meetings, 2023 to 2027, pursuant to the Chicago city
council Rules of Order and procedure rule, 49, the
sergeant-at-arms sets forth, the following rules of conduct
to be followed during the public comment period and the
duration of all committee and City Council, meetings,
profane vulgar, threatening abusive or disruptive language
is not permitted. Demeaning discriminatory or harassing
behavior and speech directed towards. Others is not
permitted disruptive behavior including disruptive or
disrespectful content.
Okay, folks. We're ready. Sorry for starting 2 minutes
late. Try our best to start on time. Um
We have we have a long meeting today. We have a 6 people
for public comment and we have a long agenda. So all right.
Good afternoon. Everyone. Today is Wednesday septembar. The
4th
Excuse me. Excuse me, Mr. Blake Mark, excuse me.
Good. Good afternoon.
Good afternoon, everyone today is septembar, 4th, uh, the
meeting a committee on special events, cultural fairs and
Recreation is called order. Uh, we'll start off with a roll
call.
Uh, starting with Vice chair Scott. She is here. Uh, ermine
Hopkins. I know I saw him.
That in here but anyway, nope, getting him. Okay. Sorry.
Uh, Oliver and Coleman. I think she's 59 in it. Uh, Erin
Curtis. I didn't see him.
Uh, O'Shea, we saw him.
Mosley. We saw you.
Alderman Rodriguez here.
All the woman Crews here.
All over in Conway, he's here.
Alderman waguespack here.
All the women nen here. Thank you all in Lawson here. All
the women Silverstein
And aldermen. Sposato is here.
11.
12. Okay, 12 people are in attendance, uh,
The role is tied. We have 11 members present, we do have a
quorum uh,
Some committee members requested, the participate by rule
59, and that would be Alderman. Robinson, Alderman,
Robinson. Are you there?
Okay, Alderman Hall. Are you there?
Alderman Gardner, are you there?
I believe alderwoman Coleman's on the list but I don't see
her on here so okay none of those 4 people are here, okay.
Uh so we're not going to be adding anybody to roll call. Um
therefore we're going to start off with public comment.
Uh we received 1 written comment. And I'm sorry our our
usual uh
Good guy, John Paul Jones, uh, of bro, greater Anglewood,
uh, members of the committee were present and given a
statement to review. So you all received a, uh, a statement
from him to to, to look over. Uh, so we have 6, 6, 6,
sign up for, uh, to speak in public comment. Period is uh,
30 minutes. So we have 6 people that's only 18 minutes. So
each speaker, you have 3 minutes. We're going to start off
with Miss Jessica Jackson.
Hey, Miss Jackson.
That's right. He's taking care of business.
Taking care of business.
Miss Jackson, I run the meeting. Okay? I'm running the
meeting. Yeah, you run the meeting but you don't run me
speaking. You run the meeting but you don't run me anyway.
Anyway,
That's why the Democrats just getting out of office because
people like you represent them.
Now, the problem here in Chicago is that the Democratic
party has gotten way too comfortable.
With black people. Matter of fact y'all didn't got too
comfortable with the citizens of Chicago and the citizens
of this country.
So come November, the citizens of the United States of
America is going to get the joke.
Of politicians out of the White House.
And they gonna put a real politician in.
Named Donald J Trump. Yeah, yeah. You're getting nervous
over there, huh? Yeah, but he gonna wipe up all of this,
all of this.
All of this because we're tired of our tax dollars, not
going to us. We're tired of having to deal with
Knuckleheads, like, sitting on that panel.
Who would take our money but don't have enough respect.
To even sit down while we talk, why in jesus' name? Will we
give our vote to them?
Why would we give our vote to the Democratic party? You got
Silverstein sitting there her and Lawson who they go hard
for the what rights of Jewish people and the Holocaust but
they respect the rights of No 1 else. No 1 else?
So that's why Chicago is turning red. Oh yeah, we are. Oh
yeah. We are the day of the democratic party taking
advantage of black people, that day is over the only people
who still going to hang around the Democratic party are a
bunch of losers, a bunch of black people who don't know who
they are.
Don't have respect for themselves, don't have respect for
their people and who will sit here, and let the Democratic
party do dumb stuff. Like, keep on pushing these black
immigrants on us. When they know that they not about black
people, they about their country, they get on the same.
Thing that these other Hispanic immigrants is on, they
could care less about the well-being of black people. So
enjoy it while it lasts because when Donald Trump get in
office, he getting up out all of this going to be gone. All
this gonna be gone. Okay? All right. Black
Thank you. Miss Jackson Mr. George Blakemore. Next up,
Thank you. Miss Jackson.
Sir.
You run this committee.
You supposed to have order, and this is not a a meet and
greet session.
That you all communicate with each other.
A lot. This is something down here. Once the public come up
to speak, everyone must be silent and listen and play. Like
you are interested even if you're not
The negative effect that illegal immigrants and legal.
On the black community.
Black Faces in high places, not representing black people.
I've been a Democrat. All my life, my family. But did you
know, you made me hate you? I didn't want to do it and all
the time. You knew it. You made me go red.
when you drugged me out when I have seen,
1 billion dollars being spent on illegal immigrants and
legal ones, too.
And not taking care of the people that was enslaved in
America.
brought in America, didn't get nothing, but a, whoop, on
back. Rape, our culture stole and you have that nasty to
bring somebody else. You have money for them, you met me,
go read.
