November 2, 2015 - Elmhurst Park District

Agenda #7c
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
ELMHURST PARK DISTRICT
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
November 2, 2015
7:00p.m.
Minutes of the special meeting of the Elmhurst Park District Board of Commissioners held on
Monday, November 2, 2015 at Wilder Mansion, 211 Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, IL. Prior notice
of the meeting was posted. The meeting was called to order by Board President Ubriaco at 7:00
p.m.
Present:
Commissioners Ennis, Graf, Kies, Pelosi, Spaeth, and Ubriaco
Absent:
Commissioner Morissette-Moll
Staff Present: James W. Rogers, Executive Director
Angela Ferrentino, Director of Parks & Facilities
E. Anne Scheppele, Division Manager- Facilities
Visitors:
Mike Adelsbach
Laura Adeszko
Lance Adeszko
Donald Alexander
Tom Allie
Toby Barbato
Toby Barbato
Dorian Barbato
John Becker
Bob Berger
Elizabeth Bertels
Gary Bertels
Neda Bilder
Matt Blass
Watt Blass
Courtney Braafhart
Scott Braafhart
Bob Braathart
Jim Brigham
Harry Brown
Jason Brown
Rich Budnik
Joe Calcago
Bob Caprini
Nancy Cavallaro
Russ Chadwick
Vic Chael
Vanessa Clohessy
Marion Conners
Margeret Cozzi
Jeannie Curtin
Gina Marie Deleonardis
Don DeLeonardis
Michelle Denny
Sandy Denny
Dave Denny
Martha Dimova-Martinez
Jean Dirmish
Bryan Doan
Tom Donavan
Jenny DuPrey
Bohdan Dziuk
C.J. Elonich
Justin Fierce
Jim Fisher
Cary Fisher
Ryan Flaherty
Jay Foot
Kathy Fowler
Kevin Fowler
Lisa Galvini
Gary Gleason
Taras Gracey
Therese Gracey
Jim Gresik
Jean Greenwald
Christine Grollo
Sandy Grollo
Phil Grollo
Cindy Gundlach
Kent Gundlach
Nancy Hogan
Michael Hogan
Jean Hogan
Lynne Kern
Steve Kevil
John Kilbryde
Mark Kinh
Pete Koutsopoulos
Elmhurst Park District Special Board Meeting
November 2, 2015
Visitors continued:
Steve Kulaga
Amy Ledbetter
KLee
Shani Liszka
Barbara Lynch
Anthony Mancini
Deane Mancini
Margert Marren
John Marren
Bryan Martinez
Barbara Masters
James McGreal
Lori McGreal
Laurie McMahon
Michael McMahon
Bob Miles
Carol Miles
Steve Moore
Laura Murphy
Deborah Norris
Susan O'Connor - Chadwick
Brenda Odom
Andy Packhem
Patti Pagni
Nicholas Pastuovic
Anthony Pellegrino
Linda Perry
Bill Perry
Fred Perry
Mario Petitti
Denise Petitti
Nicole Pfleeger
Jeff Redick
Bill Ryan
Jennifer Ryan
Lucille Schleiter
Richard Schleiter
Melanie Schneider
Marlene Schraat
Don Schraat
K.L. Serio
Gary Skoog
Bev Skoog
David Southwell
Bill Tauchen
Valerie Tauchen
Barbara Van Kampen
Brian V anosky
Greg Walenga
Bob Wilhelmi
Heidi Wilhelmi
Kim Williams
Tiffany Zacharopoulos
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS/CHANGES TO AGENDA
Board President Ubriaco added "Remarks/Correspondence from Visitors."
REMARKS/CORRESPONDENCE FROM VISITORS
Board President Ubriaco asked if there were any visitors who wished to speak on any other topic
besides Butterfield Park.
