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Thank you.
The city of Chicago city council rules of conduct for
public meetings, 2023 to 2027, pursuant to the Chicago city
council Rules of Order and procedure rule, 49, the
sergeant-at-arms sets forth, the following rules of conduct
to be followed during the public comment period and the
duration of all committee and
city of Council, meetings profane vulgar threatening
Bones must be placed on silent prior to entering the
meeting room. Individuals must remain, seated, public
comment speakers are permitted to stand only when providing
public comment, small handheld devices may be used only
while seated and the user must refrain from interfering
with the view or hearing of other individuals, individuals
or groups failing to adhere to. These rules will be asked
to see such disruptive conduct and failure to comply. Will
result in there being subject to removal from the meeting
by the sergeant-at-arms.
City of Chicago city council rules of conduct for public
meetings, 2023 to 2027, pursuant to the Chicago city
council Rules of Order and procedure rule, 49. The sergeant
Directed towards others is not permitted. Disruptive
behavior, including disruptive or disrespectful content.
During others presentations is not
Good morning, members of the city council. Please remember
to log into your devices. The meeting will begin shortly.
Thank you.
City of Chicago city, council rules of conduct for public
meetings, 2023 to 2027, pursuant to the Chicago city
council Rules of Order and procedure rule, 49, the
sergeant-at-arms sets forth, the following rules of conduct
to be followed during the public comment period and the
duration of all committee and City Council, meetings,
profane vulgar, threatening abusive or disruptive language
is not permitted. Demeaning discriminatory or harassing
behavior and speech directed towards others is not
permitted. Disruptive behavior, including disruptive or
disrespectful content. During others presentations is not
permitted, banners flyers, or signage are not permitted
backpacks, large bags, and sharp objects are not permitted.
Clear bags, not
Tinted in color that do not exceed 12 by 12 by 6. In will be
permitted in our subject to search all food and beverages
including in metal canisters are not permitted cell phones.
Must be placed on silent prior to entering the meeting
room. Individuals must remain seated, public comment
speakers are permitted to stand only when providing public
comment, small handheld devices may be used only while
seated and the user must refrain from interfering with the
view or hearing of other individuals, individuals or groups
failing to adhere to. These rules will be asked to see such
to see such disruptive conduct and failure to comply. Will
result in there being subject to removal from the meeting
by the sergeant-at-arms.
Good morning, city council, good morning. If you can,
please log in to your devices,
Please log in to your devices. We will get started in a
moment. Please raise your hand if you need support. Please
raise your hand. If you need support log into your devices,
we'll get em started in a moment.
I go City Council.
Pools of content for public meetings, 2023 to 2027, pursuant
to the Chicago city council Rules of Order and procedure
rule, 49, the sergeant-at-arms sets forth, the following
rules of conduct to be followed during the public comment
period and the duration of all committee and City Council,
meetings, profane vulgar, threatening abusive or disruptive
language is not permitted. Demeaning discriminatory or
harassing behavior and speech directed towards. Others is
not permitted disruptive behavior including disruptive or
disrespectful condo tearing. Others presentations is not
permitted, banners flyers, or signage are not permitted
backpacks, large bags, and sharp objects are not permitted.
Clear bags, not tinted in color that do not exceed 12 by 12
not exceed 12 by 12 by 6. In will be permitted in our
subject to search health food and beverages including in
metal canisters are not permitted, cell phones must be
placed on.
Silent prior to entering the meeting room. Individuals must
remain seated, public comments speakers, are permitted to
stand only when providing public comment, small handheld
devices may be used only while seated and the user must
refrain from interfering with the view or hearing of other
individuals, individuals or groups failing to adhere to.
These rules will be asked to see such disruptive conduct
and failure to comply. Will result in their being subject
to
From the meeting, but the sergeant-at-arms.
You know what? I just realized something.
City of Chicago city council rules of conduct for public
meetings, 2023 to 2027, pursuant to the Chicago city
council Rules of Order and procedure rule, 49, the
sergeant-at-arms sets forth, the following rules of conduct
to be followed during the public comment period and the
duration of all committee and City Council, meetings,
profane vulgar, threatening abusive or disruptive language
is not permitted. Demeaning discriminatory or harassing
behavior and speech directed towards others is not
permitted disruptive behavior, including disruptive or
disrespectful content. During others presentations is not
permitted, banners flyers, or signage are not permitted
backpacks, large bags, and sharp objects are not permitted.
Clear bags, not tinted in color that do not exceed 12 by 12
by 6. In will be permitted in our subject to search how
food and beverages including in metal canisters are not
permitted.
Cell phones must be placed on silent prior to entering the
meeting room. Individuals must remain seated, public
comment speakers are permitted to stand only when providing
public comment, small handheld devices may be used only
while seated and the user must refrain from interfering
with the view or hearing of other individuals, individuals
or groups failing to adhere to. These rules will be asked
to see such disruptive conduct and failure to comply. Will
result in there being subject to removal from the meeting
by the sergeant-at-arms.
Good morning, and welcome to city council. The meeting will
start momentarily. Please take your seats in silence your
phones. Thank you.
Good morning. The council will come to order, Madame, clerk.
Please take a corn roll call.
Good morning, Council. We're back to electronic voting.
Please use your e device and cast your vote. The Voting is
now open, please. Log in to your device and use your e
voting. If you need support. Please raise your hand. The
Voting is now open.
I'm sorry. The Quorum is now open.
Not in Chambers.
I will now take a Voice vote for those who did not use the
E device alderman laspata.
Oh, laspata is present and happy birthday.
Uh,
Alderman Robinson.
Not present in Chambers Alderman Hall.
Not president Chambers Alderman, Mitchell, Mitchell is
present Alderman Beal.
Beal is present.
Alderwoman Gutierrez, not president Chambers.
Alderman. Curtis
Curtis is present Alderman, O'Shea.
OSHA is present alderwoman Taylor.
Not present in Chambers.
all the women, Tabares
Oh oh Tabares oh not president Chambers.
Alderman Bernett.
Bernett is present Alderman, Ervin.
Irvin is not president Chambers Alderman tell Aero.
Not present in Chambers.
Alderman Ramirez. Rosa.
Not present in Chambers.
Alderman, Gardiner.
Gardener is present Alderman, Martin.
Is not present chamber's.
Aldo woman Manhattan.
Is not present in Chambers.
Oh, I'm sorry. Oh alderman.
Oh, where am I at?
Oh, we're working on that, okay, but I see you present. I
got you present.
Rodriguez Sanchez is present and Silverstein is present.
Anyone else I missed walk in?
Alderman, David Moore is present.
Anyone else that walked in?
Okay.
Mayor. We have a quorum.
Very well, thank you. There are 3839 members at our
present.
So we do have a quorum.
There are a number of members that have requested to
participate in today's meeting.
remotely for reasons, stated in rural 59, and they are as
following
Older Coleman Haden Taylor, clay, Irvin Talia, Faro Madam
clerk. Could you confirm their existence remotely?
Yes. Um,
Madam clerk. Could you confirm their existence please
remotely?
Sure. Alderwoman Coleman.
Present.
Coleman is present.
Alderwoman Taylor here.
Taylor is present.
Alderman. Ervin.
Irvin is present.
Alderman talifero.
Present.
Caliper is present.
Alderwoman clay present.
Clay is present Aldara, Manhattan.
Present.
Haden is present.
Well, thank you, madam clerk. All of the individuals that
wish to participate in today's meeting remotely for region
State and Rule 59 have been confirmed, there's a roll call
vote. Madam clerk, would you please take the Quorum? Please
take the roll, call vote for the members who wish to
participate.
Remotely per rule, 59.
All right. The Quorum roll call. Vote roll call. Vote is
now open. It is now open. Please. Use your e device.
A roll call. Now is open
so don't
Alderman Mitchell.
Mitchell is a yes.
Alderwoman Harris.
Harris is a yes.
Alderman Beal.
Beal is a no.
Alderman. Curtis
Curtis is a no.
Alderman. OSHA
Osha is a no.
Alderwoman newent.
Newent is a no.
Alderman Consin.
Khitan is a no.
Alderwoman clay.
Oh, Clay is not in Chambers.
Wait, is absent.
And Alum Nugent is a no.
The Voting is now closed very well. There are 21. Yay. 7
718. Nays the majority of the members present um have
accepted remote participation for a rule. 59 for the
following members Coleman had and Taylor clay Irvin and
Talia. Faro, let's stand for the pleasure of Allegiance.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America, and to the Republic for which it stands, 1 nation,
under God, indivisible with liberty and justice. For all
this remains standing for our invocation today, which will
be delivered by Reverend Dr. Eddie Williams III
Might we pray?
Our Father, we are grateful for this day.
A day that you have made and we shall rejoice and be glad
in it.
We pause to thank you for all of the things that we
normally take for granted our health, our strength, the
roof over our head, closing our back and shoes on our feet.
We appreciate you and we are grateful to you all that we
are and ever hope to be. We give you all the glory for it.
We pray for our city. We pray for Unity. We pray for love
God. A a sense of cooperation. Oh Lord, and we also pray
for this city council. Help us to remember the words in the
psalm that word Salah, which means to pause, and it means
to reflect
As we deliberate today and do the work and business of the
city, helped us to pause and reflect upon why we do what we
do and we are servants.
First of all and I pray Lord that you would also grant us
the understanding and pause to remember the words of Jesus.
That blessed are those who take care of the poor and the
needy. Those that look after those that are the least of
these. We pray that we are mindful as we pause and remember
them as well in our deliberation. Lord let there be peace.
Let there be understanding and let there be Solutions. So
that all parties may be blessed. This is our prayer in
Jesus name. Amen.
Thank you. You may be seated.
The portion of the meeting for public comments, Mr. Clerk
The council will now begin the public comment period, which
is limited to a maximum of 30 minutes. Each speaker is
limited to 3 minutes, speakers cannot yield or transfer
their time to another speaker. Any written comments that
have been submitted will be posted and made available for
all Dometic review. The first Speaker today is fukua
Fukua is not present on Zoom.
Our next speaker is Jodie, Whittaker.
Good morning. Can you hear me? Good morning, yes, we can.
Thank you.
Thank you, dear Mayor, Johnson, and Chicago city council.
Thank you for your time and listening to me today. Again, I
am here to advocate for the Humane measure to ban the sale
of new fur in Chicago.
