Ald. Scott Waguespack July 17, 2020 Update
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Greetings!
This summer my office is again sponsoring a student intern from the
Mikva Challenge. This summer our intern is John G. who just graduated from Whitney Young, and he is interested in politics and public policy. John will be working with us on a virtual basis, and I’m excited to spend the next few weeks working with him and other Mikva students as they bring inspiring and change making work to public service.
Students serve on Mikva programs such as the Citywide Youth Council, the CPS Student Advisory Council, and the Youth Safety Advisory Council. In the past, our students have written memos to City Council on issues like policing, gun violence, language access, and provided us with input on ordinances and regulations. Chicago students also participated in the discussion and final draft of the
City's Recovery Advisory Plan. You can read the Mikva students Open letter from the Mikva Challenge National Board of Directors focusing on
racial justice and root cause work here.
The voice of our youth is vital to helping us move forward with a new vision for the city and country. For years, our Mikva student interns have provided us with insight to the needs of Chicago's youth, and have shown great creativity in their public service. We look forward to working with John this summer, and despite the COVID crisis, it will be a great learning experience with Mikva. You can
show your support for our Chicago students and the Mikva program here.
If you are a parent of a CPS child, you should have received the letter and
request to take a re-opening survey from CPS this past week. Please read the letter and give your feedback directly to CPS in the
survey here. The safety and health of all of our children is a priority that requires taking all health precautions possible for any methods of teaching this fall. There are varying degrees of concern, and we have heard from many of you with different concerns and cautions. Again, I urge you to
take the survey and put your concerns in writing to CPS so they can hear everyone's voice on the return to school issue.
On that note, I realize it is very difficult to maintain tight health restrictions on our schools, parks, businesses and religious institutions due to the ongoing COVID crisis. There have been 56,174 cases of COVID-19 identified in Chicago residents so far and 157,950 in Illinois. For the most current daily COVID data, please see the COVID Daily Dashboard at chi.gov/coviddash. As you know from last week’s news, the Lincoln Park community saw a huge increase in COVID cases and younger Chicagoans infection rates increased dramatically in the latest data provided by the Department of Public Health. Wearing a mask in public is vital to the safety of everyone. Take care and protect everyone by wearing a mask in public.
ComEd is also in the middle of negotiations with the City of Chicago on the franchise agreement. Mayor Lightfoot is trying to negotiate deal possible for the city residents and address concerns for the environment. The ComEd agreement allows ComEd access to public property for poles, electric wires and city infrastructure. While some people would like to see ComEd be taken over by the City, I do not believe that the City could manage the system, could not benefit from this, it would cost billions to take it over not including future maintenance and personnel costs.
This week, the City Council’s Workforce Committee voted to approve the arbitration agreement between the City and the unions representing Chicago Police Sergeants, Captains, and Lieutenants (PBPA). Negotiations were underway for three years, but the issues surrounding these CBA provisions were finally resolved in a binding arbitration by Arbitrator George Roumell, according to
national labor relations laws.
The arbitration agreement sets terms for the city's next contract with the Policemen's Benevolent & Protective Association (PBPA) but not the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). The FOP contract negotiations, which could lead to arbitration as well, present the greatest opportunity for police reform. State laws that are being considered would also add to the reform agenda that would cover all departments statewide. Additionally, the community oversight board being considered in council will also put policy discussions and changes at the forefront of reforms as well. While no one piece of reforms, such as this arbitration ruling, will change the culture and structure of the Chicago Police, we have to work for the holistic set of reforms that will together to rebuild the Department.
Roumell’s ruling in the
binding arbitration makes
several changes that will set the tone for potential changes in the FOP contract. City attorneys used the federal consent decree, the report and testimony of citizens in the Task Force on Police Accountability, the contract changes resolution of aldermen from 2017, and the Mayor’s testimony to affect the arbitration.
Read the arbitration ruling here:
• it ends the 40 year ban on anonymous complaints
• broadens the use of disciplinary records
• allows CPD to recognize officers who report misconduct
• ends open ended allowance for second jobs
• puts limit on blocking officer interrogations
• delays disclosure of the identity of the complainant if known, i.e. in a lawsuit
The FOP contract negotiations begin soon, but will not be finalized until next year or later.
BLOOD DRIVE RESCHEDULED to
JULY 31ST 10:00 AM-4PM - Thank you everyone who has signed up for the drive! Yes, even amidst the COVID pandemic there is a need for blood in hospitals. Due to maximum volume of donors, the blood drive manager decided to postpone the drive to July 31st. There will be a coach bus provided to ensure the safety of the staff and donors. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We will be reaching out to constituents to reschedule for the new date.
