Morning the committee on contracts, oversight and Equity
will now come to order.
Do I have a roll call to establish a quorum?
Chairman mitts is present, Vice chair lasp.
President.
Chairman Dow.
I'm in Mitchell.
Chairman Harris.
Uh, ottoman Romero Julia Ramirez.
Ottoman Coleman.
President V assume chairman. Okay.
Chairman vice mayor Bernett.
Chairman Irving Alderman, Ervin president remote. Okay?
um,
Ottoman, chairman viegas.
Ottoman nen.
We have 1, 2 3.
7 members present.
We have uh, committee members.
Who would like to be required rejoined by remote.
According to rule 59.
Um, that would be ottoman Gardener. Ottoman Harris.
Ottoman Coleman.
Irving.
Jofer and more. Can I get a motion to recognize these
Ottomans who have joined so moved by ottoman down?
All in favor. Signify by saying, I
Opinion of the chairs eyes, have it?
At this time, we will have public comment period.
Out of respect for everyone's time.
Each speaker will be allowed 3 minutes.
We have a total of 15.
Speakers this morning.
I'm going to at the destruction of the chair. I'm going to
allow each speaker to speak, which would carry us over our
30 minutes, which is allotted for speaker time, but I do
want you all since you came down to be able to have your
voice heard.
so I I first speaker is going to be
her Stokes.
Yes, sir.
Yeah.
Good morning.
Uh, I wouldn't expect it to be the first but uh, you know,
I will, uh, set, definitely take that responsibility. I am
a herb Stokes I am. Uh,
A uh, I'm a businessman.
I own a couple companies but I'm here on behalf of Chicago.
My my minority Business Development Council. Uh, I've been
involved in that for about 20 plus years
Uh, I chair the efficacy and this is very appropriate. Time
for me to express my advocacy for Charlotte Roberts.
And I 1 of the, the the, the committee to understand the,
uh,
The dedication we have and and our MBE community of
Charlotte's experience.
And the, uh, reality of how she performs.
in her job that I know of in the University at at the
University level,
Uh, when I use the word Advocacy, she is the epitome of
that. And my, my view, and not just my view, but my
experience, uh, I've engaged with Charlotte and many
projects, uh, at 1. Of course, is the health care. I, I
co-chair with her, she's a board member of our Council, uh,
which represents 900
Uh, certified MBE.
And she's very engaged with that. Uh 1 of the things that I
want to note is her.
Her intelligence around policy.
Uh, policy and and I think the position that she's going
into, will be extremely important to all of us in the city
of Chicago. I, I live in the city of Chicago and, and, uh,
1 of the things that I, I, I witnessed with Charlotte, is
her her well study.
On the policies of procurement is relative to the fairness
of it, the equity of it. Uh and that mean of course the
board as a, as a African-American man, a black man, as I
am, obviously, I watched her do that with all, all people
of color, and likewise, uh, in in the space. So, I'm a very
active. I'm very active supporter, uh, along with, uh,
those in this room that, uh, keeps this very professional,
that she has made a difference. And I think that the, the
changes that are necessary in my view, in procurement, in
the city of Chicago,
Will be changed as a result of her of her, uh,
I I think there's a number of things in detail uh that will
will support that with MBE. As I said, I'm an I'm the chair
of advocacy so I think she's bigger big bigger Advocate
than we all are in our Council as a as a, a black woman.
That recognizes all people in the city of Chicago. So
that's my
My comments. Thank you so much. Did I say between the 3? Oh
oh, you went you went 3 but you don't have to go 3 now just
so everybody know. Uh,
I was being respectful because I had others to join. All
right, thank you so much. You're welcome. Um, next speaker
is Deborah Jennings Johnson.
Chicago, minority supplier, Development Council.
Good morning, good morning. Um, I'm represent to council.
I'm actually the president and CEO of the Chicago
minorities fire department Council. But I'm here to
represent uh, to talk about Charla for 2 Reasons, 1. I
spent 30 years in Corporate America in procurement and
supply chain and 2. I've been on this board the cmcc board
for many years and other boards that look at equity and
diversity.
I can tell you from what I see in Charlotte's spirit and in
her actions that she is an advocate for both. She's a,
she's good in procurement and supply chain, but she also is
dedicated and committed to diversity and Equity. She's been
part of the Chicago minorities play delay Council since
2005. She started out being on committees and she took on 2
committees that were very, very challenging, which was
construction and Healthcare. She's continued to be an
advocate in those spaces. And even after joining,
The board. He's on the full board. Now in 2019. Uh, she
joined. And she continued that effort to be an advocate in
those spaces to be an advocate in those spaces. You bring
together, not only the MBE who are qualified to do the work
but you bring along your corporate colleagues and peers in
health care to make sure they are exposed to the right
companies that can do business over time and so she's
helped lead that Initiative for us. Part of the council's.
Purpose is to not only certify that companies are owned
operated and controlled by minority companies by minority
individuals. But to also develop and create environments
that give them the opportunity to
network and build relationships with buying organizations
that ultimately result in contracts. We've been around for
50 plus years. People like Charlotte have been the ones
that continue to make us relevant as environments change.
And so that in itself says that as in a position like this,
you'll continue to create relevancy and change to make
sure. Not only you get good procurement but you get
diversity and inclusion in that process.
That is my testimony.
Thank you. Thank you.
Then the next speaker is, um, Ry Young.
Good morning. I'm here representing um Bo black
contractor's owners and executive. And we prepared a
written statement.
Um, for our endorsement for Miss Roberts, we black
contractors owner Executives board of directors and
members. Oh, hardly express. Our unwavering support for
mayor Johnson's decision to appoint Mr. Roberts as the
decision Chicago's Chief procurement officer. This Roberts
was honored with Bo's prestigious advocate of the Year
award for 2023 and we firmly believe that her excellent
leadership and outstanding contributions, make her a
perfect candidate for this crucial role.
Miss Roberts has demonstrated, unparalleled expertise and
dedication to advancing. Chicago's plan for economic growth
and promoting diversity equity and inclusion initiatives.
Our proven track work record and compliance and procurement
coupled with her passion for serving, the community
physician. Her as a Beacon of Hope, within the construction
industry, and the state of Chicago at Large,
Miss Roberts exceptional ability to Foster relationships
Drive Innovation and exceed industry standards in her
Outreach. And communication has resulted in tangible
benefits for the community, including increased support for
small and diverse businesses.
For extensive expert. Her extensive experience in both
public and private sectors. Uniquely equips her to
spearhead significant initiatives for economic development
and Dei throughout the state inspiring hope for a brighter
future.
We are confident that Miss Roberts appointment will further
Advance the interests of the city of Chicago and its
citizens.
Because fully committed to supporting Miss Roberts and
Mayor Johnson and building a better more significant and
stronger. Chicago, we submit this letter of unwavering
support to affirm our dedication to this call.
And our confidence in Miss Roberts ability to continue her
outstanding, work and service to the people of Chicago.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
like to add, um,
ottoman Mitchell is joining us.
But the warm purpose.
Next speaker is uh, Dr. Reginal F Rush
Thank you. Good morning everyone honored to be here.
I'm Dr. Reginald Rush.
And uh I'm vice president at a MBE company technology
company called Divine integration Inc.
And at first, I thought, you know why me, why Charlotte,
right why am I here to speak? Why is she being honored here
and offered up for this role? Um I've known Charlotte a
number of years and you all heard about her uh experience
at the Chicago minority business Council. That's why I
first met her
Um, 1 thing I can say about her and you've heard about her
procurement prowess. You've heard about her commitment to
diversity, all that is true. But 1 of the things I did in
preparing for this conversation, I looked at how many
Mutual contacts, we have, we have 111, but as I look
through that 111, most of them are business owners,
minority owned business owners, and her commitment, and her
outcome.
Is second to none. So why Charla? Because if you need
someone that is going to be committed to procurement and
committed to MBE and the growth of this city, then you got
the right person
on the other side where I know Charlotte is, is the company
I work for, she has coached us and yes, some of the things
she said to us. I didn't want to hear. We think we know
everything when we own the company, however, she has
coached us and the outcomes that I've seen my company had
from her coaching on the procurement side and adversity
side and the outcomes of of many of that 111. Mutual
contacts that we have, I've seen no better outcomes for
growth opportunity in the MBE community. So that's what
you're getting when you get Charlotte. Thank you, thank
you.
Next is uh, Mary K Megan.
Mean.
Okay, I'm gonna get her.
Good morning chairman mitts and members of the committee.
My name is Mary K minnehan. And I am here on behalf of w
Coe, our association represents over 100, women owned
construction firms. That often work on City construction
projects.
Wcoe applauds. Mayor Johnson for his choice of Charlotte
Roberts to be Chicago's next chief. Procurement officer.
Miss Roberts has been a strong advocate for MW and dbe
programs and dbe firms for more than 30 years.
She has a reputation of holding general contractor's feet
to the fire when they fall short of their mwbe commitments.
Something we haven't seen in Chicago for a while.
Miss Roberts is also known for her collaboration with
organizations, like woe to bring about positive in outcomes
for MW and dbe firms in the Contracting process. That
collaboration was most evident when the bacc filed suit
challenging cook County's mwbe program.
She worked with the Coalition of construction assist
agencies.
Uh, to defend against that lawsuit. And while we were not
successful, we did learn from that suit. And what we
learned there, helped us win in Chicago.
Miss Roberts also worked extremely hard to restore Chicago
to cook, excuse me to restore cook County's mwb program uh
after the city. Won its case.
Wcoe members are once again facing the prospect of another
legal challenge to our mwbe program. There is another
challenge to the dbe program pending in the eastern
district of Cook County 1 of the. Or I'm in, in Kentucky 1
of the most conservative courts in the nation.
And having a chief procurement officer who has been through
through the legal Challenge and the restoration of an mwbe
program will be hugely helpful. If Chicago has to once
again defend our mwbe program, wcoe urges, you to approve
mayor Johnson's appointment of Charlotte Roberts as Chief
procurement officer. Thank you very much. Thank you.
We have 1 speaker, uh, that's on remote.
Haiti Ratner. Are you on?
Katie Ratner.
Are you?
Okay, while she getting ready, can you hear me? Yes, we can
hear you.
Thank you so much, Alder Mitch, thank you so much. Um,
I'm heady Ratner. I'm the founder and president America of
the Women's Business Development Center and it's a
40-year-old small business assistant center baked in
Chicago, serving women in minority owned businesses.
In 9, mid western states. It is my great pleasure to
recommend and endorse Charlotte Roberts.
for the position of Chief procurement officer for the city
of Chicago, I have known and worked with Charlotte Roberts
since 1989. When she was a contract, compliance officer,
Cook County Office of contract compliance, and then as
deputy director of the state of Illinois, Department of
central Management Services in their Bureau of strategic
sourcing.
When she was director of procurement diversity at.
Um the University of Illinois for the past 10 years. John
was also appointed by several Governors to the business
Enterprise Council where we served together for over 10
years.
Charlotte is a passionate advocate for opportunities when
for minority and women on businesses, as well as an
experienced and effective professional, who is
knowledgeable and committed to procurement opportunities
for minority- and women-owned businesses.
Her entire professional life was, and is devoted to
diversity equity and inclusion.
I am honored to endorse her to you in the critically
important role as Chief procurement officer at the city of
Chicago.
Thank you.
And you're both too. Thank you.
Our next speaker is going to be Mr. Charles herrold.
No sick. Why he's talking. I couldn't hear.
Grand Rising, all. My name is, uh, Charles World II. I'm
president and CEO of the, it architect Corporation, and the
chairman of the Chicago. Minority supplier, Development
Council and uh minority business, Enterprise input
committee.
