minutes. Uh Alderman's Pat is here um
1 minute late but uh, Alderman Spas is here.
He is, uh, the blue suit with the checkered tie. Oh, mango
with the glasses. Got left out of it.
Bianca is here. Hold on. I'll grab Bianca.
The other day about all the black leadership.
Did leave out the budget and finance the record.
Got to see here. Sauna she's looking for a seat.
Who do we have speaking today? We got George a woman named
TJ Hughes well. She's here. I saw her. And uh Christopher
Anderson Christopher Anderson from United Airlines.
G.
Good morning, everybody.
time is 11:08 a.m.
the meeting of the committee on Aviation is called to
order.
We will now have a roll call to establish a quorum.
Vice chairman Curtis.
Alderman Hopkins.
Alderman. Dow.
Alderman Robinson.
Alderman Harris.
Alderman. Lee.
Alderman Quinn.
Alderman Lopez.
Alderman Coleman.
Alderman Rodriguez.
Alderman tabaris.
Alderman Bernett.
Alderman.
Alderman, Cardona.
Alderman waguespack president.
Alderman mitts.
Alderman pasado.
Battle.
Alderman. Nent.
Alderman, OSHA is here.
There are 13 members present, including myself, ladies and
gentlemen. We have a quorum
Alderman of palitan has request for remote access for
today's committee on Aviation meeting.
Having a quorum already present, can I get a motion
recommend approval of this rule? 59
Alderman, Rodriguez, so moves all in favor.
Opposed.
Pinion of the chair of the eyes, have it.
Alderman, Hopkins is also here.
Led him to the role.
At this time, we will have public comment out of respect.
For everybody's time. Each speaker is limited to 3 minutes.
We have 3 people who have signed up for public speaking.
Our first speaker,
Is Mr. George Blakemore?
Mr. Blakemore
yes, sir.
Reading this very fundamental.
I am looking at International Airport at O'Hare and this
way these concessions,
These confessions.
Is racism.
The money.
So,
I advocate for my people to get concessions.
The money out to that airport. Both of these Airport.
Our people are not getting these concessions.
and the reason they are not because of
their ultimate.
Selling them out.
And I always, when I speak.
I, I always try to tell the truth.
These Hispanic almond advocate for their people.
The Asian, the white ones, but the black ones don't.
They sell out.
Why?
Now, the system is broken.
Each 1 of these altars have employees at their exposure.
I'm trying to educate you. That's no good.
These people work and they check says, the city of Chicago.
so, the whole structure
of this system is broken.
They're given the ultimate too much power, and the ultimate
abuse this power.
And what Mr. Blakemore they all are Democrats.
Best not healthy.
A fastest system, all communist?
Is something wrong here.
And what do they do? Mr. Blakemore. Oh, don't be a bugger
old man. Now, they, they, they kiss each other in in proper
places.
Sell out.
All of them. They don't use the n-word. Oh yes, they do 1
of these often, use that in Word.
What do you know down south of some of my white brothers
and sisters use this word, but up north my white brothers.
Don't use this word but they treat you like 1.
They treat you like 1.
That's why it's very important for me to come to these
meetings.
And too much power.
That these alt 1 have so many of them have been indicted.
1 Angel East and was indicted and he's not doing no a
committed a crime and he's doing no time.
What kind of government is this? Come back here, Trump and
clean up this democratic
Thank you, Mr. Blakemore
Our next speaker will be Mr. Christopher Anderson.
Good morning, chairman and members of the committee. My
name is Christopher J Anderson. I am the director of
government Affairs for United Airlines Chicago's home town
Airline. It's a pleasure to join you today. It was a short
walk from our worldwide headquarters at Willis Tower. Also
known as Sears Tower to people of a certain age on behalf
of our management team. At the, nearly 18,000 individuals,
we employ in Chicago land area. I'm here to
enthusiastically support the nomination of Michael
McMurray, as the next Commissioner of Chicago Department of
Aviation.
A couple of weeks ago United Airlines president Brett Hart
issued the following statement.
As Chicago's Hometown Airline our entire team at United is
thrilled to welcome Mike McMurray and we look forward to
working closely with him and we continue as we continue to
build on our record growth here at O'Hare as we prepare to
break ground on the new terminal development program at
O'Hare, a once in a generation investment.
Leadership will be essential as we work. Collectively to
deliver a modernized airport for the millions of Chicagoans
and The Travelers who visit this world-class City close
quote.
The challenges of the CDA are great, but we at United
Airlines believe the right person for the right time was
chosen and we look forward to working with him and
partnering with him to move. O'Hare forward dare I say,
what's good for O'Hare is good for Chicago. We at United
Airlines want the very best for O'Hare in Chicago. Not only
for now but for years to come. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Anderson.
Our third and final speaker will be Miss Teresa Hughes.
Good morning, chairman, OSHA and committee members. I am
Teresa Hughes and I am speaking today to express my
disappointment regarding the recent appointment of Tracy
paying Henry.
Known in our community as sleepy Tracy, as acting
commissioner by bypassing the first, Deputy Dwayne Hayden.
This decision, not only disrespects but also publicly
undermines his position.
I've been informed that Michael McMurray made this call
even before becoming officially appointed.
Which is already creating a toxic work environment. I have
worked in the city of Chicago for over 30 years and this is
just outlandish, Tracy Payne, Henry's conduct, especially
her documented Behavior, which I sent everybody on that
panel, a copy of the, my Facebook post where she was
sleeping in the Committee hearing.
Raises concerns serious, concerns about professionalism,
accountability, and Leadership.
This is not only an embarrassment but a misuse of taxpayer
and Airline resources, I will be attending every cam
Aviation committee meeting until Tracy Payne. Henry is
removed from this role because she is undeserving as a
former Chicago Department Aviation employee. I have further
concerns regarding the incoming. Commissioner, Michael
McMurray.
The lack of recent airport experience, Mr. McMurray has
never ran in airport and has not worked in an airport. In
over 20 years. Today's Aviation environment is far more
complex and demanding. How could someone so far removed
from the industry's re uh current reality effectively lead?
That's something for you guys to think about.
Wasn't the goal to bring in Forward Thinking qualified
leadership with relevant up-to-date experience.
If no 1 with current Aviation experience is being assigned
to help guide him. Through this transition, it will be a
disaster. The second point is compensation Mr. Mcmurray's
salary must not exceed that of Jamie Reed because she had
far more Aviation experience a stronger Community
relationship and her only downfall was surrounding herself
with the wrong people such as Miss Tracy sleepy. Tracy, the
thief Who Sat by the door, which you already know who that
is and a Time Trader.
And this is all mentioned in the inspector General's report.
So we'd like for you to make sure that you do your due
diligence in investigating Mr. Mcmurray's, um,
current affiliation, so that there's no conflict of
interest, put on the city and the mayor of Chicago.
That concludes our public speaking.
I'd like to recognize Vice chairman Curtis in attendance
and Alderman Robinson.
Moving on item. Number 1 is the approval of the September
10th, 2024, rule, 45 report for the committee on. Aviation,
if there are no questions. Can I get a motion recommend
approval of this report?
