Several people showed up for Peotone Park’s April meeting, including newly elected officials from Peotone’s school board and the new mayor-elect, Chris Vieaux – all a pleasant surprise to the Park Board that usually does not get much input or see any visitors.
The public comments followed the same theme: embracing new opportunities for collaboration, cooperation, and community.
“I wanted to show up today to say hello and start bridging the community back together. I’m looking to collaborate in as many directions as possible,” said Tim Stoub, recently re-elected to the school board.
Resident John Maxedon also spoke during public comments to ask questions about the joint handling of maintenance for the baseball and softball fields and drainage issues that have been a concern. He inquired about an intergovernmental agreement and potential issues between the school and park district boards.
Park Board President Barb Sim responded that there wasn’t an intergovernmental agreement in place; Maxedon thought there was one for the driveway, which Sim affirmed that there wasn’t.
“We knew [the drive] was something that needed to be repaired badly. It was not within the means of the park district. So, we did sit down with members of the school board and the school superintendent at the time, Mr. Stein, and found a way to fix it,” Sim explained, with Kelly LaMore adding that the last intergovernmental expired in 1992.
Maxedon urged members of the park board to develop and present a proposal to the school board to establish an intergovernmental agreement, noting that $9.5M is available.
“If you could re-enter an intergovernmental agreement that would tap into that 9.5 million they’ve already promised the community would be used for this cause, everyone would benefit from it,” Maxedon said, adding, “Timing is of the essence.”
Ashley Stachniak, newly elected to the school board, also spoke to the park board, stating she felt there was a lack of a bridge or communication with the schools and park district. She felt there were opportunities for the school district to help promote and support programming that helped the kids within the community.
Mark Jones, also newly elected to the school board, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “I’m excited to have an open dialogue with the Peotone Park District.”
“I think you offer immense value to the people you serve, and so does the school district. I think both of us coming together and collaborating on specific issues can impact greatly those we are supposed to be serving,” Jones continued, adding that he looks forward to working together once he is officially in office.
Finally, Chris Vieaux, president-elect, spoke, stating he felt an intergovernmental agreement was necessary and looked forward to working together.
“That is my goal, that everyone is going to be on the same page together and work with the same dollars,” Vieaux said.
The board moved on with regular business, and Sim reported the district’s total tax revenue would be $258,935, and they “do really well” in stretching the funds as best they can.
There was a slight hiccup with accounts payable and payroll, as the numbers provided by the district’s bookkeeper, Jennifer Swanson, did not add up correctly.
Sim reviewed, noting, “I have a question – I think she’s missing a digit there, maybe a one, 51,000, not 50,000, or 5,000? No, that can’t be. So, the bottom number is not adding a total of all accounts. Okay, never mind. Any questions?”
The board looked at the numbers before them.
“So it’s probably $5,656 and then the payroll. If no questions, we need a motion to approve as presented,” Sim said.
The board didn’t appear concerned, as no questions were asked, and it was approved unanimously without any changes.
Moving along, Park Manager Kelly LaMore reported that Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Eschbach would be out for a few weeks. Eschbach was well ahead of schedule, so his absence during this busy time would not negatively affect the park district.
LaMore appreciated that the school district had sent over a couple of its maintenance employees to help with field maintenance so the field would be ready for the start of the season.
Regarding capital projects, the acoustic paneling installation is almost complete, significantly dampening the echo in the park building room. The board is reviewing the list of capital projects to assess what they need to complete and what “want” items they may be able to add.
The PBSA agreement that was a concern at the last meeting was finally signed, and practices began on April 1.
The board reviewed the preliminary budget, which Sim acknowledged would change because they would not have the cash-in-hand total until the end of the month.
Sim also said some of the numbers didn’t currently add up, specifically regarding their bond payments, because they paid too much one year and less the following year, but they would make sure the bonds were paid.
The preliminary budget was approved without any questions, and the budget hearing was set for June 10 at 6:15 p.m.
Grants were the subject of conversation at several points during the meeting.
During LaMore’s report, she shared that the district again received a PowerPlay grant, which would fund the Youth Sports Performance Training Program.
Maxedon had inquired if the district had looked into grants to help with funding, and Sim advised that they extensively looked into them. However, two issues often prevent them from applying: Many require shovel-ready projects, and the other issue is that many require audit results, neither of which the district has been able to afford.
Concerning park district events, the Daddy-Daughter Dance was successful, with more than 250 participants.
LaMore reported she is working with the park districts in other communities to offer joint bus trips.
There are several upcoming events, including the Easter Egg Dash on April 12 and Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on April 18.
Sim advised she is planning an all-ages fundraising event to take place this upcoming summer that would include swing dancing, live music, food and drink vendors, and possibly collaborating with the Peotone Car Club for a cruise night on the same evening. She will keep everyone apprised of her progress as she works on that and would love any help with planning.
Before the meeting’s conclusion, LaMore reported a Peotone High School student approached the district to create new park benches through his Ag class, which they welcomed.
The board also still is waiting on a repair for signage that vandals damaged; the ground was too soft for the electrician’s bucket truck to access the sign and repair the wires. However, they do plan to get that fixed. Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.