Finally,
please check on your most vulnerable neighbors as the heat index rises. There are many locations throughout the City that can be used as cooling centers this summer. If you need assistance, call our office or 311 directly!
Scott Waguespack, Alderman
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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Plan to Return in Fall on Hybrid Model -
TAKE the Parent SURVEY
Today, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CPS CEO Janice Jackson announced plans for reopening schools in the fall. This is a
"preliminary framework"
and is subject to change at anytime based on the COVID19 data. Here are some of the highlights:
- Students from kindergarten through tenth grade will learn under a hybrid model where they are in classrooms a couple of days and remote learning other days
- High school juniors and seniors will solely use remote learning, which helps free up space in the schools
- Preschoolers and those with special needs will be in class full-time
- Students will be put in groups of 15, stay in same classroom all day with desks six feet away
- Each "pod" will have designated bathrooms and designated bathroom times to wash hands
- Entry into school and leaving school will be staggered
- There will be daily temperature checks, universal masking, and routine cleaning with the help of 400 new janitors
- Families with students of all ages will be allowed to opt out of in-person schooling for any reason
- City officials are asking parents to set the example for returning to school such as emphasizing the importance of social distancing, masks, and hand washing at home
These decisions were made with the assistance of a task force created by CPS comprised of parents, students, public health officials, and input from other cities.
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One Summer Chicago
Applications are still open for One Summer Chicago. This program works to keep Chicago's youth employed and off the streets during the summer months. They try to connect you to jobs at places like the Chicago Public Libraries, After School Matters, and more.
Click here to apply today.
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City Sticker Late Fee Waiver & Ticket Enforcement
In an effort to provide some relief for those who are unable to purchase or renew their stickers during this time, The Office of the City Clerk will be waiving late fees on certain City Stickers through July 31, 2020 for residents whose stickers were up for renewal or who purchased a new vehicle from January-June of 2020. City sticker and residential parking sticker enforcement will begin again on August
1.
Click here to purchase your city sticker.
Also, please be aware that the Department of Finance sent out notices regarding outstanding fines by mail.
You can make
payments online
.
If you need assistance paying these fines visit
New Start.
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Roscoe Village Street Closure
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Celebrate summer at the Roscoe Street(ery)! Sip, savour, and socialize while dining out on Roscoe Street between Damen and Seeley. The Roscoe Street(ery) is designed to safely bring community and vitality back to our Village Within the City and to support local restaurants and surrounding merchants who contribute to the wonderful quality of life in our community.
Enjoy outdoor dining for two weekends in a row as 4 local restaurants extend their seating into the street. Please remember to wear your face masks and practice social distancing while dining al fresco. It's imperative that you respect the rules of restaurants and the expanded outdoor dining space. Our restaurants look forward to welcoming you!
Dates for the Roscoe Street(ery) are:
Friday, July 17th - Sunday July 19th from 10 AM - 11 PM
Friday, July 24th - Sunday, July, 26th from 10 AM - 11 PM
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Dine Out West Lakeview Opens at Paulina & Lincoln
This Weekend!
Dine Out West Lakeview will be open Fridays - Sundays at Paulina & Lincoln and Cornelia & Southport. This program allows diners to order takeout food from Lakeview restaurants to enjoy in the communal outdoor seating areas, similar to a food hall. Lakeview Chamber of Commerce uses a text-based waitlist app service called
NextME
to avoid congregating at their Dine Out locations and create a safer, more efficient system for communicating with diners. Easily intake new parties, track visits and wait times, and engage your guests in real-time while they wait. Find more details on our Dine Out West Lakeview hours, how it works and more at
https://www.lakeviewchamber.com/dineout
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Kennedy Expressway Bridge Rehabilitation Project
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North Milwaukee - From Logan Square to Belmont Project Study Group (PSG) Meeting
The Chicago Department of Transportation invites you to participate in the fourth project study group meeting to review the recommended improvement for North Milwaukee Avenue from Logan Square to Belmont Avenue.
VIRTUAL ZOOM MEETING
Tuesday, July 21, 2020 from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Meeting ID: 951 9580 3398 Password: 894921
Meeting Purpose
- Update the PSG on the study's progress
- Present the recommended improvements for Milwaukee Ave.
- Present the recommended designs for Logan Square
- Obtain PSG input to finalize plans
A live discussion will be available at the end of the presentation.
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FILL OUT YOUR CENSUS!
