Good morning everyone. The committee on finance is called to
order. We will have a roll call to establish form.
Vice-chair Conway.
All.
Alderman laspada.
All.
Alderman Hopkins.
All.
Alderman Hall.
All.
Alderman Mitchell.
All.
Alderman Harris.
All.
Automobile.
All the men, lie.
All.
all the
Alderman Ramirez.
All.
Alderman Quinn.
All.
Alderman Lopez.
Alderman Moore.
All.
Alderman, Hopkins, I see you.
All.
Alderman. Curtis
All.
Alderman. O'Shea.
All.
Alderman, Taylor.
Alderman Mosley.
Alderman Rodriguez.
All.
Alderman Scott.
Alderman. See, Joe Lopez
All.
Alderman Burnett's.
All.
Alderman. Ervin.
all the
Alderman Taliaferro.
All.
Alderman, Cardona.
All.
Alderman waguespack.
All.
Alderman, Rodriguez, Sanchez.
All.
All the way.
Alderman Ramirez. Rosa.
Alderman Villegas.
All.
Alderman mitts.
All.
Alderman. Sposato.
All.
Alderman, Vasquez present, chairwoman.
Alderman. Reilly
Alderman Knutson.
Alderman. Martin Alderman Silverstein
Jeremy.
German dolls here.
we have 20 members of the committee, present, we have a
quorum
Alderman Vasquez who is joining us remotely requested to
attend. This meeting by remote.
Me.
Means under rule 59 because he cannot physically be present
because he is recovering from surgery. Is there any
objection to this request?
He?
Hearing no objection. Augmon Vasquez is allowed to attend
this, meeting by remote means, hope you're feeling better,
all them and Vasquez, can I get a motion at this time to
defer item? Number 9,
Move by Alderman Mitchell.
All those in favor. Signify by saying, I all those opposed
say nay
in the
In the opinion of the chairs, the I have it, this item will
be deferred and it this time we will begin the public
comment period. This public comment period, will be limited
to 30 minutes and out of respect, for everyone's Time. Each
speaker is limited to three minutes. We have a speaker, by
remote means, Stephen Billings to Billings. Are you with us
this morning? And Billings is not in zone. Is not okay,
moving right along. We have a number of in-person public.
Comment speakers.
I'm the fur.
I'm the first one will be Andrea Krueger from the Chicago
Federation of Labor.
If?
Good morning. LOL. And members of the committee, my name is
Andrea Kluger. And I am here today on behalf of the Chicago
Federation of Labor. The CFL is the United voice for r300
of Philly, ated unions and are half a million working.
People across Chicago and Cook County. I'm here today to
ask for a no vote. If item number 9 is called, which would
provide 10 million dollars into funding to a new hotels
restaurant, / event, development located at 2222 South
Michigan, like you, the CFL on the Chicago, labor movement
have been hopeful and optimistic about the opportunity for
Chicago.
What store has a?
Tourism and hospitality industry to grow and flourish as we
emerge from the pandemic. However, we cannot do this on the
backs of working people. We must ensure that new
developments in the city especially those funded with
taxpayer dollars, create not just jobs, but quality
careers, that can uplift our communities as of today. I can
report that there is unfortunately, no past two. Good jobs
for the development at 2222, South Michigan. And I ask that
you vote. No on this item if it is called today or call.
Anytime in the future, without a pass to go jobs, we look
forward to continue to build a world-class tourism industry
in Chicago, that will provide good family-sustaining
careers to our communities. Thank you.
Kluger. The next speaker will be Joan.
Johan.
Johanna's Chambers.
Are.
Or Joanne Chambers.
The.
Good morning, my name is Joanna Chambers. I live in the
Third Ward near 41st and Prairie, I'm at Hospitality worker
and a member of Unite Here. Local one, I heard you to vote
no on the tip for 2222 South Michigan because there's no
commitment from the developer to create a path to good jobs
in the Third Ward or residence or to invest in high-quality
job.
I know.
I know the difference with.
I know the difference between having a good job and a
low-quality. I started working in the hospitality industry
when I was 16 years old back then I didn't have a good job.
I worked as much as I could to support myself and my child
but it was still hard to make ends meet because my wages
were us were so low. I had to rely on state health
insurance. I felt like being in a whole I couldn't pull out
her, I never want to feel that way again, when I got my
good Hospitality job at Navy Pier it changed my life. Now
as a bartender, I have excellent health insurance for my
family and I only have to pay $30 per month. I make enough
where I can pay our bills without stress, I have three
children, and one of them has severe asthma because of my
great health insurance. We work closely with her primary
care, doctor to keep it under control because I work one
good stable. Hospitality job. I have time to spend with my
three kids.
My phone.
My fellow Third Ward residents deserve to have a good
Hospitality job.
What?
With great affordable, health insurance, that pays enough
to keep up with rent, so they don't have to take out a
second job. We need to invest in high-quality job training,
including registered culinary apprenticeship. So that
residents, especially young people who are unemployed or
underemployed have access to Great hospitality jobs, but
the developer at 2222 South Michigan has made. No
commitment to create a path of good jobs or invest in
high-quality job training and registered culinary.
Apprenticeships, we could be stuck with low-wage Port
benefit job
At 2.
At 2222 South Michigan. This is the last thing. Our
community needs. We should not be subsidizing. Hospitality
developments like this, we deserve better. I urge you to
vote. No, on the to 42222 South Michigan.
Thank.
Thank you.
Thank you, Miss Chambers. Our next speaker is Alan
Rodriguez.
and,
And I'd like to acknowledge that all the men be a Gasol,
though. He's not a member of the committee. Has joined us.
Good morning. You are a member. Thank you.
Good.
Good morning. My name is Alan Rodriguez. I'm a banker
Stewart at the McCormick Place and a graduate of Unite
Here. Chicago Hospitality Institute culinary apprenticeship
program also known as you cheat. I am here today to ask to
vote, no on item 9, there is no commitment from the
developer to create a path to good jobs or invest in
high-quality training, including register culinary.
Apprenticeship College was never financially an option but
I always wanted a path to a good career while working at
McCormick Place. I found that path through the yew-tree
culinary apprenticeship program. It did not cost me
anything. My instructors have push me and encouraged me and
I learned everything. I need to know to work in
professional kitchens throughout the city. I take a lot of
pride in the food. I cook. I make a good wage. I have a
good health insurance.
I was recently promoted.
I was recently promoted and I feel confident that I have the
skills to continue to grow my culinary career.
I want young people all over Chicago to have the same kind
of opportunity that I did. I apologize trainings, bring
brings money back to our neighborhood. If that developer at
222 South Michigan wants 10 million from the city, they
need to at least give the community a fair share, but
without a commitment to a path to go jobs or any basement
in high-quality job trainings, the developer has just taken
from our communities. I ordered to vote. No on the Tif 4222
South Michigan.
Thank you.
Thank you, mr. Rodriguez, our next speaker is Hugo turn,
doleful.
My.
My name is I'm a Google in Mario, my kids and remember you
need to warm up at 1. I know I asking you to vote. No, on
the depot, 22, South Michigan because there is no
compliment from developer to play about to go jobs, in a
third ward, for resident, or to invest in high-quality job,
training. I work in hospital for 30 years, and I have many
bad job at my first job in Hospitality. I did
How about health insurance? I had to pay over $6 a month or
isn't playing and it still barely cover nothing. Anything I
was very hard for me and my family will throw. You know,
why should you have a struggle that way?
I have a blue health insurance for only 30 a month. I have
a paycheck that I can really own and we don't struggle like
we used to it, will resident deserve at least that the
standards
My community bellinis good speedometer jobs. We need jobs
with good pay, good incident and paid time off so people
can spend time with their family. I worry about the crime
in my neighborhood. I was at Target was coming home from
work. I was in the hospital for 3 days and take, I took me
a month to recover. I know. Good jobs and high-quality job
training, will give people better opportunities and make my
neighborhood safer in the city money for this project. One
just be a waste. Read more about jobs and mixed families,
struggle and may Community towards for my neighborhood. A
Hospitality workers, like me. Are you sure about? No on the
T4 to 22222 so Michigan and thank you.
Thank you, mr. Tire.
Thank you, mister turned off. All our fifth. Speaker is
Elliot Malin
the more.
Good morning. My name is Elliot Malin and I research
director at Unite Here. Local one, I'm here to express
Unite Here, Local one opposition to tip assistance for the
hospitality development proposed for 2222, South Michigan
Avenue, the development team of 2222. South Michigan, is
seeking 10 million and tip assistance for the creation of a
hotel restaurant event space. There's no commitment that
this proposed Hospitality development will create a path to
good jobs for the community Norms, their commitment to
invest in high-quality job training, including registered
culinary. Apprenticeships to provide residents who are
unemployed or underemployed with an on-ramp to a great
Hospitality job. One way, this commitment can be achieved
is to the incorporation of our proposed. Hospitality labor
standards into the Redevelopment agreement for 2222 South
Michigan Avenue. These Hospitality standards would ensure
that the hotel food service and event space workers at
2222. South Michigan are paid, a decent wage have high
quality affordable, health insurance, and are able to
retire with dignity incorporation of these standards would
also ensure that high-quality job training is provided
Resume.
Residents. Who want to be trained to work a
Residents who want to be trained to work. A Hospitality job
at 2222 South Michigan. However, these Hospitality labor
standards are not currently incorporated into the
Redevelopment agreement for 2222, South Michigan bus.
There's no path for the future, hospitality jobs at 2222
South Michigan, to be good jobs at uplift, the community
and the city, as a whole, and the absence of a path of good
jobs, this development should not receive any public.
Subsidy, we argued about no on the Tif for the hospitality
development at 2222, South Michigan Avenue when it comes
before you. Thank you. Thank you, mr. Marilyn. I'll ask
speaker for today is Nick, Zito Nicholson?
And that we will acknowledge the presence of alderman.
Alderwoman, Taylor was joined us for Coram.
Good morning. My name is Nikita, Nicholson. I've lived in
the third war for 10 years. I'm also a banquet server and
member of Unite Here. Local one, I heard you to vote no on
the tip or to 222 South Michigan because there's no
commitment for the development from the developer to create
a path to good jobs in the third war for residence or to
invest in high-quality job. Training, I have had good
quality of ecology and bad hospitality jobs and the
difference is life-changing. My first Hospitality job was a
bad job. I had no insurance low pay and the work place was,
could be dangerous. I broke my ankle while I had a job
since I didn't have any health insurance, I couldn't afford
to get my ankle treated.
I never fully healed.
It never fully healed. It was horrible. I still have a lot
of pain in that ankle, that bad job affect me to this day.
I now have a good Hospitality job as a banquet server at
the Hilton. Chicago, I have great health insurance, good
pay and can take time off. I hurt my knee. Once at my
current job, I went straight to my doctor and have had
regular follow-up. Since my knee is fine now, and I never
saw a bill, my community and the Third Ward deserves good
jobs at 2222, South Michigan with great affordable
insurance that they can rely on my neighbor's deserve to be
able to give better when they get injured and see a doctor
when I need to. And now more than ever, we need to invest
in young people and my community with opportunities for a
brighter future, like high-quality job training, which can
set them on path to a great Hospitality job.
Why we?
Why would we?
Why we invest over 10 million and a development like to 222
South Michigan, that has made no commitment to a patch of
good jobs and no commitment to invest in high-quality jobs.
Reading for our young people, our community needs jobs, we
can rely on and the build up, our young people without a
commitment from the developer to create a path to good
jobs. We should not invest 10 million dollars into into
that development as a Hospitality worker and Third Ward
member, I asked you on behalf of our community to vote, no
on the test or to 222 South Michigan. Thank you.
Thank you. Miss Nicholson in.
Thank you, Miss Nicholson, and thank you to all of the
speakers today on this concludes our public comment period
for the record. I just want to say that the committee on
finance received six, written public comments in opposition
to the development at 2222, South Michigan, and 39 in favor
of the development at 2222 South Michigan.
Today the items before the committee include the monthly
room, 45 report and will begin with this approval of the
April 2023 and may 2023, monthly room, 45 reports. These
reports were sent electronically to everyone if there no
questions. Can I get a motion to recommend approval of the
April, and May monthly rule, 45 reports that motion was
made by Alderman Cardona.
All.
All those in favor. Signify by saying, I all those opposed
in the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it, and the
motion carries want to acknowledge all them in Moseley,
who's joined us as part of quorum,
We?
We have.
We have some.
We have 13 items on the agenda. Today will begin with item.
