Illinois Medical District Commission met Sept. 20.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
Commissioners present: Michael Eaddy, Judy Frydland, Eleanor Gorski, Nick Guzman, StephenHackney, Ann Kalayil, and Peter O’Brien.
Others present: Allyson Hansen, Chris Fahey, Gina Oka, Tom Strachan, Jeanne Cotini, GabrielMagana, Judy Salgado, Nicole Vahl, Maria Davila (Unite Here Local I), Tyler Holland (EastlakeManagement), Lori Knill (Unite Here 1), and Sarah Lyons (Unite Here I)
Approval of Minutes
President O’Brien called the meeting to order, and Ms. Oka took the roll call of commissioners and stated the names of staff and guests. Commissioner Eaddy moved and Commissioner Frydlandseconded that the minutes from the July 19, 2022, meeting be approved. The motion carried by roll call vote.
Public Comment
Lori Knill and Maria Davila with Unite Here Local I made a public comment regarding the Gateway hotel to be managed by Maverick Hotel and Restaurant group.
Commissioner Kalayil joined meeting at 12:15pm.
Executive Director Report
Ms. Hansen provided the following report:
Strategic Plan - Thanked staff and commissioner for their input on the plan. Plan has been finalized.
Audit - The annual financial audit has begun.
Life Science - In active conversations with life science experts from both local and national agencies to better understand our best positioning as a life science hub.
Beautifying the District - Will begin in October with the planting of 30 trees from the Morton Arboretum and a garden committee.
Cook County Grant – In August, the IMD was awarded $200,000.00 through Invest in Cook grant. The money will be used to fund a Pedestrian and Bike Safety Plan for the entire District.
Commuter Helicopter Flights - From September 14th through 30th, a consortium of partners including Eve Air Mobility, Blade, Republic Airways, Halo, Vertiport Chicago, Village of Tinley Park, Village of Schaumburg, ACCIONA, Skywest, and Speedbird Aero will be running an urban air mobility simulation from the Vertiport to Tinley Park and Schaumburg. The goal is to study the commuter experience in anticipation of electrical vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
Administration - We posted our vacant Director of Marketing and Communication position. Commissioner Frydland and staff leadership reviewed the job posting and hiring team has been identified. We currently have 62 applicants. Interviews will begin in late September or early October. To ensure the safety of our information, our IT department has forced user login passwords to expire every 90 days. We will continue to strengthen our systems by ensuring that the IMD follows best practices related to cyber security.
Legal and Regulatory - The IMD’s Affirmative Action Plan (AA Plan) is available to be viewed by interested commissioners, which the IMD annually submits to the Illinois Department of Human Rights for review and approval based on the required format, content, and procedures.
Identity – Ms. Hansen and Ms. Schellinger have participated and will participate in a variety of events, panels, interviews, and boards to increase knowledge about the IMD.
Community - The District Security Group is focusing on developing a lighting plan. The Arts Council has established a list of spaces in the District that can be used for performances, exhibits and screenings. On September 22nd, we will host our first meeting of the IMD Education Council. Members of the council include principals and staff from our IMD elementary and high schools, ChiCAT, IMD daycare centers, UIC School of Nursing, and Malcolm X. The Sustainability Council is made up of a Clean and Green group, a Garden group, and an Energy group. Last month, we hosted the Tri Taylor Association for a discussion with the alderman, school principals and others regarding what they feel is needed in the neighborhood. The IMD presented the strategic plan and shared information about the councils and upcoming events.
Health & Wellness - On September 22nd, the IMD will be supporting a virtual screening of “Not Going Quietly” in collaboration with Community Health and the Healthcare Council of Chicago. On October 23rd, the IMD will sponsor the Chicago Lighthouse’s Rise to Shine race. The race supports health, wellness. Everyone is encouraged to sign up.
Real Estate and Development – In July, Nature’s Fynd completed their phase two at 2250 W. Campbell Park Drive. Construction is underway at Lakril Technologies and Dispatch Health build-out projects at 2225 W. Harrison. The current vacancy rate at IMD-owned building is 14%.
Ms. Hansen and Mr. Fahey addressed the commissioners’ questions.
Financial Report
Mr. Strachan presented the following:
• Plante Moran’s audit letter to the commissioners, which was included in the provided materials
• An explanation of the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement Number 87 accounting rule as applied to lease accounting
• The June 2022 financial statements
• Cash Expenditure Report
• DEI Report
• New Contracts Report
Mr. Strachan addressed the commissioners’ questions.
Old Business
[NONE]
New Business
Cook County Grant – Ms. Oka summarized the resolution approving execution of the intergovernmental agreement with Cook County. Ms. Oka and Mr. Fahey addressed Commissioner Hackney’s question. Commissioner Kalayil commented on the good relationship that the County and IMD have. Commissioner Kalayil moved that the resolution be approved, Commissioner Hackney seconded, and the resolution was approved by roll call vote.
Executive Session
Commissioner Frydland moved, and Commissioner Hackney seconded that the Commission go into executive session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6). The motion carried by roll call vote.
Open Session (resumed)
President O’Brien stated the remainder of the 2022 commission meeting schedule and the items to be discussed during the November 2022 meeting.
Commissioner Frydland moved, and Commissioner Gorski seconded that the meeting be adjourned. The motion carried by roll call vote.
https://medicaldistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/open-session-minutes-september-20-2022.pdf
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