Appointments and reappointments to Special Service Areas (SSA).
Meeting was called to order at 1:00pm and a quorum was established. The meeting was run by Chairman Gilbert Villegas (36th Ward).
02:23 PM Jun 13, 2023 CDT
Chair read three emails from community members who oppose Item 7 on agenda. Generally, reason given was they felt that individual in charge of SSA was doing a good job and should be retained.
[SSA’s or Special Service Areas are local tax districts that fund expanded services/programs through localized property tax levy within contiguous areas. Enhanced services/programs are in addition to those currently provided through City.] https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/special_service_areassaprogram.html
Motion that Item 6 on agenda be deferred to discuss further. No objection, so ordered.
Items 1-5: Chair asked for questions regarding appointments/reappointments, Mary O’Connor, Deputy Commissioner Dept Planning & Develop. as resource to answer.
Ald Lopez: Appointments made by previous administration. Is the current mayor in agreement with appointments? O’Connor: Yes. Spoke with him and is in agreement. Chair called for vote, no objections, appts and reappointments so ordered.
[History not covered in meeting re: Item 7 - Six Corner chamber, which helped oversee how Portage Park spent special tax dollars, had money revoked after city officials said an unauthorized person was partially managing it. For more info: https://localtoday.news/il/the-six-corners-chamber-of-commerce-has-cut-the-citys-funding-following-allegations-of-mismanagement-83381.html]
Item 7 - O’Connor: Discussed recommendation of replacement provider for Six Corners. Said was selected through open process, 4 applications total. 1. Belmont-Central Chamber of Comm 2. Edgebrook Sauganash Chamber of Comm 3. Portage Park Chamber of Comm 4. Six Corners Assoc
Item 7 - O’Connor Selected Portage Park Chamb of Comm. Choice based on completeness & specificity of proposal shared at last month’s meeting on issue, staffing levels, experience & knowledge of neighborhood.
Ald. Lopez: Can sit. be used as training scenario, learning tool for other SSA providers so clear on what can & can’t do? Ans: Already have annual training, program guide w/ roles and responsibilities, checks & balances but can include this.
Ald. Mosely: Where does Ald Gardiner stand on this? O’Conner: Doesn’t object. Mosely: Does he approve or just not object. 2 different things. O’Connor: Doesn’t object. Mosely: Need to make sure he supports choice before it’s considered. Chair agreed.
Question: Was prob. just an individ or something bigger. Mentioned was a 10 year history of mismanagement, want to ensure it’s recorded individual’s behavior not something Chicago wants to be assoc. w/ - Is there a list of blacklisted individ? Ans: No but can consider in future
Mosley: Something went awry for 10 yrs without correction which is serious. Need to bring in public reviewers, Ethics Board to make sure haven’t missed anything and doesn’t happen again. Chair agreed.
Chair asked for motion to accept. No objection during vote. Item 7 so ordered.
Chair: Commiss responsible for tax incentives. Prev admin review/approval of apps slow. Has asked for list of all 6b’s & apps for tax incentive programs, wants them reviewed quickly. 3 scheduled for next meeting. Want businesses to know there are incentives to stay/come to state
Chair: Need to review tax incentive apps quickly to generate large amount of tax revenue as new administration had robust plan to invest in individuals & state & needs the funds.
Chair: In July will also hear from those who received incentives to present info on jobs created & show they’ve done what they said they would. First time have demanded accountability. Quest: What if aren’t meeting requirements? Need penalties for not complying.
Discussed need to change language in guidelines so there is the power to revoke incentives if programs aren’t complying or can’t account for money spent. Will discuss at future meeting.
No further business. Meeting adjourned at 2:23pm. This ends coverage of the Chicago City Council Committee on Economic Capital and Technology Development. For more meeting coverage, check out http://documenters.org.