OVERVIEW OF BUTTERFIELD PARK MASTER PLANNING PROCESS
Executive Director Rogers explained how the Board of Park Commissioners is derived through an
election by the residents within the Park District boundaries and the Board's responsibilities. He
gave a slideshow presentation providing an overview of the proposed Butterfield Park Master Plan
scheduled for 2016 and the process in developing the plan utilizing the Comprehensive Plan,
Community Attitude & Interest Survey, conducting an inventory assessment and a comparative
analysis with similar communities, and gathering public input. The Park District held two public
meetings in May 2014 and September 2015 to gather public feedback on conceptual plans. Rogers
pointed out some of the current issues in Butterfield Park including poor drainage, an aging
playground, upgrading ADA standards, relocating the picnic area, moving the basketball hoop
from the parking lot to a safer area with a full basketball court, the removal of a tennis court to
accommodate the basketball court. The renovation project is expected to cost $2.2 million. No
tax increase is tied to the cost of the project. In regards to security in the parks, the Park
Ambassador monitors and ensures District ordinances and rules are followed at all Disttict parks
including Butterfield Park.
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
The Question and Answer meeting format was a departure from regular board meetings as the
Board answered and commented on the public's comments and/or questions.
Rich Budnik
Asked what time lighting in the proposed basketball court is scheduled to tum off. Discovered
pressing the light switch on before 10:00 p.m. allows the fixture to illuminate until 11:00 p.m.
Requested the fixture be fixed.
Rogers stated the fixture is old and a new one will be installed with the renovation.
The new lighting system will not allow the light to tum on after 9 p.m.
Therese Gracey
Citing the 2011 Community Attitude and Interest Survey, stated that 26% of residents report an
interest in an outdoor basketball court; the percentage was not an impressive number especially
when 40% want an outdoor ice rink and 65% just want open park space. Asked, based on those
statistics, how the District came upon the decision to include a basketball court in the Butterfield
Park renovation. If an assessment was taken of residents present at the meeting, it would reveal
that they do not want a basketball court in Butterfield Park.
Board President Ubriaco stated that the Attitude and Interest Survey was not
specific to Butterfield Park, but more so for the entire community. The survey
indicated that a small percentage (3%) indicated an interest in tennis courts; the
results do not mean that the District will replace the tennis courts with passive
space. The District seeks to achieve balance of amenities across the parks.
Kathy Fowler
·stated that niany dog walkers have reported to the police finding drugs in Butterfield Park. Asked
if a study was conducted of the effects of a basketball court in attracting people to visit the park in
the late hours and causing problems. Would like to discourage park usage after dusk.
Rogers stated that the Park District receives the daily blotter police report from the
Elmhurst Police. To date, a drug problem has not been identified in Butterfield
Park. In fact, citing a blotter reporting activity from 2013 to present, there has not
been a report on drug use in the park. Based on the managing of eight other outdoor
basketball courts in Elmhurst, the District does not predict a problem at Butterfield
Park. Ubriaco stated that an active park provides surveillance and an unwelcome
environment for misconduct.
Kevin Fowler
Referencing his 33% increase in property taxes, asked for a price breakdown of the renovation
project.
Rogers read the cost breakdown of the renovation project from the District' s website.
Speaker #4
Does not want a basketball court in Butterfield Park. Has yet to see a Park Ambassador in
Butterfield Park.
Speaker #5
Asked what the tax percentile ofDuPage County is from the Park District.
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Elmhurst Park District Special Board Meeting
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Rogers stated that the Park District's portion oflocal property tax bill is 6% or 6¢ of every
$1.
Patti Pagni
As a coach of a baseball league, is concerned that the ball fields are in such poor condition in
Elmhurst. Several times the team has had to cancel playing due to rainfall. Parks in other
communities had playable fields . Does not believe the detention ponds are going to rectify the
condition of the fields. More attention needs to be paid to fixing the ball fields.
Rogers stated that regrading and detention ponds will help the condition of the fields.
Don Alexander
Does not want a basketball court in Butterfield Park. Asked if surrounding communities were
surveyed as to why they removed their basketball courts. Stated he surveyed neighbors of
Washington Park, who indicated mostly non-residents play basketball in Washington Park. Asked
for the name of the Park Ambassador and where they are stationed. Plans to call the Ambassador
asking for his surveillance schedule. Due to Butterfield Park's proximity to Cook County, he
anticipates several non-residents using Butterfield Park. Does not understand the rationale in
replacing a tennis court with a basketball court since his neighbors play tennis not basketball.
