City of Chicago city council
rules of conduct for public meetings 2023 to 2027
pursuant to the Chicago city council Rules of Order and
procedure rule 49 the sergeant-at-arms set.
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.
the meaning discriminate
The meaning discriminatory or harassing behavior and speech
directed towards others.
directed towards others is not permitted.
this disruptive behavior
This disruptive behavior, including disruptive or
disrespectful conduct during others.
disrespectful conduct during others presentations is not
permitted.
the city of Chicago city council rules of conduct for public
meetings 2023 to 2027.
into the Chicago city council rules of
Into the Chicago city council Rules of Order and procedure
rule 49 the sergeant.
rule 49. The sergeant-at-arms sets forth the following
rules of conduct.
rules of conduct to be followed during the public comment
period and the duration of all committee and City Council
meetings.
meetings profane vulgar threatening abusive.
meetings profane vulgar threatening abusive or disruptive
language is not permitted demean.
language is not permitted demeaning discriminatory or
harassing Behavior.
harassing behavior and speech directed towards others is
not permitted disruptive behavior, including disruptive or
disrespect.
disrespectful conducting others presentations is
permitted banners flyers or signage are not permitted
backpacks large bags.
backpacks large bags and sharp objects are not permitted
clear bags.
clear bags not tinted in color that do not exceed 12.
clear bags not tinted in color that do not exceed 12 by 12
by 6 in will be permitted in our subject to search food and
beverages including in metal canisters are not permitted.
cell phones must be placed on silent prior to entering the
meeting.
meeting room individuals must remain seated.
meeting room individuals must remain seated public comment.
Speakers are permitted to stand only when providing.
speakers are permitted to stand only when providing public
comment small handheld devices may be used only while
seated and the user must refrain from interfering with the
view or hearing of other individuals.
view or hearing of other individuals individuals or groups
failing to adhere to these rules.
failing to adhere to these rules will be asked to see such
disruptive conduct and failure.
disruptive conduct and failure to comply will result in
there being subject to removal from the meeting by the
Sergeant at Arms.
City of Chicago City
City of Chicago city council rules of conduct for public
meetings 2023 to 2027 pursuant to the Chicago city council
Rules of Order and proced.
Rules of Order and procedure rule 49 the sergeant at
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
committ.
committee and City Council meetings profane.
committee and City Council meetings profane vulgar
threatening abusive or disruptive language is not permitted
demeaning discrimen.
demeaning discriminatory or harassing behavior and speech
directed.
directed towards others is not permitted disruptive
behavior.
behavior, including disruptive or disrespectful conned.
during others presentations is not permitted.
during others presentations is not permitted banners Liars
or signage are not permitted backpacks large bags and
objects are not permitted clear bags not tinted in color
that do not exceed 12 by 12.
that do not exceed 12 by 12 by 6 in will be permitted in
our subject to search.
our subject to search food and beverages including in
metal.
canisters are not permitted.
cell phones must be
Cell phones must be placed on silent prior to entering the
meeting room.
meeting room individuals must remain seated public comment.
speakers are permitted to stand only when providing public
comment.
comment small handheld devices may be used only while
seated and the user must refrain from interfering with the
view or hearing of other individuals individuals or group.
failing to adhere to these rules will be asked to see such
disruptive conduct and failure to comply will result in
there being subject to removal from the meeting by the
sergeant.
sergeant-at-arms.
City of Chicago city council rules of conduct for public
meetings 2023 to 2027 pursuant to the Chicago city council
rules.
Rules of Order and procedure rule 49 the
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.
committee and City Council meetings profane vulgar
threatening Abyss.
threatening abusive or disruptive language is not permitted
demean.
demeaning discriminatory or harassing Behavior.
demeaning discriminatory or harassing behavior and speech
directed towards others is not permitted Des.
directed towards others is not permitted disruptive
behavior, including disruptive or Des.
behavior, including disruptive or disrespectful content
during others presentations is not permitted banners flyers
or signage are not permitted backpacks large.
or signage are not permitted backpacks large bags and sharp
objects are not permitted clear.
objects are not permitted clear bags not tinted in color
that do not exceed.
that do not exceed 12 by 12 by 6 in will be permitted in
our subject to search food and beverages including in metal
canisters are not permitted.
cell phones must be placed on silent prior to entering the
meeting room individuals must remain seated.
meeting room individuals must remain seated public comment
speakers are permitted to stand only when providing.
speakers are permitted to stand only when providing public
comment small handheld devices May.
comment small handheld devices may be used only while
seated and the user must refrain.
seated and the user must refrain from interfering with the
view or hearing of other individuals.
view or hearing of other individuals individuals or groups
failing to adhere to these rules.
failing to adhere to these rules will be asked to see such
disruptive conduct and failure to comply will result in
there being subject to removal from the meeting by the
sergeant-at-arms.
City of Chicago city council rules of conduct for public
meetings 2023 to 2027 pursuant to the Chicago city council
Rue.
Rules of Order and procedure rule 49 the
Rules of Order and procedure rule 49. The sergeant-at-arms
sets forth the following rules.
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.
committee and City Council meetings profane vulgar
threatening Abyss.
threatening abusive or disruptive language is not
permitted.
demeaning discriminatory or harassing Behavior.
demeaning discriminatory or harassing behavior and speech
directed towards others is not permitted.
directed towards others is not permitted disruptive
behavior, including disruptive or disrespectful content
during others present.
during others presentations is not permitted banners Buy.
or sign.
not permitted backpacks large bags and sharp objects are
Not permitted backpacks large bags and sharp objects are not
permitted clear bags not tinted in.
permitted clear bags not tinted in color that do not exceed
12 by 12 by 6.
12 by 12 by 6 in will be permitted in our subject to
search.
food and beverages including in metal canisters are not
permitted cell phones must be placed on.
permitted cell phones must be placed on silent prior to
entering the meeting room individual.
entering the meeting room individuals must remain seated
public comment speakers.
public comment speakers are permitted to stand only when
providing public comment.
providing public comment small handheld devices may be used
only while seated and the user must refrain from
interfering with the view or hearing.
interfering with the view or hearing of other individuals
individuals or groups.
individuals or groups failing to adhere to these rules will
be asked to see such Des
be asked to see such disruptive conduct and failure to
comply will result in there being subject to removal from
the meeting by the sergeant the arm.
the meeting by the sergeant-at-arms.
All right.
Morning, everybody. I apologize profusely. Uh, totally UNC.
uncalled for we were on top of license and half of our
committee.
committee is licensed. So we had a few people to get in
here and we feel we have a quorum right now. So with that,
of course, I am here, uh,
Vice chair Scott I see you you're here.
other than Hopkins
no.
well, I
Well, I mean Hall.
Shay
all the Mosley
Alderman Rodriguez
alderwoman Cruise
Alderman waguespack he's here.
Alderman Conway, did he come in here?
Hey, he's got an item.
Hey, he's got an item alderwoman know Jinx here. Sorry
Alderman you like.
Alderman, you like to be called Alderman noen Alderman the
palatin I see.
palatin I see you.
Call them in Lawson.
Alderman Gardner
alderwoman silver stains got her committee going on. We
have a forum. Do we have anybody that's on Zoom? I think
some people went to zoom.
some people went to zoom in.
Next page, right?
Next page right everybody. Uh, oh we didn't we have a
alderman Robinson all the women Coleman and all
alderman Robinson all the women Coleman and Alderman
Curtis. Are you all here for remote participation?
lament Robin
Lamont Robinson
yes chairman Lamont Robin
Yes chairman Lamont Robinson is here. Thank you all the
woman Coleman.
Hey.
Hey ermine, Curtis.
Okay, looks like alderman.
Okay. Looks like Alderman Robinson is here. How many do we
have Dan?
9 okay 9 members are present.
Okay.
Can I get a motion approved and remote member? Uh remote
member?
member Lamont Robinson? Allerman Mosley approves.
polman Robinson being remote
Okay motion by Alderman Robin.
Okay motion by Alderman Robinson hearing no objections. So
order we have 3 3 people for public.
order we have 3 3 people for public comment. Uh
Zoe Lee are you here Zoe?
Molly is nice.
Good morning. Um.
I know this.
I know this is special events and for the longest.
I know this is special events. And for the longest, uh, I
I've I've been in uh,
I've I've been in uh comedy in the comedy world for a long
time. Like I said, I worked with Dick Gregory moved to
Atlanta was working with Killer Mike and a whole bunch of
people and I'm coming back because I'm fighting.
people and I'm coming back because I'm fighting the city
for my mother's property, which was a commercial building.
for my mother's property which was a commercial building,
uh for art. I love art. That's why I uh, Mr. Blakemore. I
know he kind of odd, but
he has a uh, he he can he can paint.
He has a uh, he he can he can paint and the fact that he's
been coming here for.
been coming here for a very long time and he can't get
anything.
uh any type of festival or event just for art, uh in the
city of Chicago is crazy to me also, um,
this summer is going to be very
This summer is going to be very it's gonna be crazy like as
you see yesterday.
you see yesterday the whole outrage of the the police.
shooting that was uncalled for uh, because as far as there
was a 4 4 year old that got shot in the stomach and it was
no outrage for that. But oh boy who had a gun, uh in shot
cops first, uh that
cops first, uh, that was this big outrage. So it's going to
continue to be bad because we don't have anything in our
communities.
communities like I continue to say and um, you guys find
money for everything.
Even 70 million dollars that you are about to find again for
these.
these uh illegal immigrants, but you don't find any
for these black children that's going to keep coming down.
town and um f****** it up. So um, oh yeah, and I I I I
curse because since y'all can burn Flags that's protected
First Amendment speech. Uh, I definitely can curse now so
it shouldn't be
shouldn't be no issue. Um, but I would I come down here a
lot and
lot. And again I have uh wanted to
lot. And again I have uh, wanted to know when is someone
going to take
The kids seriously here they cannot.
The kids seriously here. They cannot read um their
parents have to work 2 3 jobs. Um, but we're this fight for
the illegal immigrants is just a must y'all find all the
ordinance to pass for them, but we can't find nothing for
our children. So they're going to continue to come down.
our children. So they're going to continue to come down and
f*** Chicago up so
Uh, thank you.
Thank you Zoe for your comments.
Thank you Zoe for your comments, uh Taiwan Sims.
Thank you.
Thank you Zoe. Thank you. You hit it right on the head.
cultural difference
for all of them. Y'all all should be in on this
conversation.
because culturally black
will not be existing here in Chicago.
I give it a good 6 years.
I give it a good 6 years at best. They've moved a whole new
culture in.
they bought them in they they they under the assignment of
illegals.
or immigrants or migrants
and look they put
exponential Manpower
funding
Hours, oh, man.
But like Zoe said, what about those black?
children? That's f****** up.
children? That's f****** up downtown, sir, please no, no,
no, no, no, no. No, they burnt they burnt flags. All right,
dude stood in front of this building.
dude stood in front of this building exactly. Just watch
your language. Okay, we're going to have to cut you off
Flags. I want to I want to exercise that right profanity,
sir.
sir my apology then but I'm not going to apologize if if
you use profanity, you got to ask I don't want to waste
time though, cuz I want to talk about our children. I want
to talk about to the fact that there's a lot of pollution
that there's all these different.
that there's all these different events all these different
Cultural Events all around Chicago, but none of them speak
to Black American children.
to Black American children, none of them. So then you got
now y'all talk about trending this trending then y'all want
to y'all want to villainize our kids.
to y'all want to villainize our kids y'all took everything
and got
out
Out of the um, the neighborhood y'all took Midnight
basketball y'all took.
basketball. Y'all took after school programming. This was
in the 90s this my era and I promise you I look if y'all
look at my rap sheet if y'all look at what they tried to
make me.
Y'all be disgusted at?
Y'all be disgusted that y'all sells y'all be discussed at
the social practices.
the social practices that y'all try to attempt against
black people, please Lord.
So here we got all these cultural.
So here we got all these cultural differences y'all going
to talk about this that here how much money?
to talk about this that here how much money did y'all put
up already to stop the trending events that have been
taking place in Chicago none. What y'all going to put it in
the media? Y'all going to scream and holler demonizing our
children y'all got
children. Y'all got to be out y'all goddamn Minds all of
y'all which
y'all. We all got the power to stop y'all got the power to
amen. No, no.
amen. No, no, no, no. No. No you just a large name in vain
sergeant in arms.
sergeant in arms, please.
sergeant in arms
He's using a large name in vain. That's profan.
He's using a large name in vain. That's profanity.
All right, I
All right. I asked you like a gentleman not to use
profanity.
sergeant in arms
sergeant-at-arms
about
sergeant-at-arms. We need to have a recess.
George Blake Maher, I don't see George in here. Is he here
Mr. BL?
