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Good afternoon.
Committee on budgeting government operations will come to
order.
Uh, we will start.
With public comment.
Uh, I'm sorry, first we need to uh, establish roll call.
Um,
Vice chair, Lee.
On the spot.
Robinson. Why?
Alderman Mitchell.
Harris almond Ramirez.
Army Quinn.
On the Lopez more.
All say.
Mosley of the Rodriguez from Scott.
On the seat Lopez.
Almond brunette.
Let me tell you Farrell.
Ottoman Cardona.
Alderman Rodriguez. Sanchez on the Conway.
Ramirez, Rosa.
Ottoman. Viegas
Auto admits.
On Sado.
Ottoman Nugent.
Vasquez.
Alderman politano.
On my Riley.
Of a can.
On Martin.
On Manhattan.
Ottoman Silverstein.
Okay, we have a quorum. I got Mitchell.
Silver seen. Oh sorry.
You mute today.
Yeah, I didn't. You did. I apologize. I missed you and
myself. All right, we have a quorum members. Present blah
blah blah.
Be so lucky to today. All right. All right. Uh, the time is
now for public comment. Uh, we have, uh, few people have
signed up, Mr. Blakemore
online chair.
Oh, thank you. Uh, we have all those uh, Robinson, why
Vasquez Napolitano and Martin, who had requested
participation uh, remotely under rule 59, is there a motion
to allow participation? So moved by Vice chair, Lee all in
favor signify by saying I
Any opposed.
Chairs. The eyes have it. Uh, we will add Alders Robinson
Yanni.
Mosley.
Vasquez.
Vasquez is here, okay?
Napolitano.
And Martin.
To the road Alderman. Cardona welcome, we see you Rodriguez
sir.
Rodriguez.
All right, Rodriguez, you're not on my list, but uh, moved
or motion. Uh, is there motion to accept ottoman Rodriguez,
uh, participation on the rule. 59. So moved by ottoman
Vasquez, all in favor. Signify by saying, I
Any oppose, any opinion checks eyes have it? Almond
Rodriguez, you will be added to the role for this, uh,
meeting. Am I missing anybody?
Okay Mr. Blakemore uh public comment uh you may proceed
sir, thank you sir.
I, I see.
Uh, item 3, Miss World fun, 15 committees.
On Committee of the rules.
For a year for the year of 2024.
Now, the transferring fund. How how, how perhaps
Someone can explain to, I know this is not a question and
answer session.
but,
What, what is being transported? How much each committee
have so much money and from 1 year, and then they transfer
it to. Another year of this rules committee is something
that I I'm, I'm very puzzled about
Michelle, Harris used to have the committee on ethics and
rules and when
You all have rules here sir.
And I get up here and I go with 3 minutes sir you'll say yo
yo, the rules say, 3 minutes, you keep quiet. It's the end.
This young man will run up here and get the mic.
But but what about these rules?
Now, I saw you the other day, uh, when you were shaking up
say we're gonna have a lottery.
It's so many people here, I'm gonna let everybody speak.
What is the rule?
That's what's going on here with these rules. The shell
Harris and these rules 1 day, I'm gonna make a suggestion
And you can take it when somebody come up to speak, when
the public speaks have a machine and staff it stands up,
it's 2033 and then you get your team.
And then it fit the more people come. Let them speak.
You just can't make up your own rules because she's a
chairman and I was outraged and they let you do it.
You had that thing. Well, I'm having a lottery today, so
many people swear this is out of control here.
You know, you can't do that and they know you can't do
that. Why did they allow you to do that?
What are the rules?
What in the few minutes you're going to say Mr. Blakemore,
your 3 minutes is up.
That's the rules in your chain and give people too many 1
minute. What's going on here?
Exactly what is going and you sit here and watch them all
of y'all.
Y'all supposed to say you can't do this, you got to rule
for the citizens of the rule for you. Who do you think you
are, or who do you think the citizens are when they let you
get away with this?
Why would you do that?
Why would you get don't have a lottery? The lottery is
illegal. They, they told Michelle Michelle had. They said
to us that never
Thank, thank you, Mr. Blakemore for your comment. Uh, next
we're going to have, uh,
Edith, Moore.
Followed by Zoe Lee.
Ma'am, you may proceed.
Midday.
Peace and love to everyone.
Um,
You know, I I, uh, I'm kind of confused, but I know it
arrival, you know, sometime they don't run. But
what I can't foresee is that you guys
You you speak on a subject, you know, off the agenda but we
but we the public comment comes first.
And that same kind of backwards to me.
Same, like the comet.
The public comment should be after what you guys speak on,
you know, because of the beforehand. We don't know what
you're going to say, you know, but on the back side, once
we hear then we know what you have on your mind.
