COMMUNITY UPDATES
Facilitating Your Right To Know
February 19, 2009
Ald. Preckwinkle Speaks Out on Leasing the Parking Meters
- "Over the last several years the City has sold its assets one by one… In every instance, the administration made the case that expedition was imperative…" (Page 3)
Meeting on Reforming State Government
Thursday, March 5 from 1:30 to 4 PM
Formed by executive order, "The Illinois Reform Commission... will examine government practices and ethics, and make recommendations for cleaning up state government." Members of the public are encouraged to attend Commission meetings and share their views. The next in a series of meetings will be held at the Chicago Bar Association at 321 S. Plymouth Ct., and will focus on campaign finance reform. For more information, please call 312-324-8486 or visit http://reformillinoisnow.org/meetings.php
Do You Want the Olympics Here?
House Committee to Vote on School Closings Moratorium
Thursday, February 19 at 8 AM - Capitol Building, Room 114, in Springfield
On January 30, Illinois State Representative Cyntia Soto introduced a bill into the General Assembly amending the portion of the Illinois School Code that applies to Chicago. The bill calls for a moratorium on "school closings, consolidations, and phase-outs" during the 2009-2010 school year. The bill also calls for the appointment of 5 senators and 5 representatives to a newly created "Special Joint Chicago Education Facilities Subcommittee" to "analyze past school district experience with respect to the closing or opening of schools, school repairs, school additions, school phase-outs, school consolidations, and school boundary changes..." among other things. The bill is currently scheduled for a vote by the House Elementary & Secondary Education Committee Hearing.
Text of Bill:
Bill Status:
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Common-Unity: The Power of the Community
Thursday, February 26 from 6 to 8 PM
Please join Pat Dowell, 3rd Ward Alderman & Committeeman at the First Annual "Community Fundraiser" to be held at the Chicago South Loop Hotel at 26th & State St. A special guest will be in attendance. The donation is $50 in advance, $60 at the door. For more information or to RSVP, please call 773-617-8532 or visit http://washingtonparkcc.org/2009/02/14/3rd-ward-fundraiser.aspx
The Chicago Journalism TownHall
Sunday, February 22 at 1 PM
You’re invited to an informative, freewheeling discussion about the state of journalism in Chicago. The way people consume news, and the way it’s produced and delivered, changes almost every day. The old economic models are crumbling, and new ones haven’t fully emerged. Will journalism cease to be a paid profession, replaced by bloggers, volunteers and citizen activists? Where do we go from here? Working journalists, out-of-work and underemployed journalists, citizen journalists, aspiring journalists and a stellar group of panelists and resource people will gather for a lively discussion with heavy audience participation about the future of Chicago journalism. This free townhall will be held at the Hotel Allegro, in the Walnut Room, located at 171 W. Randolph St. For more informtion or to RSVP (required), please email mail@chijournalismtownhall.com or visit http://chijournalismtownhall.com/?page_id=3
Olympics Community Benefit Ordinance
At January's City Council Meeting, Aldermen Preckwinkle, Fioretti, Hairston, Cochran, and Dowell introduced an ordinance "that would protect the interests of communities that could be affected by the 2016 Olympics." The focus is to increase public participation, development of affordable housing from the Olympic Village, adequate notice and compensation for anyone who is displaced due to the construction of Olympic sites, utilization of minority and female owned businesses, subsidy accountability, allocation of workforce development programs, eligibility for tax credits, low interest loans, and grants for businesses leasing space in the Olympic Village who pay their employees a living wage, and utilization of mass transit which will result in massive improvements to CTA trains and buses. To see the text of this ordinance, visit www.chicityclerk.com/legislation/sublegmatters/2009/jan13/04PRECK_PO2009_235.pdf ;
Cook County Signs On to Olympics Bid
At it meeting on February 4, the Cook County Board of Commissioners ratified by a 15 to 1 vote it's January 23 decision to enter in to the following agreement regarding Chicago's 2016 Olympics bid:
"The City of Chicago has requested Cook County as well as other governmental parties to enter into a Governmental Cooperation Agreement ("Agreement") for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Cook County Board of Commissioners previously authorized the execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Chicago to utilize County Properties as venues for cycling competitions as needed during the 2016 Olympic Games; however authorization of the attached Governmental Cooperation Agreement is a separate agreement entered into between the City of Chicago, and the County of Cook... to address guarantees required by the International Olympic Committee ("IOC")... The executed Agreement will be forwarded by the City of Chicago to Chicago 2016 for inclusion in materials being sent to the IOC at the end of January. Due to the necessity to expedite 0Aexecution of this Agreement, authorization for President Todd H. Stroger to execute said Agreement is being requested by Poll. In accordance with Cook County Code Section 2-108(b) Emergency polling, the vote on the poll taken on January 23, 2009 is as follows: 16 Yeas; and 1 Nay (Commissioner Peraica)."
