@CHIdocumenters I'm watching remotely. Meeting video and agenda can be found here: chicagoparkdistrict.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

You can find past meetings at the district youtube page.
@chicagoparkdistrict/streams' target='_blank'>youtube.com/@chicagoparkdi…

The meeting starts with Steve Lux, Chief Financial Officer. This public hearing is required because they want to raise the tax levy. He briefly describes how much the increase would be and ends his comments.

There's one public comment in favor of the increase. The commissioners adjourn their informational hearing and then start the formal board meeting. Board President Myetie Hamilton is not present.

The manager of the aquatics division recognizes the work of Chicago Park District lifeguards. He describes several instances of lifeguards saving lives this year. Three lifeguards stand to applause.

Public comments start. Someone talks about a pattern of abuse and missing or stolen money in the district. As a retiree of the Chicago Park District, he has faced backlash for speaking out and not gotten answers. Only a small amount of the corruption happening is exposed.

It's interesting that a department retiree made a number of very specific accusations about widespread corruption, and nobody responds at all.

Another speaker talks about a tree-planting program and wants more support from the park district.

A speaker from Preservation Chicago talks about the illegal construction of a proposed museum on park land.
blockclubchicago.org/2022/11/11/hum…

She says it took the district three months to start investigating after they were informed of illegal construction. "These are not honest mistakes...hold them accountable..."

A speaker from Friends of the Parks is also opposed to construction of the museum on park land. It was done by people who knew they needed a permit. You can support the museum and still believe that "this is not an appropriate action."

Someone who lives near the park says the structure should be demolished. It ruins the landscape and views of a park designed by famed landscape architect Jens Jensen.
chicagodetours.com/landscape-arch…

Another resident near the park wants the structure torn down. "The archives building is devoid of any architectural value."

Another neighborhood resident wants it demolished. "We see the new structure as a symbol of public corruption every time we visit the park."
Says the same tenant who constructed the building also has plans for an entertainment venue on park land.

Rachel Birkhahn-Rommelfanger, from Friends of the Parks, gave recommendations and praise for the proposed budget.

The next public commenter asks the Chicago Park District to rename Columbus Park. "Columbus was not someone to be celebrated." It continues injustice to have it named after someone with Columbus' history of genocide and oppression.

A speaker from Promontory Point Conservancy wants promontory point designated as a city landmark.
promontorypoint.org

Someone who lives next to Welles Park is opposed to a plan to construct large LED lights for night games. Suggests games be played at more parks instead of building "unnecessary LED lights idea."

protectwellespark.com

Gene Schulter, a former alderman, also speaks in opposition to the proposed lights at Welles Park.
He represents senior citizens in the community opposed due to parking and light pollution. They felt excluded by virtual zoom meetings about the proposal.

One last public speaker is against construction of a proposed track.
Board members also received written public statements that weren't read at the meeting.
That was a passionate public comment session.

Staff describe a partnership program for water sampling and testing Park District beaches done with UIC students. It's approved without debate.

A proposed contract would make fieldhouses around the district complaint with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A commissioner explains it's being done with the board of elections because many of the fieldhouses are voting locations.

Staff propose transfer of funds between different accounts. "As part of basic year-end clean up."
He uses some bureaucratic jargon that doesn't really explain why it's needed. Approved without debate.

Staff begin the proposed budget presentation by talking about Chicago Park District priorities.

The budget includes their four year pension ramp-up. https://t.co/KrPIGZoy7q

https://t.co/pIlIDXoYQ1

The budget does not include a property tax increase. https://t.co/4FOHJ8e3OJ

Full time staff equivalent is increased by seven. https://t.co/PjsFssUJX4

https://t.co/y6MDMoDUdu

The board approves the budget without debate.

A commissioner speaks about the difficulty of hiring staff this year. They're proposing changes to the hiring process and retention efforts.
Adding Juneteenth as an employee holiday. Employees in probationary period would earn sick time. Working on 8 week parental leave policy.

The success of their programs relies on a strong workforce. They need to compete for talent.

- On a personal note, I applied for a couple park district jobs I'm well qualified for and never got a response.

I'm having trouble with the live feed freezing. I don't know if it's just me or if everyone is experiencing it.

Without debate, the board approves a 45 day waiver to approve new benefits for district employees.

The board goes into closed session. I didn't hear them say for what purpose.

The meeting video ended during the break for executive session. I'll wait a while to see if it goes back online. @ChicagoParks

@ChicagoParks The video ended. There's no indication of them coming back from executive session that started nearly an hour ago. I don't know if the meeting is over or it's a technical issue. So, this concludes my live tweeting of the Chicago Park District board meeting for #CHIDocumenters