I voted for Trump last time and I'm gonna vote for Trump
again this time. You making me go red.
Go red.
With special events.
The park.
Pick out.
A set of rules for, for the black part and a set of rules
and money for the white part. This whole system is racist.
Nepotism. Corruption. Specially then.
now you've been going out to Douglas Park and, and that
that stuff been been a 700,000 for 5 years. But have you
reinvested in that part in the black part? No, you haven't,
why didn't you do it?
Why you didn't invest in Douglas Park? Why are you not
investing in our special event? What happened to the
African Fest this year?
So black people are waking up.
They're waking up to see exactly what the Democrats think
of of us. Nothing. So, all these black faces and some of
our black leadership. They are smiling in your face, but
they're not happy with you either. You think they dumb, you
think they. Uh, uh, they are waking up to see that.
Thank, thank you, Mr. Blakemore
All right. Miss Zoe. Uh next up.
racism definitely is alive here and if y'all think that
black Americans are going to let you bring another
nationality over here and get more than what we have, y'all
are out of your mind.
Okay, that's just number 1. Number 2 is
I am so fed up like just so fed up with Democratic party,
just a because I never, I never, I never mess with
Democratic party because
the Democratic party been trash, but to really see this
Like, watch this happening in my face. I like, I am
literally leaving here and about to put in my writing
candidate for the president of the United States because
that's how pathetic this is, and she cannot get in there. I
don't care if she cannot get in there and I know I know a
lot of people and a lot of states and Dick Gregory did it
in 1968. So I'm gonna go ahead and follow him and follow
him, but there's no way in the world. I am going to allow
y'all to to, to do this to us, like the fact that that was
education over there. And I have 2 2 friends, who are
assisting
Principles. And they told me that 1 school has 35 kids in
there, and that's a high school. Another, another high
school has 115. Kids, my graduating class had 250 kids
Okay, the fact that there's no money for child care, but
there's money for everybody else. The fact that a Athletics
is what we do. I play track, I ran I played ball. That was
everything for me. My mother made sure I had an IDP, the
fact that y'all don't get these kids know, IEPs. This don't
make any sense to me. And it don't make any sense because
y'all do not care. Y'all have no compassion. Y'all don't
need a degree for no motherfuking compassion, but y'all
don't care about these kids. And that is the problem. The
fact that the Hispanic kids got everything that they need.
They need the fact that the fact that you y'all keep
dumbing down our children to speak Spanish. When this is
our country and I need to speak English.
No. What y'all think this is but this is a new generation.
Ain't no.
With y'all the justice department is coming see to use the
Criminal Division of our criminal f****** organization, the
f*** this place the criminal organization, the justice
department is coming. The IRS Criminal Division is coming.
The feds is coming. Y'all are going to jail. Y'all are
going to jail. Y'all are not. This is not it. This is not
it so you can roll your ass around and get upset and look
over time. But I'm trying to tell you my boy, I'm trying to
tell you it's a different generation. Ain't nobody playing
you're not gonna play with our kids. You're not gonna play
with our kids.
All right.
Thank you. Miss start Miss Doris Lewis.
Sergeant in arms. Can you please keep some order for me?
All right, people people, you have a right to speak. You
don't have a right to be yelling at people and scream at
them. It's my meeting, we're running the meeting, you're
not going to tell me how to run it. You're not going to
tell people what to do. You need to be quiet and let and
let the speaker speak Miss Doris Lewis start speaking.
Please and we'll try to keep the people behind your quiet,
our best. Thank you. I am so disappointed with this body.
I've been here all day.
I've been here all day because it's the policies.
I've been here all day because I know it's the policies.
That Brandon Johnson has put forth and all of you have been
voting for them.
And these policies.
Are creating a serious problem in this city.
Particularly for black citizens over the weekend. A white
man whose net worth is. 1.6 million dollars posted this.
All over Hyde Park.
From 51st Street in Lake Park to 55th Street in Lake Park
and it says black people hating immigrants.
This is an anti-hate.
Black crime offense, criminal offense.
It's, it's inflammatory.
It's intimidating.
This is wrong.
This is 1, you have put a mark on our backs.
Where I live, people are afraid to go out of their homes
because of the immigration issue.
Most of them all of them right now, are illegal all of
them, but to have someone put this in my community that I
have lived in for 50 years.
People are afraid to walk around in my community and it's
your policies.
What you have been passing down here?
That people are upset with, but for a white man, a
paternalistic white supremacist say to us.
You should know better.
How dare he? This is a hate crime, Alderman, cysteine and
Alderman Lawson. If you look at Jews the wrong way, you all
are saying anti-Semitic
You're saying anti-semitic, but when we come down here,
when I come down here and talk about this, you all don't
seem to care.
You don't, I've lived through. I'm 80 years old. I've been
through the riots.
And if you if you think you're going to, you think that you
can continue to do to this, do this to us, you think you
we're going to sit back and allow these policies to not
have a to create a future, not for our children. But for
everyone else, it can't go on our children are angry.
There's anger in the
Black community and you know what? You haven't seen any
violence but these kids are not the same as as I was, when
I was 16, 17, 18, 19 years old, they will burn this city
down and when the Blood starts to flow on the streets of
the city of Chicago, the blood is on your hands.
Because you're creating thank, thank you very much for your
comment.
Mr. Taiwan Sims.
You're up next.
Third sergeant in arms.
Mr. Taiwan Sims your next up.
