Board of Commissioners [in person or remote]

President Myetie Hamilton gave open remarks. She touched on highlights. It has been a good financial year.

There were some financial numbers shared including record TIF funding for the Park Districts. Also Lollapalooza and private parties are income sources.

There was public comment started. Leslie Brecht spoke about open positions not filled and food and liquor vending that could be revenue sources.

The second speaker brought up special events such as weddings that could be brought into revenue sources and opportunities. Also a restructure of individual park permits.

May Your is the third speaker. She brought higher utilization rates during Covoid 19 that don’t seem to add up to actual program. The public hearing ended asking if there were any other speakers. There are some registered for the Board Meeting. The hearing has ended.

The Main Board Meeting has now commenced. There is a quorum for voting. There is only one commissioner not there.

There have been a delegates of Timothy O’Conner and Daphne Johnson to be added. Everyone voted in the affirmative.

The last 2 meetings minutes were passed unanimously. One was last months meeting and the other was a special meeting earlier this month.

The Chicago Softball Wheelchair Softball Team was acknowledged for winning the US Title. There are 5 team members and several coaches in attendance.

The Meeting today is at 500 South Central in Chicago. It is at Columbus Park.

The Columbus Park is named after Christopher Columbus. It is in the Fieldhouse.

It is a Division 2 Championship being celebrated for the Chicago Softball Club.

There was recognition for the Ability Lab support. The team is being supported by Shirley Ryan. The team is always looking for new members.

Equity and Access were highlighted by the Board President.

Commissioner Edwards mentioned that Special Olympics started in Chicago in coordination with Chicago Park District.

There is a group photo being taken with team members, coaches and the Park District Board members.

Code amendments to strengthen governance. Purchasing and Contracting is being proposed for change.

It is dealing with financial Thresholds for purchase values. There is also a change where there would be more competitive processes for public bidding.

These proposed changes are found in Chapter 11. It is available for public comment in the next 45 days. It won’t be voted on today and will be found in the website after the meeting.

There is also chapter 7 codes that are voted on and acknowledged special event planning citywide and was approved.

Jackson Park Yacht club was brought up with the first public speaker of this Main Board Meeting.

The talk is talking about the clearance issues within the harbor and water levels being a problem with navigation.

Public pension funds within the park annuity are being talked about and the transparency of decisions being made.

Where the investments and the board members election process was brought up by the next speaker.

Ms Sanchez brought up noise levels in the parks especially Douglas Park festivals.

Miss Perkins apologized for her passion in last comments regarding Riot fest. She is now bringing up real civic violence in the west side in the past. She also mentioned park benches needing to be repaired.

The next speaker talks about making the parks more public and free. She also spoke a poem of freedom of the land and the taxpayers who support it.

Cecilia Butler is now talking about skating events. She says there is a way to raise money ant 76th and Racine Jewel. She showed a handkerchief with a symbol and is forest green in color.

Mr Benson is talking about reallocating some decisions to the Central region from the City Budget.

There was also Ms McClendon who spoke about the reflectory and it’s importance.

Also there was a speaker who spoke about the importance of the boxing programs to keep children active and safe.

The last speaker mentioned the suspension of fees for private sporting events and be run less like a business and more like services needed.

There was one written public comment Submitted. It will be in the final agenda.

There is also a proposal now being presented for a Fieldhouse in Moran Park.

This would happen in Englewood. #Chidocumenters

The proposal was approved and would cover repairs and additions for tennis.

Jackie Robinson Park is now bringing a proposal to obtain and demolition of an old CVS building. Money from Dceo was applied for in this project.

The baseball field will not be affected in this fieldhouse project. It was approved by the Board.

The CPD website is now looking to participate with Clarity Partners, LLC for website hosting, maintenance and support.

This contract is for over 1 million dollars. It was approved.

22-1112-1116 item in the agenda is looking to continue previous authorized process.

This will existing pools to continue for expenses needed for fieldhouses. It is a ten month process this work. The motion is to receive an extension. It was approved.

Finance team members are being thanked. Strengthen workforce and protection of those workers are being discussed. Also the office of accountability.tamara starks is being recognized.

The president has now asked for the meeting to go into closed session.

The motion was approved at 1248pm. I can be
found at Chris OHara@orangemen76.#Chidocumenters

The CPD Board Meeting is in Closed Session. I am waiting for it to come back to Open Session.

Internal documents, financial decisions, and personnel decisions often happen in closed session.

I am still waiting for closed session to end. There are many ways to stay connected to Local public meetings. There is Docuwire. Also the City websites.
#Chidocumenters

The session has now been brought back into open session.

The meeting had to come back to Open Session to officially end. The meeting has now been adjourned.

The meeting officially ended at 108pm.

Please stay tuned for other events in the future.

My name is Chris OHara. My Twitter feed is ChrisOHara@orangemen76.

Malik Brewley is the notetaker for this Chicago Park District Budget Public Hearing and November Board Meeting.

Thanks for your time and remember it is our civic duty to hold our elected officials accountable. Have a great day.
#Transparency
#ChiDocumenters
ChrisOHara@orangemen76

Take Care everyone.