Speaker #8
What parks of the 28 parks have the most crime reported? Asked the correlation with the
basketball courts currently in the parks and the crime rate. Asked who conducted the typographical
survey to determine a detention area is best for the park.
Rogers did not know the comparison between all of the parks, but did cite from the blotter
report that within the past three years two parks with full basketball courts, East End and
Crestview parks, had four incidents of crime - averaging one incident per year per park
site.
V3 Engineering completed the typographical survey for Butterfield Park. The firm also
engineered the detention basin in Berens Park.
Lori McGreal
Cited the Family Watchdog website, which revealed a number of sex offenders at the border of
Elmhurst. Is concerned that these offenders will be attracted to the area after dark.
Rogers stated that sex offenders are not allowed within 1,000 feet of schools and parks.
Does not see a direct correlation. The District will manage the park as it does all other
parks. All parks in Illinois exist with the requirement that all parks are open to residents
of the State of Illinois.
Nic Pastuovic
Has complained about the debris left behind after a party in the picnic shelter and the lack of
responsibility by the police and the Park District to remedy the situation. The shelter creates an
environment for people to go there, which would be great for residents. Has had to erect a
basketball net in his driveway for his children to play because they were being kicked off the court
by adult males at the basketball court in Washington Park. Unable to take his children to the
playground because the park is a little out of control. Adding a basketball court would escalate
the problems.
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Elmhurst Park District Special Board Meeting
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Anthony Mancini
Has seen an abundance of garbage near the basketball net and kids having sex in the baseball
dugouts in Butterfield Park.
Deana Mancini
Questioned whether the Park Board is really listening to the people or appeasing them. Does not
believe the Community Attitude & Interest Survey is sufficient to warrant a decision to place a
basketball court in Butterfield Park; more sources need to be consulted including surveying
communities outside of Elmhurst.
Rogers stated that the District is aware that there are other communities that have removed
basketball courts because of problems including Forest Park. Both communities are very
different thus requiring different amenities.
Speaker #13
Asked what data was collected from the racquetball coordinator to gauge what tennis court needs
are for adults as well as children's lessons and play. Removing the tennis court will be detrimental
to the tennis players.
Rogers agreed that the removal of the tennis court would impact tennis players. Staff
looked at the cost to build a new basketball court, weighed the benefit to the amenity to
losing green space and determined it best to compromise one of the tennis courts. The
basketball courts in the parks get a tremendous amount of use.
Bryan Doan
Asked the Park District not to spend money on building a basketball court. Preferred the expense
be allocated to resolving drainage problems.
Tom Allie
Stated the group does not want the basketball court. In regard to the water detention, would like
to see the drainage study. Believes the detention ponds will become swamps.
Rogers stated the detention area will not hold water for more than a day. They will be dry
detention areas.
Gary Gleason
Park workers pick up trash and liquor bottles in the park. He also has picked up bongs and drug
baggies from the park. Is upset that his police reports have not made the police blotter list. Loves
Butterfield Park and hopes the park continues to be a park for Elmhurst residents.
Speaker #17
Circled homes near the park and counted 80 basketball hoops in homes, but not one tennis court.
It seems that tennis would be a higher demand since so many homes have hoops.
Rogers stated that one hoop lacks recreational value in comparison to a full court. The
District determined that the current hoop in the Butterfield parking lot is unsafe.
Matt Blass
There has been an infiltration of questionable people and activity in the parks. Asked for the
elimination of the basketball court from the Butterfield Park master plan.
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Elmhurst Park District Special Board Meeting
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David Southwell
Concerned for the allocation of resources. Stated what Elmhurst needs is an indoor gym/recreation
center.
Cindy Gundlach
As a longtime resident of Elmhurst who worked for the Park District for 28 years, respects what
the District has done for residents in making amazing changes. On visits to Butterfield Park,
witnessed people playing basketball at night and using offensive language that is very unnerving.
The District' s community survey results show that 60% of residents want an outdoor ice rink, why
isn't that demand being met especially since this is Chicago with a Stanley Cup championship
team. Elmhurst does not have one ice rink, but has eight to nine basketball courts.
Commissioner Spaeth commented that the District would like to have an ice skating rink
and has placed it on its strategic plan. Ice skating is offered at the Eldridge Park Lagoon.