Alderman, Ervin, so moves all in favor.
Opposed.
And the opinion of the chair of the eyes, have it.
Item. Number 2.
Is the appointment?
202500000017148. The approval, the appointment of Michael
J. McMurray to commissioner of the Chicago Department of
Aviation.
ladies and gentlemen before us today,
Is Mike, McMurray, he is here to answer any questions and
to make a brief statement uh before uh he begins, I'd like
to recognize those with him. Um, managing Deputy
Commissioner Amber Ritter
First Deputy Commissioner Dwayne Hayden.
Deputy Commissioner.
Bernie Williams.
and acting commissioner
Tracy Payne. A team that I've enjoyed working with
appreciate, all your strong leadership, ladies and
gentlemen,
Mr. McMurray
Thank you. Thank you Mr. Chairman
Chairman OSHA, Vice chairman Curtis, and his team members
this committee on Aviation. Thank you for this opportunity
to prepare appear before you today and for, considering my
nomination to serve as commissioner of Chicago's Department
of Aviation.
First and foremost, I want to thank Mayor Johnson for
entrusting me with the stewardship of O'Hare and Midway
airports. I'm deeply grateful for this confidence and that
this nomination, reflects. And I stand before this body
today, humbly asking for your support at Chicago's next
Aviation commissioner
I bring more than 25 years of experience in transportation
infrastructure and public service across both public and
private sectors. I previously served as Deputy Commissioner
at the department of Aviation and most recently as
president of transportation and infrastructure at wieden
company, where I've LED large-scale Capital programs with
the same complexity and ambition as those underway at our
current airports.
Early in my career. As an attorney, I served in the Cook
County, State's Attorney's office and the Social Security
Administration, these roles shaped my commitment to equity,
accountability, and good government.
I know how the City Works and I'm ready to leave with
Focus, urgency collaboration that this role demands.
I come into this role with a deep and abiding. Respect for
the place, our airports hold in the life of the city.
their engines of economic growth gateways to the world and
centers of opportunity, connecting Chicago and to jobs,
entrepreneurs to customers and our businesses to Global
markets.
They serve as V vital infrastructure and not just for our
city, but for the entire National Aviation system, moving
people and goods across the country and around the globe
every day.
Put simply O'Hare and Midway our cities within our city.
More than 60,000 people work at our airports and a quarter
of a million passengers pass through them daily as
commissioner.
My responsibility is to ensure these spaces are safe.
Accessible welcoming inclusive for all and that we continue
to maximize the value, they bring to Chicago's communities.
if confirmed, I will lead with transparency accountability
and collaboration, especially in part partnership with the
members of this Council,
I'm committed to building on a strong relationships CDA.
Has fostered under commissioner Reed's leadership.
together with you, our Airline partners and the residents
and businesses, that rely on our airports every day,
I look forward to advancing critical capital projects like
O'Hare, 21 expanding our opportunities for small and
diverse businesses. And ensuring every dollar we invest
reflects the highest standards of public stewardship.
Thank you for the opportunity to be appear before you today
and I welcome your questions.
Thank you, Mr. McMurray
Questions from committee members.
Alderman. Saris
Good morning. Good morning. I want to thank you. You
reached out to me personally, last week, um, asking for
support for your, to be our new commissioner of Aviation.
Thank you for that call. We had a chance to, to talk for a
little bit. And I've talked to a lot of folks and they say
a lot of good things about you. I think I was at the
hospital. Yes, you were at the hospital when you picked up
that phone call, but I've spoken to a lot of folks and they
respect your credentials. So I wanted to get an
understanding that under your leadership. How we're going
to prioritize O'Hare? 21, the Redevelopment of O'Hare, 21.
The reason being, is that in a couple of weeks, the RFP for
the concessions is going to be due.
and a lot of these concessions are
It would be helpful that they get forecasted a opening
date. Um, so I wanted to get an understanding that under
your leadership. How we're going to prioritize the
Redevelopment, oh, of O'Hare, 21. And if we have a
construction schedule in place, we do. Um, and so for, um,
For uh, satellite terminal satellite 1, we do the break
ground this summer in July, so that's the goal that was the
goal of the previous commissioner and I'm sticking to that
schedule. So this summer and um, I expect that to be July
will be be um breaking ground for S S1, okay? Um and we'll
we'll, we'll proceed with the the schedule that's already
in place for that. So I expect that, that schedule to stay
in place. You, you mentioned concessions. Um, so there
there a couple of issues, obviously, that are priorities
for the Department right now, right. And you think you
touched on 2 of them? Obviously, concessions is 148,000,
square feet.
100 over 110,000 commercial stores. Uh, the largest of any,
I think it's the largest of any uh us airport in the
country ever.
so um, that RP is obviously currently on the street right
now and um I think those bids are due, June 6th, I believe
it is June 6th so that we expect that to proceed. I've
touched already a little bit on the phasing of the tap S1.
We will be breaking ground in July. I expect to keep to
that schedule. Um, I talked to a couple of the folks early
and I very much
Certainly that we will be sticking with that schedule. I
think another issue is obviously just the gate
redetermination, right? Um, with all American and United um
Um yeah, obviously we're aware that the lawsuit has been
been filed. So I'm not going to comment on the status of
that. But just to say that, you know, um, the lawsuit
itself and the disagreement that's taking place there, I
think is some ways, is very positive and that shows that
demand is up at O'Hare, right? Airlines are eager to fly to
and from O'Hare, so, it's sort of a good problem to have,
right? And so all the more reason for us to move ahead and
stick stay on that schedule for uh, the tap program, know
and thank you for your answer to that question because when
we compare our city to other cities like Dallas, Denver and
Houston, they have picked up their construction schedules.
Yes. And so I think you that we foresee in July that will
be picked up. Um,
You know, I, I want to give the example of O'Hare Terminal
5 because it's taking them 3 and a half plus years to open
up just 10 locations.
And so how, how are we, how is the Chicago Department of
Aviation going to ensure that 70 Plus locations are going
to get built in 3 to 5 years? As part of this new RFP,
that's going to be due in a couple of weeks? June 6th.
Well, you're exactly right. So that's uh, that's going to
be a tremendous task. Um, I know that um, I haven't need to
talk with the staff and get back with them. I haven't had a
chance.
To really delve into it all. Excuse me. Um,
But I know a team is in place. I think we'll be in a better
position to understand and give an answer to that once
those, um, rfps. Once. Those proposals come in, we've taken
a look at them and then we know exactly what we're dealing
with on those. So I can get back to you with that. Okay,
great. No, I look forward to your answer for that. Just,
you know, we're also considering a new Global terminal
that's going to be built. And and, you know, those
concessions are opportunities, are, are going to get fit
out, but it just, it makes to get a sense of the forecast
of the schedule. It just makes sense because yeah it just
makes a difference when the acbd the ACD be they have to
obtain financing and it it helps when they get a schedule
in place and and all of that, make sure that it runs
smoothly. Yeah, you're exactly right about that. I think
the key is um you're right that's scheduling for everybody.
everybody. It's also important that I concession is
understand exactly. You know what they're getting into. So
we need to make sure that they're educated on those
opportunities and
Then obviously also I want to make sure uh that the
opportunities out there are very much reflective of the
diversity and unique care uh character of the city of
Chicago, that's very important. So everybody needs to have
an opportunity to participate. I wanted to be reflective of
Chicago and Chicago's diversity and uniqueness so exactly
right. Well thank you very much. You're welcome.