Mr. Blake Murray here?
Okay.
Okay, Mr. Blake Motors not here.
Jessica Jackson
you all need to pay attention.
You all need to pay attention see this type of stuff.
this type of stuff
oh girl in
Oh girl in that blue shirt be quiet man. Be quiet.
this type of stuff
that Rosa is still serving.
this type of stuff
You know what?
I'm not even gonna do my 3 minutes because if she
keep her mouth shut.
why bother because already when we
Why bother because already when we finish you going to move
on to the next agenda like what we talking about?
on to the next agenda, like what we talking about ain't
nothing, right?
you can't keep your
You can't keep your mouth shut for 3 little me.
You can't keep your mouth shut for 3 little measly minutes.
Hey.
Hey, Miss Jackson, please address me to chair, please.
Get him.
on the rights of every
On the rights of every citizen in this city.
when
When he violated our rights to vote for the sanct.
When he violated our rights to vote for the sanctuary City.
And you all are not out.
And you all are not outraged about that.
You're not outraged about fact.
You're not outraged about all these.
You're not outraged about all these illegals.
That's on the corners.
That's on the corners which kids begging.
cuz you know like
Cuz you know like I know if those was black women out there
begging.
begging what they kids. They kids would have got took from
them.
Chicago was a joke.
City Hall is a joke. It's a joke. It's a joke.
So you take whatever.
So you take whatever men I got cuz I'm going to come back
the next 3 minutes.
back the next 3 minutes and the 3 minutes after that and
the 3 minutes after that and the 3 minutes after that
because you know why because my mother and
because you know, why because my mother and father coming
from SE, Mississippi.
In the 50s they was the real migrants.
and their rights is getting look at you can't even
And their rights is getting look at you can't even see see
see see.
see see see.
See just disrespect.
See just disrespecting.
That's how come?
man
We see you. Okay. Thank you. Miss Jackson for your
comments.
Thank you for your help sergeant-at-arms.
All right committee has I I 8 items on the agenda today.
Sorry folks for the late start. Um, we're going to move
number.
number 8.
First item on the agenda. I'm sorry I have
First item on the agenda. I'm sorry. We have the approved
the the monthly rule 45.
the the monthly rule 45 report all members on the committee
should have received a copy of the report elect.
should have received a copy of the report electronically. I
don't know if anybody has any questions about this.
regarding this report.
No questions.
No questions hearing no questions. I get a motion by Al
Alderman Rodriguez to recommend the approval of this item.
by the affirmative vote of all members president president
for the role.
for the Roll Call to determine a quorum hearing no
objections or order.
objection so ordered we're going to jump to number 8
because it's going to be a really short thing. I believe
all
Recognized got you.
Alderwoman silver silver saying is here. Okay. She's
recorded as president. Okay. We're going to jump to number
8. Sorry ladies eighth item on. The agenda is a resolution.
our 2022328.
our 202232814. Congratulations extended to the Chicago.
our 202232814. Congratulations extended to the Chicago hip
hop community on the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop.
hop community on the 50th anniversary of hiphop Alderman
Vasquez required this and he's here to speak on the
resolution. Thanks for joining us all the AL.
resolution. Thanks for joining us all the aldermen and
You what do you have to say? Tell us? Thank you.
You what do you have to say? Tell us? Thank you very much
chairman. I will say you saying that sentence with its own
birthday?
birthday gift. So thank you for that. Um, yes, uh, so
August 11th, 1973, uh 50 years.
August 11th, 1973, uh, 50 years ago, uh was the birthday of
hip-hop. Uh, it's
uh, there's a number of reasons why we have this resolution
when we think about uh, American, uh, born art forms, uh
hip-hop being 1 of the newest ones showing you that you
actually know the day when it was born. Um, we have
celebrated this, uh, as a art form and as a culture, right,
so it's not just hip-hop music it is also
so it's not just hip-hop music. It is also uh graffiti it
is also DJing it is also break dancing. It is also
entrepreneurship. Um It Centers black Excellence when we
think about how it's really changed the world and so we put
the resolution first to recognize that but also more
specifically to recognize a lot of the Chicago artists that
have created um hip-hop.
have created um hip-hop music here because Chicago has its
own sound and you think about hip-hop music when we think
about what our mayor terms as the soul of Chicago, uh, it's
very much in the art form.
very much in the art form when we think about uh this
historically black City a segregated City where marginal
marginalized folks put together, whatever resources they
had to create culture to create music.
to have artists like
To have artists like Common Sense Kanye twists to Lupe
Fiasco.
Fiasco a multitude of newer artists when you think about
Hebrew brand new and you think about some of the murals up
in our city when you think about break dancing battles and
Logan Square or open Mike's Subterranean. It's very much
part of like the firmament that's created a lot of the Arts
and culture here in our city. It creates a kind of
opportunity.
opportunity the that does and has saved lives.
opportunity the that does and has saved lives because there
are a lot of paths that would have gone a different way.
they not had the chance to express.
Themselves and to come together as a community. So um, I see
I'm a little biased.
I'm a little biased having being uh, been a rapper myself
for a number of years.
for a number of years, but I am not the first rapper in
city council.
city council, uh, our vice mayor, uh also had an album out
for those who want to look that up and we have uh, people
who like, uh, like Chay Ryan Fest Smith.
who like, uh, like Chay Ryan Fest Smith who wrote Jesus
Walks who ran for all their person before?
Walks who ran for all their person before many of us did
uh, and so seeing the involvement of people who just wanted
to find a way to groove or Rhyme or dance or come together
and seeing how they're helping shape the future of Chicago.
We wanted to make sure the pay tribute to Chicago's role as
it pertains to hip-hop after he's 50 years. And so we asked
for the committee, uh as favorable consider.
for the committee, uh as favorable consideration so we can
enshrine this and put it as part of Chicago's history. Uh,
and we'll also once it does pass, uh, share this out
publicly and give folks different places that they can go
to experience a
that they can go to experience it popular here in Chicago
and to learn more
About it. Um, so I am very appreciative to even be here to
talk about.
talk about this as a city kid. Who
talk about this as a city kid who really didn't know how to
find my voice until I found hip-hop.
find my voice until I found hip-hop and to be able to to
pay Credence to that.
pay Credence to that and say happy birthday. So, um, I do
ask for a a Voice vote in support and thank you very much
Sharon.
Do we need to sing Happy Birthday or?
Do we need to sing Happy Birthday or anything like that? Is
it? Okay if we just I'll do the beat if you want. No.
it? Okay if we just I'll do the beat if you want. All
right. Um.
right. Um, so
motion by allerman
Motion by allerman Hall to recommend the approval of this
item. I affirmative vote of all members.
item. I affirmative vote of all members present for the
Roll Call to determine determine.
Roll Call to determine determine uh hearing no objections
so ordered I want to recognize 2 of our colleagues, uh,
holler and Conway on the committee and all
holler and Conway on the committee and Alderman Reilly
sitting in thank you, uh Alderman Reilly for
sitting in thank you. Uh Alderman Reilly for joining us
Alderman Curtis also chairman.
Alderman Curtis. Also chairman. All of them and Curtis is
here by Zoom. Okay.
here by Zoom. Okay, you have all been lost in as well
chairman. Thank you, Austin.
chairman. Thank you Austin. Also Elder women Coleman. Are
you here at Allway Zoom?
No, she's not. Okay. All right. Okay. Okay, finally our
first and most important item in my opinion introduction of
1 of our new commiss.
1 of our new Commissioners second item of the agenda is
appointment.
appointment 82024.
appointment 820240000008.
appointment 820240000008 appointment of
appointment 820240000008 commissioner Department of
cultural Affairs and special.
cultural Affairs and special events. Also commissioner
known as the happy committee. Uh, Miss hesit is here today.
to introduce herself to the
and answer any questions you may have did we get her resume
out here guys to everybody because you guys everybody we
have a resume out here that we distribute a resume. Yes
people who don't have it. I can give it to anybody need her
resume want.
resume want to take a peek at it. Okay, just have them
distribute it.
All right. Okay Clinique. Thanks for being.
All right. Okay Clinique. Thanks for being here today. I
apologize. We're an hour late. This will never happen again
I can assure you.
again. I can assure you. Um, so tell us a little bit about
yourself. Well, good morning.
yourself. Well, good morning Alderman and chairman and all
those in chamber. Um, I said, my name is Clin headspa. I am
the acting commissioner for the Department of cultural
Affairs and special events. I want to first start out by
saying this is I understand that. This is a service role.
Um, I serve the citizens of Chicago first, um, the
the pleasure of the mayor and the council
it
It is true that I'm in here inheriting a great team a team.
That works.
that works hard and understands the importance of their
work how it impacts the lived experiences of our families
neighborhood.
neighborhoods community and the entire city and yet as
great of a team as we are being of service mandates.
consistently find better ways to do things. For example,
that includes controlling costs.
that includes controlling costs by reviewing not gutting
reviewing profession.
reviewing Professional Services and vendors to make sure
that the benefits received do not overburden our resources.
or grants or taxpayer dollars.
doing so won't disrupt our high-quality Hallmark events
throughout the city are our special events special events
such as million Park 20th year anniversary.
such as million Park 20th year anniversary 40th anniversary
of house music special event.
of house music special events. Also like DNC and NASCAR.
Well, I've only been in the role for 3 and a half weeks we
have already started.
have already started on some of the deliverables I have
that includes.
that includes ensuring that I am actually communicating.
everything to you directly working with liaison.
everything to you directly working with liaison from your
office. It is unacceptable for me to do.
office. It is unacceptable for me to do anything for the
Department to do anything without your init.
Department to do anything without your initial input
thoughts opinions and critiques.
another deliverable that I think can be achieved is us
having our public art, which is the art of the people to be
front and centered.
front and centered showcase on the website.
and in that, um, I would like to say that is a heavy lift
for me to find the resources and grants out there that are
readily available for us to do.
Um, I'm confident in my expertise. I've worked through.
Um, I'm confident in my expertise. I've worked throughout
um different branches of government and also,
um different branches of government and also in museums and
uh most not
uh, most notably recently as a 21st Century 21
uh, most notably recently as a 21st century 21st and 20th
century art specialist, but my expertise doesn't Cloud me.
I'm very much aware that when I don't know.
I'm very much aware that when I don't know something I can
lean on my colleagues and you to figure things out. Um,
and with that
that's about it. All right. Well, thank you. Uh, does
anybody have any?
anybody have any questions? All right Alderman Nugent
Thank you chair.
Thank you chairman. Uh, I'm happy to support uh this, nom
nomination for commissioner. I think this is a great
choice. Um, we had a great conversation the other day and I
think that um, your diverse background, uh in the Arts in
particularly also in in government makes you a great
candidate.
candidate and I think you just have a really um can do
attitude and and infectious.
attitude and and infectious spirit with respect to the Arts
and so, uh quite frankly, I'm
Arts. And so, uh quite frankly. I'm really looking forward
to working with you in this role, and I'm
to working with you in this role and I'm extremely excited
uh about the opportunity.
uh about the opportunities that I think we have in the
city, and I I look forward to
and I I look forward to working with you. Thank you
chairman.
Thank you.
Thank you Aaron before we go on to the next Alderman. Um.
we have alderwoman Coleman. She's text me and
we have alderwoman Coleman she's texts me and says she's on
here with her hand raised. I don't see that. Uh, Stephanie.
Are you there?
I am here chairman, okay.
I am here chairman. Okay. Okay. All right for the purpose
of the Quorum all the women Coleman's here.
of the Quorum all the women Coleman is here all he's also
here.
also here. Also Alderman cruise is here. Thank you all the
women cruises here and all their men more. Thanks for
joining us. I saw a mod areas. He's leaving. Okay, okay.
all the woman Haden
Thank you chair. Um.
Thank you chair. Um, uh Happy committee alumni here.
Um, uh, good good morning, so I look forward to supporting.
your nomination in full City Council.
your nomination in full city council. Um,
I have to say I have all kinds of feelings.
I have to say I have all kinds of feelings about this
though because I'm very unhappy with.
though because I'm very unhappy with the departure of our
former Commission.
former commissioner. Um
The work you're going to have some big shoes to fill so.
the work that that Aaron Hart did um
the the work that that Aaron Hart did um and this
department with the support of her team. Um,
with the support of her team, um was nothing short of
transformational.
over the last term
Over the last term. Um, I hope to see a continued vision
and focus on arts in the neighborhood and and also
having our public art on our website.
having our public art on our website is great and all but I
don't think that's the type of priority.
don't think that's the type of priority that I I that's not
it's not a high priority. Um a high priority is figuring
out how we continue to create more opportunities. Like I'm
really looking forward to um, having a taste pop up right
in the 49.
in the 49th floor this year. Um, there's so much work, so
I'm glad to see this team next to you. Um, you've got a
great team. Um, I know that um, if we're able to continue
the work that was in progress and in process the city of
Chicago,
Chicago will really benefit from that. Um, so
Beyond the visual right? It's the performing.