ALD. PRECKWINKLE SPEAKS OUT - Page 3
COOK COUNTY TO AMEND LOBBYIST ORDINANCE - Page 3
OLYMPICS UPDATE - Page 4
CONDOMINIUM UPDATE - Page 5
MUNICIPAL UPDATE - Page 7
DEVELOPMENT UPDATE - Page 8
HEALTH UPDATE - Page 9
UPDATE ON THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM SITUATION - Page 9
EDUCATION UPDATE - Page 10
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT UPDATE - Page 12
TRANSPORTATION UPDATE - Page 14
ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS - Page 15
MUSIC, ARTS, & LITERATURE20UPDATE - Page 17
POLITICAL UPDATE - Page 18
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Why I Voted Against the Sale of This Public Asset
By Toni Preckwinkle, 4th Ward Alderman
In December City Council voted to sell the City's parking meters to Morgan Stanley for 75 years The 1.156 billion dollar deal carried by 40 to 5 [Alderman Hairston (5), Alderman Ocasio (26), Alderman Waguespack (32), and Alderman Colón (35), joined me in dissenting.].
We were informed on Monday, December 1 that there would be aldermanic briefings Tue sday, a Finance Committee hearing on Wednesday, and a special City Council meeting on Thursday to take up this matter.
Over the last several years the City has sold its assets one by one. The City-owned parking garages, the Skyway, Midway Airport, and now the meters have gone on the auction block. In every instance, the administration made the case that expedition was imperative.
The Skyway deal for 1.82 billion dollars was introduced to Council September 29, 2004 and voted on October 27, only 7 days after going to the Finance Committee. We were asked to approve the Skyway deal in less than a week because we were told that interest rates might rise and reduce the potential value of the deal.
Midway Airport's 2.52 billion dollar deal also had a quick turnaround. It was introduced to Council September 10, 2008, went before the Finance and Aviation Committees on October 6, and passed only two days later on October 8. The administration's argument was twofold; 1) the federal window of opportunity to sell the airport was closing, and 2) bureaucrats in the Federal Aviation Administration with whom we had worked were about to transition out of office.
In a time of deflation and falling interest rates, we were told by the City's20Chief Financial Officer that if we didn't pass the parking meter deal immediately, we were in danger of having interest rates rise and the value of the deal decline. I embarrassed both of us by saying that I didn't believe him.
Even if the specific rationale for speedy consideration of each of these asset sales was plausible, the cumulative effect is that legislative review has been virtually non-existent.
In each case, the public hearings in the Finance Committee consisted only of testimony from the executive branch proponents of these sales. There was neither the time nor the opportunity to solicit advice or opinions from outside experts. It is possible that each of these deals was good for the City, but I would suggest that it was virtually impossible to determine this on the basis of the Council's cursory examination.
Democracies function well when each branch carries its own weight in the passage of legislation. The executive branch proposes and the legislative branch disposes. Disposition involves careful review, analysis and reflection. In none of these billion dollar deals did that careful review take place. This reflects badly on both branches of government.
Cook County to Amend Lobbyist Ordinance
At it meeting on February 4, the Cook County Board of Commissioners sent a proposed amendment to the County's Lobbyist Registration Ordinance back to its Finance Committee for further consideration. According to the agenda, "This amendment to the lobbyist registration ordinance will ensure that the separate fee per exclusive lobbyist is waived for employees of nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations that lobby only with their own employees."
