Village of Niles Family Fitness Center and YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago Partnership met Sept. 1.
Here is the minutes provided by the partnership:
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to proper legal notice, the Village of Niles held a Public Hearing on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, electronically via Zoom audio/visual conferencing in accordance with Governor Pritzker's most recent disaster declaration related to public health concerns due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic. Deputy Village Manager Hadley Skeffington-Vos called the Public Hearing to order at 6:00 p.m.
INTRODUCTION
Deputy Village Manager Skeffington-Vos announced that this public hearing is designed to gather feedback from the community regarding the potential partnership and lease agreement between the Village of Niles and the YMCA. After the presentation there will be a public comment period. Public comments are limited to three minutes per person. Public comments were submitted via email and by phone and voicemail. The public notice for the hearing provided members of the public wishing to join the Zoom webinar a Webinar ID and Password. After the Public Hearing, staff will forward all the feedback to President Przybylo and the Board of Trustees before they vote on the proposal.
PRESENTATION
The proposed Fitness Center lease agreement represents a public, nonprofit partnership between the Village of Niles and the YMCA. The YMCA approached the Village with an interest to maintain a YMCA facility in Niles. The Village looked at the possibility to place the YMCA operations in the Family Fitness Center building keeping a vital community partner in Niles, attracting outside members, opening up funding sources for aesthetic improvements and maintaining a family-friendly fitness facility in Niles. This proposed agreement is for a 15-year lease with optional renewals. There is a base rent and profit sharing component and, as the landlord, the Village will be responsible for the building mechanics and, as a tenant, the YMCA will be responsible for daily maintenance and aesthetic improvements. After the YMCA approached the Village about their desire to continue serving the Village of Niles, an effort was made to investigate how to accomplish this - an RFP was not issued and the Park District was not approached to operate the facility.
Due to increased competition from private fitness centers, swim schools and a growing at-home gym industry, the Niles Family Fitness Center (NFFC) membership fees declined by approximately ten percent. The NFFC annual average deficit over the last five years has been nearly $385,000. The overall loss over the next 15 years is estimated at $10.2 million. After looking at the options and negotiating a potential lease agreement, the Village is projected to save approximately $8.4 million over 15 years. If the Board chooses not to pursue the lease agreement with the YMCA, there are alternatives to help the Fitness Center turn around their growing losses: an immediate study of their operations to determine how best to increase membership, reduce losses, provide fitness services in a post COVID-19 reality, personnel changes, business model adjustments and increased membership rates. Deputy Village Manager Skeffington-Vos stated that staff feels that a more sustainable approach would be to lease the space to the YMCA and listed the many YMCA benefits for our community. The Village has been carefully considering this proposal with the Village Manager's office and the Economic Development Director taking the lead in negotiations.
If this proposed lease agreement is approved:
• The Fitness Center will be closed for an undetermined period of time for renovations and rebranding and then would re-open as the Niles YMCA
• The YMCA will honor existing NFFC memberships
• The Village will refund memberships if a NFFC member cancels their membership before the YMCA takes over
• The YMCA will be offering special prices on youth, young adult, adult, senior and family membership packages
• Niles full-time and part-time employees would be laid off and will have the opportunity to apply for positions with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago through a special link for Niles employees
• Severance packages will be offered to full-time employees losing jobs at no fault of their own
Responses to questions asked at the August 25, 2020 presentation (Informal Consideration):
• This proposed agreement does not affect the Senior Center or Family Services Departments - security and parking remain the same
• There is no housing or residential component in this agreement
• The YMCA on Touhy closed permanently in June as the building was at the end of its useful life and it is still owned by the YMCA
• This proposal is not connected with the summer camps that were held at the Senior Center over the summer
• In this area there are no other municipally-owned fitness centers that operate alongside a separate park district
• The Village provides some unique services such as the Teen Center and Senior Center which are not entirely self-sufficient, however these unique services fill a gap in the market
• Can the YMCA manage a successful facility after closing three centers? The YMCA stated the main reason they had to be closed was due to the old buildings that housed the three centers and the rising costs of maintaining them. Financial difficulties related to these centers pre-dated this YMCA leadership team and have accumulated over time. They feel that having a top quality facility in Niles will be a game-changer and they are committed to maintaining this building in Niles
• Regarding the YMCA's commitment to cleanliness and maintenance, they contract with a company to clean the facility daily and the protocol has been enhanced due to the pandemic. The YMCA facilities are deep cleaned daily using hospital disinfectants and staff help clean throughout the day especially high-touch areas
• Regarding maintenance of fitness equipment, the YMCA rotates new workout equipment and uses a contracted service that provides preventative maintenance
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Village Clerk Marlene Victorine asked the public to give their name, where they live and stated that comment is limited to three minutes. She asked the Zoom Webinar participants to raise their hand if they wanted to make a comment.
James Selzer, 45-year Niles Resident and 15-year Niles Family Fitness Center Member Mr. Selzer thanked staff for an answer to his previous question regarding getting a refund if he chose not to go with the Y. He also asked: What is the status of the Park District possibly taking over the NFFC? Could this be a "done-deal” with the Y, as he saw a man measuring for a sign at the NFFC? Is the Y already planning on rebranding?
Marilyn, Park Ridge Resident
Marilyn is really sad about what is going on now.
Kathy Romanski, Wildwood Resident (Chicago)
Ms. Romanski has been a Leaning Tower Y member for 10 years, has had birthday parties at the NFFC and also attends the Niles Park District activities. She thinks this is an opportunity for all of us as similar communities to benefit from this, in light of the losses due to COVID. Her understanding is that YMCA staff also need to reapply for their jobs.
Scott O'Brien, Niles Resident and Niles Park District Commissioner
Mr. O'Brien commented that he believes that the Niles Park District (NPD) is the best suited partner for the Village of Niles for this opportunity and the NPD brings to the table a very robust offering with programming for all ages, award winning safety, attention to appearance and aesthetics, and a very high financial rating. By partnering with Niles, the NPD will be able to increase the variety of our offerings and diversify further across all ages and demographics, utilizing creative and innovative recreational thinking. He looks forward to a partnership should the Village agree to consider the Park District.
Bart McGuinn, 30-year Niles Resident and NFFC Member (since it opened)
Mr. McGuinn's main gripe is that this is being done behind closed doors and is sneaky -don't like it! He would much prefer to have the Park District because we know they can do the job and they should do the job.
Dick Forde
Mr. Forde spoke about the day the Niles Family Fitness Center staff saved his life. In 2012 he had brain surgery, followed by a spinal cord stroke that left him unable to walk. After therapy he was able to walk with a walker for a very short distance. He returned to the NFFC to work on the equipment to strengthen his legs. With the help of the NFFC staff they developed a program so he could begin to slowly walk the track. In May of 2019, he was walking the track and passed out and went into cardiac arrest, luckily an ICU nurse from Lutheran General Hospital was taking a class in the gym and performed CPR. A pool lifeguard brought up a defibrillator and got his heart beating again. The quick and professional action of the NFFC staff and the ICU nurse saved his life.
Laure Pietka
Ms. Pietka is happy to know that the staff will be able to apply for positions with any YMCA and asked what the difference in the pay scale is between the Y and the Village? Has the Village considered extending membership for those currently holding an active membership while the NFFC will be closed for renovation?
Steven Yasell, Niles Resident
Mr. Yasell would like to know, when the negotiations started in December 2019, if there was a stipulation that if this deal does not go through does this affect the Village's purchasing of the current YMCA building in the Touhy Triangle? He would also like to know for the employees of the NFFC regarding pay decreases/increases/benefits and variations going forward? Has the Niles Park District been contacted or have they talked to the Village since this has been announced?
Jessica Ang, Lifelong Niles Resident and NFFC Member
Ms. Ang is a millennial looking to buy a home to raise a family and if this acquisition takes place, she does not see a draw in settling in Niles. Her mom works at the NFFC and she has grown up there with hopes to share experiences someday with her own children. The staff is like family and many children have grown up in the playroom. Without the NFFC, the heart and community of Niles is broken. She used to tell people she loved Niles because of the Fitness Center, but lately, with the way the news was broken to staff that they all could possibly be laid off for a second time, she now has a different perspective of the Village - and it's not good.
Karen Papucci, 26-year Niles Resident and NFFC Employee
Ms. Papucci stated that she was told that the YMCA employees would come first for hiring if the and the NFFC staff could apply for whatever was left. She believes the Park District would be a better fit and should be considered. Since this seems to be such a big thing with the residents, why can't there be a referendum vote and let the people talk?
