We have seen the story about the sale of surplus property published by a local media outlet on July 31. We are disturbed that this local media outlet considered the Quincy Park District’s sale of surplus property, which was mentioned in the report, to be news because it was carried out in full transparency and in accordance with applicable Illinois legislation. The narrative seems to have originated from speculative Facebook discussions that are rife with innuendo and accusations of misconduct. The Quincy Park District felt obliged to react as a result.
First, two trucks that were excess property of the District were sold in accordance with all applicable legislation. I would recommend 70 ILCS 1205/8-22, which is available at https://ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/007012050K8-22.htm, for the proper reference. In particular, at a properly called public meeting, the Board of Commissioners authorized the transaction. Both the Board’s agenda and its public website included the ordinance resolution. The resolution named the automobiles in question and said that sealed bids would be used to sell them in a public auction. The public was then provided additional notice through a legal publication in a local newspaper, going above the Illinois Park District Code’s previously mentioned obligation. Several persons contacted the Park District to view the trucks during the days and weeks before the auction, when they were available for inspection.
Ultimately, the vehicles were sold through a sealed bid procedure. Since the sealed bids were opened simultaneously, no bidder had an edge. The sale price of each car was determined by taking the highest bid. Even if some people may not agree with the way the sale was marketed and advertised, it was done in a way that allowed anyone to bid on the vehicles and went above and above the requirements of the applicable legislation.
Although it is legal and lawful, the Park District understands that permitting Park District personnel to bid on these property auctions may give the impression of improper behavior or a conflict of interest. The Board of Commissioners changed its rules to forbid Commissioners and Park District employees (or their families) from buying surplus property or real estate that the Park District is selling in order to prevent this impression in the future. According to Illinois law, it has been and still is permissible for the employees to take part in the auction process. However, the Board has decided to forbid such behavior in order to maintain transparency and prevent any perception of conflict.
The way social media has been utilized to spread news items and to make derogatory, false, and speculative remarks that either hint at or even accuse Quincy Park District staff of misconduct is among the most regrettable aspects of this issue. Interestingly, the data utilized in the publication included surplus sales data dating back to 2018, when the District’s leadership structure was different from what it is today. What relevance do these instances have today compared to back then? The point is that. The lives and reputations of the employees in question, as well as the district as a whole, are severely impacted by these kinds of charges, rumors, and innuendo. This is incorrect.
It is undoubtedly not unique to the Park District and is becoming a bigger issue in our society. Quincy residents and the Park District are fortunate to have a group of committed staff and leadership who strive every day to carry out the Park District’s goal and offer community programs and public areas. We urge the public and journalists to perform better. News outlets should develop stories based on facts rather than social media posts, and the public shouldn’t interact with those that don’t meet this criterion in order to support them. We can and ought to perform better.
Philpot, Mark C.
The President
District of Quincy Park
Commissioners’ Board
Bonansinga Drive, 1231
223-7703 (217)
[email protected]
