable to the employee’s circumstances, such leave must be used prior to any
donated paid sick and vacation time. Donated paid sick and vacation time may only be used for
time off related to the approved request. Paid sick and vacation time donated that is in excess of
the time off needed will be returned to the donor.
3. The Winnetka Park District Board of Park Commissioners may terminate this Policy at any time
in its sole discretion. In the event of termination, any donated paid sick or vacation time shall
remain available for use by the employee receiving same, but no further donations will be
authorized.
Dated this ____ day of __________, 2015.
655081.1
84
ORDINANCE NO. 542
ORDINANCE APPROVING EMPLOYEE
PAID SICK AND VACATION LEAVE SHARING POLICY
WHEREAS, the Winnetka Park District (“Park District”) grants paid sick and vacation time to employees
pursuant to its Employee Policy Manual; and
WHEREAS, the Park District desires to establish procedures and guidelines under which employees may
make voluntary donations of their accrued and unused vacation and sick leave to assist fellow
employees dealing with family health emergencies or other personal crises; and
WHEREAS, Park District staff has caused to be prepared the Paid Sick and Vacation Leave Sharing Policy
(“Policy“), attached hereto as Exhibit 1; and
WHEREAS, Under the terms of the Policy, a portion of an employee’s accrued and unused leave may be
donated to employees contending with bona fide family health emergencies and personal crises
pursuant to specified eligibility criteria, donation limitations and restrictions, and a specific request-andapproval process; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Park Commissioners finds that the Policy is intended to encourage the retention
of quality employees, and is otherwise in the best interests of the Park District.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDAINED BY THE WINNETKA PARK DISTRICT BOARD OF PARK
COMMISSIONERS AS FOLLOWS:
Section One: The recitals contained in the preamble to this Ordinance are hereby incorporated into this
Ordinance as if said preambles were fully set forth within this Section One.
Section Two: The Winnetka Park District Board of Park Commissioners hereby approves the Winnetka
Park District Paid Sick and Vacation Leave Sharing Policy attached hereto as Exhibit 1 and incorporated
herein by this reference.
Section Three: This policy shall be codified and added to the Park District’s current Employee Policy
Manual following this approval by the Park Board.
Section Four: Any and all ordinances or resolutions of the Park District which may conflict with this
Ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section Five: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage as provided by
law.
PASSED THIS _____ day of _______________, 2015 by roll call vote as follows:
85
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
____________________________________
Brad McLane
Board President
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Board Secretary
86
STATE OF ILLINOIS
COUNTY OF COOK
)
) SS.
)
I, the undersigned, do hereby certify that I am the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the Winnetka Park
District, Cook County, Illinois, and as such I am the keeper of the records and files of the Board of Park
Commissioners of said Park District.
I further certify that the foregoing is a full, true and complete copy of Ordinance No. 542 titled,
ORDINANCE APPROVING EMPLOYEE
LEAVE SHARING AND DONATION POLICY
adopted at a duly called Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, held at Winnetka, Illinois
at 6:30 p.m. on the 17th day of December, 2015.
I do further certify that the deliberations of the Board on the adoption of said Ordinance were
conducted openly, that the vote on the adoption of said Ordinance was taken openly, that said meeting
was called and held at a specified time and place convenient to the public, that notice of said meeting
was duly given to all of the news media requesting such notice, that said meeting was called and held in
strict compliance with the provisions of the Open Meetings Act of the State of Illinois, as amended, and
with the provisions of the Park District Code of the State of Illinois, as amended, and that the Board has
complied with all the provisions of said Act and said Code and with all the procedural rules of the Board.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I hereunto affix my official signature at Winnetka, Illinois, this _____day of
______, 2015
____________________________________
Board Secretary
Cook County, Illinois
87

WINNETKA PARK DISTRICT REGULAR BOARD MEETING

Transcription

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