October 19, 2021 via Zoom

Board members present: Maureen Martino, Heather Way Kitzes, Michael Zink, Jean O’Neill, Tom Rothschild, Patrick Nagle, Brandon Cunningham, Tim Lindsay, Gregory Ratcliff,

Board members absent: Kit Welch, Terie Kata, Brian Murphy, Marty Wallace, Mark Usiak and Patrick Carlson

At 6:02 pm, President Michael Zink called the meeting to order.

Report from IL 5^th District Staff: Yoni Pizer

Congressman Quigley and other members of the Chicago area delegation held a field hearing regarding the USPS. Service from the USPS has been on the decline and Congressman Quigley and others feel it is time for the Postmaster General to resign. This hearing gave constituents a chance to voice their opinion.

The new congressional map based on 2020 Census date is still being considered. From Pizer: The Congressman is confident East Lake View will remain in the IL 5^th.

Rep. David Price (DC-NC 4^th) is retiring. This is important because he is the chairman of the THUD Appropriations subcommittee to which Congressman Quigley is the vice-chair. This retirement could lead to the subcommittee chairmanship for Congressman Quigley.

Report from the 46^th Ward: Alderman James Cappleman

Repaving of inner LSD to beginning. The 46^th Ward gained population and will therefore likely shrink in geographic size.

Hearing have been held for the 2022 city budget and now awaiting full City Council vote.

He reminds everyone to register for Smart 911.

His longtime chief of staff, Tressa Feher, has moved on to a new role in the private sector. ELVN thanks her for her service.

Report from the 44^th Ward: Calvin Cottrell and Alderman Tom Tunney:

On Monday, October 25^th at 6 pm, CPD 19 will host a community conversation/strategic planning session which is open to all community members. Information can be found at 44thward.org.

Kelly Park on Grace Street is slated to receive state funding for improvement. The park’s community led PAC will be applying for those funds via a grant (although the money has been committed via State Senator Feigenholtz and State Representative Croke).

Northalsted Business Alliance will be hosting their annual Halloween Parade this year after a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Information is available at 44thward.org.

Resident Linda Cohn had questions for Alderman Tunney regarding Redefine the Drive project. Specifically, in regard to scope, timeline and budget/financing. She asks if residents will “actually have a say” in the design concepts before they are finalized. Alderman Tunney assures her there is still time for input and nothing is finalized yet. He does not have timeline and process specifics.

Michael Zink adjourns the meeting at 6:30 to a closed board session.

Directors Roll Call

• Mike Zink, President
• Patrick Nagle, Vice President
• Brian Murphy, Secretary
• Tom Rothschild
• Heather Way Kitzes
• Terie Kata
• Kit Welch
• Jean O’Neill
• Maureen Martino
• Patrick Carlson
• Tim Lindsey
• Mark Usiak

Reports-Elected Officials

46th Ward Update James Cappleman

• Menu funds will be used to install license plate readers on main through streets in the 46^th
• Budget talks are ongoing
• Daily parking passes may be able to be purchased in similar to the way parking is paid for through the park Chicago app. This may be a few years down the line.
• Smiley Brother Brew Pub opened this week
• Dakin and Sheridan intersection bump outs will be installed at some point in the near future. Once the CDOT study has been done they have to take action. If an Alderperson tries to go against the findings of a study like this it is a big problem for the city legal department.

44th Ward Update

• Security cameras and license plate readers have been added to inner lake shore drive to help curb and track car jackers.
• Redefine the drive project is still in planning process and there is still a lot of work to be done with the community. Nothing is moving forward without a lot more community input.
• Engine 78 is closed and is supposed to be reopened in October. Floor foundation needs to be replaced.

12^th District State Rep Croke

• New map has moved the 12th district south so that it just touches the south end of East Lakeview.
• Ethics reforms around ComEd are coming.
• Bill to allow civil law suits to be brought against gun dealers, manufacturers and straw buyers.
• Lake Shore drive has been exempted from speed cameras in the original speed camera legislation. This was done to prevent cars suddenly slowing down at the camera and causing accidents.

Congressman Quigley – Yoni Pizer

• Debt ceiling crisis is looming
• House democrats pass the equal act that eliminates sentencing disparity for crack and powder cocaine offenses
• Preventing future pandemics act is included in the national defense authorization act sponsored by Rep Quigley
• FDA is updating blood donation rules

Cubs Update – Heather Way Kitzes

• Race to Wrigley is this Saturday. $5 off for people who live in the neighborhood.
• There will also be a STEM fair at Wrigley Field this Saturday.
• November Northwestern Football game.
• Contact Heather at neighbors@cubs.com

Adjournment