But prior, we don't know.
you know, just come up here and speak, you know,
um, so
Uh, I hope that that will change soon.
um, but anyway, um
The, these are it seems as though, uh, see the Bible says,
there's no, uh, uh perspective.
No perspective.
For others of others.
So you know everything. I've been coming here for like 2
and a half weeks. Everything I see you. You do it.
Specially for individuals who acts.
Whatever someone asks, they get it.
You know, so that's favoritism.
No perspective of person.
So I, you know, I think that's kind of out of order too.
you know, um,
Because you're not working with really the public.
And The public's opinion, it's like you do what you going
to do? So I don't even know why you even have people to
speak.
Okay, sure. I mean is that that's another gimmick that say
oh well we gave the public a chance.
But the public is not here.
So and then this transfer of bonds that that kind of, I'm
kind of off on that too. But it's gonna get better, it's
gonna get better, you know. Uh, transferring funds. You
know, it seems like somebody runs out and then you got to
borrow from another, you know, ottoman or something. You
gotta borrow, you know, but, you know, it is that what
interests, you know, I don't know.
you know, anytime I know that you borrow its interest
So swapping money back and forth. I don't I don't get it.
Thank you.
Thank you, ma'am. Uh, next, our final speaker is Zoe Lee
I was given this last night, people was asking me, was I
gonna, um,
Go and be at the press conference. That was the day, you
know, Chicago must remain or Sanctuary City show up in
solidarity at City Hall, press conference Monday, January
13th, 11:00 a.m. Um, and, you know, I was in here listening
to all the money.
that child was giving out, uh,
From all the settlements against the police. Um, and plus
this is a distraction like Tom Holman is already gonna come
gonna do. He's gonna do, he's gonna have to do and that's
that and it's a distraction because in 2019, this is when
stuff really start getting.
Real weird in here when he's progressives snuck in uh, in
these seats. The city of Chicago progressives Democrat
socialist elected officials allowed an influx of migrants
without building the infrastructure to support them.
They've let the welfare systems get abused knowing full.
Well, there's a housing shortage overburden health care and
Rising Demand on public resources. Now, local and state
governments are in a crisis. The fact that Progressive
reform is doubling down on the welcoming city ordinance
further proves that the majority of the city already knows
the Socialist, DSA elected officials and employees have
been stealing since 2019, Mr. Appropriating coid, 19 funds
while the majority of you snuck into office and now the
department of Illinois, Public Health needs to be
investigated as well for the role in this corruption and
mishandling of public resources. A total of 3.72 billion
was allocated for both Co 19 relief and migrant assistance
in Illinois. Is important to
To note that Chicago's pension debt has been rising reaching
approximately 37.2 billion in 2023. An increase of about
1.8 billion, from the previous year, a forensic audit must
be done in the, feds need to come in. You don't care about
protecting the illegals, it's about protecting yourselves.
yourselves. This is this isn't incompetence. Its public
corruption and attack on America. I'm trying to tell you
y'all been stealing for a very, very long time.
And y'all, this is all y'all do is just money launder all
day.
And I can't get my case settled corporate Council the most
city of Chicago Law Department, is the 1 who keeps this
going, y'all, they the most corrupt they've been doing this
since Old Man daily
That's all y'all do.
I'm trying to tell you. This is a new generation. Ain't
nobody playing with y'all. Ain't nobody playing and my
mother. My mother don't get her money. If this if the
Southside don't get their money, everybody going to jail
who stole that money.
Thank, thank you for your comment. Um, that concludes
public comment, uh, want to, uh, add Alderman, Conway to
the role. Also, um, need to, uh, need a motion to add, um,
Alderman toy affair.
Burrow uh via uh remotely via rule 59 is there a motion?
So, moved by Alderman, dial all in favor. Signify by
saying, I any opinion of the chairs, the eyes have it. Uh,
we will add Alderman Talya, Ferro to the role as thank you,
Mr. Chairman
all right, um,
Committee will now vote and approve, an amended monthly
rule, 45 report for the month of October, which was trans
transmitted electronically to all members. Can I get a
motion to accept the rule 45 report?
so move all them down, all in favor signify by saying, I
Any oppose?
Independent chairs eyes have it, the motion passes and the
amended rule. 45 report is is approved. The committee will
now move to consider item number 1 of our agenda, which is
proposed ordinance concerning a Redevelopment agreement
with out west gallery and Cafe to provide neighborhood
opportunity funds for property. Improvements at 5249 West,
Chicago Avenue in the 37th where we have, Jeff Cohen, and
Robert bumpers from dpd, as well as Vanessa Stokes.
Where's Vanessa, hey, Vanessa, how are you doing today? CEO
of vs? Uh, creative consultant available to address, uh,
any questions, uh, you
I did say in the 37 War.
Oh, you didn't hear it in the 37th in the the the tough
374.