In response to public comment that "the lagoon is unsafe," Rogers stated that skating is not
permitted when conditions are unsafe. During the winter season, daily checks are
completed on ice depth to ensure user safety.
Kent Gundlach
At the September 23, 2015 public meeting on Butterfield Park, the public loudly proclaimed they
did not want a basketball court and residents left feeling they were heard, but a basketball court
was put in the plans anyways. Asked if the Board is seriously taking into consideration public
comments/concerns.
Commissioner Graf stated that the Board held a special meeting just to listen to residents.
Speaker #22
Not only non-residents leave behind garbage in the parks, so do teams with coaches and residents.
The Park Ambassador should be visiting the parks during sport events to remind users to pick up
after themselves. The basketball courts are not going to give the residents any desired results.
Joe Calcago
The Park District's motto is "your park, your community," with that said it is the residents' park
and community. Therefore, as the Park Board represents the community, the community is saying
they do not want the basketball court. Asked each individual Board member to explain their
opposition to excluding the basketball court.
Board President Ubriaco stated that the Board has discussion as a body and not separately.
Due to restrictions in the Open Meetings Act, no action will be taken at this meeting.
Commissioner Ennis stated that due to resident comments, changes have already been
made to the plan; it does not mean there is not room for more changes.
Taras Gracey
Asked if anyone on the Board talked to a realtor to see what would happen to property values
should a basketball court be built in Butterfield Park. Cited comparison crime rates between
Elmhurst (0.43 per 1,000), Berkley (2.86 per 1,000) 7 times higher, and Hillside (2.68 per 1,000).
Butterfield Park is uniquely situated to Berkley and Hillside. Washington Park has a police car
parked near the basketball courts for prevention. Asked why would the District want to install
something that needs preventive measures. Infonned the Board of the method used to gather high
attendance at the meeting (through door-to-door flyers) in comparison to the District's method of
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Elmhurst Park District Special Board Meeting
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mailings to residents for a public meeting, which had low attendance. Stated that the $2.2 million
dollars for the renovation should be used to build a holding tank for stormwater to improve the
ball fields, which are in poor condition. The Police Commissioner stated that it is a bad idea to
put a basketball court in the park. Stated that the Board answers to the public, yet the public feels
ignored.
Commissioner Pelosi stated that the District did not consult a realtor, but it is difficult to
see the correlation between a basketball court in the park and the value of homes. Valid
complaints are the basketball court is too loud, too much activity in the park, but omitting
a basketball court in the park is not going to stop drug use.
Jim Marren
Asked how many basketball courts there were in the schools. How many more are needed? How
many sand volleyball courts are there in the parks. Asked if the Board was aware that Hillside
removed all of their basketball courts. Asked for the Park Ambassador schedule. Creating an
amenity that attracts unsupervised teenagers is unwise. Where there are kids at night there is
trouble.
Rogers stated he does not know the number of basketball courts in the schools, but there
are three sand volleyball courts at Berens Park. He was aware of Hillside removing the
basketball courts, but the District does not develop park planning decisions based solely on
what neighboring communities are doing. Communities with similar demographics are
reviewed.
Ferrentino responded to Park Ambassador questions regarding work schedules, reporting
supervisor, and park rounds.
Speaker#26
Appreciates the District holding the special meeting and the work it does to maintain quality parks.
There is one part of the Butterfield Park master plan that takes away the District' s intentions - the
basketball court, which will have a negative impact. The studies reveal that there is a benefit to
activity in the park, but if read closely, it says organized activities. An unsupervised basketball
court does not enhance the quality of life. If the Board moves forward with the plan, it is in spite
of residents.
Speaker #27
What is the advantage to a lighted basketball court? My children have been kicked off the court
by adults, who don't seem to be from Elmhurst, but from the neighboring communities. Kids just
want to shoot baskets, they don't need a full court. Also, the picnic area have been taken over by
non-residents.
Rogers stated that groups apply and pay for picnic permits. There is a resident and nonresident fee.
Speaker#28
There is a specific reason why residents are concerned with the basketball hoops. It would serve
the District good to find out why the suburb of Hillside took down their basketball courts. With
the close proximity to Hillside, suspects users who lost the use of basketball courts in Hillside will
travel to Butterfield Park because of its close proximity. The District must complete its due
diligence.
