PARK PERKS – Winter/Spring 2010

Limited Tax Rate Referendum - February 2, 2010

On Tuesday, November 10, 2009, the Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to place a Limited Tax Rate Referendum on the February 2, 2010 Ballot for voters approval.

This action was taken because the 1995 Referendum Bond that was approved by the voter for the purchase and renovation of the Founders Center and the purchase and Phase I development of Commissioners Park is being paid off.

With the retirement of this Bond, the tax rate would drop 3 cents from .202 to .170. This is a ONE TIME opportunity to keep the 3 cents tax rate for capital development WITHOUT raising the tax rate and with NO NEW TAXES. This would be accomplished by requesting a 3 cent increase in the District’s Limiting Rate.

On February 2, 2010, a positive vote by the residents would preserve and maintain approximately $250,000 annually for capital expenditures, park improvements, and maintenance for the Park District.

There are a number of bullet points to consider for usage of these funds:

1. The District has depleted all funds for matching grant requests to the Department of Natural Resources for OSLAD grants. We have been diligent in receiving over $1 million in four grants to develop parks.|

2. Developer donations have been non-existent for the past two years and continue to stay extremely small. That means there are no funds to complete park improvements or park developments.

3. Park improvements that have been scheduled but not completed because of lack of funds are: Commissioners Park paved parking lot improvement, Tanglewood Park renovations, Bingham Park development including paved parking, new playground, shelter, paved walking path, Indian Boundary Park renovation, Founders Center roof replacement, Misty Falls Park development, and Park beautification and Heritage Knolls, Kohlhagen, Lincoln Meadows, Timbers Edge, and Windy Hill parks. In addition, there are 16 new park sites totaling over 150 acres that have been negotiated and finalized with developers and the Village that will hopefully start over the next few years.

4. With the Consumer Price Index at 0.1%, the tax cap implication for the Park District budget remains flat probably for the next 2—5 years. Our costs are rising faster than our revenues. Therefore, just maintaining the current level of operations will depend on these monies.

5. The Park District can accomplish these improvements with the 3 cents, which is approximately $12-15 for the average home without raising your tax rate. As I mentioned this is a one time only opportunity to convert this bond. On February 2nd, you will be asked the question.

The simple message to the Frankfort community is that it will have the opportunity to keep the tax rate where it is and not let the rate drop so that the Park District can maintain its high level of recreational services.

The Park District has Grown During the Past 10 Years

Over the past number of years, the Frankfort Park District has negotiated and received the following…

1. $200,000 OSLAD park development grant for Phase I of Commissioners Park in 2000. OSLAD is administered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to provide 50% funding for park acquisition and park development.

2. $40,000 Build Illinois funds for fencing and guard rail at Commissioners Park through Renee Kosel in 2000.

3. $300,000 Build Illinois funds for Puent Building renovation through Renee Kosel in 2001. $37,000 Legislative Initiative through Renee Kosel for Sculpture Garden and gym renovations in 2002.

4. $371,000 OSLAD park development grant for Commissioners Park Phase II
in 2004.

5. $221,000 OSLAD park development grant for Jackson Creek Park in 2005.

6. $336,000 OSLAD park development grant for Main Park in 2006.

7. $322,000 OSLAD park development grant for Lakeview South Park in 2007.

8. $60,000 Legislative Initiative through Renee Kosel for park tractor equipment in 2008.

9. Continued cooperative support with Falcon Football, Frankfort Girls Softball, Frankfort Boys Basketball, Lincoln-Way Soccer, travel teams, Operation Playground, Lions Club, and various local groups who have all contributed in excess of $1 million over the last ten years for the betterment of the Park District. Through these relationships, the Park District has lighted four ball fields, three softball fields, one soccer field and one football field.

10. Village of Frankfort agreements for Main Park and Commissioners Park development in excess of $500,000.

11. Janssen Family donation of $400,000.

In 1999, there were eight park sites totaling 109 acres of land and open space.

● In 2008, now 18 park sites owned or leased by the Park District totaling 260.5 acres.

● 10 park sites acquired and developed since 1999:
       a. Butternut Park — 9 acres
       b. Heritage Knolls Park — 5 acres
       c. Sandalwood Park — 5 acres
       d. Windy Hill Park — 8 acres
       e. Kohlhagen Park — 3 acres
       f. Lakeview and Lakeview South Parks— 48 acres
       g. Jackson Creek Park — 20 acres
       h. Timbers Edge Park — 8 acres
       i. Misty Falls Park — 10 acres
       j. Sara Springs Park — 16 acres

● Negotiated new Land/Cash Developer Donation Ordinance with Village from $56,000/acre to $130,000 acre and 5.5 acre/1,000 population to 10 acre/1,000 population in 2006.

● Future park sited negotiated and signed off with the Village:
     a. Janssen Park — 3.5 acres
     b. Crystal Brook — 6 acres + build park site (100,000)
     c. Lighthouse Point — 7 acres
     d. Water Stone — 26 acres
     e. Bowen’s Crossing — $111,000
     f. Stone Creek — 2.8 acres
     g. Palomino Trace — 5 acres
     h. Fordon Development — $57,200
     i. Pioneer Court — $29,600
     j. Stone Creek III — 12 acres
     k. Majestic Pines — 1.5 acres + $52,000
     l. Viola Woods — 3.3 acres + $150,000
    m. BrookMeadow — 18 acres + built park site ($82,000)
     n. Country Crossings North — 3 acres + $37,000
     o. Country Crossings South — 18 acres + 1,700 paved bike trail + 58,000
     p. Harvest Ridge — 39 acres + $75,000

Total Funds yet to come to the Park District: $513,100.
Total Land yet to come to the Park District: 149 acres.

Park District Recognitions - Past Ten Years

1. 2000 State IPRA President’s Award — Jeff Boubelik, Frankfort Park District Executive Director.
2. 2000 Governor’s Hometown Award — Fort Frankfort.
3. 2000 State Outstanding Facility Award — Fort Frankfort.
4. 2000 Outstanding Community Service Award — Operation Playground.
5. 2000 Third Place for Great Lakes Regional Facility of the Year Award — Fort Frankfort.
6. 2002 Dedicated Sculpture Garden at the Founders Center. Many sculptures have been added since.
7. 2004 Legislator of the Year Award — Representative Renee Kosel (R).
8. 2005 Legislator of the Year Award — Senator Christine Radogno (R).
9. 2005 Professional of the Year Award — Jeff Boubelik, Executive Director.
10. 2006 Agency Showcase Award — Third Place in State for Park District Activities Brochure.
11. 2007 Intergovernmental Partnership Award — First Place in State. Partnership with the Village of Frankfort.
12. 2008 Top Ten New Dog Parks in the nation — Frankfort Bark Park.
13. PDRMA Excellence Level B Award — 2003 to 2008, self-insurance pool.