Park and Recreation Commission approves minutes and files financial reports; staff previews spring programming

The Village of Jackson Park and Recreation Commission approved its Nov. 19, 2024 minutes, placed the department’s current financial stat pack in the 2024 year-end estimate file and filed the semiannual service analysis and financial strategy spreadsheet during its meeting.

Those votes came by voice vote with no roll-call tallies recorded in the meeting transcript. A motion to approve the Nov. 19 minutes passed after an aye vote; a separate motion to place the current financial stat pack in the 2024 year-end estimate also passed. Commissioners likewise moved to file the service analysis and financial strategy spreadsheet, the twice‑a‑year tool staff said they use to evaluate program revenue, expenses and community value.

Why it matters: The stat pack and the service‑analysis spreadsheet are the Commission’s primary tools for tracking which programs are self-sustaining and which are maintained for community benefit. Kelly, Park and Recreation staff, told commissioners the stat pack shows “17.55% revenue and 16.36% expenses” for the year to date and noted that the department usually receives most revenue in the summer months. The service‑analysis spreadsheet feeds the department’s spring–summer guide planning meeting.

Staff and commissioners discussed program continuity and staffing. Kelly and other staff said some programs that produced low revenue are retained because they are “a community good,” while other programs may be divested and resources reinvested. The commission heard that some activities formerly led by a departing staff member, Renee, will be offered by volunteers or other instructors rather than being dropped.

The commission also reviewed event finances and the spring calendar. Staff reported Monte Carlo Night raised a little more than $20,000 this year, with attendance down slightly from the prior year but sponsorships strong. The department cited a Sysco food donation that allowed appetizers to be folded into ticket prices.

On programming, staff said the department already has enrollment for early‑childhood classes: 19 children in the morning 4Ks and 17 in the afternoon, with class maximums of 22. That enrollment pattern is affecting scheduling of other 3K and wrap programs; staff noted several incoming students will require special‑education services and that coordination with partner districts and providers will be necessary.

Ending: Commissioners had no further changes and multiple motions were carried by voice vote. The meeting packet and the filed materials will remain available through department records.