Chicago Park District public meetings in 2021

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners is meeting virtually to consider several routine items, including the 2022 annual appropriation ordinance and budget recommendations, filing of bond orders for Series 2021BCD, 2021E, and 2021F bonds, and approval of minutes from prior meetings. The agenda also includes a resolution honoring retirees, an annual update from the Chicago Parks Foundation, and public comments.

• 2022 Annual Appropriation Ordinance and Budget Recommendations
• Filing of bond orders for Series 2021BCD, 2021E, and 2021F bonds
• Resolution honoring retirees
• Approval of minutes from November 2, 2021 special meeting, November 10, 2021 public budget hearing, and November 10, 2021 regular meeting
• Annual update from the Chicago Parks Foundation

The Board approved the 2022 Annual Appropriation Ordinance and Budget Recommendations, which included a presentation on the proposed new Office of Prevention and Accountability. The Board also approved a resolution honoring retirees, filed bond orders for Series 2021BCD, 2021E, and 2021F bonds, and approved minutes from prior meetings. No items were presented under Acknowledge Excellence, Communications, or Unfinished Business.

• Approved 2022 Annual Appropriation Ordinance and Budget Recommendations (motion by Valle, second by Edwards; 6-0).
• Approved Resolution Honoring Retirees (motion by Valle, second by Edwards; 6-0).
• Filed bond orders for Series 2021BCD, 2021E, and 2021F bonds (received and filed by Secretary).
• Approved meeting minutes from November 2, 2021 special meeting, November 10, 2021 public budget hearing, and November 10, 2021 regular meeting (motion by Netzky, second by Edwards; 6-0).
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Edwards, second by Munoz; 6-0).

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will hold a virtual regular meeting on November 10, 2021, to consider several items, including a concession permit agreement for the restaurant at South Shore Cultural Center and a contract for design services at Ronan Park. The board will also receive updates on Big Marsh Park improvements, the Financial Assistance Fund campaign, and public comments. The meeting follows a public budget hearing for the 2022 proposed operating budget.

• Concession permit agreement with Nafsi, LLC for renovation and year-round operation of restaurant space at South Shore Cultural Center
• Contract with Terra Engineering, Ltd. for design and construction administration services at Ronan Park (Park 275), Spec No. P-16015-127
• Change Order No. 01 (NTE $4,000,000) for construction of Park 596 - Administration Headquarters, Fieldhouse and Site Development with Paschen All Joint Venture
• Appointment of trustee to the Park Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago
• Update on improvements at Big Marsh Park including opening of Ford Calumet Environmental Center

The Chicago Park District Board approved a concession permit agreement with Nafsi, LLC for the renovation and year-round operation of the restaurant space at South Shore Cultural Center, with 6 ayes and 1 abstention. The board also approved a contract with Terra Engineering, Ltd. for design and construction administration services at Ronan Park (Park 275), and a change order not to exceed $4,000,000 for construction of Park 596 administration headquarters, fieldhouse, and site development. Cynthia Evangelisti was appointed as trustee to the Park Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund for a three-year term. The board entered closed session to discuss personnel matters, including the resignation of President Avis LaVelle, but took no further action.

• Approved concession permit agreement with Nafsi, LLC for South Shore Cultural Center restaurant (6-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved contract with Terra Engineering, Ltd. for Ronan Park design and construction administration services (7-0)
• Approved change order no. 01 (NTE $4,000,000) for Park 596 construction with Paschen All Joint Venture (7-0)
• Appointed Cynthia Evangelisti as trustee to Park Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund (7-0)
• Approved minutes from October 8 and October 13, 2021 meetings (7-0)
• Entered closed session for personnel matters; no action taken on President LaVelle's resignation

Public Hearing

The Chicago Park District is holding a virtual public hearing regarding the 2022 proposed operating budget report and the tentative appropriation ordinance. The session includes remarks from the Interim General Superintendent & CEO and a period for public comments.