First and foremost, thank you. Uh, mayor of Chicago,
Brandon Johnson the Chief Operating Officer, John Roberson
member of the legislative body of City of Chicago. Um,
today I come here on behalf of the nbic, the minority
business Enterprise in committee, which is a standing
committee, the board of directors of the Chicago minority
supplier, Development Council and it serves the
organization's more than 900. Plus certified minority
business enterprises throughout the state of Illinois.
The Chicago nbic represents the interests of nbe's via the
input committee along, with the support of the Chicago
Board of Directors. Which Charlotte Roberts is a member of
As part of a council's leadership, the Chicago nbic
supports and developed strategies and initiatives that
serve the mission of advancing business opportunities for
certified MBE and connected them with corporate members and
doing so in ways that create value and deliver economic and
social impact for all stakeholders.
The 4 pillars of the council are to certify, Advocate,
develop and connect.
In a nutshell. There's a there's countless stories of how
Charlotte Roberts has been an advocate where she had
developed and connected certified MBE as reflected in her
incredible tenure at Cook County as senior compliance
manager
Also state of Illinois through Central Management Services
Bureau of strategic sourcing where she was the boss.
In addition University of Illinois, uh, director
procurement diversity, where Charlotte Roberts through the
office of procurement diversity Champion, Supplier,
Diversity Program for the University of Illinois system,
which includes her designing and implementing. The first
diverse supplier development program.
Other major leadership roles that impacted minority business
is where the governor had appointed her to the B Council of
Council of the business Enterprise program Council where
her leadership uh, was with the as the chair of
certification and compliance.
Where she created the first sheltered Market contract
exclusively for the minorities and women in the area of
Information Technology and state of Illinois.
So, it is clear that all of her body of work over the last
30. Plus years is a testament to Charlotte Roberts
commitment and determination and diversifying. The supply
chain of government, and private sector, entities with
minority-, and women-owned business. So on behalf of the
council's, 900 plus certified MBE. We applaud Charlotte
Roberts commitment and determination and diversifying. The
supply chain of government entities with minority- and
women-owned businesses and will continue to support her
leadership. And growing the revenues increasing capacity
and enhancing the credentials in the marketplace for
diverse businesses, throughout the city of Chicago and
Beyond.
Thank you.
Our next speaker is going to be Jackie dice.
Good morning.
My name is Jackie Das. I'm a native chicagoan.
48th Ward resident.
Homeowner.
Business owner and a longtime local government supplier.
I've been servicing the city of Chicago.
Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Park District state of
Illinois etc for over 30 years. Our company
has been contributing to Chicago's economy for 47 years in
that vein, over the past 30 years as CEO,
I have professionally engaged with the city of Chicago's
Chief procurement officer and I have respect for that
office.
I've had the pleasure to work with Charlotte Roberts in the
positions that she's held, at government agencies, the
University of Illinois, Chicago, and also on a couple of
nonprofit board of directors.
In addition to her contributions as a champion.
Of supplier diversity.
I know Charlotte to be a strategic thinker, a team Builder.
And well-versed in financial oversight.
I find her to be refreshingly. Ethical.
Professional fair and trustworthy.
In my opinion, it's my opinion that you've made an
intelligent choice in selecting her as the next CPO of the
city of Chicago. And I'd be remiss if I didn't say.
thank all of you for your service to
thank you.
Next speaker.
Chima.
Ingre.
Good morning, chair. And members of the committee. Good
morning. My name is Chima, Enya, uh, founder of Sentinel
strategies. Uh, I'm a resident, uh, south side of Chicago.
And I am, it's really an honor and a privilege to be here
today, uh, in support of Charlotte Roberts appointment, uh,
at the CPO Chicago, I've known Charlotte as a colleague,
when we were at the Department Of Central Management
Services when she was over the boss. And she was the boss
of procurement um, known her as a partner and advocacy. I
also serve on the nbic committee for a Chicago, minority
supplier Development Council and there has been no 1 that
has been more dogged as a stalwart for nbe's in our
advancement uh than Charlotte that I'm aware of uh in any
level of
Government.
I'm aware of her work. I studied her work, uh, at multiple,
as well as at the University of Illinois, uh, and I'm
honored, um, there are 3 things when it comes to
procurement that come to my mind, uh, with Charlotte
people.
His number 1, she's a people Centric leader. Uh, I know
that in this position, Charlotte will bring the best out of
her staff. She will be focused on finding ways to empower
people to do, what's right to do as ethical to do, what's
fair and to seamlessly integrate uh, minority business,
participation and Champion, those opportunities for
underserved businesses.
She's always been a bridge builder, she's of the community.
Uh,
She is also focused on process, There's No 1 that I know,
uh, that reads, every line, every letter of every page of
the procurement code.
Um and there's nothing that she won't have read 6 times
before you have a conversation with her.
And so she's a champion, not only of people, she's a
champion of process. She knows process Improvement in the
current environment where budget is a consideration.
Charlotte knows that procurement can be a vehicle to not
only cost efficiency but increased inclusion.
And first and for the, the largest part, uh, that I've
learned over the years watching Charlotte's that she's
truly purpose and Mission driven.
This is who she is. When you see someone that's living in
their mission, it's clearly evident. And it's evidenced by
everyone sitting in this room right now.
Charlotte everyday wakes up, finding ways to be excellent.
finding ways to be effective as a communicator as a friend
as a colleague and knows that the keys that she's being
given are for purpose. And transformative, the ability to
transform the lives of all the business owners that you see
behind me and everyone that they represent and to be a
bridge builder to encourage larger corporations.
To follow that path as well. And so again, uh, it's an
honor and a privilege to support such a fair Equitable, uh,
Relentless advocate, for minority business participation.
But a master of procurement, at all levels of government,
who will bring that
That.
Thank you. Um, next speaker is going to be Jesse Martinez.
Okay, Malcolm Wing w.
Followed by Jessica Jackson. Uh, good morning chair, good
morning to the committee. Um, my name is Malcolm Williams.
I am a business owner. I'm the CEO of equity Partners
Williams, Way Consulting. Um, and I started before, I did
all of that. I worked in government and so that is how I'm
going to, um, talk about Charlotte Roberts. Everyone is
talked about all of the organizations that she's been a
part of and all of that and that's in in all of that is
true.
But I think the most important part, um, in my advocating
for her in the role as CPO is that
when I worked at CMS, I asked Charlotte to come work with
me to get that job where they call her the boss that she
was in charge of that Bureau, that managed procurement for
the state. We had a 10 billion dollar a year spent,
And we weren't getting any of that. Spend with minorities,
particularly, particularly African-American and Latino
vendors.
And Charlotte came on with me and immediately, read the
entire procurement code. So, for anybody here, that has
worked in government understands that Illinois's
procurement code is voluminous. Um, she read it, like Chima
said, several times, um, so much so that as we started to
work to get more participation in uh for minorities on
contracts, the powers that be
Fought back against some of the decisions that Charlotte was
was making. They came to me, we have to do something about
this person that works for you. And I had to have
conversations with her because I wanted her to be careful.
And Charlotte decided to listen to me and let me get it all
out.
And then told me.
Malcolm, have you read the procurement code?
And she challenged me. Um, and I told her I had, and she
able to show me where the code actually provided for
opportunities for us to have more diversity. I think that
is the most important thing you can do when you work in
government. As you all know, understand how to use the law
to benefit the people that you serve, Charlotte has 30
years of service in this area. I feel like a proud papa,
because Shea and you worked for me at the time when
Charlotte was there, we all were there in the middle of
that fight and the 1 Thing, Charlotte has always had and
I'm the son of a black panther. Um, I know what
revolutionary women look like
You have to be smart smarter than you have to know what
you're doing but you must also have courage to push back on
on things that people take as um common practice that
aren't necessarily in law. So I think the real benefit uh
for having a chief procurement officer like Charlotte
Roberts is someone that is courageous enough to take a look
at what can be done right now. Everything is in a new law
that has to be uh, passed. But someone that is um, brave
enough to do what's right with what's in front of her. Um,
and that is my advocacy for Charlotte Roberts. Thank you.
Next speaker Jessie. Jessica Jackson.
Followed by Zoe leech.
A good morning, good morning. Um, some of you um, looked
strange when I clapped when, uh, Alderman mitts all the
woman mitts said that she would, um, let the public speaker
speak even though it was more than the 30 minutes because
that's not something that all the altar persons do.
At all. So the fact that she did it, that's why I clapped
Now, as it pertains to this meeting, I did not know who you
were. I'm learning about it as I'm sitting here.
But you Charlotte person oh it's you. Okay. I thought I
thought everybody was looking at you. Okay. Is you okay
well, good. All right. Good. Well because I don't know you
people
Right. I'm coming in here as a person from the public.
I'm not a contractor. I'm not a city or county employee.
I'm a citizen.
Okay, so no, I don't know who you all are, so I'm
listening. Okay. So with that being said,
I come to these meetings, a lot.
And in the last few weeks.
Couple of months, I've heard this talk.
Mainly bought on by George flake Moore and TJ about how
procurement contracts with some extremely small amount to
black people that it was like only 2% or something like
that. So, with that being said, me and a few other women.
May what we have designed to be the contract for black
Chicago.
And that's in response to what we're seeing happening in
this present time. Under mayor Brandon Johnson
How black opportunity is getting thrown away.
You all may support him as the mayor, but a lot of us don't
because he is not been good for black Chicago at all.
So what we've done is made this contract and in this
contract, we're going to present it to you where it's clear
about the percentage of black jobs that we want. Because
this diversity, this de Dei and all of that
Black people don't get our fair share out of that.
Just like the Civil Rights Act. We didn't get our fair
share from that. So this contractor is going to hold you to
the percentage that we're saying for all black employment
in all areas.
And so, if what they saying about you is true and I assume
that it is because like I said, I don't know you, but we
are going to present that contract to you. And we are going
to expect that you look for Alpha Black employment. We're
not talking about black and brown cuz clearly Brown is
getting there. It's black is not
Okay, so we look forward to dealing with you.
Right now, it's in the process of getting notorious.
And we'll see you about it. Thank, thank you. Miss Jackson,
thank you. Next speaker is Joe Zoe.
Leg.
You know, my last name.
It was great to see. So many black people in here, you
know, for contracts and stuff. And um,
it's just, it's crazy because I've been coming here for the
last year because uh the city of Chicago uh Buildings
Department. Uh illegally demolished my family's property
which is eminent domain and we have a 3 billion dollar
lawsuit against the city. Uh, there was old Sandpiper
Lounge, it's my family's and we're going to win um uh we're
we're definitely going to win because my mother kept all
the um the evidence and they know that too. Now we're
already in a billion dollar deficit and my mother is suing
the city for, uh, illegally demolishing our property, which
is a landmark in the city of Chicago. And that's what the
city does. So to see so many contractors in here and the
vouch for how, you know, you and I hope that you, you know,
you do do well. Um but there isn't a genocide on Attack on
black Americans and everybody sees that y'all see the south
side and the West Side y'all see that um the
Contract a lot of these bids and stuff are being taken or
given to these white developers. So, and it, and it's been
like that. It's no black and brown.
It's it's never going to be any black and brown, okay? The
Hispanic KKK takes uh deals with that. They they control
this city hall. This Progressive Movement is weird. They
just fired 4 black women for the intergovernmental Affairs
today. Sydney Holman Bianca, Audrey, Harding and Melanie
Melanie Burke, you know, intergovernmental Affairs. That's
a, that's a very, very, very important job. That's black
women 4 black women that were that were that were that were
fired yesterday. So don't think that you safe.