To sum this may not seem very important but this is not
just about protecting animals, our world and our
environment are in a very precarious place right now and
this directly affects each and every 1 of us in the way we
live our lives.
Avian Influenza is disrupting the agriculture agricultural
industry as you have probably seen with the increases and
the soaring prices of eggs.
The primary reason for high egg prices is the current bird
flu outbreak, which has killed millions of chickens on egg
Farms. Drastically reducing egg production
From the Centers for Disease Control. H5 bird, flu is
widespread and wild birds worldwide and is causing
outbreaks and poultry and US, dairy, cows with several
recent, human cases in US, Dairy and poultry workers.
Fur, farming is another industry that forces animals into
unnatural. Unsanitary situations that cause these crises
From the National Institutes of Health. June 2024. Highly
pathogenic. Avian. Influenza HP. AI has caused widespread
mortality in both wild and domestic birds in Europe.
In 2023, in July 2023 HP. AI A5 N1 was detected on 27.
a farm in Finland, in total infections in silver and blue
foxes American minks and raccoon dogs were confirmed.
As you hear all of this is connected.
So to conclude this Common Sense, legislation is so much
more than Animal Welfare.
On behalf of the Chicago Alliance For Animals more than
3,000 members and millions of people worldwide. I am urging
you to please vote in support of 02023, D 2983 to protect
each other, our city, the environment. And for those
without a voice or Choice, let's be part of the solution.
Not the problem. Thank you again.
Thank you very much for your comments. Thank you.
Our next speaker this morning is Jesse Johnson.
Our next speaker this morning is Mario.
Good morning. Good morning.
My name is Jesse Johnson. I just came here.
To show my support for the mayor.
because,
um,
There's been so much talk about what's going on.
And the things that he's not doing.
And I feel like he's doing a lot.
For the community.
And I feel like a lot of people are standing in his way.
That he can't get anything done because so many people are
standing in his way because they don't want him to be
successful.
And I'm here to show my support. And I hope that the people
will stop standing in his way so he can get some things
done. Where was the, where was the people when
Rahm Emanuel, was in here. Why didn't nobody stand up to
him? Where were the people with Mare Daly? Who ripped this
city apart? Why didn't they stand up to him? But everybody
wants to stand up to him and tell him what he's not doing,
right? And what he's not doing properly and and these
people rip this city off, that's why it's in the shape that
is sin. But now, you want to blame him for everything.
I think it needs to stop and I think it's sin for what
you're doing to this mayor and I think it needs to stop
right now because do you didn't stand up all this courage.
All this courage. Coming from all these people.
Where was it?
When Manuel was here, where was it when Daly was here, it
was nowhere to be found.
So I think you need to give him a chance and let him do his
job.
Thank you very much for your comments.
Our next speaker is Mario Phillips.
Good morning. Good morning. I don't have a lot to say, but
I
Don't they recently reported estimate, 65 billion dollars
in savings and I know you go to Capitol Hill next month.
If they would propose to you, we'll give you 20 billion
dollars to resend the sanctuary City status. Would you
resend it? Because 20 billion dollars can be used a lot, it
could be used even in the municipal bankruptcy like Mike
Dugan did in Detroit in his first term. So it's not about
how long you've been. It's about the usage of it because in
20 in 2010 we was about 14 billion dollars in debt in the
pensions. Now we up to 33 that's almost a 300% per game.
And I don't understand the important people don't
understand how important it is to become solvent, because
if we beat default on the loan, the whole city Falls. So
that's how you restructure the debt by actually dealing
with it because it takes, it takes a strong will to make a
right decision, and that's what you're going to need to do
with that. Also,
1% of the city is a 1% of the population. Works for the city
Us in the private sector. We shouldn't be subsidizing.
These pensions we we in defined contribution plans. You all
in the defined benefit that means I can't retire when I
want to retire, if the market Falls. But you can retire
whenever you at will and you won't even feel the effect of
that that's not right to us. So some of that money also, if
they was to give it to you, you could Lobby so they could
change pension laws at the state level, so that could free
us up. And another thing
What we could probably do with that money. If they did
propose that to you, well, only like 1 or 2% of the schools
have like HVAC, uh, welding or even electrician.
It don't make sense for a kid to go to school for 13 years
and not graduate with an income earning skill. Why all the
schools don't have dual enrollment, why all the schools
don't have more trades in them? It's a 157 schools and
that's only 1% or 2% of them that can do that. So if they
put that deal on the table, because you can see he's an
Administration that's willing and dealing and willing to
negotiate. Would you say I take give me 20 billion dollars?
I take this off the table so we can help the city flourish
because if we default we already was in junk status in 2015
and some of the some of the older men were here and that's
why we probably
Got a credit score, a little last month because some of
them here you can't put a new wine and old wine skin. You
can't do that. It's ruined the whole wine skin. So now you
want to borrow another 8 830 million and they just lowered
our credit rating last month. That's not making sense. So
if we going to kick the can down, it's going to be a bigger
issue later on down the road.
Thank you.
Thank you very much for your comments. Our next speaker
this morning is George Blake Moore.
Brandon mayor, Brandon goth do not go up to Congress
talking about uh sanctuary.
You support the sanctuary.
They will trick you.
It's about the money.
You have used some federal money boss sanctuary.
Now, I've been around for 83 years now I've seen many, uh,
mayor
but now you have a rating of of 6%.
so, I'm urging you to to
Don't let them trap you and sanctuary. If anyone needs
Sanctuary, black people need it. This is Black History
Month. Our history. We are entitled to sanctuary.
But all the goods, service contracts and job, Mr. Blakemore,
what make the black, man? So unique? He's the only man in
America who was enslaved in America,
Enslaved in America. So you are a unique, man.
So, you must embrace your uniqueness now. Everyone here 99%
of the people here. Are these also are Democrats.
Democrats. And now you going to another circle with
Republicans?
with with with uh, Reverend Trump
Don't you go up there? And and with that Sanctuary he's go
you use another strategy. I'm just begging you because you
playing a losing card.
even the people in the city of Chicago sanctuary,
they don't want it. Look at the empty seat.
Look at the empty seat. They don't want it. We don't want
it. So don't don't go there because I'm so scared that you
might be indicted.
They started asking you question about the money money is a
root of all evil. So you would have to make an account of
the money.
And I don't think you will win.
when Trump mean started asking you these questions,
So you know what happened to the mayor in New York?
He decided to surrender.
And it's time for you to surrender.
And for you to smell your blood.
You are a black man.
You was a black man and a low black boy before you became a
Democrat.
You'll steal black and racism is still alive.
In the city of Chicago, embrace your black
Thank you very much for your comments. Our next speaker is
Tuan Sims.
Good morning, committee, good morning, morning, morning,
morning, mayor morning. Um, oh, I got right here.
my hand, I have a order protection that was given to
A Miss Diana Williamson. This was last year, we was talking
about. Remember when I just kind of was seen to be freaked
out
But if you was a con constituent, that was consistently
ignored. So here's here's the number 20240 P. 07366 her
name is Dianna Williamson. She is the head of the um,
Domestic Relations.
her and along with a bunch of cronies and all, so criminal
judges, I've emailed to the committee about, well, some of
the committee about
But these are the people that supposed to take care of you.
But you on the other hand oh man, I was so happy to hear
that. You going to Capitol Hill
I was so happy to hear that because here now you get to
feel what it feels like to have somebody with absolute
almost.
Authority standing on you.
And how feet are out of your your fight might look. But now
we get to see but there'll be no bonding you out the 830
million. We say no to that way, you get the wrestle from
your Vantage Point, just like the rest of us out here.
Because we got to deal with it. We got to figure it out.
So you and your Think Tank, y'all can figure it out and the
American people can kind of sit there and out
That structure infrastructure. No infrastructure is coming
to Austin, nor Englewood nor Southshore, none of it's
coming through those ways. We got Irving up here, what it's
called, identity, politic look at those poll black
But yeah, we divested not poor because we always going to
figure it out. We've been figuring it out for centuries
now.
But here it is you want to keep using that identity crap.
Talking about education, we got no education black kids out
of the least
Y'all talk about diversity, Equity included. Nothing.
Oh man, none of us. It don't include us.
Not our kids, not their future, no consideration, but y'all
still arguing that because you want to still get the money
and like he said, you might not make it off the hill.
And I've been thinking that.
With a certainty. You might not make it. They got look you
think vast squares? You think Co you think any of them
going up there with you? I guarantee you. You can. You can
offer them a free ticket. They going to duck that 1 quick.
And when Pam Bundy, get down here for your corporate law
office. The ones that look
Purposely denied me, my constitutional right?
I can't wait to see them wrestle with somebody that look.
So hey, hey, I'm here.
Y'all kick me out but watch you might not make it off the
hill. Mr. Johnson.
you might not make it off the hill so y'all can subject me
to whatever, but hey,
Thank you very much for your comments. Thank you. Our next
speaker this morning is Osiris King.
Hello Mr. Mayor Brandon Johnson, as we close out Black
History Month? Let's talk about some real black history. A
Philip Randolph was a black labor activists, who opposed to
immigration Booker T, Washington and Frederick Douglass
were prominent black people in America, who opposed
immigration, because they saw what immigration does to the
black community. So this charade that you're doing with
Donald Trump and Tom Holman we see through it, it is a
black people have always been against immigration legal and
illegal because a lot of poor black people are at the low
wage labor market and we don't need foreigners, taking our
jobs and competing with us. So being pro, I'm fighting
against illegal immigration is the most black thing you can
do, it is the pro blackest thing. You can do is fighting
illegal immigration.
Don't let them tell you otherwise mayor, Brandon Johnson. I
am so happy that you are testifying before Congress because
the people of Chicago especially on the south and west side
do not support Sanctuary cities. I know the election is
over and people are trying to distract you with lunatics
protesting against deportations and Democrats doing what
Democrats do. But do not forget that we in Chicago, do not
support Sanctuary cities, especially the people who live on
the south and west side who had our schools turned into
migrants shelters. And for all the people who are mad about
Trump getting rid of Dei and critical race Theory, those
things were racist. You cannot fight past discrimination
with future discrimination. If Martin Luther King saw, what
the Democratic party has to become. He would roll over in
his Graves. We want to know where that money went. 400
million to illegal aliens. People talk about oh reparations
that this and reparations that, and
You have Democrats talking about all this stuff, they need
to talk about, where that money went, cuz that's where they
money went. It's complete Insanity. And might I say there's
a lot of people say Donald Trump is anti-black. Donald
Trump has acknowledged that Birthright. Citizenship was
meant for black people, for newly free black slaves. That's
black history. Democrats want to give it to immigrants.
