Chicago Park District public meetings in 2024

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss the 2025 annual appropriation ordinance and budget recommendations. The meeting includes a public hearing and a vote on supplemental appropriations and fund transfers for fiscal year 2024.

• 2025 Annual Appropriation Ordinance and Budget Recommendations
• 2024 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance and transfers among operating funds
• Contract with Homer Industries for engineered wood fiber playground safety surfacing materials
• Amendments to Chapter V of the Code of the Chicago Park District
• Presentation on the district's response to homelessness in the parks

The Board of Commissioners approved the 2025 annual appropriation ordinance and budget recommendations. The board also authorized supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2024 and approved amendments to Chapter V of the District Code.

• Approved 2025 Annual Appropriation Ordinance and Budget Recommendations (7-0)
• Approved 2024 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance and transfers among operating funds (6-0)
• Approved amendments to Chapter V of the Code of the Chicago Park District (7-0)
• Approved contract with Homer Industries for engineered wood fiber playground safety surfacing (6-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from November 20, 2024 (6-0)
• Approved certificate of publication for the December 11, 2024 public hearing (6-0)

Public Hearing

The Chicago Park District Board will hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed 2024 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance, which includes additional revenues and expenditures for the year. Members of the public may register to speak or submit written comments in advance.

• Public hearing on 2024 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance
• Registration to speak closes December 9, 2024, at 12:00 p.m.
• Written comments accepted via email to signuptospeak@chicagoparkdistrict.com

The Chicago Park District held a public hearing regarding the proposed 2024 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance. The meeting included public comment and remarks from the Director of Budget and Management, but no vote was taken on the ordinance.

• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to elect a Board President and receive a presentation on the Capital Improvement Plan. The meeting includes a public budget hearing and the review of several routine contracts and appointments.

• Election of the President of the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners
• Presentation on the Chicago Park District Capital Improvement Plan
• Contract with Flood Brothers Disposal Company for waste collection and disposal services
• Joint procurement with the City of Chicago for Dell Marketing L.P. computer hardware and software
• Certificate of filings for the 2024 Tax Levy Ordinance with Cook and DuPage counties

The Board of Commissioners elected a new President and approved several routine administrative items via a consent agenda. The board also adopted a resolution honoring former Commissioner Jose Munoz and received a presentation on the Capital Improvement Plan.

• Elected Commissioner Marlon Everett as President (6-0, 1 absent)
• Adopted resolution honoring former Commissioner Jose Munoz (6-0, 1 absent)
• Approved contract with Flood Brothers Disposal Company for waste services (6-0, 1 absent)
• Approved joint procurement with Dell Marketing L.P. for computer hardware and software (6-0, 1 absent)
• Appointed Kelly Flannery to the Park Employees’ Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago (6-0, 1 absent)
• Designated Rebecca Brandtman as delegate and Naureen Rana as alternate delegate to the IAPD (6-0, 1 absent)
• Approved October 9, 2024 meeting minutes (6-0, 1 absent)
• Approved certificates of publication for budget hearings and 2024 tax levy ordinance filings (6-0, 1 absent)

Public Hearing

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed 2025 operating budget and tentative appropriation ordinance. The meeting includes a presentation from the General Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer, followed by public comment.

• Public hearing on 2025 Operating Budget Report and Tentative Appropriation Ordinance
• Presentation by General Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer
• Opportunity for public comment

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing to review the proposed 2025 Operating Budget Report and Tentative Appropriation Ordinance. No votes were taken on the budget; the meeting consisted of a presentation and public comments.

• Adjourned meeting (6-1)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider the adoption of the 2024 annual tax levy. The meeting also includes presentations on youth hiring initiatives and the 2023 annual comprehensive financial report.

• Adoption of the 2024 Annual Tax Levy Ordinance
• Joint procurement with City of Chicago (Contract No. 114541) with TranSmart, LLC for professional engineering services
• Contract with Marco Supply Company, Inc. (dba Johnson Pipe & Supply Company, Inc. and G & O Thermal Supply Company) for pool boilers
• Proposed amendments to Chapter V of the Code of the Chicago Park District
• Settlement agreement regarding Patricia Rodriguez v. Chicago Park District et al.

The Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 annual tax levy and a legal settlement. The board also authorized contracts for engineering services and pool boiler supplies.

