Chicago Park District public meetings in 2023

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting on December 13, 2023, to consider several financial items, including a supplemental appropriation ordinance for 2023, transfers among operating funds, and the 2024 annual appropriation ordinance and budget recommendations. The board will also consider entering into agreements with contractors for a pre-qualified pool, initiating 45-day notice periods to rename two parks, and approving a collective bargaining agreement with a union. Public comments will be heard.

• Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance for additional 2023 revenues and expenditures
• Ordinance authorizing transfers among operating funds for fiscal year 2023
• 2024 Annual Appropriation Ordinance and Budget Recommendations
• Authorization to enter into agreements with contractors for General Contractor Services Pre-Qualified Pool (Specification No. P-23001)
• Requests to initiate 45-day notice periods to name Montrose Dunes Expansion Area as Monty and Rose Wildlife Habitat and Park No. 581 as Prairie Park

The Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 annual budget and several financial ordinances for 2023. The board also authorized a new collective bargaining agreement and initiated the naming process for two park areas.

• Approved 2024 Annual Appropriation Ordinance and Budget Recommendations (5-0)
• Approved 2023 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance (5-0)
• Approved ordinance authorizing transfers among operating funds for fiscal year 2023 (5-0)
• Approved collective bargaining agreement with International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 399 (5-0)
• Approved 45-day notice period to name Montrose Dunes expansion area as the Monty and Rose Wildlife Habitat (5-0)
• Approved 45-day notice period to name Park No. 581 as the Prairie Park (5-0)
• Approved agreements with contractors for the general contractor services pre-qualified pool (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from November 15, 2023 (4-0)

Public Hearing

The Chicago Park District is holding a public hearing regarding a proposed ordinance for additional 2023 revenues and expenditures. The meeting includes remarks from the Chief Financial Officer and a period for public comments.

• Proposed 2023 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance

The Chicago Park District held a public hearing regarding the Proposed 2023 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance. No public comments or written testimonies were submitted. The minutes record no vote or final decision on the ordinance itself.

• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Public Hearing

The Chicago Park District is holding a public hearing regarding the proposed 2024 operating budget report and the tentative appropriation ordinance. The meeting includes presentations from the General Superintendent and the Chief Financial Officer, followed by a period for public comments.

• 2024 Proposed Budget Recommendations
• 2024 Tentative Appropriation Ordinance
• Public comments regarding the budget

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing to review the proposed 2024 Operating Budget Report and Tentative Appropriation Ordinance. The General Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer provided remarks on budget priorities and details. No votes were taken to approve or deny the budget during this session.

• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting on November 15, 2023, following a public budget hearing. The board is set to adopt the 2023 annual tax levy ordinance, extend a golf facilities operating agreement with Troon Golf/Indigo Sport, and award contracts for sewer cleaning and Blackhawk Park fieldhouse restoration. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of minutes, recognition of the Go Run program, public comments, and a closed session for ethics training.

• Adoption of the 2023 Annual Tax Levy Ordinance
• Extension of operating agreement with Troon Golf/Indigo Sport for golf facilities maintenance (Specification No. P-07061)
• Contract award to The Stone Group, Inc. for power rodding and sewer cleaning services district-wide (Specification No. P-23011)
• Contract award to Structures Construction, LLC for Blackhawk Park fieldhouse restoration (Specification No. P-16008-063)
• Public budget hearing for 2024 proposed operating budget at 11:00 AM

The Board of Commissioners approved the 2023 annual tax levy ordinance and extended the operating agreement with Troon Golf/Indigo Sport. They also awarded contracts for sewer cleaning services and the Blackhawk Park fieldhouse restoration.

• Adopted 2023 Annual Tax Levy Ordinance (4-0)
• Approved operating agreement extension with Troon Golf/Indigo Sport for golf facilities (4-0)
• Approved contract with The Stone Group, Inc. for power rodding and sewer cleaning (4-0)
• Approved contract with Structures Construction, LLC for Blackhawk Park fieldhouse restoration (4-0)
• Appointed Timothy O'Connell and Megan Wilson as IAPD delegates (4-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from October 11, 2023 (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board will consider transferring about 4.106 acres of Fernwood Parkway Park to the CTA for the Red Line extension, while accepting a minimum of 4.106 acres from the CTA. The board will also vote on several contracts, including roof and masonry work at Marquette Park, ADA design services for polling places, environmental abatement services, and IT support. The agenda includes routine items like approving minutes, recognizing youth hiring initiatives, and hearing public comments.

