Des Plaines Park District – no formal feedback by Commissioners –

Des Plaines, IL. (ECWd) –
Following up on an earlier article about the Des Plaines Park District Commissioners and their families receiving illegal compensation, it is clear these free items are not an “evaluation mechanism” as was stated by the district.
Instead, it is clearly meant to provide a perk to commissioners and their families, nothing else.

ECWd:  Copy of all “feedback” provided to the district from family members and others living in the household of commissioners who were “encouraged” to participate in facilities, programs, and events for the past two years.

Park District:  There is no formal process for providing feedback on programs or facilities.  Most feedback is delivered by telephone, face to face communication, or at Board Meetings. 

ECWd:  Copy of all “feedback” provided to the district from commissioners who were “encouraged” to participate in facilities, programs, and events for the past two years.

Park District:  See previous question. 

ECWd:  Copy of all “feedback” provided to the district from commissioners who were “encouraged” to participate in facilities, programs, and events for the past two years.

Park District:  See website here – here – and here.. 

I was pointed to the meeting minutes as evidence of this “feedback”, so here is what I found:

–  In January 2015, the Commissioners voted to increase the pool pass fees – of course it does not apply to them because they still get it free. One Commissioner attended the Optimist Tree Lot and “was very impressed” and also he enjoyed the awards dinner.
–   Commissioner Weber golfed at Lake Park and commented on the great shape of golf course.
–  Commissioner Grady commented he was with his grandson at McKay-Nealis Park and had a lot of fun. The park
looks great and Happy Thanksgiving.
These were some of the comments I found in the minutes from 2015 and 2014. It does not appear to be “meaningful feedback” that would be the result of a Commissioner “auditing” or “evaluating” the program or facility.
Now I am left with my original thought, that these free gifts given to Commissioners and family are illegal compensation in violation of the Park District Code and the Illinois Constitution.