Thank you, alderman.
I'd like to recognize Alderman Bernett.
Testing 1, 2, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, um,
so, I feel like I grew up with Mike, you know, we, uh,
both, uh,
when I started as Alderman, he was around, um, many years
ago I went and, uh,
You know, and he has worked in several um, areas of the
city of Chicago for 1. He's a lawyer.
Uh, he also worked for General Services. He worked for
procurement. He worked for Aviation, which makes him
well-rounded. Uh, he also worked in the N for profit for
Landell Christian organization, which tells you where his
heart is. Um you know. So we know that him being there is
like
Is like clockwork, right? He'll be able to step right into
the shoes and and be able to do what he need to do. Uh, but
also on the other end, he worked for an engineering
company. He went out to Private Industry. So he understands
what businesses have to go through to do business with
government, right? And, uh, so that gives him another
unique perspective and they're able to make it easier and,
and better for businesses to do business for the city of
Chicago because the more businesses that do business with
us, the more businesses we get to do business with us. So I
think this is a great choice on the mayor's part. He
couldn't pick a more rounder person, rounded person, uh, to
be in this position, uh, right now, uh, in today's
atmosphere, when we're trying to compete with cities all
over the country, uh I just want to commend the mayor on
this appointment. I want to thank you for taking that big
salary, cut to come and commit.
Yourself and do your civic duty for the city of Chicago.
This is not a big raise for you. This is a, um, probably a
labor of love for you, for the city of Chicago. So I just
want to say, thank you very much. Um, and you this is like,
you know, with the same age and you start in your career
all over again. So God bless you. Thank you.
Thank you, alderman.
Alderman Quinn.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, Michael's nice to talk to you
last week and I do appreciate um,
Your eagerness to Jump Right In and deal with the defective
smelly, windows on the southwest side that I've been
working on since 2017. Um, and I look forward to continuing
on. I think you have a, a unique opportunity, uh, relative
to that specific problem and and actually getting those
windows replaced for the, the hardworking people on the
southwest side. Um, so I look forward to working with you.
I think you have a great opportunity and I will be
supporting this. Thank you, thank you. Thank you, alderman.
Alderman Lopez.
Thank you, chairman, and good morning, members of the
committee. Mr. McMurray, it is nice to meet you. I don't
think we've talked don't think we've met.
Um and it's kind of unusual for someone who's going to be
deciding whether or not she gets to keep this job. But
nonetheless, you are here today.
um,
I want to.
Just state that.
Your resume.
And your bonafides are very impeccable.
And I appreciate you standing up and saying, yes.
At a time when so many are looking at government to say,
no.
But at the same time, I would be remiss if I did not
acknowledge what we are going through and seeing in the
city right now.
As well as the fact that what we saw announced yesterday.
By the Department of Justice.
and,
when I hear,
this Administration say that, we are striving for
Inclusivity.
Diversity.
And I see a panel that does not reflect 1 single Latino
here today.
That reality, that perception does not match reality.
And it's as the most senior person, senior Latino in this
chamber.
I find that completely unacceptable.
I find it abhorrent.
That there's not 1 Latino and CDA. That could have joined
you up here today.
Even for the sake of making a good picture.
Perception is reality.
And the reality that we're seeing today is that we're not
part of this discussion.
Airports are the biggest drivers of Economic Opportunity on
both the Northwest Southwest sides and indeed the entire
city of Chicago.
Trust me, I know I used to work for an airline for over 12
years.
The airports are a Melting Pot of every Community. Every
ethnicity, every demographic, every religion.
And that is what I think your leadership needs to be
reflective of.
Needs to take into account.
And needs to broadcast as the front door of the city of
Chicago.
That you take that seriously.
that you take the opportunity to bring real local
businesses in whether they are from our Latino communities,
African-American communities, Asian communities. I know you
touched on that earlier in your comments but I think that
saying it and doing it are 2 very different things.
So I just want to say, well, I'm sure you're going to be
confirmed today. I would re be remiss if I did not take
this opportunity.
To say it publicly.
That I expect better. I'm sure many of my colleagues will
say that
But I will be the first to go on record and saying that. I
hope the next time we see you that we have a more Dynamic
and inclusive representation of what this city has to
offer. In terms of both the scope and breadth of its
Workforce as well as what it has to offer in the
neighborhoods. Thank you Mr. Chair.
Thank you Alderman. Uh, next Alderman Rodriguez.
Fighting each of the members to a briefing, with the
gentlemen, and also for him reaching out to each 1 of us.
Uh, if I might re, uh, correct the record, uh, conveniently
leaving, um,
you know, uh, the fact is your record is impeccable and I'm
As a Latino Proud to stand in support um you for this
position.
Do better as far as engagement is concerned across
communities. Your predecessor actually was pretty damn good
at uh addressing those issues. And at the very beginning of
your term, uh, I challenged her
Presentation. And I got to admit, she came through and I
fully expect to say that
Happened here. Um I am impressed by our engagements, you've
answered all the questions I stood up and accepted your
phone call and returned it. I set up to be there at the
briefing that we were all invited to. So thank you for that
kind of transparency and thank you for coming out and thank
you Mr. Chair for leading that kind of transparency.
Engaging process. You you show the way to lead. I've said it
before and I'll say it again, you do. Um, but on this
issue, I am very comfortable. I'm very happy uh, to support
this nomination. Look.
Latinos are a third of the city, we want to make sure that
we're meeting those benchmarks. Uh, and I know that the
upcoming opportunities at both O'Hare and the, uh, eventual
opportunities at Midway, uh, will be reflective of our
community because I will make sure that that's the case.
And, uh, I'm glad you have my cell phone number. I have
yours, and we will make sure that that gets burned up, even
if that mink matters that that has to happen at the middle
of the night. You strike me as that kind of individual. So
you will have my support. You don't need to say anything
more today, uh, to earn that support. Um and I
Will you and every leader of our city, accountable to those
Endeavors and I think you're up to it. So, thank you so,
very much and thank you Mr. Chair.
Thank you Alderman. Uh, I I think the record should reflect
uh,
Elizabeth Granado's Perez.
Deputy Commissioner.
Runs Midway Airport.
Yes, and Rob Diaz.
Man, uh, Deputy Commissioner handle security at O'Hare. So,
um, I think it's important that they both be at those 2,
international airports. Today, I would love to have them
here. This was discussed before this, um, but I think the
record should reflect that, uh, next, my colleague alderman
waguespack.
Thanks chairman and uh I also want to congratulate um Mr.