Please don't think that you're safe and then you have cha
that take care that that takes over a lot of our, um, our
stuff too. Walter brunette has sold out, uh, all of Cabrini
Green to Cha. Um, so this is just what the city does. City
of Chicago is the most corrupt city on Earth. This is a new
generation, y'all not going to play with my family,
definitely at all. Cuz I, I like I said, I technically own
the city of Chicago, they owe my family 3 billion dollars
for illegally demolishing. My family's property, just like
they, do they run a game, it's a imminent, it's a illegal,
eminent domain game. What they do is they take our
properties, our generational wealth from our grandparents.
That's why we that's why generational wealth is. We we
don't, it's a, a little percentage in the black, in the
black community, right? And then it's change. They put
affordable housing, which is a racket, right? And then
government run grocery stores like what they're trying to
do.
On, on my land, with this yellow banana, they still haven't
paid. My, my family for, um, for, for stealing the land and
putting a Save A Lot on there. Okay. So I know, they don't
think yellow banana Save A Lot. Think that they're going to
put a government Run Grocery Store on there and not pay.
That's a whole separate lawsuit. So like I said, you're not
safe.
None of you black people in here are safe.
Okay, this is this is this is, this is this is Jim Crow 2.0
that we're living in.
Thank you.
D.
N is not here.
Uh, George Blakemore.
Good morning. Good morning.
I didn't read the gender and I as I see. So where is the
agenda?
and then,
They gave me an agenda and reading this month, the memo and
I just glanced and then I saw Charlie Roberts. I said wait
a minute. Now I've been doing Charlotte for or go way. Back
the old man Stroh and Betty Perry and and also at the
University of uh Alabama Hall Street
Charlotte. And I go back a long ways. She was brought up in
a business environment, her father owned, Robert's Motel,
so she's, she's exposed to money. She's been exposed to
money. And and she know what money can do. And and and when
when you don't have money, you know, the golden rules, is
he who has a gold rule, so she knows racism exists. She
knows it well and she's been dealing with it at on the
state level, uh uh, up here on the county level and now
she's coming in with with the city. Now, I know you expect
her to to change overnight. A culture of corruption.
Right system.
Man, you gonna put that that burden on her a law. It'll
take her a a year, or 2 years to clean up this. She or
3 years. It's a culture of corruption here, white
supremacist. And I don't see a lot of white folks here.
Uh-huh, and I don't see a lot of Mexicans here, but I see
black faces here.
So I support her 1 million percent, she know me.
And she's also have called on me to uh, when problems was
going uh uh down at the state of Illinois. She said,
George, I want you to show up and show out on the behalf of
black people.
And she'll do it again and I will come again.
So thank you, Charlotte for all your, your work, and your
advocacy for black people. Uh, it's gonna be a hard Road
here, because the culture of corruption, here is a culture,
uh, corruption down in Springfield and in the County
government. Now, where are all these, uh, uh, uh, Hispanic
people, but where are they?
Where are they? Where are all these minority white folks.
Where are they?
So you your your power come through us and we expect a lot
about from you and I know you can do it. Just do. Thank
you. Thank you, Mr. Blakemore
Our next speaker is TJ, huge, followed by Our Last speaker.
I think last speaker, which will be Michael Young bae.
Good morning. Good morning. I'm Teresa TJ Hughes. I am an
advocate for
black contractors. Um,
and I know Charlotte also not well, but I do know her had
some history with her back with the
Cook County when I was with the sea in procurement.
Um,
I'm listening to all this wonderful talk about Charlotte.
So I will be the 1 that probably will be on your list
because I'm not a
I'm this is not personal, I just want Charlotte to know
that it's not personal.
But I feel that what has happened the way that things have
gone.
it was a already, a fix in and I feel like the procurement
Department person, that was there. That was the first
Deputy that came in. As acting did not get a fair chance to
um,
prove that she could handle the job. It was already
established from John Robinson and His
group that Charlotte was going to be the person. It was
already out. She already had a cards out. She's been
meeting with people vendors, um, prior to even coming in
here before she even came and said, hello to any of you the
otterman. I mean, I thought it was very disrespectful.
And, uh, I'm very direct everybody that's here. Pretty much
knows me that I speak, but I feel and I'll deal with the
consequences as they come.
Uh, in regards to CMS, my mother was the director for CMS.
And my mother Gertrude Jordan is the 1 who brought in the
minority aspect over ncms. So I want to be clear on that.
Charlotte Robert is not the golden girl that brought that
to pass and that was years probably before. Well, I don't
know how she is, but I'm I'm 68 and um, that was happening
before.
Charlotte got there. The the uh CMS Cook County. U of I are
totally different animals than the city of Chicago.
I have a thing that I hope that if, you know, I hope that
if she is confirmed, which John Rosen says she will be
definitely um, that she
does the job.
According to herself and not because she's being dictated to
by John Robinson, or even the mayor, because there, there
are problems and issues that are happening with us, as
black people. And just because somebody has a black face,
if they don't have a mind of their own, I don't want them
to be the person that's trying to
Uh, do things on my behalf, I want you to.
Be a person that is being fair.
And that will make sure that wake up Walter Bernette that.
Um things go the right way.
Thank you. Thank you, Miss huge.
Our next speaker will be Michael Bay.
Michael Young bae.
Yes, please all the job. They don't have a go sleeping on
the job.
Oh man, that's crazy. Michael, your time is starting.
Um, thank you. My name is Michael Young bae.
I'm the founder and the owner of moral news.
I'm not here to speak on Miss Roberts.
I don't know her.
Um,
I don't know too much about the office of procurement, but
I do understand words far as my recurring things.
So, and contracts.
so the last time I was here and I'm glad all them and
tailor is on the um,
Is on the call. Now, you can put in the role call.
For being an idiot.
Because um and the reason why I say that and it ain't no
strange happenings ain't nothing accidental. We have Miss
Dow here.
Hell, Emma. Mix.
And he just walked in but all of them, all, all 3 of them.
I'm talking about, you left out, you came back in all of
them done been
In meetings and where they gave everyone.
Time to speak.
And so, where I'm going with, this is the contract.
With the citizens of this government is the Constitution.
And in that Constitution, we have a freedom of speech.
so for someone to deny us, freedom of speech and won't
allow us to speak,
it's violating contracts.
Is on becoming.
A procuring things, Etc.
Is wrong.
So, I just wanted to thank you. I just shoot in. Ain't no
accident. They shoot me in the last second like literally
the last second to speak and I just want to
Thank you, 3.
You know, and y'all have my respect for that.
Because it, it's a shame that we come down here and our own
people violate our freedom of speech.
And that's not right.
So, um,
with that said,
you have my respect.
You have my love and you have my gratitude.
And you have my prayer.
You know, to do a good job and I'm proud of my people.
For coming to support her.
Because that's what we need.
Even the opposition.
You know, she still had a freedom of speech.
And we that's 1 contract, we shouldn't take from the
people. Thank you.
That's what in our public comment. Period is now concluded.
Uh, I want to thank all of the speakers who uh,
Came down today, um, to be able to have your voice heard on
this matter.
Uh, we'll get started with our agenda for today and we
have, um, 3 items on the agenda for today.
the first item is going to be approving of the rule, 45
report for May 2024 through August 2024, which was sent out
to the committee. Can I get a motion to approve, the rule,
45 report to move, so moved by Vice chair.
Let's let's SP all in favor signify by saying I I
independent of the chairs, the eyes have it.
Our second item under agenda today is going to be item.
Number 82024, Dash, 000001 2072 the appointment of Shala.
Robert have Chief procurement office.
so Charlotte, if you would come before us
And the chair recognize you at this time.
Good morning. Chairman mitts good morning.
Vice chair laspata and members of the committee on
Contracting, oversight and equity.
My name is Charlotte Roberts and it is my distinct honor to
come before you today as mayor Brandon Johnson's appointee
to serve as Chief procurement officer for the city of
Chicago and to lead our department of procurement services.
I like to start by thanking the mayor.
It is an honor and a privilege to be appointed to this role
and not to take this role lightly.
Also, I want to share my sincere gratitude to the committee
for your consideration.
Of this appointment and your engagement with me here today.
This is truly a humbling experience.
And I cannot be more excited about this opportunity.
I bring to DPS more than 30 years of government experience
including procurement diversity.
Prior to my appointment.
I served as the Director procurement diversity for the
University of Illinois.
During my tenure there.
I increased the University's University of Illinois,
spending with diverse Farms, from 50 million dollars to
roughly 113 million over a 5-year period.
While there I also established the first diverse supply of
development program.
At the University, empowering diverse businesses in
creating a more inclusive economy through capacity building
programming.
Prior to my time with the university, I served in Cook
County Government.
The state of Illinois Department is Center Management
Service, where I was the director, deputy director of
procure Bureau of strategic sourcing.
In have did dedicated my time and energy.
To ensure Supply diversity, as well as procurement.
Had efficient procurement practices.
In those government entities.
I am honored now to be called upon by Mayor Johnson, to
serve the city of Chicago and its vibrant business
community.
My mission as Chief procurement officer is to establish the
city of Chicago as a best-in-class model for Government,
Contracting, and economic empowerment.
I'm Envision. I envisioned DPS.
As the place for other agencies, to look for best
practices.
Innovative programming and Equitable opportunities, for,
for the underserved communities.
I like to share with your fear of the ways we, we intend to
accomplish this goal.
First.
DPS will be customer service driven in all of our
initiatives.
An effective collaborator for the user departments, we work
with every day.
in line with mayor Johnson's cut the tape initiative 1 of
my top priorities,
Is to identify opportunities within our internal processes
to streamline operations.
DPS is unique in that, we serve nearly every city
Department, daily
User departments rely on us to facilitate the timely
procurement of their goods and services. As well as
Contracting opportunities to enable enable them to service
their stakeholders in your constituents.
Effectively to that end. I've already begun documenting our
workflows and convening internal work groups to create and
enhance.
Efficiencies in our procedures.
We're also building a robust training.
Curriculum in Customer, Support functions to improve
Communications and Partnerships with all City departments
in efforts to reduce solicitation timelines.
Next, I'm dedicated to making it easier for people who want
to do business with the city have that opportunity.
We know that business owner owners, particularly those who
are small and minority owned.
Often feel multiple roles making time their most valuable
commodity.
and we know that the process of doing business with the
city,
And filling out solak. Solicitations can be cumbersome,
especially for those who are tempting to do business with
us for the first time.
To that end. We are evaluating the vendor registration and
bidding process at every stage with an eye on toward
removing, unnecessary barriers and Foster, a procurement
environment. That is friendly user-friendly and emphasizes
efficiency for vendors as well as the city.
Additionally, we would continue to administer and enhance.
A robust DPS Workshop program to provide free accessible
guidance, to prospective business businesses who want to
learn about the city's procurement process.
I will also continue working closely.
In close coordination coordination, with DPS office of
contract Equity to ensure that they have the resources
necessary to enhance the city's mwb program.
Reduce certifications timelines and develop additional
Outreach initiatives to reach small and diverse businesses.
that have been no underserved, I will also seek to expand
awareness
Sorry.
Awareness and usage of various programs and incentives that
DPS administers do to boost minority. And women
participation, what is LeVar leveraging existing programs
like the target market program or creating new Innovative
programs such as we recently,
um, Extended in our veteran-owned business program,
I will always strive to deliver new and improved Pathways
for firms that want to grow and prosper in the city of
Chicago. To that end. I've already de dedicated a
significant amount of time in energy toward reviewing
solicitations to predict that predate my arrival at DPS, in
order to identify and increase opportunity for minority and
women-owned businesses because I know that it's absolutely
critical. That we ensure that our cities funds are spent in
partnership with each and every 1 of our communities.
