Good morning, the committee on licensing consumer protection
will now come to order. We will begin with a roll. Call to
establish forum.
Chair Silverstein is here. Vice chair Chico.
Altoa.
Alderwoman Scott.
Alderman, Cardona Alderman. Wax back.
Almond viegas.
Alderman, Spas Alderman Napolitano.
Alderman Lawson.
Alderman, Gardiner president.
and,
I think that is it.
so,
11. We have 11 members present. We have a quorum
Um, can I get a motion to recognize Alderman Moore and
Coleman to be part of a quorum?
Um motion made by Alderman Lawson. Um, all in favor, say I
any opposed um Alderman Moore. Are you here?
Alderman Moore is present.
Alderwoman.
Coleman, are you here?
Alderwoman Coleman.
Oh, did she drop off?
She was here before. So we'll come back to her.
um,
At this time, we will begin the public comment period. The
period is limited to 30 minutes out of respect. For
everybody's time. Each speaker is limited to 3 minutes.
We will start with.
Rick huarez.
Good morning. My name is Richard Warz. I'm a native Chicago
and I'm boarding raised here, 66 years. I am a veteran.
I've been a driver for over 10 and 10 years and 5 months,
I've given over 47,000 rides across all the platforms. The
reason why I'm here to speak on this on the behalf of
Consumer Protections because of this
Uber and Lyft. They want to claim. It's their business
model and its ever evolving. Well, why is it when it's
evolving? The drivers earnings drop lower and lower. It's
disturbing that they want to come up with a cryptic
algorithm that they can't explain clearly to people as to
how they are structuring. The fare for the driver.
Earnings for True transparency. Why are they going to
overcharge a rider to subsidize the ride for another
person? That's not fair.
In all fairness to everyone involved in, in all fairness to
the citizens of Chicago, for them to earn uh received the
full value of the hard-earned money, charge everyone the
same way time and distance. Using the taxi model is a
proven way to do that. It's very transparent, but when they
want to come up with this gaslighting,
System of explaining to the drivers so they easily
understand.
Show us time and distance. It's the safest way. It's the
most transparent way. And it's fair to all the citizens of
Chicago. That's the reason why I think it's it's a part of
consumer protection. Protect the consumer, show them time
and distance. Show the citizens that they will receive full
value of the hard earned money over the fat corporate uh,
profits of uber and Lyft. Thank you.
Our next speaker is George Blakemore.
Good morning to the citizens of the city of Chicago. I hope
that you have been able to listen to Mr. BMO prior to him
coming to this mic, this is a city that is not working for
black people.
It doesn't work.
No, black leads are very. I, I started to look up and say
no black leadership. But, but, you know, uh, uh, I support
you, uh, Monique, uh, uh, because
it's something else found here.
And and and and the reason they can do this is because for
you you you you you you you you are not good citizens.
You allow this?
Only 1 black person that was Sweeney and you have sold his
liquor store. This committee used to be headed by Emma
Mitch.
And dealing with a liquor and kind of and drugs.
Now drugs are the big of of things to make Revenue in the
black community. How many blacks have liquor lives?
How many blacks have liquor license? You know, sometime we
talk about white folks,
We need to talk about our King, folks. Black people allow
this
Why would they do this? The, the the, because they have
slave mentality, somebody is writing negative things about
us, our educational system and we're believing it anything
that anybody else can do. The black man can do it better.
And they have gentrified your black, a out of the city.
And the Hispanic ultimate seem like they're coming in. They
do not wave across the real grand to help you.
They come over to empower themselves and to compete with
you.
So I go back all the way to to, what's that old man hair?
Watch that first time I voted for him. That's second time.
I didn't.
What was your motivation for not voting for him sanctuary?
What sanctuary?
If anybody needs Sanctuary is black people.
so,
I'm not gonna beat up on my black people. It's a mindset.
And it's a mind that's a terrible thing to waste.
So, this is why it's very, very important to have a man
Mr. Blakemore to come to these meetings, who does this to
have the meeting at the same time at the same date. It's
something inherently wrong here evil here. And the reason I
say Trump come on by because of this uh Democratic due to
thank you.
The next speaker is Lee Barry.
Good morning, everyone.
uh,
I've been driving with Lyft for about a year and a half
part time.