Donald Trump has said that illegals compete with a black
people for jobs, Democrats.
Look the other way. Donald Trump has said that criminal
illegal aliens should be deported out of poor black
communities while Democrats like mayor, Brandon Johnson and
others fight tooth and nail to keep them here. They are not
for black people, they are not. So y'all can call me a
sellout for being black and the Trump supporter. That's
fine. But y'all talking Dei Democrats are a threat to
democracy. Y'all are The Crazy Ones. So please tell me to
all the people who call me a sellout for voted for Trump,
which 1 of us is really selling out brother.
Thank you very much for your comments. Our next speaker
this morning is Daniel Boland.
Good morning, city council and mayor. I know many people
are here today to express their frustration with how the
city is being run and how our tax dollars are being spent.
But I'm here to say, thank you as the executive director of
the community for Chicago, mayor, recall. I want to thank
you for demonstrating exactly. Why a mayoral recall
mechanism should be law in Chicago from day 1. Your values
have not reflected those of everyday Chicagoans instead.
They align with CTU, Puppet Masters, and radical activists,
who sow distrust and division. A mayor should unite the
city and prioritize Public Safety. You have done the
opposite.
Your Administration includes an anti-semitic anti-law
enforcement, external Affairs, officer, a chief of staff,
who believes in peace circles will solve sexual harassment,
and a senior adviser who, allegedly committed election,
fraud in Texas, and lacks a legitimate, Chicago residents.
Your leadership is failing, and the results speak from
themselves. You say, you don't do raggedy, but your
leadership has been exactly that Chicagoans regardless of
race income or religion, want to feel safe in their homes
on their streets and in their schools yet under your watch
armed juvenile. Thugs continue to carjack Loot and Rob. You
cancel shot spotter without a backup plan endangering 2/3
of the City's population. Since that time, 34 people have
died that bloods on your hands and on the Vasquez, 19
Progressive caucus who supported you on that. You also
failed to disclose your conflict of interest in. CPS
contract, talks benefiting from a deal while replacing the
school board with
Unvetted CTU, loyalists firing, CEO Martinez days before
Christmas for refusing. A reckless payday loan. Proves your
priorities lie in Union politics. Not Student Success. The
only ones benefiting from a better safer. Stronger, Chicago
are criminals and special interests. A recent poll shows.
You're at a dismal, 6.6 approval rating with support
collapsing, across all racial, and ethnic groups. Given
this overwhelming rejection and the loss of the confidence
of the Chicago, people I'm demanding, your immediate
resignation, your Administration is incompetent. Chicago
deserves better and Little Durk deserves his money back. He
needs it for commissary. Thank you.
Thank you very much for your comments.
Our next speaker is Andrew CV. Nelson Bay.
I'm Andrew Clarence. Mural Nelson.
I, uh,
Am a candidate for governor of Illinois in 2026.
And uh, the Chicago municipal election should be held.
In uh, November.
2026, the day of the
Midterm, general election.
And its subsequent runoff.
Is to be held in.
March 2026.
first Monday, which is Alaska Day, Chicago holiday and held
uh,
that way from now on.
I am, uh, commissioner us Public Health Service to be, uh,
well, I have yet to be confirmed by the Senate. I suspect
our Senate confirmation hearings will be held concurrent
with your, uh,
being in Washington DC shortly, I surise
um,
I um,
may run for mayor of Chicago.
Uh, if the people
Want me to run for mayor if you want. Andrew Nelson for
mayor of Chicago. You got them. I'll put that way.
um,
my mentor is Harold Washington, proj Billick walls himself,
a candidate for mayor in 2007, 20112015, and briefly in
2019.
I ran briefly in 2023.
I, uh,
the will of the people is eternal law of the land according
to former
Illinois, governor Pat Quinn and he's right.
So if you want, Andrew Nelson for mayor of Chicago, you do
indeed have him.
And I shall be replacing outgoing. Uh Chicago mayor,
Brandon Johnson.
uh,
I can serve as governor for 2 years and, uh, run for vice
president with JD Vance.
In 2030.
I shall be running for.
President of the Cook County Board.
Replacing uh outgoing uh, Tony Prix.
and um,
I am very Adept at Chicago politics. I was born in maze the
dragon Banner or us raise our ancient loyal chorus, Fame
behind the same before us, Harvard St. George now you went
to
Elgen school. That's where you were born in Elgen, you're
not native of Chicago.
Thank you very much for your comments.
Our next speaker is John kazera.
Good morning, mayor, heniard, good morning. Oh wrong City.
But it will be the same end result.
Someone already talked about the 6 and a half percent
approval rating. I want to remind you, you were elected
By half roughly 52% of 600,000 Chicagoans. That's about 12%
of the population.
You are literally at 6 and a half percent. Donald Trump
could run for mayor of Chicago right now and beat you.
That's how unpopular you are, and ridiculous. This city has
become
Before I talk about your esteemed sergeant-at-arms and his
illegal policies for public speaking. I want to talk about
this Bond vote. You're all going to take
800 million dollars with a 2 billion dollar end price tag.
Ridiculous, why? So the king Griffith are over there, can
give his girl, Stacy gate to has been to his house several
times to back door, negotiate contract, proposals can get
her pound of flesh, out of the city taxpayers.
well, the reality is you talked about
Other labor leaders being on a leave of absence while they
serve as president and you're no different as the mayor are
are you really that clueless are your fifth graders. You
used to teach really that much brighter than you. You're
the mayor, your negotiating on behalf of the city, you are
not representing the membership but you are because you're
still technically a member of CTU while you're negotiating.
A contract for the taxpayers of this city, where is the
Inspector General? Where are the rest? Are you holding them
accountable for this? He should be forced to fully resign
from CTU while. These negotiations are going on. It is a
direct conflict of interest but you are all sitting on your
hands and your ass is doing nothing. I'm just telling you
for those of you who think you're going to vote. Yes, for
this ridiculous bond issue. Just know, we have a giant pack
fund that will continue to grow at fop 7 and you will all
be on the target list. We will recruit candidates and we
will not be able to take maybe all of you out, but we're
certainly going to
Get a Target. Anybody that votes? Yes, for this. And you're
going to say, what does this got to do with the police? We
are taxpayers. And many of us are the primary taxpayers in
this city. So my members are sick of getting a decent
contract and then having it stolen out of their back
pocket. In the same sentence it will end or your political
career as well. I can assure you of that and you're going
to follow suit with him and Tiffany henyard and be in the
Forgotten pile of politics history. Thank you.
Thank you very much for your comments. Your honor. There are
are no further speakers who have time for the public
resolutions. We have 1 today, the chair recognizes
alderwoman Dow.
Uh, thank you, Mr. President and members of the city
council. You know, when in this body
Can you please turn on the mic?
There we go. Thank you.
And this body we typically, uh, honor uh, the champions for
for football, baseball, swimming volleyball. But today, we
have an opportunity to honor a champion in the field of
wrestling.
and that is David McCarthy who is a senior at D LaSalle
Institute in the Third Ward, but he is a resident of the
15th Ward, um, who won the state championship of ihsa Class
A, and boys wrestling. He's here today, with his coach
Jason Davidson his head wrestling coach at D, LaSalle his
sister Ayana, and his father, David McCarthy senior and I
would ask him to rise if we could give him.
I, I also want to say that David is an A and B student.
And uh, Alderman Chico, he swole like you.
All right. Well congratulations, thank you. Chairwoman
Dell.
For bringing that acknowledgement to this body. Next up
communications,
I'm sorry chair, recognizes Alder. Hello good. Theaters.
Thank you, mayor. Just wanted to be recognized for
attendance.
Madam clerk. Please add um, alderwoman Gutierrez to the
corn roll. Call, please.
Chair recognizes almond Hall.
The road to as well. Thank you very much. Madame clerk,
please add Alderman Hall to The Forum roll, call the chair
recognizes alderwoman to Paris. I just want to
Very well. Madame clerk, please add alderwoman tabat to the
to the corn roll call.
And there are no Communications for today.
We do have 1 committee report, I believe, um, the the
committee on rules the chair recognizes chairwoman Harris.
Thank you, Mr. President, reporting for your committee on
committees and Rouge with met on Tuesday, February 25th,
2025 at 10:00, a.m. the committee recommends, the passage
of the following items.
Items 1 through 3 are Corrections of the city council
journal or proceedings for September 18th. 2024, February
21st 2024 and December 13th of 2023, items 1 2 and 3
received due pass recommendations, Mr. President, if no 1
wishes to speak, I moved to pass these items by roll call
vote.
Very well. Thank you very much. The items have been
presented before us. There's a motion on the floor, to
approve, these items by a roll. Call vote. Thank you madam
clerk. If you can, uh, prepare the technology and others,
please use your e, vote, application to record your vote at
this time.
Okay.
The Voting is now open the Voting is now open, please. Use
your e device. The Voting is now open
I will now call those who are not use the E device for
Voice vote Alderman. Hopkins.
Not president Chambers.
Old woman Coleman.
Yes, Coleman is a yes.
Alderwoman Taylor. Yes.
Taylor is a, yes.
Alderman brunette.
Bernette is a yes.
Alderman. Ervin.
Yeah, Alderman post. Yes, Irvin is a yes, Alderman
talifero. Yes. Oh, Alderman talifero is a yes.
Alderman Ramirez. Rosa.
Ramirez, Rosa is a yes.
Alderman. Kuden.
Is a yes.
Alderwoman Haden.
Yes.
Haden is a yes, have all those voted who wished
the vote is now closed.
Thank you.
There are 48 yays and zero. Nays this matter is passed
Alderman Mitchell. On a motion to reconsider move to
reconsider the vote, all those in favor of the
reconsideration of this vote signify by saying, I any
opposed say no. This motion fails, the chair recognizes
chairwoman Harris.
The committee recommends that item 4 through 6, be
re-referred to the committee on finance item 4 is an
ordinance concerning the issuance of the Department of
housing assistance and other financial assistance to unah
Irving Park, Alp for acquisition and construction of a
7-story building at 2909 D, 2917 West, Irving Park Road.