McMurray on this appointment today and um thank you for
taking the time to set that briefing up chairman. Um I
think it was very helpful to listen to the viewpoints of my
colleagues um, and the questions they had. And um, I wonder
if you could just answer 1 question for me and it's, it's,
it's a softball. Don't worry. Sure. Um,
How do you? Yeah, yeah, it's down.
It's a curveball my best. No, that's okay. Um,
Uh Mr. McMurray thank you. But um how do you envision
improving the state of the airports and in, in particular,
we have, you know, millions of people that come through our
airports. Um, and I and I travel are, uh, O'Hare
uh as an international um flyer as well as na, you know,
interstate and um
All these people enter an exit, our airports, uh, on a
daily basis. That is their first vision of Chicago. It's
their first experience of Chicago. And I just wonder if you
could just touch on how you see that uh, either changing or
or improving and uh in particular than speaking directly to
the issue of, you know, at O'Hare when you come off that
plane and you're heading to the CTA and you go down the
stairs of the escalator.
That's your second view of Chicago and it's not as nice as
the airport, but I wonder if you could talk about how you
can improve that transition as well. So, first of all, I
would like to say, that's great question, um, and I've
traveled some too, and most recently, I was in Asia and I
saw some of the, the airports there. Right. Obviously
different systems. But just fantastic in terms of, uh,
technology, um, beautification. Um, even AI. Uh, the uses
of all that is just amazing. You get blown away and then I
was also just in LaGuardia for instance, recently and that
airport is amazing. Um, it did not look the way that it
you, it doesn't look now the way that it used to look it
was. And so, I think to answer your question, I think the
beginning of that is what we've outlined so far with the
tap, I think that's why the tap is so important.
And the designs and the construction engineering of that,
how it's laid out, I think it can get us to what you're
asking about being that world class airport, right. Where
um is reflective of Chicago. It'll make us proud um give
our traveling public obviously. Safety is always first and
foremost um but that world class experience that travel
experience, right? At the same time, obviously the airport
has to remain in economic driver and and all the the the,
you know, the global connectivity that we needed to be both
airports but particularly O'Hare. So I think it really, I
think that tap, I think tap that whole program, it can that
that's the beginning of
you know making O'Hare a world class airport, right? If we
build those facilities, if we build it the way that we
know, we can build it the way it ought to be built the way.
The city of Chicago wants it to be built
Um, obviously in conjunction with our partners. Um, and we
know what we want and how it ought to look.
That'll give us that will get us to where we want to be.
Thank you for that. And I think, um, we don't have a, we
have an acting, uh, leader at the CTA. So I hope that when
we finally find the right person that you can work very
closely with them to make that CTA transition even better
than it is now, but I appreciate that response and I'm glad
you have the experience like our, your predecessor did of
worldwide travel. This really see the types of things that
we can improve on but um, and ambulate in some ways, but
that we are also leading on and that goes to your staff and
everyone that you'll be working with. And so I appreciate
what you, what you've done and um what you will be doing in
the future. Thank you very much. We can do better and we
need to do better that airport needs to reflect Chicago. We
are proud City, we're a great City, it's the best. Like the
mayor says, it's best city in the world, that is the first
indication. When people get off that plane, that's the
first Ambassador. They see.
Right. That's the first thing they notice is the people and
the staff and the facilities Martin facilities, right? That
that are accessible safe and sustainable, again facilities
that, you know, reflect the diverse and unique character,
that is Chicago, that's what I mean a aiming to do. That's
why I'm back, and that's what I want to accomplish.
Thanks Alderman. Alderman Harris.
Thank you, chairman. Um, I want to say thank you to the
chairman who went out of his way to make sure that you
were, we would have the opportunity to speak with you talk
with you.
Get to know you before you got here. And so I want to say
thank you, chairman for doing that. Um, it says something
amazing about your leadership and making sure that we get
that. I at least have the opportunity all 50 to interact,
anybody who want to interact could have done it. So, I want
to put that on the record that anybody out of the 50 was
invited. Now, whether you picked up the phone and accepted,
that was a horse of a different color. So today, um, Mike
I'm so proud that it's you and so happy to be here, you
know, I've been around a long time with the city, uh, as a
St, early staffer, I started with the city in 198384. Um, I
started working for an alderman in 1990. You were in high
school and so you were. Yeah, I'm a do, I'm a dinosaur now.
But you you have been around and have worked these Hallows
and have relationships. I am excited.
For the type of leadership that you bring, that you will
bring to Aviation. And I am certain beyond a shadow of a
doubt that you will work with all 50. But you will also
trans help to transform Aviation and our airports, uh, as a
person who's been in quite a few of them with kids,
graduating from college this year, I've been all over the
country at graduations. So, in airports, I am just
thrilled.
That we're going to have the type of leadership that is
going to move Chicago forward. I have every faith in you
and your ability to come in and create the diversity,
whether it's your staff, uh, diversity and contracts,
diversity, and all the rfps that are going to, uh, be uh,
given that you will create fairness and transparency in
that process. And so I am delighted that. It's you. I'm
delighted to have the opportunity to serve with you now,
and I'm just thrilled that we're going to be moving
Aviation forward under your leadership. Thank you. Thank
you. Thank you.
Thank you, alderman.
Alderman. Lee.
Thank you chair. Um and I want to Echo the the Gratitude to
to you as well for making sure that we had an opportunity.
Um, I unfortunately didn't have too much of an opportunity
to catch up with Mr. McMurray not for lack of his effort or
this committee's, um, but I did have an opportunity to
speak to people in my own Community about your reputation,
um, and what they thought of you, uh, and I got nothing
but, uh, but accolades, uh, and looking at your your resume
and the things that you've done, um, you know, I, I can't
say much more than what my colleagues have said. In terms
of, thank you for taking this, uh, taking this Challenge
um, I know having having come from the private sector to
to the public sector, making that move. Um, it's not always
an easy decision. But, uh, you know, we're, we're pulled to
it clearly you are as well. Given all of the time that
you've spent, um, helping to make this city, what it is and
I have no doubt that moving forward. Um, you're going to be
able to lead the aviation department and really um, set
Chicago Aviation on a path for sustainability.
And success. Um, so that we're thriving for the next 50,
60, 70 hundred years. Um I just have 1 question, what do
you, what do you see? Are you going to be your biggest
challenges? Just sort of in this, the first, you know,
hundred 300 days. Yeah.
Um, good question, again, I think um, you know, um, this
this gate return termination, we determination that has to
be resolved.
Right. So that that's I think that's the first priority.
That's 1 of the first priorities. Secondly is um as was
mentioned earlier this this huge RFP for
Um, concessions. That's big um and so that needs to we
needs to make sure that that stay on track.
And um, and we get those out and they get processed as
quickly as possible as efficiently as possible. So that
concessions are FP. And then the tap, right, uh, the timing
of the tap, as mentioned earlier. Um, it's important, I
think for us to break ground this summer in July.
Hopefully, I think that's the date that we're looking at.