Beyond the visual right? It's the Performing Arts. It's the
making sure that bringing a a a festival to a community.
making sure that bringing a a a festival to a community
doesn't you know destroy that community's.
doesn't you know destroy that community's local economy,
right? How are we involving our neighbors right in the
neighborhoods in these opportun?
neighborhoods in these opportunities? And so it it is super
complex. Um, uh, it is very intricate and it is something
that I think you've got a really good team to help you.
able to continue to do it. Um, so, um, I don't envy the big
shoes you have to fill I'm glad that you're here. Um, look
forward to supporting you and and hope maybe to to hear
from you a bit more of
What your vision is?
What your vision is um for this department, is there a a
new?
new vision? Is there a new direction or are we looking to
continue to build upon the great work that was already?
continue to build upon the great work that was already
happening?
Um, thank you. Oh, oh, I'm sorry. You're
question. I apologize. Um, yes, no, um,
from from lowest
From from lowest to to Mark to to most recent commissioner.
It's it's a it's a it's a step and I will um
the stuff that was done correctly.
the stuff that was done correctly, which as you pointed out
that needs to be continued and supported.
um and and just to clarify it wasn't just putting the
public art on the website but to make sure that
public art on the website, but to make sure that we're
supporting public art in general and that not just visual
like you said, um, and so no, I'm I'm very much committed
to um, fulfilling the promises that make sense that
to um fulfilling the promises that make sense that you and
your colleagues support and the people at the citizens
support, so
Thank you. Thanks cheer. Thank you.
Thank you. Thanks cheer. Thank you all well and next up
while I'm in Hall.
Thank you, Miss.
Thank you, Mr. Chair, um first
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um first of all, this is a great day,
um new chapter.
day, um new chapter and uh, some of the work that you've
done has been flaw.
done has been Flawless, uh, especially want to chime in a
little bit on the uh work that you did to do so Museum and
how do you uh Envision if you have envisioned how do you
envision building a bridge?
envision building a bridge between for example, um, the
envision building a bridge between for example, um the Dabo
museum with it being the mecca of
Dabo museum with it being the mecca of a lot of black
history. How do you envision taking some of your Museum
experience to neighborhoods?
um communic
Um communicating with them asking them. Um, I I spoke to
some of your colleagues and said, um, you know, the fact
that the the people's Palace doesn't have representation
from all of the wards is a shame. I think that there should
be the way we have advisory boards and panels I need to
be the way we have advisory boards and panels. I need to be
advised our great team needs to be advised on ways that we
have people that are really owning that space and so um
being in the museum World, um,
being in the museum World, um for for some time you have a
lot of stakeholders and you have to
prioritize those competing, um missions visions and
thoughts and it it's if they have to be asked they have to
be given the
the invitation to come um, so that is
The invitation to come um, so that is firm foam foremost.
Um, how I will attack that first. Got you. Well, that was
that was it.
that was it, you know, just this bridge that I'm looking
forward to you building.
forward to you building, um, a lot of experiences that you
know will definitely be beneficial and even though you are
a Fifth Ward, uh connection, um, nevertheless you always
welcome to the 6 and of course the entire city, so,
congratulations and looking forward to it. Thank you. Thank
you.
you all I want to recognize vice mayor Bernett and I did
fail in the beginning here, uh plan A
fail in the beginning here, uh plan a headset is here with
a couple, uh, young ladies that I believe.
a couple, uh, young ladies that I believe we know who they
are. You guys want to tell us who we are.
Good morning. Everyone Jennifer, Johnson, Washington.
Deputy Commissioner at DK.
Hello Lisa lure assisting.
Hello, Lisa, lure, assisting Commissioner of decays HR.
Sorry ladies. I failed to recognize you. I got a little
discombobulated today with the late start and the
disruption so
disruption. So all the no shake.
Thank you chairman.
um
I was sitting here kind of chuckling commissioner. I can't.
imagine how long you had to sit on the phone with all the
newent.
She likes to.
She likes to ask a lot of questions. Um.
but serious
But seriously, I I uh, I'm standing in support of this
nomination. I look forward to uh, voting in support of
next week, and I just want to reiterate what
next week and I just want to reiterate what part of our
conversation last week that.
conversation last week that you have a tremendous team
around you, uh a team that I have leaned on over the years.
Um,
so
I wish all of you luck and
Any chance moving forward we can do anything to be more?
supportive and helpful to the Beverly Arts Center.
supportive and helpful to the Beverly Arts Center and
institutional.
um anchor in my community, uh like many
Facilities like that. They've struggled coming out of the
pandemic and they continue to struggle, um any ideas or
thoughts programs?
thoughts programs, uh to be helpful to them. Um, I would
ask for your consideration.
Thank you. Thanks chairman. Thank you.
Yeah, I actually do have.
Yeah, I actually do have a a question. Um.
you know, uh couple
You know, uh couple weeks ago, we had a we had a wonderful
conversation which which I apprec.
conversation which which I appreciated. Um,
as a
As a question though Harvard since then I've gotten uh
many.
calls from from concerned citizens regard.
calls from from concerned citizens regarding the swim for
charity.
charity events.
in the Chicago River
In the Chicago River set for september of this year.
Um, this is not something I was given a my office was given
a heads up by by anybody what role?
a heads up by by anybody. What role if any did does DK Have
and Have in that particular event.
Thank you.
Thank you ottoman Conway. Um
so the Chicago River swim announcement came out without any
permits or approval from the city of Chicago.
So we are now.
So we are now um in talks with that group that are that is
planning.
planning that swim and including all of our city partners
that would have to sign off on any special event permit for
the city. So nothing is is firm for the 22.
the city. So nothing is is firm for the 22nd. All right,
and um
I mean that's that's shocking first of all, uh, but uh, I I
would merely asked going forward. Of course if you could
keep keep my office, uh,
keep keep my office, uh a prize of that since since of
course, um, the constituents of the 34th war will be
affected and and we'd like to make sure uh that it is done
in a in a safe.
in a in a safe manner that is respectful of our
constituents, of course.
Absolutely.
Is that it all?
Is that it? All right, that's all I got. Yes. All right.
Thank you all the woman Scott.
Good morning. I just wanted to say that I do support this.
uh nomination, uh appointment. I'm sorry.
uh nomination, uh appointment. I'm sorry, uh for the
position. It was a great conversation we had
position. It was a great conversation. We had I look
forward to continue our our work and like everyone else.
forward to continue our our work and like everyone else has
um stated you have a
um stated. You have a great team behind you.
I told you I've been working with.
I told you I've been working with your team since I was
probably 10.
but um, no you have a great great support staff and um,
look forward to the continued work in the 24th.
look forward to the continued work in the 24th Ward, uh
conversations that we had about some of the things that
we're doing. Um, I look forward to continue that so,
we're doing. Um, I look forward to continue that so thank
you. I think this was a great appointment. Thank you Vice
chair, Scott. Allerman Hopkins.
Yeah, thank you.
Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, you know, the mayor's on
a role. He's made some really
a role, he's made some really outstanding appointments
lately. This is 1 of them. Uh, and I enjoyed our
conversation very pleased to uh support your
conversation very pleased to uh, support your nomination. I
know you'll do an outstanding job, uh in this very
challenging but very fun, uh role as as commissioner, um
and in our conversation,
and in our conversation 1 of the things we talked about was
um, how dkes
was, um, how dks can do a much better job of supporting our
neighborhood associations and our community associations
that sponsor street festivals and events. Um as a means to
that sponsor street festivals and events. Um, as a means to
make their budgets so they can uh do good things.
make their budgets so they can uh do good things in the
neighborhood and and they need a little support and we've
got some ideas.
got some ideas on how we can go forward with that and I
look forward to working.
look forward to working with you and your staff. Um, and
I'm in full support of this.
I'm in full support of this uh confirmation when it comes
up next week. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you. I'm in Hopkins all around more.
Thank you. Thank you chairman. Uh, although I don't sit on.
this committee. It's this committee is very important to
me. Um, just you know, I just want to Echo what um,
my colleague
um, Maria Patton said and
Um, Maria Patton said and um, we didn't get a chance to say
really goodbye. But the former commissioner Annie harky
Aaron harky did excellent.
Aaron harky did excellent job. Um, every mayor has a right
to appoint any
to a point anybody that they want to point to help them
lead their agenda.
lead their agenda, and I totally respect that and and and I
and I and I support that um, and I just want to say that
uh, I'm glad you
her members here that um, you know, she
Her members here that um, you know, she had their working um
on some of the things.
on some of the things that we were working on because it
makes a difference. Um, when we talk about, uh, everybody
use this word equity and things like that, um, the things
that we're are we're doing and hopefully continue to do um
has made some great inroads to the south and west side of
Chicago, uh specifically for me, um, the 17th Ward, um,
Chicago, uh specifically for me, um, the 17th Ward, um that
Mark had Park, um Festival which is coming back.
Mark had Park, um Festival, which is coming back this year.
We had a rainy day last year for the first 1 as part of the
taste. Um, and it was a g good turnout I used
taste. Um, and it was a g good turnout. I used to work
great, but it was good even with the rain and I look
forward not raining this year. Um, when I think it's on
July 25th if I'm not mistaken,
July 25th, if I'm not mistaken, um or the 27th, whatever
that Saturday is.
that Saturday is, and but so you'll know a part around that
with got it there for market parts was I had an interest in
having a cultural Festival
Cat Park, it's so much diversity over.
Cat Park, it's so much diversity over there. And uh, it's a
large enough Park so
large enough Park. So this helps us, um, step off the
ground.
ground, um to that and I want to make sure I'm sitting
with you so you can fully understand what I want to
accomplish there and grow there in the market Park, um
community so I look forward to
community. So I look forward to sitting down with you, um 1
on 1 with that and um, hopefully until we get fully. Um,
We get you know running it at full capacity that the taste
at Market Park.
at Market Park continue to help grow that each year. So I'm
looking forward to those um conversations and I look
forward.
forward to um supporting your confirm.
Thank you fully committed to you with.
Thank you fully committed to with you in doing so.
Thank you chairman. Thanks.
Thank you chairman. Thanks for jumping in and joining the
committee all.
committee. Allerman Riley Thanks for attending.
Thank you chairman. Uh, good morning.
Thank you chairman, uh, good morning acting commissioner.
um
Um sounds like a lot of my colleagues have had a chance to
talk with you prior to this confirmation hearing and I
don't sit on this committee. Um, but certainly representing
downtown.
downtown Chicago, um our offices
downtown Chicago. Um, our offices work together quite a
bit.
um to me
Um to me, uh, having an open line of communication is the
most important thing.
um these events downtown are
Um, these events downtown are impactful.
Um usually for the better.
Um, usually for the better of downtown but um surprises
here are are not good for both the business.
here are are not good for both the business constituents,
but especially my residential constituents. So it is my
hope that um, we can continue to work.
hope that um, we can continue to work to improve
communication between our offices and coordination. Um
Alderman Conway mentioned, um, the surprise I think we all
got when we opened up.
got when we opened up the Chicago Tribune not that long ago
about this River.
about this River Race.
Which I know is something the organizers have.
Which I know is something the organizers have been pursuing
for some time.
But the way it was report.
But the way it was reported that it was reported as a fata
complete.
and um again, I I certainly support the the goals of the
And um again, I I certainly support the the goals of the
charity event. Absolutely great cause um, but there are a
lot of stakeholders that touch that River. Um, it's not
just about the businesses and and constituents above and
around it. Um, but the river also carries a tremendous
amount of freight Commerce and all the tour boat.
exists. There's a lot going on there.
exists there's a lot going on there and so events like this
while they could be really fantastic.
while they could be really fantastic for the participants.
Um, they do have these um these impacts on other industries
that frankly look to that River for
industries that frankly look to that River for their
livelihood, so it's my hope that when you
livelihood. So it's my hope that when you are talking about
impacted stakeholders being at the table that that includes
ultimate Conway and myself
because we speak for our Collective 150 or so thousand
constituents.
Um
So again, I would.
So again, I would have liked to have talked to you before
this hearing I do. Hope you'll reach out before.
this hearing I do hope you'll reach out before the council
is asked to vote on your confirmation. Um so we can make
sure that uh, we have a good understanding on how we can
work together moving forward.
Uh that said, um, I don't have any questions. Um, I guess 1
um, what happened?
1, um, what happened to Aaron harky
So I guess I'll answer that. Um.