Item 5 is an ordinance concerning the bond and bond
issuance for Chicago O'Hare. International Airport, senior
special facilities Revenue Bond trips. Our obligation group
series 2025 for the benefit of the borrow area of Chicago.
Chicago 2 SEC, secured by the senior master and denture,
promisor note.
Number 2025-26 related facilities, Debt Service.
costs. Uh, issuance and item 6 is a Amendment of the
municipal code section 2, desk, 4055040, to remove
requirements of economic disclosure statements and
connection with the right of Entry agreements released, uh,
releases of liability or other similar agreements. The
committee recommended that these items be re-referred to
the committee on finance. If there's no objection, I move
approval and recommendation by the first most favorable
role call.
Vote, uh, previously applied, the item 1 through 3 from the
committee on committees rules, committee report and the
associated on successful motion to reconsider hearing no
objection. So ordered the committee, recommended that item
7 be re-referred to the committee on health and human
relations.
Item 7 is amendment of admissible code chapter 8-6 by
adding new section, 8-6 064 regarding uh cannibal noid hemp
projects offenses involving involving minors, a move
approval of the recommendation that item 7 be re-referred
to the committee on health and human relations by the same
role call if there's no objection, hearing none. So ordered
the committee recommends that item 8 be re-referred,
That item 8 be re-referred to a joint committee.
On finance and committee on real estate and housing.
item 8 is an amendment of admissible, cold chapter 2-44, by
adding new section, 2-44 160 establishing for nonprofit,
residents investment corporations to address housing needs
by financing acquiring owner and operational permanent.
affordability, mixed income and environmental sustainable
housing. I move approval of the recommendation that item
may be re-referred to the Joint Committee on the committee
of finance and and the committee on the housing and real
estate by the same motion if there's no objection, hearing
none. So ordered
The committee recommends, an item 9 be re-referred, to the
committee on license and consumer protection. Item, 9 is
amendment of municipal code for -4331 to prohibit sale of
cannoy hemp products and within The Poolman Rossland area.
I move approval of the recommendation that item 9 be
re-referred to the committee on license and consumer
protection by the same role call if there's no objection,
hearing none. So ordered committee recommends that item 10
be re referred to a joint committee on uh of the committee
on pedestrian and traffic safety, and the committee on
transportation and public way item. 10 is an amendment of
the municipal code title 2 and 10 to direct the
commissioner of transportation to implement plow, the
sidewalk pilot program and to extend the end date of the
program, working group to December 31, uh, 2026, I move
approval of the recommendation that item 10 be re-referred
to the Joint Committee on.
The of the committee of pedestrian and traffic safety and
the committee on transportation and public way by the same
motion if there's no objection, hearing none. So ordered
item 11 is a resolution Amendment for the membership of the
committee on ethics and government oversight for the years
2023 to 2027 by removing all the person Scott, uh, as a
member. I I move approval of this recommendation by the
same motion if there's no objection, hearing none. So
ordered that concludes my report. Thank you, madam chair.
Is there anything in the agreed upon calendar? Chairwoman
Harris. Yes.
Oh, we moved a fast today.
I received from the clerk Anna and Valencia told of, uh, 12
items proposed of agreed calendar. Consisting of
congratulatory commemorative triple resolution from the
following order, persons older person Hopkins, all the
person Hall, all the person Rodriguez, all the person
tovarus, all the person Ramirez, Rosa all the person, miss
all the persons basado and all the persons lost in our
move, these in the Omnibus, please very well hearing no
objection. So ordered, thank you. Madam chair for new
business to clerk. Will call the wards beginning with the
50th.
Zoning amendments, which are referred to the committee on
zoning, landmarks and building standards prefer to
regulations traffic control signals, and traffic signs,
which are referred to the committee on pedestrian and
traffic, safety exemption from physical barrier
requirements for commercial, driveway alley, access for
parking facilities which are referred to the committee on
transportation and public wage.
all the person manaha hoppenworth has proposed ordinance for
a supportive class 9 tax incentive for the property at
4920, North Sheridan Road which is referred to the
committee on housing and real estate.
For an honorary Street designation as Bob New Heart Way,
which is referred to the committee on transportation and
public wave. Elder person, canoes and has a proposed
ordinance for amendment of sections, 2.2 2.8 and 2.19 of
the 2025 Bond ordinance regarding amortization schedule,
which is referred to the committee on finance.
Alderman Vos has proposed resolution to call on All City
departments and sister agencies to explore alternative.
Social Media, communication platforms, which is referred to
the committee on economic capital and Technology
development.
All the person Ramirez, Rosa has a proposed ordinance for
amendment of Municipal Code section 4-60. 022 to allow
additional alcoholic, liquor licenses. On portion of North
Elston Avenue, which is referred to the committee on
license and consumer protection.
Other person Conway has a proposed ordinance for Amendment
of the annual appropriation ordinance to transfer funds
within the 34th. Ward wage allowance account for the year
2025, which is referred to this committee on the budget and
government operations. All the person Conway also has a
proposed ordinance for the issuance of bonds for public
infrastructure Community Development and neighborhood
improvements through cities. All their medic menu program
which is referred to the committee on finance
All the person Conway also has proposed ordinance for the
issuance of bonds for Capital Improvement plan projects
which is referred to committee on finance.
All the person whack is pack has proposed orders for the
issuance of permits for sign sign boards at various
locations, which are referred to the committee on zoning
landmarks and building standards.
Other person, Bernett has a proposed order for the issuance
of permits for sign, sign boards, at 3218, West, Chicago
Avenue, which is referred to the committee on zoning
landmarks and building standards. And the issuance of
permits for signs sign boards at 32818, West Chicago
Avenue, which is referred to the committee on zoning
landmarks and building standards.
All the person, the bars has proposed order for the
issuance of permits for sign sign boards at 6035, South
Pulaski Avenue, which is referred to the committee on
zoning landmarks and building standards.
All their person lie has a proposed order for the issuance
of permits for signs sign boards at 234 West, 31st Street,
which is referred to the committee on zoning landmarks and
building standards.
All the person. Hopkins has a proposed ordinance for an
honorary Street designation as honorary Mary Ellen, Christy
way which is referred to the committee on transportation
and public way.
All the person. Hopkins has proposed ordinance for
amendment of Municipal Code title 4 by modifying section.
4-1 156-1 150 to exclude lawful lawfully, maintained and
operated video. Game terminals from automatic Amusement
device definition, which is referred to the committee on
license and consumer protection.
All the personal has proposed ordinance for Amendment of the
annual appropriation ordinance to transfer funds within the
committee on pedestrian and traffic safety for the year,
2025, which is referred to the committee on the budget and
government operations.
All their person. Quinn, has a proposed ordinance for
amendment of Miss makode chapter 2-8 by adding a new
section 2-8-0, 036 entitle, issuance of bonds and other
indebtedness, ordinance requirements, which is referred to
committee on finance.
All the person Quinn.
All the person Riley has 2 proposed ordinance for signs,
sign boards at various locations, which are referred to the
committee on zoning landmarks and building standards.
All in person, Robinson has a proposed resolution to call
on the city council to formally apologize for black
citizens, for historical injustices, which is referred to
the committee on health and human relations.
Your honor that concludes the presentation of all the medic
introductions very well. Thank you Mr. Clerk
Next up, we have unfinished business.
Chair recognizes almond Mitchell.
Mr. President, I am aware of 1, piece of Unfinished
Business. It was filed by Alderman, Dow and upper and I
defer to her very well. Thank you Alderman Mitchell. The
chair recognizes chairwoman Dow.
Uh, thank you Mr. President.
I filed a rule 41, notice with the clerk.
Of my intent to call for a vote.
on so 2025 D 1484 1, which is a substitute ordinance
authorizing. The issuance of General obligation bonds to
finance improvements to public rights of way infrastructure
infrastructure, and transportation loans, and grants
acquisition of property construction and maintenance of
public buildings, economic programs and led service line
replacements
Before I move passage of this item, I first moved to
substitute this ordinance with the version that all members
should have received and would like to make 3 changes from
the previous substitute ordinance.
Number 1 in the recital, on the first page of describing
how Bond proceeds can be spent the reference to loans, and
grants was revised to limit these to capital projects, and
to shorten the list of potential recipients.
Also a cross reference to requirements and limitations on
loans and grants was in added in section 2.
19c.
In section 2.18l.
A list of potential types of recipients was replaced with
parties for clarity.
Number 3, in section 2.19 c a new language provides that
each grant or loan shall be only made for a capital project
located within the city at the, written direction of the
alderman representing that ward in which the capital
project is located.
And the total of loans and grants shall not exceed 75
million.
I moved to accept the substitute ordinance as amended by a
Voice vote.
Very well. All those in favor of accepting this substitute
ordinance. Signify by saying I I any opposed in the
beginning of the chair. The eyes have it chair recognizes
chairwoman Dow. Uh, thank you, Mr. President, I move
passage of this item by a roll call vote.
farewell, there's a motion to accept this substitute by
chair recognizes alderman.
Martin.
Thank you, Mr. President, I'd like to be recognized for
purposes of roll call.
Very well. Madam clerk. Please add
Alderman. Martin.
A part of the Quorum roll call.
This is the could you clarify Madam chair of the Roll, Call
vote, The Substitute that you're calling for.
Yes.
I'm I'm calling for a, a role of um excuse me, I'm calling
for a roll. Call vote on The Substitute ordinance as
amended very well. So there's a motion on the floor for
roll, call vote, um, for the substitute ordinance, as
amended Madame clerk, Thank You For Preparing the
technology Alders, please use your e vote application.
To record your vote at this time.
The Voting is now open the Voting is now open, please use
your Evo device. The vote
is now open.
Is the chair recognizes Alderman, Bill, its president. Are
we gonna have any debate on this?
This the substitute the the the call for the substitute, as
amended to be voted on per roll, call is on the floor
before us. We're taking that vote. No debate.
That. That's, that's the, the the body, of course always
opportunity to debate, but the motion has been made the
call for the vote has been operated. The majority of the
body was thinking that we're going to accept the substitute
and then the actual or we did. Exactly. So therefore our
roles and was ignored and we went straight to the vote. So
I would like to have discussion on the on the, on the
ordinance.
The No No 1 was ignored the we made the motion to accept it
for roll call. We did that. The question was called, the
roll call is in front of us. We're taking the vote at this
time.
