New Frankfort Square Park Board Takes Helm Amid Strong Financials, Maksymiak and Moore Elected Leaders

The Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners seated four new members and re-elected its leadership during a productive annual organizational meeting on May 15, all while celebrating a robust financial position that saw the district’s funds grow by $850,000 over the past fiscal year.

Craig Maksymiak and Denis Moore were unanimously re-elected to serve as the board’s President and Vice President, respectively. Their election followed the swearing-in of newly elected commissioners Lauren Breedlove, Frank Florentine, Joseph King, and Moore, who will each serve four-year terms. They join Maksymiak and commissioners Ryan Holley and Phil Cherry (who was absent) on the seven-member board.

The new board inherits a district in a strong financial state. During the treasurer’s report, Executive Director Audrey Marcquenski detailed the fund balances, which stood at approximately $3.19 million as of April 30, the end of the fiscal year.

“The Park District ended its fiscal year in a strong financial position,” Marcquenski stated, reviewing the report.

President Maksymiak, participating remotely, noted the district is up by $850,000 from the end of the previous fiscal year. He said while he anticipates the $3.1 million balance will decrease due to planned expenses for major projects, the healthy reserves are crucial.

“It is equally important to have a cushion not only for projects but also for normal maintenance,” Maksymiak said, thanking Marcquenski for her efforts. He emphasized that the district does not allow its facilities to fall into disrepair, which prevents more significant repair costs down the line.

Marcquenski added that the district expects to begin the next fiscal year with $1 million in the bank, meeting its fund balance policy goals. A planned transfer of funds for debt service and the golf course was also deemed unnecessary this year, thanks to a “record-breaking year” at Square Links Golf Course and timely tax distributions from Cook County.

Following the election of officers, the board made its annual appointments. Vice President Moore appointed Frank Florentine to continue as Treasurer and Audrey Marcquenski as Secretary of the Board. Marcquenski will also serve as the district’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings Act (OMA) Officer, with Moore agreeing to serve as a secondary officer for both roles. The law firm of Ancel, Glink, Diamond, Bush, DiCianni & Krafthefer, P.C. was retained as legal representation.

In other business, the board approved travel and expense reimbursements for dance staff to accompany performers to the national Applause competition in North Charleston, South Carolina, from June 15-21. Commissioner Joseph King confirmed with Marcquenski that the trip is a standard part of the dance program, and Marcquenski commended bookkeeper Sue Baker for developing a system to manage program expenses consistently.