• 2022 Proposed Operating Budget Report
• Tentative Appropriation Ordinance

The Chicago Park District held a virtual public hearing on the 2022 proposed operating budget and tentative appropriation ordinance. No formal decisions were made; the hearing included a budget address from Interim General Superintendent Rosa Escareno and CFO Steve Lux, plus public comments from four residents. The hearing adjourned with a voice vote of 7-0.

• Adjourned public hearing (7-0 voice vote)
• Heard budget address on 2022 proposed operating budget and tentative appropriation ordinance
• Heard public comments from four residents on park conditions and budget

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners convened a virtual special meeting to conduct roll call and hear from 'People in the Parks.' The agenda included a closed session regarding personnel matters and external investigations.

• Closed session discussion regarding an update on personnel matters and external investigations

The Chicago Park District Board held a special meeting and voted 5-0 to release a report by Outside Counsel on management's response to a sexual assault investigation involving lifeguards. The board also heard public comments on a confined disposal facility and Humboldt Park finances, and discussed personnel matters in closed session. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved release of Outside Counsel report on lifeguard sexual assault investigation (5-0)
• Entered closed session to discuss personnel and external investigations (5-0)
• Reconvened in open session and reported on closed session discussion
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet virtually to review departmental presentations, including shoreline improvements at Morgan Shoal. The agenda includes requests for contract authorizations and the transfer of archival materials to the Chicago Public Library.

• Authorization for a contract with Site Design Group for Midway Plaisance East End improvements
• Presentation on shoreline improvements at Morgan Shoal with PBC and CDOT
• Filing of the bond order for Series 2021A Bonds
• Request to transfer Planning & Construction archival materials to Chicago Public Library
• Introduction of Interim Inspector General and discussion regarding General Superintendent resignation

The Chicago Park District Board appointed Rosa Escareno as Interim General Superintendent, with a 6-0 vote (Commissioner Valle absent). The board also approved a contract with Site Design Group for Midway Plaisance East End improvements, postponed a request to transfer archival materials to the Chicago Public Library, and approved the September 8, 2021 meeting minutes. The resignation of Michael P. Kelly as General Superintendent was discussed but no action was taken.

• Appointed Rosa Escareno as Interim General Superintendent (6-0, Valle absent)
• Approved contract with Site Design Group for Midway Plaisance East End improvements (7-0)
• Postponed request to transfer archival materials to Chicago Public Library (7-0)
• Approved September 8, 2021 meeting minutes (5-0, Hamilton and Valle abstained)
• Approved Nicole Ginger and Timothy O'Connell as IAPD delegates (7-0)
• Received and filed bond order for Series 2021A Bonds

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners is holding a special virtual meeting on October 8, 2021. The agenda includes a closed session for a presentation from the board's outside counsel, followed by an open session to report on the closed session discussion. The meeting is procedural, with no public decisions or discussions listed.

• Closed session under 5ILCS 120 Section 2, Subsection C (1) for presentation from outside counsel
• Open session report on closed session discussion
• Virtual meeting due to COVID-19 health emergency

The board convened a virtual special meeting, heard one public comment, and voted unanimously to enter closed session to discuss a presentation from outside counsel on employment and personnel issues. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting adjourned after returning to open session.

• Entered closed session (6-0)
• Returned to open session (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Budget Forum

The Chicago Park District is holding a virtual public budget forum to gather input on its 2022 budget. Residents can speak at the forum or submit ideas via an online survey. The forum includes opening remarks, a presentation, and public comments.

• Public comments on 2022 budget
• Online survey for budget ideas due by 10 a.m. September 13
• Questions posed: which services need more funding, how to cut back in a deficit, how to spend $100 to improve a park

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners is meeting virtually to consider several financial items, including the 2021 annual tax levy ordinance and the issuance of up to $120 million in general obligation limited tax park bonds, as well as two refunding bond ordinances. The board will also vote on naming the Jackson Park turf and track field in honor of Bob Pickens, appoint a trustee to the Park Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund, and hear a statement on lakefront safety. Public comments will be taken.