Mr. President.
If we're not.
On a 830 million dollar bond, that is a travesty to the
people of the city of Chicago. We're just asking for a few
minutes to step back and allow us to talk about this Bond.
I, I understand your desire Alderman, bill. But again,
Perp parliamentary procedure. The chairwoman asked for a
roll. Call vote.
On the substitute as amended and we begin to proceed with
the roll, call vote. And I stood up and was not
that there was no standing and there was no no
acknowledging. So I stood voters in front of us at this
time uh thank you madam clerk Mr.
Forward on. I have to do more
Look the this is out of order Alderman, Bill, the vote is
in front of us. The E vote application is available. You
can cash your vote at this time.
So, thank you very much.
so, I've spoken to the chair of the committee,
and as a matter of a courtesy,
as a matter of a courtesy, I'm going to recognize
The chair has a courtesy. Um, who wishes to?
Withdraw, her motion. The chair recognizes chairwoman Dow.
Uh, thank you, Mr. President, uh,
I move as a courtesy to uh take back my motion for the
purpose of the naval debate on this matter. I very well,
thank you very much. We'll accept that motion later very
well, we expect that we accept that courtesy
Okay.
So, I'm just wanted to be clear that we're stopping the
vote and we will reopen once the debate is done.
Very well.
Make sure we get all these hands here.
All right, so we have
Here.
Recognizes older woman Fuentes.
Good. The chair recognizes my apologies. The chair
recognizes chairwoman Dow.
Mr. President I uh, would like to
uh,
Yes, chair recognizes. Almond Lopez.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President, before the chair
proceeds. Um, I believe we need to
Make a motion to temporarily suspend rule 19 for the
purposes of undoing that vote that was started, which is
the taking and entering of votes before we proceed.
Thank you Alderman, Lopez will review that rule right now.
Well, there's a so then I would make the motion to
temporarily suspend for the temporary suspension of the
rules for the purposes of waving rule 19.
For negating. The previously called roll call on this
motion.
Thank you Alderman, Lopez for that. So the way it was
prescribed was that the roll call vote was
and properly initiated because there were individuals that
wish to speak to the item. And so, when this instance, I do
not believe that the characterization of rule 19 in this
instance applies,
Favorable, thank you for that point of order. The chair
recognizes chairwoman Dao.
Thank you, Mr. President, I uh, ask that we
Suspend the motion.
No, there's no need, there's no need please you can speak
the item. The motion I already previously made the motion
that to allow debate. That's right. Because do you wish to
speak to this item? Chairwoman
I would like to close very well, then the chair recognizes
Alderman, Bernett.
Thank you very much Mr. Chairman
Wow, I haven't seen this in a long time, man. Uh, since I
was looking at TV and I was younger, but anyway,
um,
So, this is a quality of life issue.
Pay streets, safe, sidewalks, clean water, and quality of
life issues for everyday Chicagoans.
These are some of the basic things that, uh, people in our
community.
Send us down here to take care of.
Some of our communities can't wait. Matter of fact.
Some of our communities have been waiting for a long time.
Some more than others.
Um, maybe some of them have the luxury of putting off.
Infrastructure maintenance.
but our community need these Investments now,
So, you know, I have a unique Ward.
Ugh, I have
some Central area, which is
flush with developments and a lot of things going on.
Matter of fact, the city don't even have to do most of the
work. Some of the new developments do some of the
infrastructure work themselves, put up lights new
sidewalks, even repair the streets. But then I have a
community out west
Where most of my menu money go to and I've been working on
those areas for many years trying to catch up and fix up.
To be consistent with everything else that's going on. Uh,
in the downtown area, some folks, some of us that have
downtown as part of our Wars.
We get infrastructure done without even using our menu.
it gets done automatically because of the wear and tear
that happens in those areas that tourists and all of the
traffic that come in the central area.
And so, you know, we may walk out in our downtown area and
see a whole street being done that, we didn't even ask to
be done.
Because it's in a downtown area and those things get wear
and tear, uh, fairness. The current taxpayers.
we are aggressively paying off our past debt, over the next
decade, 39%
Chicagoans need infrastructure maintenance but they
shouldn't be asked to pay for a past infrastructure in
future infrastructure.
it will not be fair to current taxpayers to frontload the
repayment as some have called for
Alternatives will add 80 million per year.
Alternatives, put forward by other aldermen will add at
least 80 million next year. That would need to be paid for
with higher taxes on Chicagoans.
we need the infrastructure but we do not need to pay for it
all upfront and unfairly burden current taxpayers
The Firm maintenance would cost more.
Putting all these investments will only cause more in the
long term.
Potholes will grow bigger.
They can buildings will catch on fire, light poles will
fall and bridges could deteriorate Beyond repair.
It is much more fiscally responsible responsible to address
the problem. Now instead of waiting for someone else to fix
it later,
we cannot kick the can down the road on infrastructure.
This will cost us more.
Supplemental points.
Uncertain Federal funding.
Who knows what's going to happen in Washington DC?
Who knows if we're going to get any money from Washington
DC. A matter of fact, right now Washington DC is
threatening to take money from us right now.
We need to, we need to.
Become self-sufficient.
I think this is very wise and very smart and very
beneficial to make sure that we can self-sustain ourselves
for the future for the infrastructure that we need.
I remember when I first became Alderman in the West Loop,
and over in, in 1996 when we were getting ready to have the
Democratic Convention,
I would venture to say that the West Loop is the way it is
now because we spent millions of dollars on infrastructure
work,
millions of dollars putting up planners and things and
sidewalks and new lights and all of those things. And it
gave the impression to everybody else that this was a
happening area and folks started to invest money.
Infrastructure has an adverse effect on our community.
Folks come in your neighborhood and they see broken
sidewalks or no sidewalks. I know some of us I have I still
have some streets that don't have any sidewalks, right and
I know on the west side with those, what is it called? WPA
streets. Some folks still have those streets on the south
side where they don't have no sidewalks and the money we
get for our menu.
It's only a certain amount that we cannot pay for all of it
at once it takes years to catch up on it.
having this bond to help us to be able to deal with those
things and give Southside and Westside, Alderman. In
particular who have areas that are
lacking investment because of how it looks.
Is very beneficial to us to have this money to be able to
deal with some of those things in this Bond. There's a list
of myriad of things that's going to different Wars that are
in need
For me, even with my menu money, I don't spend it on East
End because I don't need to spend it on the East End. I'm
blessed to have tips on the East End. I'm blessed to have
development on these things, but on the West End,
On the west end with folks. You know, I I get so complacent
with this stuff that you have to do it without even folks
asking for it. Because, you know, it's needed. And you have
to take advantage of the situation when you have the
opportunity to be able to do it. And and like I say when
you get these Investments it has a positive effect on your
community.
It has a positive effect on the culture of the neighborhood,
folks would rather stand around and do all types of things
on broken from crumbling sidewalks in their neighborhood.
But if it's a decent area and it looks good, people tend to
people tend to have a lot more respect for that
neighborhood.
Long-term projects, a bond is a common way that cities and
government bodies fund long-term projects.
It is common to pay off bonds over the duration of the
projects that they are used for these projects will last
decades, so it is common to pay them off over that time.
Fair share.
We benefit from past investments in our infrastructure. So
it is right that we are still paying them off.
Future residents will benefit from these Investments. So it
is right that they should be paid. They should pay their
fair share as well.
Clarifying. The language the substitute that chair Dao is
presenting today. Clarifies. Some of the language and
language around loans to schools, but we cannot afford to
put off any of the actual infrastructure projects.
Public Safety and quality of life.
Repairing Bridges.
Filling potholes, maintenance on fire, departments, and
fire station, and police department buildings fixing
sidewalk street lights, and traffic signals, as well as
service line replacement. These are Public Safety and
quality of life projects that will directly benefit
Chicagoans. I don't know if everyone saw the editorial in
the sometimes today.
That our transportation commissioner.
Our uh, water commissioner.
Our Fleet Management commissioner wrote of course they take
all other stuff that's beneficial to the city. They put it
way in the back. Thank you for putting it in the paper but
they put it way in the back after they put the objections
up first. Then they put the the guys who
Saying why we need this way in the back. So folks may not
have found it, but if you asked the commissioner of
Transportation, the commissioner of water, the commissioner
of Fleet Management.
Why and how they use these?
This money that will be coming to their departments. They
will let you know and in that article is expressed that
they've been doing this for years. This hasn't Just Begun.
This isn't the first time it happened on The Daily
It happened on the wrong, it happened on the Lori and I
never saw that she can Anakin that's going on right now
when those things were being voted on.
Several years in my, in my time and being here in city
council, I don't understand why.
Everything we try to do.
The way it has been done over the years is such a big deal.
The number's 99 million for bridge work.
157.5 million in Street upgrades 168 million in upgrades
City facilities Fleet and Equipment. 100 million for lead
service line. Replacements 19 million for sidewalk
improvements. 63 million for street, lights, 102 million in
Street, reserving 15.
To improve traffic signals. All this is very important to
people in the city of Chicago in our neighborhoods. Matter
of fact we all been talking about this lead pipe uh lead
pipe removal for some time and replacement for some time
now. Who knows what's going to happen with that money? Now
coming from the federal government,
We have to do something to make sure our people have clean
water that our kids aren't affected by lead pipes. I mean,
this is a health issue in the city of Chicago, and if we
cannot depend on the federal government, we have to do
something ourselves.
We are a city government. This is our city, these are our
people, these are our constituents, and we need to do
something, to make sure that we take care of them. And we
need not to be playing games. This is not the time for us
to play politics. This is time for for us to position
ourselves. So we become self-sufficient. So that, if
anything come our way that we are able to still sustain
ourselves and take care of our people in our community,
Critical projects, this is no extra to cut these projects.
Our disinvestment disinvested communities cannot afford to
put off, critical infrastructure, repairs and maintenance.
For the city. This is not about the mayor.
This is about what's Humble Park East Garfield Park West
Garfield Park. This is about Englewood, Humble Park Auburn.
Gresham Rossland. This bond is about the city of Chicago.
We need to invest in our city because it will
Nick, if we neglect to, we will end up paying for it in the
long run. Now, I've heard a lot of questions I looked at
the uh, press conference yesterday, our Chief Financial
Officer was on WTTW. Last night.