Technology.
In in Innovation also play a crucial role.
On effective governance.
You may have heard that the part of the city-wide. IT
modernization project is well on its way.
DPS is replacing its procurement technology that has become
Antiquated in recent years.
By adding new technology Software System and systems. We
aim to introduce automated inefficiencies to to processes
that have historically been completed manually.
This initiative is ongoing and we are working diligently.
To implement these new resources, that will reflect the
needs of the Department of procurement services staff, and
our stakeholders in an effort to conduct timely source and
activities.
I also know the value of Outreach and collaboration.
Having worked with entities across the public and private
sectors throughout my career to develop transformative
programs, that we can create lasting impacts in the
underserved communities.
And so I'll commit to you today. That is Chief procurement
officer. I will seek to join you and local businesses in
the spaces where you gather so I can listen.
Learn and educate those that are interested in doing
business with the city of Chicago.
I want to hear from the businesses Community about their
experiences on working with government to help me gain a
fresh perspective.
About what we can do and how we can improve.
Local small diverse. Businesses are the heartbeat of our
local economy. And their successes is our success as a
city.
In closing.
I want each of you to know that I have been dedicated to
enabling
an economic empowerment for small and diverse businesses,
for most of my career, and I'm thrilled and honored.
To continue that work within the department of procurement
services, in support of Mayor Johnson Vision of 1, Chicago.
Thank you again for your time this morning.
I look forward to working with each and every 1 of you.
In support of this vision and with that, I will be have
happy to answer any questions from the committee.
Thank you, Miss Roberts. Um, before I take questions from,
um, the members I wanted to make sure that I read into the
record that you have. Let us of support from ASA, Chicago,
Association of subcontractors and Affiliates, um, women's
contractors
Women's contractor owner and executive USA.
Um, the Illinois, Hispanic Chambers of Commerce.
And they sent 2 letters in. I don't know what they read in
different, but
the president did send 2 letters.
Um, then we have 1 from
uh, Women's Business Development Center.
And Chicago. Minority supplier Development Council.
uh, so these, uh,
Letters would be added to the record for today. Thank you.
Now we'll start with, um,
Questions. Um, I saw automata
There we go. Thank you very much chair. Thank you Miss
Roberts so much for being with us.
It's such an essential Department. It's 1 that I think is
as altars of Chicagoans, we, we don't often think about
procurement until it's not working well, and
Arguably, in a lot of ways, it hasn't been working well for
a while. I think, for example, about the Chicago recovery
plan, the massive Gap that this Administration, for
example, inherited between awarded obligated and expended
dollars, which is why we are in the, the crunch we are now
which is what led to a revaluation and we award an
obligation of a lot of those funds, over the past year.
the questions that I would ask of you actually come from
some of the vendors who do business with the city, who
really enjoy doing business with the city and also have
frustrations related to those experiences. So, there was a
vendor for example, who spoke to me about a significant
backlog. She used a stronger word than significant backlog
of MBE and wbe certification applications. And what is the
work that we can do? What is the work you would like to do
to see that backlog reduced.
What what are the steps? What is the hiring that we need to
do to be successful in that?
Um, thank you. Great question. Um,
Vice chair laspada. Um, some of the things that we're
currently doing in the in the department, procurement
Service, as I stated earlier, we're streamlining the
processes.
Um, we do have a backlog of certifications, but currently
what we're doing is looking at the process to see where we
could um remove some of the barriers. For example, um, we
have outside certification firms that help us with the
certification process. What I've learned in my first month
is once that firm does the certifications we then come
review that process.
The same process that they provided to us and we review the
same process over. I look at that as a redundancy to see
how we could. That could be a step that we can remove from
the process that you would see that the process will be
shortened to help with that backlog of certification. So
there are redundancies in some inefficiencies within the
process and maybe we could have partnership with some of
the other agencies. Um, when we look at them to, um, do
some of the certifications that are on our behalf, like
memorandum of of understandings, what what women's Business
Development Center, or the Chicago minority supplier
Development Council. But essentially I have to come in,
look at the processes to see where we can Improvement
improve timeline. And that's something that the staff is
dedicated on doing right now. I really appreciate that and
I appreciate the specificity in your answer, sometimes.
It's it's a lot of talk and not specific examples so I
really appreciate that. The second question that I would
ask is related to the process.
of going from,
Award to contract. So I this came from vendors in a
specific Social Service space.
who talked about the
the excitement of being awarded funding through the city of
Chicago and that is great, and they have programs that are
funded at uh similar programs funded by the state, and by
the city, the state made no award. The contract was issued
a month later, they were able to start expending those
dollars, getting them out the door, the city made an award
to a very similar program and then it took between 6, to 8
months, to get the contract in place, which really puts you
in a crunch with getting those funds actually expended over
the
Half of a year quarter of a year that is remaining. And if
you don't have a exceptional budget with a lot of cash
Reserves,
it makes it even that more difficult for a lot of
nonprofits to get those funds out the door. So my question
would be
what can we do to reduce that gap between when funds are
awarded to when, uh, a contract is in place for the actual
use of those funds? Um, great question again, um, it's kind
of back to the statement that I said earlier, is really
looking at the inefficiencies in the process. What I've
learned with the working groups on trying to fundamentally
understand
You know, the time it takes from the the need of the
department to us being delivered. Something um a lot of
times after we do an award, some of the issues don't just
rely on the department of procurement services that are
other departments that impact. Um us the final word of a
contract, like checking the risk management, um it's uh, we
we review it in our legal department, then it has to go to,
to the Department of Law. So, 1 of the things that I stated
earlier is, we're looking at, um, documenting the timelines
of documented, the entire process and looking at, within
those timelines, how we can be more
Efficient slim on insurance that we are, uh, really
focused driven and ensuring that we're doing things in a
timely timely manner. So we're looking at that currently
right now, I have uh,
Working groups within the department to see how we could
not. Just look at
The procurement process, but also the certification process
just as well. Now I I appreciate that as well. My last
question is related to your your 2 sets of customers. In a
way 1 of the customers is us the city council, the the
Departments of the city of Chicago, the others, your
vendors, the the very real customers that we're trying to
work with.
Both I would say are are seeking greater transparency. Sure.
And the process from RFP to award to contract to Dollars
getting expended.
Based off of your previous experience that which I'm sure
is grounded in transparency in this process.
How do you think we can create greater transparency in that
process? So that even if
The timeline can be frustrating as we work to contract that
that timeline through greater efficiencies, where at least
creating transparency about what is happening, how and why?
Um, another great question in, I stated earlier in, in my
open opening remarks. Um, we are implementing a, uh, um,
embarking on implementing a new Erp system, which will help
with some of those inefficiencies and being more
transparent as I stated earlier, um, some of our processes
are done manually now. Um, so and we are still transparent
like we post our contracts on our procurement, um, site
website. So um, it all goes back to um creating those
standard operating procedures, um, documenting your
and be most transparent or be transparent with the process.
Um and I think 1 of the things that
This modernization with the automation is going to help
with that process.
I appreciate it. I know you and I are talking a little bit.
I'll be following up with you, then then we'll all see each
other in a month or 2, uh, doing departmental hearings. And
I would just encourage you
These are tight. These are challenging times from a fiscal
perspective.
But everything that you described takes work and
investment. I I hope you will be
Forward and transparent with us about the Investments that
you need to create the department of procurement that
serves all of us. Well, um, my 1 closing comment. Thank you
very much. Thank you. Kindly, thank you, chairman. This is
if I can interrupt after you have your um committee
members. Um, go first, I have another person but I do have
you down. I saw your hand up. Okay, thank you because a lot
lot of people normally, don't you 1 of the best chairman.
Thank Jack. I have you down out of them more, uh, chairman
Dow.
Thank you. Thank you. Madam chairman. Good morning to you,
Miss Roberts. Um, I just wanted to uh,
Want to applaud the mayor for this appointment. And I, um,
want to say that, you know, it's a really great to see the
diverse
broad support that you have from various organizations that
play in the, uh, procurement Arena. Uh, the fact that
they're here this morning didn't leave, uh, and are here
to, uh,
Support you and have your back is um uh a commendable. Um I
I also want to thank you for reaching out to me and setting
up some time to have a discussion about, uh, that
department. Um, I the things that you we had a very
substantive conversation and the things that you are laying
out today, in terms of uh, your goals for the Department.
Um,
I heard before. So it was good to see that there's
consistency in how you're thinking about your role as the
new procurement head.
um, since July 30th uh when your appointment was made, it
seems like you've done a lot of work, uh, even before you
come down here to be confirmed, um, and I just want to
raise 3, uh, areas that I have concern with. I'm not, uh,
expecting a response today. Um, if you don't want to give
me,
1. But I would like to have uh some discussion on that 1 is
um it's been a lot of talk in the past about reducing the
costs for uh minority and small businesses to get uh
certified. Um and I'm want want to want you to take a look
at that? Uh, right now they're paying too much money I
for certification. Um and that puts a strain on those small
those small businesses. Um, secondly, someone brought to my
attention, uh, something called the Allied fund, which is,
uh, money that is, uh, paid by contractors who failed to
meet their compliance goals and they have to pay a penalty
and your department has oversight over that fund and how
those monies should be used. I haven't heard anybody speak
about that. Um, and so, if I would like, for you, to take a
look at that, when you have an opportunity,
and I guess, my third concern is that some
It seems to me that a procurement Department that's
responsible for monitoring and compliance of MBE wbe
participation.
should be responsible for that across all departments, not
just,
Department of Transportation or the water department. I
would ask that you go in and look at all of the Departments
that now have their own individual monitoring. Uh, that
that is done by your department. So that we understand that
there's some uniformity and transparency in, uh, how those
vendors, um,
Act in the marketplace. And so, uh, those are 3 things I
want to put on your plate in addition to all the other
things that you've mentioned and, uh, if you can respond,
great. If not. I'll look for a response at a later date.
But welcome. Um, I plan to vote in favor of this
appointment today.
Thank you, chairman d. Uh, vice mayor brunette.
Followed by um, Jim and viegas. Thank you very much. Uh,
Madam chairman. I also like to, uh, commend the mayor on
the on this appointment. Uh, I had the pleasure of sitting
down with you yesterday. Uh, matter of fact, I learned some
things, uh, talking with you. Um, of course I've been
knowing you since you were
I still look at you as a young person, right? Since since,
we both were young, uh, working at the County, uh, and I'm
very impressed with what you've been able to do, uh, in
that time.
Um, you know, uh, I appreciate talking with you. And you
you talking about, uh, mentorship programs, um, where, uh,
other businesses can mentor, other minority businesses to
be able to, uh,
Learn and and get into the fields, that's going on. Because
a lot of our older, uh, a lot of our established
a lot of the owners are getting older and sometimes they're
sometimes they're, they're siblings don't want to take over
over, and we need to be concerned about creating more
small, more minority businesses to be able to come, uh, to
the programs that we have also, um, I, I concur with
Alderman, um, uh, chairman Dao in reference to, I think
everything should be in house too. Uh, there shouldn't be,
uh, contractor compliance shouldn't be done by the housing,
uh, the housing department. I think,
No. Well, I'm putting them on blast. Uh, I think it should
be in procurement. I mean, be because at the end of the day
procurement gets blamed for everything. But not only that,
um, also the, um,
But every Department pretty much the Commissioners kind of
choose the different contractors that work with them, but
still goes to procurement and you still get blamed for it.