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Elmhurst Park District Special Board Meeting
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Commissioner Pelosi stated that he appreciates that information and will investigate why
Hillside removed their basketball courts.
Commissioner Kies stated that the Board and staff will look closely at the Butterfield Park
Master Plan for modifications. The Board takes public comment seriously.
Speaker#29
Would like to know what analysis was done to detennine a basketball court be part of the
Butterfield Park Master Plan. Her internet research revealed that basketball courts are beneficial
with mentoring and supervision, but unmanned basketball courts are not advisable. Would like to
know what the Park Board will do after hearing public opposition to a basketball court. Asked if
there was a monetary connection to building a basketball court.
Rogers stated there is no strings tied to putting in a basketball court.
Bill Ryan
Asked if the Park Board has an open mind and when a decision will be made.
Board President Ubriaco stated that the Board held the Special Board meeting specifically
to hear public comment and concerns. An item to discuss Butterfield Park is not on the
next meeting agenda; therefore, the item will be placed on the following meeting agenda
for November 18,2015.
Rogers added that the Board does not need to have a formal vote to exclude the basketball
court from the master plan, but will have the opportunity to discuss it on November 18.
Speaker #31
Not one resident in this meeting is in support of the basketball court.
Speaker #32
The manager from Jewel said that there is a high theft rate in the Elmhurst store. He said many of
those committing theft in the Jewel are from neighboring communities. They come to the Elmhurst
store because there is no security, but there is in their community store. Therefore, they will come
to use the Elmhurst basketball courts because it would be the path of least resistance.
Bob Garlangen
Asked if the Park Ambassadors are young women, who understandably are afraid to approach
someone in the park.
Rogers stated that Park Ambassador staff are trained to enforce the Park District rules and
ordinances.
Speaker #34
Questioned whether there was too much activity in the park, thus too many amenities. The picnic
sizes have increased and a large amount of equipment is brought in for a picnic i.e. speakers,
bouncy play equipment, etc. The large picnics bring lots of traffic and noise. The basketball court
will bring in even more. Asked how much activity can there be in the park. Ask the Board to
consider the capacity of the park.
Speaker #35
Asked what the process was moving forward, how the Board would communicate with residents
its decision.
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Elmhurst Park District Special Board Meeting
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Rogers stated that the Board will meet on November 4 to discuss the 2016 Capital Plan,
which includes Butterfield Park. In compliance to the Open Meetings Act, the Board
cannot take action on Butterfield Park at the November 4 meeting without it being on the
agenda prior to the meeting. The earliest the Board can take action is November 18. In
response to resident Gracey asking how the Board will communicate to residents a
decision, Rogers stated that it will be posted on the website and will possibly send
notification to residents, who have left contact information.
Anthony Peligrino
Lived through a similar experience in Berwyn, where an additional hoop was added and more
people came to play. Eventually gang fighting began involving people who were not from the
neighborhood. Residents requested the basketball court be taken down and the park district took
it down and apologized admitting to their error in putting it in the first place. No one would benefit
more than his sons, but requested that it not be included in the plan.
Chris Elonich
The basketball court is not a good idea. Preference for more nature in the park. Does not want the
new paths. Does like the new playground but believes play equipment should last 40 years not 20
years. Butterfield Park is unique because of its geographic position, there is no other park south
of Butterfield Park. The park is approaching maximum utilization.
Speaker #38
Asked the Board to check the plan designs for the detention ponds. The land will have to be sloped
for the water to mitigate to the detention area. Concerned that Butterfield Park is too flat. The
baseball diamonds may have to be raised. Cantigny golf course has French drains that mitigate
the water to the park.
BOARD DISCUSSION
The Board consensus was to postpone discussion of Butterfield Park to the November 18, 2015
board meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion, Commissioner Spaeth moved to adjourn at 10:12 p.m. and
Commissioner Ennis seconded the motion. The Board adjourned by voice vote.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at 7:00p.m.
at the Administrative Office Boardroom, 375 West First Street, Elmhurst, IL. Prior notice has
been posted.
lesio, Recording Secretary
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