Heidi Zielke, 21-year Niles Resident and 10-year NFFC Member
Ms. Zielke would like clarification, if the lease is approved it was mentioned that would be a savings per resident equaling $19/year in property taxes, but then it was mentioned the savings will go to other Village expenditures like pensions - are we getting a property tax repeal and will it go back into our real estate tax discount or will it be spent? She does not think there is anything concrete that she has seen to indicate there will be additional shopping revenue due to the YMCA being in the facility. Her husband witnessed the man measuring for the YMCA sign outside of the NFFC. She thinks the Y offering youth programs is in direct competition with other resources that can't be touched like the Village's Teen Center and Niles Park District programs. Finally, there was mention that non-Niles residents will be subsidized and that is not a valid argument.
Kevin Plach, 27-year Niles Resident
Mr. Plach commented that his main concern is by letting the Y take over it is no longer a Niles controlled facility, it's controlled by the Y which has the entire Chicagoland to look out for. If the Park District takes over, then it will be controlled by a Board of Niles residents who will put the residents of Niles first. He would encourage the Board to entertain proposals from the Park District and allow them to take it over.
Donna Glavan, Evanston Resident and NFFC Employee
Ms. Glavan asked why the Niles Family Fitness Center was even re-opened after the shutdown for COVID-19 just to get notice that it will close. It is such a shock for employees and members. She teaches there twice a month and several members in her class are looking elsewhere. She has witnessed people coming in to purchase a three-month membership and then after hearing the possible lease agreement, only purchased one month. Why the rush to make this decision by September 15 - all the options should be laid out in a calm way and reviewed. Do any of the Board members have a NFFC membership or attend the NFFC?
Louis Roy, Chicago Resident and 10-year NFFC Member
Mr. Roy addressed his comments to Village Manager Vinezeano, the highest paid employee of the Village at $200,000 with a car allowance (considering some municipalities are outsourcing some functions to save money.) When we are talking about subsidizing, that is an issue for him. Two comments: 1) Do not misrepresent the financial information you provide to the public because your numbers don't match up. The Village and the Niles Fitness Center is not bleeding money as is being presented. 2) Denise McCreery should probably recuse herself from this process seeing as she is a Board member of YMCA and clearly there is no objectivity there. This conversation has gone on for more than several months - and the rendering of the Touhy Triangle clearly displays that the YMCA building is no longer on Touhy Avenue. 3) He recognizes that George wants to become the next mayor and going through what he has in the past on a personal basis and having cleared his name, he hopes George can feel comfortable that there is no collusion on this or no wrongful act that has been committed. 2500 voters signed a petition and those voters are going to remember this at the end of the day.
Chimene Granados, Chicago Resident and Former YMCA Employee
Ms. Granados relayed her experience as a former YMCA employee (2013-2016) and is currently an attorney. She hears the concerns when it comes to the Y; however, they are not trying to take control and replace the relationships currently in Niles. When she was there, she had members and children from all over Chicagoland and the suburbs and the Y was able to bring people together under the Y's mission of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. She still adores the YMCA and they hold that value and that mission up to their highest standards possible. Ms. Granados also convinced a coworker to move to Niles due to what she saw when she worked in Niles. Having the Y being a part of this community is something that is needed and will be the best for both relationships as they will work with the community and offer what is needed.
Julie Genualdi, Niles Resident and Niles Park District Board President
Ms. Genualdi commented that it is important to allow our residents and others that have a vested interest in this matter voice their opinions in regard to this endeavor that affects so many people, including NFFC patrons and employees. She hopes the decision of the Board benefits our residents.
Stephanie Chan, 25-year Niles Resident and NFFC Employee
Ms. Chan stated that the Fitness Center was her first job and now her part-time job. She found the FAQs interesting which was ironic and contradicting where the question was - Why weren't Niles taxpayers informed sooner of a pending consideration of such change? The response was - "We have to protect the Fitness Center business and if we announce it people will leave the NFFC and the business will be hurt, we could have lost staffing or morale would be hurt”. Now, knowing this in the short amount of time, that is exactly what happened. Why re-open the NFFC in the first place and now staff will be laid off twice. This has been a steady deficit with the Village that could have been managed from the start by promoting the NFFC through the cable channel as they do for the Teen Center, Senior Center and Public Works or promote the NFFC through the mail or collaborate with businesses in Niles. It's just unsettling to hear all of this information in such a short period of time when this has been discussed since last year.
Michael Unnes, Niles Resident
Mr. Unnes commented on the YMCA buses parked by the Niles Fitness Center, the fact that someone was already measuring for the YMCA signs, and the Fitness Center staff given notice of lay off – why wasn't this all done after a vote was taken? The email made the NFFC staff unsettled as if they were already getting laid off when the deal wasn't even official. How will the YMCA benefit from the people that already have the NFFC membership and going forward in the next couple of years how will the rates change?
Vince Genualdi, Niles Resident
Mr. Genualdi stated that during the presentation it was mentioned that the YMCA has a proven track record of safety and he would like to address this with facts obtained through publication and articles. In an April 6, 2016 article: ""Mother and son plead guilty in the Niles YMCA crime spree.” Mrs. Brown admitted to taking credit cards out of lockers at the Niles YMCA from November 6 through March 16 and taking car keys and other items from the Niles Y. She gained admittance into these vehicles by either a guest or regular membership and she was also involved in crime sprees in several YMCA across Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. June 22, 2017 article: "Family files lawsuit against Niles YMCA after man nearly drowns - he was underwater for nearly 5 minutes as was shown on video. There were two lifeguards and neither one went in to save the man - the lifeguards were distracted at the time. February 7, 2020 article: "Cavanaugh Law Group receives a $6 million settlement for a man who nearly drowned in a supervised pool" - the lifeguard had a foot injury that prevented her to leave her lifeguard stand. He asked the Board members to make the right decision and left them with this quote from Risk Management teacher and Attorney Gordon Graham "Things that go wrong are predictable – and predictable is preventable."
Response to Live Public Comments (Hadley Skeffington-Vos)
COMMENT:
Trustee Denise McCreery should recuse herself because she serves on the YMCA Board.
RESPONSE BY TRUSTEE McCREERY:
That is not true. She is not a YMCA Board member. As part of her employment from 2007-2011, she did serve on the YMCA Board and was a proud Board member, just as she is a proud board member of many other organizations in the community.
Q: What is the Park District's involvement in the process?
A: This proposal did not go out to RFP and the Park District was not asked to participate. On August 31, 2020, the Village received a letter from the Niles Park District Board expressing their interest in presenting an offer to the Village.
Q: Why was someone measuring for a sign in front of the NFFC? Is this a done deal?
A: No, it is not a done deal - the Village Board will vote on this agreement and is listening to feedback from constituents. As part of the due diligence and costs associated with aesthetic improvements, the YMCA asked the contractor to look at the existing conditions of the sign on the Fitness Center. Village staff was not aware of this and the sign contractor and the YMCA have both apologized.
Q: If the facility is closed for a period of time before the YMCA re-opens, what will happen to anyone having an existing membership?
A: Those memberships will be extended by the YMCA for the length of time the facility is shut down.
Q: What will the YMCA membership fees be?
A: The YMCA rates will be comparable to those currently at the Fitness Centers and members will be able use any Y in the Metro area. The rates are subject to change in the future.
Q: How might current Fitness Center members benefit from the proposed lease agreement and change in leadership when the YMCA operates the Center?
A: The YMCA will offer high quality family recreational programming and services, youth focused programming, whole family engagement, and sustainable and affordable rates.
Q: How unsustainable is the Fitness Center?
A: Since the Center opened in 1998 it has operated at a loss for all but two years. The total loss since 1998 equates to $4.7 million which is a subsidy that the Village transferred from the General Fund to the Fitness Center to cover the losses.
Q: Why is the Village rushing into a decision regarding the lease agreement?
A: It wasn't rushed into, it has been carefully considered over a period of time. The Village began negotiating in late 2019, and when the negotiations were over the proposed final agreement was sent to the Board for final vote.
Q: Why weren't Niles residents informed sooner of a pending consideration of a change?
A: The Village could not go public with a deal that was not certain and the YMCA had its own confidential information to protect regarding closing the Touhy location. Real estate transactions can remain confidential under the Open Meetings Act. There also could have been personnel morale issues.
Q: Is this project linked to purchasing the Leaning Tower YMCA property on Touhy?
A: This project is not contractually tied to any other real estate or market transaction.
Q: What is the comparison regarding criminal activity at the YMCA versus the NFFC?
A: Since 2013, the NFFC has had three times the number of Police calls than the Niles YMCA Fitness Center.