So, I think those those 3 things we really need to keep on
track, um, and it's very important, uh, that we do so. We,
you know, my my goal is, listen, the the previous
commissioner did a fantastic job, um, I've known the
previous commissioner for about 25 years, probably longer
than some of you have. Uh, we go back. I gave her her first
tour when she came out to Aviation. I gave her her first
Airfield tour, um, and she's a friend of mine. And uh, um,
and so, we go way back, 25 years. I got big shoes to fill
and I know that, um, um, whatever success, I have, whatever
success. I experience, or we
experience for me, is a function of the support and
cooperation, I get from my staff, but more importantly, the
it's a function of, uh, support and cooperation, I get from
this body. So, um, as I appreciate all those those great
things that people have said today, but I know I can't do
it alone and I know how important the staff is and I know
how important this body is together. We have to do all of
that together. Those things that I mentioned a few minutes
ago, those priorities gate return, termination
redetermination concessions to tap
All those things is going to take all of our efforts here.
It really is input from all of us, moving forward for all
of us. If we going to have the kind of airport that what,
uh, Alderman, uh, Waggers pack talked about and what I
envisioned, that's what it's going to take team effort.
Well, I appreciate that. And it, as you said, it's going to
take a team effort from all of the stakeholders involved,
whether that's Airlines who are, that's right, you know who
are um, who are battling for gate space and that, that
means connectivity, that means more people coming through
the city of Chicago. That means more Landing fees. That
means all of that. Um, we all understand the kind of
economic engine Aviation serves for the city of Chicago and
as far as the, the concession contracts and the rfps go,
know, that that is absolutely a once in a lifetime
opportunity for businesses here in Chicago. Um, so I think
it goes without saying but worth getting on the record as
well. Um, that we want that to be reflective of the entire
city of Chicago, uh, we have people from
Many different backgrounds that are vying for a shot at
that. So I I know that's not going to be a small task but 1
that I know that the department is up uh is up for the
task. So you know that you'll have our support their, the 1
thing that I'll, I'll just mention that hasn't been
mentioned yet, is that the job that the aviation department
does? Um, at education, I think they do a great job, um,
at, uh, trying to encourage young people to become, uh,
part of the aviation industry having come from an airline
myself. Having spent 15 years at once Airline. Um, I know
what the demand is. All right, so whatever you can do to
continue to encourage young people to pursue careers in
aviation, um, that, that will be just as necessary. Because
not only do we need the airports to be functioning. Uh, we
need people to power those, uh, those airports and and all
of the roles and all of the great careers that people can
have in aviation. Yes.
You will absolutely have my support today. Thank you. And I
look forward to working with you more. Thank you.
Thank you, Aldrin.
Alderman. Ervin.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, uh, just a couple things, uh, your
uh, information on your resume. All of that, good stuff, we
know.
I saw on paper, but uh, can you tell us a little bit about
yourself as an individual? Sure. Thank you Alderman. So,
um, I'm uh, I was born in here in Chicago, city of Chicago
on the south side and Cha housing actually the Daryl home
Clarence. Daryl projects, it's located at 3833 South
Langley. They're gone now, they were near the Ida B Wells.
14th floor, Highway rise. I lived in was born in apartment
1401, I still remember that it's Elementary School there,
Einstein Public Schools, so I was born in public housing. A
lot of people don't realize that, um, and we lived in
Chicago in public housing till I was about 10 years old
family, uh, ate my 87 siblings. And my parents, they work
very hard.
Um, my parents came here. Uh, my mom did she migrated from
the south from Arkansas? Uh, during the, my Great
Migration. My dad was born in Southern Illinois.
Um, they met here in southern they met in Southern
Illinois, my dad graduated from high school. He went
straight to the Army, he fought in the Korean War, Korean
conflict, whatever you want to call it. So hand to hand
combat there and actually won a purple heart. My mom worked
for all of us in Montgomery, Ward Warehouse,
Um, they both work together, Blue Collar, my dad worked in
the company called Grain Company. Crane Company blue
collar.
um, but um, you know, um,
They sent us all to school, they made sure we have food,
they made. Sure we stayed out of trouble. They were good as
a team.
Um, I have other siblings. I have a younger brother who is
an engineer. He
Uh worked for years from Motorola headed up a division.
there electrical engineer and he's working for the state of
Illinois. Heading up the it for the Department of Health
and Human Services. Uh, my older 2 Brothers, 3 Brothers,
they all served in the military Marines and army
2 sisters, who sister who worked for Chicago public school
and retired. 1 was a principal for Chicago public school
and retired 1 uh as a librarian in Chicago and now I'm
retired. Um, so I come from a family of service. As you
know, I've worked for the city in the past. I worked for
the federal government in the past. I worked for the County
government in the past.
Um so I come from a family of service, people ask. Why
would I come back? I think 1 of the alderman mentioned
because service is sort of in my blood. That's that's what
my family is. All my family is served and some capacity
Andor they're still serving in some capacity.
um,
when I was about 10, we moved to Markham a black
working-class suburb nothing fancy.
We moved out there when I was about 10. I was raised out
there. I went to Thornwood High School.
Was fortunate and went to Northwestern University and the
University of Michigan for law school. The rest is, is
there
Um, but I care about the city. I love the city when I came
back from school from Michigan. I, I, I came back and moved
right back to the city of Chicago, because it's a city that
I love
I've been fortunate but the city of Chicago, most of my
career particularly in the public sector earn that because
of the experience I got at the city of Chicago.
Um,
so public service to me means a lot. Gives me value is
given my career value. So coming back um to me was almost a
no-brainer
Um, for this particular opportunity, I knew how crucial it
was uh to the city.
Um, the former commissioner, big friend of mine, again,
I've known her for 25 years, my thinking was, you know,
that would be great to have somebody.
Um, of that same vein continue in this position rather than
somebody else do it.
Um, and that was my thinking. Awesome. Thank you. Um, what
do you see? Uh, the department and the next 2 to 3 years?
What do you what do you anticipate will happen? Um,
How do we get uh construction back on track?
Uh how do we, how do we make this?
Make a little more sense than what is making now. Yeah, so
1 of the thing, that's a great question Alderman. So, 1 of
the things, um, I some of the things, I know, just from
briefing, some things I've read in the paper. So I really
got to really get in and start to dig in to see maybe where
this can be more efficiencies talking with the staff.
Seeing how we can maybe phase things differently,
reorganize this, to have differently, bringing some people
in, um, to take a fresh eyes look approach of things. Um,
but um,
I, you know, uh, the phasing of uh and where we at. There's
so many dominoes that have to fall in place, first right
right before, other things, take place. Um, I've mentioned
it before. What's key? Is this whole, um, um, uh, uh, gate
redetermination,
Um, I really need to look at that first. I think that may,
I think it could possibly affect the phasing of the tap.