I
f ever Chicago needed funds from the federal government, it is now. The effects of COVID
19 is and will have an incredible affect on the city's budget. Filling out the U.S. Census can help relieve some of this burden. By filling out the census, you help divvy up the funds for cities. The more folks in a city, the more funding becomes available. These dollars help fund infrastructure and social impact projects. We need everyone to be counted.
Please fill this out today and share.
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Vote By Mail
Any Chicago voter may
apply online now to Vote By Mail
or apply with a
Mail-in application form
ahead of the Nov. 3, 2020 Election. No reason or excuse is needed to Vote By Mail. Chicago voters who apply online between now and Sept. 24 will be among the first to receive ballots. Ballot mailings will begin Sept. 24-Oct. 5.
- In the days that follow their online application, to confirm that the online application has been received and processed;
- When the ballot is being mailed to the voter -- with a unique link to a system to track the ballot through the US Postal Service;
- When the Vote By Mail "Ballot Return Envelope" is received by the Election Board; and,
- When the Vote By Mail "Ballot Return Envelope" has been approved for counting -- or if there is a question or problem with your Ballot Return Envelope.
If you are unable to apply online, the Election Board also will be sending Vote By Mail applications and postage-paid return envelopes in late July to all voters who have voted in any election(s) since Nov. 2018 and to any voters who have registered for the first time or updated their registrations since March 18, 2020.
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Do You Have Money You Didn't Know About?
You should check the
unclaimed property database
at least twice each year because businesses surrender unclaimed property twice each year.
One suggestion is to check the unclaimed property database on your birthday and then six months later.
Illinois’ unclaimed property program – also known as ICash - is one of the state’s oldest consumer protection initiatives. In Illinois, the state treasurer is tasked with safeguarding unclaimed property, such as unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, and unused rebate cards. Illinois holds more than $3 billion in unclaimed property.
The state treasurer is legally required to return the property to the rightful owners no matter how long it takes. Individuals can search the state treasurer’s database for their name or the name of their business or non‑profit at
www.illinoistreasurer.gov
/ICASH
.
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Chicago Public Schools Survey
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Your voice matters as we make plans for a return to school. Complete the family survey to ensure we support the mental, physical, and emotional needs of all students:
https://bit.ly/CPSFamilySurvey
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Es importante obtener sus comentarios mientras planeamos el regreso a escuelas. Rellene nuestra encuesta familiar para que podamos atender las necesidades mentales, físicas, y emocionales de todos. Comparta esta encuesta con los demás:
https://bit.ly/CPSFamilySurvey
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Deal with Property Taxes Online
Homeowners and business people can avoid a trip downtown by taking care of their property taxes at
cookcountytreasurer.com
, including making payments, searching for refunds, and verifying tax exemptions.
The Second Installment is due August 3, but property owners can pay without any interest charge through October 1, 2020. Partial payments are accepted.
• Search $75 million in available refunds going back 20 years
• Apply for a refund
• See if you are missing out on $34 million in senior exemptions
• Download a copy of your tax bill
• Update your mailing address
• Submit a question, along with supporting documents
• Check the status of a pending refund
• Find out if your property is on the delinquent Tax Sale list
Just enter your address. A Property Identification Number (PIN) is not required.
Any balance due after October 1 will be charged 1.5 percent per month, as required by law.
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Grants for Small Non-profit Organizations to Provide Food & Housing Assistance
A grant program to help small non-profit organizations provide food and housing assistance is accepting applications for the grant cycle of July 1-Sept. 30.
This cycle of the Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund emphasizes food and housing assistance because the COVID‑19 pandemic has hurt so many working families and non-profits.
Charitable Trust assists small non-profits with annual budgets of $1 million or less. Money comes from filing fees non-profits pay when incorporating in Illinois, not personal or property tax dollars.
Grants of up to $12,500 are available from a pool of $375,000. An 11-member board will choose awardees and provide oversight. Previous grant recipients are eligible if the term of their grant has been complete for at least one calendar year.
Since 2017, Charitable Trust has provided more than $2.2 million to 100 non-profits.
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Transit Justice Talk with Active Transportation Alliance
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Join Active Trans on Monday July 20
th
at 6:00 pm for a virtual conversation on transit, and socioeconomic equity with State Senator Robert Peters of the 13th District and Alderman Matt Martin of the 47
th
ward along with Active Transportation Alliance’s Bus Organizing Fellows Rylen Clark and Jamaine Alberto Gooding.
RSVP
to join the conversation. The public meeting will be sign language interpreted.
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Webinar: How to Keep Your Business COVID Clean
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Join the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce for this important webinar as Servpro of West Loop/ Greektown/ Bucktown educates us on how to ensure your business is Covid Clean.
