logo
More changes coming to the nonprofit behind Carmel's iconic Christkindlmarkt

More changes coming to the nonprofit behind Carmel's iconic Christkindlmarkt

More changes are coming to the operation behind the Carmel Christkindlmarkt as city officials try to get on the same page in the ongoing saga.
The most impactful change will give some power to the City Council in appointing the board of directors for Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc., the nonprofit organization that manages the event.
Drama surrounding the market began last fall when, under Mayor Sue Finkam's leadership, the city dismissed two former board members, and the then-board chair resigned shortly after. On the same day the former board chair resigned, four new board members, who were appointed by Finkam, approved a new operating agreement between Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc. and the city.
Since then, city officials drilled into the finances and operations of the market at a public Affiliate Review Committee meeting, and the founding CEO of the market resigned, stating she was pushed out by the organization's board of directors, who were appointed by Finkam. In May, Carmel City Council unanimously voted to investigate actions surrounding the market.
Changes to the nonprofit's governance structure were announced June 3 and were 'solidified through a collaborative process involving the Carmel Mayor's Office, the Carmel City Council and Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc.'s leadership,' according to a news release.
Previous coverage: Carmel City Council votes for Christkindlmarkt investigation, at odds with mayor
The changes will allow the City Council to nominate some board members, a power that councilors have not had. These changes will be effective on or after July 1, 2025:
At the beginning of 2026, the following actions will be taken:
Finkam and City Council President Adam Aasen both said they were supportive of the changes in the news release.
Planning for the 2025 Carmel Christkindlmarkt is ongoing, and all efforts remain on schedule, according to the news release. Opening day for the market is set for Nov. 22, 2025.
There has not been much progress made in public meetings since city councilors voted to investigate actions surrounding the market in early May.
The City Council will investigate "the actions taken by representatives, contractors and the Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc. Board of Directors as it relates to the Carmel Christkindlmarkt," but it also has the power to look into any of Finkam's Chriskindlmarkt decisions. The investigation was introduced as a verbal motion from councilor Jeff Worrell and was approved by an 8-0 vote.
The only public step forward councilors have made in the investigation was nominating councilor Ryan Locke to take charge of the effort. Committee and City Council meetings since then have focused heavily on an ordinance passed June 2 that will regulate the number of rental homes allowed in the community.
At the same meeting, councilors voted for an investigation, they also introduced a proposal to have even more influence over Finkam's Christkindlmarkt board appointees than the changes announced June 3.
More coverage: Carmel Christkindlmarkt CEO 'excluded from key decisions,' resignation letter says
The ordinance introduced in May would require at least one member of the organization's governing body to be appointed by the City Council. The remaining members of Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc. would have to be approved by the City Council under the proposed ordinance, as opposed to just being appointed by the mayor.
The proposal, sponsored by Aasen, Worrell and city councilors Teresa Ayers, Shannon Minnaar and Matt Snyder, remains in the Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee, which does not have its next meeting scheduled.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Developer: Asian market, food hall at Burnsville Center nearing finish line
Developer: Asian market, food hall at Burnsville Center nearing finish line

Yahoo

time28 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Developer: Asian market, food hall at Burnsville Center nearing finish line

