TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 17, 2022
COMMITTEE ON REAL ESTATE
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Authority to issue a one (1) day permit to Friends of the Chicago River to access District real estate at 19 locations along the North Branch of the Chicago River, North Shore Channel, Main Channel, and Cal-Sag Channel in Cook County, Illinois for its annual Chicago River Day cleanup event May 13, 2023. Consideration shall be a nominal fee of $10.00
Body
Dear Sir:
Since 1998, the District has issued Friends of the Chicago River (“Friends”) permits to host an annual Chicago River Day cleanup event on various parcels of District real estate. Friends again requests a one (1) day permit for its annual Chicago River Day cleanup event May 13, 2023, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. along the North Branch of the Chicago River, North Shore Channel, Main Channel, and Cal-Sag Channel, in Cook County, Illinois.
Friends requests to access District real estate at the following 19 locations:
1. Canal Shores Golf Course, Evanston
2. Evanston Ecology Center, Twiggs Park, Butler Park, Evanston
3. Beck Park, Evanston
4. Skokie Sculpture Park, Main Street to Dempster Street, Evanston
5. Park No. 538, West Arthur Ave to West Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood
6. Lincolnwood Centennial Park, Lincolnwood
7. Lincoln Village Shopping Center, North Lincoln Ave/West Hood Ave to West
Devon Ave, Chicago
8. Northside College Prep High School, Chicago
9. River Park, Chicago
10. Ronan Park, Chicago
11. NeighborSpace, West Berteau Ave to West Montrose Ave, Chicago
12. Horner Park, Chicago
13. California Park, Chicago
14. Clark Park, Chicago
15. Lake Katherine Nature Preserve, Palos Heights
16. Ann Street, Blue Island
17. SEPA Station 3, Blue Island
18. Summit Boat Launch
19. Lucas Berg Site, Worth
On Chicago River Day, Friends volunteers will collect debris along the District’s waterways. As in the past, Friends has requested that: (1) The District provide a boat to collect the debris; and (2) District Police make periodic patrols during the event to monitor the activities and open and close the gates at the Lucas Berg site.
The District's technical departments have reviewed the request and have no objections thereto.
The permit will require that Friends provide the District with releases signed by each participant and the parent or guardian of a minor participant. The permit will also require that when accessing leased parcels Friends must obtain the tenant’s written consent.
It is requested that the Executive Director recommend to the Board of Commissioners that it authorize and approve the issuance of a one (1) day permit to Friends of the Chicago River to access District real estate at 19 locations along the North Branch of the Chicago River, North Shore Channel, Main Channel, and Cal-Sag Channel, in Cook County, Illinois, for its annual Chicago River Day cleanup event May 13, 2023. Consideration shall be a nominal fee of $10.00.
It is also requested that the Executive Director recommend to the Board of Commissioners that the Chairman of the Committee on Finance and the Clerk be authorized and directed to execute said permit agreement after it is approved by the General Counsel as to form and legality.
Requested, Susan T. Morakalis, General Counsel, STM:MTC:MM:vp
Recommended, Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for November 17, 2022
Attachment