Oh, it says, black people hating on immigrants and I kind
of understand what his sentiment came from. It came from
Alderman, CIO Lopez, who was at the protest, the DNC
protest and what he was spouting as he stood in front of
Thousands if not hundreds of Palestinian Americans and
immigrants is we immigrants?
His voice. We immigrants have something to lose.
We immigrants.
he didn't say we residents of Chicago, he didn't say, we
United States citizens,
He didn't say any of those things. His sentiment was solely
towards we immigrants have something to lose but y'all not
pointing out to the fact that we black Chicagoans have lost
so much.
In the past 2 years.
To the tunes of millions of dollars to the tune of 2
billion dollars.
With no consideration.
What we have a special events committee here right now.
What special events do black Americans get? Oh, the DNC.
What was that? Set to the tune of 70? Something million
dollars in security.
Versus what y'all could be paying for while y'all arguing
against Dorval Carter. What's happening on the CTA as our
young children? Use it for sanctuary.
Or what's happening in the black communities, as every what
weekend we get to the count of 35 shot. 119 shot, 47 shot
to the tune of 10. Dead, 9 dead 7 dead. So y'all decimate
the numbers of black Chicagoans here in Chicago for what?
the new arrivals this what y'all paying out for that in new
it's the initiative that y'all have been investing in
because if I put 600 some million dollars then 400
something million dollars then another 140 million dollars
to the tune of 2 billion dollars. I want to protect that
investment.
I'm gonna look towards that investment while I slight the
next 1.
So we see black Americans minusing here in Chicago.
Y'all see us up in arms, a 80 year old woman telling y'all
that. Once the blood stops running and trusting believe
these kids, they look they they they throw the lights like
this, they looking Snake Eyes in the eyes.
They know they lose them. So when they start losing their
continuously losing, as you know, the spider, when they
came up out of the city, to do the robbery over there, and
what was it?
What they usually don't Rob people but I know look with
detriment comes. Look destruction, comes chaos. And it's
not going to just point to us because it ain't nothing to
take from us. We don't got nothing so you know where they
coming to get it from y'all.
They coming right to downtown. They coming to the north
side of Chicago, where I resided at, so that'll be Rogers
Park, they gonna be everywhere.
And like y'all standing on our next trust and believe that
them them bodies that they count over the weekend. It's
going to be even more exponential when they start counting
them throughout the city.
These kids not afraid of nothing because y'all put them in
this place.
Y'all Gonna Make Them demons? Like y'all demonizing
criminalizing?
Because y'all don't want to invest. Y'all want to keep
divesting. Y'all want to keep pushing
Thank you, sir. Last and final speaker is Mr. Michael Young
bae.
Excuse me. Excuse me sergeant-at-arms. Excuse me. Excuse
me. We're trying to run a meeting.
Mr. Michael Young. Bae your next up.
Michael Young May.
Mr. Michael Young Bae. You're next to speak sir.
Did you tell me Nothin? You better Yung Bae. You're up. And
not mean that. I'm not playing with you.
now, get tough and they want to well, I'm going through you
ain't gonna make it
Then leave me alone. And I mean that starts
Because you try to be tough and walk around, like, you want
to go around the police and, and, and fight with me. But,
you know, the police going to stop it. Don't play with me.
Don't play with me. I mean that I came down there plenty of
of time. I ain't, I ain't trying to do harm to nobody or
nothing. You may not like, what I say, or whatever. That's
your opinion. That's your your belief or whatever, but I
got the freedom of speech here.
I don't have been attacked with my fast on, and if you look
on my marriage and say, I'm a minister
And the stuff I go through down here where we can't even
speak in the room. They trying to not allow us to voice
our, our opinion, if you want to look at it like that.
So I ain't making no threat. Y'all can call it. What? It
is, ETC. Don't f****** play with me, sir. Shut up. Please
watch your language, sir.
Sergeant and arms, sergeant and arms is done. He's done,
take them out of here, take them out of here, he's done,
you're done, you're done.
You are done.
You're done.
You want to use profanity in here. See you later.
Have a nice day.
3821. North Harlem.
Okay, everybody.
Okay, Alderman. Curtis, he popped in here. So, all the
Curtis is here. Thank you, Aaron. We're gonna go back to
the, uh,
uh, although we have no palatin already. We got him the
first time I thought. Let's go back to our rule, 59 people,
so Alderman Gardner. Are you there? Yes, Alderman.
Gardner's here.
Alderwoman Coleman.
No Coleman.
Okay, all our women Coleman's here, allerman Robinson.
Alderman Hall.
Okay. All right, all I'm at Hopkins is here. Um, so no
Robinson. No Hall, but Gardener and Coleman are here. So,
They're a motion to add these 2 members to roll call to
approve. Their remote participation uh, motion by Aller
woman Silverstein to approve the remote participation by
these members, all those in favor. Signify by I, I I will
oppose say nay and you pin at a chair, the eyes have it.
Um, the members these members are now approved. All right.
Um, we talked about our public uh, written comment. We got
from uh, I'm sorry. From John Paul Jones, our regular
commenter. Thank you, Mr. Jones. And now we can finally
start the meeting. So we have 6 items on the agenda today.
First item, on the
Agenda is the approval of the July 2024, monthly rule, 45
report.
