Prospect Heights hires coordinator to organize three community events

Prospect Heights has hired an events coordinator to organize three special events this spring and summer, including the Mayor’s Community Breakfast and a Kentucky Derby party at the city’s new Off-Track Betting parlor, both set for May 5.

Betty Cloud of Prospect Heights will receive $25 an hour for up to 60 hours work organizing those events, as well as the city’s Fourth of July parade.

Ward 2 Alderman John Styler, who participated in the city council discussion Monday by telephone due to recent knee replacement surgery, cast the only vote against the hire, saying it is the type of work volunteers should do instead.

“I think it’s a slap in the face to people devoting time and effort to the city all these years,” he said.

Mayor Nick Helmer said the work was involved, noting that the coordinator will have to go to the Chicago Executive Airport and the city’s hotels to hand out fliers and encourage community organizations to participate in the events.

“We thrive on volunteers,” said Helmer. “(But) we need knowledge and experience and there’s a lot of work to get done in a big hurry.”

Helmer said the city staff is too busy with other responsibilities to handle these events, and he personally is not going to take on more projects like this that require recruiting volunteers after having open heart surgery in December.

The route of the July Fourth parade also was discussed Monday. Helmer said some participants think the traditional parade route is too long to walk, so he has proposed changing it.

But Ward 3 Alderman Scott Williamson said it was important to first consult the Hebron Presbyterian Church, 511 N. Schoenbeck Road, before making any changes. The church, officials said, has been a strong supporter of the parade for five years, providing free hot dogs and music at the end of the route and hosting a large rummage sale during the event.

Helmer said he would talk with leaders of the congregation before moving forward.