Q: What will be done with the savings over the 15-year lease agreement?
A: No decision has been made if the proposed agreement goes forward whether the savings would be spent on other community needs or if there will be a tax freeze. Those are just alternatives that could be used with the savings instead of subsidizing the NFFC.
Q: Why did the NFFC reopen after COVID just to close again if the lease agreement is approved?
A: The negotiations were not finalized until early August and the NFFC re-opened in June and the Village wanted the employees to return to work.
Q: Are the Village Board and Mayor members of the Fitness Center?
A: Yes, they all have memberships.
Q: Why were there YMCA buses in the Fitness Center parking lot over the summer?
A: The YMCA rented the Niles Senior Center over the summer (since it was closed to residents due to COVID) to conduct summer camps. The buses were not related to the NFFC but were part of the summer camps.
Q: How has the Fitness Center been promoted in the past?
A: The Village has promoted it in the Focus on Niles newsletter, through social media and on our website. They have their own marketing staff at the Fitness Center.
Q: How does the pay scale differ between the NFFC and the YMCA?
A: That information is not available at this time, but will be shared at a later meeting.
President Przybylo asked for additional information regarding the YMCA's programming regarding STEM and STEAM programs. YMCA CEO Richard Malone responded that the YMCA is very engaged in family programming, especially children from 0 – 18 and providing holistic services. The Ymca is very focused on STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) and STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Math) programming for children of all ages especially early childhood development. The YMCA will provide services where there is a need and do not plan to duplicate what is already available.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (continued)
Jim Hynes, 40-year Niles Resident, Park District Commissioner and Former Niles Trustee Mr. Hynes commented that the Park District Board had a meeting last week and sent a letter to the Mayor and Village Board regarding their position on this. Copies of the letter are available from the Park District offices. How do you expect the Fitness Center's financials to improve takes over when there is such heightened competition for these services. If the performance was so poor five years ago, why wasn't something implemented?
Sheila Ryan, 20-year Niles Resident
Ms. Ryan's issue is not with the YMCA, it is a business issue that there were so many discussions that were not public and she doesn't understand how that happened. If the NFFC was struggling, why is there such an instant connection with the YMCA? Why wasn't something put out to the Village first that said: We are struggling with the Fitness Center what should we do?
Mike
Mike asked previously why the employees at the NFFC got an email when the lease agreement hadn't been approved yet - that had to have been unsettling and scared the employees. Why didn't the email go out after the vote was through?
Holly Jurik, Chicago Resident and Niles Fitness Center Member
Ms. Jurik asked why this is considered a "lease" and not a service similar to the Senior Center, Teen Center and the Free Bus. She feels it was a guise to hide it as a lease, which qualifies for an exemption from the Open Meetings Act. How many free Niles Fitness Center memberships are there? $4.5 million has been transferred to shore up the losses at the NFFC however it is expected it will be $8.5 million over the next 15 years, why such a significant increase? Will the rates stay the same as the NFFC? As chair of the Economic Development Committee, Denise McCreery should recuse herself from this decision because it seems there is a conflict of interest.
Response to Live Public Comments (Hadley Skeffington-Vos)
Q: Why haven't changes at the NFFC been implemented earlier?
A: Changes have happened over the past years, including reduced operational expenditures, improved utility efficiencies, grants for lighting, personnel reorganization, in-house ca improvements, and marketing efforts to increase membership.
Q: How many free NFFC are there?
A: There are over 900 memberships offered, but they are not all used.
Q: Why the timing of the emails to staff of the NFFC?
A: Before the agenda was posted for the August Board meeting, staff notified NFFC employees that a potential agreement was being voted on by the Board and as a good employer we felt the need to tell the employees ourselves and we also met in person with employees.
Q: Why the discrepancy of $4.5 million transferred to the NFFC and the savings over the next 15 years of $8.5 million?
A: The $4.5 million discrepancy is based on past performance and the $8.5 million is projected savings based on the lease agreement.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (continued)
Deputy Village Clerk Margaret Keating and Village Clerk Marlene Victorine read the following public comments received via email into the record:
Erin A. Lou
I strongly encourage acceptance of the YMCA Niles Fitness proposal. As a long-time member of the Leaning Tower, I saw and experienced their strong commitment to healthy families, individuals and the community at large. I joined the Leaning Tower shortly after experiencing a stroke at the age of 30. The YMCA was extremely supportive and provided an opportunity to exercise in a nonjudgment, accessible, motivating and highly empowering atmosphere with a sense of community. There was always a spectrum of people from various ages, backgrounds and capacities all contributing to development and goals, both physical and emotional. For many, the Leaning Tower was far more than a gym. It provided a respite to recharge before returning to daily life. The closing of the Leaning Tower negatively impacted many individuals and families. Joining the Y and the Niles Fitness Center would provide an opportunity for many and would be within the existing commitments of the Niles Fitness Center. Healthy mind, healthy body, healthy community
Kathleen Azzi, Niles Resident and NFFC Member
The Niles Park District needs to be given the opportunity to operate the Niles Family Fitness Center. One of the reasons I moved to Niles and remain a resident is because of the outstanding programs and facilities offered by the Village and Park District. The retired Deputy of Chief of Police mentioned the YMCA has a higher crime rate in addition to a drowning. Our Senior Center shares the building, and this will put them at risk. How is this helping our community or offering the same service as the NFFC? Rather than increasing the property taxes for all citizens of Niles to fund the Niles Fitness Center expenses, we should end the practice of giving Village employees and their families free memberships. Perhaps charging them 50% of the standard membership fees could help eliminate any budget short falls. In the rush to address budgetary concerns, I fear that the proposed replacement of the Niles Family Fitness Center has not been appropriately vetted by the tax paying citizens of this community. I do not feel the YMCA is an acceptable replacement. Vote “no”!
Martha Falconi, NFFC Member
I'm deeply sorry to hear that the YMCA will be taking over the Niles Fitness Center. I belong to the NFFC and the Senior Center for the past nine years and I wish you would reconsider this decision and save our wonderful Fitness Center. All the employees are great and very helpful; they are an extended family to us. Maybe you are losing money with the Fitness Center because you give free passes to everyone. You have to make sure that every single person pays the annual fee. I also know that people are going to the group exercise using the elevator so they don't have to pay. If you install a system in which you can track people coming to use the gym; you won't be losing money. Please save the Fitness Center.
Susanne Atanus, Niles Resident
The Niles Fitness Center should not be leased to the YMCA and the Niles employees should not be let go and other employees taking their place. They will lose their income, health insurance and years of service going towards their Niles pensions. This is doing them dirty. Niles knows better and will do better for these employees and serve the Village of Niles residents and listen to their voices and others who use this facility and their disagreement with leasing the Niles Fitness Center to the YMCA. Other cities are not doing this. The Niles employees can have reduced hours; work with them so they do not lose their jobs. Most importantly, the health of our residents is most important, and exercise and having fun, reducing stress is key to longevity and a healthy life. Let's listen to our residents who want to keep the Niles Fitness Center the way it is or managed with the Niles Park District. Rates can go up a little, but, not a lot; otherwise, fewer people will use the Niles Fitness Center. It was not right to catch people by surprise. You know better, and do not make hasty decisions. Be respectful, professional and welcome our comments. The Niles residents do not want the Niles Family Center to let go employees, and not be able to use this facility, and the equipment removed.
Bob Zalewski
Why does it have to be leased to the YMCA? They ruined the YMCA now they are going to ruin the Fitness Center. We left the YMCA because it was not being taken care of and found something that was clean and nice - now it is going the same as what we left. I come from the City and if I wanted the Y I could have gone to one.
Barbara Hilbrich, 28-year Niles Resident, 20-year NFFC Employee and Member
My son grew up attending the Park District's camps, sporting events, and every year had an Oasis pool pass. The Park District is top notch. I would like to see the NPD take over the NFFC. I need my job!!!! Could someone please explain to me why on two separate times a company has measured the letters on the Fitness Center building - when asked what they were doing, they replied and said we are measuring the letters and will be changing it to Niles YMCA. Why are they allowed on the property if this is a not a “done deal”? Everyone is very upset.
