Chicago Park District public meetings in 2022

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider several significant items, including the adoption of the 2022 annual tax levy ordinance, the 2023 annual appropriation ordinance and budget recommendations, and authorization for contracts for water sampling and ADA fieldhouse modifications. The board will also vote on a settlement agreement for a pre-suit claim and consider amendments to the Park District code. Public comments will be heard.

• Adoption of 2022 Annual Tax Levy Ordinance
• 2023 Annual Appropriation Ordinance and Budget Recommendations
• Contract with F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen and Associates for ADA fieldhouse modifications (Specification No. P-16008-056)
• Agreement with University of Illinois at Chicago for beach water sampling and testing
• Settlement of pre-suit claim Jane Doe (22017) v. Chicago Park District

The Board of Commissioners approved the 2023 annual appropriation ordinance and budget recommendations, along with the 2022 annual tax levy. The board also authorized contracts for ADA fieldhouse modifications and water sampling services. Additionally, amendments to the district code were approved to increase employee benefits.

• Adopted 2023 Annual Appropriation Ordinance and Budget Recommendations (6-0)
• Adopted 2022 Annual Tax Levy Ordinance (6-0)
• Approved contract with F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen and Associates, LLC for ADA fieldhouse modifications (6-0)
• Approved agreement with University of Illinois at Chicago for beach water sampling and testing (5-0)
• Approved amendments to Chapter V of the Code of the Chicago Park District to increase employee benefits (6-0)
• Approved transfers among operating funds for fiscal year 2022 (6-0)
• Approved settlement of presuit claim Jane Doe (22017) v. Chicago Park District (6-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from November 16, 2022 (6-0)

Public Hearing

The Chicago Park District is holding a public hearing to discuss the proposed 2022 annual tax levy ordinance. The agenda includes remarks from the Chief Financial Officer and public comments, followed by adjournment. No specific dollar amounts or levy details are provided in the agenda.

• Public hearing on the proposed 2022 tax levy ordinance
• Remarks from the Chief Financial Officer
• Public comments session

The Chicago Park District held a public hearing to discuss the proposed 2022 Tax Levy Ordinance. The Chief Financial Officer provided remarks and one member of the public expressed support for the levy. No vote was taken on the ordinance during this meeting.

Personnel Board

The Chicago Park District Personnel Board is meeting to handle general personnel business, public comment, and approval of minutes. They will consider approving new job descriptions and salary ranges for several positions, and will vote on closed-session items, including recommendations on the termination of two Community Recreation Department employees.

• Approval of job descriptions and salary ranges for Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer, Chief of Strategy and Engagement, Research and Policy Advisor, and Teen Engagement Manager
• Vote on hearing officer's recommendation regarding termination of a Community Recreation Department employee
• Vote on hearing officer's recommendation regarding termination of a second Community Recreation Department employee
• Review of closed session minutes for potential release
• Approval of minutes from August 10, 2022 Personnel Board meeting

The Personnel Board approved job descriptions and salary ranges for four new roles. The board also voted to affirm the termination of two Community Recreation Department employees based on Hearing Officer recommendations.

• Approved Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer salary of $131,325 (3-0)
• Approved Chief of Strategy and Engagement salary of $173,400 (3-0)
• Approved Research and Policy Advisor salary of $128,750 (3-0)
• Approved Teen Engagement Manager salary of $90,000 (3-0)
• Affirmed termination of employee Stanley Rankin (3-0)
• Affirmed termination of employee Carlos Tucker (3-0)
• Approved August 10, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Released June 8, 2022 Closed Session minutes (3-0)

Public Hearing

The Chicago Park District is holding a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed 2023 operating budget and tentative appropriation ordinance. The hearing includes a presentation from the General Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer, followed by public comments. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is for public input only.

• Public hearing on 2023 proposed operating budget and tentative appropriation ordinance
• Presentation by General Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer
• Public comments accepted
• Meeting at Columbus (Christopher) Park Fieldhouse, 500 S. Central Avenue, Chicago

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing to review the proposed 2023 Operating Budget Report and Tentative Appropriation Ordinance. The General Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer presented the budget, and three members of the public provided comments. No votes were taken to approve or deny the budget during this session.