On members of the committee should have received a copy of
this report electronically. Uh, I don't know if there's any
questions regarding the report. I don't think so,
recognizing no questions. Uh,
motion by alderwoman Scott to approve all those in favor
signify by, I, I all those opposed signify by nay any
opinion of the charity, I have
All right, thank you everybody. And now we can get rolling.
Uh our second item on the agenda is an appointment. Uh,
820240000011 0200 appointment of Dr. Marilyn Everett as a
commissioner of the Chicago Park District. Dr. Everett is
here to introduce himself answer any questions we may have
or Doctor Who's ever here, okay? And or any comments. So um
with that doctor you want to tell us a little bit about
yourself. I'm sure you talked to a few of the people. I'm
not sure. You know, you talk to me at length, back to
reverse a park rat. Like what I like to refer to as a park
rat, and that's a kid that grew up in the park, hanging
around in the Parks and look at us, you know, look at
Monique. Look at Nick, you know, and look at the the good
doctor here. So that tell us a little bit about yourself
and then we'll see if anybody has any questions for you.
Thank you so much. I'm so glad to be here. Uh, good
afternoon. I'd like to extend my heartfelt, gratitude to
the committee for considering me and giving me the
opportunity to serve our beloved City in this capacity.
The Chicago Park District holds a special place in my heart
invoking, cherished memories that have shaped both my life
and that of my family as a son of a high school football
coach.
Turned athletic director, at Simeon, high school. I was
practically raised in the Parks.
whether it was participating in Little League baseball at
Cole Park, at Tuli Park during the Summers,
Competing in tennis tournaments at tulear Stony Island
parks or traveling around South and West sides of the city
to play pickup basketball games. The Parks have been an
integral part of my upbringing.
Also I worked at ecosoul Park during the summer of my
junior year of high school now. I think about it to this
day some of my dearest friends were once my teammates on
the Avalon Park football team back in the mid 80s
As you can probably tell, I am clearly a product of the
parks.
Even after college and medical school, the Chicago Parks
continued to play a significant role in my life. I moved my
family to a home directly across from Kool Park using it as
as our backyard to teach my children, some valuable skills
such as riding a bike.
Shooting a jump shot, and catching a football.
Also, I coached the little league baseball team at coal and
Tulie Parks, as well as I coached a small fry. Uh their
small fry basketball team at Palmer Park.
And fast forward to. Now, the park still remain a vital
aspect of my life, whether I'm enjoying golf on weekends at
Jackson Park in South Shore or spending quality time with
friends at the city's marinas.
Along with practicing medicine, on the south side of
Chicago. Where I often, encourage my patients to walk
around the neighborhood parks for exercise.
I devote a significant portion of my time to instilling the
values of Athletics in our youth.
since 2011, I have served as a co-executive director of a
highly successful youth program in Chicago called the
Chicago Elite classic where we teach hundreds of kids,
important life skills through basketball,
With workshops and programs throughout the year, focusing
on issues like conflict resolution and financial literacy.
We culminate, in 1 of the top high school basketball
showcases in the country bringing together, some of our
best teams from some of the best teams from around the
country. To play some of our best teams here in Chicago,
usually on the first uh, weekend in December.
I believe that my knowledge and experience in medicine and
in particularly heart health,
Coupled with my extensive background in athletics, offer a
unique and valuable perspective that I hope to bring to the
board.
I'm eager for the opportunity to collaborate with the board,
the committee and the staff to ensure that Chicago Park
District remains 1 of our City's, most treasured gems.
I appreciate your consideration.
Thank you Doctor. Uh, just want to recognize vice mayor.
Uh, Bernett is at this meeting and I'm just guessing you
came here to say something about the good doctor.
Well, that we're gonna let you speak first even though
you're not a member of the committee but I appreciate you
always showing up to the meeting. So
Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, so I've known
the doctor for many years. Uh, coincidentally. He's 1 of my
constituents. So definitely, I had to say something nice
about him, so so you can continue to support me. But, uh,
but not only that uh, professionally, the doctor is a as a
company that does environmental testing.
Uh which falls right in line with uh the park district and
and making sure that um our grounds are environmentally
clean and it has some connections. So I think there's only
fitting that someone in his position with his experience
but not only with being a physical doctor but also with
being a scientist uh with Landscaping is only fitting to be
able to work at the park district. I support this
appointment. I think it'd be great. Uh, and yeah, my
support. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Appreciate it. Thank you,
Mr. Vice mayor. Anybody else have any questions? Okay,
follow them in Lawson. Um, I just want to say thank you
doctor for your commitment. Uh, I'm really impressed.
Has to hear your background because your resume is all
medical and I thought well what's this guy doing in the
Parks? And and you have a great resume there and a great
track record. So happy to have you, uh, joining us with us
and uh, best of luck to you. Thanks. Appreciate it. I said
the same thing all them and I thought maybe he was running
for the commissioner of the Board of Health. So as a very
impressive resume. But you know what thinking about it? And
I talked to him about it, it is a great addition to the
park district. So for a commissioner, anybody else
Uh, polymer no shade.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman uh, good afternoon, Dr. Uh, welcome
aboard,
um,
We have so many issues in our Parks as we continue to try
to rebound from the pandemic. Um, it's almost, as if a
generation of young kids that grew up in the park, we
skipped 1. Um,
Love to work with you on how we get.
