Council extends Kemper Sports agreement as sports park construction continues; operator details discussed

The Village Council approved a first amendment to the service agreement with Kemper Sports Management LLC on May 6, extending Kemper's role operating the sports park during construction of the sports‑park campus.

Steve introduced the item and asked Kemper representatives to describe operations. Michael Comparato summarized the village's operational needs and said the extension is intended to run concurrent with phase 2 construction. "We inherited a number of responsibilities as a village taking the campus over," he said, describing coordination with high-school athletics and youth groups.

Will Spence, Kemper's regional vice president, said Kemper supports more than 92 interscholastic events in a 12‑month rolling period and estimated "somewhere in the neighborhood of about 4,000 people" use the approved groups across the complex annually. He described on-site staffing and vendor coordination to maintain fields and restrooms amid ongoing construction.

Council members asked about performance oversight, the CPI escalator in year two (which applies to the management fee), and a $21,000 annual travel expense line item. Michael and Will said the management fee, on-site full-time presence and daily contact with staff allow for oversight and that travel expenses cover periodic in-person management meetings.

The council moved and approved the contract amendment by roll call. Staff said Kemper's work will continue through phase 2 while the village finalizes longer-term operations and potential partnerships for components like the driving range.