Renaming parks, Social media content, Investigative report
Hi, I’ll be live-tweeting today’s Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners meeting for #ChiDocumenters.
@ChiDocumenters
11:31 AM Jul 16, 2021 CDT
@CHIdocumenters The Chicago Park District board meeting starts at 11:30am and can be watched here:
Agenda & details: https://chicagoparkdistrict.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=874170&GUID=0C0EF187-B380-461B-996B-909A6C9EF1D0&Options=info|&Search=
Park Board Vice-President Tim King brought the online meeting to order. There are no public comments. Board president LaVelle isn’t present.
The board conducted a public hearing for issuance of a bond. There was no discussion or public comment.
Next, they recognized and heard from the president of the DuSable Museum for her recent award.
The park district comptroller presents the annual financial report. Some documents were quickly clicked through in the meeting video. The comprehensive report is 135 pages, but there’s a more user-friendly version of less than 30 pages available online.
Next a public caller, Judith, speaks about Jackson Park Harbor. There are safety issues and she feels unsafe. There are power outages. She asks about contracts and money allocated to Jackson Park Harbor compared to other harbors farther north.
The next speaker, Philip, lives near Indian Boundary Park. He said it’s vital to keep it safe and clean. More needs to be done. Lists a number of issues at the park.
Also wants the district to prevent fireworks going off until 4am.
Next public speaker, Tori, talks about a track and field facility being named after her father, who was an Olympian.
The next public speaker, Mary, speaking about a community work day that was cancelled. Says they were asked to pay $235 and fill out 30 pages of forms to host a community garden work day. Board members don’t respond.
A proposal would name Jackson Park Turf Track & Field in honor of Bob Pickens, who lead an impressive life.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/evanston/sports/ct-evr-chicago-bears-olympic-wrestling-bob-pickens-tl-0422-story.html
Two speakers talk about disruptions and smoke at Skinner Park events.
Kim talks about issues at West Chatham Park.
More public comments about the condition of parks. Van from the Nichols Park Advisory Council is concerned about restaurant Small Cheval’s request to have outdoor seating in the park. Public comments are done.
Park District CFO Lux presents the next two agenda items under new business, both related to issuing bonds. First passes without discussion. Commission Koldyke says there’s little discussion because the bonds have been extensively discussed in private. Second bond item passes.
Next item related to Durkin park is presented and adopted without discussion.
A contract for constructing playground equipment approved without debate.
Next, discussion of a contract for Flowers Communications Group to produce video and social media content for the park district. Discussion of having Spanish language content. All vote in favor.
Proposal to name Gately Park Track & Field Center in honor of Conrad Worrill. Staff speak about his life and role in advocating for the center. Commissioner King mentions Worrill was at the center’s groundbreaking.
The @ObamaFoundation is sponsoring a new track & field center in Jackson Park. Proposal to name it after Robert Pickens. In addition to his athletic achievements, he served on the Chicago Park Board.
Park District Board goes into closed session. Will get an update on an investigative report.
We weren’t told what investigation is being discussed during executive session but one is recently in the news. @BlockClubCHI
They returned from closed session where they received an update on an investigation. They took no action and then adjourned the Chicago Park board meeting.