How is the governing commission nominated and elected?
The initial commission was created through a nominating process. All property owners and business owners in the proposed SSA boundaries received a notice inviting them to fill out an application to be considered as a Clark Street SSA commissioner. Feedback about applicants was gathered from Alderman Daley, the community and the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce. A nominating committee, comprising members of the community (but not nominees), reviewed the applications and appointed a slate of commissioners. The commissioners were then approved by the alderman and mayor.
For the current commission, the format for filling all vacancies operates in a similar fashion. Vacancies on the commission are made public and a nominating committee reviews the applications and suggests a slate of commissioners for aldermanic and commission approval.
What does the commission do?
The commission has three annual recommendation responsibilities as designated by the Clark Street SSA establishment ordinance: the levy rate for the annual budget, the program manager and the work plan comprising items from the list of authorized services.
How does the commission operate?
The commission operates according to a city approved set of SSA Bylaws (PDF), which can be downloaded.
Who are the Clark Street SSA commissioners?
Officers
Chairman - Bruce Loganecker, Lincoln Park Market
First Vice Chairman and Treasurer - (vacant due to a resignation)
Second Vice Chairman - Julia Bienias, Resident
Secretary - Steve Quick, Steve Quick Jeweler
Commissioners
Simpson Gold, Parkway Drugs
Eme Cole, Jump Ahead Academy & Pilates Plus Studio
Diane Doyne, Resident
How will the program be evaluated each year?
The SSA program is overseen by the Chicago Department of Planning and Development. Annually, the commission submits a city structured budget and program plan for review and approval. The approval process requires documentation of dollars spent the past year, detailed explanation of leftover funds (to ensure that SSAs are not taxing without need), plans for the coming year including quantified deliverables, benchmarks to evaluate initiatives and detailed and quantifiable indicators of outcome for each initiative. The quantified deliverables and quantifiable indicators of outcome must include items such as surveys of business owners, percentage of increase in business revenue, etc. It is a strict program, but a fair one that helps SSAs remain on track with their goals, provides sound data that can be shared with the taxpayers and ensures that the commission plans ahead to best utilize its time and the community’s funds.
What is the management fee paid to the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce and what services do they provide?
The Lincoln Park Chamber Of Commerce is the program manager for the Clark Street SSA. The city contracts with a local organization to administer the SSA program as determined and directed by the commission. The program manager is responsible for providing all documentation and reporting to the Department of Planning and Development, managing all subcontracts, and coordinating and reporting on all SSA commission meetings. For example, should the Clark Street SSA commission decide to provide sidewalk snow plowing, the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce will research various providers and costs, present these to the commission for review, vote and approval, and then proceed with contracting as directed. While it is customary for program managers to request compensation for administering an SSA, compensation must be commensurate with services. The city will not approve SSA budgets with administrative costs exceeding 25% of the total budget and recommends a 15% administrative fee. However, several SSAs are below 10%. Program managers may also be reimbursed for operational expenses such as insurance, office equipment, supplies, phone and rent.
What can be done if the services are not being provided?
As the commission votes to approve an annual budget and program plan, it also votes to recommend a contract with a program manager. In addition, the agreement in place between the city and the program manager contains information in case of default, as well as remedies should a program manager be under-performing or not performing its contracted duties.