Even though it's the Commissioners are the ones who do that
and a lot of them tend to uh, give and we go through this
this every year, budget time. A lot of them tend to give
waivers and come up with all kinds of excuses for these
these guys not hiring minority contractors, or, or a
minority businesses. So I think we need to put it in 1
spot. So 1 1 spot can be responsible for it and we don't
keep jumping through these hoops and pointing fingers that
whose fault it is that, uh, it is all in 1 area and we can
make sure that, uh, that is done appropriately. Uh, and and
we have to work on these waivers. I mean, I have no idea.
You know, we go through this every year. Why these
businesses do waivers? You know, uh, 1 of the things that
we've been able to do
um,
With some businesses. And I would have encouraged folks to
joint venture with minority contractors, why you can't
joint venture with a minority contractor, why you always
got a sub with them joint venture with them? You know what
I'm saying? And if we can do that and we've been successful
in doing that, and, and after doing that, uh, they build
capacity, they're able to, you know, go out on their own
and do more things and they grow. And um and so I like to I
I like to work with you on on a lot of those things. Uh,
but also I appreciate trying to help to create small
businesses as we spoke about yesterday.
Uh we're getting ready to have billions of dollars spent on
lead pipe removal and we don't have a myself. All of us
sitting up here, work on that. All all of these all in
and we don't have enough minority contractors in in the
the hopper, right? Uh, ready to do it. And we need to, uh,
encourage folks to help train and help position them in
order so that they can be able to capitalize on these
billions of dollars. That's going to be spent over the
next. I don't know, 50 years on lead pipe removal, we need
to put people in the position so that they could, uh, be
able to, uh, build some wealth, and some capacity and
employ people in order to be able to do that. So, we look
forward to working with you, I'm excited about it. Like I
said, I sat in the room with you and and spoke with you and
you were teaching me some things and I told you, I said I
was learnable. You said I
Should have said, teachable. I'm still teachable. So I'm
still teachable, but I appreciate it and I look forward to
working with you and congratulations. Thank you. And you
have my support. Thank you. Thank you. Um, vice mayor
Bernette um,
chairman viegas.
Thank you. Thank you, madam chair. Um,
this is a very important department. I would say that HR
and procurement are the 2 departments that we talked about
most during the budget season, who's getting hired who's
getting contracts and I can tell you that. Um, there's been
some
disappointment, uh, in this department around procurement.
So, I'm hoping that you'll be able to take a different
direction on this. Um, you mentioned the E, the, ER, the
Erp status. Now my understanding is that the Erp is delayed
still. And so, I'm trying to figure out like when the
implementation is going to take place and with that Erp
implementation, will it be able to track payment? It will
be able to track certification because
Um, the MBE and wbe and vbe firms that are working for the
city. In some cases are having to pay to work for the city
because of the slow payment. And what I mean by that is
that they're forced to take um lines of credit in order to
make payroll and in turn are paying interest on on that.
And so I want to see where um, your department um, Can
streamline that process. So that way we're not having mwb
and VB firms, pay for the privilege to work for the city of
Chicago.
So the Erp is something that yeah. Okay, um, slow pay.
Slow pay is a huge issue. A huge issue to the point where
it's putting contractors at risk of potentially going out
of business. And so, 1 thing, we want you to work with us.
In the next breath is, say, we'll pay you. We'll get to you
when we get to you. So I would like to see a sense of
priority from your, from your department to make sure that
vendors are being paid in a timely fashion. I know, we have
statutes around uh, uh, prompt payments. But the, the way
that it's usually, uh, skirted is that the prime has the
contract and they'll say, well, hey, I haven't been paid
yet, so I don't not pay you when I get paid. And so we got
to figure out some type of mechanism and I'm looking
forward to working with you, on how to develop that
mechanism. Because again, we can have Prime, we can't have
subcontractors um, taking out lines of credit, uh, in order
order to make payroll, especially when there's there, they
they've performed a work. The city has signed off on it,
everything's good to go. But there's paperwork that's in,
in the in, in the way there.
uh, as I stated your department, during budget season, who's
getting the contracts who's getting hired,
I would like to see if there's an opportunity to expand
your role so that way when
These departments are talking about Contracting
opportunities that there's someone from procurement that's
at the table to talk about.
At at the Forefront to find out. What is the, what is the,
what is the diversity plan around Contracting? Because what
we see is that c dot water airport. They have folks that
work within diversity but I don't know what what type of uh
um Synergy there is there between your department and those
departments, do the folks that are in the folks in
diversity at those departments work for your department or
that they work for those departments, those departments?
Yeah. See. So that's where I'm saying is like
We've got to figure out how to embed procurement into those
departments that report to you. So that way you have some
teeth because right now
What we're hearing from those. Those departments is after
the fact of of, when they've actually put the contracts out
and performed, then we, then we get what the numbers are
and then ultimately your Department's the Clearing House.
So all the, all the, all the data goes to you, and then you
say, hey African-Americans, got 5%, Latinos got 10%, but
you really didn't have anything to do, you're just a
clearing house. So if you're going to, if you're going to
wear that hat,
I like to see you your department at the table. So that way,
when the procurement is done, you can talk about what are
the opportunities, where where are the ready, willing and
able firms? What are things to make sure that Minority
women and Veteran owned businesses are participating and
the billions of dollars that the city procures on an annual
basis. So, if you need that from a legislative standpoint,
I think there's a lot of folks in this committee that would
want to see procurement, have the ability to influence, um,
that at the Forefront of at the back end when you have to
report to us.
Uh, men are protegge. That's something that I passed. Um,
um, a while back with with, uh, and see that has been
implementing it, but I think menop Protege, think vice
mayor, uh, Bernett had mentioned, uh, Menor Protege and
joint ventures. That's something that I think you you have
the ability to leverage like to see you take advantage of
it. I heard from some of the public testimony, I had to
step out for a minute, but the testimony that I heard
before that you're an advocate. So you're in this position
to advocate for minority women and Veteran owned
businesses. And if there's other departments that don't
want to participate, I think, then you need to tell us. So
that way we can do some advocacy on our, on our part, uh,
around making sure that firms are participating in the
multi-billions of dollars for procurement.
Increasing the threshold. I know that right now. Um, we
applaud the, um, former, uh, hi appla. The former, um, CPO
for increasing the thresholds on, uh, minority. Women owned
firms, where both on a personal net worth as well as a
contract values, as well as the 1 and a half times. The
personal net worth, I like to see US expand into the
Professional Services side because we have engineers and
Architects. That also performing in construction, it firms
that are also procuring but are limited under the, under
the statute with, um, the old statute of of, uh, 750,000 or
No 1.
Point think 750,000 a million dollar threshold and then,
the 1 and a half times that that cap is not taken into
consideration for the personal Professional Services. So
I'd like to work with you to figure out. If you could work
to get some type of disparity study around a Professional
Services side that are either tied to construction. But are
tied to it because both construction billions of dollars,
usually 10% is Professional Services, it we spend millions
of dollars in it and we need to get more minority women and
Veteran owned firms and a part of that. So I like to work
with you or see if you have a strategy around doing some
some type of um increase in a personal net, worth and
contract values for Professional Services. I thank you.
Okay. Uh so there's a lot of people here that want to be.
They want to see. Well not speak. You don't know, man.
Yeah, I'll be this.
My last name, I will say it but this is my this is my
wheelhouse like you know I did this for a living. I want to
to see I want but this is an opportunity to really create
wealth. Yeah. On people that typically don't have an
opportunity. So yeah, I'm going to speak a little bit more
because I'm passionate about making sure that Minority
women and Veterans, participate in the billions of dollars
that the city state country, the federal government has to,
has to procure. So yeah, I'm a little bit passionate about
that. So I want to see how we can work together on this on
this committee alone. There's a lot of support here. So we
just need to know what it is that you need in order to make
sure that you're successful. But more importantly that the
residents of Chicago are successful. Thank you so much,
okay in Vegas. All right, thank you are. Sorry about that.
Uh,
We have non-members Lamont Roberts followed by, uh, ottimo.
Chairman Mitch, thank you for the opportunity. I am, I'm
not a member of this committee, um, but wanted to come by
today and uh, show my support, uh for young lady that I met
uh when I was in Illinois, General Assembly. Uh, UIC was
not part of the district that I represented. Uh but I met
met uh Miss Roberts because it was important to me uh that
at the state we figured out a way uh, to increase.
support not only for minority firms uh but for a black folks
and so um I want to commend the mayor uh for
his commitment, uh, to creating opportunities for black
folks, in the city of Chicago and Charlotte, uh, I know
that because of your background, uh, that you are up for
this challenge.
Um, there was a gentleman that mentioned a little earlier
that most folk don't know your background and what your
father did for the city of Chicago and what your father did
for the country. Uh, and because you have that background,
uh, you will move the city of Chicago forward, uh, and so,
it's really an honor that I sit here. And I look into the
audience and I see friends, uh, I also see my auntie who is
here, uh, to support you. Uh, and so again, I just want to
commend you because
you've heard from residents, that are here that are
frustrated with the city of Chicago and what we have been
doing to them for centuries and although we can't put all
this weight on you.
We need somebody in leadership that can Usher a new day in
the city of Chicago. We know that we have a public safety
problem. But Charlotte, if we put people to work, if we
support black owned businesses, that will that will hire
Black Folk, we will be able to transform our communities.
And so, although we can't put all this on your shoulders,
it takes the folks behind you and the folks in front of you
to transform our community, and it can't be just the mayor
and it can't be just you. And so again, um, I am peacock
proud of you.
And I look forward to supporting you, um, and a few days.
Uh, and again, it's going to take all of us to transform
our communities. And so Charlotte, thank you for accepting
this Challenge. And, um, chairwoman Mitch, thank you for
this opportunity.
Thank you. Honorable Robertson.
Our next speaker will be uh ottoman David Moore.
Thank you. Uh,
Thank you so much chairman, I truly appreciate it. Um,
After automatic Robinson um spoke it just realized that this
was a full circle. Um, moment for me, Miss Roberts based on
what he said. I I was 13 when my uncle took me to was an
assistant. Precinct Captain took me to the Roberts Motel on
6030 King Drive, and then they, Senator Harold Washington
was running for congress and he talked about the importance
of young people being involved in their community. And
that's was my entree if you will and to this thing we call
Civic engagement or politics. Um, and so I've just realized
that's a Full Circle moment, for me. And I think, um, your
family for creating such a space, um, what what I'm looking
at here and a lot of people have them, say some great
them, say some great things, um, about you Miss Roberts
that, you know, um, you know that I truly, um, you know,
believe and support. But for me, what I'm looking at here.
Is an executive order by um by President Biden in January
2021. I'm not. I'm not sure if you're familiar with it or
not and it's an executive order on advancing racial equity
and support for underserved communities, through the
government and the, uh, president. Um, signed that. So I
guess, uh, my first question is, do we have a, um, policy
of current policy when you came into office? Did you still,
Uh, current policy around advancing racial equity and
support for underserved communities?
Um,
it's a great question. Um,
Alderman, Moore, I can't say if I saw that but I can't say
cannot say that we do not have it. So I would like to go
back and check on that. And once I have that information, I
can provide it to your office.
Okay, I got it through the chair right through the chair.
Absolutely. Thank you, chairman and, and I'll also, make
sure you you probably already aware of the governor, but if
I mean, the, um, president, but if not, I'll make sure, um,
you get a copy. So, I, because what I want to do is make
sure that not only are we doing, what we, what we do at the
local level, but also, um, make sure that we use resources.
And things that we need from the federal level. Once they
say something, we got a whole from a municipal standpoint,
we got to hold them to delivering for the city of Chicago.