Daniel Gillespie, Niles Resident
Concerns of takeover of YMCA:
1. Will the dues increase and how much for Niles residents?
2. Will the Senior Center continue to operate?
3. Will there be an oversight committee to insure that the YMCA owns up to its obligations?
4. Was the NFFC a for-profit organization?
5. Was the Niles Park District ever approached to manage the NFC?
Margaret Schramm, Skokie
Resident and NFFC Member
I want you to know how devastating the announcement to close the Fitness Center was to me and many of the members. I have been a member for close to eight years and I have loved every day I have gone there. It has been great for my mental and physical wellbeing. I have told anyone who would listen that it was worth every penny that I have paid because it has helped me in so many ways and I have always used my membership, going five days a week. My physician was so happy to hear that I was working out this much. I have met so many wonderful individuals, members and staff. They have helped me get through some very trying times such as the illness and loss of my husband. I would like to see the Niles Park District take this over and not the YMCA. I was not happy with the management to the Leaning Tower and the care of their pool and that is why I joined Niles Fitness Center and I have never regretted my decision. Please reconsider your decision.
Marty Stankowicz, Niles Resident
Do not even consider a partnership with the YMCA, just vote "no". Keep your people who are currently employed, and continue to keep them employed. I have heard from all the public comment that the employees are wonderful and do a great job. They do not seem to be the problem. If the NFFC is in need of new management and leadership, seek out a trusted and capable organization that is proven to be financially responsible and has a long standing record of achievement in fitness and recreation. The YMCA could not keep its Niles and Des Plaines facilities maintained or open and shut the doors. Do not let history repeat at the NFFC. I am asking the board to just vote "no". The Village employees should not be relieved of their employment so the YMCA can take over and put in their people. That is a total disgrace and lack of respect for the Fitness Center employees that have been praised by all the public comment from customers. If there is a need for better management and financial stability, look elsewhere.
Look to someone that has experience in the fitness and recreation field and is successful, not a company that is a failure and going broke.
Teresa Calpino, Chicago Resident
My name is Teresa Calpino and I am a resident of Chicago and a member of the NFFC for the past five years. Before that I was a member of the Park Ridge Community Center and also used the Leaning Tower YMCA for swimming lessons and some other children's programs. I can say without qualification that the NFFC is of a much higher quality than the Leaning Tower YMCA. My experience was that the Y was dirty, that the facilities did not show upkeep was being done and the staff was not helpful. While my children were taking their lesson, I asked to look at the facility to see what kind of equipment and exercise rooms they had. I was refused because I was not a member and had not booked a tour. Ok, but no one offered to book an appointment, take my information down or follow up with me. I did have the opportunity to take a couple of classes there and they were just ok. The quality of instructors, the variety of programs and the equipment at the NFFC is far and above what I found at the Y. In addition, just recently, I contacted two YMCAS (there are very few still open in the area) and asked about Zoom or on-demand for members during the pandemic. I was told that the Y does not believe in them. In the middle of a pandemic, when there are so many people who cannot risk being in group settings either because of age, health conditions or the health conditions of their family members, this shows a lack of caring and awareness that is shocking. Finally, the fact that the YMCA has been losing membership and money resulting in closures and mergers is not a good sign for how they will run things at the NFFC. It would be a huge loss to the community to lose this wonderful facility. The staff goes above and beyond to provide a good variety of programs and fitness opportunities. I do agree that the locker rooms need work, but that is something that can be fixed. I am happy to pay non-resident rates for the cleanliness, staff and equipment that is available to me. I would also be willing to pay more for this access. The YMCA costs about $50 per month or about $600 per year. I currently pay $500 per year for an adult membership. Please listen to all the members and residents and do not turn this wonderful facility over to a company that does not have a good track record. Don't lay off the wonderful, dedicated staff. And do not punish the staff and members for the failings of the center management and the Village for not stepping in sooner. This is an opportunity to create a plan for an even better NFFC that still maintaining the quality that I and other members have become used to.
Robert J. Hilbrich, Niles Resident
My name is Robert Hilbrich and I am a Niles resident that was lucky to grow up and spend my entire childhood in our great little community. I wanted to share my opinion on what is happening to the Niles Family Fitness Center, and how it has truly impacted me and many others on the same personal level. The Niles Family Fitness Center has always been more than just a place to work out. As kids, many of us thought of the place as a second home between the basketball courts, the pool, and the dances. During the winter months we (local kids) would escape the snow and the freezing weather there. And as I grew older I took full advantage of the gym. The people behind the counters and the people monitoring the different areas are all people who you know from living within the community, most of which were members of the Niles Family Fitness Center before ever even considering applying for a position. The staff there makes you feel like family, until you actually are...this is the kind of place I'd love to work for. To come to work and actually enjoy what you do. I know because my mother is one of those part-time employees who has been a member since the Niles Family Fitness Center opened. She is being terminated if this YMCA deal goes through. The Niles Park District are people we all know from our community.
Just like the Niles Family Fitness Center. I think the Park District is the right move to save the Niles Family Fitness Center and preserve the great Village we live in. “Niles, A great place to raise a family” Not a great place to sell out for an entertainment district... and further more I believe to lay off people of our community during a world pandemic is horrendous.
Dr. Anne Weinrep
Word on the street is that Niles wants to tear down the Leaning Tower YMCA and put up an arena or convention-like center to earn big bucks and are thus appeasing Leaning Tower YMCA by leasing them Niles Family Fitness. Is this true? If true, are any of the trustees involved in the project?
Christy Matusiak, Niles Resident and NFFC Member
I've been a member of the Niles Family Fitness Center since April 2019. I came after LA Fitness in Morton Grove shut down for renovations. Before that I've had two other gyms close. I've been to a lot of fitness centers. From where I stand, NFFC is far and above operated by a higher quality staff and is a brilliantly operated community center. My kids have never been better cared for or supported at a fitness center. The fitness instructors are the best I have ever seen, the cleaning staff is diligent and their management staff caring, engaging and professional. I've been more than impressed with the Village of Niles. I've been to YMCAs and in my experience they are poorly run by inferior, apathetic staff. I've never felt welcomed like I have at NFFC. If this turns into a Y, I cannot commit to continuing with my membership. Please re-evaluate this decision. NFFC is more than just a gym. It is a community, a family and a home to many.
Barbara Schutt, Niles Resident
I have been a member of the Niles Family Fitness Center for a number of years and use the facility on a regular basis. I will be very disappointed to no longer have the center. Especially, as an older citizen, to have a class design for us means a great deal. I believe the Park District could continue with the programs in place, keep the current employees (who have become like family) and keep the cost reasonable.
Jeannette Lee, Niles Resident
It is disappointing that the Village of Niles tried to engage in a "partnership” between the YMCA and the Niles Family Fitness Center without first going out to bid with other entities, particularly the Park District. A deal of this size, and of this amount of impact to both the Village employees of the Fitness Center and the citizens of the Village, should not have been made as swiftly as it was, and without the due diligence it deserved. I do not believe the YMCA is the right partner for this community. The facility that recently closed down was overpriced, dirty, and run down. There was no community-feel about that place. They closed down for a reason -- so why do we think they would be more successful in this location than in either their previous Niles or Des Plaines locations? I am requesting that this project be put out to bid -- with the Park District first, who would be able to satisfy the needs of the current Village employees as well as the citizens, children, and current members of this center. If the Park District is unable to work out a deal, it would be a worthwhile effort to look further for another partner other than the YMCA, who have not demonstrated that they would be a worthwhile community partner
Nancy Trefilek, Niles Resident
I am against the YMCA taking over the Niles Fitness Center. Rarely is a switch to a corporate management entity a good thing. The entire culture of the place changes. I've experienced this change in management at dental offices, veterinary offices, small stores etc. The entire culture of the institutions change as employees and corporate structures and over site change. I support the Park District running the NFFC. At least it is locally run and answers to us, the residents and taxpayers, who are overwhelmingly using the facilities. Hopefully the powers that be will rethink this idea.
Robert L. Kinsler, Niles Resident and Former NFFC Member
I was a continuing multiple-year member, along with my wife, at the Niles Family Fitness Center (NFFC) up until last week. On the day they notified the current employees that they will be let go at the end of September, so the YMCA could take control of the facility is when I decided I had enough. I was appalled to hear that our NFFC was going to be turned over to the failing YMCA organization without any real input from the members of the NFFC or the residents of the Village of Niles, of which my wife and I are both. Putting two and two together then I realized why half of the parking lot was closed off with the now defunct Leaning Tower YMCA vehicles for such a long while. The deal had already been made behind closed doors with plans to push the final vote through with a quick dog and pony show vote. I immediately called the NFFC and terminated our memberships in total disgust with my Village. I find the way the employees of the NFFC were being treated during these trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic and the way the members of the NFFC were being ignored, as well as the residents of Niles, totally despicable and reprehensible act by our Village. I am 100% against the Greater Chicago YMCA taking over and leasing this valuable Village asset, especially in the underhanded way that this deal was carried out. It appears as the decision has already been made behind closed doors. I feel this is a huge mistake and another blemish on our Village as to the way it conducts the business for the residents of Niles. Also, was the Niles Park District considered and contacted as to taking over this facility? If not, why not? Last, why does the Village of Niles Board feel that this major facility change has to be made now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and not instead be allowed to be put before the general residency of Niles, or at least the current membership of the NFFC, for a vote? Shame on everyone that knew about this deal and kept in secret. Shame on all those that worked behind the scenes of this deal while keeping it totally from the residents of the Village of Niles, the membership of the NFFC, and the general employees of the NFFC. Shame on those who thought they could push this through without real public input. Please reconsider your decision and please remove this action from the Village agenda before all people that are affected by this major change to Village facilities have an actual, honest chance to know what has been planned, how long it has been planned, who decided to make this decision, what will be the actual ramifications of this plan, and what other options could be considered? All this and time for people to digest that information to then provide real, knowledgeable feedback to this proposal.
