Meeting Summary and Briefs: Litchfield Park District for July 1, 2026

The Litchfield Park District Board of Commissioners met for its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 1100 South State St. in Litchfield, with President Jeff Heyen calling the meeting to order. The roll call marks five commissioners present — Heyen, Katie Cross, Brian Kulick, Christopher Bates and Jennifer Cearlock. Commissioners Sherry Bergschneider and Jaylynn Taylor are not marked present; the minutes separately confirm Taylor’s absence.

The meeting produced no recorded motions and no recorded votes on any item. Commissioners discussed a letter from Mayor Jacob Fleming offering assistance with the Davis Park soccer fields, covered in a separate story, and were briefed on the resignation of the district’s administrative assistant and the search for a replacement, also covered separately. A third standalone story covers the pool report and the emerging plan to raise money for a replacement diving board. Remaining items are summarized below.

Annual Audit Complete; Report Due Aug. 5

Commissioner Brian Kulick reported under the financial committee report that the district’s annual audit is complete. Amy Patton will present the report at the board’s Aug. 5, 2026, meeting. The minutes do not name the accounting firm, state which fiscal year the audit covers, or record any findings, opinion or management letter. No audit document accompanies the July 1 record. The board took no action on the report and made no motion. Commissioners are expected to receive the presentation next month, at which point the substance of the audit — including any findings — should become part of the public record for the first time.

Summer Concert Series Draws Big June Crowd

The June concert at Walton Park was one of the largest attended in a long time, according to the recreation report delivered in the absence of Commissioner Jaylynn Taylor. An estimated 100-plus people turned out for B&B Strings, sponsored by Bank & Trust. Sweet P’s food truck did so well it ran out of sandwiches. The next concert is set for Friday, July 17, 2026, featuring the City Heat Band and sponsored by Heartland Bank. A food truck for the July date had not been determined as of the meeting. The minutes do not list start times, admission cost, or a rain plan.

Walton Park Celebration Reviewed; 100th Anniversary Next Year

Commissioner Katie Cross reported that the Celebrate Walton Park event went well, though turnout was smaller than expected. The kickball tournament drew about six teams, and the bounce house was described as a huge success. Several people fished throughout the day, prompting a suggestion that a fishing tournament be added if the district hosts the event again. Yard games were also well used by children. Cross reported that next year marks the 100th anniversary of Walton Park and suggested the district try another event in 2027. No date, budget or format was discussed, and no action was taken.

Board Drops Little Miss and Mister Dance, Weighs Themed Parties

Commissioners decided not to hold the Little Miss and Mister dance this year because another group in the community is hosting one, according to the minutes. As an alternative, the board discussed a princess party for girls and a superhero party for boys. Cross will gather information on hosting those events and bring it back to the board. The minutes do not identify the other community group, name a prospective date or venue, or state whether the district’s dance had been an annual event. No motion was recorded on either the cancellation or the alternatives.

Duff Fund Submission Ideas Floated

Under new business, commissioners discussed ideas for the district’s Duff fund submission. Cross suggested adding a concrete walkway at Davis Park, additional benches at the park, or both. Executive Director Steven C. Bryant suggested requesting funds to add to money already raised for the pool diving board. Bryant will bring cost estimates to the next meeting, when a final decision is to be made. The minutes do not explain what the Duff fund is, who administers it, how much may be requested, or when a submission is due — leaving readers without the basic terms of a funding opportunity the board intends to pursue.

No Recorded Action on Minutes or Financial Reports

The agenda called for a motion to accept the minutes of the June 3, 2026, meeting and a motion to accept all financial reports for June 30, 2026 — the latter covering monthly balances, cash receipts deposit detail, cash disbursements and bills, monthly and year-to-date profit and loss, and profit and loss between fiscal years. The minutes of the July 1 meeting record neither motion, no second, and no vote on either item. No dollar figures from any of the listed financial reports appear in the record. The public comment portion of the agenda is likewise blank, as are the lines for executive session and adjournment, leaving no adjournment time on the record.