Over the course of my career, which is a long 1. I've been
a media executive, I've been a consultant to the Department
of Human Services here in Chicago.
And I, my joke is that, if anyone really wants to run for
mayor, they should spend a year doing ride share.
because I, and all of my colleagues who drive people
have 1 of the rare opportunities and that is to talk 1-on-1
with people and find out where the people of Chicago are at
1 on 1 real, real conversations conversations that help
people that helping get through a bad day and obviously,
take them from place to place where the lifeblood of
Chicago and many ways. But 1 thing, that's absolutely
and it's very important to me when I drive young people to
their jobs at Amazon or some other Distribution Center. I
can tell that they're probably paying 25% of their income
just to get to and from
Their jobs because the fairs that are charged are so high
now.
And you know what we have we have a gig economy that's
really out of control. Uh ride share drivers,
independent contractors in general, have no legal
protections which is why starting with the ride share
industry here which is 85,000 drivers. We're asking you to
please
Move forward on the ride. Share the fair, share ordinance,
which puts finally some regulation. On these ride share
companies that are truly exploiting. Both the drivers and
their passengers and making transportation in Chicago much
more expensive and more difficult than it needs to be.
You know, Chicago is a city of Labor.
We want protections as drivers. We also want our passengers
to be happier people.
And they're not, we know we talked to them day in and day
out.
And uh, its time its time we've we've crafted a really
Equitable bill that is fair for everybody. And as a win-win
for everybody and now, we really feel you have, and we ask
you very, very, uh, with all due respect. It's now a moral
imperative that Chicago begins to regulate ride share. Just
as they do in Paris as they do in New York as they do in
Seattle as they do in Minneapolis and so on and so forth.
Because this is not a movement that's going to go away
because the gig economy people, which is an increasing
number have no legal protections and it's a black hole in
our labor laws. It's time for the city council to act and
let us move forward and build an even better ride share
industry which as I said, is essential now to the lifeblood
of Chicago. Thanks very much.
Thank you. Um, I'd like to recognize Alderman, Reilly who's
here for Quorum and we also have alderwoman Coleman. I
think you're back on. Are you there?
Yes, I'm here. Thank you. Chairwoman
Thank you.
Okay, we have 14 items on the agenda today. The first item
on the agenda is the approval of the rule, 45 reports for
April 2025, which was sent out to committee.
Alderman, Reilly moves to pass all in favor. Say I any
opposed, the opinion of the chair. Is the eyes have it, the
reports are approved.
Item 2 on the agenda.
0202025 D, 000001 16747. An ordinance to renew the emerging
business permit issued to cyan robotics Inc for operation
of personal delivery devices. And we have here today, Dan,
Luna wreck, um,
Representing Alderman Conway.
And we also have Carl Hansen from cyan robotics as well as
bacp.
Carl, could you identify yourself and do you have a
statement?
Hi, Carl Hansen with Saint robotics, operating is Coco. Um
we launched in Chicago in December of last year or thrilled
to be here and just wanted to say a huge. Thank you to the
uh alderman for considering this today and to City staff
for administering, the program and bringing the renewal
forward and I'm here for any questions.
Dan Luna.
Could you sure identify yourself? Good morning, Mr.
Chairman members of the committee, my name is Dan Luna
chief of staff for Alderman Conway, here in the 34th Ward.
I'm here on behalf of the alderman. Uh, who wanted me just
to express his support for the extension of this pilot. Uh,
it seems to be working here in the 34th Ward. We have had
some discussion from some of our residents, both in favor,
and not in favor. Uh but uh mostly uh I'm safe to say that
uh, all in all there's a general consensus to allow this to
move forward and for that reason, Alderman, Conway supports
it
Thank you. And I know. Alderman, Bernett is on his way here.
He's also in support of this. Um, we're going to just move
on and hopefully he'll get here in time. Uh, Chris, do you
have anything you want to say or you're just here to answer
questions? Yeah, just here for questions. Chair. Okay. Um,
are there?
Any questions from the committee?
Madam chair.