So I guess I'll answer that. Um, and it's nothing against
you commissioner. Um, or
you commissioner, um or future commissioner. I'm sorry, not
the commissioner yet, but she was loved.
the commissioner yet, but she was loved by all of us. I
don't know. I never got a heads up about it. I didn't want
to rain on her parade. I probably should have gave her a
heads up.
heads up that Aaron was very well liked and respected.
I was never given any reason why it just came out of
nowhere. Um, don't understand why I guess you're going to
have to ask the mayor what happened. I don't think she
out on wanted to go. I I also felt she did a great job. He
had a great team. So I'm guess you're gonna have to ask the
mayor that well then chairman. I I would ask respect.
mayor that well then chairman. I I would ask respectfully
through your office as chairman. I would like an
explanation for the administration and why she was
terminated because while I've had a pretty rocky
relationship with d
relationship with DK in my 17 years as Alderman, um, she
did a fantastic job so I don't see any
did a fantastic job, so I don't see any situation where it
should be fired for cause so I'd like to know why she was
let go because frankly, um, we don't have as much talent at
the city.
the cities we need and when you lose a good person
they're terminated that's wrong.
Um, so I would like an explanation before I'm asked to vote
on this confirmation next week. I'll I'll reach out to the
mayor about this. I'm just guessing the mayor has a right.
to pick who he wants and he's changed a lot of leadership
and unfortunately Aaron was 1 of the people so, but I'll
reach out to the mayor's office and I'll get back to
everybody and let them know what the reason.
chairman. I appreciate it. Hey vice mayor.
chairman. I appreciate it. Okay. Vice mayor Bernett. Yeah.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um
Good morning acting commissioner.
Good morning, acting commissioner. Um, first of all, I want
to congratulate you congratulate the mayor on this
appointment. You have a very interesting. Um, uh, bio here
I'd like to maybe sit down with you 1 day and learn how to
buy art and Price art and all that kind of stuff because
you you seem like, you know a lot. Um, so, uh being a
former, um,
uh
chair of of special events. I had the opportunity to work
with that department. Uh, and I must tell you.
with that department. Uh, and I must tell you is 1 of the
hardest working departments in the city of Chicago
Uh, you have a lot of people who work very hard. A lot of
folks don't recognize how much work.
folks don't recognize how much work goes into putting these
events together.
events together getting Talent help.
events together getting Talent helping 1 of the things that
your department does is help.
your department does is help a lot of artists in this city,
who are Starving Artists you kind of helped them not starve
as much uh, and also trying to get donations to make things
happen in the city. So you got some great people working uh
for you
uh for you in that department. You're very blessed. Uh,
Jennifer, you know is is 1 of them and thank God she's a
young lady. She's going to be around for a long time. Uh,
I'm being sarcastic, but but she's uh, but you have some
No, no, I'm being sarcastic about being around for a long
being around here for a long time. But uh, you're you're
blessed to have good people working for you. Uh, I concur
with my uh colle.
with my uh colleague. I kind of share, uh the same
sentiments.
sentiments as Alderman. Um, Brian Hopkins,
sentiments as Alderman. Um, Brian Hopkins and also Alderman
rally, uh, we have with simma downtown. We have a lot of
events going on. Definitely. We want to be notified of
something.
something's going to happen. You're going to block off
streets all of those things. It's very important to us and
for our constituents.
for our constituents or any big events that go on. Uh, but
also, uh, like, uh Alderman hop,
also, uh, like, uh, Alderman Hopkins mentioned, you know,
very concerned about this issue and and you know, I I uh
support the ultimate Hopkins, uh,
support the ultimate Hopkins, uh mindset on we need to do
something to help these Festival.
something to help these festivals continue to happen. Uh,
they do help a lot.
they do help a lot of these non for profits, you know is
getting so that uh folks
getting so that uh, folks police them so,
So much that they can't even get a don.
so much that they can't even get a donation uh to and it
costs money to put on these festivals and and 1 thing I
want to say, you know, I've been an ultimate for a minute.
and when I first started over in the West Loop when it was
skip Road 1 of the things that really helped to put us on
the map was the taste of Randolph, right? It it exposed.
people. It was like, oh, I can't believe I know I haven't
been on the west side in a long time. I thought it was skip
Road over here.
Road over here and I can't believe
Price and so on and so forth then Pitchfork and all the
festivals came.
festivals came in in in Union Park and a lot of those.
things exposed our neighborhood to people from all around
the area.
the area and they started coming and doing business in the
community and bringing Commerce to the city of Chicago from
the suburbs. So these Festival
the suburbs. So these festivals and things are going in the
city of Chicago is very very important for the city. It's
very important that we get that outside money spent in our
city.
city, uh to help our economy and and get people to come to
our neighborhoods. So I just want to let you know, you
know, I I support those things and I understand those
things, but at the same time we need to figure out a way
and I don't know and and we've tried we've been around
I don't know and and we've tried we've been around and
around with this with the law Department.
on uh, helping to n for profits to be able to charge for
folks to to come into those events and and then, you know,
we need to continue to talk about that because like I say
some of these non for-profits we get them like 30 40
thousand dollars a year to have a non for-profit and then
the rest of the money they try to make off of off of the uh
festivals that they have in order to sustain their
organizations, you know.
organizations, you know, and they really doing their Duty
for the city because when they bring people here we make
money off of them.
money off of them, right and uh, so we really need to
figure out a way of trying to help to keep these
going on.
um
also, uh, I want to mention I'm I'm I'm we need to talk
more. I know you coming in when we getting ready to do the
Democrat.
Democratic Convention. Um, it's affecting some of my uh
events that made that that were uh proposed to go on, uh in
the neighborhood. We need to sit down and and talk about
those things.
those things, uh, and and work on them and and I want you
to know I'm I'm concerned too about
um
about Maxwell Street, uh, you know, I know right now that's
the what you call the stop.
the what you call the stop for the migrants, huh the
loading zone.
loading zone lands on. So, how is that affecting Max?
Street because Max Maxwell Street
Street? Because Max Maxwell Street, you know, I mean a lot
of us who grew up in Chicago when we years ago, you know,
we first learned how to negotiate back going.
we first learned how to negotiate back going to Maxwell
Street. We first thought we learned how to negotiate going
to Maxwell Street.
to Maxwell Street to buy things right and uh come to
out people in the neighborhood get better deals than we
did. We thought we got the best deal. But anyway, that's a
whole another story.
whole another story but
But that also attracts.
but that also attracts tourists too, right because tourists
come here to the city of Chicago and they go to Maxwell.
Street. They look to buy those reason.
Street. They look to buy those reasonable things and and
and everybody likes.
and everybody likes to barter. You know what I'm saying? I
mean we do that when we go to other countries of the Cities
that's like just a normal thing.
Cities, that's like just a normal thing when you travel how
is how is that?
is how is that stop right there affecting Maxwell Street?
and I don't know if you know or not, uh, you just getting
here.
here but uh, hopefully it's not it's not shutting them down
and those guys are still able to operate and I'm concern
about that because those are little guys who start out on
Maxwell Street and next thing you know, they got
Maxwell Street and next thing, you know, they got stores in
the city of Chicago, you know, and um concerned about them.
Yeah. We're we're currently exploring options.
Yeah, we're we're currently exploring options and and and
I'm you know, the teams bringing me up to speed.
I'm you know, the teams bringing me up to speed on what was
previously, you know, discussed and and figure moving
forward. So, um, we'll definitely communicate with you
directly.
All right. I appreciate that. Well, I tell you um again, I
I commend the mayor on on appointing you, uh you
job a lot of people don't know but
job. A lot of people don't know but I know it's a lot of
work. I know you do deal with our uh,
Car, uh with with those when we have sell the fruits and
vegetable.
vegetables. Um,
Farm
farmers markets, uh you're doing
farmers markets, uh, you're doing the the uh things in the
park with the uh,
park with the uh plays I mean there's a myriad of things
that you all do that.
that you all do that people don't recognize but you know
being in the trenches with you, I recognize it and you deal
with a lot of uh different people from around the country
as far.
as far as uh musical people and artists and movie stars and
all of those kind of things. So, uh, I look forward to
working with you.
working with you and and again you got a great staff.
I mean these people they are superstars these people.
I mean these people they are superstars these people, you
know, 1 of 1 of my biggest beasts is that we don't we can
do everything that we let everybody else.
do everything that we let everybody else come here to do.
Why we don't do you know?
Why we don't do you know, I always say this, but why we
don't do la la Palooza.
don't do la la palooza and make our own money, you know
what I'm saying? We can do that but
what I'm saying? We can do that. But anyway, that's vice
mayor Bernett can can I maybe recommend to give her a phone
call and you could talk to her like as long as you want,
you know, so.
you know, so any questions because I'm not on the
committee. I didn't get that personal call, but okay, but
we will but uh, I look forward to working with you, uh
commissioner. Thank you very much. Thanks mayor. Just in my
opinion. I I see I I believe she's going to have no
about the DNC. So, uh, I think that's going to be the Fed.
and oemc and everybody else in the police. So she's just
going to be like this is what we're doing and maybe they'll
give her a heads up. Maybe they won't so
All right. Did we miss anybody?
All right with that finally.
All right with that finally Mr. Chairman.
somebody somebody's
Somebody somebody's on Zoom.
All of my Lawson hi.
All of my Lawson. Hi, sorry, I'll be fast. I promise. Um
uh, I appreciate it and I appreciate the connection
earlier.
commissioner, um 1 of the things that I think we've done.
commissioner, um 1 of the things that I think we've done
this year for the first time maybe and it's part of a a
pattern of the last few years where we're looking at
things.
pattern of the last few years where we're looking at things
Citywide, right? Because the impacts of NASCAR have impacts
on Lake View have impacts on the west side and south side
and so with the DNC added into that, you know, we've had to
look at all of our neighborhood festivals. So some of whom
are big economic generators and some of whom um are more
local and so I think going forward,
local and so I think going forward after we get through
what's going to be a very busy summer, how can we continue
to look at?
all of the festivals all the ones that happen Citywide that
require police resources that require, you know several
departments to to be involved.
departments to to be involved so that we can you know, make
sure we're we're understanding like I said those those
festivals that have great economic impacts.
festivals that have great economic impacts, we're cultural
impacts, um over some of the things that come up,
impacts, um over some of the things that come up that are a
little bit more fly by night, but still require police
police presence.
at jet Allan
That's it. I just you know, how could we?
That's it. I just you know, how could we keep coordinating
this so that we you know, I don't have to fight.
this so that we you know, I don't have to fight for a
festival that I know brings in, you know thousands.
tourists every year, um, because there's a burger Fest not
actually a burger Fest. I don't want to put anyone on
the bus, but you know, uh 2 miles away.
the bus, but you know, uh 2 miles away in the same place
District.
All right. Thank you. All right, man. Okay last call any do
we miss anybody anybody else have anything? All right with
that motion by Vice chair.
that motion by Vice chair Scott to recommend the approval
of this item by the affirmative vote of all members present
for the roll call to deter.
for the Roll Call to determine the Quorum. Please say I all
in favor.
in favor I
opposed
here in the eyes eyes have it no objection so ordered and
to do
the do pass recommendation of this ordinance will be
reported on our next city council meeting on April 17th
2024. We'll see you then future commissioner and I can
assure you. It'll be a little bit quicker. So thank you
very much. Thank you.
very much. Thank you ladies for joining us. You got a
couple you had a good uh,
Good, uh, I can't call her right wing Man by the right wing
woman. So that's right. Thank you, but a good wing woman.
All right, everybody. Finally. We're on the third item
here, which is technically the fourth item but uh third
item on the agend.
item on the agenda a 202024.
item on the agenda a 202024 d 00000 8364 the appointment of
Robert Castaneda.
of Robert Castaneda as commissioner of Chicago Park
District, Mr. Castaneda is here today to introduce himself.
I believe he's in the Box.
he's in the box or he's going to come up. All right.
No, Robert you.
No, Robert, you're gonna come on up. So Robert's gonna come
on up. Tell us a little bit about yourself Robert and we'll
see if anybody has any questions for you.
Good morning, everybody. My name is Rob cast.
Good morning, everybody. My name is Rob Castaneda. Um
I took the liberty of preparing, uh, just a brief
statement. I like to share with you this morning. Um, so
good morning the committee and all present for the
today. Let me start by letting you know, uh, how honored
am to be in front of this committee as an appointee of
Mayor Johnson to serve as a commissioner for the Chicago
Park District in preparation for this meeting. It's I took
a trip down memory lane trying to remember all my
interactions in the Park District, uh, my first
interaction in the Park District was in 1978 when I was
years old. I attended head start at Russell Square Park in
South Chicago Russell Square Park is also where I went to
day.
day camp learned gymnastics and played Little League
Baseball, I learn
Baseball. I learned how to swim at Bessemer Park and hone
those skills on family.
those skills on family trips to Rainbow Beach and cow met
Park as an adult. I played basketball at Petroski Park
Lavita Park Harrison.