Programs, back at the level, they were lifeguard
recruitment back to where it was. Um, I got a flurry of
emails this week, people upset that, you know, some of the
neighborhood pools. Um, and I know that there's been a
concerted effort and I've worked with the park district,
the last 2 Summers to try to bring that up. But, um,
Look forward to working with you to try to figure out. It's
such a well-paying job, a job that teaches people
responsibility accountability, and you make good money.
they, they've raised the, um wages. Um, but next summer
we've got to do more as a body here to work with the park
district. I'd like to work with you on, uh, recruitment,
uh,
For those lifeguard positions. And again, just getting kids
back into our local field houses. I also
Was a park rat. Thanks chairman. Thank you, Alderman. I've
always felt I've said it from day 1.
Since I've been in almond and I feel a strong parks and
strong School make for awesome community. So certainly I'm
blessed to have awesome parks and awesome schools in my
community along with awesome supervisors and a principals
and teachers. So with that the other woman Scott,
I just want to say, um,
Great talking to you Dr. Everett, um, I look forward to
working with you. Um, I shared some great ideas and
thoughts that I had a, you know, that could possibly
Make the parks better. Uh so I look forward to continuing.
Those talks, appreciate it. Thank you. Holler my Curtis.
You are welcome doctor. Uh, I would just like to say, um,
uh,
I'm, I'm glad that you actually wanted to take on uh, this
position of
Lately, the Parks have not what we.
What we grew up uh, knowing and I was just hoping that uh,
you would probably hire someone that will actually go
around. Check each part to make sure that they're up to
standards of what the parks was. Like, when we were
attending the parks, uh, when we were younger. Uh, I'm glad
to hear, uh, of Your Love of the marinas. I also have uh,
some ideas around that also. So I'm looking to work, uh,
with you, uh, on a variety of things, uh, especially
dealing with the parks. And, um, uh, and I with our friends
of the water,
Appreciate you. Thank you so much. Uh, chairman. Thank you,
almond. Almond Mosley.
You so much Mr. Chair. I'm in support of this uh,
appointment when I think about Dr. Everett and the work
that he's done and how he is focused on the heart, I think
it gets back to the heart of what parks are. I know
sometimes today, as we tackle gun violence, we always talk
about Outlets, but let it be, uh, recall that Parks were
about exercising and Recreation and you
Playing the sports and activities that help you healthy,
that kelp your heart beating. And so we have someone uh,
who's going to be in the seat? That literally does that in
this profession and that gives me much uh pleasure and
excitement uh, to support this uh, appointment. So thank
you, Dr. Everett, thank you. Thank you, man. And Doctor
that's coming from the old, the youngest older man on the
job. I am the oldest older man on the job and we both agree
on that times. Certainly have changed back in my day. I was
at the park all day. Went home for, you know, lunch and
dinner and that was about it and nowadays. Um people there
they just hang around all in their house just playing
computer games or whatever they do. So I'm not really sure
because I don't have young kids but I don't know what they
do. Anybody else have any comments or questions?
Okay, nobody else. Okay with that Sharon, I have my hand
raised. This is Stephanie Coleman. Okay? Sorry. That's
okay. Uh, I just wanted to Echo. Um, all of my colleagues.
Um, for those of you who don't remember, uh, Dr, Everett
was on the front line when our safety nets hospitals were
in danger of closing including Trinity and St, Bernard and
Rosalind. And I know that you're a fighter. I want to
commend you on that fight and uh none of those hospitals
are closed. So I know that you are a leader but also um as
as 1 of my colleagues mentioned, your background in health,
you know, there are some part districts that are not up to
code like Ogden park if you going
On the second floor and God forbid, there's a fire. No 1
could get out of that building. So I look forward to your
health experience and looking at our park district from a
lens of a public health, uh, not only from a safety, but
also, uh, making sure that those buildings are in
compliance, especially on the South and West sides.
Congratulations in advance, Dr. Everett the black caucus is
definitely in support of your uh, appointment and we look
forward to your leadership.
Thank you. All right thank you and anybody else okay.
Anybody else know is either elderman. Okay that's about it.
it. All right, so with that all I'm in Hopkins moves to
recommend the passes of this item uh all in favor signify
by I I those opposed by nay and opinion of the chair, the
eyes have it. Um, the new pass is the new pass,
recommendation of. This appointment will be reported out at
the next city council meeting on septembar. 18th 2024 doc.
Hopefully we see you again. I'm not sure, but you don't
have to be here, but thank you, sir. Thanks for stepping
up.
Thank you.
Okay, third item on the agenda is an ordinance.
02024 D, 0001 0158. An amendment of Municipal Code, chapter
16- 18 by modifying section, 1618 040 to adjust open. Space
impact fee cost and schedules. There's a substitute
ordinance being introduced today to a few changes uh made
to this ordinance members of the committee present, have
the substitute Ordnance in their packet. Uh,
Can I get a motion to accept the substitute motion by
ermine? Lawson all in favor signify by I I all oppose
signify by nay and opinion to Shared eyes, have it. Um,
joining us today for this ordinance and I'm sorry Alderman.
I didn't recognize you for being here in attendance
earlier. Uh, Alderman laspada, who's not on the committee
but he's here to present this ordinance that, uh, by all
accounts. Uh, people think it's a, it's a good catch and a
great idea. So uh, want to let us know a little bit about
it and see if anybody has any questions for you.
to do even more. Um, it's worth going back and talking to
Meg but I I can nearly guarantee
in this city has a current OSF balance. There are dollars
sometimes, thousands. Sometimes hundreds of thousands,
there's a community area in this Ward with uh, north of 3
million in OSF, that is ready to be spent um,
So let's be a part of this really wonderful work together.
