Park Board Roundup: Highlights of Recent Meeting

The Wilmette Board of Park Commissioners approved several bids and a 10 percent increase in preschool fees as well as heard about a possible hike in salaries during their meeting Monday at the Village Hall.

They also discussed several committee reports, including announcements from Parks and Recreation, Financial Planning and Policy, and Golf Operations.

After the meeting, the board held a public hearing regarding at .

Commissioner Darrell Graham reported a proposed fee increase of 3.5 percent and a 2 percent increase in full-time and part-time salaries. Debt issues will be discussed at the Financial Planning and Policy meeting on Sept. 19.

Earlier:

Bids to replace inefficient boilers at the Community Recreation Center, new flooring for the Center Fitness Club and ornamental fencing at the parks along Lake Michigan were approved.

The board also approved a 10 percent rise in preschool fees for 2012-2013.

The board, under the recommendation of the Golf Operations Committee, also approved the installation of a fan on the sixth green. Funds from the previous reconstruction plan will be allocated for the project.

All discussions of the proposed ice surface at Thornwood Park were addressed at a public hearing that followed the regular board meeting. Nearly 60 residents showed up to express their opinions on the controversial project. While some members of the community support the ice rink, others are concerned about the traffic and installation of lights in the park.

John Olvany was also sworn in as a board commissioner. Olvany, who was voted in unanimously by the board, has been a resident of Wilmette for more than 21 years, and had worked as a business consultant.

The park commissioners' next meeting will be Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at .

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