Minutes - 05/19/2021 - Sports Core Advisory Committee
Call to Order
The May 19, 2021 Sports Core Advisory Committee Meeting held via Zoom and
live, in the West Wing Conference room, was called to order by John Anos at 6:00
PRESENT: In Person - John Anos, Jim DePhillips, Kathy Miller, and Melissa
Martin; via Zoom – Frank Scarpiniti, Mike Stevens
ABSENT: Mike Jerich, Lara Barber
IN ATTENDANCE: In Person – Village Manager, Rick Ginex, Executive
Assistant, Connie Reid, Public Works Director Doug Patchin, Golf Course
Superintendent Sean Creed, John Baar, Don Adler; via Zoom – Finance Director
Jason Paprocki, Trustee Larry Herman, Trustee Michael Manzo, President
Lalmalani
Approval of Minutes
Motion to approve the March 25, 2021 minutes made by John Anos, Seconded by
Melissa Martin. Voice vote. Motion carries.
Public Comments
Don Adler speaks regarding the OSLAD construction and finances.
Active Business
a. OSLAD Grant Discussion
Doug Patchin give a short explanation of the history of the grant saying that around
$80,000 has been spent on OSLAD improvements and the balance of the grant
construction needs to be completed before July 31st, 2021 or the Village is out
$80,000, and will have to pay back the grant amount. He goes on to say that the
money can only be used for the improvement plan submitted with the grant
application, if they deviate from that plan they would need to reapply for the grant.
He further explains that the Board has approved everything, including the payout
amounts every step of the way. Melissa Martin brings up the point that this grant
and the improvements are not meant to increase the viability of the Sports Core,
it’s meant to provide a park as an amenity that the residents can enjoy and not be a
revenue generator. She questions why the Sports Core Advisory Committee is even
involved. It is verified that the money with not come out of the Sports Core fund.
MINUTES OF THE MAY 19, 2021 MEETING OF THE
SPORTS CORE ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK HELD VIA ZOOM AND
IN PERSON APPROVED AS WRITTEN ON
SEPTEMBER 27, 2021.
Conversation continues regarding the removal of buck thorn and what is actually
included in the OSLAD construction. Frank Scarpiniti asks for clarification on
what areas are having the buck thorn removed and why it has not been removed
from the golf course. Doug Patchin explains that this grant is specific to the
exercise track, picnic area and soccer field area of the B&T grounds. Conversation
ensues regarding parking and the other improvements that will utilize this grant.
Frank Scarpiniti again asks for clarification on what the Board is looking for from
this committee and what specifically will be spent and on what. Trustee Manzo
answers by saying the Board would like the committee opinion on whether to give
the grant money back with interest and decline the grant or do they go forward
with the project. Jason Paprocki clarifies that the grant is for $279,000, if the
Village moves forward they will need to spend the grant amount of $279,000 plus
another $279,000 of the Village’s money or give back with $130,000 that the
Village has already received plus interest and the Village does not get any money
for the $80,000 they have already spent. Mike Manzo brings up the issue that
declining the grant could hurt the Village’s chances of getting a grant for other
projects. Village Manager Ginex states that part of the grant application says that
declining the grant will make the Village ineligible to apply for grant for the next
two grant cycles which could be two years or four or eight years depending on the
grant funding. Trustee Herman asks whether the Village could use a portion of the
grant now, Doug Patchin explains that changing the improvement plan in any
would nullify the existing grant and the Village would have to reapply. Further
clarification is given by Director Patchin that the buck thorn removal could only be
used for recreational open space and the grant could not have been used for the
pool renovation. Chairman Anos asks for the opinions of each individual
committee member. Jim DePhillips is not in favor of continuing the OSLAD
project. Kathy Miller would like the project to move forward. Frank Scarpiniti is in
favor of utilizing the grant because if it’s not used it will adversely affect the
Village’s ability to apply for subsequent grants. Mike Stevens concurs with Frank
Scarpiniti. Melissa Martin also agrees that the project should move forward. John
Anos concurs that the project should move forward. Trustee Herman brings up the
issue of maintenance on these projects and asks whether the pond erosion problems
are included in the OSLAD grant. Doug Patchin explains that the pond erosion
project is part of another grant from DuPage County storm water.
A conversation starts regarding pool memberships and pool construction.
b. Open Sports Core Advisory Committee Position
Chairman Anos begins by saying that he has never been contacted by Christy
Dolan and Connie Reid states that Christy had contacted her to say that she no
longer was interested in being on the committee. John Anos asks whether Manish
Shah should now be appointed since he was the other candidate. President
Lalmalani says that there are now two other interested parties and that interviews
would need to be done and the Board is in charge of appointing the committee
member and he will keep the committee informed.
Doug Patchin is asked about the lights going in at the golf course. He explains that
specifications are almost done and when they are done they will go out to bid. He
further states that the lights are for the parking lot and not street and the lights are
meant to spill over to the street. The lights will be coming out of the Sports Core
budget. Frank Scarpiniti asks why the lights are not being put on the street with
spill over going into the parking lot so that the money would come out of the
general fund. He adamantly states that the Sports Core committee did not approve
the parking lot lighting, they approved street lighting so that the Sports Core is not
paying for them.
John Anos asks again for direction from the Trustee liaisons whether the Sports
Core is an amenity or should it run cost neutral. Mike Manzo clarifies that the
ordinance states that the Sports Core must be run without general fund money.
Conversation ensues. Trustee Manzo asks Jason Paprocki to send to the committee
the capital projects that have been done over the last 10 years. Conversation
continues regarding Sports Core maintenance and projects.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 7:00pm.
ATTEST:
________________________ _____________________
Connie Reid Date
Executive Assistant
Village of Oak Brook