• Land transfer: ~4.106 acres Fernwood Parkway Park to CTA for Red Line extension; accept min 4.106 acres from CTA
• Contract with Robe, Inc. for Marquette Park fieldhouse & landscape buildings roof & masonry (Spec P-15000-775-R)
• Contract with Mode Architects for ADA modifications design at polling places (Spec P-16015-162)
• Contract with Enviroplus Inc. for district-wide environmental abatement services (Spec P-23003)
• Contract with Electronic Knowledge Interchange for web-based collaboration system support (City of Chicago Contract 222388)

The Board of Commissioners approved a land transfer of approximately 4.106 acres of Fernwood Parkway Park to the Chicago Transit Authority. Several service and construction contracts were also awarded. The Board received reports on youth hiring and 2022 financial documents.

• Approved transfer of approx. 4.106 acres of Fernwood Parkway Park to CTA for Red Line Extension (4-0)
• Approved contract with Robe, Inc. for Marquette Park fieldhouse and landscape buildings roof and masonry (4-0)
• Approved contract with Mode Architects for ADA modifications at district polling places (4-0)
• Approved contract with Enviroplus Inc. for district-wide environmental abatement services (4-0)
• Approved contract with Electronic Knowledge Interchange for web-based collaboration system management (4-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from September 13, 2023 (4-0)

Personnel Board

The Chicago Park District Personnel Board will meet to conduct general personnel business and public comment. The board will consider whether to release or hold minutes and a portion of the verbatim recording from a closed session held on April 21, 2022.

• Review of authority to release or hold April 21, 2022 closed session minutes
• Review of authority to release a portion of the April 21, 2022 closed session verbatim recording
• Approval of June 9, 2023 meeting minutes

The Personnel Board approved the meeting minutes from June 9, 2023. The board also voted to release the closed session minutes and a portion of the verbatim recording from the April 21, 2022 meeting.

• Approved June 9, 2023 meeting minutes (2-0, 1 absent)
• Approved release of April 21, 2022 closed session meeting minutes (2-0, 1 absent)
• Approved release of a portion of the April 21, 2022 closed session verbatim recording (2-0, 1 absent)

Budget Forum

The Chicago Park District is holding a public budget forum to gather input on its 2024 budget. Residents can speak in person or complete an online survey. The forum includes opening remarks, a presentation, and public comments.

• Public budget forum at Fosco Park, 1312 S. Racine Avenue
• Online survey 'Recommended Budget Feedback Form' available at chicagoparkdistrict.com/annual-budget-process
• Registration to speak begins at 5:00 p.m., forum at 6:00 p.m.
• Questions posed: what services need more funding, how to cut back in deficit, how to spend $100 to improve a park

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will consider issuing up to $191 million in general obligation bonds for harbor and marina improvements, park projects, and refunding, along with several contract awards and appointments. The agenda also includes routine items like approving minutes, recognizing the Harvest Garden Program, and public comments.

• Ordinance for $6,000,000 GO unlimited tax bonds (Series 2023) for harbor facilities
• Ordinance for $170,000,000 GO limited tax park bonds of 2023
• Ordinance for $15,000,000 GO unlimited tax refunding bonds
• Contract with F.H. Paschen for Elizabeth Morse Genius Children's Garden at Garfield Park Conservatory
• Contract with Westrec SMI LLC for management of outdoor ice rinks

The Board of Commissioners approved several bond issuances for harbor improvements and general park funding. They also authorized contracts for outdoor ice rink management and the construction of a children's garden at the Garfield Park Conservatory.

• Approved issuance of up to $170M General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds (5-0)
• Approved issuance of up to $6M General Obligation Unlimited Tax Bonds for harbor facilities (5-0)
• Approved issuance of up to $15M General Obligation Unlimited Tax Refunding Bonds (5-0)
• Approved contract with F.H. Paschen for Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden at Garfield Park Conservatory (5-0)
• Approved contract with Westrec SMI LLC for management and operation of outdoor ice rinks (5-0)
• Approved authorization for Rapid Response Construction Services pre-qualified pool (5-0)
• Appointed Myetie H. Hamilton as Public Building Commissioner (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from August 9, 2023 (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider several items, including authorizing up to $6 million in bonds for harbor and marina improvements, entering into a contract with Guidehouse Inc. for a strategic plan, and other contract awards. The board will also hear public comments and recognize gymnastics program national qualifiers.