Number one, which is from the Department of Housing. It's a
communication recommending. A proposed ordinance concerning
the restructuring of a loan agreement with Renaissance
Partners, limited partnership, Renaissance Partners Co-op
Corporation, for additional financial assistance or
modification through multifamily Grand and tax increment,
financing funds for acquisition and Rehabilitation of the
building located at 3757 3763, South Wabash in the Third
Ward. Before we get started,
This is the bond, right?
this is,
Is there a bond in this game? So we're going to be joined
today by Dina Wayne, who's the project manager from the
Department of Housing and I believe in the audience we have
Pat Abrams from the Renaissance collaborative.
Okay, so pattyrose is not here but Dina Wayne will
presenter.
Hello, Pat.
Hello parent. Come on, sit down. We might need you. Dina
Wayne will present this project.
Thank.
Thank you, chairman and members of the committee as she
said, we are here to discuss. My name is Dina Wayne. We're
here to discuss renaissance, place a building at 3753,
South Wabash Avenue.
this is,
This was built in as a YMCA in 1913, it became vacant in
1969.
But it looks like in 1962 and a group of people including
Pat, Abrams came together in 1996, to form an organization
to save the Wabash. Why are they received city funding in
1999? And it now looks like this, it has operated as an SRO
entirely affordable since that time there are 101 units.
One of them is a management unit managers unit and that is
at 60%, Ami. But all of the other units are at 30%, Ami, or
below her organization. The Renaissance collaborative
offers a lot of of Social Service services for the
residence and they have these offices on the first floor.
And then there is the the vacancy of gymnasium park on the
other side of the building.
in order to
In order to continue to have the building to be affordable,
they came to the city asking if we could provide some
moneys for renovation for the mostly the exterior of the
building. Also some interior work in order that hardwood
accepted into the rad program, the rents will continue to
be affordable. And the advantage of the rad program is that
they will be affordable for many years to rather than going
back to hunt every year to renew their vouchers. There were
able to be able to have a twenty-year commitment
You do.
You just see.
The project will be in terms of Public Funding, primarily
Tif 5313737 dollars there. Also will be some sales tax
credit money that will work on the CRP Chicago recovery
program funds. And then there's a loan from the Chicago
Community Loan Fund. They got a loan from the federal Home
Loan Bank and that's basically how they're supporting the
renovation of this building. I believe that's it. We ask
for your favorable support. Thank you.
Thank you. Very
Thank you very much, Madame Sheryl.
Thank you very much, Madam chairman. The first of all, I
want to commend you. A Madam chairman for having a
diversity in your ward like you do, and I just want to
commend Pat, Abrams for being one of the champions for
affordable housing. In one of the few African-American
affordable housing developers in the city of Chicago at you
almost may be the only one almost back, you know, but we
want to commend you for your dedication. I know you could
have retired a while ago, but thank you for staying in
there and continue to help people. I just wanted to ask a
question cuz, you know,
So myself like all the men dial have these unique wards
that are more unique now than they were in the past. Right?
So when you all first, did this building when was it
I think.
I think you give me bad. You have to use the mic or you can
join us up here. Please identify yourself in the record.
Run.
Braum's on the executive director of the Renaissance
collaborative. We initially close with the city in 1999 or
98 99, and we open the building in 2000, October of 2000.
So at that time when you
Close. And
close and open the area wasn't as
the market was a lot different back then that's correct.
The building or the organization was started by for
historical churches in the area while having over 140 years
of history in that particular community. And at that point
the Stateway Gardens in the Robert Taylor's were along the
state's three quarter. When we decided to open up stay the
facility, which is the birthplace of African American
history and to also serve the least in the community. At
that point, there was no homeless shelters between Madison
and you have to go to Englewood, there was nothing in
between. So the church has decided to do housing provide
housing for the homeless. So, and I have one of these right
down the street from my house, right? With the form of a
Viceroy Viceroy Hotel. So when you built this, the market
was different.
The market.
The market has changed. I'm sure in this community did a
lot of the things get built around you since that time or
government subsidies in housing leads to the renovations of
a community. So I would think most of the most of the newer
developments have happened as a result of our stabilizing
that corner.
Allow.
along with the
Along with the church.
Along with a church that's next door. That's had a a
long-term history with the Metro, why back in the early
days do not concur with you with that pad. We always use
affordable housing to prime a community for more
development to come in the area where there's no nothing
getting billed. Once they see something new, getting built,
other people, come and start building around it. And now,
you probably have half a million dollars to $700,000 homes
on private property over there. That's correct. Right.
Exactly. So like I said, I have one down the street from my
house on Ashland and Emma Warren Viceroy, Hotel returned it
to us with
What do?
With organization right now, they're having some challenges
but but the house is on my block on phase hundred thousand
dollars and it's right down the street from me, and it
wasn't going for $8,000 on this place was built, but the
values kept going up. So I just want to diffuse the, the
idea that buildings like this and buildings and
communities, where we don't have buildings at that, people
think that they bring down the value. They actually enhance
the value, that's in quiet as it's kept a lot of people.
Look at the new Northside in Cabrini-Green the new
Northside started with a mixed-income housing in low-income
housing, that's everything else. When October,
Things go.
Things. Go up over $1000000. Now same thing with the near
Westside. It started with Henry Horner scatter site
housing, being built it and everybody bills around it. So
you know I know folks have fears about affordable housing
or SRO for all of these things and they think that they
bring down values. But actually, in areas where you can't
get people to build the way to the way, to prime your
community for development, the secret to my success is a
building affordable housing and everything else came after.
I just want to point that out. Thank you very much. Thank
you all the men, Burnet and Pat. Thank you for all the work
that you do in the community. In addition to this building
the Renaissance collaborative is also done a senior
building and is looking to do some in a generational
building in the wards. So thank you for coming down today.
Can I get a
Old.
Hold on 11 second. Get to you all them in Robinson. After
all the Man Taylor.
Do you?
Do you want happen to have pictures of the inside? Know
that you said that you all are doing the exterior on the
outside? I would be interested in seeing what the inside
looks like.
Thank.
Thank you. No pictures. But can you tell talk a little bit
about the renovation? You're anticipating inside the
building. Sure. Most of it Renovations will secure the
affordability of the building and of the residence for the
next 20 years. And so, one of the things that we've been
really concerned about is the efficiency of the boilers,
the boilers have already been replaced because they were at
their life in the windows. Although some of them look new,
they're beginning to pull away at the settlement, they're
beginning to pull away as it will forever be developing or
reconstructing them. So we will redo all the windows in the
building. So that won't be an issue going forward. We will
also take care of things like
counter.
countertops or Plumbing issues, where the plumbing behind
the wall, not the ongoing operations allows us to do most
of the in unit kind of repairs on an ongoing basis. So it's
just the those things that are behind the wall that may be
potentially Troublesome. When you think about our next 20
years we had Hut actually had an assessor come out and tell
us what they thought needs to happen for the building to
stay in good shape over the next 20 years. What are you all
doing? Utilizing the gym for
Right.
Right now, we're in discussion.
Right now, we're in discussions with a group who works with
the triathlon Community around the gym and the swimming
pool, a swimming pool is well we do you all would be open
to allowing the community to use it. They said they would
be right. Thank you. Thank you, thank you all the woman
tell her. Thank you so much. Thank you so much sir woman
really, really beautiful project. It was a sad thing for me
to see. So many of the sros in Mike Mindy, Pritchard office
be lost to the private market. So I'm really proud of what
you're doing. I had two quick questions number one. I know,
we're talkin about limited interior renovation. What will
our current tenant? If the recurrent tennis be able to stay
on place during the Redevelopment and also in the
conversion from
Housing.
housing for
Housing Choice, vouchers to the rad program. Does that
affect the eligibility of any of the current tenants to
maintain their for debility? If that makes sense? Right?
Know, we're moving from project-based section 8 to voucher
Base projects in red two. And your first question had to do
with remaining in place. During the day we have worked out
with the journal.
Contractor.
Contractor that they will.
Contractor that they will do the renovations and days of 6.
So we'll have 6 units that they will work in and we will
move those tenants and Charlie. So we are saving six.
Vacancies do that, that can happen smoothly. That's really
brilliant. Thank you, Miss Abrams. Thank you for a woman.
Thank you all them unless spot. I want to recognize all the
men waguespack for Quorum and Alderman, Robinson is with us
as a non-member, alderman Robinson. You had a question
that's,
At your.
At your home and dial. Thank you. I just want to commend
Miss Abrams for her work, not only an affordable housing
but quality affordable housing and my former role of State
Route be working along side of each other. It's good to see
you. And again, thank you for your work.
Okay, thank you. I'll demand Robinson. I can I get a motion
to recommend approval of item. Number one, on the agenda
motion made by Alderman Mosley, recommending to pass all
those in favor, signify by saying all those opposed, in the
opinion of the chair, the eyes have it that do pass
recommendation for this will be reported out at the next
city council meeting on, June 21st, thank you. Dina, thank
you, thank you, Patty Abrams.
Are the?
The second item on the agenda is also from the Department of
Housing. It's the communication regarding a proposed.
Ordinance concerning the issuance of tax-exempt
multi-family, housing revenue, bonds or notes to DL. 335
exchange low income housing tax credits, South LLC, for
property, acquisition at the southeast corner of East 79th,
Street and South exchange Avenue to develop low income
rental, housing units, commercial space, and federally
funded Health Center. This is in the 7th Ward Alderman,
Mitchell was here, he does support this, and before I have
Mission from. Give her presentation and I know we have the
owner with us Leon Walker. Mdl3 I'd like Jack brossman from
the end Jack you can probably just sit there.
Set.
set a
Set a timer.
Set a coming up here, Jack brossman from the Department of
Finance to give us a little bit of a 10-1 for the new
members here on bond financing. So,
You.
you get a little
You get a little taste of what you.
You get a little taste of what you're voting on.
Good morning, everyone. My name is Jack. Rothman, wcfo here
at the city, I do actually have a presentation as well that
I can go through. If you'd like to, you want to come up
there.
And wanted me to give him.
Jack brotzman. Thanks again. I'll just give a quick
overview of the city's overall Bond program and sort of the
fundamental differences or are fundamental to stay up our
revenue, bonds and then General obligation Bond program
works. And hopefully a useful segue into some of the
revenue Bond items that are going to be heard after this.
So the city issued bonds for two primary purposes, the first
and most important is to fund capital projects of the city.
You know, for all of the things under the sea preview
weather, that's the missile facilities. Rose Bridges play
some fire or the airports in the Department of Water
Management as well. And then also, we do issue bonds to
refinance standing debt for saving says, well, he's bonds
are secured by one of two different sources or two
different into different manners. First is by a pledge of
revenues where a single Revenue stream, whether that's
revenues generated at O'Hare or revenue generated from your
water bills are pledged door store, sales taxes. For
instance, are pledged singularly for repayment of debt,
that is borrowed for that purpose. So you borrow on the
water fund for water projects, and then the revenues
generated from water rates that are deposited in the water
fund. Our pledge,
Ask.
After payment of operations for the repayment of those
bonds. And that's true for everything else listed are
O'Hare. Midway water sewer. And then the stsc, which is the
sales tax securitization Corporation where they retain his
first is sales taxes. The other manner is through General
obligation, which is the Full Faith and Credit of the city
of Chicago. When we think about the Chicago Works, Capital
plan of Chicago recovery plan, those Bonds were intended to
be issued primarily through General obligation bonds and
the repayments or stare is not necessarily a single payment
Source. It is again the full faith and credit of the city
of Chicago to the extent that there isn't it? That you need
you basely pledge to utilize every available resource is
not otherwise, restricted or pledge to something else.
Repay to repay the debt, so stay with General gation bonds.
so,
So the other question I guess would be wider issue bonds
opposed to going to a bank, you know, if your if you have
us you're renovating your house. You might take out a home
equity line of credit with a single Bank, in this case,
because the city is a very large issue her that she said
he's borrowing tens of millions or even hundreds of
millions or actually even billions of dollars that I'm
there aren't really any, there's no real entities that can
afford you. That could lend you all those fun. And so bonds
are inefficient way of selling to numerous dozens or
hundreds of potential investors and lenders on identical
terms.
and since,
And since you are selling them, identical terms, in
standard sizes, those bonds can also, then be traded on the
open market and that I'm in sort of enhances their value.
You can come on the master or an individual. Importantly,
we do it feel to individuals as well, and they do Chicago
resident Princeton's, could buy those bonds and trade them
in that helps with the help to facilitate the sale of these
Storm Large issuances.
The other question might be, why do we issued at, as
opposed to paying for something upfront? And the answer is
more efficient to borrow over amount of time that matches
the amount of time that you will get used from an asset to
a week. And that means that if you build a building, you
can use that building for 30 years on average without
having to necessarily make renovation to, it doesn't really
make a lot of sense to require someone to pay a resident
today in effect to pay for that all up front and you, in
fact, could pay for it over the lifetime of these wet for
the eyesight. You're simply matching the cost to the
benefit.