Lisa Cotner, Niles Resident
I am in favor of a partnership between the Niles Family Fitness Center and YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago on the condition that this center provides after-school, before-school, summer, and remote learning childcare like many other YMCA locations are doing in Chicagoland. I live in the part of Niles that is in District 67 and there are zero fulltime remote learning childcare options in this school district. When school starts up in person again, it would also be ideal if the new YMCA location offered before-care and busing to District 67. Before-care through Morton Grove Park District was unavailable the last two school years and there are zero morning childcare options that bus to Hynes Elementary. This is a major unmet need for local parents and it would be great if the new YMCA could meet this need.
Renata Kot, Niles Resident
Niles Family Fitness Center it's a great place for everyone from small children to senior citizens. Our school always goes to practice basketball and volleyball and I need to mention that the students always happy to go after school for practice. Another thing, the youth always have parties at the Family Fitness Center. As a resident of Niles I always stop by at the pool during winter time or just exercise. Please reconsider this decision.
Nikki Toumplis
I disagree with the facility becoming a YMCA. I believe it should be utilized by something in Niles since Niles tax dollars were used to build it. Give it to the park district and make more programs for our kids where, as residents, we can get a perk for living in Niles. If you drive around there isn't anything else that is being built that would be of good use to us other than random abandoned businesses.
Julie England, Niles Resident
As a parent of three children under 16, I've used both Park District and YMCA facilities. I still use NPD, can't say the same for the Y. The Y is run down and didn't feel safe for my family. NFFC is a great place with great people like NPD.
JoAnn Girel, Niles Resident
The Niles Park District should get the chance to run the NFFC. With the YMCA, I'll be more expensive and students, children and adults will not use the facility. The NFFC is in the center of Niles, to give it to the YMCA without public opinion would be wrong.
Tajma Qorri, Niles Resident
I was a patron of the NFFC since we moved to Niles. It's heartbreaking to think that all the wonderful staff is now without a job. You must keep NFFC a welcoming space for all, and as a religious organization the Y will not serve the diverse population of Niles. Please, reconsider,
Steve Fischer
The YMCA management of the Fitness Center should not occur. Why do we need their services? Fitness centers are a community service and not a money making endeavor.
Rich and Carol Mangold, Niles Residents
Below are questions and concerns that we have in regard to the Village of Niles entering into an agreement with the YMCA to lease and operate the Village of Niles Fitness Center. These are listed in random order.
1. How financially solvent is the YMCA? Locally they have closed the Niles Y and the Des Plaines Y. In the past 5 years over the United States many Y's have declared bankruptcy. What would happen to our agreement with them if they become insolvent?
2. Why has the Niles Board not allowed other interested parties an opportunity to submit proposals for running the Fitness Center that might be a better fit for the use of the facility via an RFP process?
3. Why does the Y need our Fitness Center when they have their own buildings? Have they allowed there buildings to deteriorate? If yes, what will stop them from doing the same to ours? And at what cost to us?
4. What parts of the building are planned to be the Y's? How would physical areas of building be divided and secured from the Y vs. Sr. Center, kitchen, the second floor, the wash rooms, the meeting rooms etc.?
5. Whose name will be on the building? Will the Sr. Center portion of the building have a name of its own on the building?
6. Would the Sr. Center get priority for parking? Will seniors, or Niles residents for that matter, be able to use the walking track without joining the Y.
7. Wasn't the Fitness Center designed as a service to Niles residents and not for profit? If the current budget cannot sustain it why were alternatives not investigated and or membership fees increased?
8. If our Fitness Center has had financial problems as the Village presented since 2008 what has been done to address these? If the problems have not been addressed for so many years why is it now so urgent that we quickly relinquish it to the Y without time to consider alternative solutions? Why is it so necessary to resolve 12 years of management issues in a few days or weeks?
9. Why do we or should we allow competition to our own park district? 10. How safe a facility is the Y? Has its past crime history been evaluated?
11. We recognize the employee issues are more confidential but do we really think that if the Y hires people to run the Niles Fitness Center from a pool of past Y employees vs. from former Niles Fitness Center employees that the Niles employees will be fairly evaluated? We think not! As long-term residents of Niles we welcome that the Village is addressing issues surrounding the Niles Fitness Center. We however do not welcome the Mayor or Trustees rushing into a solution without looking at all alternatives including our own Park District taking over management of the facility. The planned use of the facility by the YMCA seems to be the complete opposite to a planned, analyzed and informed process by the Village Board that has openly requested and evaluated all alternatives and kept our citizens apprised of this.
Debi Sola, Niles Resident
The Niles Fitness Center is like family to so many people. It would be a shame to give this center to the YMCA and then the family center employees not have jobs. This is heartless especially because during COVID. My son has been going since he was two to the infant and kids programs. It is an excellent program that many parents treasure. My son will not go to many camps because he is shy but will go to Mrs. Jenny camps because they treat the kids like it is their family. Please reconsider keeping the fitness center!
Linda Kapuscinski, Niles Resident
The Fitness Center has provided us with a place to take fitness classes, enjoy the pool, enjoy the gym to play and practice basketball. We don't want the YMCA taking over. You are putting people who live in Niles out of work, how do you expect them to pay taxes and all their other bills?
Christina and Rick Thomason, Chicago Residents
Just wanted to tell you with the interesting times we are living in today that the Fitness Center has been the place that has been a constant and safe place to go. I hope you will not take this Family Friendly Place away from us. Please reconsider changing anything with this wonderful, family and safe place for us to go.
Sandra L. Bennett, Niles Resident
I have been going to the Niles Fitness Center for over 10 years. I would really miss the confident efficient staff and instructors. I have been to many gyms in my 76 years and the Niles Fitness outdoes all of them. I will never join the YMCA. They have never come close to what we have now. Please do not turn this fine facility over to the Y.
William Bennett, Niles Resident
It would be like losing a family member to me. I became a member approximately 10 years ago, made good friends and can't say enough about the great staff. Please, let's not lose what all of us have enjoyed for so many years.
Cathy Kaczanowski
This would probably be easier to swallow if you were keeping your current employees. As a 20 plus year member of the Fitness Center, I will be following my great instructor to another park district. I am very unhappy with this decision.
Barbara Bush
I do not want to see the Fitness Center closed because it is a great asset to the Village and the reason many move to Niles. I also don't want the staff to lose their jobs. The workers do a wonderful job and Niles should be very proud of them.
Amy Cardella, 22-year Niles Resident, 21-year NFFC Member and NFFC Employee
The Niles Family Fitness Center is more than a work out facility. It is a community within the community, where Niles residents and residents of nearby suburbs and neighborhoods have gathered for the last 22 years, and have created a supportive environment for each other. I personally have lived in Niles for over 22 years, been a member for 21 years, my children were raised in the playroom by wonderful, caring and thoughtful employees, like Pam, who have become friends. I have been inspired to up my fitness commitment by employees like Fred Cato, Kathy, Wayne, Danielle, Susan and especially Regina, who inspired me to become a certified yoga teacher. As a result, I have been teaching at NFFC for the past 10 years. A loyal following of students come to my class (and/or Zoom) and I care about each one deeply. I am worried about their mental and physical health if the YMCA takes over and does not continue the high level of standards, safety, ethics, cleanliness, customer service, relationship building, and genuinely caring attitude that current staff exudes. The Village provides many quality, costly services to its residents - free bus, Niles Family Services, Niles Senior Center... the Family Fitness Center is just as important an asset. It is what makes the Village of Niles special and stand out as a great place to raise a family. Rumor has it that the sale of the Fitness Center is already a done deal, with measurements of a new sign already happening. That makes me very sad and illustrates to me that the Village is not being transparent in their actions. Please do not take this away from the community, and have 150 employees out of jobs in this Covid environment for a second time. Many of you on the Board are long-time friends. I have faith that you will make your decision on this matter in an ethical, fair, hopefully transparent, and whole-health view of the community and all who are directly impacted by this decision, and not just for financial reasons. What is truly best for the people of Niles?