Every question they threw at her. She answered
For 1, they say does infrastructure add 2 billion in
borrowing costs over their over other structures. Know the
illustration, there's illustration that I have here that
Illustrates borrowing structure shown to Alderman. All the
aldermen should have got this had principles of
830 million entrance of 1.2 billion, and they total
principal and interest of 2 billion. A structure cannot be
adding 2 billion in calls where there is less than 2
billion in interest.
This was a conservative scenario would without the type of
structure that would occur.
When a bonds are sold to optimize the bonds for the market
conditions.
How many times have we been here?
And we have restructured our loan.
How many times have we restructured? A loan with interest
rates? Have gone down?
How many times?
Have we done that?
with this Bond, we will have time
to restructure it in the future.
I prayed that interest rates, go down and things change and
we are able to change it.
I can continue to talk but I'm going to let other folks
talk but I think I made my point. I can answer a whole
bunch of more questions that were asked in reference to
this Bond, but I'm going to tell you this is not the time
to play politics. I know a lot of folks want to run for
mayor, been running for mayor for the past 2 years. This is
not about running for mayor. This is about the people of
the city of Chicago folks. Don't care about all this
shenanigans that goes on down here. The only thing people
care about is what you can do for them in their Community.
They care about their streets being paid, they likes being
fixed, they Allie's being done. They soon as being
repaired, you know, that's what they care about. They don't
care about all this garbage down here, they are worried
about the election when the election time come, which is 2
years away, thank you.
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair chairwoman Harris wish to
still speak. So I have chairwoman Harris. I have Alderman.
Bill is the next 2.
Um, thank you Mr. President.
I'm voting on this Bond.
I've been here 18 years and with the exception when we did
bonds, uh,
More. I think when under Lori, where we put 3 years of
bonding together, I voted on the bond bill every year in my
career.
And I'm voted on the bond because I believe in the that as
a city, we have to do stuff to keep our infrastructure
going. There is no way that the city this size cannot have
a bond.
Hey guys, cannot have a bond and
Not be able to do and provide our infrastructure,
improvements to our community, and on a, on on a real
sense. I got a real selfish method in it. It's called The
Eighth Ward.
I want to make sure that the residents of my community, get
something from the city of Chicago. I can't, I have
hundreds of requests for Street, resurfacing for sidewalks
and curbs for
anything. That's in that menu. My residents have asked me
for it. We keep a detailed file and we try to put the
request in, on the menu, based on when the requests come
into our office, the thought of me, having to go back to my
community and saying, we are not going to approve a bond to
do any of that work, that sorely needed in the eighth War
Community. Because now, I'm being real selfish about it.
This is about me going home and being able to go back to my
ward that I care about. And that I love and say, hey, this
is what we did as a body. This is what we give back to the
community that 1.5 million and our menu dollars that go
towards taking care of our community. I would love for us
to sit down and have a dialogue about what how we pay for
it. And I think that that's a question, but what I would
like to do is throw the baby out with the bath water and
say, we just going to throw our bond out. We're going to go
to go back. Start all over from the beginning. Uh, we will
get our construction work bid out for 2025. We will be in
be in to 2026 uh figuring out what the menu is going to
look like what her a new bond is going to look like. So I'm
asking us to take a look at, let's approve the bond. Let's
go back instead of sit down and talk about the financing of
the bond which is something that
Can be done. We can talk about moving that portion of the
bond how we fund it and the structure of the payment
schedules those are the kind of things that can be changed.
And so I'm asking everybody to think of their communities
as we sit around and say that we're not going to do a
infrastructure program this year or maybe not until we uh
everybody decides to figure it out on how we're going to be
able to deliver infrastructure uh to our community. Again
this is I'm being super selfish.
I want to be able to go back to my community and say, this
is what we're, I'm delivering to my community, uh,
infrastructure package. So I'm asking everybody to uh
support me in my fact that I want to be a little selfish
that I'm concerned about what happens in the boundaries of
the eighth Ward. Thank you. Thank you. The chair recognizes
Alderman, bill.
Thank you, Mr. President
Mr. President.
First of all, nobody has ever said, we don't want an
infrastructure Bond. Nobody's ever said that.
But what we want is a bond that is responsible.
And feasible for the people of the city of Chicago.
The fact that we are not paying on this bond for 2 years
until after the next election, poses a problem.
The fact that we're not paying on principal for 20 years
and having a huge balloon payment is a problem. So I don't
know about you all, but I'm concerned about my kids, having
to put this bill in my grandkids, having a foot with this
bill,
That's what the problem is. The problem is the size of this
infrastructure Bond. Now, let me just digress, just a
little bit.
Because I heard the same argument from the past
administration, about invest Southwest.
We going to invest everything on the south and west side of
Chicago, we're going to transform the South and the west
side of Chicago.
All the resources are going to the south and west side.
How's that working for you?
How is all the infrastructure work that you all voted for
on the last Bond? How is it working for you? Now, I'm going
to tell you we're all entitled to.
1.5 million to spread out.
But when we are selling our vote for a couple of extra
streets,
Is a problem.
It's a problem.
Now.
This is about being physically responsible with the
taxpayer money, every single day.
Mr. President, let me just say
When we have all the bond rating agencies, all the
financial experts, all the financial people telling us this
is a bad deal.
And for us to sit here and ignore that.
Again, is another problem.
Now, we're supposed to listen to
And get the correct information from.
The ministration, the CFO, the budget, director, things
like that. Well those are the same people that told us. We
will not get downgraded if
the budget passes, right?
Right. Right.
Well, we got downgraded.
And they're ALS telling us.
And warning us that if this Bond passes, we can potentially
be downgraded again. And you all want to ignore that.
Come on, y'all.
and let me just say,
the devil is always in the details.
Now, we may have changed some language in the in the
amendment.
I get that.
But let me just say this.
We have something that's coming March 30th.
Which is an imbalance budget.
because we need that 175 million from CPS, or we have an
invalid budget,
Now, most of you all are not going to follow the internal
workings of what happens in the budget office.
They can move money around, they can do different things,
and you all will never know the difference.
That's why we have to be Watchdogs of the people's money of
here in the city of Chicago.
Now, CPS doesn't give us that money. Then what's going to
happen?
we were, we were promised that they
We were promised.
From the CFO.
Right. Right.
Well, we don't have that money yet and if we don't have
that money by the end of next month, we're going to be
faced with another problem here in the city of Chicago.
Just like the problem we had last year when we had an
imbalance budget, and we had to come in and do an amendment
and I want you all about it, then I'm wanting you about it
right now.
That we are headed toward a cliff.
A cliff.
Now, yes, we've made some bad decisions in the past, and if
you're not willing to admit, we made bad decisions in the
past, shame on you.
But let me just tell you this.
When, you know better, you do better?
And I happen to know better today than I did 25 years ago.
Why? Because then we rely on the information that was given
to us being new to politics. You make bad decisions based
on the information that you are giving.
Well now we're not making those bad decisions anymore,
we're being more physically responsible with the people of
the city of Chicago and the taxpayers as we move forward.
So, ladies and gentlemen, we're going to hear
a bunch of talking points.
That were given out.
About all the wonderful things that are happening. All the
wonderful work that's going to be taking place you all. If
we Bond 77 million dollars a year, just for our menu,
right?
We don't have the resources to complete our menu.
How much menu money is carried over year after year, after
year, and that's with 77 million dollars worth of
infrastructure. So how are we going to complete 830 million
in a year?
now, I mean we can go on and on
but let me just say this is physically, irresponsible
The people are asking us to do better.
The people of Chicago are paying attention.
They're not, you know, you can say people ain't paying
attention to what's going on down here anymore. You better
not say that.
Because people are paying attention and if you don't know
it, check your mailboxes.
Check your mailboxes and see if people are not paying
attention and educating your constituents about what we're
doing here on the day day-to-day basis.
So again, Mr. President this is a bad deal.
I say we reduce it, we change the terms and I guarantee you
If you change the terms and reduce it, you'll get a lot
more votes and you'll get a lot more people to buy into it.
I'm 1 of them.
Change the terms.
Change the amount.
To get more people.
On this bond to get this work done. And I'm not going to be
sit here, and I'm not going to be afraid that I'm not going
to get.
My people going to get.
Because I fight for my people.
Okay, so
don't be afraid when they tell you they gonna pull your
projects, don't be afraid that they're gonna maneuver some
money that you ain't gonna get what's in what you're
entitled to by law. You are entitled to get
All goods and service you always say it again.
so,
all right, I take it from here, George.
So, Mr. President, I just encourage everybody in this body
to understand that we're all for infrastructure. We're all
for improvements but we're just not for bad policies moving
forward and I urge everybody to vote. No, thank you, Mr.
President. Thank you. So we have Alderman, uh, Conway
laspada, and then um, alderwoman, Dow, chairwoman Dow for
the clothes unless there's anyone else. So, the chair
recognizes Alderman Conway,
Know.
Well, I I
I'm gonna say what Alderman Beal said, probably, just less
eloquently, but probably also a little shorter. So I want
to thank him for his, his remarks.
yeah, she was very eloquent and so Will Rogers, once once
wisely said,
if you find yourself in a hole, the first thing you do is
you stop digging.
Now there's no doubt about it. Our predecessors have left
us in a a deep Financial hole and the question is
how will we respond?
Now what we can all agree on is the need for important
infrastructure spending and no 1. Des that many of these
Investments are essential. However,
We have to be honest about the back loaded nature of the
spawn structure.
And I use the term back loaded because you may have seen
that the, uh, what the council, the Council Office
financial analysis sent us last night, use the term back
loaded.
Now.
Some, I think have questioned my motivation for bringing
repayment schedule to light a couple weeks ago, but Kofa
calls them, like they see them. And they have seen what I
and every independent analyst has seen, which is this
There are no payments on the mayor's, bond proposal at all
until 2027 acre interesting. Interest along the way after
that, the taxpayers face annual payments of 47 million for
17 years.
then 75 million annually from 2044 to 2049 and then,
finally,
a staggering 137 million per year, each year for the 6
years, inclusive of 2050 to 2055,
And as acknowledged by everyone, this totals more than 2
billion dollars.
Placing an enormous financial burden, primarily on future
Generations.
More than 820 million of debt service will be paid on this
between the years of 2050 and 2055.