Lavita Park Harrison Park. Llll Park Franklin Park Shedd
Park Douglas.
Park Douglas Park McKinley Park, Sheridan Park, Davis Park
Bose.
Bosco Park and Archer Park. I play softball McKinley.
Park. Labita Park Douglas Park Archer Park in
Labita Park Douglas Park Archer Park and Humble Park. I
golf at Sydney merovech.
golf at Sydney.
And then there's all the fireworks displays and special
events at Grand Park as well as bike.
events at Grand Park as well as bike rides and and walks
along the lakefront. There are many more activ.
along the lakefront. There are many more activities and
parks that I could list, but I'm going to stop here. My
point is to share how much time I've spent and spent in the
Chicago.
Chicago Park District my wife Amy grew up in the bright,
McKinley Park.
McKinley Park area where her dad ran Little League baseball
at Hoyne Park.
at Hoyne Park Amy the Chicago public school teacher. She's
in her.
in her 27th year of teaching this year. Uh, we knew when we
got married.
got married that we wanted to put down Roots wherever she
was going to teach that.
was going to teach that led us to South Lawndale a little
village in 1998. Where Amy got her.
village in 1998 where Amy got her first teaching position
in Chicago Public Schools.
in Chicago Public Schools, my love for sport led me to
volunteer coach where Amy was teaching what started as
coaching a boy's basketball team in
coaching of boys basketball team in 2001 turned into
year-round programming.
year-round programming for over a thousand youth in the
community by 200.
community by 2009.
This work became known as beyond the ball in 2009. I became
the first.
the first uh staff person for the organization as the as
the executive.
the executive director of beyond the ball the work of
beyond the balls evolved.
beyond the balls evolved since 2009 a challenge we had
early on was Finding.
early on was Finding space, uh to program so many Youth and
and their families in the community at the time most of our
work was done indoors, but I struggled with the idea that
the only time youth could play safely is when adults unlock
doors for them. This was not okay as an organization we
started to intentionally reclaim public play Spaces by
organizing.
organizing Community residents through Sport and play this
past year Beyond.
past year beyond the ball programmed over 5,000 Unique
Individuals in the community.
Individuals in the community our work using Sport and play
to reclaim public.
to reclaim public space is known globally.
in 2010 beyond the
In 2010 beyond the ball was awarded an international Beyond
sport award selected from over.
sport award selected from over 400 organizations from 120
countries around the world.
countries around the world in 2012. I was honored to have
my work recognized as a champion of Change by the Obama
White House in 2014. I was appointed to serve as a council
member for the inaugural conserv.
member for the inaugural conservation and policy Council
for the forest preserves of Cook County.
for the forest preserves of Cook County in 2018. I wrote
the handbook that guides Citywide.
the handbook that guide Citywide public Space strategy for
communities parting for peace and initiative that is
working to reduce violence in 28 Chicago neighborhoods. I'm
50 now while I don't say that I'm an old man.
50 now while I don't say that I'm an old man after playing
sports. My body reminds me that I'm not a young man either,
um in this next stage of my life. I'm eager to get involved
with the Chicago Park District.
with the Chicago Park District as a commissioner and to
help the Chicago Park District be the best version of
itself for all of Chicago wins. Uh, I hope for your support
and I welcome to any questions. Thank you Robert. Uh, I
would guess.
would guess you kind of called yourself what I was when I
was a kid I refer to myself.
was a kid. I refer to myself as a park rat that was a kid.
That was always at the park hanging around.
that was always at the park hanging around the park playing
sports, uh doing
Whatever we did of course as we got.
whatever we did. Of course as we got older it didn't
involve Sports anymore of it involved drinking so
involve Sports anymore of it involved drinking. So um with
that I'm guessing you have a friend over here.
that I'm guessing you have a friend over here that would
like to speak on your behalf. And that's alderman rodrig.
from the 22nd Ward. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, you know the
good Lord bless the 22nd.
good Lord bless the 22nd Ward and little village when he
sent Amy and Rob kasana to live in our community.
Um, the fact is Rob in talking.
um, the fact is Rob in talking about his work really comes
from a very humble space, but I like to gloat on you a bit.
Um, you know folks should know this.
Back when Rob started doing his organizing.
Back when Rob started doing his organizing, uh and working
with young people.
with young people the local gangs in the neighborhood, uh
took issue.
took issue with some of his reclaiming of space and they
tried to drive.
tried to drive him out of the neighborhood, but Rob and Amy
said no we're staying we're here to stay. This is our
community.
Uh, I won't go into the details. Um, but I know.
Uh, I won't go into the details. Um, but I know for a fact
that the children.
of those
Associated individuals have gone through Rob's program
and those individuals now think go God for Rob's work and
mentoring their young people who are now productive.
of our society, uh right in front of my house. Uh, Rob's
organization took.
organization took over a park that I like to say was 80%
weeds 10.
weeds 10% dirt and 10% grass.
weeds 10% dirt and 10% grass and it is an absolute
beautiful Gem of our community.
beautiful Gem of our community now, um, Rob works with the
police he works in making
police he works at making sure graffiti gets removed
Within.
24 hours in our community, and he doesn't call 3011 he
it done himself.
um, I will let my
Um, I will let my colleagues know that in a couple of years.
you will see a new.
uh statue in Humble Park that statue will be of the bust of
Rob and I uh honoring our years of Excellence playing
softball.
softball at Humble Park and we dominated my friends that is
right. We dominated uh,
right. We dominated, uh, Rob as our shortstop me in a
variety of other positions. The fact is Chairman. Um, this
is a man who our city should be thankful for
his trajectory his commitment to our city to my community
is just you know, I can't say enough about you rob you sit
on my advisory committee.
on my advisory committee for economic development projects
in Little Village.
in Little Village, uh, and so many other things like I'm
I'm proud to call.
I'm proud to call you a brother and I'm so glad the mayor
has uh, put you in his
has uh, put you in this position and I support this 100%
And I ask my colleagues to support as well. Thank you, Mr.
Chair. Thank you, Allan, Allan Waggers.
Thanks chairman. Um.
Thanks chairman. Um before I go into my questions what I'd
like through the chair is to have the
um
the stats for Rob versus Alderman Rodriguez on
uh, just kidding but um
first of all
First of all, uh, congratulations on the appointment. I uh,
I know you've been working on a lot of other issues in the
city that I've seen you at.
city that I've seen you at, um a couple things for you and
for the other people that will be appointed. I know Sean's
a a constituent as well, but um couple of things if you
could address if you have a moment, um,
looking for ways to to help fund um and make improvements
to our local parks, um in a more frequent.
to our local parks, um in a more frequent and way as a big
thing, you know, it's a lot of our parks.
thing, you know, it's a lot of our Parks kind of languish
sometimes for 1020 years.
sometimes for 1020 years before they need to do a a remake
or you know, the seeds are the seed of the grass is all
torn out. Um, that's a big issue. I think Citywide but
that's been going back a couple decades where we've been
looking for fun.
looking for funding. So that's that's 1 thing. Um,
Second thing being on this board. I think uh, it's
important to really uh work.
important to really uh work closely with the park district
and other elected officials.
and other elected officials, you know, as we do a lot of
this, um,
work, um, but more so
Work, um, but more so around being outspoken on Pollock.
issues.
um and
um, and on employee issues so when we
um and on employee issues so when we see a bigger topic
coming up, what is it that you as a policy maker?
coming up, what is it that you as a policy maker as a board
member will do when?
member will do when serious issues come up that need you.
member will do when serious issues come up that need you to
weigh in for instance, uh lifeguard.
weigh in for instance, uh lifeguards, you know, we've had
issues with that in the past and continuing.
issues with that in the past and continuing now, um,
Would you?
Would you be uh the kind of person?
Would you be uh the kind of person in in your own words,
would you be the kind of person that would dive into those
issues?
issues and say hey, maybe there's a way we can change those
things. So I'll let you answer both of those. Thank you for
the questions Alderman. Um, let me just say um, I I I I I
serve in this position for Chicagoans, right? Um, I'm not a
I'm not afraid of making hard choices, right? Um, you know,
Alderman Rodriguez had eluded, you know back in 99 2000,
uh, we had our house set on fire by getting members.
uh, we had our house set on fire by getting members twice
and you know, that was probably 1 of the hardest.
and you know, that was probably 1 of the hardest decisions
that I ever made in my life as a as a young married couple
to stay in our communities stay in our home.
to stay in our communities today in our home and so um,
right we I I I've I've learned I was raised to make the um,
make hard decisions not sit on the sidelines.
Make hard decisions not sit on the sidelines, uh seek, you
know advice.
know advice, um, you know, definitely open door to to any
of the the members of the city council, um regarding uh
conversations on on anything Park related. Um,
conversations on on anything Park related, um, you know,
Partnerships really important and so to your point,
Alderman, I I would not sit on the sidelines.
Alderman, I I would not sit on the sidelines I would make
sure I'm I'm there making sure my voice is heard.
sure I'm I'm there making sure my voice is heard for what's
what I believe is right and what is best for Chicago?
Thank you. Yeah.
Thank you, Allure allure and more.
Thank you. Um so much chair.
Thank you. Um so much chairman. Um,
I I'm a big fan of the parks and
um
I got a lot of friends and
uh a lot of people that
uh, a lot of people that I've known from being in my
whether I was working at Cha or anywhere else that I
develop relationships within the park. So a lot of
different people talk to me.
different people talk to me, you know as well as some
probably some other artists
probably some other almond and it's important and I know we
have a um superintendent but it's important that the board
uh holds everybody accountable. I have a good working
relationship with the superintendent. Um, but I think uh,
we have to make sure that there's consistency.
we have to make sure that there's consistency throughout
all parks. Let me say that again. There's consistency
throughout all parks, um first and foremost,
throughout all parks, um first and foremost security, um,
we I don't think we need to have do you know what the
security process?
security process uh is right now, um,
They are at the park.
I've not been briefed on that yet. Okay.
I've not been briefed on that yet. Okay, so there's
And I'm not going to ask this to other people that come up.
as well from a security stand.
as well from a security standpoint. Not every park has a
security guard sitting.
security guard sitting at the security desk.
And I'm gonna need to understand.
And I'm gonna need to understand why that's the case. And
and that's a question. You should ask. I do not think any
park personnel.
park Personnel, um should be
giving up their duties to work with our children.
Giving up their duties to work with our children or do
anything else to provide security?
anything else to provide security. Um, especially when they
are not um equipped to do it.
are not um equipped to do it trained to do it and
um
Our parks are sometimes not as secure because they are.
public places and people should have the freedom.
To walk in and out of their parks.
to walk in and out of their Parks, um, however, um,
sometimes you can get some strange characters. Sometimes
you can get um, some homeless people who are maybe maybe
not all but maybe mentally ill. Um, and so
not all but maybe mentally ill um, and so their situations
that arise that a regular Park personnel,
that arise that a regular Park Personnel person cannot
address and so it's it's very important that we have
consist.
consistency across, um across the
consistency across. Um across the board for security.
That's number 1
um number 2
um
Arielle
related to security who's around our children.
how
This a question. How What policies would you like to?
This a question. How What policies would you like to see or
that you think you were bringing to the table to the table
to protect? Um the children because what the children are
playing and they run?
playing and they run out the gym room could be a toddler,
uh playing itty bitty ball and and and Joe.
uh playing itty bitty ball and and and Joe Blow.
child molester walks in
Child molester walks in does something or kidnap?
I've seen kids just roaming around.
What is it that you uh would do to address?
What is it that you uh would do to address this situation?
Can I can I answer that? Uh, Robert so
He's he's applying to be on the board as a commissioner for
the park district. He hasn't he hasn't been there. I don't
believe he's been briefed on anything. He's offering.
to do this for free so I I'm not
To do this for free. So I I'm not sure your question. I
don't know what he knows about security. I I could tell you
what I know about security. I know on the northwest side.
there is no security in the parks. There are roving police
car.
cars that check on the parks, you know, excuse me chairman.
I just my my question was about security at my statement
was about security so he can't answer that part.
question was about what he would bring to the table.
question was about what he would bring to the table in
terms of um,
um making sure and he's got
Um making sure and he's got a he's going to be on the board.
He's got to add value of making sure.
He's got to add value of making sure that children are
protected. So I think he can answer that question. Okay?
Okay. Thank you Alderman. Uh, let me just start by saying
like like like you like everybody else here.
like like like you like everybody else here like everybody
in Chicago Public Safety is really really important. The
safety of our children is really important. I can tell you
that research says that publicly owned spaces have the
ability to increase or decrease crime around them by up to
60.