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Date: Tuesday, July 28th
Time: 10am
Registration via Zoom is required.
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Be Safe. Chicago: Business Self-Certification
During the "Be Safe. Chicago" phases of reopening, the City of Chicago leadership wants to ensure that businesses are meeting or exceeding requirements of the "Be Safe. Chicago" guidelines put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Employers are highly encouraged to indicate their ability to comply with the city's standards by completing the Self-Certification survey. If interested, please do the following:Review the industry guidelines to ensure that you understand the city's business operational standards for each phase of reopening.
- Once you review, prepare your reopening business plan and ensure that it is operationally compliant with the city's standards.
- Once your plan is complete, complete the survey to indicate your willingness and ability to comply and commit to the "Be Safe. Chicago" guidelines during reopening.
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Reminder for Liquor Licensees and Restuarants
Please be aware that the city is enforcing and inspecting businesses for adhering to social distancing rules. To read more about the
required guidelines, click here
. Below are some simple reminders about how to set up your business and the hours that you can be in service.
- Outdoor service allowed & encouraged
- Customers should wear masks except when eating and drinking
- Indoor service will be limited to 25% capacity, with a maximum capacity of 50 people per room or floor
- Patrons must be seated at tables that are six feet apart with ten people or fewer per table
- Drinking establishments without a Retail Food Establishment License must limit seating to a maximum of two hours
- Liquor Sales for On-Premises Consumption must stop at 11pm (liquor sales stop by 11pm, doors closed and locked by 12am)
- Alcohol sales for off-site consumption must still end at 9:00 p.m. each night
- Curbside pick-up and Delivery of food only may continue past 12am, but no patrons may be on premises after midnight. Only employees or family members may remain.
- Hotels must close their dining rooms at 12am, but may continue to allow room service of food only after 11pm.
- Packaged Goods stores must cease alcohol sales at 9pm, but may remain open to sell other non-liquor products.
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1433 & 1434 Beat Meeting
1431-32 Post Meeting
Join neighbors and 14th district police officers for 1433 & 1434 Beat Meeting on Wednesday, July 22. This a great opportunity to meet your beat officers and express any concerns you may have about the neighborhood.
1431 and 32 held a meeting this week with over 40 people in virtual attendance. As stated at our CAPS meeting, CPD will likely continue to use ZOOM as a method of CAPS meetings to involve more community members. The 31/32 Beat has issues with a potential hot spot house and neighbors are working to make sure the issue is resolved. If you need information on the 31/32 Beat concerns please emails the 14th District at [email protected].
1433/34 MEETING is July 22, 2020 06:30 PM
Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +13126266799,,99611049968# or +13017158592,,99611049968#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782
Webinar ID: 996 1104 9968
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14th Police District Community Alert: Thefts from Vehicles
About the crime:
This alert gives notice to residents of the 14th (Shakespeare) District of recent thefts from vehicles. In these incidents, the unknown offender broke a window of the victim's vehicle. At this point, the unknown offender entered the victim's vehicle and removed personal property from the victim's vehicle. The unknown offender then fled.
Incident times and locations:
- 1700 block of N. Wolcott Ave. on June 30, 2020, from 6 p.m. – 7:25 p.m.
- 1900 block of W. Wabansia Ave. on July 3, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.
- 1600 block of N. Winchester Ave. on July 7, 2020 at 1:44 p.m.
About the offenders:
- Offender #1 is described as a Hispanic male in his 20s with a slender build, wearing a tan or light colored baseball hat.
- Offender #2 is described as a Hispanic female in her 20s with black hair, a slender build and tattoos on the left shoulder, left forearm, and right thigh.
What you can do:
- Be aware of this crime and alert your neighbors.
- Pay special attention to any suspicious subjects loitering in the area.
- Ensure that existing surveillance cameras are functional.
- Call 911 immediately and provide a description of the offender(s), including vehicle description and license plate information.
If you have any information, contact the
Bureau of Detectives – Area Five
(312) 746-7394
JD-281579, JD-284830, JD-289362
Reference: P20-5-023
Pattern # P20-5-023
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14th District Community Alert: Residential Burglary - Forcible Entry
About the Crime:
This alert gives notice to residents of the 014th District of recent residential burglaries, in which the offenders remove or break the screens on windows and then pry or break the actual window to gain entry into the residence. In one instance, the offenders have pretended to be working across the way from the residence, while waiting for the homeowners to leave.
