Board of Commissioners

According to a Park press release last month, “The Office of Prevention and Accountability will ensure that the Chicago Park District meets its commitment to provide an equitable, inclusive, safe and respectful recreation and work environment free from discrimination,…

…harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, workplace violence, abuse and neglect of children and adults with intellectual disabilities, and retaliation,”

Meeting came to order at 11:35. A quorum is present.

Superintendent Rosa Escareño acknowledges the Park’s essential workers efforts throughout the pandemic. “Thanks to their incredible efforts…we have been able to continue to provide high level of services.”

Interim Officer of Inspector General Allison Perona provides a report on the higher than usual caseload of reports. Perona clarifies that some individuals had many investigations to their behavior. Some individuals retired before disciplinary action could be taken. https://t.co/Uhz6XUxBrF

Perona describes “proactive” activities as well, which includes the creation of the office of prevention and accountability to “give employees more tools” so the OIG can better respond.

Perona lists the avenues for reporting to the Office of the Inspector General in this slide: https://t.co/QYNLsebf60

Interim Superintendent Rosa Escareño says, “While these investigations have peeled back the layers of problematic behavior, and in some cases criminal behavior, that should never have been allowed…”

The 2022 budget includes $617,000 to fund 5 new positions for investigations. https://t.co/34fUpUk1f7

Public comment is next.
Emily Dupree, resident of the south side, says park Jackson Park advisory council’s proposal to require a work requirement 1) disenfranchises disabled people 2) excludes people with criminal histories, 3) excludes people who are struggling with finances.

Avi strongly opposes the “xenophobia” of the current advisory council.

Susana, resident of South Shore near Jackson Park, also opposes the work requirement. She believes it’s an intentionally discriminatory rule that excludes most of the residents surrounding the park.

Louise McCurry, JPAC president (Jackson Park Advisory Council), listed several activities of the advisory council, and did not respond to the criticisms of earlier speakers.

Two speakers advocate changing the name of Kolmar Park (Kolmar is a town that no longer exists) and rededicate it to lyric poet and writer Gertrud Kolmar who was murdered during the Holocaust.

Patrick Donovan says “the Chicago Park District has failed miserably in protecting the children it employs.” He thinks there needs to be separate rules and safeguards for “juvenile” employees and that they’re susceptible to “grooming” for sexual exploitation.

Donovan continues, “What occurred at North Avenue Beach should not have happened,” and encourages the commissioners to review the footage he sent.

Residents of North Lawndale lament the multiple for-profit festivals that happen over the summer, which close off parks to local residents, and hope commissioners will rethink authorizing those events and find funding elsewhere.

Leslie Recht, president of Grant Park Advisory Council, expresses concern over five unfilled positions at Grant Park as well as concern about a contractor MBRE that is responsible for upkeep of Maggie Daley Park.

Two orders of new business, including entering into intergovernmental agreements and updating an order for upkeep for Paul Revere Park, were approved by roll call unanimously. https://t.co/FCWYTWP6YW

The next order of business regards whether to rededicate Kolmar Park to Gertrud Kolmar. It’s currently named after a former town called Kolmar on the border of France and Germany.

Gertrud Kolmar’s poetry was first published by the encouragement of her father in 1917. https://t.co/XcxmRZfBc7

Gertrud Kolmar was killed in Auschwitz in 1943.

Commissioner Valle speaks in support. “This could bring people together.”

The motion to rededicate the park passes unanimously.

The final order of business, to extend the term of the interim superintendent, passes unanimously.

Park commissioners have entered a closed session and will report on the closed session. https://t.co/BHUXVGm7GA

Commissioners have moved back to an open session and have approved release of minutes for the prior year’s meetings.

The @ChicagoParks Board of Commissioners meeting has adjourned at 1:24 p.m.

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