60%
the 2 variables that the
the 2 variables that decide whether or not crime goes up or
down around.
down around a publicly owned space. So park spaces School
spaces.
spaces 2 variables number 1. How often is that space? Um
consistent?
consistently programmed on a regular basis and when you're
looking at programming you want diversity and age and
gender so you want little kids, uh of all
gender. So you want little kids, uh of all genders all the
way up to elderly and all genders if we can.
way up to elderly and all genders if we can get regularly
programmed groups of people in our Parks that's going to do
the number 1 thing for safety in response to what you're
asking about like kids.
asking about like kids being in programming in the park
supervision is really really important.
supervision is really really important, you know at beyond
the ball. Um, we have uh a staff and we do youth programs
and that that I would have a real problem with you know,
young people going to the bathroom by themselves, right a
staff is always present if they have to go to the bathroom.
staff waits in the hallway young person uses.
regards to violence or or child safety. That's something I
take very serious.
take very seriously and I have over 20 years experience
working in both.
working in both of those.
aspects of
Aspects of of of this type of work. Thank you and I just
asked when you know you get there, you know, look at look
into the policies and and not only the policies but how
those policies are being.
those policies are being communicated and execute.
those policies are being communicated and executed sure at
the park district that that that's when I'm asking you to
do when you get there the other the other couple of
comments that I have that I want you to be aware.
comments that I have that I want you to be aware of of
football. Um, I think our park districts have great
football teams that keeps our um,
football teams that keeps our um children out of trouble it
gives them teach them teamwork.
It gives them teach them teamwork a whole a whole meat of
things and then whoever wins the championship they go to
um, I mean get make the championship they go to
Field and get to play which is a great experience.
young people. I want the park district to at some point.
Look at started really marketing.
Look at started really marketing that and and and a
way, uh, because it's huge and we could I think we could
benefit
The CIP is I think a lot sometimes there are some ultimate
don't even know their kids are.
don't even know their kids are playing in it. And I know
it's up to us to be involved um in
it's up to us to be involved. Um in our own Parks. I know
but not every Alderman does and so, um, not only that
communication to the elected officials but to the community
as well.
as well some type of campaign, let them know what these
kids doing and then so hey come out and support our kids
because when we go to Soldier Field, you know, it's only a
handful of people there probably from that particular Park
if you will.
if you will versus people throughout the city to watch
really good game of people playing in Ikea, um, you know at
the hard work of you know,
the hard work of, you know, um, playing all summer and
practicing and all sudden they in the championship game and
I think it it'll give a big boost, um to the park district
as well. So whatever we can do from a marketing standpoint,
on that and then my last thing is, uh,
on that and then my last thing is, uh more personal to me
and everybody knows about it and it's it it's the 17th Ward
and the Ogden park Fieldhouse.
and the Ogden park Fieldhouse, which is well over.
I think 60 70 years old.
I think 60 70 years old and um looking making sure we're
getting funding and gra grant money, uh from an equity.
standpoint. Um when we look at other parks and
still houses and how they look and then these old
houses that look like prisons, um to make sure that we get
some Capital dollars or some other dollars to make sure
that we are um, um, rebuilding these field housing and
right now I'm definitely advocating for Ogden park. I want
you to take a get a chance to go over there.
you to take a get a chance to go over there we can go
together or you can
Take a trip on yarn on um 65th and um Racine and see it a
lot of kids.
lot of kids are involved. But the part that Park itself.
lot of kids are involved. But the part that Park itself,
um, in terms of the Fieldhouse is dismal and and we have to
do something about it and I can I would love your support
on
support on that. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Aaron.
on that. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Aaron. Just want
to recognize a few of our colleagues here in card.
to recognize a few of our colleagues here in Cardona
Alderman Quinn and all the women doll.
All right. Okay. Um.
Robert uh with Dad, uh
Thanks for being here.
Thanks for being here today. All right motion by Alderman
Rodriguez the recom.
Rodriguez the recommend approval of this item by
affirmative vote of all members present.
affirmative vote of all members present for Roll Call to
determine the Quorum all members. Please say
determine the Quorum all members, please say I I I oppose
no nay.
no Nays eyes have it hearing no objections so order.
no Nays eyes have it hearing no objection. So ordered to do
pass recommendation of this ordinance will be reported out
at the next city council meeting anybody. Thanks. Thanks
for calling.
Thank
Okay moving right along everybody.
Okay moving right along everybody a fourth item on the
agenda is an appointment. 82024 Dash.
agenda is an appointment. 82024 Dash 0008365 appointment of
Sean Garrett as commissioner of Chicago Park District.
Garrett is here today to introduce himself to the committee
and answer.
and answer any questions. We he we may have for him.
Sean uh, thanks for being here today.
Sean uh, thanks for being here today gonna say anything or
you want to filled
you want to field questions how you want to handle it. I'm
happy to share a few words and then look forward to any
questions. I love when you said a few words Sean. You got
it. Uh, so first of all, my name is Sean Garrett.
it. Uh, so first of all, my name is Sean Garrett and
thrilled to be before you all today and looking forward to
the opportun.
the opportunity to serve with you if given the opportunity.
Um,
um personally with the parks. Um, my my children are in
sixth grade and third grade. I was talking my my wife this
weekend.
weekend about the fact that they've been to over 20 Parks
themselves with basketball football playing soccer pool.
Gulf you name it and it's been a big part of their lives,
right and they've got
right? And they've gotten to see so much of the city in
ways that they wonder if they're just hanging out in our
neighborhood and get to see that's been really important
for them. They've seen both the good and they've also seen
the challenges in our city and I think it's something that
is important and something that you know hearing about
consistency and how do we do that across our our great
City? It's something that's important to us professionally.
I'm the president.
I'm the president and CEO of United Way of Metro Chicago
and our work is about neighborhoods. It's about how our
neighborhoods strong.
neighborhoods strong across our city.
And 1 of the important parts, we see in neighbor.
And 1 of the important parts, we see in neighborhoods that
when we talked to Residents all the time. They want
amenities. I'm sure you hear that from your consistencies.
And so how do we use the amenities that we have to really
grow and make them?
grow and make them the value assets that they are you see
it in some neighbor.
it in some neighborhoods and people love it and then you go
to other neighborhoods and it's not the same and so how do
we make sure that we have these great public assets?
questions or any comments that you all have. Thank you
Sean. I I agree with you. We do. Have a great Park.
We have a lot of great programs. Um, I don't know.
We have a lot of great programs. Um, I don't know all the
parks around, but I certainly been a like I said once again
a park.
a park rat back in my day, and I know the northwest side
Parks pretty well.
Parks pretty well and they do awesome jobs over there. I
don't see any hands up. Nobody has a question. Oh, David.
question for Sean Garrett and all.
question for Sean Garrett and Alderman Shay. I won't I
won't thank you chairman. I won't repeat the questions. But
because I know you heard them I want you to take
everything that I said into account and and um do the exact
same things and
Get keep Ogden parking your head Ogden OG.
get keep Ogden parking your head Ogden Ogden Ogden the
other part that I didn't bring.
other part that I didn't bring up is um, this is very
critical and I've had people come to me because as you
know, there are a lot of people
Who would?
who would just rather keep the keep the
Who would just rather keep the keep the peace to try to
keep their jobs and people afraid of losing their jobs
these?
these days. We know we have HR policies that say hey come
and say something and all of that.
and say something and all of that everybody don't do that.
There has to be a um,
Oh.
a a way that um, not the board members or somebody are out
there or something's out there where we can give a safe
space.
space for employees to come because I hear about um
supervisor harassment out there.
supervisor harassment out there on occasion. Um, and it's
important that um, we give uh, these workers a a a a a safe
space to come to and sometimes going to their upper
management because of relationships.
management because of relationships between upper
management and their supervisor
nothing happens sometimes and
Nothing happens sometimes and so I'm asking this board to
make sure you all.
make sure you all have um, we have especially when you have
your meetings.
your meetings or your closed door sessions that
reports are coming out about this stuff. What?
reports are coming out about this stuff. What are we
hearing? What are we seeing so that we can be Pro?
hearing? What are we seeing so that we can be proactive on
these um matters before?
these um matters before um, the city get hit or the park
district.
district in this case get hit with lawsuits. So I'm going
to add.
to add that to the other things that I said that I know you
got include.
got include Noggin Park. All right, appreciate that. Thank
you. Thank you. Thank you Allan just to let everybody here
know we are having a hearing with the park district.
Uh, I don't know is it this month or is it look like me?
Uh, I don't know is it this month or is it look like me this
month or next month? We bring them.
month or next month? We bring them forward to let us know
what's going on with the parks what their plans are for the
year?
year. So, uh, we're working on a date that's good for both
them and me so we'll let everybody know and uh, certainly
if you're not on the committee we still hope that people
will come because everybody has parks in our
will come because everybody has parks in the reward with
that all of them. No shape. Are you a Mount Greenwood?
that all of them. No shape. Are you a Mount Greenwood guy?
I have not really know. Yeah. We on the North side. All
right. Okay. Sorry, follow me know Shea has something.
to say
Thank you chair.
Thank you chairman. Good morning.
um
I I wanted to talk about uh 2 things.
I I wanted to talk about uh, 2 things and start off by
telling a little story several years ago when this city,
uh, when the Board of Ed was looking to sell propert.
uh, when the Board of Ed was looking to sell properties.
I had 2 locations in my ward. Um
We were lucky enough to work with.
We were lucky enough to work with neighbors.
Um and 2 locations were Board of Ed property are now
Chicago.
Chicago Park District properties 1 of them just a few
weeks.
weeks ago became the Prairie Park, uh, the latest Park, um
in the city of Chicago. It's located in the Morgan Park
Community 116th in Oakley. Um,
working with neighbors for me to uh advisory
Working with neighbors for me to uh advisory, uh Park
advisory Council and have been working with the park.
district. Uh, Heather Gleason will be the project manager.
Um, but just wanted to say I'm very excited that
It took several years, but were there.
it took several years, but were there and uh, this is going
to become a space that uh can be utilized by more children.
families seniors. Um, so
thank you for that. Um, I wanted to talk about um, my
colleague Alderman waguespack brought up, um of the
things the pandemic brought us was we saw a very serious
issue.
issue of
Fool's our
Fool's across our city
not being able to open because we had a significant
shortage of lifeguards my understanding this year, uh, the
spring of 202.
spring of 2024. We're doing considerably better, uh, almost
double the amount of applicants.
um
And you know, I I I saw it in my own Community I had pools.
And you know, I I I saw it in my own Community. I had pools
that could not open um because we had a shortage of
lifeguards which is his frustrating. I know that that's
something we see in all walks of life.
something we see in all walks of life getting people to get
back to work. Um, but as you stated, um, we have so many
wonderful assets. Um,
across our city in our
Across our city in our Parks. Um
Moving forward I I really think we need to look at.
Poss
possibly raising pay
for lifeguards to attract I mean
lifeguards protect our children they teach our children how
to swim. Um,
in the in the
coming months and years. I think we really need to explore.
Um
the pay scale for lifeguard
The pay scale for lifeguards to make it a more attractive
position.
position, um to get people to to staff these pools so that
we can have them open. Um, look forward to working with you
and Rob, uh, appreciate your willingness to serve.
and Rob, uh, appreciate your willingness to serve in this
capacity. Thanks chairman. Thank you, Aaron.
capacity. Thanks chairman. Thank you. Aaron. Allerman
Wagers back.
dear friend of yours
Yeah constituent uh constit.
yeah, constituent, uh constituent but um, I just want to
say, uh, I'm glad to see that you're being appointed here.
Um, you've brought I think great collaboration.
Um, you've brought I think great collaboration on a major
concerns across the city at United.
concerns across the city at United Way, and I think he'll
bring that same expert.
bring that same expertise and concern and and uh passion,
this job. So, um, I appreciate you taking this on and um,
There's other questions, but would love to make the motion
chairman. Thank you.
Thank you Aaron. Uh so a
Thank you, Aaron. Uh so a motion.
Oh, I'm sorry. We missed you. Sorry apologize. Thank you,
Mr. Chairman. I know I'm not a member of your committee,
but I thanks for joining. I heard that.
but I thanks for joining us heard that there was a 4
Commission.
Commission of the park district being considered so I just
came in.
came in here. I'd like to get through the chair and
understanding of uh, the where these uh commissioners.
reside. I want to know if there are any uh Commissioners
from the west side of the city.
from the west side of the city who's from the south side of
the city. You just want the rewards
the city. You just want the Rewards or I I don't need the
actual.
actual Awards, but just the whether or not they're
northsiders westsiders I want to make
northsiders westsiders. I want to make sure there's a
representation from all parts of the city on the Park
District board.
