The Des Plaines City Council has formally approved a $250,000 grant to the Suburban O’Hare Commission, an organization opposed to new runways at O’Hare International Airport.
“The voters know SOC is the one organized group that has continued to fight runway expansion for the past 25 years,” Ald. Carla Brookman said during Monday’s council meeting.
The matter has been discussed during council meetings since May, when Ald. Dick Sayad began an effort to stall a $22,500 quarterly dues payment to the commission.
In other action the council voted to pay $60,000 to All-Circo Inc., a legislative lobbying firm with offices in Springfield and Chicago.
Aldermen approved hiring a lobbyist last year but never decided on a firm.
Before leaving his position this year, former City Manager Wally Douthwaite urged the council to retain Altheimer & Gray, a law firm he said had strong connections to legislative leaders.
Ald. Laura Murphy said All-Circo, a smaller firm, might provide more personal attention in obtaining grants and legislative advantages for Des Plaines.
Aldermen also voted 8-0 to ban motorized skateboards from city streets and sidewalks.
Ald. Tom Christiansen said, “I think we may save some kid’s life by enacting this ordinance.”