Developer: Asian market, food hall at Burnsville Center nearing finish line originally appeared on Bring Me The News. The Asian supermarket and food hall designed to transform Burnsville Center remains in the pipeline, three years after the plans were unveiled. The Windfall Group initially said the the development, known as Pacifica of Burnsville, could open as soon as January 22, 2023, in celebration of Lunar New Year – a date that came and went while the project was beginning to move through the city's formal planning process. In December 2023, the Windfall Group said the destination was on track to open at the end of the first quarter in 2024. A March 2024 press release advertised the food hall would indeed open very soon - before summer. Now, over one year later, the project remains under construction and no opening date is set. "The community is very antsy for this project," Burnsville City Council Member Vince Workman told developers last week. "We're almost to the finish line," Christina Le, one of the project's developers, reassured city officials. The Burnsville City Council voted unanimously June 3 to once again amend the city's $1.1 million grant tied to the redevelopment to allow more time for construction. The extension sets a Jan. 31, 2026 deadline for exterior renovations, with interior work on the project set to wrap up this month. "Yes, we have had our delays and so forth but we did not take any shortcuts," Le told the City Council. "We did not diminish any quality in the work that we've done. We've kept the quality high." The Windfall Group, an international developer, is also behind Pacifica Square in Aurora, Illinois, which is billed as one of the largest "one-stop" Asian lifestyle centers in the country. The development in Burnsville is planned to be anchored by the upscale Asian supermarket chain, Enson Market, and a feature a nine-vendor food hall, called Ate Ate Ate. In a letter to the City Council dated March 5, Eddie Ni, with the Windfall Group, indicated plans to construct a two-story addition to incorporate patio dining and a landscaped plaza have been nixed. "Instead of constructing a 15,000-square-foot addition, we aim to create affordable and inviting spaces for tenants while preserving parking," the letter reads. "The two restaurants originally planned for the addition will now occupy vacant mall units." Ni also noted progress on Enson Market have been impacted by shipment delays from overseas. Ate Ate Ate is designed to emulate Asia's atmospheric street markets, with a stroll through the food hall taking guests from morning cafes, to lunchtime spots and, finally, the evening-inspired segment, which will be complete with vibrant lights and live music. Hospitality HQ, the food hall's operator, will oversee the curation of vendors. The current vendor line-up includes Soga Mochi Donuts, which became Minnesota's first mochi donut business when it brought its Japanese-style treats to St. Paul in 2021. Bulgogi, bibimbap and other Korean favorites will be served at Hang Sang Korean Cuisine and Nepal-style dumplings filled with seasoned meat and veggies will be the focus at Amazing Momo. Other vendors include Asian-inspired ice cream shop ODAY Creamery, Niko Niko Boba, Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls and spots serving ramen, hand-crafted sushi rolls and sashimi and Mediterranean fare, according to Le. A central bar, called Urban Oasis, will offer self-serve beer and wine, she added. "This really means a lot to us that you've been patient and waited this long," she told the City Council. "We're almost there." According to Le, a grand opening is expected before the end of the story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.

Norfolk commonwealth's attorney race one of most expensive, divisive in city's history
Norfolk commonwealth's attorney race one of most expensive, divisive in city's history

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Norfolk commonwealth's attorney race one of most expensive, divisive in city's history