I'm in.
I'm in any part of the city has 27 billion dollars about
standing debt, the largest which is at O'Hare, your most
encouraged to fund their O'Hare modernization plan. And
then the O'Hare 21, their terminal rehab is going on now
and then General obligation in scsc. Totaling, 11, 11
billion, excuse me. That are used for your kind of works
out of recovery, Plant City.
Play.
So yeah, I just wanted you to explain the last line of the
concept here for what you're hearing today is is based on
conduit debt since it is the same concept. Except in this
case the city has issuing bonds essentially to allow a
third party to afford we access tax-exempt funding and
therefore lower the overall cost of a project and enhance
the affordability of the project. Ultimately it's it is
secured in the same manner, you have a REV, a single
Revenue Source. In this case, the property owner is
pledging repayment from your revenues generated by the
property is pledging repayment to the bonds and to repay
those bonds are issued to help Finance the project and
portly there. The city while the city's name is on the bond
issuance, the city is not actually liable or
Or any of the liability that is.
Or any of the liability that is on. That is encouraged by
the borrower, or by the, by through the project. And
instead, if there's recourse only to the young, the
ultimate, the developer of the property owner who is CEO is
borrowing tube to finance the project I'm in decision of.
This is a sort of fundamental tool that department causing
utilizes in the last five years. The city has issued
proximately $443 multifamily housing bonds for 17 projects
which has facilitated the creation of over, 2,000
affordable units across the city. I'm a mess with these
would feel with today,
Thank you. Thank you. We will have a bond financing 101.
Jack has agreed to meet with any Alderman that's interested
in learning more about Bond financing. So is you coming to
the space? You have more knowledge about what the city is
asking you to vote. Yay, or nay on. Thank you Jack, very
much. So we'll move on to item number two. And we'll have
Mission come forward and give her presentation.
Watch.
while she's setting up, we want to wake knowledge, all the
band Silverstein who has joined us and part of quorum
Good morning, chair doll. And members of the committee for
the record. I'm East Ocean. Financial planning analyst
presenting our behalf of the Department of Housing. I'm
here today to request approval of the foundation, supposed
to arrive exchange, South project, the proposed the project
will be a new construction of a $6 in with Rec building
which will provide 43 affordable units. And also feature
ground-floor retail space at the amenities include
community room outside management office laundry facilities
and the workout room. The request for the city council,
this mess is to approve the ordinance to issue a to 29
million tax-exempt, multi-family housing revenue, bonds to
DL, 335 exchange, LLC for the acquisition and the
construction of the project.
Pricing will be provided.
Pricing will be provided to finance committee for approval
later this year and the construction is expected to start
after Financial closing.
The pro.
The project that is located on south east corner of 79th,
Street and exchange rate in the South Chicago community
area. Avalon Park, TIF district proximately 10 miles, south
of Chicago downtown. The project is supported by the 7th
Ward Alderman, Gregory Mitchell.
Highlight.
Highlighted area on the map is the subject of property. The
total Site Area is working. 2520 square feet which includes
three Parcels is currently occupied by derelict, building.
That will be demolished. The Parlor in the middle is owned
by the city with a size of 3131 squares made with appraisal
value of $22,000 to Parcels on the North and the South were
owned by private owner and the purchase by a relative
density of the developer with the acquisition price of
250,000.
The sea.
The single purpose, entity Thrive HT and a towel. See we'll
get on there and it will consist of General partner, dl3358
change light X. Which will be 100% owner until the investor
member is submitted the L Stringer Realty, otherwise Earth
and a E & I by Park light and the tea is the sole member of
the general partner and the developer of the project.
It's
The table provides a unit profile of the proposed to
project subject property, will provide five still do
birthday Oreos. Conte one-bedroom, unit 19 two-bedroom
units, a total of 43 rental. Units of which 100% will be
affordable for households. Earning no more than 60% of the
area median income.
And this is the current sources and uses of the project,
the proposed, the total development cost is around 29
million dollars, more accurate budget will be provided
after general contractors in Decatur and the lender
admitted overall requested for the city, including a
donation of city-owned land, 10 million T from Avalon Park,
South 14th East State Department of housing, assistance,
development with multifamily financing by the term of by
allocating 4%, low income, housing, tax credit, and bumpy
fruit with generators at Lowe's.
Allow.
11.5 m.
11.5 million taxi, and a to-be-determined, toh south bound.
As a loan against the request for this city council is only
for the pound issued. Final development, cost object to
finally died comments and environmental review. Final
underwriting will result in further changes to the budget,
your age anticipate, it will be other wall that the city
council for financing later in 2023, which has revealed a
proposal and a request, your favorable approval of these
formulas on that concludes my presentation. I'm also doing
today by Tanya kadakia the director of Partnerships and the
residential investments from the development team, we're
happy to answer any questions that she remembers of the
comedian with a hat.
Thank.
Thank you Miss Sharon. We have a number of questions from
the committee Alderman Harris.
They?
Thank.
Thank you, Autumn and Mitchell had a ribbon-cutting
ceremony and had to leave early today, but for the last
four years, we've been working on this project. This would
be the the first project of the corridor that extends from
exchange to Stony Island. And this project will anchor, the
East End of the stuff, the 79th Street Corridor project.
And then, at some point, I guess we'll get to a project
that they'll do on the East End across from the Regal
Theater, but this has been numerous community community me.
Is it has?
It has been tons of meetings and sitting down to, finally
get to this point. So today I'm asking everybody's favorite
consideration to this project, just for the the time and
energy that is taken to get us to this point is taking a
really long time. I'm at would be my wish. That moving
forward, we could do projects in the city of Chicago that
don't take eight years to get us to this point. So, I am
grateful that we will begin the be to develop the East End
of all the 79th Street Corridor, which really needs that
punch in the arm.
Stupid.
To begin development, are so awesome and Burnet. I'm
holding you to it. We build an affordable, housing down to
the east then is all I want to make sure that all the other
developments than to follow. So I asked that, I hope that
everybody can support this project and Leon, are you hear?
Thank you for putting your feet in the water and jump in
head in and not just wiggling your feet in the cold water.
I appreciate the hard work and a commitment in the time
that your team has put in to develop this project. So thank
you. Thank you, Alderman, Harris. All the real Espada.
thank you so much again, like
Thank you so much again, like the echo, the beautiful
project to do something else. That's also like just it
looks like a block or so from the metro station to have
that Transit access across the street hot dogs. So I think
this is kind of a hopefully, a learning question. Could we
go back to the the sources and purposes slide?
Okay, so looking at this,
I'm talking to.
I'm talking about the bond, is it first finance committee
meeting? Is it fair to assume that our bonds generate
upfront Revenue? That is then paid back by the equity in
the sources that we see here. Or what's, what's the
connection between the bonds? And the the sources that we
see listed here on the proposal also includes a
rehabilitation of the adjacent building into a house
center, that person is still and they're delish review, but
this is only for the pound inducement. The full project
with all final founding will be returned to this committee
for approval letter.
So the I feel like I miss my question, do the revenue bonds
that were voting on today? Have any where do they fit
within the project sources that we see listed here as for
low-income housing tax Equity is showing 11.5 m.
I'm a follow up with Jack on that but no further questions
should a woman. Take my take. My question is, is similar to
to all the middle spot is so is Art noting that this is 29
million. That's 28.7. So clearly there's a, there's a
similarity here. Are we essentially approving this 29
million as a as a upfront, allocation for this that will
eventually be paid back once these grants on their loans.
Come to come to fruition. Yet, the answer is yes, but I'm
going to have Leon Walker talk about the issues of the
financing on financing.
Identify yourself for the record here, by my colleague,
Tanya kadakia, who is head of our housing investments, and
she's going to give you a little bit of background and how
the process works in. And hoping this will clarify couple
questions.
Good morn.
Good morning Tanya. You hear that. You had a right on the
right on the mark there there are permanent sources here
that take out a larger construction loan, the construction
loan needs to be sized, very large in order to create the
4%, tax credits that are one of the charms of using
Find financing. So that weren't there.
Find financing so that weren't there not asking for credit
out of the competitive 9% round. Hopefully, not getting too
far in the weeds here, but most of these are permanent
sources that take out those bonds. That there's also a fair
question here about a 29 million dollar project was 29
million dollars worth of bonds. And this is what you shall
was referring to, which is we had been discussing a
structure that rolled in, I left, uh, see that we're
looking at financing next door. When we originally
submitted for the bond. Allocation, we are not going to
move forward with that structure because it would delay.
The housing, however, Department of Housing will obviously
give us the right amount of money to do this project not
more, not less. So, they have the discretion to pull it
back to the correct amount once we get to that point,
Thank.
Thank you.
and the
And this comes back to the committee.
I will look at the budget finalized the way. Hopefully,
later this year.
Thank.
Thank you. All the Man Taylor
I give me.
Thank you, madam chair. Was this part of the invest is
West? Yes, yes. And can you also tell me what the
affordability levels for the apartments in the space will
be?
This.
This is the unit profile. 8040 is 3 units. Will be housed
for 60 person. Am I
Thank.
Thank you, ma'am.
Thank.
Thank you, augment Taylor, Alderman, Burnett. In first of
all want to come in my colleagues, ottoman Mitchell. And
also, how to maheras for embracing is in their area, I'm
sure it hasn't been development on the spot for a long time
and something like this will help for the shot in the arm
in the community. That is another way, that affordable
housing will help Prime that neighborhood for more
development. I know that, you know, generally affordable,
housing projects generally cost more than regular projects
because of a lot of the Hoops. You have to jump through and
a lot of the policies you have to deal with, in reference
to Union David bacon, all of that other kind of stuff. And
so, it's going to be
A a a beautiful project and it probably will appraise for
more than generally, a lot of other things in that
community, so I commend you on this command. Greg, Gomez, I
wanted to ask just for just for our understanding. Can you
give us a idea of what 60% of Ami is as far as the
apartment size? Is how much that would be?
Asian or mr. Walker area. Median income is a number that is
calculated every year by my HUD and it takes the Chicago
area and comes up with what is an average household is
earning, then you start to apply. The percentage is a D60
30 and that 60% of the area median income. So if it's
$60,000 in the Chicago area, 60% that we 36,000 or three
thousand a month, then they application of that is to the
actual rent. So we have to be affordable to a household
earning $36,000 a year and that's when you take in the the
rental amount to hear you're talking about rents and 900
1,000, 1,100 dollars.
I'm a.
I'm in a
I'm in those were actually very competitive. If not,
sometimes more than what's being charged in the immediate
area, this is also the first new house, a new family
housing to be built in the community in more than 50 years.
Almost 75 by some accounts WTTW just came out with a study
that talks about a black and brown communities that have
experienced, the most social issues on this because of the
population drain. And we're losing people. This is an
effort to bring back density and population to an area that
has been losing population. Going back to the steel mills
closing in the early 80s.
So,
so, so
So so, so thank you very much. So it's a multi-family unit
is not seniors a family, go to family doing today. And and
and and I like that. I like what you just said that the 60%
of Ami, rents are more than what everybody else is getting
for rent in that area. So it's not really bringing it down,
is bringing it up right now. So this is another example of
how portable housing comprime a community and and and and
put it in the trajectory to start going up. So
congratulations to to my colleagues for using affordable
housing to Prime their community and help build it back up.
Thank you.
Thank.
thank you all the
Thank you Alderman Burnett seen or the question, is there
motion or recommend approval for item? Number two on the
agenda. So moved by Alderman, Harris recommending approval,
all those in favor signify by saying I opposed in the
opinion of the chair, the eyes have it, the do pass
recommendation of this, ordinance will report it out of the
next city council meeting. Thank you very much Miss Sharon
I thank you. Mr. Walker, what is your name?
Terror bream's identify yourself for the record their
brains and my financial planning analyst in the Department
of Housing. Thank you for being here this morning.
All right. Moving on, the item number three on the agenda
of communication, recommending. A proposed ordinance
concerning the issuance of multifamily housing revenue,
bonds or note to New City. Redevelopment limited
partnership for the acquisition of property at 1515 West,
47th Street and 1635 through 41 West, 47th Street with the
construction of the United yd, mixed affordable, housing
projects in the 20th, Ward Alderman, Taylor's, Ward, we're
joined this morning by Ivan Etta Jones, the project manager
from d, o h, and Khalid on Scott, Henry, Aaron Weisner.
A.
And Blackwood Rafael Hernandez, and Jose Duarte, who are the
owner in the joint of the joint venture? Yes, ma'am. Thank
you. Cheri woman, Dowell, and members of the committee for
the record. My name is Benita Jones from the Department of
Housing.
Before.