• Ordinance to issue up to $6,000,000 in general obligation bonds for harbor and marina improvements
• Contract with Guidehouse Inc. for comprehensive strategic plan (Specification No. P-23009)
• Contracts with firms for architecture and engineering services pre-qualified pool (Specification No. P-22018)
• Contract with Cannon Cochran Management Services Inc. for third-party administrative services (Specification P-22017)
• Public comments and recognition of 2023 national qualifiers in gymnastics

The Board of Commissioners approved the issuance of general obligation bonds for harbor and marina financing and awarded several service contracts. The Board also appointed a new Inspector General and approved the release of specific closed session minutes.

• Approved issuance of general obligation bonds up to $6,000,000 for harbor and marina improvements (4-0)
• Approved contract with Guidehouse Inc. for a comprehensive strategic plan (4-0)
• Approved contracts for firms to enter the architecture and engineering services pre-qualified pool (4-0)
• Approved contract with Cannon Cochran Management Services, Inc. for third-party administrative services (4-0)
• Appointed Peter Neumer as Inspector General (4-0)
• Approved release of closed session minutes from February 15, 2023 and May 10, 2023 (4-0)
• Approved destruction of verbatim records from September 8, 2021 and January 26, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from June 14, 2023 (4-0)

Public Hearing

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners is holding a public hearing to receive comments on a proposal to sell up to $40,000,000 in general obligation limited tax park bonds for park and boulevard land, building, maintenance, and improvements, plus up to $6,000,000 in alternate revenue bonds for harbor and marina improvements. The hearing includes remarks from the Chief Financial Officer and a public comment period. No decisions are being made at this hearing; it is solely for gathering public input.

• Public hearing on sale of up to $40,000,000 general obligation limited tax park bonds
• Public hearing on sale of up to $6,000,000 general obligation bonds (alternate revenue source) for harbor and marina improvements
• Hearing held at South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 South Shore Drive, Chicago
• Public comments accepted during the hearing

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing to receive comments on the proposal to sell up to $40 million in general obligation limited tax park bonds and $6 million in alternate revenue bonds. No votes were taken to approve or deny the bond sales during this session.

• Held public hearing on proposed $40,000,000 general obligation limited tax park bonds and $6,000,000 alternate revenue bonds
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting on June 14, 2023, to consider several items, including a proposed change to the general admission fee for the Museum of Contemporary Art, provisional approvals for special events, and a settlement in a lawsuit. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of minutes, recognition of award recipients, and public comments.

• Authorization to change general admission fee for Museum of Contemporary Art
• Provisional approval for special events: The Chosen Few Old School Reunion, ARC Music Festival, Riot Fest
• Settlement of Jane Doe v. Chicago Park District (21L011231)
• Appointment of trustees to the Park Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago
• Certificates of filing for 2022 annual tax levy abatement

The Board of Commissioners approved provisional permits for the Riot Fest, Arc Music Festival, and The Chosen Few Old School Reunion. Other actions included appointing a General Counsel and approving a fee change for the Museum of Contemporary Art.

• Approved provisional special event permits for Riot Fest (7-0)
• Approved provisional special event permits for Arc Music Festival (7-0)
• Approved provisional special event permits for The Chosen Few Old School Reunion (7-0)
• Approved general admission fee change for Museum of Contemporary Art (5-0, 2 recused)
• Appointed Nicholas Cummings as General Counsel (7-0)
• Appointed Steve Lux and Joan Coogan as Trustees to the Park Employees’ Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago (7-0)
• Approved settlement of Jane Doe v. Chicago Park District (7-0)
• Adopted resolution honoring Commissioner Donald Edwards (7-0)

Personnel Board

The Chicago Park District Personnel Board is meeting to handle routine personnel matters, including public comment, approval of previous meeting minutes, and a new business item to approve a job description and salary for an Assistant Manager of Gymnastics. The agenda is otherwise procedural.

• Approval of job description and salary for Assistant Manager of Gymnastics
• Approval of minutes from the March 15, 2023 Personnel Board meeting
• Public comment period

Decennial Committee

The Committee received an overview of the Decennial Committees on Local Government Efficiency Act requirements. No substantive policy decisions were made during the meeting.

• Distributed survey to members of the public in attendance
• Adjourned meeting (9-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners holds its annual meeting, including elections for president and vice president, and considers several contracts and resolutions. Items include a contract for cultural center renovation at Garfield Park, IT equipment and services agreements, and a settlement of a lawsuit. The board will also vote on amendments to the Park District code and hear public comments.

