Macomb, IL – Aldermen approved multi-year agreements with the Park District on Monday night over the operation and maintenance of city parks. Under the two, three year agreements, the Park District will operate Spring Lake and Compton Parks as well as Glenwood Pool. The City will maintain Chandler Park.
Mayor Mick Wisslead says neither taxing body received all it wanted but he is pleased with the compromise. Wisslead says, "[The City] has a really good park system and I think that it will continue. I am sure that they're going to operate the parks like they're charge is supposed to be." Wisslead ensured the City would help the Park District in any way possible.
That help includes the City paying the Park District $75,000 a year for the maintenance of Spring Lake. The City will also pay half the yearly costs of opening Glenwood Pool.
The Park District is expected to approve both agreements at its next meeting.
Additional Information:
*It took about 1 1/2 years to reach the agreements. Wisslead says that's because of political posturing on that part of several people.
*If approved by the Park District, the agreements will take affect January 1, 2009.
*Alderman Tim Lobdell abstained in order to respect the expected "no" vote of Alderman Ed Lavin, who could not be at Monday night's meeting. The final vote was 6 in favor, 0 opposed, and 2 abstentions.
*You can listen to Mayor Wisslead's comments concerning the agreements by clicking on the audio link above.