Is this the same early retirement program where we were told, when it was announced, that the duties of the early retirees would be shifted to other city employees and that there would be no new hires? At the time it was touted as a major cost saver for the city because there would be less expense at the end of the day because these people were not going to be replaced.

I point out that the city paid these folks to leave-- well they paid substantial sums into their pension fund so that they would be fully vested early. The justification was that by shifting the job duties to other existing employees total payroll costs would go down.

Now we have outside consulting firms who "won't cost us any more" (what happened to "this is going to save us a lot of money"). Of course the advantage is that outside firms can make campaign contributions.

This administration is full of innovative ideas to help build a great, modern city government. Can't wait to see what the future holds for Chicago Heights!

Chris,do you know who owns JPH inc.?

yeah who owns it mmmmm let take a guess

OH give jobs to outside co that BS how about all the citzens in heights that need job

If any of you decided to come to a City Council Meeting, you would know exactly, who, what, when, where and would not be speculating and making absurd comments. It only makes you look bad. Voice your concerns at the Council meeting and not here where you only weave a web confusion.

@ Amos, why don't you FOIA it? or better yet show how you are a true concerned Chicago Heights resident and attend a Council meeting here and there. Might make you look at little less riddiculous.

Thanks Chris.

This city is a joke nothing has changed take a Good look it there way or no way it always after the fact NOTHING has changed CLICK CLICK What the unemployment rate ?No meeetings are ever going to help that when the city hires out of CITY more business closing than opening take a Good look at our town

I suggest that you contact the IDES office so that you can be aware of the current unemployment rates. You complain here about unemployment, yet you are not aware yourself of what the rates are. I suggest you contact neighboring towns and get some facts about what services they offer to their residents and how much they pay for those services and you will see that We (Chicago Heights residents) have it very good here. I also suggest that you contact your alderperson and voice your opinions with him/her. They will be able to voice your opinions at meetings if you don't have the courage to attend them and voice them yourselves like a true concerned resident.

Way off topic Complaining No this has nothing to do with complaining I know the numbers I have spoke to elected officals reps aledermen senator ect.......Bottom line why hire out of the Heights when we have qualified people to do the job?You must be looking through rose colored glasses we have it good yep empty houses closed business an by the way self employed so let me tell u about NUMBERS an Profit donnot need this to be labled COMPLAINING we cannnot keep a business open in Heights who would want to open one here.I have spoke to many officals through the years.Courage again has nothing to do with with this TOPIC

The real question is what city employee, friend or family member has a stake in the company that was hired ?

Madigan

Like i have said countless times, it is obvious this town is not making you happy. Follow the path to happiness in another town. Then you might be able to breathe better and live a more happy stress-free life. Simple as that. But if you are unwilling to uproot, then I suggest becoming more pro-active in the community and visiting the Mayor's Office to voice your concerns.
I do recall, in your previous post, you asking a question "What is the unemployment rate?" or am I wrong. If you would have attended last night's meeting, you would have been informed of the opening of a new bar & grill, that has a great looking future, and the approval of a new store that promises to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in property taxes in the City of Chicago Heights. But you would not know that since you did not go.

What's that Amos? making riddiculous comments? Your words cannot be trusted since you are publically known be to a liar. Am I right?

and just WHO ARE YOU ? Mrs. Goodfella, why should we even listen to you let alone believe anything you say.

Oh yes Move like the rest of them that will make it right The question didnot need to be answered as it plain an clear seems u know it all.Bar an Grill just great.Promises it never going to happen soon Medical Center will be Gone would u like a list of eye sores.
Let me get this right your words
Follow the path to happiness in another town.
I would say u are far from concerned about the Heights with that advice

By the way, the word is not publically. Got spellcheck?

Yes, the word is spelled correctly. Is that all you can come back with? Grammar & spelling? I do not see anyone correcting the run on sentences that Karen is posting or her lack of comas and periods. I noticed them in the begining yet I chose to not to use that as a way to prove a point that someone does not know their facts or whatever details they are talking about. Grow up and the time that you are spending here, complaining and nit-picking, you could have spent that voicing your ideas and opinions at City Hall or with public officials. If you or anyone else does not want to find the time to actually get off the computer and actually go out and make a difference, then they should not make idiotic comments. You are only making yourselves look bad. Also, yes if your happiness is not here and you are not willing to be pro-active, then go to where your happiness is, prehaps a new town? Voicing your concerns here will not change anything.

maybe I should give you a dictionary that is wriiten in something other than English, because if you use your head for someting other than a hatrack you might find out that the word is PUBLICLY.

All I am saying is become involved in City events and Council meetings. Any bit of public/residential participation will show them (City Officials) that you're concerned and not willing to just leave the decision making up to a few. Write letters, come to meetings and stop by the Mayor's Office to talk to the Chief of Staff and the Mayor. Something is bound to change when they see the residents part-taking in the City that belongs to all of us. We all need to work together for the better of this City.

I work in HR in the private sector. Early retirement is a good product and usually comes with replacing the retiree at a lower salary or oursouring to save on benefits that include group medical insurance and pension cost. I am surprised the City is using it with their history of hiring relatives and over paying them. So its good to hear that they are finally doing what is best for the community and not thier political friends. Im in the west burbs now and it seems like the Heights style of government has arrived here. They have nothing left in the Heights to take , so they now will poach themselves here.

Chris, did Fourth Ward Ald. Joshua Deabel discuss why he voted "no" on both during the meeting?

The fact that Josh Deabel voted against this proposal is reason enough to support it. Professionalism and expertise are good things, and the Mayor is bringing both to city government.

Chris ,
What about the new liquor license that was issued at this meeting to the Gas Station/Dunkin Donuts on 30, I thought the Mayor wasnt allowing any more? I guess this is what 5000 a month plus extras gets the City.Liquor stores,pawn shops,and dollar stores,thank the lord of JPH!

Chris,any info on that license?

Thank you Chris.

@Jason Amos, why don't you do your own research and stop relying on someone else to attend the council meetings? Have the balls to come into City Hall and FOIA the info or ask to speak to someone in the Mayor's Office. Oh wait, just remembered, you can't show your face because you have been publicly shamed.

Thanks for your reply Mrs. G.

God Bless you

Jason, I love your response to Mrs G. I almost forgot that she is the voice of reason and the conscience of da Heights. I wonder if she has been here long enought to know any name except Gonzalez and Winston Wolf. I agree with you, God Bless you Mrs G. and thank you for being so helpful in correcting all of our foibles and shortcomings.

Thank you for your concern. As a matter of fact, I was born and raised in the Heights and lived here all of my life. Yes I do know much about the Heights and I am constantly involved in City Events and meetings. Something many know nothing of and rather make idiotic comments here. I have never run for office in Chicago Heights or much less run for office and having been caught forging offical documents like Amos. Amos why don't you share that story? Your creditbility is shot now because you are a liar! So may God bless YOU

Thank you again for your concern,and your comments.

Anytime Amos, anytime. :-)

We shouldn't hide behind fake names,give us your real name so I can sit by you at the next meeting.

Did you atleast write me in last election?

God Bless you.

For the upcoming Council Meeting, i will personally come and greet you myself if you decide to attend. I have seen you many times. So, attend a meeting and I will introduce myself and we can catch up on certain topics.

Ill hold you to that.

Have a great weekend