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OLYMPICS UPDATE
5th Ward Olympic Task Force - Thursday, February 26 at 6:30 PM
Chicago 2016 seeks Request for Qualifications for Various Event20 Services
Friday, February 27, 2009 (Deadline for Proposals)
Washington Park Olympics Coalition - Saturday, March 7 at 9 AM
Patrick Sandusky, Director of Public Relations of Chicago 2016
Thursday, March 12 at 11 AM
The Streeterville Chamber of Commer ce will have its Annual Meeting to say "Thank you to our members." The featured speaker is Patrick Sandusky, Director of Public Relations of Chicago 2016. The meeting will be held at Loyola University, in the Kasbeer Hall (15th Floor), at 25 E. Pearson St. Tickets are $40 for members, $50 for non-members. For more information or to RSVP, call 312-664-2560.
Multi-Chamber Luncheon Chicago 2016
Thursday, March 12 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Keynote speaker Pat Ryan is the chairman and CEO of Chicago 2016, the organization bidding for the privilege of hosting the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Chicago. Mr. Ryan will discuss the economic impact that the 2016 Olympic Games may hold for west suburban businesses. The Luncheon will be held at the Abbington Distinctive Banquets, located at 3S002 IL Route 53 in Glen Ellyn. The cost is $35 for Wheaton Chamber of Commerce members, $50 for non-chamber members. Seating is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis. For more information or to RSVP, please call 630-668-6464 or visit www.wheatonchamber.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/wheatonflyer.pdf
Community Presentation by the Chicago 2016 Committee
Tuesday, March 24 at 6 PM
Gyata Kimmons, Director of Community Relations for the Chicago 2016 Committee, will give a presentation on the City's Olympic Bid at the next RNRA Community Meeting. Please mark your calendars and stay tuned, location to be confirmed soon.
Presentation at Sports Accord (Denver): March 22 to 27
IOC Evaluation Commission Visits Chicago: April 2 to 8
Presentation to IOC Executive Committee: June 17 to 19
IOC VOTES TO AWARD 2016 OLYMPICS: October 2
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CONDOMINIUM UPDATE
IS NOW THE TIME TO BUY?
Saturday, February 21 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Co-sponsored with Chase Bank, this seminar covers current market conditions, problems with buying in today's market, foreclosures and short sales, financing issues, and currently available financing programs. Contact Pam Dempsey at pam@bronzevilleproperties.com or 773-548-3300 to reserve your spot at this popular free seminar, which will be held at Chase Bank Branch at 35th St. and King Dr. For more information, please visit www.bronzevilleproperties.com
Financial Checkup: Insurance, Bookkeeping and Accounting
Saturday, February 21 from 1 to 4 PM
During the first part of the workshop, the presenter will discuss insurance terms coverage, select appropriate insurance, and how to handle unit owners claims. In the second part of the seminar, the presenter will walk through the process of preparing to close out association books and prepare for year-end financial reporting. This training will be held at the Rogers Park Chicago Public Library at 6907 N. Clark St. Space is limited. For more information or to RSVP, please call 773-381-5253 or visit www.lakesidecdc.org/joomla/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&Itemid=54
CONDO ISSUES
Tuesday, February 24 at 6 PM
In Bronzeville we've had plenty of condo problems inlcuding poor quality workmanship, turnover issues, foreclosures, fraud, inactive associations, uninformed buyers, inadequate property management, etc. Illinois Senator Mattie Hunter is a member of the Illinois Condominium Advisory Council, a state body that is working on changing the condo laws to better protect condo buyers. Come hear the Senator's perspective and plans. Hosted by the Bronzeville Area Residents & Commerce Council (BARCC), the meeting will be held at the Chicago Urban League at 4510 S. Michigan Ave. For more information, please call 312-560-8498 or email info@bronzevilleproperties.com
Condominium Association And Board Training Basics
Saturday, February 28 from 1 to 4 PM
The presenter will review the basic rights and responsibilities of condominium owners and association, and discuss how to prepare for self-management. This training will be held at the Oriole Park Chicago Public Library20at 7454 W. Balmoral Ave. Space is limited. For more information or to RSVP, please call 773-381-5253 or visit www.lakesidecdc.org/joomla/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&Itemid=54