• Adopted 2024 Annual Tax Levy Ordinance (4-0)
• Approved settlement of Patricia Rodriguez v. Chicago Park District et al. (5-0)
• Approved joint procurement with City of Chicago for TranSmart, LLC engineering services (4-0)
• Approved contract with Marco Supply Company, Inc. (dba Johnson Pipe & Supply Company, Inc. and G & O Thermal Supply Company) for pool boilers (4-0)
• Approved September 11, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved certificate of publication for October board meeting location change (4-0)

Decennial Committee

The Decennial Committee will present and discuss a draft report regarding local government efficiency. The body is expected to vote on the approval of this report.

• Approval of July 29, 2024 meeting minutes
• Presentation and discussion of the Draft Report of the Chicago Park District Decennial Committee
• Approval of the report pursuant to the Decennial Committee on Local Government Efficiency Act
• Distribution of survey

Budget Forum

The Chicago Park District is holding an in-person Public Budget Forum on October 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at its administration building in Chicago. The forum will include opening remarks, a presentation, and a public comment period.

• In-person Public Budget Forum at 4830 South Western Avenue, Chicago IL 60609
• Registration to speak begins at 5:00 p.m. at the same location

Budget Forum

The Chicago Park District is conducting a virtual public forum to present budget information. The meeting includes a presentation followed by a period for public comments.

• Budget presentation
• Public comment period

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will hold its regular meeting to approve minutes, hear reports, and vote on new business including a golf facility management contract, park naming, and several construction change orders and supply deals. The board will also consider a collective bargaining agreement with a union.

• Authorization to contract Indigo Sports, LLC to manage golf facilities
• Change order for $587,633.18 for Garfield Park Conservatory expansion
• Request to rename Park No. 517 as "Interfaith Park"
• Contract with Rae Products & Chemicals Corp. for paint and supplies ($NTE)
• Contract with McField & Associates Inc. for roofing materials ($NTE)

The Board of Commissioners approved a provisional permit for Riot Fest and authorized multiple contracts for park maintenance, supplies, and development. The board also officially named Park No. 517 as 'Interfaith Park' and approved a collective bargaining agreement with the Produce Drivers and Florist Union, Local 703.

• Approved provisional special event permit for Riot Fest (4-0)
• Approved contract with Indigo Sports, LLC for golf facility management (4-0)
• Approved $587,633.18 change order for Garfield Park Conservatory children's garden (4-0)
• Approved contract with Rae Products & Chemicals Corp. for paint supplies (4-0)
• Approved contract with McField & Associates Inc. for roofing materials (4-0)
• Approved contract with Bear Construction Company for Park #598 development (4-0)
• Approved $758,444.00 change order for DuSable Park professional services (4-0)
• Approved naming Park No. 517 as 'Interfaith Park' (4-0)

Personnel Board

The Chicago Park District Personnel Board is meeting to approve meeting minutes and review specific employment terms. The board will consider job descriptions and salaries for three distinct roles.

• Approval of job description and salary for Labor Relations Supervisor (Monthly)
• Approval of job description and salary for Rigger (Seasonal)
• Approval of job description and salary for Foreman of Motor Truck Drivers (Seasonal)
• Approval of meeting minutes from April 10, 2024

The Personnel Board approved the meeting minutes from April 10, 2024. The board also approved job descriptions and salaries for three positions: a Labor Relations Supervisor, a Rigger, and a Foreman of Motor Truck Drivers.

• Approved April 10, 2024 meeting minutes (2-0)
• Approved Labor Relations Supervisor position at $90,000 monthly (2-0)
• Approved Rigger (Seasonal) position at CBA rate of $38.41 (2-0)
• Approved Foreman of Motor Truck Drivers (Seasonal) position at CBA rate of $88,192 (2-0)

Decennial Committee

The Decennial Committee is meeting to review requirements and next steps under the Illinois Decennial Committees of Local Government Efficiency Act. The body will also consider the approval of previous meeting minutes and the distribution of a survey.

• Approval of June 9, 2023 meeting minutes
• Presentation on Decennial Committee requirements and next steps
• Distribution of survey

The Committee approved the meeting minutes from June 9, 2023. Director of Policy Pamela Witmer provided updates on the Decennial Committees on Local Government Efficiency Act and the Chicago Park District's Strategic Plan.

• Approved June 9, 2023 meeting minutes (6-1-4)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting to consider several items, including a multi-year permit for the Sueños Festival in Grant Park, a construction contract for Touhy-Herbert Park improvements, a change order for Garfield Park Bandstand rehabilitation, and a contract for ambulance services. The board will also vote on a resolution to amend public participation rules, initiate a 45-day notice period to rename Park No. 517 as Interfaith Park, and approve settlements in two lawsuits. The agenda includes routine items such as approval of minutes and public comments.