• Election of President and Vice President of the Board
• Contract with Structures Construction, LLC for Cultural Center Renovation at Garfield Park (Specification No. P-16008-058)
• Contract with Canon Solutions America, Inc. for equipment and services from City of Chicago contract
• Contract modification with Computer Aid, Inc. for IT enterprise application support services
• Settlement of presuit claim Jane Doe (22020) v. Chicago Park District

The Board of Commissioners elected Myetie H. Hamilton as President and Modesto Valle as Vice President. The Board approved several contracts, including renovations at Garfield Park and IT services, and established a Decennial Committee of Government Efficiency. Provisional approval was granted for the Pitchfork Music Festival.

• Elected Myetie H. Hamilton as President (5-0)
• Elected Modesto Valle as Vice President (5-0)
• Approved establishment of Decennial Committee of Government Efficiency (5-0)
• Approved appointment of members to Decennial Committee (5-0)
• Approved contract with Structures Construction, LLC for Garfield Park cultural center renovation (5-0)
• Approved contract with Canon Solutions America, Inc. for equipment and services (5-0)
• Approved IT services contract modification with Computer Aid, Inc. (5-0)
• Granted provisional approval for Pitchfork Music Festival (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board will vote on issuing up to $60 million in general obligation bonds, increasing admission fees at the Museum of Science and Industry and the Art Institute, and awarding contracts for park maintenance and electrical supplies. They will also hear reports on sustainability initiatives, the Office of Prevention and Accountability, and special event permits.

• Ordinance to issue up to $60,000,000 in General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds, Series 2023A
• Authorization to change general admission fees for the Museum of Science and Industry and the Art Institute
• Contract award to Christy Webber Landscapes for Grant Park and Museum Campus maintenance (Specification P-22014)
• Contract awards to J.P. Simons and Midco Electric Supply for electrical supplies (Specification P-23004)
• Provisional approval for Hyde Park Summer Festival special event permit

The Board of Commissioners approved the issuance of up to $60 million in general obligation limited tax park bonds. The board also authorized admission fee changes for two major museums and approved several maintenance and supply contracts.

• Approved issuance of not to exceed $60,000,000 general obligation limited tax park bonds, series 2023A (5-0)
• Authorized change to general admission fee for the Museum of Science and Industry (5-0)
• Authorized change to general admission fee for the Art Institute (5-0)
• Granted provisional approval for Hyde Park Summer Festival special event (5-0)
• Approved contract with Christy Webber Landscapes for Grant Park and Museum Campus maintenance (5-0)
• Approved contracts with J.P. Simons and Midco Electric Supply, Inc. for electrical supplies (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from March 15, 2023 (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider several items, including a $60 million bond sale, contract awards for plumbing supplies and VoIP services, and a settlement in a lawsuit. The agenda also includes public comments, recognition of Title IX's 50th anniversary, and proposed amendments to the district's code.

• Certificate of publication for intent to sell up to $60,000,000 in general obligation limited tax park bonds
• Contract award to Marco Supply Co. d/b/a Johnson Pipe and Supply and Littmann Industries for supplemental plumbing supplies
• Contract award to Altaworx, LLC for VoIP telecommunication services
• Provisional approval for special events: JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge and Bank of America Chicago Marathon
• Settlement of Joseph Dulong v. Chicago Park District

The Board of Commissioners approved several service contracts and provisional permits for large-scale events. They also authorized a legal settlement and began a public comment period for proposed code amendments.

• Approved contracts with Marco Supply Co. and Littmann Industries for plumbing supplies (6-0)
• Approved contract with AltaWorx, LLC for VOIP telecommunication services (6-0)
• Provisionally approved JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge and Bank of America Chicago Marathon (6-0)
• Approved settlement for Joseph Dulong v. Chicago Park District (6-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from February 15, 2023 (6-0)
• Initiated 45-day public comment period for proposed amendments to Chapter III of the Code of the Chicago Park District

Public Hearing

The Chicago Park District is holding a public hearing to receive comments on its proposal to sell up to $60,000,000 in general obligation limited tax park bonds. The funds would finance capital improvements, including land acquisition, park construction and maintenance, and paying off outstanding bond anticipation notes. The hearing is a procedural step before the regular board meeting, and no decisions are being made at this hearing.