That is everything that I have to share, but I would be,
uh, really grateful for questions and comments. I will also
say that this is an issue that, uh, my colleague, my
automatic neighbor, Alderman waguespack has worked on for a
while, and it is actually his advocacy that inspired the
ordinance that we're bringing for today. So my my real
thanks to you. Thank you, sir. All right, well, thank both
of you guys. This is a great catch. When you said, 26
when I was being briefed about it, I was I was shocked
about it. So uh, everything goes up in light but it's hard
to believe 26 years. So uh so great catch, I commend both
you guys. Uh, I'm just guessing you're going to be the 1 to
be answering some questions if anybody has any questions or
comments or anything.
I think it's a great catch and it's not being unfair to
people and it's going to dribble its way up there was it 3
years?
Yes, sir.
I think thank you chairman and and thank you all of them on
the spot. I appreciate this. I think everything is
certainly more than doubled since 1998. Um, it feels like
it's doubled in the last 4 or 5 years so um an adjustment
is definitely uh warranted here. I did want to ask. I know
we had a maybe it was on 1 of the charts, it was sort of
the typical 3 flat um or the per unit.
Alright. Alright. Alright. So but the the amount goes up. I
know based on the size of the unit.
Right? So you would double it for the larger unit, the 800
square foot unit. Correct. Am I am I reading this right?
Um, over time, yes.
You know what I'm saying? Is there's a estimated household
size here that factors into
This formula or not.
Uh, we talking about the, the sharp chart on page 1, right?
Yes, yes, yes. Looking at that right now. Yeah. So
So you're right Studio, 1 bedroom is 800. Your your
2-bedroom is 8 to 16, typically, so that would be double.
The 1-bedroom costs, uh, I believe so, that's going back.
That actually goes back to the original 1998 language.
Okay.
So then, I guess maybe the question. I don't know if we
have it. Here is sort of right now. What
I have 3 Flats. I have 20 unit buildings, I have 100 unit
buildings that are being built in my neighborhood. I'm not
worried about single families. Um, sort of what do they pay
now versus? What do they pay going forward? Is it, is it
sort of a straight doubling after the ramp up time, um,
just curious what that looks like for the the cost. So yes,
it's a great question. I may toss it to miss Meg gusten.
Very wise, very wise to do that, all good.
Um, can you hear me? Thank you, Meg. Just introduce
yourself. So I know we all know who we are, but, you know,
great. Uh, my name is Meg gusten. I manage the open space
in peek fee program.
Um so the example in front of you is only for the 800
square foot and lower units. And then in the substitute
ordinance that goes up by 4 up to 3,000 square feet and
over.
That would double. So right now it's 3:13 6:26,
And then it goes, I don't have it in front of me,
multiplies up to 4 so you are correct that it would. Yes.
Okay. And then we want to gradually raise it. So that now
the 800 square foot 1 at 313 will become 626 by 2027,
Right, right. Okay.
So maybe Megan, you know, off the top of your head. What is
the a typical 3 flat pay now
Probably about 3,000. Okay, so a thousand dollars, a unit
not not, it's certainly a cost, I don't, you know, the it's
certainly a cost but you know, the use for this cost is
very specific. Um, it doesn't just go into the pile, right?
Um, and the affordable units will stay at $100 per unit
That was actually my next question. Thank you Mike. Um,
because it looked like this was new but are we? This is
Affordable units that are in mixed income buildings or in
100% affordable buildings. Um these will be for 120 Ami per
the
Aro up to 100 only up to Yes. Um okay. Um what? Yeah, we're
we're working with Department of Housing. We worked with
Department of Housing to get that figure. And then, we took
out some of the references to Old programs that we don't
use anymore. That's what I think Alderman laspata was
talking about where we cleaned up.
Some of those programs that are now no longer in happening.
So we just took them out of the ordinance, right? Um,
There was some acronyms that I won't remember but I know
what you're talking about their um so I guess then my
question is so we're building a. I've got a 38 unit
building going up on Addison. It's 100% affordable. 100%
subsidized. Are they still going to pay a fee or because
they're not subject to the Aro? Ah, it's, you know, it's
got city state federal money in it. If it's 100%
affordable, they will pay $100 per unit and and that's what
they do today. That's the same as today, okay? Yes. And if
they have on-site open space, they can get credit for that.
If it's eligible larger than 2,000 square feet and open to
everyone in the in the development.
Just the development, not the neighborhood. It doesn't
technically have to be public, right? Uh, we like to
encourage that though, right? You you dog? You dovetails?
Right into my next question, we're doing this really well
today, because because it's about the dog friendly area and
the open space that you're giving, and I see that we're
going to give a credit for dog friendly areas. Going
forward if I'm reading this right and encouragement. So
like there, there's nothing legally binding, but it's more
of a, a suggested, uh, investment that we would like to see
more people consider. Um, I know not, every dog friendly
area, is constructed the same, some are concrete. And so
I'd hate to see any credit for a concrete or area. Some are
very few are going to be actual natural grass, Turf, many
will be a, a Synthetic Turf product, just for for
maintenance, right? So, but the we're only giving credit if
it is a permeable, natural surface. I I would hope not
Exactly, we give credit to usable open space, that's larger
than 2,000 square feet, okay? And for example, a public or
a plaza would be eligible and the plazas don't have to be
permeable. Okay, so the impact fee is not about
permeability.