• Adjourned the Public Budget Hearing (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider several items, including proposed amendments to the park district code, approval of minutes, and public comments. The board will also vote on contracts for architectural design services for the Moran Park fieldhouse and spray feature, and the Robinson (Jackie) Park fieldhouse, as well as a joint purchasing agreement for website services.

• Contract with Woodhouse Tinucci Architects for design of Moran Park fieldhouse and spray feature (Specification No. P-16015-149)
• Contract with Booth Hansen Architects for design of Robinson (Jackie) Park fieldhouse (Specification No. P-16015-146)
• Participation in Cook County Contract 2112-06151 with Clarity Partners, LLC for website hosting, maintenance, and support
• Proposed amendments to Chapters XI and VII of the Code of the Chicago Park District
• Recognition of Chicago Wheelchair Softball Club's Division II national title

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting on November 7, 2022, at Center on Halsted. The agenda includes public comments (limited to five registered speakers), a closed session to discuss board self-evaluation and matters under the Open Meetings Act, followed by open session and adjournment. No substantive decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda.

• Special board meeting at Center on Halsted, 3656 North Halsted Street
• Public comment limited to five registered speakers; registration Nov 4-7 until slots filled
• Closed session under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(16) for board self-evaluation
• Closed session under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)

The Board of Commissioners conducted a special meeting that included a public comment and a closed session. No substantive policy decisions or budget approvals were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved motion to enter Closed Session for Board Self Evaluation and personnel matters (5-0)
• Approved motion to return to Open Session (6-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners holds its regular meeting on October 12, 2022, at Fosco Park. The agenda includes a resolution honoring Commissioner M. Laird Koldyke for his years of service, certificates of filing and publication for the 2022 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance, approval of the September 14 meeting minutes, recognition of Teens in the Parks festival performers, and a report on the Chicago Park District Disparity Study. Public comments are also scheduled.

• Resolution honoring Commissioner M. Laird Koldyke for years of service
• Certificates of filing and publication for 2022 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance
• Approval of minutes from September 14, 2022 public hearing and regular meeting
• Recognition of performers at 2022 Teens in the Parks (TIP) Festival
• Report on Chicago Park District Disparity Study

The Board adopted a resolution honoring Commissioner M. Laird Koldyke for his years of service (7-0). It also approved the September 14, 2022 meeting minutes and accepted certificates related to the 2022 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance. Presentations were given on the Teens in the Parks Festival winners and a disparity study. No substantive policy decisions were made.

• Adopted resolution honoring Commissioner M. Laird Koldyke (7-0)
• Approved meeting minutes for September 14, 2022 (7-0)
• Received and filed certificates of filing and publication for 2022 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance

Budget Forum

The Chicago Park District is holding a public budget forum to gather input on its 2023 budget. Residents can speak in person or submit ideas via an online survey. The forum includes opening remarks, a presentation, and public comments.

• Public forum at Fosco Park, 1312 S. Racine Avenue, Chicago, IL 60608
• Online survey 'Budget Ideas Submission' at chicagoparkdistrict.com/annual-budget-process
• Questions include funding priorities, deficit cuts, and $100 park improvements

Public Hearing

The Chicago Park District Board is holding a public hearing to discuss the proposed 2022 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance, which would adjust revenues and expenditures for the year. The agenda includes public comments and remarks from the Chief Financial Officer, but no specific dollar amounts or project details are listed.

• Public hearing on 2022 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance
• Public comments period
• Remarks from Chief Financial Officer

The Chicago Park District held a public hearing on the proposed 2022 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance. No public comments or written testimony were received. The Chief Financial Officer and General Superintendent presented on the use of surplus revenues for neighborhood park investments. The hearing adjourned with no vote on the ordinance itself.

• Public hearing held on 2022 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance (no vote taken)
• No public comments or written testimony received
• Meeting adjourned (5-0, 2 absent)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with several action items, including a supplemental appropriation ordinance for additional 2022 revenues and expenditures, a contract award for Ridge Park fieldhouse renovations, and a contract for sand, gravel, and stone materials. The board will also hear a presentation on proposed amendments to the permit process for large special events and consider a settlement in a lawsuit. Public comments from the August 10 meeting will be read.

• Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance for additional 2022 revenues and expenditures
• Contract with George Sollitt Construction Company for Ridge Park fieldhouse renovations (Specification No. P-22007)
• Contract with KLF Enterprises, Inc. for supply and delivery of sand, gravel, stone and related materials (Specification No. P-20022)
• Presentation on proposed amendments to Chapter VII of the Code to update permit process for large special events
• Settlement in Lydia Vega v. Chicago Park District, No. 2013-cv-00451

The Chicago Park District Board approved a 2022 supplemental appropriation ordinance, a contract with George Sollitt Construction for Ridge Park fieldhouse renovations, a contract with KLF Enterprises for sand and gravel, and a settlement in the Lydia Vega lawsuit. All votes were 5-0 with two commissioners absent. The board also heard a presentation on proposed code amendments requiring board approval for events with 10,000+ attendees, with a 45-day public comment period.

• Approved 2022 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance (5-0)
• Approved contract with George Sollitt Construction for Ridge Park fieldhouse renovations (5-0)
• Approved contract with KLF Enterprises for sand, gravel, and stone materials (5-0)
• Approved settlement in Lydia Vega v. Chicago Park District (5-0)
• Approved minutes from August 10, 2022 meeting (5-0)

Personnel Board

The Chicago Park District Personnel Board is meeting to handle general personnel business, public comment, and approval of minutes from prior meetings. The board will vote on two new business items: waiving the minimum age requirement for year-round recreation leader and lifeguard positions to allow 16-year-old hires, and approving a modified job description for the year-round recreation leader role.

• Waiver of minimum age requirement for year-round recreation leader and lifeguard positions for candidates age 16 at time of hire
• Approval of modified job description for year-round recreation leader
• Approval of meeting minutes from April 21, 2022 and June 8, 2022

The Chicago Park District Personnel Board approved a waiver of the minimum age requirement for year-round recreation leader and lifeguard positions, allowing candidates age sixteen at time of hire. The board also approved an amended job description for the year-round Recreation Leader position modifying minimum qualifications. Both actions passed unanimously (3-0).

• Approved waiver of minimum age requirement for year-round recreation leader and lifeguard positions for candidates age sixteen at time of hire (3-0)
• Approved amended job description for year-round Recreation Leader modifying minimum qualifications (3-0)
• Approved meeting minutes for April 21, 2022 and June 8, 2022 (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The board approved an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Chicago to fund the Chicago Shoreline Protection Project General Reevaluation Report. The board also approved minutes from prior meetings, recognized track and field athletes, and took actions on closed session records. Two commissioners were absent.

• Approved intergovernmental agreement with City of Chicago for shoreline protection project (5-0)
• Approved minutes for May 11 and June 8, 2022 meetings (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Authorized destruction of verbatim closed session recordings from Aug 12, Oct 14, Nov 18, 2020, and Jan 13, 2021 (5-0)
• Released closed session minutes for Jan 26, Apr 20, May 11, 2022, and part of June 8, 2022 (5-0)
• Withheld part of June 8, 2022 closed session minutes due to confidentiality (5-0)

Personnel Board

The Chicago Park District Personnel Board will meet to consider the termination of a Community Recreation Department employee. The board will also vote on approving new job descriptions for several security and recruitment roles.

• Vote on recommendation regarding the termination of a Community Recreation Department employee
• Approval of Security Guard job description
• Approval of Security Supervisor job description
• Approval of Recruitment Manager job description

The Chicago Park District Personnel Board approved amendments to the Security Supervisor and Security Guard job descriptions, and approved the new Recruitment Manager job description. The board also adopted the Hearing Officer's recommendation regarding the termination of a Community Recreation Department employee, which was considered in closed session. All votes were 2-0, with Commissioner Jose M. Munoz absent.

• Approved amendments to Security Supervisor job description (2-0)
• Approved amendments to Security Guard job description (2-0)
• Approved Recruitment Manager job description (2-0)
• Adopted Hearing Officer's recommendation on termination of a Community Recreation Department employee (2-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners is holding its annual meeting on June 8, 2022, at Fosco Park. The board will elect a president and vice president, appoint a representative to the Public Building Commission, and consider a contract for maintenance of the 606 trail system and a change order for Jackson Park Track & Field. An informational presentation on the Margaret Burroughs Beach Framework Plan is also scheduled.