• Proposed sale of up to $60,000,000 in general obligation limited tax park bonds
• Bond proceeds to fund capital improvements, land purchase, and park maintenance
• Includes payment of outstanding bond anticipation notes
• Public comments will be received at Fosco Park, 1312 S. Racine Avenue

The Chicago Park District held a public hearing to receive comments on a proposal to sell not to exceed $60,000,000 in general obligation limited tax park bonds. The funds are intended for capital improvement programs, including land acquisition and facility maintenance. No registered speakers or written testimony were submitted.

• Held public hearing on proposal to sell up to $60,000,000 in general obligation limited tax park bonds

Personnel Board

The Chicago Park District Personnel Board is meeting to handle routine personnel business, including public comment, approval of prior meeting minutes, and approval of job descriptions and salaries for two positions: Beach Safety Ambassador and Program and Event Assistant. The agenda contains no other substantive items.

• Approval of job descriptions and salaries for Beach Safety Ambassador and Program and Event Assistant
• Approval of minutes from the December 12, 2022 Personnel Board meeting
• Public comment period open

The Personnel Board approved the job descriptions and salaries for two seasonal positions. The board also approved the meeting minutes from December 12, 2022.

• Approved job descriptions and salaries for Beach Safety Ambassador (Minimum Wage) and Program and Event Assistant ($17-$18/hour) (3-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from December 12, 2022 (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with several new business items, including a resolution to reimburse expenditures, consent to designate Promontory Point in Burnham Park as a City of Chicago landmark, accepting about 3.59 acres from the City for park expansions and transferring about 0.24 acres of Jackson Park to the City, authorizing contracts for landscape mowers, and provisional approval for special events. The agenda also includes routine items like minutes approval, public comments, and a closed session.

• Resolution authorizing reimbursement of expenditures
• Consent to designate Promontory Point in Burnham Park as a City of Chicago landmark
• Accept approximately 3.59 acres from City of Chicago for park expansions and transfer about 0.24 acres of Jackson (Robert) Park to the City
• Contracts with Shorewood Home & Auto and Russo Hardware for landscape mowers (Specification P-22012)
• Provisional approval for special events: Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, Fifth Third Bike the Drive, Hot Chocolate Run Chicago, 2023 Won-Day Gospel Music Festival

The Board of Commissioners approved several land transfers, equipment contracts, and special event permits. They also formally consented to the landmark designation of Promontory Point in Burnham Park. All substantive votes passed with 6-0 tallies, with one commissioner absent.

• Approved designation of Promontory Point in Burnham Park as a City of Chicago Landmark (6-0)
• Approved acceptance of ~3.59 acres for park expansions and transfer of ~0.24 acres of Jackson (Robert) Park to the City of Chicago (6-0)
• Approved contracts with Shorewood Home & Auto and Russo Hardware, Inc. for landscape mower maintenance and repair (6-0)
• Provisionally approved special events: Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, Fifth Third Bike the Drive, Hot Chocolate Run Chicago, and 2023 Won-Day Gospel Music Festival (6-0)
• Approved resolution for reimbursement of expenditures (6-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from January 25, 2023 (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will consider several items, including fee increases at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and the Field Museum, a contract for cultural center renovations at three parks, and an intergovernmental agreement for park projects. The board will also vote on routine items such as meeting minutes and certificates of filing for tax and appropriation ordinances.

• Authorization to change general admission fees for the Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and the Field Museum
• Contract with F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen and Associates, LLC for cultural center renovation at Austin Town Hall, Douglass Park, and Humboldt Park (Specification No. P-16008-057)
• Authority to enter into intergovernmental agreements with the City of Chicago and other agencies for park project funds and services
• Contract with Windstream Holdings, Inc. for broadband connectivity
• Amendments to Chapter XI of the Chicago Park District Code

The Board of Commissioners approved general admission fee changes for the Field Museum and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. They also authorized contracts for broadband connectivity and cultural center renovations at Austin Town Hall, Douglass Park, and Humboldt Park.

• Approved general admission fee change for Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (4-1)
• Approved general admission fee change for the Field Museum (4-0)
• Approved amendments to Chapter XI of the Code of the Chicago Park District (6-0)
• Approved contract with F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen and Associates, LLC for cultural center renovations (5-0)
• Approved contract with Windstream Holdings, Inc. for broadband connectivity (5-0)
• Approved intergovernmental agreements to accept funds and services for park projects (5-0)
• Approved resolution honoring retirees (6-0)
• Approved release of closed session minutes for five dates and destruction of verbatim records for three dates (5-0)