• Adoption of the 2021 Annual Tax Levy Ordinance
• Issuance of up to $120,000,000 General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds of 2021
• Issuance of up to $50,000,000 General Obligation Unlimited Tax Refunding Bonds of 2021
• Issuance of up to $12,000,000 General Obligation Unlimited Tax Refunding Bonds of 2021
• Request to officially name Jackson Park Turf and Track Field in honor of Bob Pickens

The Chicago Park District Board approved the 2021 annual tax levy ordinance, authorized up to $120 million in general obligation limited tax park bonds, and approved up to $50 million and $12 million in general obligation unlimited tax refunding bonds. The board also approved naming the Jackson Park turf and track field in honor of Bob Pickens, appointed Cecila Prado as a trustee to the Park Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund, and appointed Sarah Gelder as Board Secretary. A resolution honoring Commissioner M. Laird Koldyke was not heard.

• Approved the 2021 Annual Tax Levy Ordinance (4-0, 2 absent).
• Authorized issuance of up to $120,000,000 in General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds of 2021 (4-0, 2 absent).
• Authorized issuance of up to $50,000,000 in General Obligation Unlimited Tax Refunding Bonds of 2021 (4-0, 2 absent).
• Authorized issuance of up to $12,000,000 in General Obligation Unlimited Tax Refunding Bonds of 2021 (4-0, 2 absent).
• Approved naming the Jackson Park Turf and Track Field in honor of Bob Pickens (4-0, 2 absent).
• Appointed Cecila Prado as Trustee to the Park Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago for a three-year term (voice vote, 4-0).
• Appointed Sarah Gelder as Board Secretary of the Chicago Park District (4-0, 2 absent).
• Approved the meeting minutes from July 16, 2021 (4-0, 2 absent).

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners is meeting virtually to consider issuing up to $200 million in bonds, including $50 million in general obligation limited tax park bonds and $150 million in refunding bonds. They will also vote on contracts for playground repairs and video production, and discuss renaming two park facilities. The meeting includes a public hearing on the bond sale and a closed session on an investigative report.

• Public hearing and ordinance to sell up to $50,000,000 in General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds
• Ordinance authorizing up to $150,000,000 in General Obligation Limited Tax Refunding Bonds, Taxable Series 2021A
• Resolution to transfer property within Durkin (Martin) Park and lease to City of Chicago for underground water pumping facility
• Contract with All-Bry Construction Company for playground surface repairs district-wide (Specification No. P-21004)
• Contract with Flowers Communications Group for video production services (Specification No. P-21001)

The Chicago Park District Board approved the issuance of up to $200 million in general obligation refunding bonds, including a $50 million limited tax bond and a $150 million taxable series, along with several contracts and property agreements. The board also initiated 45-day notice periods to rename two park facilities. All votes were 5-0 with President LaVelle absent.

• Approved ordinance authorizing up to $50M general obligation refunding bonds (5-0)
• Approved ordinance authorizing up to $150M taxable general obligation limited tax refunding bonds (5-0)
• Approved resolution to transfer property in Durkin Park and enter into lease/IGA with City of Chicago for underground water pumping facility (5-0)
• Approved contract with All-Bry Construction for playground surface repairs district-wide (5-0)
• Approved contract with Flowers Communications Group for video production services (5-0)
• Approved initiating 45-day notice to name Gately Park Track and Field Center in honor of Dr. Conrad Worrill (5-0)
• Approved initiating 45-day notice to name Jackson Park Turf and Track Field in honor of Bob Pickens (5-0)
• Approved minutes from June 9, 2021 meeting (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board approved a contract with Physicians Immediate Care LLC for post-offer treatment for occupational illnesses and injuries, and alcohol and drug testing services. The board also approved the minutes from the May 12, 2021 annual meeting and a settlement in the case Daniel Wilberschied v. Chicago Park District. Additionally, the board approved the destruction of certain verbatim records and the release of executive session minutes for public inspection. All votes were unanimous with 6 ayes.