Alderman. Reilly
um,
although this isn't in the 42nd Ward at the moment. Um,
that is just a cross, the border. And uh, I've seen these
um, devices and operation, um, and I'll tell you without
having, you know, witnessed it myself. I would have
assumed. These could be kind of dangerous on the public,
right of way. Uh, we already have a tremendous amount of
clutter on our sidewalks and for folks who are visually
impaired or hearing impaired,
um there are real literal pitfalls um that exists but um
and seeing the technology work
These little robots are very respectful uh, of others on
the public, right of way, um, almost to a fault. Um, which
is great. And although, I'm not sure that my section of the
central business district is ready for them quite yet. Um,
I do think if, if this program continues without any major
incidents, um, and continues to be successful as it seems,
it is. Um, that is something that we'd be open to
discussing um, in the 42nd Ward as well. So, um, heartened
to hear that.
Dolmen Conway, um, is happy with, with the pilot and and
that Alderman Bernett is as well. Um, if they, if there
were issues, they'd certainly be hearing them, right? Um,
so I want to thank, uh, Koko for
um,
For being respectful of pedestrians and others on the right
of way. Uh we also had a a good introductory conversation,
not that long ago. Um and so anyway I wish them well and
I'll be supporting uh,
This extension, uh, and absent. Anyone else I move to pass.
Any other questions by committee?
Alderman wax back, uh, just a comment chairwoman, um, I
want to, uh, thank Koko for meeting with me, um, to go over
some of those issues. Um, I mean, I, I think, I share the
same concerns, I think of some other people that we're
adding so many things to the public way. Um, it seems like
you guys have a good handle on it, so far with the remote
uh, operation. Um, I wish I could say the same for the
ebikes scooters, divvies bikes, everything else, on the
public way, especially on our sidewalks, which seem to be
growing and growing in terms of, um, especially with
scooters, I think the violation. So, I just wanted to kind
of throw that in there while Chris is here from bacp
because, um, along with, uh, pedestrians getting hit, you
know, we we're going to see an increase in people, uh,
using scooters on the sidewalks, or in the public way. Um,
uh that I think will have to take a look into but as far as
Koko's concerned, um we talked through a lot of those
issues and uh, I too. I think it's um, you know, in terms
of renewing, it's a good thing to do and continue to move
forward on it. Thank you, chairwoman.
Thank you. Any other questions?
Yes, this order more.
Oh, order more, go ahead. Yeah, I I apologize. So this is
when you say, renewing, this is an extension of the pilot
or we're talking now going Citywide.
Yeah, it's extending the the current pilot and we we would
certainly like to uh service other uh Wards and and
Merchants and customers. Um, we would only do that after
reaching out to the alderman representing. Those words
getting the approval to go there. So if this is something
that you're interested in in in your word would absolutely
love to have a conversation. Um and we would expand under
the rules of the of the program. Okay, thanks. I'll just
make sure because I know I got a my staff's reaching out to
set up a meeting. Thank you so much Tammy.
and just lastly, I would just, uh, encourage you to hire
from the city of Chicago for our Pilots that are
responsible for getting
these robots where they're supposed to be to hire from here
in the city. I I think we all are looking to make sure that
people from here, get the jobs so
Yeah, we we absolutely hire here. We also have a field
operations team that uh is staffed here locally that uh,
helps redistribute the Bots cleans the Bots daily, um and
then the Bots are also supporting local Merchants um with
the the high cost of delivery so that they can keep their
their staff on. Um,
And I know I did just pass a an ordinance. Requiring UL
certified batteries for scooters. We're all good. They're
they're all UL certified, absolutely. Yeah. All right.
um,
then moving right along Alderman. Reilly made a motion to
pass all in favor. Say I
Any opposed.
And the opinion of the chair. Is the eyes have it? The
motion is passed. Congratulations, thank you.
Item number 3 on the agenda.
Is 02024 D, 000001 3637. A substitute ordinance to amend
chapter 4-6 4-13 and 4-4 regarding short-term shared
housing and vacation rentals. Um we need to recognize the
substitute. So Alderman Cardona moves to recognize the
substitute all in favor. Say I
And he opposed the opinion of the chairs of the eyes have
it. The substitute is before us and I am going to uh
recognize the sponsor of this Alderman Lawson.