Before you today is the bond inducement ordinance for the
benefit of the United yd transaction. This ordinance
establishes, the city's intent to issue, bonds up to 21
million for the benefit of United yd phase 1A.
Did.
The developer is New City, Redevelopment LP, the
development team consists of Celadon and Blackwood. This is
an 80/20 joint venture Celadon, LLC consist of both Scott
Henry, and Aaron Weisner and Blackwood, LLC consist of both
Jose Duarte and Rafael Hernandez, which is by POC. LED
The purple.
the proposed United yours transaction is an invest
Southwest development located in the 20th, Ward, and the
Back of the Yards, New City community area.
This upcoming phase will produce 51 new mixed-income rental
units, located on two separate site site. One being 1515,
West. 47th Street. This will be a six-story building. The
ground floor will be what consists of an opportunity, Hub,
which is a technology training and business support center
specially. Targeted to support youth for communities of
color.
Type 2 will be located at 1541 and 1643 West, 47th Street.
However, the parking lot will be on 1635. This will be two
separate buildings with that will be three flat modular
buildings.
B. 163 building consists of 45 units with 19, parking
spaces of the 45 units. 14 units, are affordable, two
houses households at 30%, Ami and 31 units at 60%. Ami 12
of the 45 units will be covered by a project-based Section.
8, have contract with the Chicago, Low Income Housing Trust
Fund,
types of
Type to consist of a total of 2, a 6, mm, sorry sticks
two-bedroom units along with eight parking spaces of the
six unit. Two are affordable to households at 60% Ami and
four at 80% Ami.
The proposed total development costs with a phase is 14.8
million. In addition to the tax-exempt bonds, the city will
provide 14.5 + million + 12, + 4.5 million is Erp funds.
Play.
Please keep in mind that this is just for the tax-exempt
bonds for up to 21 million. It will also be presented to
city council Finance again later this year for, for
financing with passage hopefully in November, this will
conclude my presentation will ask for your approval and
support.
Thank.
Thank you, Miss Jones. Before we go to the alderman to
speak and any questions from committee members.
Just one question for me. The construction cost per unit
seems a bit high. Are you doing any kind of value
engineering to bring that class? Yes, ma'am. I have asked
the developers to look at that as well. They are in the
process, the process of finalizing their, a general
contractor. So they are going through there a pro forma
once again to make sure that those numbers are actually
valid. And if they need to bring down any of the car and
that comes back to this committee.
Play.
later, the
Later this year is not okay for that all the men Taylor.
So, where to start
so,
So this was not a project that I was happy with from the
very beginning because the department picks one set of
developers, the community picked another one. And so, of
course, being an organizer, you decide what's best for the
community cuz this cake was kind of already baked. Which is
why I asked you a question earlier. Was this invest in
southwest. And so, the community picked a local developer
who already had a business in the community but because of
some type of financing or he just wasn't picked. And so, I
wouldn't approve the project at first I was just like, no.
So we can.
So, we came to an agreement that these developers should
work together because the community wanted to see more of
the, the project that was on 47th and Bishop the other one,
that's past 47th and Ashland still, if you know the areas
where the old goldblatt's he is. So it's right behind
there. And so this was us turning lemons, into lemonade.
And so, ultimately, I'm okay with the project. I'm in a
better place but we have to get in the habit of asking
people what they want. The community is not frosting and
sprinkles. We know how to make a cake. We got all the
ingredients and I felt like this was one of the projects
that they had already baked the cake, and they wanted us to
breathe sprinkles and frosting. And that's just me making
it plain and analogy. The community that's in back of the
yard is really asking for upkeep of what they already have.
What they do, want some affordable housing for the Next
Generation that's coming there. The complaint they complain
about most is help.
Look up. Keep.
Look up, keep it. So I want us to keep that in mind when we
decide where we want to do projects, it shouldn't be one of
the other cuz that's what the community felt like it was
fighting over. They were picking a new project versus
building of some of the old things and so it's the reason
why the the goldblatt's kind of came into play cuz I've
also will be redone and there's some conversation about the
rainbow as well that's been on that corner. And so I asked
for you all, of course, the roll forward. I'm in
A rub.
A rub, it.
I rub it now, but I had to tell the story about I wasn't at
first because I want us to do development, that is centered
around, what are Community wants, not what we think because
they won't support it, they won't go into it. It's all the
amount of money that we're spending all these projects. I
just don't want to see it to go to waste four things that
the community didn't ask for. Thank you, madam chair, thank
you very much, all the woman. Taylor, can I get a motion to
recommend approval for item number three on the agenda. So
moved by Alderman Mosley, recommending do pass all those in
favor. Signify by saying, I
pause.
Posed, an opinion of the chair. The eyes have, it will
report this out at our next city council meeting. Thank you
very much.
Your presentation, this morning will move to item number
for.
I do.
Item.
Item number for communication recommending. A proposed
ordinance concerning the amendment of an ordinance, Which
authorized the Redevelopment agreement with the Monte
senior village Phase 1, LLC for the development of Imani
Village at 9633 South Cottage, Grove Avenue, and the 8th
ward. We're joined by khai dreams project manager, for g o
h and Phil Nampa and Trinity, United Church owner.
Joe.
Join.
Joint. Venture Cara.
When I?
Morning. My name is Kara, bring him and my financial
planning analyst in the Department of Housing is
multifamily finance division. And I'm joined as Wild by
Patricia Eggleston. Who represent the Trinity United Church
of Christ arm of that. Co development team.
I'm here this morning regarding the Imani Village senior
apartments proposed for 9633, South Cottage Grove Avenue
and located in the 8th ward alderman. Michelle Harris has
been an invaluable partner to this project and she spoke
eloquently on on the approval when the ordinance was
initially passed in November.
With.
with a
With the passage of the ordinance. Last November city
council approved funding to build 70 units of affordable,
senior housing. And I'll give you a quick recap of that
project here. It's 70 units, mostly one-bedroom but some
two-bedroom units as well and a real mix of incomes.
There's the majority of the units at 60%. Ami, it's a 32
million dollar project in again. The development is a joint
venture between SPM properties in development and Trinity
on 95th and Cottage, Grove plan Community Development
series, which is a non-profit
We are back before you today to make one substance of change
to the November ordinances pacifically to provide an
interest rate cap on the senior loan and exhibit a of the
ordinance. So this is what it looks like when we passed it
and brought it to you. Last year, you'll note the ordinate.
The interest rate was blank. What we're doing is adding
capping that interest rate at 7%, so it's a very minor
change that required returning to you.
Do I end my presentation with this rendering of the
completed building which we hope to begin construction on
this summer and welcome any questions for myself or form is
Egleston.
All.
Alderman Harris, thank you, thank you, madam chairman
again. I'm here before you asking for support. Again of
this project is a minor change somehow through all the
iterations of the paperwork. We forgot to put in the
interest rate. And so I'm asking you all the other two to
approve this, so we can begin to build for people that
don't know. I'm a single family community that is aging
out. And as a result of senior housing is at a premium, we
have waiting lists into the thousands for people that want
to sell their house and move in the housing. But they want
to stay in their Community because we're a single-family
how our community that has been landlocked we have not been
able or were time to build senior housing. So I'm
Are there?
Very unique.
Very unique stage of my life. As we are building senior
housing everywhere, we can build it in a war to keep
residents are in our community that want to stay where they
recognize things. I understand things no things and know
where they are. So Trinity has been a fabulous partner
along with Phil map of who has done other building senior
housing in a ward. So I'm asking for your favorable
consideration to this project, it will begin all the member
that where you at, again portable house, where you at all
demands of affordable, housing again, the affordable
housing for seniors with what transformed the universe. So
we are Transforming Our Ward one step at a time. So I asked
for your favorite will consideration on this.
Thank.
Thank you Alderman, Harris, Aldrin, Martin's hand went up
after you started speaking. So Alderman, Martin, sorry
about that one. Quick question, the interest rate Pease was
that a scrivener's error error? Was there another
consideration where we wanted to wait some. Of time for
clarity before locking that in
It was.
it was it was I was
It was it was I was wishing that it was the scrivener's
error but unfortunately it got there was above the air of
the level of Scribner there because the city's interest is
potentially harmed. If the interest rate for the private
loan, which this is the first loan is not caps. So if that
interest rate would exceed that 7% which we've kept it at
it could mean that the project was more expensive than what
we've budgeted for 22 to cover. So we needed to come back
to you to make that end in Alderman. Harris was being
generous, it was, it was clearly a city when she said we
made the error. It was our are so it was said, he texts we
take responsibility for. That was not the development team.
Thank.
Thank you all the men Martin Alderman Burnett.
so, I
So I would be remiss if I did not come in on this one.
Also, fog, Marist, I want to commend you on this film app.
What does a great job feel? I still waiting on, I'm still
waiting on you to do something in my water man. Y'all are
you dragging man? You know you give me all this stuff to
the South side. But anyway, it's is, you know, what happens
with our senior citizens all over the city, Chicago? When
they retire, they get on a fixed income and they
automatically, most people automatically lose 20% of their
salaries or more when they retire. So they do.
I need to know.
I need an affordable place to live.
I need an affordable place to live and and holding onto a
house can become you know cost-prohibitive for them and
sometimes they kids don't kick in to this. Give them a
decent livable and affordable place to live and be able to
stay in the community where they live. So I can mend
Alderman, Harris, but doing this, I know that in some
instances, some people from communities frown on some of
these things but is not about a few people who got what
they have is about helping everybody in the community. So
congratulations, all of me. Thank you.
Thank.
thank you all the
Thank you all the time, Burnet and Alderman, Harris. I just
I also wanted to commend you a project that you were able
to get 15% of area median, income for seniors. That's
excellent. Still wanted to acknowledge that motion on this
to recommend approval for item number for Alderman. Martin
recommends ducasse, all those in favor signify by saying I
posed
Penny.
in the opinion of the chair, the eyes have in and report
this out at the next city council meeting. Thank you, Miss
dreams.
I am.
I am number five on the agenda is from the Department of
Planning and Development. It's a communication
recommending. A proposed ordinance concerning conveyance of
city-owned property at 4553. 4555 4559 and 4569 North
Pulaski Road and provision of open space impact fee funds
to neighbor space for the First Nations Garden project.
This is in the 33rd Ward where Alderman Rodriguez, Sanchez
rains and we will have a presentation by Meg to stop a
person from dpd
Can I have?
I have to reload it, but give me one second.
and I,
And also been haplin help Han from neighbor space. Are you
here? I've been, I see you.
Okay, we go. Good morning for the record. My name is Meg,
Gustafson in the department of planning and development.
My project today is a garden. Receiving shift funds, open
space impact, refunds, and Chicago recovery plan funds.
This is located in the Albany Park Community area, 4555
North Pulaski in Alderman, Rodriguez. Sanchez is Ward, the
total budget for the garden. It's on four Parcels. The
total budget for the garden has 1.1 million dollars,
Okay, by number two.
Here.
Here's the Ariel of the location and it's at the corner of
Pulaski and Wilson.
I'm
It's currently being used by the First Nations Garden.
We're proposing to use these two funds to clean the land
because it is currently not up to our environmental
standards and then rebuild a new Garden here.
This.
This is a collaboration between shy Nations and neighbor,
space, and shy Nations has been in the, in the Albany Park.
Working in the Albany Park neighborhood for many years.
This project started out with Alderman Rosa and is now in
the 33rd Ward.
with the
With the word, boundary change a little background on
neighbors face. They currently manage owned and leased 131,
Garden City Wide, which is approximately 33 Acres.
They?
They're the city.
They're the city's only nonprofit land trust. And if you
have more specific questions about neighbors face, then
he'll friend is here to answer those.
Okay, I think I skipped a slide in here.
If?
Thank you.
That.
Hold on, hold on.
Okay, stakeholders next.
Not.
Next. Okay, we're using $93,000 and fun is a program
managed by me out of the Department of Planning and
Development. There's a fee assessed on new residential
units. The fees are collected by the department of
buildings and Department of planning. Uses those fees to
build new open space. They can only be used for Capital
costs and not be used for maintenance. So it's a impact fee
to build new open space.
Is.
Is this? So my screen is not looking the same.
I'll read from here to Chicago recovery, plan funds are
$500,000, ask is $350,000 and impact. Because like I said,
$93,000 for a total of 1.1 million
that will conclude my presentation. Thank you very much.
I'll take.
I'll take any question.
All.
Ultimate Vice chair.
It has no.
Angels numbers didn't add up to 1.1 million. Go, there are
some private funds as well.
The color.
The call it the expenses on the left, understood, thank you
and Taylor.
I'm not sure.
I'm not sure if it was in the presentation and I missed it.
What is the commute? How will the community be able to
access to guard the community and programming it? So it is
if it's a community garden neighborspace is merely the
landowner and they hold the insurance and all the legal.
