ROCHELLE — At its monthly meeting Monday, the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District Board of Commissioners heard an update from Executive Director Jackee Ohlinger on the June 5 fall of an electric pole at Spring Lake Pool during open hours.
There were no injuries due to the incident and the pool was evacuated and closed.
"Having a utility pole carrying over 2,500 pounds of transformers fall during operating hours at Spring Lake with children and families there was shocking," Ohlinger said. "Rochelle Municipal Utilities has told us it was due to soft soils and accumulated wind stress. I appreciated the quick response from Rochelle Fire, Rochelle Police and RMU as well as our staff.”
RMU replaced the pole and made a transition to a pad-mounted transformer system rather than pole-mounted, which will significantly reduce future risk, Ohlinger said. RMU also promptly contacted a contractor to manage the mineral oil spill that took place due to the transformer falling into the Spring Lake waterfall. The cleanup process should take 2-3 weeks.
"I want to thank the community for its patience and support during this situation," Ohlinger said. "Our staff is excited to see you. Come out and enjoy Spring Lake Pool this summer."
Golf course
The board unanimously approved an amendment to its intergovernmental agreement with the City of Rochelle for the entities' joint ownership and operation of Fairways Golf Course.
The five-year agreement includes a 50-50 split of expenses. The sixth and latest agreement includes language preventing the City of Rochelle from constructing a sidewalk or shared-use path on golf course property during the length of the agreement.
The city previously considered constructing a path to improve walkability and safety for pedestrians near Illinois Route 251. A path could still be constructed in public right of way near Illinois Route 251 owned by the Illinois Department of Transportation in the future.
The park district’s opposition to the path is related to potential liability issues a path could cause.
Budget
The board unanimously approved a 2025-2026 budget and appropriation ordinance in tentative form. The board will make a final approval on its budget at its meeting in July.
"The budget represents our collective vision and strategic priorities aimed at enhancing our park facilities and services for the community," Ohlinger said. "Our revenue sources give us a solid financial foundation to support our planned initiatives."
REC closure
Park District Superintendent of Recreation Maureen Stevens said during the meeting that The REC Center's yearly closing for cleaning and maintenance is planned for July 21-Aug. 3. The REC's fitness center will only be closed from July 24-26.