Thank you, madam chair. Uh, I appreciate uh, your
assistance on this. Um, what we have here is a transparency
ordinance uh for the city and for my colleagues to better
understand uh the universe. When it comes to short-term
rentals the location, um, any disciplinary history uh and
and more. So uh what this, there's a couple key pieces here
that I'll go through real quick. Um we're strengthening
reporting in aldermanic notification um and enhances the
obligations that short-term rental platforms. Uh and the
information they have to provide to bacp. Bacp is also uh,
consolidating that into 1 report on award basis that we
will receive each quarter again. So we have a clearer
picture of where these are located. Um,
Who is operating them and any disciplinary history in the
past in addition. And any
Units that were approved by a commissioner's Authority. Um,
most of my colleagues did not work for their predecessor
like I did so it may not have access to that. So that's
important to know especially when we're asked to weigh in
on Commissioners Authority. Uh, we'll have a much clearer
picture now with this ordinance.
Um, we are including language on the homeowners exemption as
as a primary residence, verification requirement. Um, it's
part of a, a matrix of other
acceptable forms of
Uh, verification, uh, that we will continue to work on and
the rules process with bacp. Um, and just to make sure that
we know that, uh, no 1's slipping through the cracks, the
right people who should be hosting are and doing so in the
proper way.
And then the third piece, uh, is really a push on occupancy
limits. Um, each unit is given an occupancy at the time
that it is registered. Um, that becomes part of their, uh,
registration, I guess. Because they're the, the platform is
licensed. The hosts are registered. Um, there's also passed
along to those people renting, the property. Um, I don't
have to tell you 1 of the issues we have as parties with
these. I've had some that got way out of hand in my ward
and instead of, you know, always trying to figure out on
the backside. Well, who is this? Who rented it. Um, if we
know that there are some concerns on the front end, uh, we
can work with the platform, we can work with neighbors and
address them, um, proactively. So again, I think more
knowledge and better transparency, will result in better
relationships, uh, across the board here. I want to thank
bacp for their work, IGA lrb, uh and the industry for for
their uh comments on it. Um and happy to answer any
questions for my colleagues. Thank you.
Any questions?
All right, Alderman. Reilly moves to pass all in favor. Say
I
Any opposed and the opinion of the chairs, the eyes have
it. The motion has passed. Thank you all
Next item on the agenda. 02025 D 0001675 and ordinance to
amend chapter 4-4. And the of the municipal code
prohibiting the sale of cannabinoid hemp products within
the Belmont. Craigan Hermosa area,
Chair recognizes Alderman, Cardona.
Thank you, chairwoman Silverstein and committee. Uh, thank
you uh, for giving me the opportunity to speak on this. Uh,
Uh, what I'm doing is I'm following the footprints of our
colleagues from the ninth, ward, 10th, Ward, ugh, 23 and
13.
Um, basically uh, prohibiting hemp products being sold in
in uh stores. And the reason I'm doing this is because um I
um, I seen, uh, I I I went to a a business establishment
what was being produced or what was being sold, which looks
looks like uh, marijuana. And it was actually hemp, uh, we
know the differences with between the chemicals, but that
the product was right there in visual sight. Um, I also
noticed around a range of kids hanging out and, um,
Um and the alley is doing um things that um, smoking this
stuff. So um
That made me move to find a way to, uh, protect our kids
and to protect our businesses. Um, I can't, we, we're
waiting for the state to do something with the hemp, um,
product or hemp issue. Um, and I know that the city is
trying to find a way but, um, I'm just looking out for my
residents and if this is only pertaining to my ward, um,
nothing nothing else. So for consider, um, I want to take
lb, uh, lbr for helping me write this up and I'm hoping to
get your consideration, any questions?
Um like to welcome first. Um I'll Martin Martin for Quorum.
Are there any questions by committee?
Best Alderman. Alderwoman, Scott moves to pass all in
favor. Say I I any opposed and the opinion of the chair is
the eyes have it. The motion has passed.
Next on the agenda. Well before we start. Um, is there
anyone here from Alderman Lee's office?
Okay, we're going to hold on that.
So we're going to move on to item number 6, which is
0202500 161183 and ordinance lifting subsection 4-6-22
parenthesis 14.350.
To allow the issuance of additional alcoholic liquor
licenses, on a portion of Archer Avenue and Alderman
Ramirez's. Ward is Sabrina Lopez.
