Following a closed session, the Macomb Park Board voted last week to accept a settlement in its lawsuit regarding a waterslide at a Debbie Lane residence that encroaches into Derry Park.
The homeowner, Mark Seipel, agreed to remove the waterslide. Work began on the demolition Saturday. Board President Neil Armstrong said that the lawsuit would be withdrawn once it is removed. In mid-August, the park district filed the lawsuit for the removal of a private waterslide built on public park land at Derry Park on Macomb's southwest side. The district says Illinois law does not allow it to give, sell or grant rights in public parkland to any private individual for private use. The suit asked the court to require the Seipels to remove part of the in-ground slide that sits on park property, or to pay the costs of removing it.
Also during the closed session, park commissioners discussed the annual performance review of Park Director Blake Severs. During the open session of their meeting, commissioners voted to accept the July financial report. Treasurer Phil Weiss said the consolidated project fund ended the month with a total of $762,307, and the general fund totaled $568,392. Weiss said the district received a first property tax distribution of $772,555.
Armstrong said petitions are now available for candidates wishing to run in the April 22 park board election. He said there are three four-year terms and one two-year term available. Completed petitions are due Nov. 23.
Severs said that ceramics class registrations are still being accepted, and that the annual 'Touch a Truck' exhibition is scheduled from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Aug. 29.
In addition, Macomb High School interns would begin working at the park district in September.
Armstrong ended his report by expressing gratitude for the conduct of dog park patrons and compliments to the district maintenance staff for its lawn care. He said, 'We want to continue to receive public comments, complaints, and concerns.'