Now my wife and I are, are raising a 2-year-old, a 4 year
old and a 5 year, 5 year olds.
And I know many of you have young children as well.
They will be in their 30s and on the hook for an
irresponsible decision. I cannot stomach making for them
today.
When my 5-year-old is 30, we will be paying 820 million
dollars over a period of 6 years on this very bonds.
They won't be able to spend that money on safety. They won't
be able to spend that money on schools. But on debt that we
voted on today.
So that's the future.
now, last week chairman, Ervin, reflected on the past and
asked as many have, where was everyone, when the parking
meter deal came up,
it's a great question.
Many of us nearly all of us weren't elected yet.
But I suspect, most of us. If we could would go back and
vote. No. Knowing what we know today.
2 who did stand up at that moment. Scott wag is back and
Tony prek Winkle.
At the courage to vote. No, despite significant pressure.
They both knew then.
But we all do now that short-term benefits aren't worth
Decades of financial harm.
And just like the parking meter deal, traded away Decades
of future Revenue, this Bond delays principal repayment
meaning paying down the actual debt for 2 decades,
The argument that this structure quote, fits within our
existing debt structure only works.
if we won't continue to issue General obligation debt to
fund capital projects,
And we all know that's unrealistic. Chicago, will always
have Capital Improvement needs.
Some have also suggested that we should simply defer to the
cfo's expertise and I will tell you I deeply respect the
CFO of this city.
But if we're here relying on Expert opinions, we have to
acknowledge that every editorial board in this city has
strongly come out against this Bond deal.
They have cited, dozens of independent, Municipal Finance
experts, all warning against this path.
It is time to stop digging draw a clear line and ensure we
secure financially sustainable future for Chicago.
Now, here's the good news.
We have alternatives.
We don't have to choose between strengthening investing in
our communities and fiscal sanity. We have the ability and
the responsibility to do both of those. Now, yesterday, I I
sent you all via email to very responsible Bond, proposals
1, for 108 million that specifically Alec is allocated to
aldermanic menu projects and another targeted transparent.
400 million dollar bond for Capital Improvements. That has
a level payment structure. Just like a standard mortgage
that Working Families all over this city have
We can discuss those specific amounts and committee, but
these amounts and that structure would save the taxpayers
of the Next Generation over a billion dollars.
A future Debt Service. Something I did want to uh correct in
regarding the vice mayor's uh remarks. Even if
You did a level payment standard mortgage for 830 million
at a 5% or 5 and a half percent rate you would have level
payments of between 54 million and 57 million per year. So
wherever 80 million come out, you can get that out of your
mind. That is that is incorrect.
So,
Now, I also want to tell you something else I put in that
mechanism that I sent out yesterday in case you had a
chance to see it.
I put in something there, the tracks participation of
minority owned and women owned businesses, which was in, by
the way, the previous housing, Bond, measure approved last
year, but it is not in the authorization that you're voting
on today.
Now, I chose not to file. Those authorizations as a
substitute today because Bond Council should review and
sign off on on a portion of this. In fact, the indenture
portion they have to
So, I will merely close with this.
I know it takes courage.
To vote no today.
But once we unearth the repayment schedule, many of you
recognize that the mayor's plan here is flawed
So, why are we acting like this is somehow our only option.
Your vote is a note on this plan, not on any plan. Simply
put, we can fund important projects and invest in Chicago,
but we don't have to mortgage our children's future and
saddle them with Reckless debt to do it.
If we're committing 2 billion dollars over 30 years, we can
certainly take 3 more weeks to craft a responsible proposal
that meets our City's needs without compromising its
potential.
Supporting, I can't emphasize enough supporting the mayor's
Bond deal today. Almost certainly makes it harder to invest
in public safety schools transit in the years ahead.
And we've seen what happens when leaders make short-sighted
financial decisions. And that's why the argument of, this
is the way we've always done. It is a terrible argument
because that's how we got in this mess today.
So let's not make this same mistake, so please vote. No
today. So we can consider a fiscally responsible way to
fund these necessary. Infrastructure projects. Thank you
Mr. President.
We have final 3 speakers here, unless anyone else I have,
um, older woman lie, and then Alderman Lopez and then
chairwoman Dow chair. Recognizes alderwoman Lee.
Thank you, Mr. President um,
I wasn't so sure. I was gonna stand and jump in the debate
today. Um,
Like my colleagues that I, I believe we need
infrastructure. We have plenty of needs in the 11th ward.
Um, and we all get the same phone calls from our
constituents. A pothole their street, that needs to be
repaired. I still have WPA streets in my ward as well.
um,
And I've participated in a lot of conversations about the
uh, this Bond deal. I appreciate the amendment that was,
made and accepted in the substitute today. That was
something that I had requested to ensure that we had, um,
some guard rails around the dollars. That could be spent on
these organizations or schools. Um, not wanting my
colleagues who want to spend these dollars from their menu
funds to be able to do that. But also um, making sure that
for the rest of us, there was some assurances uh that there
were in fact guard rails around some of these dollars. Um I
also asked for another look at the dollar amount as a whole
I know that there's endless need in this city. I also know
that through the conversations that I've had, um, that
they're still about a billion dollars worth of unauthorized
Bond, um, money or up unauthorized bonds from previous
years. So I don't believe that we're going to need 830 for
this year.
um,
and I realized that,
The way that we've done Debt Service, uh, in the city for a
long time, has gotten us to where we are now. And I, I
don't know that we've seen a day, like we've seen today in
recent history in this city. So I think it warrants um,
additional conversation.
I voted for the re-release um, to finance last week. Um I
was hoping to have a little bit more time. I'm not talking
about a month. I am thinking of a week or 2, um, to try to
get more of us, um, to a place where we'd be comfortable
supporting something. Because I do think that we all
support infrastructure, I don't think there's 1 person in
here that doesn't. Um, but I think we have to, I, I think
we all have to keep each other honest in this conversation,
too. Um, we can't make payments on this Bond because we
have an authorized it yet.
This typically is done earlier and we would have authorized
um Debt Service payments and we can't do this until this
next budget. And ladies and gentlemen, we're going to be
back here in 6 months.
Talking about another mod.
For another year.
So I think we should take the time to get it straight now,
or at least get us in that direction. Um, that's why I
cannot support this, uh, resolution or excuse me. This
ordinance as it's written today. Thank you. Thank you, the
chair, recognizes ottoman Lopez,
Good afternoon, Mr. President and members of the city
council,
I Rise.
In opposition.
To this 830 million.
Authorization.
not because I don't believe in everything my colleague
said,
And to be fair, I do believe our it is true. Our
communities cannot wait as our colleagues stated
Many areas are lacking investment.
But we often hear and we even heard it last week.
The illusion of some.
Nefarious reason, why?
The white, the elephant in the room is I think was the
term.
The problem that we have here in this room is that we lack
institutional memory.
Partly? Because so many are new partly, because some Jews
have to have selective amnesia.
but even as we look at what has happened,
Just from the last Administration to now.
Mr. President, we have substitute ordinance 0209398.
850 million in general, obligation bonds for borrowing to
Kickstart a 5-year, capital investment plan.
Plan to deal with roads Bridges.
Equipment infrastructure. Lead pipes, walkways crosswalks
everything that we're hearing about today.
It was a 2 in a 5-year spending plan at that time. Touted
as Chicago Works by then mayor Lori Lightfoot
the following year after that.
This doc.
0202020.
2020 Dash 5749.
2.35 billion dollars in debt.
For infrastructure.
The infrastructure that cannot wait.
2021. Oh, 2021-48.
660 million, in more debt for infrastructure, for
everything that I just
Vocalized.
It was such a good plan, it even got made into a book.
a book that is 200 pages and by far shows, every address,
every location, every Ward, every street, every WPA,
Following that in 2022.
020 2022-35 93 for another 1.85 billion.
Billion for an infrastructure for as you guessed it.
Infrastructure for the 5-year plan.
And everything that we're talking about needing money for
today.
That book came out a little thinner.
But it lists everything in both a 2 year and a 5 year
trajectory everything that we're talking about.
Even including new environmental things that we're talking
about.
Nearly 5 billion dollars in infrastructure. We have
borrowed Over The Last 5 Years alone,
if you're a war, doesn't have it.
Take a look in the mirror.
If you don't recall the last Administration, saying this is
what we're going to do. As our colleague reminded us
We are 5 billion dollars in the hole. Just based on what we
borrowed not what we're paying it off on vote on what we
borrowed to do. All of what we're being told that we need
money to do today and incidentally folks that also included
funding for your menus, through 2027.
Why are you borrowing money for which you already have the
authorization to borrow?
We're not even talking about what the payments are going to
be, what the debt service is going to be on. All of this.
We're looking at what is being presented to us today, which
is needing
Allegedly, another 830 million for what? We've already
borrowed 5 billion so that we can in turn pay back, this
830 million to the cost of 2 billion dollars in 30 years.
Which by the way that 8003 million is only for 1 year worth
of money.
Because we're going to have to do the same thing again next
year because last year we borrowed 640 million.
And when people say, why didn't you ask this when daily was
around? I could answer you that man I was in high school.
Why didn't you say it when Ron was here? I did actually.
Because I also had to walk into this job and take the
highest property tax increase to pay for everything that
was paid for through debt.
For 30 years.
why didn't we do it with Lori Lightfoot, every 1 of those 3
out of those 4 debt, proposals I voted against
Because if you could not articulate how you're going to pay
for it equitably, how are you going to distribute it
equitably? How are you going to ensure that it wasn't
Politics as it is. Now as we see with the cast of
characters behind me who are restricting projects in Wards
throughout everyone who is not in full support?
We have a problem.
And yes, it can't just be. This is how it's done because
how it's done has got us 29 billion dollars in the hold.
29 billion, just on General, General obligation bonds,
We couldn't tax our way out of that. We couldn't grow our
way out of that.
We're on the verge of practically being insolvent because I
think between debt and pension nearly 43%. If I'm not
mistaken of all of our Revenue goes towards things that are
in that c, those 2 categories.
We cannot cannot.
Before us to make these kind of decisions where everything
is to be determined, where everything is. We'll get back to
you, where it's, we'll let you know, and hopefully what we
tell you this year, won't disappear next year?
This isn't about race. This isn't about racism.