Thank.
Thank you.
Thank you and your welcome. All them and Taylor moves to
pass all those in favor. Signify by saying, I
pause.
Posed and opinion of the chair. The eyes have it done? The
do pass, recommendation will report it out at the next city
council meeting. Thank you very much.
Perkins.
Ferguson.
Are.
Item number 6 on the agenda from the Department of planning
and development is the communication recommending. A
proposed ordinance concerning a First Amendment to the
intergovernmental agreement with the Chicago Park District
to increase tax increment, financing funds for the
renovation of the public field house at Blackhawk Park
located at 2318 North LaVergne Avenue and the 31st Road
Ward Alderman, Cardona
and we,
And we have with us Beth O'Reilly from the park district
presenting.
Good morning, German Dowell and the members of the finance
committee for the record. My name is Beth O'Reilly and am
I. I am the deputy budget director at the Chicago Park
District. I am here today to request your approval of an
intergovernmental agreement amendment that would provide
park districts.
Baby doll.
so,
So bad. And
a Minnie Mouse person not a
How do I go to the next page?
Can you show her how to advance it on this?
You can.
You can use a rope while we're doing this. We want to
acknowledge all the manly and all the men ramirez-rosa
Are you go perform? So sorry it's just start over. We are
seeking an amendment to the original agreement to increase
funding to funding for this project by another two million
$755 22 million. 7:55 to 66 and tiffa sistance to
significantly renovate. The Blackhawks Fieldhouse. The
project is located at 2318 North LaVergne Avenue in the
belmont-cragin community area and the 31st Ward. It is also
located within the Belmont Central TIF district land
improvements to the black.
Card include a major renovation of the existing field house
to include improvements to the building envelope,
rebuilding the roof interior, restoration of the walls
ceiling floors, as well as remodeling to improve 88a access
throughout the park. And when you shoot Park, we went in
originally for the roof, was our main focus of the design
team has been going through the park and
they're like, yeah, I know you need a lot more money there.
Had just, or in the past had been a fire and some of the
support beams in the roof had not been replaced. So it
really just sort of blew up the scope. And you can see the
condition of the windows. This is the gym area.
It's pretty in in really bad shape. So, the project was
originally, awarded $3000000 the extent of the work as the
design team has been walking through was obviously very
much underestimated. The construction scope discovered to
the design process is expected to cost over 5.7 million
dollars to complete the original scope remain. We have not
added any new elements, it's just the amount. The volume of
work that needs to be completed has been expanded. As you
can see in the revised budget. This is just more of the
conditions of the roof and you're the line items that have
increased.
So it's still the roof went up, another 400,000 the window
and door replacement went up close to 600,000. The 88
access there are steps leading to the lower-level locker
rooms in the bathrooms. All of that needs to be blown out
that increased by another $500,000 so every line item did
go up.
We have also added a $500,000 contingency to this
renovation because as you know if you've ever done any
remodeling, change orders are to be expected and discovered
conditions are definitely going to be found. If we do go
above this budget and he crossed and not covered with him
this. But justed 5000755 to hundred and sixty-six. Budget
will be borne by the park. District's Capital program, I am
here for any questions and I appreciate your consideration.
Okay. Thank you all them and Cardona will let you close. We
have some questions from members of the committee Alderman,
Scott.
I,
I approve, I approve this, but I've ever had as a elected
official and a Prior Park District employee. We have to do
a better job is Partners to really stop being
Real.
Reactive to see.
Reactive to situations our buildings in the Chicago Park
District old and we shouldn't wait until it gets this bad
to now want to fix this. It's a problem for me because I've
been in several parks and several Parks need the exact same
thing. So if if, if the park and make a commitment with all
the union employees that they have and they're hard workers
that they have there to be a little bit more proactive
because this this existed ten years ago and prior to that.
And so we have to be a little bit more proactive.
So, it does.
So it doesn't cost as much to replace things.
Thank.
Thank you all and Miss Scott. That is very well said. And
probably that sentiment is shared by a lot of your
colleagues. It is my hope to this committee that we will
have the park district come before us from time, to time to
have a discussion with us about what their capital budget
is, what their plans are so that we can hold them more
accountable.
If I could just say one thing at this point, you just heard
from Jack Grossman about the city's finances on average.
I see.
I think the city bonds that I asked, Jack what his last
couple years, babe on 700 million dollars worth of capital,
Park.
Parked.
Park District bonds, 30 million. We do not. We would love
700 million. Oh my gosh, that would be awesome. We are
capped at $30 or 33 million dollars depending on the
market.
Do.
So we are so limited. We have, we are a huge huge entity,
we have six hundred and five parks.
We?
With 246b old houses, we have the shoreline, we have golf
courses, we have Harbors. We have 519 playgrounds, and we
have 30 million dollars.
What is?
What is at by some kind of resolution know. I don't know
what you guys do with the park district ordinance. I
believe it's a state count. I can get a ride up from CFL.
We are limited protection. We get back to this year. But
even with the 30 million or whatever that what was that
number 30 30 million we should still have an understanding
of even just how
And I don't think that we do.
Set.
Set timer to do very quick points. Number one, pick you up
on that, the Park District at the end of the day of the
creation of State legislation to those kinds of changes
deserve it as we talked about, with our bond financing. You
need to revenue to issue bonds against and I think the park
district deserves all the support I can get in generating
the revenue for those bonds. Nobody wants to do less than
their best. I sure where you're coming from on that point
two quick questions, looking at the scope and not my Park,
not my ward. That's created. I know a lot of work went into
this and I love what you doing. Does the park already have
h v a c or is that
Don't.
Very doubtful. And I know how expensive that is to factor
into a project like this. We just had to decide not to do
hbac improvements at the park in my work. How's the cost of
coming from? We need to make it dry and tight. That's
really our first goal in any building, make the programming
space available.
An.
and I,
And work with Sans and window units where we need to.
Because you're right, adding elevators, at least a million
dollars getting HVAC. At least a million dollars fan.
Technology is not what it once was, but I would love to
manage a 300 million dollar program. We will have
conversations in the next few years. I'm certain of it, but
on the current to propose amount I'm just curious how much
of the increase we see is due to deteriorating conditions
and how much is David, is we put out the bids in the bids
came in. We haven't died yet, we're still on design. So
when we came in, this is another point we came in, and we
secure the funding in 2000. I believe when we got this for
ordinance,
at the,
At that.
At that time.
When the administration was managing the tips they said,
give us all your projects. And I know a lot of you Old
MacDonald, particularly have had projects in the queue. We
put in all our project but we had limited to Cassie on when
we can get them. So this one we were like, okay needs a new
roof, it's probably going to need this. That's where we
came in with the three million understanding that I think
also Reagan is also in the steps and so we were compared
Sing with two projects with limited funds. So he said,
okay, we'll put three million for Blackhawk. And we'll put
a fax number for Kragen. And Chopin is the other one that's
in the same mix of it's not dragging its show him. So we
were like, okay, let's take three million for this in for
you. So it wasn't really a realistic estimate when we came
in, for the first time for three million, it was like, we
know we need it. This is an old building. Well, you can see
how many roof lines there are rats, had additions that you
can look at the gym and say, well, okay, this is going to
be expensive, but until we got in there with the design
team walking around its list, the order of magnitude was
I'm Amazed.
Amazing, I guess, I guess I say this with all respect and
when we factor in the contingency fee, when we put it out
to bid, you feel like our, our numbers are respectful of
where the market is. Right now, we can help, we added the
500-2000. You, this was originally passed in 2020, right
Alderman? Martin Martin followed by Alderman Taylor,
I think.
I think so.
I thinks the my first question is already answered in terms
of 2020 being Glen delay in terms of initial versus put
forward many projects and then we had to open and we had a
pretty big Talent.
Set.
So yeah, it was like The Perfect Storm.
In in future, I appreciate your point earlier about wanting
to come in and have more routine conversations because you
and I have talked about some facilities in, in my
community. I'm sure those conversations have happened in
varying ways all across Council especially with the number
of newer individuals. I think it would be great to sit down
and have them or intentional holistic of a conversation or
series of conversations to understand at bottom, what your
Capital plan looks like, I think certainly in the immediate
term getting some concise memo in terms of at the state
level, what those restrictions are. So we can speak with
our colleagues there to better, understand how to lift
those. Because I think everybody here recognizes that there
are few institutions locally that are more important than
our Park District facilities and as a result, I think that
would be something that we can help me get the ear of our,
our state colleagues around and have a numb
Alderman.
Alderman Road.
Alderman Robinson, being a new addition to our our body,
but having those relationships might be able to provide
some insights in terms of how to expedite this
conversation. In the final thing I'll say, is we have a
number of tips that are expiring as well. And I know that
in, in other conversations, I've heard colleagues mentioned
the possibility of extending those, even for a short. Of
time to address issues that we've been discussing today
Capital planning for Park District facilities, portable
housing. Perhaps also needed infrastructure improvements.
So while I appreciate my call explain automobile spot about
having this conversation over a number of years which is
needed. I think now is actually the time to ramp up those
conversations as we're faced with a number of very
challenging decisions about what to do specifically with
Tiff because of the end of the day knowing that we have a
lot of moving Parts here Personnel that you mentioned a lot
of projects in the queue
But I see.
but I think,
but I think with even with the park district being a sister
agency, we need to find a think of more efficient way to
have these mining-related conversation so that you have
more resources than you and your colleagues have right now.
That would be amazing because this Tif expires at the end
of 24. So we are moving. We are hustling. We are doing what
we can because 24 is right around the corner. That's why I
have picture. Thank you all the time or no.
Taylor.
Holland Taylor.
Thank.
Thank you, madam chair.
The park district needs a forensic audit. I'm just going to
say it because I clearly can't understand how that number
went from being 750 to 10. What is a 1.41 million + 2?
Alderwoman Scott point? We don't take care of these Park
District's like we're supposed to, we don't have
programming, that's actually tends to what happens in the
community. This is called the black hawk Park. Have y'all
thought about asking the Blackhawks? It's like we got to
use common sense in order for us to kind of get what we
need to change. Some of these Park District's. Part of the
problem, I we have a lot of issues in our community and I'm
not blaming it all on the Park District, but y'all got to
own some of it because our pools are not open. So I got a
pool that's being redone. I don't have open gym at and I
have
or paw.
or parked.
or Park District. I don't have open gym and he loved her.
And so we need to figure out programme and we need to talk
about how do we raise more money for the park district and
that's something you all should be leading us to and the
thought just went through to 2020. Is that what you said,
2020 we are in 2023. We just could have been done. What,
what, what was the holdup? You all could have come to us
before then especially the federal money. Federal
government was giving us all of these called the phone.
Do.
Don't know if you all received on.
Don't know if you all received them but Madam chair, that's
a conversation that I want to have with the park district
ASAP, cuz this makes no sense. We need you all for our
summer for our young people, to have things to do. Just
doing summer. But doing school time, people really depend
on the Park District and one of my Park District has been
set on fire several times. I ain't receive one call from
the park district. Not one Ashley people the community, and
the people who utilize the park call me, and so you all
have a miscommunication problem as well. And so I want us
to do a better job at working together and I need y'all to
see us as allies. We are not the enemy and I feel like
y'all see us as the enemy. Because
and I,
and I'm
And I'm grateful that that the ottoman Cardona is getting
this, but where are the Blackhawks? A name on it? Do we
have a relationship? If that's not the point. Is that
nothing I say we should ask do. I guarantee they would give
us some money if we put a black hole sign up. There we have
all of these institutions in our community that we need to
utilize. And I don't feel like we always pull on them. And
so I want to see something different from the park district
in this next year. We don't have a couple of years, like
and we should always and all in with this. We should be
meeting with you all in January about a summer, a summer
playing for our communities. And I've never heard anybody
at the Park Street have neck, kind of conversation. You all
have lost a bunch of folks. We don't even talk to her
earlier this month.
My liaison, let me show you how old does was Tiffany who was
from IG she left. Nobody else has called me and communicate
it other than the person who is in charge of that actually
who's supervising a district, which is Miss DD. And so, you
all got to do a better conversation because to your point,
if my kid get hurt in one of the partitions that y'all
could have fixed. All hell's going to break loose. Thank
you. Thank you. I tell her who is TIG a person for us now,
I'm not sure they've been hired yet. Okay, moving right
along. All the men Villegas.
Make.