• Approved contract with Physicians Immediate Care LLC for occupational health services (6-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from May 12, 2021 annual board meeting (6-0)
• Approved settlement in Daniel Wilberschied v. Chicago Park District (6-0)
• Approved destruction of verbatim records from executive session (6-0)
• Approved release of executive session minutes for public inspection (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners, meeting virtually, unanimously re-elected Avis LaVelle as President and Tim King as Vice President. The board approved a resolution honoring Kantrice Ogletree, the April 14 meeting minutes, a district-wide elevator and lift maintenance contract with Mid-American Elevator Company, and an ordinance authorizing up to $45 million in bond anticipation notes. Public comments were heard from 13 individuals, and the meeting adjourned.

• Re-elected Avis LaVelle as President (6-0)
• Re-elected Tim King as Vice President (6-0)
• Approved resolution honoring Kantrice Ogletree (6-0)
• Approved April 14, 2021 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved elevator/lift maintenance contract with Mid-American Elevator Company (6-0)
• Approved ordinance for up to $45M in bond anticipation notes (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will hold a virtual regular meeting to consider an amendment to Chapter IV of the Park District Code, accept the resignation of Secretary Kantrice Ogletree, and appoint a secretary pro tempore. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of minutes, certificates of receipt, and a closed session.

• Amendment to Chapter IV of the Code of the Chicago Park District
• Resignation of Kantrice Ogletree as Secretary of the Board
• Appointment of Secretary Pro Tempore
• Approval of minutes from March 10, 2021 meeting
• Certificates of receipt by Cook and DuPage County Clerks

The Chicago Park District Board accepted the resignation of Secretary Kantrice Ogletree and appointed Sarah Gelder as Secretary Pro Tempore, both by unanimous 7-0 votes. The board also approved the minutes from the March 10, 2021 meeting and an amendment to Chapter IV of the Park District Code. No other substantive decisions were made; several agenda items were discussion-only or had no presentations.

• Accepted resignation of Secretary Kantrice Ogletree (7-0)
• Appointed Sarah Gelder as Secretary Pro Tempore (7-0)
• Approved minutes from March 10, 2021 regular meeting (7-0)
• Approved amendment to Chapter IV of the Chicago Park District Code (7-0)
• Received and filed certificates of receipt by Cook and DuPage County Clerks

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will hold a virtual regular meeting to vote on several contracts and agreements, including a major construction contract for the Park 596 campus fieldhouse and site development, a sodium hypochlorite supply contract, and intergovernmental agreements for park projects and NeighborSpace support. The agenda also includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes and routine acknowledgments.

• Contract with Paschen All Joint Venture for construction of Park 596 campus fieldhouse, site development, and administration building (Specification No. P-20015)
• Contract with Univar USA for supply and delivery of sodium hypochlorite district-wide (Specification No. P-20009)
• Intergovernmental agreements with City of Chicago and various agencies to accept funds for park projects (TIF, Open Space Impact Fees)
• Intergovernmental agreement with City of Chicago and Forest Preserve District of Cook County for NeighborSpace support
• Contracts for mulch supply (Perfect Mulch) and equipment maintenance (Arlington Power)

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners approved several items, including intergovernmental agreements, a construction contract for Park 596, and contracts for supplies and services. All votes were unanimous with 6 ayes. The meeting was held virtually due to COVID-19.