Right. So, and then obviously the phasing of the tap, um,
getting the um,
Um, maybe taking a fresher, look at our relationships with
the Airlines and our Airline Partners. Um, again, I think
our former commissioner did a great job but obviously I'm a
different person and I may have some different ideas about
how to approach things not necessarily better but
different. Um and so I think it starts with maybe
re-engaging our partners on another a different level, all
of our partners but particularly the airlines to see how we
can do things faster, better more efficiently and
accomplish all the things that we need to. You know, want
to accomplish you know at at both airports actually both
airports. I just don't want to talk about over here but
both are crucial. Um,
Again, just particularly with respect to modernizing those
facilities.
Sure. Uh Mr. Anderson in the back is uh listening very
intently as it works to gate reallocation.
His, uh, his employer. But be that, as it may, uh, we
talked about O'Hare. We don't spend a lot of time on
Midway. Uh, the competitive nature of O'Hare, I think is
Lent itself to creating an atmosphere where it's helped
with fairs and other things as far as consumers can
concern. However, in Midway, I see quite the opposite
happening with the um, things happening around Southwest
with that being a fairly dominant Airline at Midway. Uh,
what I did is do you all have as it relates to bringing an
increased competition in the Midway Airport?
Um, so that's a great idea. Um, I mean that's a great
question, obviously, I haven't talked to the staff but
you're exactly right. I mean, the key is that competition,
right? So you never want 1 Airline dominating, right? Um,
any particular airport because that means they control
fairs scheduling. All of that. Um, I know that the airport
is is required to file a yearly competition plan. I have
not seen that competition plan, that was was found. I don't
know if it's been filed this year or it's going to be
filed. So I need to take a look at that. But the point is
you're exactly right Alderman. Your point is well taken. I
mean,
Having that competition out there is key to obviously
pricing better and more competitive pricing more routes for
consumers. Um, um, and so, it's imperative that we have
that, but I need to take a look and I don't know what the,
I can get back to you on that. No, that's true. That's
fine. But you're right. Exactly. Right. Okay, all right.
Well again, uh, I think, uh, as many of our, our 2 had a
chance to have brief conversations, appreciate, uh,
reaching out and, uh, I guess, uh, based on what we're
hearing today, we should, uh, be able to move this, uh,
Tomorrow and tomorrow, tomorrow's, Wednesday council's on
Wednesday. So uh, in advance. Congratulations to look
forward to working with you. Thank you. And I, I know there
was there may be a few of you. I know I reached out to you,
um, and I was a little bit ill over the the weekend and I
owed him in tovarus. Can I think she called me? And I
picked up the phone while I was actually at the hospital.
So I apologize if I didn't get back to some of you. I know
that I I, uh, have left messages or texts. And I said, I
would call or whatever. I just didn't get a chance to do
that because I, um, I I was just really out of it. I was
just glad I can make it here today, actually, so feeling
much better though. So,
Thanks Alderman. Uh, next we'll be, uh, Alderman. Curtis
Thank you. Uh, thank you chairman. Um,
Uh as you all know uh Aviation is near and dear to my
heart. So uh it's been a blessing for me to uh Vice chair.
chair. And be a part of this team for the past 6, 7 years.
Uh, I've worked very close with all of you. I'm glad that,
uh, our chairman
Spoke of the diversity.
uh, in CDA, uh, we we because
1. Good thing about, uh, Jamie she, she didn't play that.
She made sure that, uh, the department of Aviation actually
reflects the city of Chicago, she's always done that. And
you can always bring that to her and she will correct
anything that you thought, uh, wasn't. Um,
Wasn't right. Um,
You know, we all missed Jamie. Uh, when I first heard she
was leaving, I was pissed.
I didn't, I didn't want to leave.
But, uh, we must allow people to, you know, uh, go and
grow.
Uh I think uh Tracy you stepping up. And this in this uh,
uh, hero was great. You guys work like, uh, a puzzle. Um,
you believe in. Uh, you know, we're only as strong as our
weakest link and you always bring it together, you know,
Amber Hayden. You guys are all great Bernie. Uh, I've
worked with all of you, uh, and, and, and it's been a great
experience. You go into a great Department.
I I'm, I am.
when we spoke, um,
I was so glad to hear you say that you're not looking to
really. We know that you're going to do your own thing and
we want you to because we want to continue to grow
but when you mentioned how great uh our past commissioner
was and you want to finish what she started. That was
admirable. I I I I really appreciate that. We got a lot in
common. I know that you're going to do great in this role.
Uh so
I don't know if we have anyone else. Uh, speaking. But, um,
How we do. So I won't move through pass yet.
So, thank you so much for joining, the team. Welcome back
to Chicago. I would say, uh, because your credentials do
show that you can um maintain the Integrity that CDA had so
so, um, appreciate you. Uh, chairman and team. I appreciate
you guys. Thank you. Thank you Alderman, doubt.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I wanted to first, thank you for um
um, making space for us to talk to, uh, the new
commissioner of Aviation. Um,
And thank you for reaching out and for the conversation. So
we've had, uh, prior to today the 1 and to sort of follow
up a little bit on, uh, chairman Irvin's point where you
talked about taking a different approach. Uh,
to the department than perhaps, um, the former commissioner
had, um, noting that you were the managing
Deputy director of procurement. Um, and we have this uh,
diversity working group going on what new approaches or
what? Um, new strategies are you thinking about, um,
perhaps with the
D, uh, the new procurement director, that could move the
needle on the uh Contracting numbers for minority.
um,
Participants, that's a good question. So, um,
Let me start off by saying, yes, you're correct. I was
managing Deputy over commissioner in Department of
procurement services.
And um back in 2002 or 3, the city had gotten sued by the
Illinois road, builders about his mwbe program.
And at that time, I was in the department of Aviation the
mayor's office had me, come downtown and I led our efforts
to revamp our mwbe program at the time. So the nwb program
that you have
That was my work. I let that effort for the city of
Chicago. At the time, it had gotten challenged federally
and then we were, it was either to end it, or mend, it
James Moran, federal judge and District, um, northern
district of Illinois. He giving us 6 months to end that
program or amended or ended, we were able to amend it and
keep that program. So that's those those uh, mwbe acdbe.
All of those programs are very important. I know there may
be letters to some people, but I know behind those letters
are, are, are uh, uh, uh, business owners with real dreams
with goals with employees who, um, people rely on the
employees and staff rely on them for mortgages, um, for
college for schools, right? For their kids. So it's more
than just those letters. There's, there's people behind
that, there's stories behind that there's history is behind
that. Um, and so, um,
when I, you know, I think
1 of the things. I'm always interested in is, um, whatever
numbers there are, and I know most of those numbers are
aspirational
Um, but, you know, not to just meet those numbers to exceed
where we can, I think that's important. I look at those uh,
programs and those numbers not a ceilings but floors
they're starting place, right? And so there's always an
opportunity to do better. I think that's how the prior
commissioner looked at it but I will certainly look at it
from a Contracting standpoint myself again, looking at
those those, whatever aspirational goals are set for our
contracts. Those are just the floor. That's where we start.
That's not our ceiling.
um, I hear that and thank you for that and I guess once you
get your feet, uh, firmly planted in the department, I'd be
interested in knowing
What you think can be done differently? That would, um,
increase the yeah numbers. Yeah, I need to look at. See,
you know, what the Outreach is being? I think it's been
great but continue that Outreach the education, right?
