A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing public concerns about the use of chemicals for weed control in village parks. Residents Kelly and Tom Vitali voiced their worries about the potential health risks posed by herbicides, particularly to children and pets. Kelly, a frequent park visitor, expressed distress over the frequent application of chemicals, noting that maintenance staff wear protective gear, while park users do not have similar protections. She highlighted the timing issues, stating, “They put out signs… we have been told it’s safe after 2 hours. Sometimes it rains before that two hours. Where does it go?” Tom Vitali supported these concerns, mentioning dead wildlife and premature pet deaths, asking for more sustainable practices in maintaining park aesthetics.

In response to the public’s concerns, council members acknowledged the need for better oversight and exploration of alternative maintenance strategies. A physician present provided a medical perspective, emphasizing potential health risks and advocating for less harmful alternatives. The village manager agreed to address the issue further, promising to involve key staff members in discussions and report back on possible next steps. The dialogue highlighted a community desire for environmentally friendly solutions, pushing the council to consider a balance between park maintenance and the safety of its users.

Moving from environmental to recreational topics, the council deliberated on the master plan for Founders Park, particularly phases two and three. A decision was reached to endorse the use of natural grass for the multi-use fields in phase two, despite initial recommendations for artificial turf. Concerns about artificial turf included heat stress and injury risks, with participants favoring natural grass for its safety benefits. The council acknowledged the need for improved turf maintenance and proposed training staff in turf management as a cost-effective measure.

Phase three of the park expansion was also endorsed, responding to the community’s demand for more pickleball courts. Current facilities were deemed insufficient, with increasing interest from residents, including “18 kids” eager to participate. The plan includes constructing eight new pickleball courts, additional basketball and volleyball courts, and improving pathways and entrances. The council emphasized the urgency of these expansions, recognizing the sport’s growing popularity and the immediate need for more recreational space.

Discussions on fee structures for park and pool use revealed a focus on accessibility and sustainability. Proposed rate adjustments aimed to balance affordability for residents with the financial needs of maintaining facilities. The council reviewed potential changes to pool membership fees, considering revisions to the senior age definition and non-resident charges. They also tackled the topic of implementing fees for high school swimming pool use, which has been free for 24 years. The proposed fees sparked debate, with concerns about the financial burden on schools and the need for equitable access to facilities.

Moreover, the council addressed fee increases for special events held in village parks. Proposed adjustments included standardizing fees based on event size, with considerations for setup, breakdown, and deposit fees. The council acknowledged the impact on nonprofit events, expressing the need to support smaller organizations while ensuring larger events contribute fairly to park maintenance costs.