EDA delays approval of revised employment agreement at Superior National after inconsistencies found in packet

The Cook County Economic Development Authority discussed a proposed amendment to the employment agreement for Garrett Ekman, who works at Superior National Golf Course, and decided not to vote after identifying inconsistencies between the packet narrative and the draft contract.

Staff and the golf course committee proposed elevating Ekman’s role in the food and beverage operation — citing roughly 100% year‑to‑date revenue growth in food and beverage — and recommended a title change from assistant to food and beverage manager or director. Commissioners and staff walked through the packet and noted conflicting language: some places still referenced "assistant manager and beverage director," while other exhibits replaced assistant wording with a full manager title.

Commission discussion focused on whether the job description and title changes were merely typographical or reflected substantive changes to duties and compensation. Commissioners asked whether the budget impact was neutral; staff clarified the change represented a shift of existing funds (fewer hourly workers, more compensation allocated to the position) and did not increase overall budgeted payroll.

Because parts of the contract in the packet did not reflect the committee’s recommended language, the commissioner who had moved approval withdrew the motion and asked staff to provide a corrected, consolidated job description. Commissioners said they would consider approving the corrected document at a future meeting and indicated intent to make any pay adjustment retroactive if appropriate.

No formal vote on the resolution occurred at the meeting.