What's out there? Making sure people are aware of
opportunities. However, we can do that. I think all of
those things are are are as what's needed when I was at the
city, I always looked at as um, particularly in procurement
I didn't want to be a barrier. I always wanted to make it
easier for people to do business with the city. I didn't
see myself as this gatekeeper to keep people out, but how
can we make it easier for them and make it, you know, and
make let them know what opportunities and make them be
successful in. Whatever that endeavor was how they can do
business with the city of Chicago. That's the way I think
it needs to be approached. That's how our approach it
definitely from CDA. How do we make it easier and
welcoming? Not barriers, but how do we make it possible for
people to get into that right? I wish you well on this new
Endeavor thank you thank you so much. Thank you Mr. Chair.
Thanks Pat.
Alderman Robinson.
Mr. McMurray um thank you for uh your time um and reaching
reaching out. I don't want to belabor the point I just want
to mention a couple things 3 to be exact.
Number 1, um, ottoman. Lee who worked for United mentioned?
And I believe my other colleague mentioned the aviation
industry.
Um, Mr. McMurray at at some point.
we really need to look at all of the Airlines and how we
can connect them to city colleges and Chicago Public
Schools. Um, we know that we need to create opportunities
for our young, people across our 77 neighborhoods. And I
believe that we can do that through Ave.
Ation. And I believe that you're the person that can lead
that charge. And so, again, I, I want to reiterate what my
colleagues mentioned, as opportunities in the aviation
field with the airlines also, uh, uh, with the other
ancillary things that tie into Aviation the Food Service
security. Um, all the other things that tie into that, it
just doesn't just have to be United or the large carriers.
All the other opportunities that are at that airport. We
should be leaning in on all of these folks, to create
opportunities for our young folks.
Um secondly uh I would ask you to walk your campus. Um,
just like a
A visitor. Um, I reached out to Bernie um who uh is just a
tremendous asset uh to the city of Chicago Department of
Aviation and you uh when we come through O'Hare and we're
exiting particularly internationally when we come down to
the baggage claim, go down that escalator, look at what
folks are saying. Um also go through the bathrooms. Uh we
want to make sure
Of that, we are this great city. Um, and people this
International City and I know that there's a cost
associated with it, but we have to figure out how to make
sure that our bathrooms are and and pristine condition. We
should be able to do that. Uh, and then the lastly, let's
figure out how to be
The city of Atlanta.
All right. Yes. Uh, but Mr. McMurray, congrats to you, I
look forward to working alongside of you. Chairman, I would
also reiterate, uh, with my colleagues. Uh, how you have,
um, put us in the Forefront. Um, and making sure that we
have everything that we need, um, to be dangerous in this
committee and so kudos to you. Thank you very much. And,
and Autumn if I may, I just to follow up on the, um,
opportunities. You're exactly right. And I know the Chicago
Department of Aviation just recently had a job fair. Um, I
wasn't there obviously, but I I understand it was very
successful. I don't have the numbers on.
1500 attendees, right? And so, I think that's great, but
obviously, we always want to strive to do better. I agree.
There are opportunities there that people need to be aware,
aware of a lot of those opportunities and career, and job
opportunities are very well-paying jobs. People just aren't
aware of them, um, and so it's incumbent on us to continue
to get that message out there to educate and let people
know what opportunities are out there for them. So you're
exactly right. I agree.
Thank you Alderman. Are there any other members with
questions or a comment?
Can I get a motion to pass?
Alderman. Curtis
So moves all in favor.
All opposed.
Unanimous in the opinion of the chair of the eyes have it.
The due pass, recommendation of this fine appointment will
be reported out at the next city council meeting tomorrow.
Wednesday, May the 21st. Um,
Congratulations, Mike. Uh, a little bit more work to do
tomorrow but, uh, appreciate all of you being here. Uh, I
don't need to tell you what a wonderful leadership team,
uh, you have and, um, I look forward to working with you
and in closing on this topic, I'd like to, uh,
Wish you a very happy birthday to acting. Commissioner
Tracy Payne.
Thank you. Thank you all. I appreciate your support and I I
look forward to the collaboration and working with you all.
Thank you.
Congratulations, sir. Um, we have 1 more item, item number
3.
Ordinance 202500016745.
Approval of an amendment to concession agreements at
Chicago O'Hare, International Airport. Approving transfers
of interest regarding voge North American.
Knutzen Clark at Midway?
And Cabo experiences. Um,
Alderman, Quinn pointed out, uh, Cabo is derived from the
aviation acronym, ceiling invisibility and limited. So
thanks for that Marty uh, from St, Rita.
At this time, I would ask managing Deputy Commissioner
Amber Ritter from the Department of Aviation to. Um,
Lead us through the ordinance.
Amber. Thank you so much, chairman and thank you council
members. Um, this has been a, a a really nice uh hearing to
to obviously. Also to hear everyone's priorities for our
department, uh, going forward. Um, this should be uh,
relatively quick and we have some great um, representatives
representatives from our acdb communities here today, uh,
on this ordinance. Um, we are looking to change, uh, some
some tweaks of ownership of 3 of our uh tenants for 4 total
total leases as uh, chairman mentioned, the first is and
I'll go through all these in detail. But nuts, on Clark,
the second is voge chocolate in the third is jabber box.
Um, next slide, please. So, the reason for, um, having to
come to council for this is that each of these leases uh,
provide that transfers involving all of a tenants interest
in the lease in the agreement require approval of the city
council. So as you'll see as I go through these, these are
all sort of just um, you know in in inside baseball changes
of corporate structure within these tenants, nothing is
really changing. Um significantly with the tenants and the
tenants and the acdb represent representation continues to
be uh, fantastic strong and largely local. So I will go
through that in a moment. If you go to the next slide
please, um, I'll start with nuts. On Clark. Everybody knows
nuts, on Clark, right? And I want to just give a shout out
to our great Partners from North and Clark, who are here
representing as they always are uh at every possible event.
Um wonderful partners with the airport and obviously 1 of 1
of our partners for Chicago. Um,
uh,
Where's the nuts? I know. I know I thought that's going to
be what was going to be asked? Okay well um, so they're
widely available at the airport so please come come. Select
them. Um,
We do have that and that's actually 1 of the things we're
here today. So there's
we have 2 leases from nuts on Clark. Uh, okay, I knew I
knew they brought something. I knew it
Actually showering.
All right.
So, okay, so nuts, on Clark. Um, we'll continue, I just
want to make it clear. We're continuing to operate as nuts
on Clark. Um, they're just had, they have an internal
corporate structure that they're shifting, um, nuts on
Clark. The first tenant, the first lease is for our inline
concessions at O'Hare. Previously, the tenant was was known
as nuts. On Clark, Union Station Incorporated, it's now
becoming nuts. On Clark, Midway Airport, Incorporated.
