JOLIET – Joliet Park District commissioners reviewed an investigative report into the district’s top officer during closed session Monday evening.

But the board took no action after the closed session, leaving the status of Executive Director Dominic Egizio still unresolved.

When asked if the report was about the investigation into Egizio, park board President Glen Marcum said, “It was the investigative report.”

But Marcum said he couldn’t comment on the report, or release it to The Herald-News.

“It’s still a personnel issue,” Marcum said.

Sources have told The Herald-News Egizio was placed on administrative leave in August after the park board was notified of threatening litigation involving Egizio and a park district employee.

Marcum confirmed that Egizio was on administrative leave, pending an investigation, during an Aug. 24 meeting. But he and other district officials haven't released details on the litigation or on Egizio's job status.

The park board also hired Finance Director Matt Pehle as the interim executive director, and Itasca-based Sotos Law Firm during the meeting.

Marcum wouldn’t confirm if Sotos is investigating Egizio.

“They’re investigating a personnel issue,” Marcum said.

Audit report

The park board also reviewed a yearly audit report during regular session Monday.

According to the audit, the district’s net financial position increased by $161,412, or 0.2 percent.

The district’s total fund balance is $12.74 million, increasing $10.1 million in large part because of the general obligation bonds issued at the end of last year with the passing of a $19.5 million referendum bond measure in the November elections.

The district’s general fund increased $288,945, which reduced the fund balance deficit to $206,494, according to the audit.

Park renovations

Superintendent of Planning Larry Burich presented the park board with design concepts for renovations of Heggie Field and Garnsey Park, including adding walking trails, fitness stations, splash pads and playground renovations, among others.

Two plans for Heggie Field, concepts “A” and “B,” were presented, the difference being the orientation of the basketball court, playground and exercise equipment area.

Burich said he prefers concept “B” because it puts the playground a farther distance away from the soccer field and flying balls.

Marcum asked what was being done for lighting in the area.

“I just know there have been some vandalism issues in the park,” Marcum said.

Burich said there was street lighting along Williamson Avenue and lighting in the pavilion, also noting that it was a two-way issue with residents in the past wanting the lights turned off at other parks.