Ready.
You may see.
37.
You know what? While we while we wait on that. Let's do
items. Uh, 2 through 7, um, committee will now consider, I
was 237 on our agenda, which are our transfers of fund
orders. Substitutes are proposed for 3 of the 5 transfers
Awards, 641 and the committee on committees and rules which
has been distributed to all members. You have a motion to
accept the 3 substitute ordinances
So, so moved by Alderman, Harris. All in favor. Signify by
saying, I
uh, any opposed any appended shares of eyes having in the
substitutes and not before us, um,
So I want to take items 2 through 7 as a whole with your
transfers of fun with within the 6 Wardlow.
4 41st War for year 2024 and the 44th Ward for for year
2024. Uh, any discussion
All in favor. Oh,
hold on a minute question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. What's
the latest that this money could be spent?
Well, theoretically, uh, the money is supposed to have been
spent by now. However, there may be 4 accounting purposes.
Um, there's no appropriation Authority. So individuals
who've had money that has been encumbered or spent for the
date. Uh, can still request the uh, transfers be made?
However, if the actual expenditure is after January 1st,
you can technically use the money for. But my understanding
is that some members have expenses that are beyond their
appropriation and therefore transferring money from 1 line
to the other to satisfy those appropriate. Thank you Mr.
Chairman okay. Almond Moore.
And it and it's at that point because that that's correct.
Um, that was spent the December because sometimes there's
an overspend. Um, is there a
is this the last city council meeting where you could have
transferred those funds, or is there another opportunity to
transfer and theoretically? Um, I think under Gatsby rules,
we have 60 days after the end of the year to, um, to, to do
that. So if you don't introduce that, come Wednesday then,
Wednesday then to really Wednesday's the last day to
introduce anything that could actually pass out and be
effective, uh, for the month of February. So, so if any
other transfers for 2024 need to come in on, uh, on
Wednesday. Thank you, chairman, okay, any other questions
on that?
All right. Uh, with that being said, is there a motion
So move all them and more. All in favor. Signify by saying,
I
Any oppose any opinion chairs eyes have it in items? 2
through 7 will be reported out at our next regular city.
Council meeting on January of 15th. You all ready?
Okay, we're going to go back to item number 1, which is the
ordinance for the uh, nof approval. You may proceed, thank
you, good afternoon, chairman Ervin and members of the
committee on budget and government operations for the
record. My name is Robert bumpers financial planning
analyst for the Department of Planning and Development
here. Today to request your approval of a Redevelopment
agreement between the city and Out West gallery and Cafe
for the purpose of authorizing 734,625 in.
NLF funding to be used for a building Rehabilitation to
house this new endeavor.
Uh, subject property is located at 5249 West Chicago Avenue
within the Austin Community area. And Ward 37. This is in
the west planning region, Alderman, mitts supports the
project.
Location of the property is on West Chicago Avenue between
North Lockwood and North Latrobe Avenues. The building is
immediately adjacent to the Austin neighborhoods. Newly
constructed popcorns which the developer of Vanessa Stokes
aided in creating
These are the current exterior conditions. Uh, the building
was originally constructed in 1917 and includes 2. Retail
Bays that have where most recently used as a corner store
and liquor store the property. However has been vacant for
10 years
Shown here is the um interior of the building. Uh it was
demoed in a new roof was installed 2 months after the
purchase of the building in October 2021. Uh, the building
aside from the necessary rehab is in solid condition and
needs modest masonry work.
Uh, the developer of this project is Vanessa Stokes. Uh,
she is an artist and entrepreneur and the CEO of VSS
creative Consulting vs. Creative Consulting is a cultural
design. Firm utilizing art to engage communities throughout
the city. She is also a cultural organizer and curator of
several public art displays.
In the Austin Community, where she resides.
For this project Miss Stokes a proposal to create the
outwest gallery and Cafe, a community-driven space that
will utilize art and culture to engage Austin, and
Community residents with performances, exhibits media, and
lectures, in addition to providing an art space, the
project will include a cafe that will offer healthy food
choices using a pay, what you can model in a neighborhood
that lacks both coffee shops and healthy food options.
Scope of the work will be a complete Rehabilitation of the
property, including new Electrical, Plumbing HVAC, Windows
Doors, flooring Building Systems, masonry, and a full
interior build out of the space.
The total project budget is approximately 980,000 up to
73462 or 75% of the budget is slated to come from nof
funds, which includes a base Award of 50% of the total
project cost, as well as a community wealth building. Bonus
of 25%. The other sources for the fund, uh, the other, uh,
source of funds for the project will be 250,000 dollars.
Uh, and this will be debt. Financed
Um, if approved the Redevelopment agreement will reimburse,
the developer for up to 7346 in nof eligible costs the
construction reimbursement will be provided in 3.