• Multi-year permit agreement with La Cultura Presenta LLC for Sueños Festival in Grant Park
• Contract with All-Bry Construction Company for Touhy-Herbert Park improvements (Specification No. P-23001-013)
• Change Order #01 to Industria, Inc. for Garfield Park Bandstand rehabilitation (Specification No. P-16008-059)
• Contract with Medical Express Ambulance Service, Inc. for ambulance and paramedical services (Specification P-23017)
• Resolution amending Chicago Park District public participation rules

The Board of Commissioners approved several construction contracts, a multi-year event permit for Grant Park, and two legal settlements. They also appointed a new General Counsel and a Trustee for the Park Employees’ Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago.

• Approved multi-year permit for Sueños Festival in Grant Park (7-0)
• Approved contract with All-Bry Construction Company for Touhy-Herbert Park improvements (7-0)
• Approved Change Order #01 to Industria, Inc. for Garfield Park Bandstand rehabilitation (7-0)
• Approved 45-day notice period to name Park No. 517 as Interfaith Park (7-0)
• Approved contract with Medical Express Ambulance Service, Inc. (7-0)
• Adopted resolution amending Public Participation Rules (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Appointed Heather Keil as General Counsel (7-0)
• Approved settlements for Jane Doe v. Chicago Park District cases 2023 L 012724 and 2023 L 012726 (7-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting with a brief agenda. The board will conduct roll call, hear public comments under 'People in the Parks,' and then enter a closed session for routine professional ethics training on the Ethics Ordinance. The meeting is expected to adjourn after the open session.

• Closed session for ethics training on the Ethics Ordinance (Chapter 3 of the Chicago Park District Code)
• Public comment period under 'People in the Parks'
• Meeting held at the Administration Building, 4830 S. Western Avenue

The Board of Commissioners conducted a special meeting consisting of a closed session for professional ethics training. No substantive policy decisions or public requests were recorded.

• Approved motion to enter Closed Session for ethics training (4-0)
• Approved motion to return to Open Session (4-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn meeting (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting to consider several items, including land acquisitions for park expansions, a contract for lumber supplies, provisional approvals for special events, and a settlement. The board will also recognize staff efforts and hear public comments.

• Accept ~0.36 acres at 714-726 N. Kedzie Ave. for Kells (George) Park expansion
• Accept ~1.20 acres at 10541 S. Aberdeen St. for Robinson (Jackie) Park expansion
• Contract with JL Corporation d/b/a Harry's Lumber for lumber and building materials districtwide
• Provisional approval for special events: Riot Fest and El Grito Fest
• Settlement of Gaylord Minett and Tamika Minett v. Chicago Park District (Case No. 2021 L 003172)

The Board of Commissioners approved the acquisition of land to expand Kells (George) Park and Robinson (Jackie) Park. The board also approved a lumber supply contract, a special event permit for El Grito Fest, and a legal settlement. No action was taken on Riot Fest following an announcement that the event would not proceed in Douglass Park.

• Approved acquisition of 0.36 acres at 714-726 North Kedzie Avenue for Kells (George) Park (6-0)
• Approved acquisition of 1.20 acres at 10541 South Aberdeen Street for Robinson (Jackie) Park (6-0)
• Approved contract with JL Corporation d/b/a Harry’s Lumber Corporation for districtwide materials (6-0)
• Approved provisional permit for El Grito Fest (6-0)
• Approved 45-day notice period to name Park No. 599 as West Edgewater Green Park (6-0)
• Approved intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Board of Education to share misconduct investigation info (6-0)
• Approved settlement for Gaylord Minett and Tamika Minett v. Chicago Park District (6-0)
• Adopted resolutions honoring Commissioners Andrea Telli and Sharif Walker (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider several contracts and agreements, including a collective bargaining agreement with SEIU Local 73, a presentation on the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, and multiple construction and procurement contracts. The board will also hear public comments and approve the previous meeting's minutes.

• Collective bargaining agreement with SEIU Local 73
• Presentation on NASCAR Chicago Street Race
• Contract with Pacific Construction Services for Jackie Robinson Fieldhouse construction
• Contract with All-Bry Construction for Kelvyn Park Fieldhouse renovation
• Settlement of William Keene v. Chicago Park District (Case No. 20 WC 004029)

The Board of Commissioners approved several construction contracts, including the Jackie Robinson Fieldhouse and Kelvyn Park Fieldhouse renovation. The Board also authorized a collective bargaining agreement with SEIU Local 73 and various joint procurement agreements for IT and equipment.