Mary Anne O'Boyle, Chicago Resident
Niles Family Fitness is a great place to work out. The staff is professional and very friendly. During this crazy time, the staff came back handling the new challenges to work out in a safe environment and if you couldn't come in they have Zoom classes. I myself had question how this works, and whenever I called the staff always helped and if they didn't, know they would get back to me with the answers. Niles Family Fitness is great for Niles. I think you should listen to the members and think about the great staff that works there.
Cathi McNamara, Niles Resident and NFFC Member
I'd hate to see any change made to the existing environment. The staff at NFFC is wonderful! They made the stay at home order tolerable with all the Zoom workouts and email motivation they offered. Since Phase 4 has allowed in-person workouts, they have kept the place clean and safe. I've always heard how bad YMCAs are maintained. I'd hate to see this happen to this lovely facility that offers our residents a safe and great workout facility. Now I do understand "business is business" and if that is really the case, then if any change has to be made, then extend the offer to the Niles Park District; not the YMCA! Please listen to the voices of your residents and don't make this decision only about money. This would be a huge mistake.
Joyce Burns
I have been a member of the Niles Fitness Center for many years. It just won't be the same without the many people that work there. Please keep it the way it was!
Albert and Carol Schafer, Niles Residents
As longtime residents of Niles, we would like to express our disapproval of the decision to possibly close the Niles Family Fitness Center and lease it to the YMCA. We feel that this center is a great asset to the Niles community, whether young or old. It should stay in the control of the Village of Niles, or the Niles Park District and not be leased out to an outside entity. It provides employment for many Niles residents, and has become like a family for employees and patrons as well. Please do not vote to close the NFFC, keep it in the Niles family of community buildings, a place to work, play gather and stay fit: A Community Center. We feel this asset is well worth keeping
Jim Ciemny, Niles Resident
I would like to express my concern and objection to the planned transition where the YMCA will take over our cherished Fitness Center. I hope this letter becomes a part of the public record so my concerns are hears. There are 6 areas of concern:
1) When were membership fees last increased? How does our fee schedule compare to neighboring Villages and independent clubs? It is my understanding there are free memberships offered to full-time employees and their families. What is the effect (potential revenue loss) of these free memberships? Are there any additional agreements contracted or implied regarding free or reduced membership fees with any other organization, business or taxing body within or outside of the Village?
2) What are the proposed lease terms in the YMCA lease? Who pays for what? How much is the base rent? How long is the lease? Who pays the common area maintenance? Who pays for the roof? Is there a purchase option? What about existing in place equipment?
3) Did we vet the YMCA as a viable tenant? How will they make money if we can't? What will their membership fees be? What programs will they offer? Why did they shut down their Des Plaines facility? What do their financials look like at Touhy Avenue?
4) There are Niles jobs are being eliminated. This means we hurt the economic base of our community. Our instructors are top notch - we can't summarily dismiss them.
5) What about the YMCA property at Touhy Avenue – is the intent it will be given to Niles. Will the YMCA try to sell to a third party? Was this part of the agreement when we took possession of the leaning tower years back? Is the Village planning to TIF it?
6) Our own Park District has the most skill and experience to take over this entity and is successfully running various program and athletic facilities - that makes them the most qualified to take over this operation.
Leslie Wurman, Niles Resident
I write as a NFFC member and former YMCA member to recommend the Park District operate the NFFC and retain its staff. It's common sense for the Park District to assume control of this valuable community asset rather than taking the drastic, disruptive step of the Y moving in and firing NFFC staff with little notice. Is this the correct time--during a pandemic--to take drastic measures? What's the rush? If it's an issue of NFFC revenues, shouldn't incremental steps be taken to generate greater returns instead of giving away the farm? Likely more former Y members naturally will become NFFC members, particularly post-Covid. The NFFC is a community gem. Staff act as owners rather than agents. Just one example: When NFFC shut due to Covid, Fitness Coordinator Danielle Desherow ensured dues-paying members' retention by teaching Zoom classes from her basement. Staff subsequently instituted a full program of Zoom classes for members. I cannot imagine the Y taking such nimble, entrepreneurial steps to benefit the community. NFFC staff dedication results in loyal membership and a well-cared-for facility. My Y experience is the opposite: there was significant staff turnover, inability to ensure member safety, fewer class offerings, facilities degraded and members quit (with many joining the NFFC instead). As a result of its poor management, the Y shut a number of its facilities and failed our community. Why reward the flailing Y with the well-run NFFC? I urge you to retain the NFFC and its staff. The staff's dedication will ensure the community continues to benefit and a successful future for the facility.
Lyle Wicks, Niles Resident
You say all possible solutions to the NFFC have been explored and nothing has been decided. If that's true then why was a sign company at the center on Friday 8/28 measuring for a new sign? When I asked him what the new sign would read he said he wasn't exactly sure but it would be "something YMCA". So it sounds like you have already given the go ahead to the YMCA deal and are just trying to sell us a story about how you all are doing your due diligence to do what's best for us. We voters don't take kindly to backroom deals and attempts to pull the wool over our eyes. The Park District would be a far superior solution than the Y which has a terrible reputation for maintenance and cleanliness.
Nick Leevathana, Niles Resident
NFFC has done an exceptional job at taking care of this facility. Please don't lease to YMCA. Let the NPD take over and allow the staff to keep their jobs!
Susuan Armbruster
My husband and I have been members for 5 years. Niles has everything we want in a gym. I take several classes including some in the pool. The staff is fantastic. The building is almost spotless. I don't think the YMCA can come even close to this perfection. When you see the same faces in class for 5 years, you know they are doing it right. I know everyone in my classes felt heartbroken with the news of closing.
Jason Ang, Niles Resident
The pandemic has brought to light the critical importance of public and personal health, so why is it that the Village is prioritizing profit over the well-being of its residents? This is not a partnership but a thinly veiled divestiture of a beloved part of Niles to the YMCA. The Fitness Center is a public health resource, and to say it is "bleeding money" like Mr. Vinezeano did is a dereliction of duty and puts a price on the health of its residents. The money is not "lost"; it is an investment in the health of its residents. And if it's really that unprofitable, there are myriad other ways to resolve the issues the NFFC faces that don't involve immediately dumping it to the highest bidder. The Niles Park District deserves a chance to submit a proposal, and if unsuccessful, the residents of Niles must have a vote to subsidize its operations. The leaders of Niles need to step up and consider proposals from the NPD or stop running the Village like a business at the expense of the people, especially in a Village WHERE PEOPLE COUNT.
Apinya Leevathana, Niles Resident
The residents of Niles deserve better. Please do not let YMCA come in and take away the jobs of these hard-working people at the NFFC. I have enjoyed many classes and hope to continue to after the period of COVID is over.
Martin Hedrich, Niles Resident
I was born and raised in Niles and went to Niles South grammar school, Niles North Jr. (Culver") and Niles West. I have worked for the past 20 years as a fitness trainer at over a dozen different facilities. I have been on staff at NFFC for over 15 years. I can honestly say it is the cleanest facility with the best maintained equipment, the most knowledgeable, understanding and competent staff anywhere. It is the only facility I've worked at that has maintained the same cohesive management team. The turnover rate of employees is low. My direct boss, Danielle Deshirow who hired me has been there the whole time. She is consistent in her professionalism and is very easy to work with. Carl Maniscalco whom I have known since I have worked there has been accessible to both staff and patrons of the club. He is always open to suggestions and feedback and has treated everybody fairly and with dignity. Every time I have been there, the front desk staff has greeted me with a kind word and smile. If I ever needed anything, no matter how mundane or extraordinary, they have assisted every way possible. I cannot say enough about my experience working for such a fine group of people. It would be shameful to not have the facility intact with this group, administrating and maintaining the center. I would urge you respectfully, to do your best for the residents of Niles to keep it running as is. The value it adds to the quality of life for everyone involved goes way beyond dollars and cents.
William Armbruster, Niles Resident
I have been a member for over 10 years at the NFFC and have made many friends with the great staff and members. It will be a great loss for Niles to have the YMCA take over the facility. I was also a member of the YMCA and watched it fall in disrepair and the members get worse and troublesome, locker break-ins, etc. The Village of Niles should retain ownership as it stands today or allow the park district take the club over.
Ana Protofanousis, Niles Resident
I appreciate the sense of family and friendships made by being there since I was a kid.