Um, I I also I'm not going to repeat all those things that
ottoman um, viega said, um, but I stand in support of him,
especially around the slow, um, pay, um, um, the slow pay.
Um situation that we deal with with our um vendors um 1 of
of the things. And and I will always make sure uh we take
credit for this, not just to be on our chest, but to say
how much important it was when we both came is as freshmen,
all them, and 1 of the things we focused on together, um,
ultimate big is and I was getting a chief Equity officer
and that's what, um, believe it or not, got Maurice Miller,
um hired and we began to move and have these conversations.
And so with that uh said around that I want to ask and
people may remember um, because I want to know what an
executive order happened. The mayor under the mayor Lori
Lightfoot. I think she signed 3, executive orders and and
automate be chairman be is especially or ottoman Dow. If
you all remember 1 of them was uh, around that, have you
seen those executive orders and are we still are those
executive orders still in.
Play.
Um, that's a great question, Alderman, Moore. I have not
seen those executive orders, but will go back to the office
to research, um, where they are.
All right, and then, um, there's this thing. Um, that's
called Dei, um, and and I think it's getting, um, begin to
get used sometimes like, um, Xerox. Just as a generic name,
um, and but sitting down and talking with you. And thank
you so much for reaching out. And, and, and meeting, uh,
with me, although I do not sit on a committee, um, used to
be Vice chair of contract, oversight, and equity. And,
everybody know, my passion, um, around this, um, this
diversity Equity inclusion. We said like it's 1 separate
thing, but you made it clear to me that it's, um, 3,
separate things that, um,
um, diversity is, um,
How do you put it? I tried to put it in my notes, diversity
is the presence of difference and the context of Civic
engagement. Diversity is typically refers to the
representation of different identities across traits
Um, as race gender identity, ethnicity, social economic
status and disability among other characteristics. Um, can
you tell me 3 ways that you will incorporate, um, diversity
in your initiatives?
Um thank you for the question Alderman Moore. Um the city
of Chicago currently has an ordinance that we award a
certain percentage of of our contracts to minority and
women. Um we have a DB program and we also have a veteran
program. So from that standpoint laws already in place we
would uh
Implement that ordinance. Um, and exhaust, our resources to
ensure those types of firms are included in the process.
Another way that you could look at uh, Dei which is a
little different from Supplier, Diversity. And most people
think it's all the same Supplier, Diversity deals with
hiring minority and women-owned vendors, Dei typically
deals with who you hire. Um, and from that standpoint. Um,
my staff is at DPS. Its majority, um, minority and
women-owned, um, individuals. And we also could look at
these contracts, um, for from a divorce diversity Workforce
Workforce to ensure that contractors are hiring. Um,
Minority, women Hispanics, blacks and and the like. So um we
we are currently doing that and we could look at how we
ensure that um we are exercising or creating laws
especially in the Contracting space that we're developing
firms and and creating a pipeline of
Hispanic and black individuals to participate in trades. So
from a Workforce diversity standpoint we can work on loss
to enhance that program. And we already have a minority and
women owned uh program for Contracting.
Thank you. And and, and something you pointed out in just
some of the diversity, because we talk about Dei, and I
want, I want my, uh, colleagues to know when we're saying
that. That when we're talking about it, let's not put it
all together and that's what she said, diversity is.
And who you're hiring. So that Equity portion of that,
which is not the same as equality, um, Equity puts people
on an equal.
footing, um, by recognizing the systemic barriers that
continues to um, approach oppressed, traditionally
marginalized groups and Implement Fair, distribution of
those resources. So then tell me then how you will then
incorporate equity in your initiatives?
Um great question. Um we're going to do that by looking at
Contracting tissue ensure that um minority women own
vendors, goals are established. Um, when vendors are not,
um, adhering to the goals or are in compliance, we could,
uh, look at our options where the ordinance outlines maybe,
um,
Look going after the The Firm for liquidated damages.
Um, we also in hiring, um, as I stated area earlier, we
used the target, we could use procurement Vehicles like the
target market, um, procurement vehicle where we only
minority and women on vendors can.
Have the opportunity to bid on such.
Types of contracts to level the playing field. We'd also
could um establish and utilize the small business
initiative where all small businesses where we could set
aside different types of procurements where
Small businesses are.
Bidding against each other leveling, the playing field.
Hopefully that answered your question. I was about to say
woman you are good. Some people give these um over
generalized answers. You were very specific and and you're
answering that question and I appreciate that so much. Um,
and then the third part of that Dei is inclusion, which is
about all people feeling that they are, welcome. And
Value. Um, and it is something that you said at the table
and you, you use the word that's very important to me. When
we were talking, intentionality included. Um, so, um,
again, 3 ways or a couple of ways, I don't have to be 3,
how would you incorporate that inclusion in your initiative
that intentionality that you talked about?
Um thank you for the question Alderman Moore. Um as I
stated earlier in my opening remarks. Um 1 of the things
our department is doing is focusing on creating a whole.
Um, Outreach unit to be more inclusive. We'll be going out
to every, um, Community. To ensure those that don't are not
aware of how to do business with us. They will know how to
do business with us. If there we have,
tons of opportunities for firms to do well and it is my
intention to go in every Community to educate. Those firms
on such opportunities and being intentional on how we do
things. Partner partnering with different assist agencies
that have programs to ensure the community also know about
those types of programs. So we're going to be intentional
on the how we procure utilizing our different procurement
Vehicles, whether it's the SBI initiatives or Target
markets, um we're going to get into to the community and
educate on various different programs. How to be
Did. Um, having them have the fundamental understanding if
they are the types of things that the city is procuring,
um, ensuring that they have our buying plan and educating
the community on how to do business with us. Overall,
thank you, my last 2 questions and then 1 comment after my
final 2 questions. Um, and you may have to provide this
through the chair. Um, in 2019, I believe it was
established. Uh, a procurement perform, uh, reform Task
Force. Under Shannon Andrews, do we know that if that
procurement reform task force still exists today? And if
so, what are they doing?
Um, that is a great question. Um, typically typically a
task force could be around to, um, look over a task. So I
would have to do some research and provide that information
through the chair.
Thank you. And then the final question is um, as we, uh, go
go and prepare through this budget, um, cycle, what are
probably 3 top things that this Council can truly support
you on, uh, from, you know, if you've been here a little
while, I'm sure you're going to see some more but right
now, have you seen anything? Uh, whether it's something
major and don't be afraid to say so but I don't think
you're a scary cat uh that we can truly support you on.
Um, fundamentally in order for things to get done, you're
going to need human capital. So I know the mayor just
implemented a freeze but all of these goals that we have,
we have to get them done through um staff. So you're going
to need staff as well as software and and and different um
automations and information Technologies to um get these
things done. So um, human capital,
And the resources, um, to accomplish some of these goals.
Thank you. Those are my last questions. My final statement
is, I want to thank the, um, mayor for, um, making this um,
appointment. Um, I know, um, our chief operating officer,
um, John Robertson does a lot of vetting and, um, I think,
you know them coming together and working and choosing um
you based on you know your knowledge and just about the way
you answer these questions. I I appreciate people that
don't sugarcoat or they don't just give high level answers
that sound good, but that record. Specifics. Um people
always hear me, say treat me like I'm a 2 year old. And so,
um, and and you were clear, and I appreciate that. And I
thank, um, the administration for making this appointment
and I totally will be voting for you in city council.
Thank you. Um,
I want to say too and um I want to First add uh ottoman
Taylor to be recognized uh as president for the purpose of
the Corn.
um, but I also want to mention, uh, to you Miss Roberts, I
appreciate the opportunity and the time that I spent with
you, um just trying to get to know who you were. And uh,
really appreciate the fact that you
Said that you were a people person that you could work with
folks.
because that's important from the time that I've been an
ottoman, I've saw these contracts go from 9% down to 6% and
at 2% for blacks and I think that's a disgrace on the city
of Chicago. So we have to work.
And love of these Playing Fields because something
absolutely is just not, right. And I'm looking forward to
working along with you, whether it be, uh, more Outreach, I
found out that
majority of black people's, don't know how to even be
certified or the codes to that. They need to apply for in
terms of the next code. And whether they stay have their uh
uh, certification versus the cities certification. And so,
it's a lot that have been left out of the community. Not
that there's no contracts. Now, it's just that it haven't
been open, so that blacks could be able to take advantage
of it. And I'm saying that, because as you can see, I'm a
black woman sitting here and I've been all over this world
and I see black folks working everywhere. And I wonder why
Chicago can't get it right. And so, we're gonna have to
work those together. And I know it's gonna take all of us
and
Even it is good, but let me tell you, uh, face face to face
and communication and understanding 1. Another can move
things just as fast as the, it can go sure. But you got to
be uh, making sure that we are.
Um, being transparent.
It's not, you can't have a separate over here and over
here. Don't you gonna cause a problem? Like we just come
out of
And I don't want to see that moving forward as the
chairman, so I'm looking forward to working along with you
and, um, bring uh, the contracts oversight and compliance
up to the level that this city deserves. Sure. And and when
we dealing with all the contracts, and every Department,
there is no way.
We should be where we had today. So we got a lot of work to
do while I'm here. So let's roll our sleeves up and get it
going. Uh I haven't said that I think
uh,
chairman viegas has a question and I ornament her hand is
raised and she still raised the oh no, she's down. Okay,
thank
Thank, thank you, madam chair. I apologize for, I'm
Get your last.
She oh, she's raised again.
Maybe the chair decides.
And automatic Taylor.
Yes, ma'am. Okay.
Can you all hear me? I was talking. Okay. Um,
I'm sure you've had a bunch of questions and
my, my question to you is, what do you feel like your
biggest challenge is
Actually, thank you Alderman, Taylor. Great question.
My biggest challenge, um, is to ensure that we have the
resources needed to accomplish these goals. Um we all could
feel great about all types of Inspirations that we may have
but if we don't have uh people in-house to help us get the
job done. Um it's going to be critical um to the outcome.
outcome. So insurance that we have the staff. This is
necessary to work on certifications or staffs to move the
procurement process forward. Um, um, um, at the end of the
day, if you don't have those resources, um, it's critical
impacting, the end goal.
Um, I know you're you're new to the space but do you have
the numbers of what Contracting looks like as of now?
Um, I want to understand the question on. What do you mean
by Contracting? So like at some point when they did the
water replacement contract, there were not 1 block
contractor on that project. Um, as a city as a whole. Can
you talk about what the Contracting numbers look like, um,
across the board.
that is a great question, um, that you have ottoman Taylor
across the board as we stated earlier, I could
What provide information on what contract looks like for
the Department of procurement service? What we oversee, but
all the Contracting does not initiate within our office.
that with some of the discussion that some of the Ottoman
stated earlier. Um, we do not initiate contracts or some
departments like the like Aviation.
however,
Within procurement services. I don't have a number but all
the contracts that we oversee um you could rest assured
that we will be looking at to ensure a minority and women
on goals are
Established compliance is enforced, certification.
Timelines, are are, are are streamlined.
And the Contracting that comes through us. I don't have a
number on me but I can get that to the board. I mean in the
chair to get this chair so that was gonna be my next
question. Can you through the chair? Send us a list of what
you all. Take care of what you don't and what those numbers
look like in your department and we'll request from the
other departments. That's all I got. Thank you chairman,
thank you. Um our Taylor um,
Armen Vegas.
Your last questions and we're gonna go to the final item.