Xena, did I say that right here?
Okay, uh, good morning, chairwoman Silverstein and members
of the committee on license and consumer protection. My
name is Sabrina, Lopez suniga staffer for 12, for older
women Ramirez. I am here on her behalf to testify in
support of item 0202025 D, 0001618 and ordinance to amend
the municipal code of Chicago, lifting subsection 4-6-22 uh
apprentices 14, 350 to allow the issuance of additional
liquor licenses on a portion of Archer Avenue. The reason
for this ordinance is to allow a new owner to take over
ownership and operations of the existing bar. It's called
Michael's bar um, at
451 South Archer Avenue uh, alderwoman Ramirez, held a
community meeting on March 12th 2020. Uh, 25 to allow
residents to ask questions, uh, and express any concerns.
Uh, we did not receive any objections from Neighbors or
from the local police district. So we ask you for a
favorable consideration on this item. Thank you. Okay.
Any questions from committee?
Alderman or Shane moves to pass all in favor. Say I
Any opposed.
And the opinion of the chair. Is the eyes have it. The
motion is passed.
Moving on to item number 7 020 025 D, 016748 and ordinance
lifting subsection 4-6-0 023. Parenthesis 16.134 to allow
the issuance of additional package Goods licenses on a
portion of Damon Avenue.
And alderwoman Coleman's. Ward chair. Recognizes alderwoman
Coleman. Thank you so much chairman Silverstein. Uh, I
asked for the favorable support of my amazing colleagues
uh, for the issuance of this. Um, this particular operator
has failed terminally ill, he is second generation and 1 of
The Operators, uh, with a lone standing.
um the long-standing experience of the community has agreed
to purchase the store, uh so that he can attain to not only
his health but his family and I asked for my colleague
several support.
Any questions by committee?
Alderman, wax back moves to pass all in favor. Say I any
opposed and the opinion of the chair is the eyes have it?
The motion is passed. Um I see that. We do have somebody
here from the 11th ward. So we're going to go back to item.
Number 5.
Uh, which is 02025 D 000167, 34 and ordinance.
Amending subsection, 4-60 023, parenthesis. 11.92 to allow
the issuance of additional package. Good license on a
portion of Hallstead Street.
Um in Alderman Lee's Ward. Um so we Chan is here. Thank you
chair. Um yeah only is in support of this she wants. Um
there is a uh, business hoping to open up a business, a
grocery store hoping to vend um, some packaged Goods. So
she would appreciate your favorable consideration of this.
Any questions by committee Alderman, Reilly moves to pass
all in favor say I any opposed any opinion of the chairs,
the eyes have it motion is passed.
We are going to move on to item number 8 and 9, they're
both an altar woman. Taylor's wart, is anyone here from
Alderman, Taylor's Ward?
Okay. Um, so item number 8 is 0202500 15979 and ordinance.
Lifting subsection 4-6-0 023. Parentheses 20.152 to allow
the issuance of additional package. Good licenses, and item
number 9 is 02025.
Dash 0000165 06 and ordinance lifting subsection 4-6-22.
parenthesis 20.152 to allow the issuance of additional
alcoholic liquor licenses both on Cottage Grove Avenue.
Um, if you could, please identify yourself and, um, just
discuss both of those ordinances. Yes. Good morning. Uh,
chairwoman good morning committee members. My name is Tyra
Owens.
Good morning. Can you all hear me? Yes. Good morning. My
name is Tyra Owens, uh, to chairwoman still were staying
into the committee members, uh, both of these, uh,
Moratorium lifts, uh, have actually been passed through. Uh,
our committee Community Development process through uh
alderwoman Taylor and she is in support of them. We are
asking for the committee's favorable vote.
Any questions by committee?
Alderman, Napolitano moves to pass all in favor. Say I any
opposed the opinion of the chairs, uh, the eyes have it,
the motion is passed.
Item. Number 10.
And we do want to Welcome All To Remember That, who's here.
Uh, with us as well and in support it did pass. So we are
all good there.
Would you like to say something real quick?
Okay.
Um, item number 10.