• Approved collective bargaining agreement with SEIU Local 73 (6-0)
• Approved Jackie Robinson Fieldhouse construction contract with Pacific Construction Services, LLC (6-0)
• Approved Kelvyn Park Fieldhouse renovation contract with All-Bry Construction Company (5-0)
• Approved joint procurement with Computer Aid, Inc. for IT consulting (6-0)
• Approved joint procurement with CDW-Government for computer hardware and software (6-0)
• Approved joint procurement with Herc Rentals for equipment rental (5-0)
• Approved joint procurement with TransChicago Truck Group for trucks and aerial platforms (5-0)
• Approved settlement of William Keene v. Chicago Park District (5-0)

Personnel Board

The Chicago Park District Personnel Board is meeting to handle general personnel business, public comment, and approval of minutes. The main action is approving job descriptions and salaries for four roles: Security Officer, Deputy Director of Marketing, Deputy Director of Program Information, and Director of Aquatics. The board will also review closed session minutes and decide whether to release or hold them, and whether to destroy verbatim recordings from two past closed sessions.

• Approval of job description and salary for Security Officer (Monthly)
• Approval of job description and salary for Deputy Director of Marketing
• Approval of job description and salary for Deputy Director of Program Information
• Approval of job description and salary for Director of Aquatics
• Review of closed session minutes from December 12, 2022, and authority to destroy recordings from April 21, 2022 and June 8, 2022

The Personnel Board approved new job descriptions and salaries for four specific roles. The board also voted to release one set of closed session minutes and destroy two verbatim closed session recordings from 2022.

• Approved job description and salary for Security Officer (Monthly) (3-0)
• Approved job description and salary for Deputy Director of Marketing (3-0)
• Approved job description and salary for Director of Aquatics (3-0)
• Approved job description and salary for Deputy Director of Program Information (3-0)
• Approved release of December 12, 2022 closed session meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved destruction of verbatim closed session recordings from April 21, 2022 and June 8, 2022 (3-0)
• Approved October 11, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will vote on several contracts for park construction and services, including renovations at Rainbow Beach Park, Ronan Gateway and Plaza, and Cragin Park Fieldhouse, as well as a food service management contract for Soldier Field. The board will also consider provisional approvals for music festivals and settle two lawsuits. Public comments will be heard.

• Contract with KR Miller Contractors, Inc. for Rainbow Beach Park handball/racquetball facility renovation
• Contract with Burling Builders, Inc. for Ronan Gateway and Plaza development
• Contract with George Sollitt Construction Company for Cragin Park Fieldhouse construction
• Contract with Levy Premium Foodservice Limited Partnership for Soldier Field food service management
• Provisional approvals for Pitchfork Music Festival and Arc Music Festival

The Board of Commissioners approved multiple infrastructure contracts for park renovations and fieldhouse construction. They also authorized a food service management contract for Soldier Field and granted provisional approval for two music festivals.

• Approved contract with Levy Premium Foodservice Limited Partnership for Soldier Field food service (5-0)
• Approved contract with KR Miller Contractors, Inc. for Rainbow Beach Park handball/racquetball renovation (5-0)
• Approved contract with Burling Builders, Inc. for Ronan Gateway and Plaza development (5-0)
• Approved contract with George Sollitt Construction Company for Cragin Park fieldhouse construction (5-0)
• Approved contract with School Health Corporation for AED maintenance (5-0)
• Provisionally approved Pitchfork Music Festival (5-0)
• Provisionally approved Arc Music Festival (5-0)
• Approved legal settlements for Salvador Ruiz and Jane Doe (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board will consider issuing up to $171 million in general obligation bonds, including $11 million for accessibility improvements and $160 million in limited tax park bonds. The board will also vote on several contracts, including maintenance and construction projects, and consider a fee change for the Adler Planetarium.

• Ordinance for $11M GO bonds for accessibility improvements districtwide
• Ordinance for $160M GO limited tax park bonds of 2024
• Authorization to change general admission fee for Adler Planetarium
• Contract with Clauss Brothers for Osaka Garden maintenance
• Contract with AGAE Contractors for Midway Plaisance East End improvements

The Board of Commissioners approved two bond issuances totaling up to $171 million for accessibility and general purposes. They also authorized several maintenance and construction contracts, including HVAC replacements and improvements at Midway Plaisance. Additionally, the Board approved a general admission fee change for the Adler Planetarium.