Thank you, madam chair. When you when you do, if you have
those hearing. So I'll be interested to find out what the
preferred maintenance on the park district is in what other
plans as relates to some of the program, some of the
projects they have within Tif districts. So I approve this
project back in 2028 was in my ward and now it's in the
31st Ward and it does need major major improvements but I
think it speaks to how Park District CT and other agencies
that utilize Tiff has a piggy bank and just have the
audacity to come to the city council and ask for almost
double the amount that was requested really is
disrespectful. Given the fact that there's a ton of
improvements and love deferred maintenance have been done
my colleagues. All have facilities that need a
I am in my question is to Beth and you're just here, it's
nothing against you. But you know the cab the federal
government passed a 1.3 1.2 trillion dollar Capital plan in
the Park District. Be interesting to find out how much the
park district requested from the federal government as
relates to that 1.2 trillion in capital funds and whether
or not we were successful,
We definitely need to figure out what we're going to do. I
know your budget, your Capital plans, about 30 million or
something like that. And given the fact that you have
hundreds of facilities in the cost of construction, is
continue to go up. We definitely need to hear playing
versus just if, and if that means that you need to go to
Springfield to ask for some type of referendum to allow for
additional funding, then, so be it. But I just think that
that's because you to continuously come here to the body
and the previous administration you liked. If like it's a,
your own piggy bank and not really, look at the the
economic development, which with the Intensive Tiff is is
to create Revenue. I think that's. That's an issue. So I'm
sure I can't wait for you to have these hearings cuz we we
got to find out what the plan is cuz this is just
ridiculous to come here asking for almost double the amount
that was requested three years ago.
Thank you.
Thank you, then.
Thank you. Thank you. All the
Thank you, thank you all the movie agus, give me a moment.
Give me a moment, all the main Cardona.
Thank.
Thank you, madam, chair P, back to my colleague Aldrin
Villegas. I want to thank him for starting this in 2020
because of the remap, I inherited the park. So during the
process of talking to the park district and trying to
figure out what, how do you lies money, and how we could do
things for the space for our children in our neighborhood.
So, I just want to say thank you all the previous for
starting this. I appreciate everybody's support. You hear
our concerns. There's a lot of issues going on with the
partition. We shouldn't be spending millions of dollars to
rehab to keep it safe for children. And I know that German
dolls going to do certain things to bring the park district
here. So we can have discussions as you hear from all of
our colleagues here, we have issues, but besides the
issues, I just want to say thank you for
this was a pro.
This is a process cuz I was part of the process. It took a
while, but I was done and hopefully this is the second Park
in my War, that's going to get a new transformation. So I
just want to say thank you and I will love my collie
support on this item.
Thank.
Thank you all the men Cardona and motion to move, do past
made by Alderman Rodriguez all those in favor. Signify by
saying, I all those opposed in the opinion of the chair,
the eyes have it will report this out at the next city.
Council meeting I am number 7. On the agenda is from the
Department of planning and development is the communication
recommending. A proposed ordinance concerning the
Redevelopment agreement.
We?
with a vision of tax increment, financing funds to the
Steep theater company for renovation and construction of a
new theater venue and a community space at 5300 through
5318 North Kenmore in the 48th Ward Alderman, hoppenworth
We joined by Tim Jeffries will give the presentation and we
also have a representative Marissa masella from the Steep
theater.
Already.
Good morning, Terry towel and numbers of the finance
committee for the record. My name is Tim Jeffries managing
Deputy Commissioner in the department of Planning and
Development. I'm here today to request your approval of a
Redevelopment agreement between the city and the Steep
theater company for the purpose of authorizing 2.9 Million
Dollars into funding to be used for the development of a
new theater venue Community Gathering space and
headquarters of the Steep Theater Company.
Subject property is located at 200 North Kenmore within the
Edgewater community area, the 48th Ward and the Hollywood
Sheridan TIF district.
At the subject property, which is highlighted, in red is
located at the intersection of Berwyn Avenue and Kenmore
Avenue one block. East of the Berwyn Avenue Red Line
Station.
Show.
I'm here at the current conditions of the building, which
is overall in stable condition, but is in need in 7th, some
improvements including Foundation, exterior roof repairs,
additionally, the property was formerly a Christian Science
reading room, also its design as a religious space has
significant functional limitations for most users.
The developer of the proposed project is the Steep Theater
Company, 501, c 3, not-for-profit theater company, founded
in 2004, the company's 23-year history, they produced over
70, show, both critical and Commercial Success has. In
recognition of this Excellence, the seats theater of the
sea theater has one at 12 local Jeff Awards. They most
recently functioned as a storefront theater from 2008 to
2020 but they lost their nearby home at 1115 West Berwyn
Avenue when the property was sold for a larger
Redevelopment project. In their lease was not renewed the
Steep theater plans to undertake a in approximately five
million dollar renovation of the existing 3500 square-foot
property.
How to construct a?
constructing, a
I was constructing a 1800 square foot expansion. When
complete the new facility, will include a 70 seat black box
theater venue with a related back-of-house operations,
including production space in dressing rooms offices for
the Steep theater Administration and a community Gathering
space.
If?
Is the estimated total project cost of the is approximately
five million dollars with up to 2.9 Million or 59.7% of the
total project cost goes to come from. Tiff the remaining $7
in funds. Would come from Equity, lender financing and
charitable contributions.
and if
And it proved the Redevelopment agreement will reimburse,
the developer for handkerchief eligible costs across for
payments. Three of them will be provided at Key Milestones
during construction with a fourth and final burst upon the
issuance of the certificate of completion of the city's
investment, we protected by Provisions in the RTA that
require that the Steep Theater Company occupied and
continuously operate the theater. And should they close or
sell the property during the compliance term and they're
obligated to reimburse? The city for any previously
dispersed Tif funds.
Here.
Here's a rendering of what the project is expected to look.
Like, you can see the existing building that's on the right
hand of the screen. It's largely remaining the same. Most
of the extensive improvements will be interior, so the
extra raised the same. But the proposed addition to has a
more modern design is shown in the last
It's all.
Its overall dpd is supportive of this proposed project which
is in strong alignment with the with the neighborhood's
desire for this. Long-standing cultural asset to remain in
the Edgewater neighborhood and establish a permanent home
in recognition of this as well as a steep theaters
commitment, to local engagement and local service. The
project has received strong, some more support from the
community. This includes the current aldermanic worth as
well as former Alder hosterman. Finally, the project will
repurpose a vacant building that would present
Redevelopment challenges for other users name. For those
reasons dpd is requesting, the use of tests to support this
project.
I thought.
I think the committee for your favorable consideration of
your your request as much of my chair. Well I'm joined
today by Marissa masella and Peter Faust from the Steep
theater company and I'm happy to answer any questions. You
might have I thank you Tim I see no questions from the
committee called manamana hoppenworth. Okay. Thank you,
madam chair, and thank you for this presentation. And I'm
also recognize things to keep beer. That's here with us
today. I'm very excited about this project. This is kitty
corner to church Epworth Church which we're going to call
in front of the land Market Committee to. So it's a very
interesting intersection it's I'm excited because theater
although they were displaced they did.
Citywide search.
Citywide search, and they landed two blocks away from where
they were displaced from and several of the artist live in
the ward to. So this is truly a local jam and where I'm
very happy to have the opportunity to have them expand and
use this space and repurpose it. So I asked for this
committee's favorable consideration, thank you, thank you
very much, all the men. We have a motion to recommend
approval for item number seven, from all the Misfits. I'm
all those in favor. Signify by saying, I suppose
and if
in the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and we will
report this out at the next city council meeting. Item
number 8 on the agenda is a communication recommending. A
proposed ordinance concerning a Redevelopment agreement,
with a vision of tax increment, financing funds to 221
East, 49th Street, LLC for the development of the Overton
Center of Excellence, at 221 East, 49th Street in the
Third. Ward were joined by Tim Jeffries again to give the
presentation and Andy Grier from the Overton. He's a
consultant for the owner's is here with us today.
Aren't.
Good morning again. I will never see the finance committee
again. Tim Jeffries managing Deputy Commissioner in the
department of Planning and Development, the current item
request approval of a Redevelopment agreement between the
city and 221 East, ninety 49th Street LLC to authorize the
use of up to 5 million dollars into funds for the
Redevelopment of, the former Overton Elementary School as
the Overton center of excellence.
Are the subject property is located at 221 East, 49th
Street, which is in the Grand Boulevard community area and
the 47th and King Drive TIF district, the local Alder. This
project is the Third Ward.
Shown here is an aerial aerial view of the neighborhood.
The project site highlighted in red. It's generally located
at the southeast corner of 49th and Indiana midway between
the cta's, 47th and 51st Street Green Line. Stations also
know that it is in close. Proximity to the Tif funded
policy Kings project at the corner of 51st and Calumet
which was recently approved by city council.
Shown here is the current conditions of the former Overton
Elementary School which was originally built in. 1969, and
named after Anthony Overton, the founder of the Overton
hygienic company and the Chicago Bee newspaper, it was
designed by Perkins & will and is an excellent example of
the mid-century modern style. It was however, it one of 49
CPS facilities which was closed in 2013 and has remained
vacant since that time
show.
So here is a typical classroom with a distinctive windows
that were seen in the exterior photo. As you can see, the
building is is, is in reasonably good condition on the
interior, but it still requires a number of improvements
and I'd only bring the State Building into a good state of
repair but also allow for the building to be adapted to non
School uses.
Liver.
The proposed project would transform this former School
into an approximately 61000 square foot affordable flexible
office space for local entrepreneurs and nonprofit focused
in the area of climate Health arts and culture. Next
Generation, growth, and education or change in total. The
building would support up to 38 businesses and
entrepreneurs, who will each occupy between 500 to 16000
square feet of. The former gymnasium will be converted to a
multi-purpose facility open to the community and the former
lunchroom will function as a teaching, kitchen and event
space.
I'll give.
Given.
Given the age of the school, many of its Building Systems
have reached the end of their useful life or in an are
needed a replacement, which is affected in the project
scope. This includes any mechanical electrical and plumbing
systems, as well as new energy-efficient, windows, and
exterior, repairs and roof, repairs additional work. Items.
Include the interior build out of the property as well as
ADA compliance improvements bicycle parking in electrical
vehicle charging stations. The project developer is 221
East 49th Street LLC. I was just headed up by Keon foreman
and Joe Bowden of the Washington Park Development Group who
focuses on real estate development on the south side and is
invested more than 26 million dollars in recent years and
the Washington Park in Brownsville neighborhoods.
The estimated total cost of construction for this project
is approximately 16.8 million dollars of 25 million of that
or 29th. 2029 2.7 per cent of the budget is proposed to
come from other sources include 2.7 million in New Market
tax. Credit allocations 4.4 million in Combined state, and
federal historic tax credits and a 1.5 million dollar Grant
from the We rise together.
If approved the Redevelopment agreement is structured to
reimburse the developer for up to 5 million eligible costs
with reimbursement made as to equal payments of 2.5
million. The first upon the issuance of the certificate of
completion. And 2nd at the one-year anniversary of the
certificate of completion City's investment will be
protected by Provisions in the RTA. That require the
project be continuously, operational or no less than 10
years. And maintain at least, 75% occupancy for that same
term. It's a developer violates because these conditions
are sells the property during the compliance. The city has
the right to recapture any and all previously disbursed to
funds.
Over.
Overall deep, it is again. Supportive of this request,
abusive Tiff supports it over to the development of the
Overton Center of Excellence because it will create a high
quality affordable and sustainable Hub neighborhood-based.
Entrepreneurs can create and grow, not only their business,
but also the Bronzeville neighborhood. It is also
incredibly hard to overstate the importance of repurposing.
A school that has remained more. It has. It has remained
vacant for more than a decade with uses that will ensure
the continued growth of Bronzeville as an equitable
sustainable and Resident, Brewing community. And finally,
the project was one of the neighborhoods iconic buildings
is redeveloped in a way that not only preserves its
historic Integrity but does so for the do so in a way that
makes it remain an asset for the next 60 years.
If?
And for all those reasons PPT is recommending, the use of
GIF to support this project.
but they,
I think you're the committee for your consideration of this
request and as the chair said, I've been trying, but today,
any gear from the Overman over Overton development team.
That.
Thank you, Tim. I don't have any see any question, okay?
All done in Morton, that seems like a really terrific
project. Congratulations, I'm sure. There's a tremendous
amount of work that went into that, but it seems really,
really impressive. So congratulations. We were really
nervous when CPS close at school cuz it is a school is
still dead in the middle of the Bronzeville community. And
we're happy to see Deion foreman and Joe Bowden a purchase
it from CPS. And they have been operating, you know, as a
center for a community Hub, they've had a vents, there
popups art shows demonstrations, so they figured out a way
to make it work, and we really need the support of the city
in this Tif to take it to another level. So, I asked for my
colleagues support on this and can I get a mole?
To.
To so improve. So approved by all the Martin recommending,
do pass all those in favor. Please signify by saying I
posed in the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and
this will be reported out.