Um, 02025 d 0000165, a substitute ordinance to amend
4-6-22, and 460 023 of the municipal code of Chicago to
disallow additional alcoholic, liquor licenses and
packaged. Good licenses and portions of the 23rd. Ward. Can
we first get a motion to accept the substitute I Alderman
Reilly in favor.
Uh, the sub is before us and we have here, Mike.
Norm oil. Did I say that right from aldermen to barzes
office?
Yes, thank you chairperson, uh, committee and staff. Uh, my
name is Mike normo, legislative director at 23rd. Ward
Alderman. Sauna tabaris here. Speaking in front of you
about this, uh, this measure here. Uh, this is an
ordinance. Uh that's an effort to preserve the 2. Biggest
business quarters in the 23rd. Ward of Archer Avenue in
Pulaski Road uh to try to preserve these areas for more
family-friendly businesses. Uh, we're doing this because
the 23rd Ward is made up of almost exclusively uh, single
family homes and Working Families.
Uh essentially uh what the ultimate is trying to do is
reserve space for these more family-friendly businesses,
uh, like Chicago's first and only Andy Frozen Custard,
which you'll find in the 23rd Ward on Archer and Mulligan.
Any questions by committee?
Ottoman clay moves. I'm sorry Alderman. Martin moves to
pass all in favor. Say I any opposed any opinion of the
chairs, the eyes have it. The motion is passed.
Item. 110202500001674 and ordinance lifting subsection
023. Parenthesis 24.35 to allow the issuance of additional
package. Good license on a portion of Roosevelt Roosevelt
Road.
In the 24th war that you're recognized as old woman Scott.
Any questions by committee Alderman, Reilly moves to pass
all in favor. Say I any opposed in the opinion of the
chairs, the eyes have it, the motion is passed,
Moving right along to item. Number 1202025, D 0001674, an
ordinance. Lifting subsection 4-60 023, parentheses 42.605
to allow the issue once of additional package. Good luck.
Licenses on portion of State Street and here on Street the
chair, recognizes Alderman. Reilly
Thank you, madam chair and and just to be clear because I
think there's a typo on the agenda. It's a portion of North
State and West here on Street. Um we're lifting this uh
moratorium um to allow for packaged Goods. Because uh this
is the old Whole Food site in River North. It was then to
be taken over by Dom's Market which unfortunately um won't
be moving forward. I think anywhere in Chicago. Uh, and
we'll now be in Aldie, um, and obviously the neighbors are
looking forward to having a supermarket back in the
neighborhood. So uh, with your Indulgence inside that and
move to pass.
Any questions from committee?
Alderman, cordona moves to pass all in favor. Say I any
opposed, the opinion of the chair. Is the eyes have it. The
motion is passed.
The next 2 items will be heard at the same time, both are
in the 49th Ward, um, item 13 and 1402025, d 0016476, a
substitute ordinance. Lifting subsection, 4-60 023
parenthesis. 49.37 to allow the issuance of additional
package Goods licenses on a portion of Clark Street and
0202025 Dash 0000164 a substitute ordinance lifting
subsection. 4-6-0 023 parenthesis 49.2.
To allow the issuance of additional package. Good license
on a portion of Howard Street. Um, these are both
substitute ordinances. So, Vice chair, Chico makes a motion
to recognize both of the substitute ordinance. Oh, is he
not here anymore? Oh sorry, Alderman, Cardona. Um,
Make some motion to re to accept both of the substitute
ordinances all in favor. Say I any opposed in the opinion
of the chairs, the eyes have it and the substitute
ordinances are before us chair recognizes Leslie Perkins
from the 49th Ward.
Thank you, madam chair. Um, so the first 1, uh, 0016476 on
Clark Street is an existing business and the owner is
adding a family member to the business. So we need to lift
the moratorium so they can be added to the liquor license.
And the second 1. Oh yeah, the second 1 is um, an also an
existing bis business business on Howard Street that is
transferring ownership.
Any questions from committee Alderman, OSHA moves to pass.
Um, all in favor. Say I any opposed and the opinion of the
chairs, the eyes have it. Um, the Motions are passed,
This concludes the agenda of the committee on license. The
past matters will be reported as a recommendation to pass
at the next city. Council on May 21st 2025 there. Being no
further business before the committee alren makes a motion
to adjourn.
Hearing no objection. So ordered the meeting is adjourned.