OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RAHM EMANUEL
MAYOR
June 17,2015
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
At the request of the Commissioner of Planning and Development, I transmit herewith, together with Alderman Beale, an ordinance amending Chapter 2-120 of the Municipal Code establishing the Pullman National Monument Advisory Commission.
Your favorable consideration of this ordinance will be appreciated.
Mayor
Very truly yours,
ORDINANCE
WHEREAS, In the 1880s, Chicago's Pullman District was founded as the first planned industrial community in the United States, becoming home to the employees of the Pullman's Palace Car Company and their families; and
WHEREAS, In 1894, the Pullman District became a national symbol for the labor movement when Pullman Palace Car Company laborers went on strike, seeking better wages and working conditions; and
WHEREAS, Pullman's legacy grew in 1925, when the first all-African-American union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, was formed in the District; and
WHEREAS, In February 2015, President Barack Obama paid homage to the Pullman District's iconic place in African-American and labor history by announcing the creation of the Pullman National Monument; and
WHEREAS, The people of Chicago, especially those residing in the Pullman neighborhood, have a deep and abiding interest in participating in the development and maintenance of this new national monument; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO:
SECTION 1. Chapter 2-120 of the Municipal Code of Chicago is hereby amended by adding a new Article XV, as follows:
ARTICLE XV. PULLMAN NATIONAL MONUMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION
2-120-525 Establishment and composition.
There is hereby established a commission to be known as the "Pullman National Monument Advisory Commission." The commission shall consist of a chairperson and six members, selected and appointed by the mayor, with input from Pullman community leaders, business owners, and residents. The chairperson shall serve a two-year term. Two of the initial appointees shall be appointed for terms expiring on July 1st of the year following their appointment, two shall be appointed for terms expiring July 1 st of the second year following their appointment, and two shall be appointed for terms ending on July 1st of the third year following their appointment. Thereafter, members shall be appointed for three-year terms. The commission shall meet at least twice per year. At least two days' notice of the time and place of each meeting shall be given by the chairman. A majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a guorum for the purpose of transacting business.
2-120-530 Powers and duties.
The Pullman National Monument Advisory Commission shall have and may exercise the following duties, powers, and responsibilities:
(a) To plan, initiate, supervise, and coordinate programs and projects that (1) promote
tourism and visitation to the Pullman National Monument, (2) facilitate the preservation and maintenance of the Pullman National Monument, and (3) raise community awareness as to the historical importance and significance of the Pullman National Monument.
To solicit and accept public and private contributions of funds and services, and, following due appropriation of such funds and in consultation with and with permission from the National Park Service, to utilize the funds and services in ways that promote and support the Pullman National Monument.
To act as a liaison between the city government and community organizations, promoting cooperation between the government and these organizations, and among these organizations, in order to seek input, recommendations, and contributions to enhance the Pullman National Monument.
To act as a liaison between the city government and the National Park Service and other federal government agencies, promoting cooperation between the city and federal governments, in order to enhance the Pullman National Monument.
To report from time to time to the Mayor and the City Council on important problems, conditions, or proposals pertinent to the development, maintenance, and protection of the Pullman National Monument.
To solicit input from members of the public, community groups, and businesses to assist and advise the commission on matters relating to the commission's duties.
To adopt, publish, and make available rules of procedure and other regulations for the conduct of commission meetings and other business.
To exercise any other power or authority necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of these provisions.
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon passage and approval.
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