• Approved issuance of up to $160M General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds (4-0)
• Approved issuance of up to $11M General Obligation Unlimited Tax Park Bonds for accessibility improvements (4-0)
• Authorized general admission fee change for the Adler Planetarium (4-0)
• Approved contract with AGAE Contractors, Inc. for Midway Plaisance East End Improvements (4-0)
• Approved contract with Anchor Mechanical, Inc. for HVAC replacements at Sherwood & Brainerd Parks (4-0)
• Approved contract with Clauss Brothers, Inc. for Osaka Garden maintenance (4-0)
• Approved janitorial services contract with Smith Maintenance Co. and Dust ‘Em Clean Maintenance Company, Inc. (4-0)
• Approved amendments to Chapter II of the Code of the Chicago Park District (4-0)

Public Hearing

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners is holding a public hearing to receive comments on two bond proposals. The first involves up to $26,000,000 in general obligation limited tax bonds for land and park improvements. The second involves up to $11,000,000 in alternate revenue bonds to finance recreational facilities for persons with disabilities.

• Proposed sale of up to $26,000,000 in general obligation limited tax park bonds
• Proposed sale of up to $11,000,000 in general obligation alternate revenue bonds
• Funding for land condemnation, park/boulevard maintenance, and improvements
• Funding for acquisition and expansion of recreational facilities for persons with disabilities

The Board held a public hearing to receive comments on the proposal to sell up to $26 million in general obligation limited tax park bonds and $11 million in alternate revenue bonds. No registered speakers or written testimony were submitted. No formal vote to approve or deny the bond sales was recorded in these minutes.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider several financial measures, including the issuance of bonds for accessibility improvements and capital programs. The meeting also includes requests to officially name two park areas and presentations regarding special events.

• Public hearing regarding the intent to sell up to $26,000,000 in general obligation limited tax park bonds and $11,000,000 in general obligation bonds
• Ordinance authorizing bonds for accessibility improvements in the Capital Improvement Plan
• Request to officially name Park No. 581 as the Prairie Park
• Request to name the Montrose Dunes expansion area in Lincoln Park as the Monty and Rose Wildlife Habitat
• Provisional approval for special events including the 2024 J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge and Fifth Third Bike the Drive

The Board of Commissioners approved several financial measures, including the issuance of general obligation bonds for accessibility improvements and the reimbursement of 2024 Capital Improvement Program expenditures. The Board also granted provisional approval for three special events and officially named two park areas.

• Approved issuance of general obligation bonds for accessibility improvements (6-0)
• Approved reimbursement of expenditures for 2024 Capital Improvement Program (6-0)
• Approved refunding of General Obligation Limited Tax Refunding Bonds, Taxable Series 2021A (6-0)
• Approved provisional permits for J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge, Fifth Third Bike the Drive, and Hot Chocolate Run (6-0)
• Approved naming Park No. 581 as the Prairie Park (5-1)
• Approved naming Montrose Dunes expansion area as the Monty and Rose Wildlife Habitat (5-1)
• Approved meeting minutes from January 24, 2024 (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting to consider several items, including proposed amendments to the district's code, intergovernmental agreements for park projects, contract awards for landscaping and security services, and settlements of two workers' compensation cases. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of previous meeting minutes and public comments.

• Proposed amendments to Chapter II of the Chicago Park District Code
• Authority to enter intergovernmental agreements with the City of Chicago and other agencies for park projects
• Change Order No. 05 to Pacific Construction Services LLC for Clarendon Community Center renovation
• Contract with Brightview Landscapes LLC for districtwide planting and landscaping
• Contract with Active Alarm Company Inc. for alarm and CCTV services

The Board of Commissioners approved several service contracts for districtwide landscaping and security systems. They also authorized intergovernmental agreements for park project funds and approved a change order for the Clarendon Community Center renovation.

• Approved contract with Brightview Landscapes LLC for districtwide planting and landscaping (5-0)
• Approved contract with The Active Alarm Company, Inc. for districtwide alarm and CCTV services (5-0)
• Approved Change Order No. 05 for Pacific Construction Services LLC regarding Clarendon Community Center renovation (5-0)
• Approved authority to enter intergovernmental agreements with City of Chicago and other agencies for park project funds (5-0)
• Approved Resolution Honoring Retirees (5-0)
• Approved settlement of Peter Slowik v. Chicago Park District (5-0)
• Approved settlement of Lisa Dolan v. Chicago Park District (5-0)
• Approved release of November 15, 2023 Closed Session Meeting Minutes (5-0)