Politics & Government

Plainfield Park Board Passes New Public Comment Rules

New regulations are in place for residents who want to speak up during public meetings; a draft budget showing $800,000 in cuts was also put on public display.

Despite severe weather that led the Village of Plainfield and Plainfield Township to cancel events, the Plainfield Park District Board of Commissioners held a June 12 meeting as scheduled, voting 3-2 on a new policy regarding public comment at meetings.

Under the new policy, residents who want to speak during the public comment period must sign in prior to the start of the meeting, and provide their name, address and the topic they plan to address. 

Board members Mary Ludemann and Larry Newton voted against the policy, while board president Peter Hurtado joined Janet Silosky and Peter Steinys in voting yes.

"The part I didn't like is that you have to sign in in advance," Ludemann said. "Once the meeting starts, you can't sign in anymore and I don't agree with that."

Ludemann also balked at a provision that prohibits residents from addressing topics that aren't currently before the board.

"People come to public comment to bring things to our attention," she said. "I think it's far too limiting and restrictive."

Park district interim Director of Communications Doug Booth said another provision prohibits "unreasonable behavior" during the public comment period, noting that it would be up to the person chairing the meeting to determine the definition of "unreasonable."

The changes came after some residents were denied the opportunity to speak at a May 28 board meeting. It was at that meeting that the board, also in a 3-2 vote, named village trustee Garrett Peck the permanent park district executive director.

At that meeting, Hurtado did not allow several residents to speak, saying they had not signed up in advance. That included Peck's village board colleague Jim Racich, who was escorted out of the meeting by police after attempting to make a public comment anyway. Racich said he was unaware of the procedure, as he had arrived early for the meeting and taken a seat in the board room prior to learning there was a signup sheet in the hallway.

Read: It's Official: Park Board Votes to Make Peck Executive Director

Another resident was escorted out during Wednesday's meeting after speaking up, according to Ludemann, who was not present for the public comment period. Ludemann said she was 10 to 15 minutes late for the meeting due to severe storms, which prompted tornado sirens to go off in Plainfield.

"I heeded the tornado warning and didn't get to the meeting on time because I was seeking shelter in my basement," she said. While the park district meeting went on as scheduled, the Village of Plainfield canceled a strategic planning meeting on Wednesday, and Plainfield Township canceled its regular board meeting after tornado sirens sounded. The park district also canceled a planned Flick-N-Float event.

Booth said being ruled out of order doesn't mean a permanent ban for park district residents. 

"It is just for that particular incident" and for one meeting only, Booth said. "It is not intended to be permanent."

Draft budget shows $800,000 in cuts


The board also voted to place a draft of the fiscal year 2013-14 on public display. The document, which shows estimated expenditures of $10.38 million, down from $11.22 million, is also posted on the park district website.

The draft budget includes an estimated expenditure of $444,298 on administrative salaries. According to the document, so far during the current fiscal year, $325,363 has been spent on administrative salaries. Fiscal year 2013 begins July 1.

The board is scheduled to vote on the budget proposal at its July 24 meeting.

Board cuts employee hours to avoid Obamacare requirement


The board also voted 3-2 Wednesday to cut the hours of four employees to avoid an Affordable Care Act requirement stating that insurance must be offered to part-time employees who work at least 30 hours per week.

The policy currently affects four employees, who will not be permitted to work more than 27 hours per week, said Ludemann. She was unsure how much the decision will save the park district. 

"This thing is still in flux, to put it mildly," Booth said of the policy, adding park officials will determine whether it will be applied across the board or on a case-by-case basis after taking a look at how cutting hours could affect programs.  

"I didn't see the problem with offering them the insurance," Ludemann said. "In the long run I don't see it being a savings," she added, noting she's not sure whether the park district will have to hire additional employees to cover the hours lost by the four staffers.


No car for Peck — for now


The board tabled a vote on an agenda item to purchase a pool car for use by new Executive Director Garrett Peck. 

The vote is now scheduled for the park board's July 24 meeting.

In the past, the park district has provided its executive director with a vehicle allowance instead of purchasing a car, Ludemann said. 

Booth said the item was tabled due to the fact that proposals from area car dealers all came in over $20,000. That means that the board will have to undergo the standard bidding process, Booth said.

Last month, Hurtado balked at the vehicle allowance for now-retired Executive Director Greg Bott, which was set at $600 per month. The contract for Cameron Bettin, who was originally hired as executive director, included an allowance of $350 per month over a six-month contract.

On May 28, the board voted 3-2 to hire Peck instead, and to amend Bettin's contract so that he remains assistant executive director.



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