Okay, so we couldn't use it to build this sure, right. But
but that still counts in the calculation.
Um I think those are all my questions. I'll probably have
some others. I'll text you later. Um, but uh, you know,
this is a great program. I encourage all of my colleagues
to use it whenever possible. It is have some really
specific um, targets and aims that I I think every
neighborhood probably has used for. So um, you'll see me
here in October, I believe as well. Thank you, thank you,
all. And all the woman Scott followed by Alderman wages
back.
um,
I guess, get back to the chair.
What? I guess depending on Wards. How much money we have,
is that possible? Absolutely. So like the the funding and
Meg we can put, hey there it is, um, and we can provide
copies of that for all Alters. It goes, um, not So Much by
word, but by community area, but it, it doesn't have to be
the part of the community. That's in your word. There's
okay, we'll talk. Okay? Okay. Okay, good. It's a great
program.
Thank you on a wage back.
or mag if, you know the answer to this, um, what uh,
estimate based on um, these fees and the average permits
would we be looking at in 25 or 26 for uh, total amounts
that might go into OSF? That would be available for school
improvements or Park improvements or new new improvements?
because I think we had the number up there 81 million from
81. Right again for the record Meg. Gustos the 81 is what
we've collected to date. Since 1998, we typically collect
about 2 million dollars a year.
Um,
and we can't use it on maintenance or improvements per se.
Unless it's new open space, and its capital costs,
acquisition and design and build out of new open space. So,
um, by 2027 we're hoping we would have uh, 4 million
dollars a year, okay?
On average.
Thank you. Thank you chairman. Thank you. Anybody else have
any questions?
Anybody on know, their know, we're all good. Okay, we're
all good. So a
a recommendation, a motion recommending the patches of this
item by Alderman, Wagers back, uh, to be approved, uh, all
in favor signify by I I all oppose signify by nay, any
opinion to chair the eyes, have it at a do pass,
recommendation of disorders will be reported out in the
next city council meeting on septembar, 18th 2024.
Determine.
What what uh, the fourth item on this agenda is an
ordinance. Uh,
0202024 0100961 expenditure of open space impact fee funds
for improvements at Gray, Elementary School, play area 3730
North larmie, our friend Meg. Once again, we'll be, uh, is
here for the Department of Planning and Development, uh, to
present this project as will, uh, as well as javell
Chambers Sean nort, uh, from Chicago Public Schools beg.
Are you great? Do you know? Yep, there you are. Sorry, I'm
here, thank you. Me gusto in Department of planning. Um,
this is 1 of our CPS, um, impact fee expenditures. This is
Gray Elementary School in the 30th Ward.
Um, this is located at 3730, North Laramie. Um, Alderman
cruise is in support of this, and we worked with her office
to come up with a site to use impact fees in her Ward. Some
of our more built-up Community areas are hard to spend
impact refunds. So we look to the Chicago Public Schools,
To take areas that are not programmed such as asphalt or
compacted clay, that doesn't drain and create a new open
space for the for the whole community. So this is a
$500,000 budget. We have 287,000 in Impact fees to create a
Turf play area um as seen on the map.
uh, CPS will be funding it with corporate funds, um, the
aldermen will be putting in $150,000 of menu funds um and
then the impact fee is at 287 thousand.
Um, here is a zoom of the artificial turf field area.
And some more details from Chicago Park District.
And that's my last slide for Gray Elementary.
Anybody have any questions? I saw older woman Cruise was
here, so I don't know if she had to leave or not but we
know she's in support of it. Formerly of the 45th word
about 5 blacks away from my word and a couple blacks away
from Gardener's words. So basically their sirva 3
communities. So motion by, uh, recommending the patches of
this item by Alderman, OSHA all in favor signify by I
I all those opposed say, nay an opinion to charity eyes,
have it. Do pass recommendation of this ordinance. We
reported out our next city council meeting on septembar.
18th 2024. Thank you as always Meg.
Fifth item on this. Agenda is an ordinance.
0, I'm sorry, 0202024 00010 962 expenditure of open. Space
impact fee funds for costs related to development of
Larrabee Gateway Plaza. Once again, Meg is here to help us
out.
Great, thank you, Meg. Gust of sun Department of planning.
Um this is an exciting Plaza. We've been working with um
Seed dot the park district Alderman, Hopkins, and our
regional planners on this for many years. Um, this is in
the second ward.
Uh, its location is 1560. North Laramie, Larrabee, which is
actually old Ogden, right away. Um, The Proposal is to
build a plaza, um, with $100,000 in Impact fees.
Um, 844000 in Impact fees, um, an escrow from the adjacent,
um, PD for a total of 1.2 million. Um, and
Its location is here next to Park 5. Um 80 wait, which 1 is
is it 598? Um, you'll see, the Brown Line tracks? Um, are
is the boundary between the 2 sits but this will act as a
gateway plaza.
Um, here's some more context and existing conditions. Um,
the plan is, for C dot to design this once they have the
impact fees in hand after this passes out of committee and
city council, um, and do a design process with the
community, um, and build it directly after that. Um, I
believe that's my last slide.
Thank you very much. Thanks again, Meg. That's in the
302nd. Ward.
Second word. I'm sorry.
Second word.
