Board Briefs: H-F Park District Addresses Controversial Icettes Decision

Controversy on Ice: Several community members attended Tuesday night’s specia preliminary budget planning meeting to voice their opinions on the park district’s decision to transfer the in-house Icettes program to private club status.

“I know that decisions were made earlier … that affect synchronized skating,” said Maggie, a mother of one of the skaters at the . “I am here because I am … deeply disappointed in those decisions. I heard that there are … additional changes being made. I think that changing the program to a private club is … disappointing.”

Other community members also spoke out in favor of the decision.

Renee Ross, the park district’s superintendent of finance and administration, said the decision to make the Icettes a private club was part of increasing efforts to be financially responsible in light of the money the is losing. Another factor was the resignation of a key instructor at the arena.

“The problem seems to be over some miscommunication and, as result, a lot of rumor and misunderstanding,” said Board President Bob Haderlein, who thanked the community members for coming out and sharing their thoughts.

The will hold a special meeting with parents on Tuesday at the Dolphin Lake Clubhouse at 6 p.m. to clarify the situation.

New Golf Cart Contract: The park district board voted to award current leaseholder Harris Golf Cars a five-year contract at Coyote Run. Harris was the lowest bidder at $246,636.50. This price comes with the trade-off of a slightly reduced fleet—from 70 to 60 carts.

“We could downsize the fleet a little bit, and … still provide great customer service,” Coyote Run Manager Brian Smith said.

Smith said that the reduction in vehicles will help meet budget ideals. By making this decision, Coyote Run will save $6,674.

Note: We originally reported that the special parent's meeting will be held on Monday, Mar. 7. This has been corrected to Tuesday, Mar. 8 at the Dolphin Lake Clubhouse at 6 p.m.