At the next city, council meeting item. Number 9, as was
mentioned, at the beginning of the meeting will be held in
committee at my request on the motion was made by all them
in Mitchell. So we'll keep moving forward. Item number 10
on the agenda, is the proposed ordinance authorizing, the
payment of various small claims against the city of
Chicago. This is a direct introduction, and a list of those
payments approved were sent electronically to everyone if
they're no questions. Can I get all the men, Cardona
approves, the motion hearing no objections, this will be
placed in the Omnibus item. Number 11 on the agenda was a
proposed ordinance denying, the payment of various small
claims against the city of Chicago. This was also a direct
introduction and the list of payments denied were sent
electronically to everyone, if they're
No Object.
No objections. This will be play.
No objections, this will be placed on the Omnibus. So moved
by Alderman laspada, item number 12, on the agenda are our
Communications transmitting reports of cases in which
verdicts judgments or settlements were entered into for the
month of April 2023 and may 2023. These reports were
provided by the Department of Law and was sent
electronically to everybody. The link to the Department of
laws website in which every one of these reports are posted
was also sent to everyone. If there are no objections with
these reports, we will place them on file with the city
clerk's office.
Move.
Moving right along, I'm 13 on the agenda is from the
Department of Law. We have for proposed orders authorizing,
the corporation counsel to enter into an executed
settlement orders in the following cases. The first case,
we're going to hear this morning is Lana, triplet versus
Adam, and the city of Chicago.
20.
2019.
2019 l777. One in the amount of $400,000, we are joined
this afternoon.
By James Orman, who is from the Department of lost sheep.
Assistant Corporation counsel mr. Ormond.
Stream.
Streets & Sanitation, word, superintendent, Adam Corona was
driving a City Ford F-150 when he rear-ended a vehicle
driven.
By Desiree Barton.
It's
The Spartans mother, Lana. Triplet with the front seat,
passenger, Miss Triplett who is 53 at the time. The same
cervical injuries that aggravated her prove existing
degenerative condition, making it symptomatic and
eventually requiring a two-level fusion surgery at C5, C6
and C6 C7.
Just passed medical bills of $135,000 and projected, future
medical bills, that would be in excess of $150,000.
We were.
We recommend settlement for $400,000.
Plaintiff alleges that. Mr. Corona was negligent and that
he failed to decrease the speed When approaching the
vehicle. She she occupied failed to stop in time to avoid a
collision and failed to keep a proper Lookout.
Yeah.
Jackson at
the accident happened on August 2nd, 2018 at approximately
10:55 a.m.
At.
at the intersection of Higgins and Central Avenue.
Mr. Corona testified, that he was traveling immediately
behind Bart and when she appeared to attempt to turn left
onto Central without signaling, and that you came to a
sudden stop, because of westbound traffic on Higgins.
Miss Barton testified that she have been stopped with the
green light for close to 30 seconds waiting for westbound
traffic on Higgins to clear when she was struck by Corona,
Miss.
Miss Triplett testified the Barton had just pulled away
from a red light and was waiting to turn left for probably
3 to 4 seconds when the impact occurred.
I'll
All are in agreement, that coronavirus impact the right
rear bumper of Barton's vehicle.
Play.
The planet.
The plaintiff was taken by ambulance to Community First
hospital where she complained of neck popping back, and
shoulder pain.
Exit.
X-rays and CT scan, showed Osteo arthritis and degenerative
conditions with no acute, traumatic changes. She was given
pain medicine and muscle relaxers, and she been sought
additional osteopathic treatment and had Physical Therapy
between September and December of 2018 and December, 2018,
Mr. I showed significant degenerative changes in her.
little spine in the
Little spine in the range of C4 to C7 the plaintiff.
Continuously sought treatment, seeking several steroid.
Injections in your cervical spine and eventually had
another MRI in 2020 at which time she scheduled a fusion
surgery.
Or treat.
Or treating surgeon. Doctor Iannotti testified, the
triplets degenerative. Condition was rendered symptomatic
because of the car accident and that therefore necessitated
the surgeries to repair the fusion surgery at C5, C6 and C6
C7 levels.
Do.
Does do surgery, took place in April of 2021 has also
retained. A medical expert neurosurgeon to testify at trial
concerning his review of dr. Ian Hattie's treatment, and
his examination of her, this expert will testify that Miss
Triplett has a Jason segments and drum or degeneration,
which commonly occurs when someone has a spinal fusion and
that she will require additional spinal fusion surgeries
it's a
The surgery is limited Miss Miss triplets, neck mobility,
and she continues to have complaints of pain.
The sea.
The city retained, Dr. Wellington sue, his opinion. Is that
the plaintiff had a cervical and Lumbar strain from the
August 2nd, 2018 Collision. It's his, it's his opinion that
Miss Triplett only suffered a lumbar, strain Sprain, and
there was only a temporary aggravation of her pre-existing
condition, but that you return to Baseline by September of
2018, doctors, who disagrees with Miss triplets treating
physician,
The triplets past medical bills were 135,000 and her
future. Medical bills will be between 150000 to 190000.
We?
We were.
We recommend the proposed settlement of $400,000 to avoid
the risk of a higher verdict at trial.
Thanks.
Thank you, mr. Ormond Ernie questions all demands pizzato
Thank.
Thank you, James. I'm sure your friends warned you about
me. So I got to show you. My questions are legitimate you
rear-end, somebody get responsible. So I may not one
hundred percent support this but something doesn't add up
here to me. So maybe you can help me. One of my question
was, how much were the medical bills will? Looks like to
me, you got about the tuna quarter medical bills. How much,
how much damage was there to the car?
there were
There was damaged.
There is damage to the mean financially, the probably in the
range of under $10,000, but there was there was less
cosmetic.
Ever.
It was more ties. Medic damage to the bumper but there was
Damage. Just curious. What are the main things I didn't
understand about this and more, but
hey.
Basically, she's pretty much getting nothing and then this
is 5 years later. So something just doesn't add up here to
me. So this seemed like a simple thing, you rear-end,
somebody around you. I got to pay my insurance. You wearing
the same thing. Five years later an hour, and in 400,000,
which basically looks like, she's walking away with maybe
$100,000. Maybe you don't know how many more medical bill.
Also, just curiosity, why why they're just something, is
this simple take so long?
well, there is
I think, I guess I was much higher me. Negotiated it down,
right?
Yes.
Yes, I do.
Yes, I think the causation on this was disputed in terms of
the nature and extent of injury at witches.
I think highlighted by Dr. Wellington Seuss, testimony, in
his opinion that she had more of just soft tissue injuries
and that the other injuries were pre-existing
and I, thank
and I thank you. Thank you. Ma'am sir. Thank you. Miss
pasado Alderman Taylor. Thank you. Madam chair.
What?
Was the is the driver still employed with the city of
Chicago.
Is Azle.
as of now, I think he retired and
2021.
You retired actually in in December 23rd 2022.
What's?
Was he drug tested at the same?
The he would have would have been a drug taken to a
facility for routine drug and alcohol. I don't have that
report. I could provide it to you through the chair. Thank
you. And I I agree with with altimus Lovato. Why did why
did this cuz it?
When in 2080.
When in 2018, when 23, why did it take so long?
In.
In part, I think.
Chase.
Cases that moves slowly during the pandemic and Enzo older
cases, there are older cases than this that are still
progressing through the system.
Thank.
Thank you Matt with you. Thank you for her surgery was also
an April 2021. So I'm sure that that had her recovery has
something to do with the amount of time to given the extent
of the injury. Yes. All the Romantic Era point of
information, if driving a garbage truck or award subtract
whatever. I mean, even the my interest of accidents, they
get drug tested. So,
Thank.
Thank you. I love this besado Alderman, Quinn.
You're?
You know.
You're not finished. I'm sorry.
What were?
What was Miss triplets ask for the dollar amount?
It was 1 million.
$1000000. And is there, is there any record of how fast mr.
Coronavirus driving
now, they
There was no GPS in his Ford F-150. Thank you.
Thank.
Thank you all the men Quinn.
Play no other question and I get a motion to recommend
approval for item. Number one on 13, a on the agenda.
All.
All the
Auburn Martin approves recommends to pass all those in
favor signify by saying, I all those opposed
in the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it, the do pass,
motion will be reported out at the next city council
meeting. Our second does settlement cases, Joshua have a
sec Benelli versus City of Chicago, number 22, cb36 68 in
the amount of $550,000 and that will be reported by
Victoria Benson from the Department of Law. She said,
free Corporation can
Corporation counsel.
Make.
Ricky Johnson, thank you for a woman doll and good
afternoon committee members Victoria Benson. I'm a deputy
Corporation counsel with the federal civil rights.
Litigation division, I'm here today to request for approval
to settle lawsuit filed by plaintiff. Joshua have a sec
Benelli or total of $550,000. This is a federal court
lawsuit arising from the tasing of plaintiff Joshua hapstak
Benelli by former Chicago. Police officer. Mike Marco,
Simon Eddy
Unlock.
On August 7th 2021 during a field interview. Descendants,
I'm a Teddy deployed. His taser at the plaintiff, causing
the plaintiff to falls face-first into a brick sidewalk and
seeks to recover for injuries. He suffered as a result of
that tasing along with his overall interaction with Simon
Eddy.
Timer.
Simon said he was subsequently arrested and charged and
October 2022. For aggravated battery. And two counts of
official misconduct Simon Eddie was stripped of his police
Powers at that time. And he later resigned from the Chicago
Police Department in January 2023.
plaintiff alleges excessive force against Simon Eddy,
unlawful detention against Simon Eddy battery against the
city of Chicago, as well as unlawful detention and arrest
against the city of Chicago and indemnification
I'm
and I,
On August 7th 2021, former Chicago, police officer
slamming, Eddie responded to a 911 call reporting a
suspicious person walking in an alley check and Gates. We
expect the evidence to show that when Simon Eddie first
arrived on scene, he spoke to the nine-one-one caller, who
indicated that the plaintiff who was sitting on a porch,
nearby was a suspicious person at the caller was calling
about Simon and even drove to speak to the plaintiff. And
when he approached the plaintiff's location, the plaintiff
came to the driver side of Simon at his vehicle.
Body.
Volume.
Body-worn camera. Video shows that Simon Eddie asked his
vehicle and spoke to the plaintiff, who explained that he
lived at the house and which he was sitting Simon, Eddie
asked the plaintiff for identification or key, and he just
responded that he did not have a key while they were
speaking. Simon Eddie told the plaintiff to keep his hands
out of his pocket and responsive plaintiff then began to
empty his pockets. When Simon Eddie's suddenly started
taking the items out of the plane has hands and placing
them out as police vehicle.
After.
Every did.
After he did. So Simon Eddie turned and moved towards
plaintiff.
The place.
Play the
The plaintiff began to back away. From Simon Eddie with his
hands, held out in front of him asking what Simon Eddie was
doing and repeating that. He did not do anything wrong. The
video then shows Simon Eddie grabbing a plaintiff and
pulling him back to the police vehicle the plaintiff.
However, was able to get out of Simon Eddie's grass, and he
then ran to the sidewalk in front of his house, Simon Eddy
chase after the plaintiff yelling that he was going to tase
him.
I want.
and when you see,
and when he says, the
And when he says this, the plant of stops running turns
toward Simon daddy says stop and puts his hands up and out
in front of him.
Video.
Video shows that Simon ID again again, warrants, and he's
going to take as the plaintiff and instruction to get on
the ground. The plaintiff can be seen in the video
beginning to squat on the ground, with his hands in front
of him saying that he didn't do anything wrong before he
reached the ground. However, Lancaster back up with his
hands up open, Auntie Palms facing Simon. Eddie gesturing
at his house, which is this point of steps away.
Professing, his innocent family against all the plaintiff
to get on the ground and warn the plaintiff. Again, that he
was going to taze him, length of them began to bend over,
extending his arms out in front of them, asking Simon Eddie
to put the taser down.
The body wash.
The Bodywork camera shows that is play. The plaintiff is
getting closer to the ground a taser suddenly discharges
striking the plaintiff 1 prong Shrek the plaintiff in the
face and one from struck the plaintiff. In the arm Lena
fell directly on his face is face hitting the bricks
sidewalk. The body want camera footage, shows, the
plaintiff bleeding profusely from his face and his nose.
Is Simon.
Assignment of reports over his radio that you taste the
plaintiff, the plaintiff begins to shake and appears to be
suffering from a seizure at this time. Simon Eddie can be
seen requesting seen and heard requesting an ambulance
later that day Simon. Eddie completed a tactical response
report indicating that the taser discharge was accidental
and October 2022.
County State's, Attorney's Office filed.
County State's Attorney's, Office filed, multiple criminal
charges against Simon Eddie, which remain pending
Give.
give me.