It's about that green color of money.
the money that we're taking from every neighborhood's
Pockets, not just in this generation, but for the next 2
Generations in the city of Chicago,
because next year, there will be an ask for another bond to
cover infrastructure.
next year, after that, because every year, for the next 30
Years, while you're still paying off, this 830 million,
we're going to need more money to borrow to borrow to
borrow and to borrow
We have a spending problem here in the city of Chicago.
And even while we're talking about how we're going to spend
for infrastructure, we could have gladly had a conversation
last week. When my colleague tried to send this back and
some of the same people who said, no, then are saying let's
talk. Now,
every time we try to have a conversation whether it's about
the language, whether it's about the terms, whether it's
about how much money those
Nicely suited people are going to make off of our billions
of dollars that we're borrowing.
Its Dodge deflect and duck like a game of dodgeball.
We can't keep playing those games and what should really
concern all of us right now? Aside from everything that
we're talking about
Is the fact that you know, who's not here today?
Not 1 Banker is here to see what the outcome is.
Usually this whole section.
Is filled.
With the, the 3,000 suit crowd.
They're not here today.
The outcome isn't even in question that they're worried
about.
That is the business as usual. That has got to come to an
end.
Our city, our residents deserve better options. We should
be able
to not only fund menu, but as some of my colleagues said,
have fun Equitable options to help those Wars that are
still always going to be behind because of gerrymandering
or because of lack of investment.
But we're not having those conversations we're begging for
morsels.
for crumbs, as my 1 of our colleagues likes to say at a
time when we should be
baking a whole new set of eyes. Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you. There's 1 more speaker that wish to speak in
front of the chair
Uh, just raised his hand, the chair recognizes ottoman,
Riley.
Thank you. Uh, Mr. President, uh, colleagues, um, first
want to acknowledge the excellent remarks made by Alderman
deal Conway and Lopez. Um, and I'm not going to repeat
those comments, but during the debate, it was pretty
frustrating to hear some of my colleagues from my worked
with for
Many, many years and have a lot of respect for to go
through these ridiculous. Contortions to justify a. Yes,
vote.
On what we all know is a poorly. Put together Bond deal.
that's going to saddle taxpayers with massive debt in the
future because
the technical aspects of this Bond deal are deficient.
We're not having a debate over whether or not there's a
role for infrastructure investment. We're not debating the
merits of the aldermanic menu program. Every single person,
this chamber knows those are very important things.
But to see the contortions, my colleagues are going through
to get you all to vote for any responsible deal, is
maddening.
Um to hear 1 of my colleagues. Uh, say it
If we don't pass this irresponsible Bond deal.
There will be complete and total Armageddon.
Street polls will fall potholes will proliferate Bridges,
will collapse. The river. Will flood.
Frogs locusts the plague.
Its total baloney. It's absolute and total baloney.
And I can tell you another colleague saying, you know what
even admitting
How deficient this is saying, you know what, let's get this
done today because infrastructure is important. We'll go
back and fix that later. Trust us
you know, when the government promises to go back and fix
something later,
uh, you can call BS on that that hardly ever happens.
Um so don't put that in your head as as, as an assurance.
Um, but but more importantly here,
We have plenty of time to get this, right?
Even if we took a few more days, we can all come back here
and do this properly.
It's the mechanics of the deal. It's not even the merits of
the projects that are proposed to be funded by it.
So this idea that we're in a real hurry and we got to get
this done today or else is absolute and total baloney.
So look, you know, we all have just a couple jobs in this
chamber, 1 of them is to protect the Chicago taxpayer.
And this body has not been doing a very good job of that,
as of late.
and my colleague who's not here today, but
Chairman of 1 of our big committees say well this is
routine. This is how we've always done things.
And I've done here a bit longer than him and as long as
some of my other colleagues to say yeah there's there's
some truth to that.
Uh, and that's why we're in such a horrendous budget mess
today.
Routine and standard. Operating procedure is why we're in
the hole. We're in today.
And you all were elected here to make things better. You
were sent here to fix it to not continue with the routines
that have been screwing taxpayers for decades.
You got a job here, this is not whether or not you have
infrastructure for your Awards. It's not whether or not we
put our friends in labor to work on these important
projects, it's How We Do It.
and that really really matters, especially to my colleagues
children who are too 5 and whatever the other age is who
will be paying
For all this nonsense for all of this irresponsible
spending that we don't need to do here today.
Um so please colleagues pump the brakes on this. This isn't
the final vote on a bond deal but let's make it. A first
important vote on the bond deal so we can go back and get
this thing right.
I urge the body to vote no. Um and before that though, Mr.
President I invoke rule 27 and move to postpone this vote
until May 21st 2025 city council meeting. Thank you Mr.
President.
There's a motion, there's a motion on the floor to invoke
rule, 27.
To postpone this vote until what date was that.
May 22nd.
May 21st and then there was a subsequent motion to lay that
motion on the table.
but,
Just a second, please.
before we take the vote to lay the motion on the table,
Alderman, viegas wishes to participate.
Remotely.
Invoking rule. 59.
Alderman, V vegaz, can you confirm your presence online
president? Chairman president, chairman, he is present.
Is their desire to accept this motion by Voice vote.
Very well. All those in favor of adding alderman, viegas
to participate remotely per rule 59, signify by saying I
Any opposed say nay in the pain of the chair of the eyes,
have it?
So, there's a motion on the floor to delay this vote till
May 21st. There's a subsequent motion.
To lay the the that motion on the table Madame, Clerk.
Thank you very much for making the technology available.
For the motion to lay the motion to lay this vote on the
table. So, in other words, if you vote, Yes, to lay this
motion on the table,
You wish not to accept a motion to lay to, to, to the
delay, this vote until May.
And then you wish to return back to the initial motion for
the passage of this item.
Alders, please use your vote application to record your
vote at this time.
Open. The Voting is now open, please use your e device. The
Voting is not open, this vote is for the motion on the
table.
Correct. Lay on the lay, on the table, correct?
I will now call notes for a Voice vote Alderman. Hopkins.
Hopkins. They know, alderman yansyi.
I can't move past, you know? I can't move past you. I if
you're here I have to take the vote.
Alderman, Nancy is a yes.
Alderwoman Coleman.
Yes.
Coleman is a yes.
Alderman. OSHA
Osha is a no.
Alderwoman Taylor. Yes, Taylor is a, yes.
Alderman. Ervin.
Alderman votes. Yes.
Urban is a, yes.
Alderman talifero.
Yes.
Alderman talifero is a yes, alderman viegas.
Know, Vegas is a no.
Old woman Haden.
Yes.
Haden is a yes.
Have all of those voted who wished.
Haden is a yes.
Okay, the Voting is now closed.
For state line. For state law, there are 25 years 25 Nays
per state law in the event of a tie. The chair, president
of the body is allowed to cast a vote and I am an i this
motion passes
all the chair recognizes chairwoman Dow.
Uh, thank you Mr. President, I'll be brief. Um I want to
say uh 3 things 1. I think we all agreed. That
infrastructure is very important in the city, it's crucial.
Um, and this Bond issuance uh, does just that it provides
infrastructure for our current and future residents.
Um, and it's the foundation of what makes this city great.
I think the second thing I want to say is that, you know,
We have to be able to adapt.
and uh,
this bond is an example of adaptation.
1, it talks about a, uh,
Bond limit up to a certain amount. We may spend less. We
may spend much less
secondly, the bond issuance offers the flexibility necessary
to ensure that at any given point, we can rightsize or mold
the repayment schedule, so that it benefits
our communities at its maximum level.
And we can do that while ensuring that not a single scent
of this money.
Goes to anything besides infrastructure.
I guess the last thing I want to say is, you know, people
keep comparing this to a mortgage
Um, we're not mortgaging, the future of our children.
In fact, we are building the roads that they're going to
use.
And having them pay their fair share.
To use these roads like they do today.
Is good public policy. So with that, I would urge, um, the
body to vote? Yes. On this Bond deal so that we can move
our city forward. Thank you.
Question has been called here for the passage of this item
Again, by roll call vote. Does that still stand chairwoman
Dow that motion? Yes, I'm sorry. Mr. Mr. President I move,
uh, the motion to call this uh ordinance for a roll call.
Vote very well. Thank you. Madam clerk for providing the
technology today Alders. Please use your e vote
application.
To record your vote at this time.
The Voting is now open the voting.
Is now open.
Please raise your hand if you need any help. The Voting is
not open.
I will now call on those who have not used the E device, um
for a Voice vote alsy.
Not present old woman Coleman.
Coleman is a yes.
Coleman is a yes old woman Taylor. Yes Taylor is a yes
Alderman Ervin.
Alderman. Ervin votes. Yes, Irvin is a, yes, Alderman
talifero. Yes.
Talifero is a yes. Almond viegas know.
Vegas is a no alderwoman Haden.
Yes.
Alderwoman had an is a, yes.
Have all those voted who wished.
The Voting is now closed.
There are 26 years 23. Nays, this motion passes, ottoman
Mitchell on a motion to reconsider
I move to reconsider all those in favor of the
reconsideration of those signify by saying I any oppose.
Say no no. The motion fails.
For miscellaneous Alderman. Mitchell anything.
Believe, it's the unfinished.
of the next meeting. Is that correct?
Except for the ordinance setting, the date and time for the
next meeting. I'm not aware of any miscellaneous very well
for the date and time for the next meeting, ottoman
Mitchell. I've handed up an ordinance to the clerk setting,
the date and time of the next, very well. Thank you much
Madam clerk, please read the ordinance.
Peter ordained by the city, council, the city of Chicago,
the next meeting at the city council Chicago, shall be held
on Wednesday, March 12th. 2025 beginning, 10 a.m. in the
council chamber on the second floor. City Hall 1:21, North
West, South Street Chicago Illinois. This ordinance shall
take effect and be enforced from. And after its passage
Gregory Mitchell, Alderman 77th Ward very well Alderman
Mitchell.
Thank.
You Mitchell. I moved that matters in the ominous to be
passed by the first most. Favorable Road call vote by the
committee on rules and Associated unsuccessful motion to
hearing no objection. So ordered on the Omnibus, automate
Mitchell.
I move that matters in the honesty passed by the first
most. Favorable roll call vote by the committee on rules
and Associated on social motion to reconsider hearing no
objection. So ordered automate Mitchell on the motion to
adjourn,
There being no further business before the body. I move
that we adjourn hearing no objection. So ordered this
meeting is adjourned Miss