Agenda items can be found here: chicagoparkdistrict.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.…

The meeting commenced at 10:01.

Opening with a presentation on cultural and musical programming the parks put on over the holidays.

Sharing data from last year.

29 viewers on the live stream as of 10:07.

One of the commissioners asked if programming has any cross generational programming. Plans for even more, including swimming relays with 2 seniors and 2 youth.

Zoom classes have lowered since COVID, but they still continue virtual programming for those who can't attend parks in person.

Commissioner Coya Paz Brownrigg shared Chicago is the third largest arts economy in the country, and the parks district is the place where the most Chicagoans go to access the arts

Agenda of general business stated at 10:14. First item on the agenda is honoring retirees of the park district.

At least 9 retirees from the crowd stand as the room cheers. Speaker asks if anyone sereved over 30 years in the park district to keep standing, 8 stood standing. At 50 years, one woman remains standing. She served warren park for 51 years.

Motion carried to approve resolution honoring retirees, unanimous vote from commissioners.

A picture of all the parks department retirees present is taken with the board of commissioners. ~12 retirees are pictured. (earlier estimate based on what was visible through livestream perspective)

Approval of all consent agenda items. consent agenda is intended to have non-controversial issues that don't need a separate discussion.

Motion to adopt on all consent agendas at once carried. Items listed on consent agenda are adopted. Items include contracts for landscape mowers, appointing Robert Castaneda as commissioner to the public building commission of chicago

Two settlements for Workers’ Compensation claims were approved.

Next item on the agenda: the healthy heart campaign, as part of the health and wellness initiative.

Colleen Mamelhuermon, working in health and wellness for the parks district for 23 years, presents to the board.

Every Thursday in February, targeted parks (based on areas in Chicago with the highest racial life expectancy gap.

More info on the racial life expectancy gap in the US can be found here: healthdata.org/news-events/ne…

Public comment opens with Lisa Stringer from Restore Gompers Park Coalition.

Denise Ferguson, Lawndale, is the second public commenter, asking for documents regarding the suspension of the quiet zone law

Fourth public commenter, Susan Mullen, asked how the park district will protect park users from ICE detention

Susan asked for an update on repair for douglas park locker rooms. third question was regarding the 10% of riot fest fees was supposed to go to douglas park, how was that used?

Commissioner stated these are recurring questions, and park employees do have guidance in process regarding ICE agents

Ana Solano, Little Village, asks why does riot fest get a large discount for their permit fees? "Why is it hardly get to see those improvements. the state of the locker room is embarrassing. the pool is hardly ever open. the north lawndale and south lawndale communities are (1/2)

deserving of green space. we are deserving of being treated with dignity. there is nothing dignifying about that locker room...we boast about our 77 neighborhoods we boast about our parks...there is nothing dignifying about Douglas Park. "(2/2)

One commissioner said he believers Ana "might be a little misguided" about the discount riot fest receives.

more on the riot fest debate here: blockclubchicago.org/2024/09/20/as-…

Cecelia Butler, Washington Park Advisory Council Person. On March 29th 1PM, there will be a book signing about Washington Park and the Park District. More about the book here: haymarketbooks.org/books/2219-to-…

Janita Nicholas, president of Foster Park Advisory Council, is the next commenter. Speaking for Claudia Hurley, hourly arts and craft instructor. Janita shares pictures of the bulletin boards Claudia made. There's a concern she needs to work full time for insurance.

Janita also states the female locker rooms are concerning, the water doesn't go through the drain, the tiles need to be replaced and participants deserve a clean place to shower after water aerobics.

Philip McGrath proposes several places where chicago parks districts can collect funds to pay pensions for employees

Flora Digby, commodore of southern shore yacht club, asking for assistance with parking, wheelchair accessibility and lighting on the dock at night.

Guests cannot park on Richards Drive due to Obamacenter construction. Those working on the golf course are permitted to park on richards drive.

Pastor Doyle is the next public commenter. "What are we going to do about black male violence in Chicago?...We have to ask who pulls the trigger and why."

The final public commenter is Kenneth Newman, asking for renovations on soccer fields at Humboldt, Garfield Douglas, Jackson and other parks. Also stated the park district should lease walls and fences for advertising.

Motion to adjourn carried at 11:33. Thanks for playing everybody!