Parks Advisory Committee

Town Of Cortland Town hall 59 S. Somonauk Road Cortland, IL 60112 Park Advisory Committee Minutes February 10, 2025 6:30 p.m. Call to Order/ Roll Call Committee Chair Ms. Fioretto called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. Ms. Fioretto called the roll call as present Committee Members, Mariann Kaminski, Curtis Kouba, Michelle Bergeson, and Liz Botts. Committee members Trent Moser, Josh Orr, and Angel Mendez were absent. Quorum was present. Approval of Agenda Ms. Kaminski moved to approve the agenda seconded by Mr. Kouba. A unanimous voice vote carried the motion. Approval of Minutes Approval of Park Advisory Committee Minutes for November 12, 2024. It was noted that the date was not correct, should read 2025. Ms. Kaminski made the motion with the correction changing the year, Mr. Kouba seconded. Unanimous vote carried the motion. Hearing of Staff/Citizens No one wished to speak at this time. New Business for Discussion and Possible Action Discussion of Park Improvement ideas for 2026 Mr. Kouba stated that he would like to see the ideas brought forward last year completed before developing new ones. He noted that many items are taking longer than anticipated, possibly due to limited staffing and the challenge of managing multiple projects at once. He suggested the Town consider hiring an outside contractor to assist with certain projects, such as planting around park signs and replacing trees. The committee agreed it would be beneficial to invite Mr. Summerhill to the next meeting for further discussion and expressed interest in having the mayor attend a future park meeting. Members shared concerns that they dedicate significant time and thought to park improvements, yet many projects do not come to fruition. c:,~- -V_______ Approved: ..... Page 1 of 2 [] Park Advisory Committee Minutes February 10 2026 Ms. Kaminski agreed that adding new items to the list at this time is not advisable. She requested a timeline for completion of park proposals that have already been presented to the committee and approved by the Board. The committee unanimously agreed to focus on completing last year's goals before presenting new ideas to the Board. Ms. Botts expressed appreciation for the work accomplished by Town employees, noting the impressive results achieved with limited staffing and commending their efforts on numerous projects. The committee decided to prioritize the current task list to better identify which items are most important to complete first. Mr. Kouba added that many projects are time- sensitive and must be completed during the busiest periods for Public Works, which makes scheduling challenging. Unfinished Business for Discussion and Possible Action Discussion of Suppeland Park The committee agreed that improved maintenance is needed at Suppeland Park. Members noted that it is the only park visible from a major roadway and should reflect the community positively. They recommended clearing weeds from the baseball field and spreading fresh dirt as needed. Additionally, they would like to see better maintenance of grassy areas frequently used by residents, including areas around the splash pad, cornhole game, and soccer nets. Ideas for the Future of Cortland Parks The committee discussed the importance of tree maintenance and planting this year. They would like to see dead, or aging trees removed and replaced with new trees. Some parks currently lack trees, and members emphasized the need to provide shade for residents. Adjournment Chair Fioretto asked if there was any additional business to discuss. With no further items brought forward, Chair Fioretto called for a motion to adjourn. A motion was made by Ms. Bergeson and seconded by Ms. Botts. The motion carried unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Charmaine Fioretto Cortland Town Trustee Cortland Park Advisory Committee Chair Approved : __,. (J'"""'--_p'-- ~ ----- Page 2 of 2