Certificate of completion, the city's investment will be
protected by Provisions in the RDA, that will require the
project to be occupied and operating no less than 5 years.
And additionally, the developer must achieve typical
construction compliance requirements of prevailing wage
mbewe and City residency.
Uh, once complete is expected that the new facility will be
significantly improved from its current condition. This is
a
elevation of the building.
Uh this is an image of the Interior Space, as completed,
project will completely renovate and modernize the
interior. The development's interior will include ample
Cafe, seating designated art displays and a full commercial
kitchen.
Uh, overall dpd is highly supportive of the project. Uh,
the grant will Aid in the much-needed, rehab of Chicago
Avenue, building vacant for 10 years. Provide a cultural
amenity for artists, and Community, as well as offering
healthy food options to the community again, uh, alderwoman
mitts and the community sort the projects. And for all
these reasons dpd is the use of nof funds to support
This project, I'd like to thank the committee for your
favorable consideration of this request. And again, I'm
joined by, uh, Vanessa Stokes of out west and we're happy
to answer any questions. You might have at this time. Thank
you, thank you, ottoman MS.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I just wanted to make sure, you
know, that was in 37 not 28. Now that you, well, let me
clear. It was actually used to be in the 28th. I want. I
want to know on record so you don't be thinking, don't
don't you think too high? Here you kick me off Chicago
Avenue last round so I'm okay.
Look, um, members. This is a project that we've been
on with Vanessa uh for the last 2 3 years but she's been
very active in the community, cultural artists 1 of her
of her Specialties and um, not only at the outer West Cafe,
she did a lot of art work on Cisco and Chicago Avenue her
father, where, uh,
artists and Vanessa is walking in his footsteps and glad
that, uh, she's able to continue to carry the Legacy. But
before Vanessa came artwork, was not privileged over there
on Chicago Avenue, or the west side. So look like doors
have been opened through her work and her effort, and we
began to see, uh, brighten up. As you can see, there is a
outdoor court, right next to the cafe. Uh, that was led by
Vanessa, uh, uh, Stokes and Westside health authority to be
be able and her her business, the out of West Cafe is going
to be right next to that playground.
Uh, where you have a lot of artwork and, uh, my time in
office. I've seen it. I remember that being a liquor store
and it was 1, that's not privileged. So we're taking it
out, liquor stores, bringing in taking out old putting in
the new. And this is going to be certainly a welcoming
opportunity that we can sit down and break bread and have a
cup of coffee. And I have little meetings and enjoy 1
another, uh, Community Gathering. So thank you so much for
your effort, Vanessa, uh, and to the community as well. Uh,
for coming together to work this, work on this project, and
I'm glad to see it's coming to uh, this Council now so that
we can move forward with getting it open. So thank you and
I look forward to go out on the committee and support.
What uh, for this project. Thank you.
Thank you, chairman Miss chair.
I just wanted to know the uh debt that you the 240,
something thousand dollars in debt. Does that include the
acquisition or does this out west group already, uh, have
ownership of the building
Um uh the property is going to be leased by out west it's
least yes okay.
All right. And she has a a contract with them. It's a site
is secured.
Any other questions?
I'll tell you, if they're
Automatically Farah.
Thank you chairman. Um, I just I just want to let me
comment rather than question. Um, and just really, uh,
congratulate Miss Stokes on on this endeavor as chairman
mitt said, and I congratulate chairman mitts as well. Uh,
as chairman, Mitch said, um,
Vanessa Miss Stokes has been an advocate for promoting and
bringing art and culture uh to the west side of Chicago.
And so I I just really want to commend her on this effort
because I know it's been something that she's planned a
long time ago from the time, even when I became Alderman, I
sat with her and just really, um, admired. Um, her her
father's. Um, her not only his art and his photography, but
her desire to, um, you know, put this out to the world and
to the west side and she's not
Start with just her father, she wants art to be a very
prominent place, um, in our culture on the west side of
Chicago. So Vanessa, I congratulate you um you have my
support with this project and your endeavors on the West
Side to promote to promote art. And so, um, thank you,
chairman and I, I gladly give her my support.
Thank you. Uh, chairman Tia Pharaoh. Um, any other
questions?
All right. Uh, we have a motion by Alderman Dow that this
uh, do pass. And again, uh, congratulations to miss Stokes,
who actually is a 28 for a resident. Um,
and uh,
And we expect to see 1 of these on Madison in the near
future. Thank you all in favor signify by saying, I
Any oppose independent, it says the eyes have it in. This
matter will be reported out at our city council meeting on
Wednesday, January 15th, uh, with that being no other, uh,
business before the committee. Can we get a motion to
adjourn?
So moved by chairman Harris all in favor of saying I any
oppose, any chairs eyes have it, uh the meeting stands
adjourned.