NORFOLK — The race to be the city's next top prosecutor has been a divisive and expensive one, with both candidates on the attack and raising record amounts of money. And with just two Democrats vying for the position, voters won't have to wait until November to find out who gets the job. The race will be over next week, when the June 17 Democratic Primary is held. Competing for the seat are incumbent Rahim Fatehi, a longtime Norfolk prosecutor and former public defender who's seeking a second term, and John Butler, a former federal prosecutor and Navy judge advocate general running for elected office for the first time. Butler announced his candidacy in February, a few weeks after stepping down from his role as the managing assistant U.S. attorney in Norfolk. He has the support of several of Norfolk's top Democratic leaders, including Mayor Kenny Alexander, Sheriff Joe Baron, Treasurer Daun Hester, Commissioner of the Revenue Blythe Scott, and City Council Members Courtney Doyle and Tomy Smigiel. He's also been endorsed by the Norfolk chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Norfolk Professional Fire Fighters group. Among those supporting Fatehi are U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, Virginia House Speaker Don Scott, former state Attorney General Mark Herring, Norfolk City Councilman Rodney Jordan, and former councilmen Andy Protygou and Paul Riddick. Both candidates have raked in significant amounts in donations. As of the latest campaign finance filing deadline on Monday, Butler reported $742,000 in contributions, while Fatehi reported receiving around $870,000 in cash and in-kind contributions since he took office in 2022, with most all of it being gathered this year. Both are record amounts for a Norfolk commonwealth's attorney race. Butler's top contributors are some of the city's most powerful lawyers and business leaders, including attorneys Chuck McPhillips, Vincent Mastracco Jr., former Mayor Paul Fraim, Rusty Friddell, and Thomas G. Johnson Jr., as well as retired Norfolk Southern CEO David Goode, S.L. Nusbaum Realty Company CEO Miles Leon, and Landmark Communications founder Jane Batten and her son, Frank Batten Jr., chairman of Landmark Media Enterprises, the former owner of The Virginian-Pilot. Each have contributed anywhere from $12,000 to $20,000. Marathon Development Group, the real estate development company behind several downtown apartment complexes and run by developer Buddy Gadams, and Frank Batten Jr. are Butler's biggest donor, with each pitching in $20,000. Fatehi's top source of campaign income has been from three liberal super PACs largely funded by billionaire George Soros. Justice & Public Safety, Democracy PAC and New Virginia Majority have donated a combined total of around $400,000. Another significant source for Fatehi has been $320,000 in loans from himself and his brother. Fatehi said he obtained the money through a home equity line of credit and has since paid his brother back. And while Fatehi and Butler both say they're lifelong Democrats, Fatehi has repeatedly claimed in campaign mailers and speeches that Butler has 'MAGA allies' and is being funded by 'MAGA donors,' a reference to the Make America Great Again campaign slogan popularized by President Donald Trump. Some of the mailers have included a photoshopped picture, with Butler's head placed on someone else's body and the shadow of an elephant looming behind him. 'Don't Let Republicans Take Over the Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney Office,' reads one of the mailers sent to Norfolk residents. 'Stop John Butler. Stop the GOP takeover.' Fatehi also pointed to a recent email sent by the Norfolk Republican Party, which urged its members to vote for Butler in the Democratic primary. John Sitka, chair of the Norfolk Republican Party, said the group sought approval from the state GOP party before sending it. The email says the local party is supporting Butler because it believes the city is less safe with Fatehi in the job. And without any Republicans or Independents in the race, the Democratic primary is the only chance voters have to weigh in, Sitka said. 'We all live in Norfolk and as citizens of Norfolk we care about the community, and not what party you're from,' he said. 'If you're a citizen of this city and you have strong feelings, you vote how your conscience tells you to.' Butler said he didn't coordinate with the local GOP party on the email, and didn't seek its support. 'Anyone in Norfolk is welcome to vote for me but they should do so knowing I will always stand up for Democratic values and that I am endorsed by Norfolk Democratic leaders,' he said. The former federal prosecutor called Fatehi's attempts to mark him as a MAGA candidate disgraceful and disgusting. 'He's trying to mislead voters about my record because he can't defend his own,' Butler said. 'Why would all these Norfolk Democrats be supporting me if that was true.' Butler said he was recruited to run by city leaders unhappy with the job Fatehi has been doing. He pointed to multiple news articles about 'missteps' Fatehi and his office have made since he took over, including plea deals rejected by judges for being too lenient, and murder cases ending in acquittals or a dismissal of charges. He also suggested that the 'mass exodus' of prosecutors who resigned from the office after Fatehi took over is another example of his poor leadership. 'I've had so many victims come up to me and say they felt they didn't get justice,' Butler said. 'This position requires leadership and competence and he has failed Norfolk.' Fatehi said he stood by his record and the work of his staff. Violent crime in the city is down 40%, property crime down 27%, and the jail's population has been cut in half, he said. Fatehi believes that because Butler hasn't prosecuted cases in state court, he's not qualified for the job. 'Federal prosecutors cherry pick the cases that they want to handle,' he said. 'We handle the cases that are tough, with reluctant witnesses, and evidence that is not as strong.' Jane Harper,

Alderman seeks power to ban short-term rentals from Chicago precincts
Alderman seeks power to ban short-term rentals from Chicago precincts