Thank you. Um, Madam chair, I apologize. Um, within the
department of procurement Services, currently does any
member of DPS sit on any of the selection committees for
other departments? So, whether it's on a Professional
Services site. So, if you're selecting an engineer and
architect, uh, or an engineer specifically in, in, um,
Department of Water For example, uh, and and their, their
selection group meets to decide who they're going to
select, is there a member from the Department of
procurement services that sits in that selection committee
to ensure that there's someone there that's advocating and
championing diversity? When the selections are being made,
because those are not low bid, those are QBs qualified
based selections. So, I want to make sure that do you have
is that currently happening now or no? That is a great
question, as cheap procurement officer. I, I will have the
authority to appoint someone from the Department of
procurement Services, as well, as any other.
Um, assist agency, um, under mayor Brandon Johnson.
So, so meaning, my team, I I don't have a record on. What's
previously been done? However, going forward is my
intentions to ensure that we have people from our office
and or, um, other sister agencies to serve on those
evaluation committees. So, but if I understand you
correctly, so you're telling me that
Current moving forward, you're going to have the
opportunity to have a DPS representative that will be on,
that will be able to sit on the Departments.
under the, under the mayor's purview, but also the sister
agencies, like CTA CPS Park District, their current
contracts where um, assist agencies currently sit on
evaluation committees.
Including CPS.
Okay, well, I don't have a number that but that does
currently happen. Could you provide that through the chair?
Um, that information? Sure, thank you and then no problem
and just a layup here. Uh, looking at the sometimes Chicago
parking meters
Accused of violating cities, minority participation
requirements.
And so here's a 75 year contract where minority women owned
veteran owned, businesses are not even participating. And
so, I think that that's 1 thing, you can look at
immediately to to generate some wealth, because I think
have about 65 years left in this contract. So maybe there's
there's an opportunity to get some folks, to work on that,
on that contract. That's a great question or comment. Um,
Autumn and V is, um, that contract is not was not under
DPS. However, we can work with them to ensure. We achieve
that goal. Well, I'm, I'm, I'm pretty sure that they had to
have some type of compliance of 25 and 5. When that
contract was administered and as as the chief procurement
officer, where there's some type of compliance portion on
there, we got to figure out sure. I think the Department of
Finance is in charge of that and I think chair chairwoman.
Dow mentioned that there's too many compliance people. We
need to have it housed. So that way, we're not trying to
figure out who's in charge of compliance. So, thank you. I
have information point of information. Chairman, this is
information on Memorial just on, um, ultimate vas question.
Um, to the, um, CPO. Um, she said that assist agency sits
on the evaluation, uh, committee. I, I think his question
was Will procurement unless I misunderstood the will
procurement have a person um sitting on sister agencies
when they're doing evaluations? If I could so my response
to his is the Department of procurement Services. I have
the authority to appoint.
someone for my team and or
someone from a assist agency.
City.
Chicago Park District CTA.
Chicago public schools to serve on those evaluation
committee for professional service that he referenced.
Okay.
All right, I think I'm, I think I'm clear.
We talked offline. Thank you, very good. Thank you. Almond
Moore. Um,
Now um can I get a motion so moved by? Um
Alderman Mitchell. Um,
for the passage of item number 2 as Shala, Robert as our
chief procurement officer um all in favor signify by saying
I I opposed opinion of the chairs, the eyes have it
Thank you and congratulations. We moved to the next step.
Our next item on the agenda is item. Number 020024, 01009
68 and executive.
Executive or professional service agreement with Urban Land
Institute for advisory Consulting service regarding land,
Redevelopment project area.
Uh, can we have the
UL.
U l i and the dpd team come forward.
Can I ask if the members that we are still in session here
and we need and we just need everyone.
Do I need to share the screen? All right. Um,
Mr. Blakemore, will you please be silent for a minute and
let us finish up. Thank you.
Chair recognizes the Uli and the dpd uh, Team.
we have with us today, um,
I'm the Cynthia Cindy Rubik from the Deputy Commissioner,
the department of planning.
And Mr.
DaVita know, he's, he's not present today. Since oh, Sydney
is gonna speak. Okay, who is, why don't you introduce your
team for me?
Hello chairman mitts and committee. My name is JIA is I am
the urban designer for the Southeast region of dpd with me
today is Cindy Rubik the, uh, sorry. Deputy Commissioner
Deputy Commissioner of dpd? And, uh, Cindy, mcsherry
executive director of ulai? Yes, Chicago.
All right.
So you have a presentation that we're showing, we do
correct, okay.
Um, are you perfect? Thank you.
So um, good afternoon.
Chairman mitts and members of the committee. My name is JIA
again, Urban designer for Southeast region of dpd. And I am
here today, to share the Professional Services agreement
between the Urban Land Institute and the department of
Planning and Development to make this planning resource
available to our department.
The Urban Land Institute or Uli is an international
nonprofit organization that provides independent
cross-disciplinary, real estate and land, use expertise, it
draws on a unique member database of over 45,000.
Volunteers worldwide.
1,500 of which are Chicago local members across 11
specialty.
Uli Chicago, District board council is comprised of 25
members and this slide shows as diversity breakdown Uli's
Chicago staff is comprised entirely of women and Sydney,
mcsherry is here today if you have any questions on that
after our presentation,
They bring their experience expertise and leverage of
Industry tools to a panel where they collaborate with other
volunteers interview between 50 to 100 Community
stakeholders, and produce a summary brief. Identifying
development opportunities, Community Vision and land, use
guidance for study areas.
These Studies have been pivotal.
In Framing and streamlining long-term studies as well as
bringing visibility to our development initiatives. Uli has
been working with the city of Chicago for over 20 years and
has conducted over 75 panels throughout the city on this
page. We have some of the asps or advisory service panels.
They have conducted in Chicago, these are international
5-day panels that Source volunteers globally and have
provided guidance in for neighborhoods, including Garfield
Park, Navy Pier and greater Grand Crossing.
Mostly however Uli has conducted taps or technical
assistance panels that draw on Chicago, local members to
inform studies and developments in its neighborhoods. Since
2006 Uli, has conducted at least 13 panels in Chicago, most
of these through other departments or organizations.
These panels and others dpd has engaged have resulted in
real and impactful. Outcomes for the areas studied in 2010.
The tap for Rosenwald departments helped inform potential
Redevelopment of the historical Apartments to provide mixed
income. Housing for Bronzeville residents,
in 2006, an asp and the Reaver School community in greater
Grand Crossing, similarly, informed. The development of the
Gary comr campus, we know today and set the stage for comr.
High school. And the recently announced Exchange program
for Community Workforce Development.
Taps downtown were also vital to the central area plan that
occur. That is currently underway.
So, why does dpd need this contract? As you can see, Uli is
a valuable resource its leveraged by many other world-class
cities around this country, and we want to make it
accessible to Chicago as well and through our department.
Uh, some of these other cities that utilize Uli include New
York City, ladc Milwaukee and Detroit and utilize technical
assistance. And Chicago local expertise has proven an
invaluable resource in the past, to address complex issues,
around the city for 20 years.
Furthermore, Taps and asps are also very cost-effective and
relatively quick from initiation to deliverables, making
them a useful counterpart to long-term studies.
This contract is also necessary for us to formalize, our
relationship and create a clear process for the city to
leverage. This resource to support Equitable Investments
for all neighborhoods and Wards in Chicago.
As for the contract details.
The dpd Uli shared services agreement. Proposes, a 4-year
contract with the option for a 2-year. Extension funding
would come from the planning corporate funds through our
department, budget, vetted and approved by city council
every year,
Total payment over 4 plus years would not exceed 940,000 but
there is no minimum amount that would have to be expended.
That is to say the funds would be expended on a study by
study basis as each to is executed.
The contract would support any ratios of local Taps and
international asps a year, not to exceed 5 panels based on
dpd and Uli's capacity.
We see Great Value in this resource becoming available to
all Chicago and recommend approval of this contract to give
dpd authority to contract directly with Uli.
As I said again, Cindy Chen, Rubik Deputy Commissioner at
dpd and Cindy, mcsherry, executive director of ulai.
Chicago are also here to answer any questions. Thank you.
At the heaven, briefings for all the Ottomans regarding
the, um, Uli. Um,
I think that most of them quite soon were answered during
those briefing session which is why we took a day to hold
them so that they couldn't get the question answered. And I
do think that this is a valuable tool that we could use.
Uh, given that I had 1 in 1, in my area. I didn't Austin
Community already. Uh, working with young people in uh, I
have been to um educate them on land and now they're being
able to have the land and then they coming up with the
ideas of what they want to see on them.
And uh, I noticed that in the briefing. There were several
Ottomans who want you to come out and do a steady for them
as to uh, the economic development that they would like to
see. And, um,
And and it is very um important to have this too because
you have a I uh working with other agencies throughout the
United States who can help and to come up with ideas
working with the community rather than ottoman is trying to
do all of the work themselves. Uh, it's a, it's a plus for
us and hopefully help us develop our communities even more
um, Expedia than what we're doing. So, I'm very supportive
of it. But, uh, this time I asked questions for my
committee members, uh, chairman d,
I got.
Thank you, madam chairman. Um, if someone who has benefited
from, uh, the
Uh, assistance panels in the past in my community. Um, I
think this is a, a, a good idea. I want to ask a couple of
questions, however, about
um,
how Uli paid for
Um, community Assistance panels.
Prior to this, was this something that the city always
paid, wasn't it? Like some City money and some money from
Uli?
Hi Sherry. I hate your name.
Um,
state your name for the record sharing. Oh, I'm sorry,
Cindy. Mcsherry executive director yalich Chicago, thank
you.
Um, it came through a variety of formats. The way you.
Well, I looks at it in terms of working directly, like when
we did at the Rosenwald with you,
We, we like to make sure that the the community is
committed. So there was frequently the alderman putting
down some funds. You and I didn't put down funds per se but
we would never walk away from a community if they couldn't
come up with the funding.
Is that, okay, so now the city would be funding.
the entire
panel and the business community and the real estate
industry would just give up their time to assist on the
panel and you all uh this money would also be spent on
printing up the documents, doing the focus groups, all that
comes out of this money.
Yes.
Okay.
Um, well, I think this is a good, uh, contract. I think
that the, you know, I just want to make sure that you
have the focus of involving the community, it's not just
the top down uh what the real estate industry wants, right?
But also thinking about what the community wants and making
sure that your panels are
Um, diverse so that you have a community voice and also the
voice of the real estate industry.
I couldn't agree more. Okay, thank you.
Thank you.
Have there? Be no other questions before the committee? Can
I get a motion, so move, so move. I'm sorry. Chairman
Alderman more. I didn't want to say anything because I
thought you still hear me.
Army Moa.
I think thank you so much, chairman. I appreciate it.
um,
First of all, um you mentioned a briefing chairman and I
guess at my old age I just don't be called being in that
briefing. Um, but um, not that I wasn't notified. I just
don't recall being in it. And usually if I'm notified
something that's gonna only contract the website in equity.
I try to be there. So question. Um, Uli who, who is, who do
you take your directive from meaning who? How do you decide
which Community areas and places to look at to, um, you
know, produce, um, some type of, um, you know, um, land use
plans or, you know,
Ideas like that. Who who, who, who, how do you get your
directive?
If you want, I can answer that, uh, Alderman Moore, uh,
is Cindy Rubik Deputy, Commissioner at dbd, we would work.
work. Uh, as you know, we have a regular briefings with all
elders uh and our department staff and our planners. Uh, so
Uh, so we would work with the Alders, um, identifying. If
there's an interest and then reaching out, um, and seeing
if there's capacity, uh, at the local Uli, Chicago office,
uh, in terms of timing and, you know, making sure we have
available funds in this case, it would have to be corporate
funds. Um, so we would work together, uh, with the impacted
Alder and, and Uli. And this, and the cities, um, Central
or, or the planning regions, whichever planning region, it
is. So
Does that answer your question? But when you say corporate
funds, you mean the months with the monies, we're about to
approve now or you talking about external know, the
corporate funds would be uh funds approved, as part of
every budget, annual budget for the Department of planning
and development for planning funds. This, this approval is
just to allow us to contract.