• Approved minutes from February 10, 2021 meeting (6-0)
• Approved intergovernmental agreements with City of Chicago and other agencies for park project funds (6-0)
• Approved contract with Paschen All Joint Venture for Park 596 construction (6-0)
• Approved contract with Univar USA for sodium hypochlorite supply (6-0)
• Approved intergovernmental agreement with City of Chicago and Forest Preserve District for NeighborSpace support (6-0)
• Approved grant agreement with Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance (6-0)
• Approved contract with Perfect Mulch for mulch supply (6-0)
• Approved contract with Arlington Power for equipment maintenance (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners is meeting virtually to consider several routine items, including approval of minutes, a contract for plumbing supplies, agreements with the Chicago Yacht Club for Belmont and Monroe Harbors, a lease for a new park at 12200 S. Paxton Avenue, and an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Chicago. The agenda also includes a resolution on reimbursement of expenditures and a contract for design services at Riis (Jacob) Park.

• Contract award to Atlas EDS for plumbing supplies (Specification No. P-20006)
• Agreements with Chicago Yacht Club for Belmont Harbor and Monroe Harbor
• Lease with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District for new park at 12200 S. Paxton Avenue
• Contract with SMNG A Architects P.C. for design and construction administration at Riis (Jacob) Park (#123)
• Intergovernmental agreement with City of Chicago and Forest Preserve District for NeighborSpace support

The Chicago Park District Board approved several contracts and agreements, including plumbing supplies, athletic field materials, design services for Riis Park, and agreements with the Chicago Yacht Club for Belmont and Monroe Harbors. They also approved a lease with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District for a new park at 12200 S. Paxton Avenue and an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Chicago. One item, an amendment to an intergovernmental agreement for NeighborSpace, was not heard.

• Approved contract for plumbing supplies (Specification No. P-20006) (6-0, Koldyke absent)
• Approved resolution authorizing reimbursement of expenditures (6-0, Koldyke absent)
• Approved agreement with Chicago Yacht Club for Belmont Harbor (6-0, Koldyke absent)
• Approved agreement with Chicago Yacht Club for Monroe Harbor (6-0, Koldyke absent)
• Approved contract with Chicago United Industries for athletic field preparation materials (6-0, Koldyke absent)
• Approved lease with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District for new park at 12200 S. Paxton Avenue (6-0, Koldyke absent)
• Approved intergovernmental agreement between City of Chicago and Chicago Park District (6-0, Koldyke absent)
• Approved contract with SMNG-A Architects for design and construction administration at Riis Park (6-0, Koldyke absent)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will meet virtually to consider several items, including renaming Catalpa Park, acquiring and transferring land near Ping Tom Park, leasing Riis Park land to CPS for a new school, and acquiring property for Donavan Park expansion. They will also vote on a contract modification for IT support and a purchase agreement for Oracle products, and will enter closed session to discuss pending litigation.

• Renaming Catalpa Park in honor of Chester Frank Kujawa
• Acquire ~0.09 acre adjacent to Ping Tom Park and transfer ~0.012 acre to City of Chicago
• Lease Riis Park property to Chicago Board of Education for new school construction
• Acquire property at 837 W. 36th St. for Donavan Park expansion
• Contract modification with Computer Aid, Inc. for enterprise application support

The Chicago Park District Board approved several contracts and property actions, including IT service agreements, a park renaming, land transfers, and a school construction lease. The board also approved two legal settlements and actions on executive session minutes. All votes were unanimous (7-0 or 6-0) with one commissioner absent for the later votes.

• Approved contract modification with Computer Aid, Inc. for enterprise application support (7-0)
• Approved contract with DLT Solutions LLC for Oracle products and services (7-0)
• Approved renaming Catalpa Park in honor of Chester Frank Kujawa (7-0)
• Approved land exchange with City of Chicago adjacent to Ping Tom Park (7-0)
• Approved lease and intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Board of Education for new school at Riis Park (7-0)
• Approved ordinance to acquire property at 837 W. 36th St. for Donavan Park expansion (7-0)
• Approved settlement in Stefano Maida v. Chicago Park District (6-0, Edwards absent)
• Approved funding plaintiff's portion of verdict in Lydia Vega v. Chicago Park District (6-0, Edwards absent)