Rental Property Management Training
Monday, March 2 to Thursday, March 5 from 6 to 9 PM (each day)
This training teaches landlords to market, manage and maintain rental property, and will be led by experienced property managers, attorneys, fair housing experts and real estate tax specialists. Topics include marketing, fair housing, the landlord/tenant ordinance, eviction court, nuisance abatement, real estate tax issues, maintenance and budgeting. This training will be held at the Lawn Terrace Apts. at 3214 W. 63rd Place. Sponsored by the Community Investment Corporation, Chicago Department of Housing, B of A, Charter One Bank, Citibank, Cole Taylor Bank, Fannie Mae, JP Morgan Chase, MidAmerica FSB, The Northern Trust, Park National Bank. The cost is $45 in advance, $50 at the door. For more information or to=2 0register (mandatory), visit www.cicchicago.com/htdocs/training/pmschedule.html
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ACTHA's South Suburban Expo
Saturday, March 7 from 8 AM to 1 PM
The Association of Condominium, Townhouse, and Homeowners Associations (ACTHA's) Southwest Expo will feature education, a trade show, "Coffee with the Mayors" and the chance to obtain a free and installed tree from the Acres Group. The Expo will be held at the Palos Country Club, located at 13,100 Southwest HWY. in Orland Park. For more information, plea se call 312-987-1906 or visit www.actha.org/pages/south_suburban_expo__march_7__2009/33.php
Policy & Procedures (for Board & Homeowners)
Thursday, March 12, from 5:30 to 9 PM
An interactive session regarding day to day issues facing association board members and homeowners. This session will be held at the Holiday Inn at 1801 N. Naper Blvd, in Naperville. The cost is $30 for members, $50 for non-members. For more information or to register, please visit www.cai-illinois.org/HOA/assn264/documents/20090216074022672.pdf
Learn and Lead - Governance of an Association
Thursday, March 12 from=2 06:30 to 9:30 PM
This training will be held at the Des Plaines City Hall at 1420 Miner St. in Des Plaines. The series will be conducted for six consecutive weeks. For the course to be held, we will need a minimum of 15 people pre-registered. The cost is free for members and Des Plaines residents, unless seeking certification status in which case applicable rates apply, and $20 for non-members. The other sessions include:
March 19, 2009: "Administration of an Association"
March 26, 2009: "Meetings/Elections of an Association"
April 2, 2009: "Financial Aspects of an Association"
April 9, 2009: "Risk Management/Insurance of an Association"
April 16, 2009: "Physical Aspects of an Association"
Self-Management vs. Management Companies
Wednesday, March 18 from 6 to 7:45 PM
Conflict Resolution -20Saturday, March 21 from 1 to 4 PM
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THE BASICS: CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION AND BOARD TRAINING
Saturday, March 28 from 10 AM to 12 PM
Homeowners Forum - Tuesday, March 31 from 7 to 9 PM
LINK TO THE CHICAGO CONDOMINIUM ORDINANCE
MUNICIPAL UPDATE
Cook County to Vote on Annual Appropriation Bill for Fiscal Year 2009
Friday, February 20 at 2 PM
Next Regular City Council Meeting
Wednesday, March 18 at 10 AM
Come see all 50 of Chicago's Aldermen as they debate and vote upon the great issues facing the City. The Chicago City Council meets in the Council Chambers, on the 2nd Floor of City Hall, located at 121 North LaSalle Street. For more information on the Committee meetings of the Chicago City Council, please visit www.chicityclerk.com/citycouncil/calendar.html
Watch Live Video Stream of City Council Meetings
Schedule of City Council Committee Meetings
Contact Your Alderman
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DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Retail and Restaurant Coming to Roosevelt & Michigan
Thursday, February 19 at 1 PM
The Chicago Plan Commission will hold its monthly meeting at City Hall, in Council Chambers (2nd Floor), at 121 N. LaSalle St. On the agenda, DV Roosevelt & Michigan, LLC proposes to construct an approximately 5,000 square foot addition to the existing building consisting of retail, restaurant or other commercial space at the property generally located at 1206-1230 South Michigan Avenue and 63-79 East Roosevelt Road. For more information, please visit (Item #D1) http://egov.cityofchicago.org/webportal/COCWebPortal/COC_ATTACH/Feb_09_Plan_Agenda.pdf
Erie Park Playground Chicago Park District Presentation
M
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