Pamela Ang, Niles Resident
I have been an employee of the NFFC since day one. I have taken care of the children in the playroom and watched them all grow for over 20 years. Over those years, I have created strong bonds with members and staff. I think of the children I take care of as my own and the parents I meet as long-time friends. In particular, Regina and Amy, two moms who brought their wonderful kids to the playroom. These women eventually began teaching yoga at the NFFC. I had never taken yoga before working at the NFFC. However, when I take their classes (classes I have taken for many, many years), it has strengthened my mental and physical wellbeing. They are devoted teachers and we are devoted employees of the NFFC. Niles will not be the same without this NFFC community we have built for over 20 years. The Village claims they want to preserve the legacy of the YMCA. Why not instead preserve the legacy of the NFFC?
Wing Ang, Niles Resident
During my retirement I have found a community within the NFFC that has only benefited my well-being. I am talking about the friends I have made through pickle ball. I had never played pickle ball before until joining the NFFC, but the members there taught me and welcomed me every Tuesday and Thursday. This is the sense of community that has always been the heart of NFFC. My children grew up at the NFFC and my wife has worked there since the very beginning. The Family in the Niles Family Fitness Center is what made me love this gym and love Niles. I have been a resident for 40 years and to think that the Village wants to take this community, this family of members and staff away from Niles is very unfortunate for all of us.
Alex Zasso, Des Plaines Resident
The value of the Niles Family Fitness Center to the Village community far exceeds a six figure revenue shortfall. I understand that, due to COVID-19, all municipalities are facing an acute budgetary crisis. Taking the fitness center's subsidy off of the village's books and getting some cash up front from the Y must seem like an easy out, but it would be penny wise and pound foolish. The fitness center is exactly the sort of amenity Niles needs to attract and retain residents. Furthermore, as the present outpouring of support has shown, the fitness center has a strong brand and a loyal base of members. The Village has attempted to portray a 10% decline in revenue over the last five years as indicative of terminal decline. I would instead argue that the Fitness Center successfully weathered a period of rapidly proliferating competition from budget gyms, yoga studios, and swim schools. The same cannot be said of the Leaning Tower YMCA, which, evidently, was not able to withstand those same competitive pressures.
Beth Sair
It is extremely sad that you felt you had to terminate all of your instructors. It is most sad that you felt that you had a close Niles Fitness. Do you think you could've asked us if we would've paid more do use the facility instead of closing it?
Robin Miller, Niles Resident
I have been a resident since 1954 and worked for 38 years in the Village as a letter carrier. I watched the Board meeting and listened to all the comments regarding the YMCA taking over the running of the Fitness Center. In all the comments, there wasn't one that had anything positive to say about how they run a business. All I heard is that it was dirty and poorly run. This is not what I want for our great Fitness Center. The Park District runs great programs and has a wonderful reputation. My taxes helped build the Fitness Center and I feel it should be run by the Park District.
Phyllis
Why does this come down to money? That's all you people are in it for! The money! You don't care about the residents or if they're happy or not.
Bridget O'Keefe
I have been a member of the Niles Fitness Center for 18 years. I have been so impressed at how it has been run. The staff is terrific and the facility is meticulously clean. For one year during that 18 year period, we had to join the YMCA because our children were on their swim team. It was filthy, run down and horribly maintained. The minute my children left swim team, I went back to the Niles Fitness Center and never left. There is no comparison between the way the two facilities are run. I personally would be willing to pay higher dues to keep it within the control of Niles. Niles is an excellent Village which values its facilities and keeps them in great condition with dedicated staff. I hope the Village will reconsider this decision.
Myles McDarrah
Why is a music venue being planned for the Tower area on Touhy, when traffic is so bad there already? The area around Golf Mill is, in its present state, far superior in terms of infrastructure, available parking, accessibility and proximity to residential land use, Choking Howard Street down to one lane will exacerbate an already bad situation.
Kathleen Burke, Chicago Resident
I took swim lessons at the NFFC as a kid and then ended up working there going on 10 years now. It is like a second home to me as well as many others who work there or are members there. Throughout the years I have seen it used as a safe spot for kids to hang out and exercise when other gyms don't have anything to offer them. I have personally helped individuals with disabilities or who are recovering from surgeries come and uses the and regain movement. We all take an interest in truly getting to know our members and vice versa because we all care. I have taught kids and watched them grow from little babies barely able to put their faces under water to now swimming laps in swim club. Taking away the Niles Family Fitness Center would be like taking away a home from a family. Replacing it with the YMCA and new employees would be like taking that family and relocating them to a different country and expecting them to want to stay when they have no say in the matter. Please think about this family and their home before you let it go.
Renee Polit, Niles Resident
We are so disappointed in the decision to sell the Family Fitness Center before public consideration. It's a valuable resource for parents and the services offered are at a much better price than the YMCA. Having gone to the NFFC and YMCA, the cleanliness and friendliness of the facility is unbeatable. Considering the NFFC is only 2% of the budget, the benefit outweighs the cost. Considering also that YMCA has been closing sites and doing poorly, I don't understand how this it will be a financial asset to Niles, especially since the NFFC has been increasing the number of members. More evidence needs to be provided that the YMCA will be a financial asset to Niles and not just a liability to families who currently take advantage of the benefits the NFFC offers. What requirements would the NFFC need to fulfill that they don't already before this decision is reversed? I don't believe this decision is being made with the residents' best interest in mind and furthermore, there is not much evidence that it will be in anyway a financial asset to Niles.
Amy Murrin, Glenview Resident
Back in 2000/2001 I had a short term summer membership with Niles Family Fitness and had a wonderful experience with my time at this facility. When I heard that the Village of Niles was no longer interested in operating its own Fitness Center, and was looking to form a partnership with Metro YMCA, my first thought was, "I wonder if the Village had considered staying local/keeping it local by partnering with the Niles Park District and keeping this service local to the residents of Niles.” I am very pleased to hear that a discussion has started, and my hope is that the Village takes the time to thoroughly explore this local opportunity and potential partnership. Additionally, the amount of programming that the Park District offers would meet the needs of the community of Niles- preschool, golf, tennis, ice, skate park, athletics, outdoor water park, youth, adult, senior and teen programming and more! Why add another competitor to the mix when locally all of the community needs would be met with these two entities working together? It was discussed at last week's meeting that the Niles Family Fitness Center operates in the red. I want to be sure that the community understands that all costs are factored into the reported Niles Family Fitness Centers revenue shortfall. Replacement of HVAC units, maintenance and replacement of the air handling system in the pool area, roof replacements, facility renovations (locker room renovations) and many other capital costs are all tied together in this facility's bottom line. My question is, with this new potential partnership with Metro YMCA, will these capital costs continue to be funded by the Village of Niles and will there be any operational costs that the Village of Niles will continue to pay for? And finally, what are the direct benefits of Metro Chicago operating this facility? Any details that can be shared with the community of Niles would be greatly appreciated.
Mike Dillon, Chicago Resident
Having been a long time member of the YMCA in two different locations including The New City Y for 10 years and the Niles Leaning Tower for the last 30 years with my family and recently with myself as a single member, it was sad to see this facility close its doors, but I could see it coming from the lack of maintenance around the building and some inconsistent performance by staff. It was refreshing to see that the Niles Fitness center was excepting YMCA members, and I was very impressed from the moment I walked in with the cleanliness of the facility and the enthusiasm and courteousness of the staff when I joined last month. My recommendation for tonight is that the YMCA group considers leaving the current staff in place and attempt to blend the cultures of the two entities. Due to the challenging times we are currently in, we need to build on our strengths, rather than weaken our positions with hard stances and inflexibility, which is what I've come to hear is happening in this current negotiation through locker room chatter I have heard from current members. It is vital that this facility stay clean with accurate scheduling of classes and swim lanes to avoid any spread of the virus. Keeping the current staff and system will only help ensure this is the case and keep current and future members safe and confident and pleased with what is going on at the facility.
Jenny Steinfeld, Niles Resident
In March 2016, the residents of Niles were given the chance to vote on whether or not they wish to fund programs which include the Niles Family Fitness Center, Senior Center, Teen Center and Family Services. 88.49% of the voters voted YES to continue to fund these programs. Why now, an agreement to dissolve a VAillage department that is supported by its residents is being removed without residents' knowledge? The Niles Family Fitness Center gives residents a discount on their memberships. This is possible because the Village of Niles subsidizes the facility which the residents have supported. Resident should have the opportunity to vote again.
Operation cost have already been budgeted and approved for 2020-2021. Finish the fiscal year off and explore other opportunities. Why is there such a rush?