And I guess my other concern would be.
And I guess my other concern would be um as commiss.
that you all take into consideration.
that you all take into consideration how Grant Park is UT.
utilized during the summer. Um and the scheduling
utilized during the summer, um and the scheduling of that
uh, because this seems to be an increase or an uptick in
the number of activities. I understand that it is a jewel
of the city and people use it to for a lot of different
things but the festivals um, la la la
things but the festivals um, la la palooza, uh, NASCAR they
do have an impact.
do have an impact on the adjacent communities. Um, I serve
uh, the people also that live in the South Loop and 1 of the
things I hear from my constituents a great deal is about
how um, Grant Park is over.
scheduled
I would ask that the board look at that. Thank you.
Thank you Oliver.
Thank you. All everyone. Okay all the Miller. Thanks for
showing up for joining.
showing up for joining us on the meeting. Appreciate you
okay with that? No other questions. All right motion by.
Alderman shade or recommended approval of this item by The
Firm to vote.
Firm to vote of all members present for roll call determine
the Quorum please say I I
the Quorum please say i i n i in the opinion of the chair
to
I have it. So hearing no objection so ordered the
recommendation of this ordinance will be reported out the
next city council.
next city council meeting on April 17th. Thanks for
stepping up buddy. Appreciate you.
All right.
The fifth item on the agenda is appointment.
The fifth item on the agenda is appointment 82024 D 0000.
8366 appointment of Philip Jackson is commissioner of the
Chicago Park District.
Chicago Park District, Mr. Jackson is here today to
introduce himself. Tell us a little bit.
introduce himself. Tell us a little bit about him and
answer any questions we have for him, Mr.
answer any questions we have for him Mr. Jackson. Thanks
for what's going on everybody. My name is Pastor.
for what's going on everybody. My name is Pastor Phil
Jackson I um have
Jackson. I um have uh served Youth and Young adults for 36
years full-time.
years full-time capacity. Um, that's where my life will be.
and I move to North London in 9.
and I move to North London in 93 to serve as a youth pastor
of law Community Church where we started
Church called the house and in that we birthed. Um, um, we
bought a Chicago.
bought a Chicago Fire Station converted into an art center
where our work is our mission.
where our work is our mission is to interrupt the cycle of
violence among the lives of Youth and Young adults.
violence among the lives of Youth and Young adults in North
Lawndale through the power of arts and faith. And so we do
a lot of things in hip-hop. We do a lot of things in the
Arts, uh, my wife and I married 39 beautiful years.
Arts. Uh, my wife and I married 39 beautiful years raised
our kids in North Lawndale and have been spending a lot of
time in the Parks as you may know. There's not a lot of
money.
money as youth worker or youth leader in churches and other
places.
places and so the parks were the best place for us to go
our kids.
our kids learn to swim in the park, especially Douglas Park
we hoop
Park. We hooped, uh, we did a lot of Outreach and shared
parking especially some spots that have been noted in North
Thorndale for uh viol.
Thorndale for uh violence where we create with our work at
the firehouse.
the firehouse several different Avenues to detour some of
that not to shun.
that not to shun people away, but to recruit cats on the
Block to see another life as possible and so to us the
parks are the life and breadth of our city. There's so many
beautiful.
beautiful spaces. Uh, my desire is an honor to be in
position is to create a space of equity where there is. Um,
so many things that are going on.
so many things that are going on in those parks that uh, it
would compete against our nonprofit.
would compete against our nonprofit work with our art in
the firehouse that we would be like recruiting kids, but we
can't because the parks got stuff then that that's going
on, you know. Um, we are
on, you know, um, we are um, uh involved in the Park
District with our work in the Arts. We uh, put murals on
buildings.
buildings that have been boarded up in North Londale and
then
so doing at Douglas Park while we were there.
this bark with this golf course and um Lincoln.
this bark with this golf course and um Lincoln Park Zoo
came through because they were someone taking pictures of
birds.
birds in Douglas Park and found that the most exotic birds.
over 200 different bird species fly through Douglas.
during the their travel to the South, um, because of the
food and the aquatics that are there and we merge with our
context together to redo the miniature golf course, they
had Douglas Park took us about 4 years, uh commissioner
deer
dear Sons were involved and we the park district or the
city got the money and we remodeled that entire park, uh
entire golf course and each 18 each hole has a different
bird that's affiliated with that Park and so it was a
beautiful merger and and that work and we constantly do
work together with our young people in the Parks, uh
together, so,
together. So it's a great marriage of the work I sought to
do for the last 36 years with young people, um in this role
in this in this capacity, so I'm grateful and honored
All right. Thank you. Uh, so I know you said you
All right, thank you. Uh, so I know you said you live North
Lawndale. What what is the area in the 24th Ward? Yes with
a a otter woman Scott. Okay. All right. Thank you, uh
questions. We have Alderman Rodriguez has some comments or
questions.
questions you
That's a little bit of a misn.
That's a little bit of a misnomer. I I claim you too Phil,
uh in the 2.
uh in the 22nd award, uh, we are 1 Lawndale. Yeah 1 law.
Lawndale. You have been the absolute leader in that I have
to say that some of my most important professional moments.
of my life have been working with you. Um, you know, when
we took young people both black and brown. Yeah, and we
sent them to the uh Gulf of Mexico to study the Afric.
presence African president in Mexico. Yes, uh, that was a
seminal kind of relationship that we established their
seminal kind of relationship that we established there the
the food exchanges we've had
the food exchanges. We've had uh between black and brown
folks.
The fact that in the urban unrest several years ago.
The fact that in the urban unrest several years ago we came
together.
And where there was?
and where there was indiscriminate violence between our
communities and we stood on 26th Street together. We stood
on row.
on Roosevelt together. I remember taking a knee with you
with that old.
with that old gas station that got yes, uh run down.
with that old gas station that got yes, uh run down, uh in
honor of our brothers and sisters that have lost their
lives way too soon, uh, particularly as it relates to
urban unrest that happened some years ago. Yeah. Um, I
think your work and you know that of Rob before us, I think
it needs to be studied. I need I think people need to look
look real hard at how we're bringing black and brown folks
together how we're doing it.
together how we're doing it as brothers. We're doing it
through relationship. I'm very very proud that the mayor
has deemed you fit.
has deemed you fit to sit in this position, and I'm so very
happy to support.
happy to support you and I urge my colleagues to do so as
well.
well, uh the house
is a blessing, uh, it's right across street from the 22nd
Awards Steps From the 22nd award so
Awards Steps From the 22nd award. So I claim you as well.
So uh 2 West Sid.
So, uh 2 West Siders pet Dow today. That's right. That's
right all day according to that map. It's 2 West ciders
today. Thank you all.
today. Thank you.
chair
Chair, um, I just wanted to ask you about that Firehouse
that you renovated. Where's that? Where's that at? Actually
2111, South Hamlin.
2111 South Hamlin, uh right there in North London between
Ogden and Cermak.
Ogden and Sir Mack. Yes. I went past there. I'm a former,
Chicago.
Chicago firefighter. I know that that Firehouse very well
and uh, I appreciate all the work that went into that. Um,
many many, uh,
many many, uh firemen that I worked with on the West Side
know that it very well is very well also, um, so I just
want to thank you for your commitment to our city and the
work that you have been doing. Um, and I know to uh to
Chairman Dow's point,
Chairman dowels Point earlier, you know asking if if we
have a uh, diverse, um group of individual
have a uh diverse, um group of individuals, it's good to
hear that you are from North Lawndale. Um, are you a
lifelong resident of of North bondale know?
lifelong resident of of North bondale? No. No. I moved here
in 93 from Kansas City, Missouri.
in 93 from Kansas City, Missouri where I did Youth mission
and gang intervention there, okay.
your service again. So, uh, thank you for all.
do on the west side there.
Much appreciated. So thank you. Thank you Alan Garner.
once the fireman always a fireman we're like Marines, okay.
once the fireman always a fireman we're like Marines. Okay.
There's still a fireman at Heart Right.
All right, Alderman Mosley.
Mr. Chair, uh
Pastor Jackson, I mean, I remember when I was president.
the youth ministry at St. Abina and when we came over to
this spot youth were on fire. I'm so excited.
this spot youth were on fire. I'm so excited to see this
merger of of what I really push in the 21st war of
nonprofits.
nonprofits working with park districts using the
institutions.
institutions that we have and I know with uh your
leadership, uh programming is is I have great expectations
around programming. So thank you for bringing.
around programming. So thank you for bringing your time and
talent to the park district and serving in another way as
you sold so so so it serves
you sold so so, so it serves so much to the city. Thank
you. Thank you, man.
you. Thank you man, Mar.
Martin
M and David Moore. Okay. Um, thank you so much chair.
Um, first of all, um, Pastor Jackson, uh, thank you for
your work, um that you do in this city it
your work, um that you do in this city. It makes it makes a
difference. Um, just as a side note, uh, if something like
everybody,
everybody know named Phil Jackson's a seasoned life. Um,
and so we miss our own field Jackson Who
and so we miss our own field Jackson who had the Black Star
project but also, um,
project but also, um the formal culture of the bull
so that must be a special name, um to have because you are
succeeding and and what you are doing, um, what?
succeeding and and what you are doing, um, what uh such as
my I guess pull.
my I guess pull up my heartstrings here is the fact that
you are a Arts person and the fact that uh, you are going
to the park district. So I want there's 3 things. I want
you to get from what I'm about to say. Um,
1 making sure that
we you know as a board.
we you know as a board member those um
We you know as a board member those um teachers or those
Park, um employ.
Park, um employees who are uh participating in the Arts,
since you are the Arts person who are doing theater.
since you are the Arts person who are doing theater who's
doing, you know, any art things make sure you personally
know them it matters.
know them it matters and because everybody don't look at
that and then utilizing, um your Tal
that and then utilizing, um, your talents and your um re
your Arielle
your relationships to make sure that connection is made.
um
from the nonprofits to the park, uh to the to the park
district and especially as it relates to arts and giving
our children the ability to um come together because
What happens?
What happens is even in some communities? I just give
an example like Inglewood or a um a a a a a.
an example like Inglewood or a um a a a a a lawn all 3 are
in.
in close proximity, but truly never touch 1 another.
in close proximity, but truly never touch 1 another but if
somehow we can work with those different.
somehow we can work with those different not for profits in
those areas to bring those.
those areas to bring those kids together and to do
different things at their various Parks some the
performance.
performance or whatever. I I think it's going to help.
Bridge gaps is going to help build community. So I really
want you.
want you to take um note of that and so it it it's it's
knowing those supervisors to bridging those um
relationship.
relationships and then 3
OG
Ogden park
go look at it.
You would not want.
You would not want your kids to be going to anything that
look like a prison.
look like a prison when everything and other areas look
state.
state of the art. And so I'm going to need your help on.
that and those 3 things. That's all I'm asking.
that and those 3 things. That's all I'm asking you, okay?
Thank you so much. Thank you, Alan. Vice mayor Bernett.
uh, first of all and
Uh, first of all and I know I missed a couple of the guys
who were appointed. I think these are a lot of great
appointments. I commend the mayor on these appointments. I
commend the mayor on on on getting people who are from the
Community First.
community first of all, um,
You know Phil.
You know Phil Jackson, uh, Pastor Phil Jackson is a bishop
yet. You're not.
yet. You're not a bishop yet Bishop Bishop. So so Pastor
Pastor Phil Jackson is an innovator. He's a Creator and
he's a motivator, right?
he's a motivator right? So that's what the park district
needs. But also he deals with older people, but he also
deals with younger people.
deals with younger people so he can see it from the lens of
the folks from the neighborhood Who
the folks from the neighborhood who can't afford to go
anywhere else but to the park,
anywhere else but to the part, uh, so I think he would be
great for the park district.
the park district, especially, you know, and some of us
have these challenges. I'm I'm uh,
I'm blessed to have an emerging.
I'm blessed to have an emerging ward in the diverse Ward,
but sometimes it gets challenging with the park districts
because when they see the money folks coming around they
start kicking the poor people to the curb and trying to get
some money.
some money, uh from people to use the FAQ.
some money, uh from people to use the facilities and and we
want to make sure that our young people people who can't
afford the parks.
Can you utilize the parks instead of the parks being?
Can you utilize the parks instead of the parks being like a
valleys or or 1 of?