• Election of President and Vice President of the Board
• Appointment of a representative to the Public Building Commission
• Contract with Christy Webber Landscapes for 606 Multiuse Trail System maintenance (Specification P-22004)
• Change Order No. 01: $370,083.10 for Jackson Park Track & Field (Chicago Commercial Construction, Spec P-16008-010)
• Informational presentation on Margaret Burroughs Beach Framework Plan

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners held its annual meeting and re-elected Myetie H. Hamilton as President and Modesto Valle as Vice President, each by a 5-0 vote with two absent. The board also approved a maintenance contract for the 606 trail, a change order for Jackson Park Track & Field, and appointed Argentene Hrysikos as Director of Human Resources. Public comments were heard on various park issues.

• Re-elected Myetie H. Hamilton as President (5-0, 2 absent)
• Re-elected Modesto Valle as Vice President (5-0, 2 absent)
• Appointed Myetie H. Hamilton as representative to Public Building Commission (5-0, 2 absent)
• Approved minutes of May 11, 2022 meeting (5-0, 2 absent)
• Approved contract with Christy Webber Landscapes for 606 trail maintenance (5-0, 2 absent)
• Approved Change Order No. 01 for $370,083.10 for Jackson Park Track & Field (5-0, 2 absent)
• Approved appointment of Argentene Hrysikos as Director of Human Resources (4-0, 3 absent)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners is holding its regular May 2022 meeting. The board will certify the filing of the 2021 annual tax levy abatement with Cook and DuPage counties, approve the prior meeting's minutes, and recognize the Inner City Hoops program champions. The agenda also includes a presentation on the Night Out in the Parks program and a public comment period.

• Certification of 2021 annual tax levy abatement filings with Cook and DuPage counties
• Approval of minutes from the April 20, 2022 regular meeting
• Recognition of the Inner City Hoops program and 2022 champions
• Presentation on the Night Out in the Parks program 2022
• Public comments session

The Chicago Park District Board approved the appointment of Rosa Escareno as General Superintendent (7-0) and approved a settlement in the Larry Brogaard workers' compensation case (7-0). The board also approved the April 20, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0) and received certificates for the 2021 tax levy abatement. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included presentations and public comments.

• Appointed Rosa Escareno as General Superintendent (7-0)
• Approved settlement in Larry Brogaard v. Chicago Park District (7-0)
• Approved April 20, 2022 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Received and filed 2021 annual tax levy abatement certificates

Personnel Board

The Chicago Park District Personnel Board is meeting to handle general personnel business, including a closed session for employee appeals and approval of job titles and salary ranges for the new Office of Prevention and Accountability (OPA). The board will also hear a report on the closed session before adjourning.

• Closed session for employee appeals under Illinois Open Meetings Act
• Approval of OPA job titles and salary ranges: Director, Senior Investigator, Investigator, Case Intake Specialist
• Meeting at 541 N. Fairbanks Court, Lower Level Conference Room, 3:00 PM

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review several items including a contract for cleaning supplies and a plan for Washington Park. The meeting also includes a proposal to officially rename Kolmar Park in honor of Gertrud Kolmar.

• Contract with Inter-City Supply Co., Inc. for floor crew finishing materials and cleaning products
• Contract with Muse Community + Design for the Washington Park Framework Plan development
• Request to officially name Kolmar Park in honor of Gertrud Kolmar
• Proposed amendments to Chapter IV of the Chicago Park District Code
• Recognition of the Chicago Park District Water Polo Club and Coach Heriberto Garcia

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will hold its regular meeting on March 9, 2022, at Addams (Jane) Park. The board will consider a contract award for DuSable Park development, along with routine items such as approving minutes, acknowledging excellence, and hearing public comments.

• Authorization to enter into a contract with DuSable Park Design Alliance for DuSable Park development (Specification No. P-21009)
• Certificates of filing and publication for the 2021 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance
• Election of Personnel Board members
• Approval of minutes from February 16, 2022, public hearing and regular meeting
• Recognition of Girls Day of P.L.A.Y. and presentation on Women's History Month

The Chicago Park District Board approved a contract with DuSable Park Design Alliance for DuSable Park development (Specification No. P-21009) by a 5-0 vote, with one commissioner absent. The board also appointed Commissioners Munoz and Telli to the Personnel Board, approved the February 16, 2022 regular meeting minutes, and heard public comments on various park issues. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved contract with DuSable Park Design Alliance for DuSable Park development (5-0, 1 absent)
• Appointed Commissioners Munoz and Telli to the Personnel Board (5-0, 1 absent)
• Approved minutes of the February 16, 2022 regular meeting (5-0, 1 absent)
• Received and filed certificates of filing and publication for the 2021 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance
• Heard public comments on Dunbar Park access, Jackson Park tennis courts, kayak storage, DuSable Park development, and Ridge Park renovations

Public Hearing

The Chicago Park District is holding a virtual public hearing regarding a proposed supplemental appropriation ordinance. This ordinance concerns additional revenues and expenditures for the 2021 fiscal year.