All in Hopkins. Do you have anything to say? Yeah. Thank
you, Mr. Chairman, the uh, Gateway Plaza itself is in my
ward. But, uh, when you're on this Plaza, uh, 9 out of 10
times, you will be using it to access the new park, which
is in Alderman Bernett Ward. So, this is a joint project
between Alderman. Bernett myself, we both been working on
it for many years and uh, I think it's interesting that,
you know, today when we talked about the use of open, um,
Space impact fee money and uh, you know, potential increases
in in the revenue Source. Um, there's no better example on
how that money can be used than to take what used to be.
Not only asphalt but actually a former Road that's no
longer utilized and repurpose it for open space
recreational space to the benefit of the community. That's
exactly the kind of, uh, goal that, uh, really stands.
First and foremost when you talk about the, the use of open
space impact fee money. So I'm really excited that we're
finally, uh, moving forward on this. It's been a long time
coming. Um, there's some interesting plans for the park
itself, which clearly needs a new name, and we'll get to
that eventually. Um, but in the meantime, this, this
Gateway Plaza will serve as a magnificent prominade, um,
utilizing, what historically was a bridge where Ogden
Avenue actually went under the elross. Um, that bridge is
still there. So,
it will now be repurposed for pedestrian and cyclist use,
um, to access the new park. And uh, the community is very
excited about it, it's going to be a great asset. Um, and
we really appreciate the support of the department. Um,
there was some challenges here, you know, just being that
it was former right away. There was all kinds of utility
conflicts and things buried under the ground that had long
since been forgotten. Um, so there was some challenges
involved in everybody had to really get together, uh, to
make this a reality, but it's definitely worth it.
And, uh, we're, you know, we're, we're moving, uh, a pace
now and, uh, look forward to the uh, eventual ribbon,
cutting ceremony. So thank you very much and appreciate an,
I vote.
Thank you Allan, anybody else have any questions or
comments? All the member Bernette? Yeah, thank you very
much. Um, I couldn't put it uh
More eloquently as Alderman, Hopkins did, but we've been
working on this for some time, glad to be a part of it. Uh,
this is truly going to benefit the community, of course,
uh, in all these neighborhoods, you never get enough of
Green Space, right? But, uh, we appreciate, uh, connecting
this our park with this open space and, and utilizing under
the tracks and also connecting it to the open space, that's
that's going to be on the other side of the track. I want
to thank Alderman Hopkins for, uh, being a strong advocate
for this. So I appreciate, uh, his partnership and working
with me, uh, and us working together for the benefit of the
community. Thank you. Thank you Aaron. Okay, nobody else.
No other questions. Okay, I have a recommendation in the
past this item by Alderman, the palatin uh,
What?
Oh, we can't. Okay, all right then.
well, I mean garnered in
All in favor. Signify by I, I nee
The opinion of Charity eyes have it but I do pass it. This
recommendation of this ordinance will be reported out the
next city council meeting on septembar. 18 2024 the sixth
and final item on the agenda is an ordinance.
02024 D. 00010 963 expenditures of open space impact fee
funds for improvements at Stone Elementary School nature
play area, 6239, North Leavitt. Uh once again Meg uh from
the Department of Planning and Development, as well as
Jamal Chambers and Sean nort from Chicago Public Schools
Meg. Great, thank you again, Meg. Jifsan Department of
planning. Um, this is an open space impact fee expenditure,
and um West Ridge, the 50th. Ward um, Stone Elementary,
area. This is a natural play area. Um, it's located at
North Leavitt. Oh 6239 it's very small up here. Um this is
um only in 140 thousand dollar project uh we think it's a
good use of the impact fee funds from West Ridge. Um you
can see here the location
Of the project on the map on the school grounds. Um, it is
unused space right now that is plagued with flooding and um
compacted soil. Um so we want to put um
we want to regrade this is, um,
Going to be a natural play area. So once it's regraded um
there will be these natural elements like a um Stone
Boulders um interactive logs and things like that. Um,
So if you have more questions about what the nature play
area is, like we can talk to the Chicago Park District
about that, but this is my last slide for Stone Elementary.
Thank you. Thanks Meg. All the way. You have any comments
or anything you'd like to say
You hear me? Oh yeah. Here I am. Thank you. I'm actually
really excited that we were able to take advantage of the
open space impact fees. I know Stone has. We were able
To use some other money to update part of the playground
but we weren't able to do the entire thing unfortunately.
So um, I'm really glad that we're able to utilize these
dollars. Um, to
Hopefully soon complete the the playground. And uh just
wanted to thank you all where I'm definitely in support.
Thank you. All right with that a motion recommended to pass
this item by allerman. Curtis all in favor signify by I I
all those opposed say nay an opinion of Charity eyes, have
it, the do pass recommendation of this ordinance will be
reported out or next city council meeting on september 18th
2024 before
Right? Before we go on to our, uh, end this meeting, we're
gonna give a last chance for Alderman, Robinson, and
Alderman Hall. Almond Robinson, are you there?
Hi, I'm Spearman. I don't have any questions. Thank you for
asking. Thank you. Sir. All of them and Hall. Are you
there?
Okay.
All right.
So that there being no further business before the
committee uh, motion by Aller woman. Scott Soul moves to
adjourn this meeting uh all in favor signify by I I
Nays and opinion of Charity eyes, have it. So, uh, with
that this meeting of the committee on special events,
cultural Affairs and Recreation, or as I call it, once
again, happy committee is now, adjourned. Thank you
everyone for coming out. God Bless America. God bless the
city of Chicago.
Thank you. All.