BS or or 1 of those kind of organization? This is a public
park. It's not.
park. It's not it's not a uh a for
park. It's not it's not a uh for a profit park right? And
so I know.
so I know Pastor Phil will feel that and and have the uh,
the the holistic.
the the holistic insight to do. What's right, so I commend
the mayor on this appointment. I don't need to ask you any
questions because I know I know what your spirit is and I
know how God leads you.
know how God leads you so I I just want to congratulate the
mayor on this appointment. Congratulations to you. Thank
you for giving us your public.
you for giving us your public service. Thank you. Vice
mayor, uh, man IR
mayor, uh, man Irvin, I see you're here. We're here to say
something or just joining us because we're running like
really late. Okay real quick. I just asked the question
just very quickly. I do want to speak on um, uh, Pastor
Phil. I've known him.
Phil. I've known him for 20 almost 30 years.
Phil. I've known him for 20 almost 30 years from our days
working, uh with IBC. I mean, that's way way back way to
the 90.
Uh with that and I know its commitment to young people
commit.
commitment to the communities resident of the 28th War.
and there's been a resident of the West Side, uh for as
long as I can remember and understands the challenges that
we face not only uh in Parks such as Octon.
more talked about but in Garfield and in general,
trying to raise the level of uh of service and awareness on
the west side and across our city, uh, and so I I
appreciate the mayor and this appointment and uh wanted to
and I'm happy that we do have
on the
General parks in our community, uh with Columbus.
General parks in our community, uh with Columbus, uh,
Garfield and Douglas being some of the most anchor Park
Garfield and Douglas being some of the most anchor parks in
our city, uh in the central region and again, look forward
to the work that he's going to do because we know his
quality we know what he stands for and we know that he
understands and knows our community. Thank you, Mr.
Chairman.
Thank you almond any.
Thank you almond anybody else have a question or a comment?
Okay.
Okay with that. Thank you, Pastor Phil.
I I he's been of course, I'm sure.
I I he's been of course. I'm sure he's heard this joke many
times. I told him how many times have you been called
coach?
coach, he said quite often, so I wasn't as creative as I
thought I was.
thought I was so with that emotion by Alderman Mosley to
recommend the app.
recommend the approval of this item by the affirmative vote
of all mem.
of all members present at a roll call to determine the
Quorum. Please say I
Quorum please say I I I Nays and hearing no objections.
Sorry any opinion of the chair? Uh, I have it hearing no
objection. So ordered the do pass recommendation. This
appointment will be reported out the next city.
will be reported out the next city council meeting on April
17th. Thanks Pastor appreciate.
17th. Thanks Pastor. Appreciate you stepping up.
All right.
the next appointment
The next appointment but sixth item on the agenda is an
appointment.
appointment a 2024 - 0008367 the appointment of Koya has as
commissioner for
as commissioner for Chicago Park District.
Miss Pez is under the weather today. So she's zooming in
with us so joining us by way of Zoom. So, uh Miss Pez
please introduce yourself and uh, I'm guessing we're gonna
have some questions for you. So, uh, um, are you
have some questions for you. So, uh, um. Are you here? Are
you there? Miss Pez? I'm here. Can you hear me? Sorry.
Sorry to keep you waiting. But uh, um.
Sorry to keep you waiting. But uh, um, let us know a little
something about yourself. Sure.
something about yourself sure and thank you for letting me
zoom in. I was in the hospital earlier.
zoom in. I was in the hospital earlier this week and I
didn't want to miss this. Um, my name is KOA pass
Brownrigg. I'm the Strategic.
Brownrigg. I'm the Strategic director of the historic free
Street Theater, which has been creating.
Street Theater, which has been creating Community engaged
arts and performance across Chicago since 1969 as part of
our mission to create economically and geographical access.
accessible Arts in Chicago. We have done cultural.
programming in the parks for almost 55 years. Um Alderman
Moore you might like to know we performed in Ogden park
last summer and we'll be there again.
last summer and we'll be there again in septembar. Um, I'm
also an associate professor.
also an associate professor in the theater school at deepal
University where I study and advocate for Community access
to the Arts.
to the Arts in Chicago more importantly. I am a mother and
proud.
proud resident of humble.
Where I live 1 block from the park itself, I love our parks
and it is such an honor to be offered the opportun.
and it is such an honor to be offered the opportunity to
serve pending your consideration. We all recognize our
Parks is necessary public.
Parks is necessary public spaces for Community gathering
for children to play and exper.
for children to play and experience the outdoors for
sports, but our parks are also the largest producer in home
to cultural events in Chicago and in many communities
particularly on the South and West sides the parks are the
only formal place where residents can take an art class see
a play or learn.
a play or learn something like woodworking without
traveling outside of their immediate communities. We know
that these experiences can be transformative not just for
our youth but for whole communities Chicago has a true
treasure.
treasure in the Parks and I look forward to being a small
part of this.
small part of this vital public institution. Thank you.
Thank you Miss patz. Thanks for stepping up. Um.
Thank you Miss patz. Thanks for stepping up. Um, all right.
You went over to?
Brown hair. Is anybody have any questions call them in the
pallet Tal?
Thank you chairman. Um, I have a general General.
more of a statement, uh, actually to All 4 of the
Commissioners I was
Commissioners. I was going to wait till the end. So it's
directed to all of them through you of course.
directed to all of them through you of course, uh chairman.
Um, but my statement is more of I guess the ideal concept
behind your position is to look look to the best way to
utilize our Park.
utilize our parks and get the children in their um, get the
resources the parks that don't have them um to make Park
that are more of on a dilapidated side a little bit more.
beautiful and it's just the overall utilization of these
parks.
Parks my statement is this
in your quest or in in the process of doing
In your quest or in in the process of doing this voluntary
position that I'm so glad you're taking on. Um, I hope that
we look towards the parks that are overly UT.
we look towards the parks that are overly utilized as well.
Um, and it happens on a Northwest side. I'll Champion with
you any day at park anywhere in this city, as long as we're
getting kids in there and make the ones that are in bad
condition better. But also the ones that are over,
condition better. But also the ones that are over we
utilize like on the northwest side just
You know help put a little bit.
more into it help bring a little bit more to it because
on on Northwest side between oral Park Norwood Park olymp.
Park and Brooks Park they are
Beautifully overly utilized and just need just a little bit
more.
more help and a little bit more love. Um more program.
more help and a little bit more love, um, more programming
more more resources, um and a little bit more attention and
care to them. Um, I know that's hard to ask because it has
to be spread out throughout the entire.
to be spread out throughout the entire city, but I please
beg you to look on the northwest side as well. Um, we
always come hat in hand and we usually don't complain too
much.
much, um, because it's too loud with the kids screaming all
the time.
the time in the Parks. But uh, I I just think we need a
little bit more love on the northwest side. Um, and that's
that's all I got. Thank you very much cheering. Thank you
Alan, Allan.
Thanks again chair.
Thanks again chairman, and I'm sure you was on the line when
I spoke before.
I spoke before correct. And so um all the things I talked
about. Um, you know, I know you all have volunteering you
might have to split these up but for you, um, if you can
definitely ask all you all to remember everything I say but
for you specifically
but for you specifically, uh, if you can look into the uh,
making sure that we have policies not only the Pollock
making sure that we have policies not only the policies but
the implementations for any brilliant and hazing um by
supervisors and stuff like that make sure that's at the top
of your list as well.
of your list as well as as you mentioned. You've been to
Ogden park you've seen the Fieldhouse, you know, they need
a new Fieldhouse and
a new Fieldhouse. And so I need your voice advocating for
that and doing whatever Poss.
that and doing whatever possible making sure we're pushing
and not leaving any grant money on the table for
development or anything like that. So I I I'm going to
support these appointments.
support these appointments and uh, I'm going to be
following up and I got my notes and I need people as I
support.
support, um them that they're supporting
my constituency
My constituency, thank you so much.
Thank you. Allerman. Uh Miss pads. I just have 1 question
for everybody you.
for everybody. You said Humble Park. Are you in the 26th
word by chance?
Yes, I am. Okay. All right. So we uh our 4 people here just
rough.
roughly everybody knows 22nd Ward 30.
roughly everybody knows 22nd Ward 302 W 24th Ward and 26th
Ward ugh the nominees, so, all right. So most of my all
them in the pallet.
them in the palatin, I would recommend approval of this
item by affirmative vote of all mem.
item by affirmative vote of all members present for roll
call the term the Quorum, please say I
term the Quorum, please say I I the opinion of the chair
n opinion shared eyes have it hearing no objection.
n opinion shared eyes have it hearing no objection so
ordered the do pass recommendation of this appointment.
ordered the do pass recommendation of this appointment will
be reported out the next city council meeting on April 7th.
2024. Uh, this is our final item I believe.
2024. Uh, this is our final item. I believe now the last
and final item, which is 7
and final item which is 7th on the agenda, uh in ordinance.
02 I'm sorry.
02 I'm sorry 0202400.
02 I'm sorry 020240 08346 expenditure of open space impact
fee funds for Environ.
fee funds for environmental cleanup cost at 24.
fee funds for environmental cleanup cost at 2420 North
Sacramento here with us today is
Sacramento here with us. Today is our old pal Meg from the
Department of planning. Uh, I saw Keith here with you. I
don't know if he's presenting at all. Um, thanks for being
here this
here. This is a uh a nice little small development in the
35th Ward and she's here to let us know what's going on.
over here.
Thank you here.
Thank you chairman. Um for the record, my name is Meg
gustos Department.
gustos Department of Planning and Development. Um the
ordinance I have before you today is to expend.
ordinance I have before you today is to expend 24,000 up to
24,000 in open space impact fees, um for Environmental
cleanup costs associated with 24/20.
cleanup costs associated with 2420 North Sacramento next
slide, please
This is an alderman. Um
this is an alderman. Um, uh roses Ward and we have his full
support. Um, this is a vacant city-owned lot at the uh,
corner of Sacramento and Milwaukee.
um
it
It is.
It well our long-term plan.
It well, our long-term plan is to use it as a plaza. But
first we have to get an environment.
first we have to get an environmentally cleaned. So this
um,
next slide, please.
Uh, here's some site photos.
Uh, here's some site photos if anyone um is familiar with
it. It's just south of the target the former mega mall on
Milwaukee.
Milwaukee, uh next slide.
Um, here is the environmental assessment report. Uh, These
funds will be used by 2 FM to do the cleanup.
the estimate came in around
The estimate came in around 1600 we want to expend up to
24.
2400 for contingency. Uh, and then the remaining funds that
are not used we'll go back into the Logan Square.
are not used we'll go back into the Logan Square open space
impact fee fund.
next slide
Next slide please.
Um once it's clean we're hoping
Um, once it's clean, we're hoping to engage the community
to do some kind of PL.
to do some kind of Plaza, but that is this is just a
concept.
concept plan for something that could happen in the future.
and that concludes
And that concludes my presentation can take any questions.
Thanks.
Anybody have any questions for Meg here?
Anybody have any questions for Meg here follow him in wages
back?
Uh, no.
Uh, no questions chairman. I'm just in full support of
this, uh item and for the cleanup cost this, uh, this used
to be in the first word, then it went to the 32.
to be in the first word, then it went to the 32nd. Um when
I got it back in the uh, switch over 1 of the things we
were looking at was the illegal use by um an auto me.
were looking at was the illegal use by um, an auto mechanic
shop dumping cars and oils and all sorts of things.
shop dumping cars and oils and all sorts of things in
there. Um, so I'm glad to see you know that
He really had to spend and I think some other agencies as
well.
streets and sand worked with us very closely over many.
years to extract that company.
years to extract that company, um from the illegal use on
the site and um, I think this cleanup will go a long way
toward.
toward some plans as as Meg said, you know,
toward some plans as as Meg said, you know that picture up
there I think is a a good example of what that property
could like, uh look like,
could like, uh look like and uh taking a city property and
turning it into that. Uh, nice open space is something
everybody in the community.
everybody in the community wanted so I appreciate you guys
moving forward.
moving forward with this and I know it took over a decade
but um, there were a lot of legal hurdles.
but um, there were a lot of legal hurdles to get over um to
get this done so,
get this done so I fully support this item in the 35th. All
right. Well, thanks so with that.
We'll let you make a motion motion by herself.
Follow the Magus back to recommend any approval of this
item.
item by the affirmative vote of all members present for the
role.
Roll Call to determine Quorum all in favor. Please say I
I Nee no Nays and the opinion of Charity eyes.
I Nee no Nays and the opinion of Charity eyes have it
hearing no objection. So ordered the do pass recommend.
of this ordinance will be reported out the next city
council meeting.
council meeting and April 17th 2022.
council meeting and April 17th. 2024, and I think that's
about it. So finally being no further business before the
committee. Do I hear a motion to adjourn?
Okay motion by Alderman Hopkins there so moves.
okay motion by Alderman Hopkins there so moves the Jour
hearing no objection so ordered committee on
hearing no objection. So ordered committee on special
events cultural Affairs Recreation also known as a happy
committee.
committee is now adjourned. Thank you everybody.