Ford violates open meetings act, empties room of all citizens and press (Country Club Hills, IL) – The Country Club Hills Regular City Council meeting almost went off without a hitch, that is, until public comments. After opening the meeting and recital of the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call found that Alderman Ricardo Spivey and Alderwoman Lisa Evans were not present. Their absences were excused. Clergy provided a short and thoughtful prayer for the victims of the 9/11 attacks. The 20 year anniversary passed this past Saturday.
A brief presentation was made to the board by Bremen High School District 228 board president Debi Stearns regarding what students have been doing since the onset of the pandemic, which included collecting and making PPE for first responders using 3-D printing technology and holding drive-by graduation ceremonies.
The Democratic Women of the Southland Region, represented by Clerk Hutson, presented the Country Club Hills Fire Chief, Police Chief, and Deputy Police Chief with recognition plaques in honor of the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The approval of ~$676,000 in vouchers passed without question or comment, and Alderman Edwards spoke about working with School District 228 in getting additional support from Country Club Hills police.
Public comments proved to be yet another fanfare performance with members of the city calling on the mayor to do something about the violence plaguing the city. Several members of the public spoke of increasing violence, on Highland Place, which is located near 175th St. and Pulaski Rd. “I have been run out of my home by these gang bangers,” said a resident. “I am living out of a hotel because they have threatened my life. I spoke to the Mayor about it and he doesn’t care.” This resident alleged that Mayor Ford said that there is “no more help” coming, in reference to help with the violence. Ford refuted that during public comment, stating, “It’s the furthest thing from the truth.”
Alderman Edwards asked to be recognized, which resulted in a eruption from Alderman Lockett and Mayor Ford. Ford said that he (Edwards) could not speak while the floor was open to the public. Edwards countered that both Ford and Lockett just spoke during public comments. This heated exchange resulted in some outbursts from the crowd, who sided with Alderman Edwards, calling for Ford to allow him to speak. Ford ordered the room to be emptied. A member of the Southland Journal team was also removed, despite holding press credentials. Ford stated that recording was not allowed “without permission.” This is a direct violation of the Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/2.05), as quoted here:
“Recording meetings. Subject to the provisions of Section 8-701 of the Code of Civil Procedure, any person may record the proceedings at meetings required to be open by this Act by tape, film or other means. The authority holding the meeting shall prescribe reasonable rules to govern the right to make such recordings.”
Outside the doors to City Hall, residents gathered to discuss the ongoing violence in the community. One resident recalled a helicopter landing in her yard after a shooting. Another recalled giving CPR to a young man who had been shot last October. He died of his injuries. According to this same resident, gang members and drug dealers have been using an abandoned property next door to her home to store weapons. She said her life and her family’s lives have been threatened by them. Residents are alleging that Mayor Ford is sweeping the violence under the rug. According the several residents, no one is getting notified of the incidents. Many of the residents stated they would be at the next board meeting to voice their concerns again.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 27, 2021 at 7:00 PM at Village Hall: 4200 West Main Street, Country Club Hills.
Ford violates open meetings act, empties room of all citizens and press