Marco Galassini, Niles Resident
The Niles Family Fitness Center is a facility that exemplifies the term community center. Right now, Fitness Center employees and members of past and present are connecting to fight for their home away from home. Replacing it with a corporation like the YMCA would not amount to the presence the Fitness Center and staff has here in Niles. There are very few places you experience a family-like atmosphere among employees and members. The way the Village handled this was extremely poor, as there was no transparency involved whatsoever. The fact this became known to the public via social media is a prime example of poor leadership. The employees of the Niles Family Fitness Center and residents of Niles deserve better. The Mayor cares more about his Touhy Triangle than he does the well-being of 155 employees. For residents participating in this hearing, moving forward I hope you are engaged more. This is exactly how the politics are in this town. Take note of who is on this board when election time comes. The Y may be considered a community center, but it will never have the sense of community the Niles Family Fitness Center does.
Justin Ang, Niles Resident
It is disappointing that the heads of the Niles Family Fitness Center has abandoned their faithful 150+ employees with very little notice or input from their community. To describe this as a "partnership" with the YMCA is incredibly misleading and irresponsible. To view the NFFC as just a vector for cash flow is completely obtuse and ignores the impact it has on Niles' best asset, its residents. It's the residents of Niles who most benefit (employees and patrons) from a center like the NFFC in which strengthens the health of a community that can't be measured in dollars. Taking away an important part of community outreach, health, and services will be a grave mistake
Susan Grabowski, Niles Resident
Are you really going to take our views into consideration, in which case you should be giving the Fitness Center to the Park District to run, like it is done in all the surrounding suburbs? Everyone who spoke last week wanted to keep the fitness center a part of Niles, not the YMCA. You claim you wanted this meeting to discuss this but made no effort to reach the people of Niles, either by a newspaper article, email, or text message. Only those who read the Niles neighborhood are even aware of what underhanded things are going on in our Village. No effort was made to ask for citizen input as had been done in the past with a question at election time. Probably because when this was done in the past the citizens voted overwhelmingly to keep the facilities open. If as you claim you will listen then decide, why was a truck at the Fitness Center measuring for a new sign for the YMCA to be ready in two months. Everyone who spoke wanted the Fitness Center to remain a Niles entity. So we will know for sure when you take your vote in two weeks whether it's true that in Niles people count or whether you were just wasting our time letting us think you cared about what we wanted in our Village.
Bart McGuinn, Niles Resident
The Niles Family Fitness Center should be operated by the Niles Park District like it should have in the first place decades ago. Let's maintain the center as a Niles operation and not that of the YMCA that is simply not a good fit with our Village.
Christine Corboy, Niles Resident
I do not support handing over the management of the Niles Fitness Center to the failing YMCA as part of a deal to acquire their land on Touhy. Besides the Niles Y being closed, the Mt Prospect one was also closed. We have a wonderful facility in Niles Fitness Center. If there is a financial need to change management at the Fitness Center, it should be put out to bid, as any other major Niles project should be handled. Our tax dollars are not your personal account to spend without input from the people footing the bill. Stop trying to be Chicago with their bad deals for the residents i.e. parking meters and bus stop shelters.
Maureen Stewart, Niles Resident
Mayor and Trustees, please take the time to review the comments made on the Niles Petition. Many comments compliment the staff, cleanliness and "family feel" of our Fitness Center. Other comments state emphatically NO to the YMCA leasing our center. During the Aug. 25th meeting, the Fitness Center losing money for several years was made public. People immediately point to the director - yet the Mayor and Trustees review each department's annual budget and approve it. Were any corrective measures taken by the current administration to analyze and correct the problem? Were comparisons made with nearby suburban fitness centers to see if they had experienced similar problems and how they might have handled them? Each trustee lists the personal and business background on our website. Denise McCreery lists she was on the board of trustees at the YMCA at one time. Therefore, I feel she should recuse herself from voting on the YMCA lease. In 2017, there was a near drowning at the Leaning Tower YMCA. The Y was sued and the life guards were said to be negligent. If Niles leases the Fitness Center to the Y and there is a similar incident, will the Village be responsible for the negligence of the YMCA? Please review the Park District proposal with open minds and consider the input of those that use the Fitness Center, be they residents of Niles or out of district. Thank you.
Nancy Schwerdtmann, Niles Resident
I've lived in Niles for over 20 years and have used the NFFC during that time span. I choose NFFC over big box gyms and the YMCA, not only because I wanted to support the community where I live, but also because of the programs that NFFC offered, the cleanliness, the staff and the fact it always felt like home and I was safe. I am truly disappointed that you are even considering turning the NFFC over to the YMCA. Even further disappointed that you were trying to proceed without even securing other bids for the property from other Village entities, such as the Niles Park District. Why not keep it within our community? Also, why were you moving so quickly to make this deal with the YMCA? It appears like it was a done deal and you were simply going thru the motions. I strongly urge you to take a step back and start the process over if you are truly looking to turn the property over & reconsider a proposal from the Niles Park District and listen to the voices of the people of Niles who are against the YMCA taking over the NFFC.
The Mitsui Family, Chicago Residents
We are asking that you let the Village of Niles Park District take over the responsibility of managing the Niles Family Fitness Center. Our family is hoping this will result in the current employees being kept on staff. Our grandson has been taking swimming lessons there for four years. We can't tell you how he much he has gained in self-confidence, self-esteem and academically, through his swim classes at NFFC. The coaches have worked so hard with him. He competes against his own time now, in Swim Club, at NFFC, because he is so fast. They have encouraged him, taught him so well and made sure he has been safe, after opening back up during the pandemic. Please don't take this wonderful facility away from the hardworking people who work there and all of us, who appreciate them so much. So many people will be watching to see what you do next.
Chantal Bustamante, Niles Resident
Niles Family Fitness Center provides health services to the community at an affordable rate. The YMCA has not provided evidence that they can do the same nor has the reputation of providing the same quality of services. Additionally, the timing of this decision feels unethical as well, as much of the community is focused on Covid 19. I would like to see a restructuring of the budget for the Fitness Center before planning to get rid of it completely. It is important that the Village of Niles remains a family centric community. Getting rid of facilities such as this that embetter public health will do nothing to maintain those values.
Mary Ketchum, Niles Resident
I would like the Niles Family Fitness Center to remain as it is and not to be leased out to the YMCA. I became a member at this facility through a family member's referral and chose this instead of the YMCA. I've been happy with my membership and the staff and hope the Village trustees will vote Not to approve takeover by the YMCA and remain loyal to the Niles Family Fitness Center members and staff who have always been very helpful!
Response to Written Public Comments (Hadley Skeffington-Vos)
Q: How many complimentary memberships does the NFFC have?
A: There are 984 complimentary memberships for employees, retirees, Trustees and some committee members. In 2019, 231 of those 984 memberships were used – 753 were not used. Currently there are 1,573 paid memberships.
Q: What will the YMCA membership rates be?
A: Rates will be comparable, maintaining a senior discounted rate, youth rates and day passes.
Q: Why is lease agreement exempt from the Open Meetings Act?
A: The lease agreement includes terms that are under negotiation. The Village Board will be made aware of the lease terms before the final vote. Under the FOIA exemption 5 ILCS/140-717 Proposals for an agreement including which, if it were disclosed, would frustrate procurement or give an advantage to any person, entity proposing to enter into an agreement with the public body until an award or final selection is made, is exempt from public disclosure.
Q: When was the last time that the NFFC membership rates were increased?
A: The rates were increase at the end of 2019.
Q: Was the YMCA vetted.
A: Yes, the YMCA was vetted through diligent financial analysis.
Trustee Alpogianis thanked the citizens for participating in this Public Hearing and appreciates hearing all their concerns. He apologized for not considering the Niles Park District for this lease agreement with the Fitness Center and stated that the Board has always done what is best for the residents and the Village of Niles.
In summary, Deputy Village Manager Skeffington-Vos said that the Village would like to restate that this proposed arrangement presented itself to the Village and they worked several months to negotiate the best possible deal for the community. Negotiations took place just like any other negotiated contract and it was not the intention of staff or the Board to rush this proposed agreement. The proposal is attractive to the Village because it allows the Village to exit the business of subsidizing the Fitness Center and open the possibility to reallocate those financial resources. The community will have a great family fitness center with affordable rates under new management
The vote on this partnership will be taken by the end of September and further comments sent to the attention of the Village Clerk are encouraged until such time.
Adjournment
The Public Hearing adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
For the record, there were 73 Webinar participants and 12 call-in listeners.
https://www.vniles.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09012020-1982
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