Uh, with Uli, uh, for um, for use of, you know, the, the
technical assistance panels or the ASP panels.
Okay, and so. Okay now so again walk me through like the 2
year, okay. Okay, we got money.
Then there's a panel. What does the panel actually do?
So the panel, uh, it's a it's a great process. The
panelists are all pro bono volunteers. They're experts in
diverse areas of real estate development. Um, and they
would interview stakeholders like the impacted Alders. Um,
they would interview, uh, Property Owners or Community
stakeholders. We would develop the list of contacts
together, with the impacted Alder and some of the community
organizations and Uli. So they interview all of those
folks. Um, they do typically do a site visit and then they
they also, then once they have all that documentation, we
prepare also a lot of advanced documents together. Um, and
and make sure that they have all of the necessary documents
for their pre-read. Um, and then they developed a draft
recommend
Recommendations. They present that at a community meeting
session, they get feedback and then uh after a certain
number of weeks then they provide a report that then is
released on their web page. Um, and you can see all of the
reports that they've done in the past on their web page and
so if it's pro bono and please forgive, um, my ignorance,
if you will, if it's pro bono then what is the 9401 dollars
9401 dollars for? So that's for up to 4 years plus an
additional 2 years and then that each, uh, local technical
assistance panel is 25,000. That's really to pay for costs
that Uli Chicago, uh, incurs to, to do the process.
Um, and then the 135,000 for the international ASP, that's
really related to cover. Some Transportation costs for the
volunteers who are coming in from all different parts of
the country for 5 days.
So through the chair, please provide a breakdown of that um
um, cost. Um, I know you just stated but I need to break
this 940,000 over. Um, next floor, I think we actually have
a slide in the appendix for this. If we could check the
screen know it. I'm not going to be able to see it on it
for the sake of um time just make sure someone um, gets
that to me. And so now so I'm driving back to the part
where then
um,
then with this 940 um thousand dollars over these 4 years,
then how again specifically you said we work with the
ottoman then do we decide whether I look on uh look at a
project on the west side or I look on the project on the
south side and if it's on the west side of the south side
where I am, not there yet, how is that? Then decided do you
just in our meetings like and I don't have to have I mean I
can say it now. Do I just say right now because you all
said you've been around for how many years 20?
I'm sorry I didn't understand the question Alderman. Okay,
how many years you've been around?
Working with how many years has you all. I've been in
around with the city.
You and I started in Chicago, where 85 years old. Now, um,
I've been the executive director of you all like Chicago
for just about 30 years now
Okay, so we've been work so and it's getting now. Cash, you
answered that question. Now, I'm getting to the point that
just for an example in for 20, almost 24 years there has
not been any development,
Um, in West Englewood, okay? Um, so my question is then how
can we how do we decide who's looking in an area? Like
West, especially the area and write this down along, 69th
between Ashlyn and Damon, I don't see nobody writing, um,
along 69th between Ashlan and Damon, um, where we got a 70%
of that.
Vacant land at City on vacant land who then tells you to
go, look at that and put some type of plan together.
Thank you.
I think you heard from Cindy Rubik just a few minutes ago,
that it would be a joint partnership conversation that
occurs there appears to be conversations that always take
place regularly with Alders and the department of Planning
and Development. So I think the first sort of opportunity
for conversation is there and then I as needed dpd would
pull in yulai. And then I think based on our resources, our
capacity, uh,
Correct. We would then have come into that conversation.
Okay? So you just answered my question that I was asking,
who will give you direct? And you said dpd will pull in
yulai. So I would tell dbd to pull in yulai for 69th Street
between, Ashlan and Damon. Thank you so much. I appreciate
you all. Thank you Alderman. And, and the contract.
Contract amount is, is really up to. So we would really not
expend the amount until we actually have a contract with
Uli, uh, for each specific technical assistance panel, uh,
or ASP. So, um, it's it's a, it's a maximum amount. We just
wanted to make sure, you know, to, uh, cover enough to
provide, you know, about 5 a year if, if that was needed.
All right. Thank you. Thank you, chairman.
Thank you very much about the hand. The mic back over but
we have a question from chairwoman dowel.
Yeah, 1 more question. Um,
have funding for this. For 2024 is there money in your
current budget for this now?
In our current budget there would be some money. Yes, I
think, uh, it would be difficult to spend that money in the
time that we have. Knowing that this we're here today city
council passage, you know, in assuming we get a positive
approval. So we we would it would be difficult, it might be
difficult because it takes. So, how much is in your budget
today for Uli panels?
In the 2024 or just general planning. Yeah, we have, I think
about a million, um, for this year, uh, for for planning
planning corporate funds, uh, but we've used some of it for
other contracts already. Uh, so off the top of my head, I
don't know how much we have remaining for this year. I just
think it would be difficult because we would have to spend
the month. We would have to
uh, decide on the table and spend it.
Um, before the end of this year, okay, I don't want to rain
on your parade. Okay? I just think that this is like, icing
on a cake. If you can afford the cake, this is good icing
to have, but we have a 222 million deficit and we're trying
to close a almost a million dollar deficit in 2024. I'm not
sure we can.
Really spend the money on something like this and when we
this is like a extra. Um, so
I think what you are. You just asking us to approve the
potential to do a contract correct? Knowing that you're
going to have to fight for dollars. Yes. And make your case
in the budget season, correct? This it's separate 9 to 400
million dollars is a lot of money. For some icing 940,000,
is a lot of money for some icing over 6 years.
over 4 years, 4, plus 2 extensions, potentially
Okay. Um and vice chair I would point it it's you're very
good point. I would point out though. Um it's still in
of the costs for a local table 25000. That is a lot less
less money than it would cost to procure a consultant and
do uh, planning study for a lot of our struggling
corridors. So it it is an efficient use of limited
resources as a as 1 so we didn't put them in your planning
now stable.
So we looked at that and I think we talked. Do you want to
answer that question? No. Oh, we looked at that. And my
understanding is um because they're um, they're involving
pro bono work from volunteers. It's not the right kind of
uh procurement process to include them in the planning now
and those
Other Consultants.
You know, they're not working pro bono.
Does that make sense? Does that make sense to you? Make the
model, that doesn't make any sense. So make them a delegate
agency.
I mean this was this was the path that we were advised to
to follow in terms of getting seeking city council
authority to, to enter into this contract.
Also, because you you and I can't respond, would never
respond to an RFP.
So I didn't say in our, excuse me before you speak you have
to be recognized by the chair. I'm sorry. You just can't
blurt out.
I'm sorry, madam chairman. I didn't mean, ah, ah, ah,
respond to an RFP, but the Departments have delegated
agencies that they tasked with doing certain work and
neighborhoods across the year. And those are usually not
for-profit organizations uh that do this kind of work. They
also have something called planning now which is a they're
stable of for-profit Consultants to help uh think about
Projects in various parts of the city. Um,
I don't really see the need for this now that I'm doing
more thinking, I really don't see the need for this
contract.
But that's me.
Thank you. Thank you. Um,
thank you very much chair. I apologize for my brief absence
during the startup of your presentation, but thankfully, I
actually had not sorry, I
Oh, thank you. Um, I had actually had an opportunity to be
briefed on this contract in this program with our Northwest
side, Regional planner Carmen Martinez, who speaks. So
highly of your work and the efficiency of this effort. And
actually in the
20 years or so that I've had an opportunity to be a part of
Community Development and planning initiatives in the city.
I have the deepest respect for Urban Land Institute, the
professionalism of your work, the way your research has
informed, arguably. Some of the best policy work that we've
done over the last 5 years. And when I, when I look at this
dollar amount, I will only compare it against comparable
planning initiatives and processes that will we've had on
the northwest side in Logan Square over the past 3 to 5
years.
I, I cannot see have not seen anyone do the level of work
that you do for the amount of money that we're talking
about in front of us. And I know that from previous rfps
that have come through dpd related to this kind of work.
Um,
the level of product, against the level of efficiency,
Is something I don't have a way to argue against. And so,
I'm, I'm actually really proud that we have an opportunity
to continue working with Ula. So, thank you so much for
being here.
Thank you. Uh, thank you. Thank you, madam chair. I just
want to be clear, I'm not uh um.
casting aspersions on the um quality of the work that you
Ally, does they have done this kind of work all over the
city and it's always been uh, above board and of great
quality. My question is the vehicle by which we are trying
to um,
Engage them. I don't think it should be a contract. I think
it should be a delegate agency or a planning. Now 1 of
those 2, not a contract and so I just want to be clear and
have that statement on the record and would ask that you,
um,
Uh, include me as a no on this.
Thank you. Thank you.
all right, um,
To that end. Can I get a motion chairman? I'm sorry, I was
about to raise my hand um because you know, I can't I can't
can't see ottoman Moore. We can't we're not able. Can
somebody take the screen down so I can see. And thank you.
Oughtta Memorial. I wasn't able to see your hand raised. I
understand, um,
I I think we want to do what's right for um, the city. Uh,
I think all of us, and the city council have different
level of expertise. Um, my concern again and I know what
she said in terms of doing reaching out to dpd, but even
when we're
Let me, let me understand.
You will still have to come back to council for approval of
any dollars. You're saying, right?
It would be part of the corporate budget that gets reviewed
by city council every year.
So we we that's that's the mechanism of how we would fund
this is through our corporate funds. I know, but if we
approve this today,
if we prove this today,
uh, we are proving
That approving 90 940 thousand dollars for the next 4
years, that's when I'm asking or do you have to come back
based on different projects to get financial approval?
You're not approving, the funding amount. The funding is
going to be reviewed by the through the budget, every year
through the budget hearings that we do every fall.
Uh, with City Council.
Okay, and so if if it's then if through that review, it's
not funded. Do you not still do the work through some other
means or what correct? If if, for example, uh, there is a
scenario where, uh, we are unable to have planning funds in
the budget for next year for 2025, let's say, because that
budget hearing is coming up in a few weeks, right? If let's
say, you know, that gets drastically reduced or or, you
know, uh, then then we would not be able to then, in 2025
fund, uh, fund any local assistance panels, or asps with
Uli, even though we have the ability to
2. We this would be like enabling legislation. We wouldn't
have the funding to do it. If if the budget um, is not does
not include any planning funds.
And these, These funds, that will be basically requested by
the commissioner of Planning and Development correct.
Correct, correct. Yeah, and so my next question is because
I totally support her.
Is, uh, commissioner Sierra boat right? In support of this.
Oh yes. I mean we've of course, been briefing her from the
very beginning. We would not be here if she was not in
support of this, okay? Just like with CPD, I want to make
sure the subject matter expert have the tools that they
need to succeed. If she is saying, this is a tool that she
needs to succeed and doing what we need to do. I'm going to
trust her on that, okay? And so, um, I don't have a vote in
this, I'll get a vote in city council so that's all I have
to say chairman. Thank you, thank you.
Thank you. Can I get a motion to pass recommend approval
list item?
so with the exception of uh ottoman Pat Dao voting know um,
an opinion of the chairs, the eyes have it.
Um, this concludes the agenda, the committee on contracts,
oversight and Equity, there will be no further business
before the committee. Can I get a motion to adjourn moved
by Vice chair? Um, the spot all in favor signify by saying
I I