• Public hearing on the proposed 2021 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance
• Public comments period

The Chicago Park District held a virtual public hearing on the proposed 2021 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance. No public comments were received, and the Chief Financial Officer explained that the ordinance accounts for a pension contribution required by state legislation. The hearing was adjourned without a vote on the ordinance.

• Held public hearing on 2021 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance
• No public comments received
• Adjourned hearing (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet virtually to consider a supplemental appropriation ordinance for 2021 revenues and expenditures. The agenda also includes contract authorizations for sporting goods, natural area services, and a change order for the Seward Park Fieldhouse restoration.

• 2021 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance for additional revenues and expenditures
• $798,585.02 change order for Seward Park Fieldhouse restoration
• Contract with Palos Sports, Inc. for the supply and delivery of sporting goods
• Contract with Cardno USA Inc. for natural areas and aquatic management services
• Request to officially name Gately Park Track and Field Center in honor of Dr. Conrad Worrill

The Board of Commissioners approved the 2021 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance for additional revenues and expenditures, and a resolution authorizing the reimbursement of expenditures. They also approved contracts with Palos Sports, Inc. for sporting goods and Cardno USA Inc. for natural areas and aquatic management services. Commissioner Myetie H. Hamilton was elected Board President for a one-year term. All votes were unanimous (6-0).

• Approved the 2021 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance (22-1026-021) unanimously.
• Approved a resolution authorizing the reimbursement of expenditures (22-1018-021) unanimously.
• Approved a contract with Palos Sports, Inc. for sporting goods (22-1011-012) unanimously.
• Approved a contract with Cardno USA Inc. for natural areas and aquatic management services (22-1016-021) unanimously.
• Approved Change Order No. 02 for $798,585.02 for the Seward Park Fieldhouse Restoration with Friedler Construction Company (22-1007-021) unanimously.
• Approved naming the Gately Park Track and Field Center in honor of Dr. Conrad Worrill (21-1321-021) unanimously.
• Elected Commissioner Myetie H. Hamilton as Board President for a one-year term (22-1031-021) unanimously.
• Approved the minutes from the January 26, 2022 regular meeting (22-1021-021) unanimously.

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners is meeting virtually to consider several items, including a $458,505.30 change order for the Revere (Paul) Park fieldhouse restoration, a proposal to rename Kolmar Park in honor of Gertrud Kolmar, and amendments to the Human Rights Ordinance. The board will also hear a presentation from the Inspector General and consider extending the interim General Superintendent's contract.

• Change Order No. 01: $458,505.30 for Revere (Paul) Park Fieldhouse & Clubhouse Restoration with Structures Construction LLC
• Request to initiate 45-day notice period to rename Kolmar Park in honor of Gertrud Kolmar
• Proposed amendments to Chapter IV of the Code to update the Human Rights Ordinance and establish the Office of Prevention and Accountability
• Authority to enter into intergovernmental agreements with the City of Chicago and other agencies for park project funds and services
• Authority to amend the contract with the interim General Superintendent to extend the term of service

The Chicago Park District Board approved several items, including authority to enter into intergovernmental agreements for park projects, a change order for the Revere Park fieldhouse restoration, a 45-day notice period to rename Kolmar Park, and an extension of the Interim General Superintendent's contract. The board also received presentations on staff excellence, the Inspector General's annual report, and proposed code amendments, and heard public comments on various park issues.

• Approved authority to enter into intergovernmental agreements for park projects (6-0)
• Approved Change Order No. 01 for Revere Park fieldhouse restoration, $458,505.30 (6-0)
• Approved request to initiate 45-day notice period to rename Kolmar Park in honor of Gertrud Kolmar (6-0)
• Approved authority to amend contract with Interim General Superintendent to extend term (6-0)
• Approved release of executive session minutes for public inspection (6-0)
• Approved minutes from December 1, 2021 meeting (6-0)