Chicago Tribune

time2 hours ago

  • Chicago Tribune

Alderman seeks power to ban short-term rentals from Chicago precincts

If a Far Northwest Side alderman gets his way, Chicago City Council members could gain the authority to block short-term rentals like Airbnb's from popping up in their wards. Ald. Anthony Napolitano, 41st, is pushing forward legislation that would give aldermen the ability to unilaterally ban new rentals on a precinct-by-precinct level. The rental companies could overturn the bans by collecting signatures from 10% of the precinct voters, around 150 to 200 signatures, he said. Napolitano, whose ward includes Edison Park and surrounding areas near O'Hare International Airport, argued the amendment he seeks is about 'being able to advocate for your residents when it becomes a problem,' citing party complaints in particular. 'Because it doesn't exist right now,' he said. 'We can't advocate for them at all.' The City Council's License and Consumer Protection Committee is set to consider the legislation Wednesday. If it advances, it could face a full City Council vote next week. Airbnb criticized the proposed ban, arguing in a statement it threatens to destabilize short-term rental tax revenue earmarked to fight homelessness and aid domestic violence survivors. 'The proposed ordinance amendment is an unnecessary violation of Chicagoans' constitutional property rights and echoes the city's dark history of 'Restricted Residential Zones,' which once controlled who could visit, travel through, and own homes in certain neighborhoods,' Airbnb Public Policy Manager Jonathan Bucker said in the statement. There has been a 78% decrease in the rate of party reports made to Airbnb in Chicago since 2020, according to the company. Airbnb pointed to efforts to curb parties, among them reservation screenings and support lines. It also touted the $191 million Chicago hosts earned last year, as well as the tourist spending in neighborhoods the company says the stays generate. The city's current short-term rental ordinance allows for precinct-level bans only after 25% of the precincts registered voters have signed a petition requesting the ban. Some aldermen, like Southwest Side Ald. Marty Quinn, 13th, have pushed forward with signature-collection efforts that have blocked Airbnb in large swaths of their wards. Napolitano said his measure 'flips the script' to place the onus on companies instead of residents. He likened the powers his ordinance would grant aldermen to the one they already have over new liquor licenses going into neighborhood businesses: 'Open it up, drop some in and close it again.' He said he would 'look at' a ban in problem areas immediately if the amendment passes, but would leave other spots untouched. Even after aldermen voted last month to require short-term rental companies to share more data with them, Napolitano said the added transparency is not enough because he does not have the power to fix issues 'in real time' when parties happen in his ward's single-family homes. 'It isn't fixed by Friday or Saturday, but they're gone by Sunday, and then the neighbors are left to deal with the problem, and then it pops back up two, three weeks later,' he said. Pre-existing short-term rental units would be allowed to continue operating if rentals were banned in a precinct, Napolitano said. He shared concerns that the rentals drive up housing costs or harm tax revenue brought in by hotels, but added that his goal is 'not to hurt Airbnb.' 'We can't go into this and destroy an industry,' he said. 'It does work in a lot of areas, it does work well, it does help some residents to keep a home because it brings a substitute income.' The one-bed, one-bath Airbnb that Jackeline Torres and her husband rent out from their Norwood Park home would be grandfathered in if Napolitano, Torres' alderman, banned rentals in her area. Still, the City Council effort to control where Airbnb's can go bothers Torres. The paralegal rents out the separate upstairs space to help pay for rising property taxes, she said. Short-term rental bans would be 'intrusive to my privacy' and rights, she argued. 'An alderman shouldn't restrict who I allow into my home and my freedom of allowing people to stay in my home,' Torres said. 'One person shouldn't determine that.' Her unit is rented out over half the year, she said. It's been available for three years. Most of the guests she welcomes are traveling professionals or tourists visiting nearby family. Safety is top of mind for the mother of three young children, and it has never been an issue while renting, she said. 'We always had a positive experience with the people who were staying here,' she said. 'It supplemented our already existing income and gave us a little extra cushion to make sure we were in a better financial position.' Three different guests have even decided to look for homes in the area after their stays, she added. But while Torres said her Airbnb rental has helped keep her in her home, Ald. Jessie Fuentes worries rentals might push her residents out of theirs. Parts of Fuentes' Northwest Side ward include some of the city's fastest-gentrifying neighborhoods, she said. And in pockets of her 26th Ward like East Humboldt Park, where many of the ward's short-term rentals are concentrated, Chicagoans are making the difficult decision to stay and face higher costs or leave, she said. 'When you begin to short up the amount of units in our communities because we're putting so many of them online for Airbnb, it sort of begins to also inflate those prices,' she said. Fuentes added that she gets 'a lot of concerns' from residents about rental parties that are 'disruptive to the natural ecosystem.' 'I am not anti-Airbnb,' she said. 'I just think there needs to be some form of regulation.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store