Don't get confused. This is at O'Hare but that's just the
corporate name. Uh importantly uh nuts, and Clark is a 100%
woman-owned business. It is a 100 AC dbe certified business
as a woman-owned business by our wonderfulness. Estelle
Kenny, who is here today. She, uh, is the owner and
operator of the company. Um, she will continue to be the
100%, uh, wbe uh, acdbe interest. So that that is under the
entity. Now called nuts, on Clark, Midway Airport,
Incorporated, similarly, with the vending machines, which
is a separate lease, uh, had been nuts on Clark
Incorporated will now be called nuts on Clark.
Midway Airport, Incorporated same, uh, acdbe structure with
100%, uh, acdb representation, uh, as a wbe. Um, so that is
the first corporate change of anyone has any questions on
that nuts on Clark piece? Um, whether you'd like to ask
them now or at the end, please do. So, um, the second is
voge chocolates, also a Chicago based, uh company. Um, the
previous tenant was known as voge limited, it is now
changing its structure to Vogue, North American O'Hare JV
LLC. So the reason for that is that uh new ownership, ship
had purchased the business and has restructured it. Um, we
have here today, um, representatives from the company who
is purchase V, which is called LaMontagne Holdings, or at
least for this purposes of this lease and importantly, um,
the acdbe partner so, previously to this, the ACD, uh, be
participation was 100% wbe by the uh, owner, Katrina,
marcov, that is Shifting and is now a 10%.
Uh, acdb ownership by our uh our good friend and local uh
concessionaire Devin Rand, who is Al here today? Uh, from
North American concession. So this is Shifting to a, a 10%
acdbe, but again, by a local businesswoman, um, MBE wbe as
well. Devin Rand
Um, and then finally, we have jabber box. Um, these are
just if folks aren't familiar, these are these personal
uh, pods, where you can go in pay to have essentially like
small office to yourself in order to conduct business. We
actually don't have them yet at O'Hare because we've been
working with the design uh, with our fire department and
some other entities, um, to make sure that they, they meet
that they, they meet all the specs, but now that has been
complete. So the original tenant was called Mag USA. Uh,
the new tenant will be called jabberbox LLC. The acdbe uh,
change, it had previously and continues to be a 32.5% acdbe
ownership by. Uh, the Forest Group which is alen owned by
which is alen owned by Alan Forest, who is an
African-American man, um, based in La, I think so that's an
acdbe 32.5%. Um, that is it that is what we're asking for
approval of we, uh, as always are very, um, excited about
our our existing concessions. Our wonderful Partners, many
of whom have taken time out of their day to be here for
this.
Historic day with the aviation committee. So it shows again
their dedication um, to our airports and to their
businesses. Thank you.
Thank you Amber, uh, questions from committee members. Um,
Alderman waguespack.
Thank you, chairman, uh, Mr. Thanks for the presentation
today. I just wanted to say, um, congratulations to our 2,
uh, food based companies. Um, voge is in the 32nd Ward, I
appreciate the work they do, they're a great, uh, operation
there and both of these make, uh, incredible gifts to take
overseas, you know, when you're at the airport and you're
looking for something, uh, A Taste of Chicago, these are 2
businesses. If I'm not, you know, at the airport, I pick
them up ahead of time. Um, and they are things that our
family definitely brings overseas whenever we go glad to
see them at our airports and, uh, continuing to do
business, uh, for Chicago, uh, cob we might be a little
tougher to carry around or jabber box, but, um,
Thank you very much for making sure that they're able to do
business out there. Thank you, chairman.
Thank you Alderman, uh, for purposes of Quorum, I'd like to
recognize Alderman Coleman, uh, is in attendance.
Alderman. Ervin.
Thank, thank you, Mr. Chairman, uh, just 2 questions 1 as
it relates to the uh, nuts on Clark. Is there any MBE
component to, uh, nuts on Clark nuts? On Clark, is 100%
owned, um, as an acdbe, but it is a Woman based business.
It's a family-run business, um, with Estelle Kenny, again
being the, the acdbe participation 100 percent is that a
licensing agreement or is that actually the company itself
operating the comp operating this concession, would anyone
like to come up to address?
It's it's a, it's a company itself. There's no license. Oh,
okay.
Okay, very well. And then on on the, on the second 1 I saw
that we have a we have a
What was it? 10% votes chocolates. Yes. 10% nbe. And why at
that level or not more commissioner than the 26 or or 30%
range. So um voge chocolates, as I understand, it was sold
in a UCC sale. The, the, the corporation. And so the
purchaser was again, a company called La maintain Holdings
which is represented here today. Um, they were able to
partner with Devin ran from North North American
concessions, for a 10 percent representation. Um, if, if
you all would like to come up to discuss, kind of the, you
know, the business Arrangement there. Um, we are very happy
to have, uh, 10%, um, representation from voge. Um, I know
it's a little bit of a struggle to to make sure that they
had acdb representation going forward because of the
corporate, uh, purchase. Um, but um, you know, we're very
happy with those. We're very obviously Devon, Rand is a
wonderful partner to the airports. Um, she does a lot of
work at Midway as well, of course. Um, and that is the
corporate structure that they've
settled on.
Would you like me to call them as a witness?
Sure, why not? Okay. Yeah.
I have to go off. We're gonna speak from here.
Uh, please State your, uh, you know what Deb could you come
up? Just so that, uh, we have Clarity, uh, for uh recording
purposes.
Thank you.
I don't know if I like sitting in this chair next time, I'm
gonna just stand from where I am. Uh, Devin ran president
of North American concessions. Um, so this particular lease
that we are talking about now is a current month-to-month
lease at O'Hare Airport, this is not a portion of the new
RFP that is being responded to on June 6th. This is the
interim lease that we are entering into at this point in
time. Obviously with a larger ownership percentage going to
um nacb there, would obviously be a larger Capital
requirement for us to keep the space operating as properly.
I I want to say that I'm actually allergic to chocolate but
I still partnered with them. That's how much I believe in
in them. Uh, Jay was gracious enough to make me some
uncoded items when I went to the factory. So I I feel like
I got a, a secret menu. So I'm very happy with that. And we
at North America and are very pleased with our percentage
at this point and we're very pleased to be able to kind of
get our feet wet because we have had exposure obviously in
Midway Airport,
Report. But this gives us an opportunity to learn a little
bit more about O'Hare directly.
Okay. So then uh this is okay, got it. That makes sense,
then uh temporarily then. Okay, that's all. Thank you very
much.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, thank you alderman.
Thanks Devin, thanks Jake. Uh, are there any other
questions from committee members?
Can I get a motion to pass so move?
Ordinance 2025000016745, uh, move to pass, uh, by alderman
waguespack.
Opposed.
In the opinion of the chair of the eyes have it. The due
pass, recommendation of this ordinance will be reported out
at the next city council meeting on Wednesday, May 21st
2025.
There being no further business before the committee. Can I
get a motion to adjourn Alderman? Spas so moves, all in
favor, say I
Opposed.
In the opinion of the chair of the eyes, have it meeting
the committee on Aviation is adjourned. Thank you,
everybody. Thank you.
Are you heading back over to?