Incident time and location:
- 2217 W Armitage Ave July 4th, 2020 @ 10:00 AM
- 1743 W Wabansia Ave July 7th, 2020 @ 5:20 PM
- 1635 W North Ave July 11th, 2020 @ 9:00PM
- 1626 N Wolcott Ave July 11th 2020 @ 3:05PM
Offender Description:
- Offender #1 : Male/Black/17-25/slim build
- Offender #1 : Male/Black/17-25/slim build
What you can do:
- Be aware of your surroundings and unfamiliar or suspicious people in your area.
- Ensure that valuables are concealed and from within view of windows.
- Lock all windows, doors, and any access points. Ensure gates are locked if applicable.
- Utilize surveillance cameras within your residence if possible.
- Notify neighbors of this crime pattern. If you see something suspicious, alert police immediately.
- Call 911 immediately if you are a victim or witness to a crime and provide a detailed description of the offender(s) and involved vehicles.
If you have any information, contact the
Bureau of Detectives – Area 5
(312) 746-7394
Reference: P20-5-022
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Dog Resources & Free Adoption
Below is information about low costs clinics for your pet. Take care of your furry friends. Also, PAWS is now letting folks adopt "hard-to-home" dogs FOR FREE.
Read more here.
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Residential Electronics Recycling Program at 1150 N. North Branch Reopens on July 21st
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Latest Public Health Guidance Links
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This weekend is going to be HOT
!
With the
heat index
and
the heat island effect
, temperatures can be particularly hazardous for children, the elderly, and those with special needs and pets. In addition to discomfort and fatigue, extremely high temperatures can cause
heat cramps
,
heat exhaustion
, and
heat stroke
. To protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors, please familiarize yourself with the following heat exhaustion symptoms.
- Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat.
- Heavy sweating.
- Faintness.
- Dizziness.
- Fatigue.
- Weak, rapid pulse.
- Low blood pressure upon standing.
- Muscle cramps.
In extreme heat:
- Stay out of the sun. If you must be in the sun, wear sunscreen (at least SPF 15).
- Avoid overexertion and strenuous outdoor activities.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible to prevent sunburn.
- Consume plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffinated fluids. Water, diluted juices and electrolyte solutions are best. Stay away from carbonated drinks.
- Avoid alcohol.
- If you are on a fluid-restricted diet or taking diuretics, consult your doctor
- Stay in the shade or under awnings as much as possible.
- Keep rooms well ventilated with air conditioners and fans.
- Keep your windows open if you don't have a fan or air conditioning.
- Cool down with periodic cool baths or showers.
- Take advantage of city cooling centers, public pools and air-conditioned stores and malls.
- Never leave children, the elderly, or those who require special care periods of intense summer heat.
- Make a special effort to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially if they are seniors, young children, and people with special needs or live alone.
- Seniors and others who may be sensitive to extreme heat should contact friends, neighbors, or relatives periodically throughout the day
- Seek help if you feel symptoms of heat-related illnesses
- Find a cooling center near you by calling 311 or checking the City of Chicago website.
- Infants and children up to four years of age, people 65 years of age and older, who are overweight, people who are ill or on certain medications, and pregnant people are at higher risk for heat-related illness. In some cases, exposure to excess heat has been linked to poor birth outcomes. Pregnant people should avoid extreme heat, stay well hydrated and follow the advice of their medical providers.
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Additional Links with COVID Related Information
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32nd Ward Office
Our office is now open. There are new rules in place that follow city guidance and will help protect you and our staff from COVID-19.
Here's what you need to know:
- Hours will be Monday - Friday from 9 am - 6 pm (limited staff).
- Masks will be required for entry - no mask, no service.
- Social distance markers have been placed, please follow this request
- No more than 3 people in our reception area; this may require you to wait outside, so consider calling ahead.
- Please buy your residential parking stickers online; if you need them from our office, please call ahead to purchase on the phone so that we can have them waiting for you (requires additional steps)
- Meeting requests will be handled via zoom or phone call.
- If necessary, in person meetings will be by appointment only.
- For land use, zoning, and infrastructure issues, contact Paul Sajovec, [email protected]
- For public way, business, special events, and family support issues, contact [email protected]
- For water, streets and sanitation, police, and parking passes - contact Kerri Stojack, [email protected]
- For specific appointments with the Alderman, contact Elizabeth, [email protected]
- We have to make sure all constituents adhere to the CDC guidelines to protect everyone including wearing a mask, social distancing, limiting the number of people in the office, and limiting how long someone is in the office. The safety of our residents is my first priority.
Thank you for your cooperation.
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Alderman Scott Waguespack
2657 North Clybourn
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-1330
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