Given the risks associated with proceeding to trial in this
matter, including the risk of attorney's fees for the
plaintiff. Be successful on any of his claim, a lot
apartment, recommend settling this matter for $550,000.
Thank you. Thank you. I miss Benson alderman.
Does.
Does autumn.
They?
Thank you, madam chair. Thank you, Victoria. Sorry I missed
the briefing somehow someway, I miss my first briefing
since we haven't been doing them. So I apologize. I'm sure
just to simple questions I remember seeing this. It was all
over the news. It was pretty popular. I may have heard you
wrong. You may have you may have said, the wrong thing. You
said he resigned in January of 2023. Correct. And then,
what was the original originally asked was
Play.
I don't think there's much we could do about this when it
look really bad on TV, I know that. So thank you to all the
men Taylor
Thank.
Thank you, madam chair.
What?
What is the?
Because the case is not over and this seems to happen a lot
in the city, these folks quit before, Justice is kind of
seen through, so it just just doesn't seem fair to us, to
be asked to do this and that person, cuz he still going to
collect a pension, correct? I don't speak to their
pensions. I'm not sure what his status is a pension, or is
Imagine depending on what happens with a criminal case that
might be affected and a criminal cases in federal court
Corral.
and,
And you.
And you said say the amount again that you say that they
were asking for and they're willing to settle for $550,000
to pending your approval.
Thank.
Thank you. Thank you. I miss you. Thank you all them and
Taylor vice-chair Conway. So just a point of information. I
can tell you that if the officers convicted of official
official misconduct, he will not collect you and you will
not collect his pension. Is somebody working State's
Attorney's office and prosecuted, all the corruption in
financial crimes cases, including several police officers.
Thank you. Thank you very much. I share Conway Altima
sposato yet, appointment for the one thing then. So I know
he said if convicted how many years did he have on a job? I
mean, 25 or something, or was he a pension for us for the
police department. So okay, just curious, thank you, thank
you, madam chair, thank you.
Alderman, Taylor any other blemishes on his record. The
information. Thank you so much. Some of these questions.
I'm all done and Taylor are discussed in the briefing to.
Okay? We'll get you next time.
Are.
All right. Is there a motion to recommend approval of this
item on the agenda? 13? Be so moved by Alderman Taliaferro.
Recommending do pass all those in favor signify by saying
all those opposed, the opinion of the chair, the eyes have
it and we will report this out at the next city. Council
meeting the third set of discussion is on Angela Williams,
independent, administrator of the estate of Cheryl Brown
deceased versus City of Chicago officer, Robert Rhodes and
officer, Joseph list Sandra low for the amount of $1000000
case, number 21, L, 11688 Victoria Benson
A grammar test.
A grammar. Test, your own doll again. Good afternoon
everyone. I'm here today to request for approval to settle
a lawsuit filed by the plaintiff the estate of Cheryl Brown
or $1000000. This is a state court lawsuit arising from the
fatal shooting of Cheryl Cheryl Brown the plaintiff's
claims. In this case, include wrongful, death and
conspiracy against both of the officers in the city of
Chicago battery against officer listings, reloj in the city
assault against officer roads in the city along with
failure, to train and failure to supervise against the city
of Chicago.
Body wash.
Body Works.
Body-worn camera footage exist for some but not all of the
events at issue.
I'm
On May 11th 2019 at approximately 3:28 p.m. officer. Robert
Rose was on patrol with his partner. When he saw a man,
now, known to be cherrelle brown matching the general
description of an arm just under, they were looking for who
was believed to have committed several armed, robberies in
the area and so they approached him to determine his
identity. Mr. Brown approached. The police vehicle and was
speaking with the officers when officer Rose noticed a
bulge on the right side of Mr. Brown's waist area officer
Rose reach out of his car window and felt the hard metal
handle of a firearm in the surrounds right pocket officer
Rose then started to open the vehicles door and as he did.
So mr. Brown took off running off the road ran after mr.
Brown and he says that if he did, so he saw Mr. Brown
reaching into his right jacket pocket, trying to manipulate
what officer roads believe.
3.
The Beautiful.
To be the firearm. He saw just moments ago and mr. Brown's
pocket.
The audio of Officer roads body-worn camera footage begins
with him yelling at the plaintiff using profanity, but he's
going to shoot the plaintiff. Officer roads that begins
firing his gun at the plaintiff. After all the roads fire
does first volley of approximately eight shots. He called
out shots fired over the radio and continue to run after
mr. Brown also Rose later, fired several more times and mr.
Brown, Don & Ally.
Dozens of officers including officer Joseph DeAngelo
responded to officer roses call officer search for mr.
Brown for approximately 15 minutes at that point officer
lithium drill, turned off his body Cam and continue to
search for mr. Brown
Red Lobster.
As officer Lucy and Rella walk between two houses, not far
from where the plaintiff was last seen, but it's antecedent
was last seen officer Lucy and Rella looked into an alcohol
with an O nearby building, or in the officer listings
reloj, he saw Mr. Brown sitting with a pistol in his raised
right hand leading him to shoot at mr. Brown 9 *, although
officer listings. Ruelas body-worn camera was not activated
and that's the shooting itself, was not captured on video
body-worn camera from a subsequent responding officer
shows, officers listing and ralo timing. A 4-foot,
chain-linked fence, bending down toward mr. Brown's Body
and recovering a firearm.
How are?
However, that recover.
However, that recovered firearm did not have the magazine in
it. However, a gun magazine consistent with the same weapon
was located. Along this around, path flight from off the
roads, in addition to not having a magazine and also did
not have any bullets. Mr. Brown sustained six gunshot
wounds or gunshot wounds to the head and two gunshot wounds
to his right arm. He was taken by ambulance to a nearby
hospital where he was pronounced dead. Little more than a
half hour after the shooting that occurred. Given the risks
associated with proceeding to trial in this matter. A lot
of partment recommend settling this matter for $1000000.
All.
Alderman Taliaferro.
Well.
Followed by all them is pasado chair. Was there any
occasion that? I didn't catch it. But was there any
indication that shots were fired at officer roads?
There is information. There are witnesses that may testify
to that fact that there's no evidence supporting that
clean.
there were
They were showcasing recovered from officer. Rose's weapon
were there any? Shell casings were recovered from mr.
Brown's weapons. And did also Rose have a, I'm sorry
body-worn camera on it.
Difficult to.
Difficult to see what's happening. But there isn't anything
of him necessarily turning to face it.
let's,
I think.
I think that's all I am. Thank you. Thank you all the men
Taliaferro. All the mr. Oh, and a chair Victoria. Is this
a, is this a redo? Didn't we have this one? This is the
first time that you resent being presented to the committee
previous committee, agenda, correct. I don't even know if
it was actually on the agenda, but they were discussions
about this case in the past seems awful familiar, but
that's alright. I know you said, you can't answer that or
the same questions. I always ask. So we can't talk about
the accommodations or about the officers anymore. Now I'm
happy to have a conversation with you about that
information, but not in this proceeding,
like,
Like, after the meeting then.
We ask that.
I'm at the
At the time he will, he will join the force in 2015. At the
time of the incident had three years and eight months
about, andrello joined the force in 2014 at the time of the
incident, five years in 2 months,
K r e, h and five years. And I definitely had a gun. You
said, right? I mean, they saw have gone and he had a gun,
the gun was recovered. All right, but the bullets are the,
we're not in the garden.
Are.
Add.
Madigan. Okay. All right. That's easy enough. Thank you.
Thank you man. I'm sure.
Okay.
Are you okay?
and,
And I'm not a lawyer so I can answer that. The officer said
both officers indicate that they saw the individual with a
weapon. A weapon was recovered.
Okay, I want to ask a question here. I thought it was that
officer rolls believed he saw a gun in the guy's pocket,
not that. He thought he believed, it was their believe that
he said, he believed that he was fumbling with a gun
believe, but it is okay. All the man was spotted to like,
to speak to the answer that you were giving. It's very
possible to have. It is possible to have recovered a gun
that was never actually in the position that they're
saying, all sorts of different things, are possible to way.
Too many cases that the council has had to discuss at least
over the past four years that I've been here. I just want
to ask one question with Mr. Listen to relo who turned off
his camera? Can you speak to weather? That is
play.
Spain.
change.
standard practice for COPD. What is the reasoning that was
given for turning off his body? Warm camera setting is
general policies and practices and procedures though.
Baldwin Taylor. Thank you all. Thank you madam, share. This
is problematic because what you are asking the taxpayers
ultimately paying this 1 million dollars. And so we have
the right to have all of the information is so the thought
that you can't share with us there and fractions and things
that are happening with these offices. So we can make up a
decision that makes sense seems to be wasteful. Can I just
say that the information that some of this information that
you're asking for is shared in the briefings that we have?
So that when you get into the space you have some of those
answers. So as an elected official, who represents the
constituents in my ward, that I am voting on a million
dollars for somebody with that, it's a life so it's never
enough. We should be able to have those questions answered
on public record. It ain't about a secret briefing to me
and this is no disrespect to you or to her but there is
Massillon.
I'm asking a question about an officer's blemishes or
anything that has happened on their record. That should be
public knowledge and why does not? It's it's problematic
for me cuz you're asking me to vote on some money that we
we don't got and we've been and I'm going to go with all
the Willis. Father said we're voting on a bunch of
Hey.
Cases that seemed to have no changes to him, the thought
that an officer turned off his camera you. That's the
second time. She even said that I'll be there. And so why
is it okay? What is the purpose of them having that camera?
If they're going to cut it off, and there is no explanation
to us whatsoever.
and so bad that that's just a general chairwoman
Hold on.
Old honest.
Hold on a second. Are you finish all them until I was like
you point of information Alderman? Taliaferro think if I
recall on Madame cherry and in our briefings, over the last
several years, we've we've gone over complementary and
disciplinary history of an officer in briefing. But we've
also gone of a complementary disciplinary history in the
past. I'm in these committee meetings I recalled them
specifically okay and especially if it's if it's if it's a
discovery item you know our our plaintiff already has a
complimentary displaying a history of beer in the tourney.
It's already been tendered to them, but why would that be a
privileged information? If it goes to trial, you may not
want to disclose why he turned it off. Because that may be
information. That plaintiff does not have.
but for purple,
But for purposes of complement of this player history that's
probably already Discovery items. So why are we not as we
have in the past? Talked about that. And in the end
committee because we have talked about that a committee,
unless some rules have changed. Let me say this, all them
and Taliaferro as the incoming. Chair of the committee. I
can, I will make a pledge to you that. I will follow up on
this specific item with the Department of Law. So that at
the next time we have a settlement discussions, I'll have a
clear answer for that. I can't answer that today. I just, I
can't answer it. I'm not a lawyer and I asked our Law
Department and he can opine on that either. And so I need
to go higher and I will do that.
I'll
All.
Alderman Quinn, followed by Alderman, Conway, followed, by
all the ministers, I do. And I'm sure I'd like to be
recorded as no. Thank you all for me Quinn.
I want.
I want a second. I can ask her about yet all the way
Conway. Did you please go over the evidence regarding the
portion.
Open.
About.
About when officer.
What?
let's,
Was Kendra low after after the body cameras turned off and
then he sees and he sees Brown there. What was the evidence
that dead Brown fired at him? You've mentioned something
about that but I see you missed it. What what the evidence
was there is no evidence. Nor is there any expected
testimony? That there was any firing an officer listings.
Reloj testimony is expected to be.
that he
so, I
song, mr. Brown sitting with a pistol in his raised right
hand leading him to shoot, mr. Brown i x. Thank you.
Thank.
Thank you. I'm in Conway, Alderman, sposato, and you again,
Madam chair light off in my esteemed, colleague from the
20th, Ward of me agree on things. But yes, we are greater,
we had a respect for each other, but I'm a little baffled
by this. I know I always make the The Briefing, but the
thing that always fresh mate me when we can being in the
meeting, when people ask the same thing, we're going over
and over and it will be discipline or complementary thing.
So I just want to say I'm a little bit baffled by that but
you know, we'll get that straight. I appreciate you saying.
I'll straighten that out. But okay is camera. Was it
originally? Was that correct?
Yeah.
Yes, maybe he thought. So we don't know what he thought. I
mean, is, what did everything seem to be over? Or, I can't
believe you would turn it off in the heat of a, of a guy,
that's got a gun, they are chasing her fighting with their
doing, whatever with them. So, you're requesting privileged
information that I can't discuss here in this public forum,
but I'm happy to have a conversation with you after the
meeting. Thank you record me as an old man. I'm sure.
Thank.
Thank you. I'm going to sposato. Yeah, I thought, thank
you. Can I get a motion to recommend approval for this
item?
Alderman Ramirez, Rosa, recommending to pass all those in
favor signify by saying I, I opposed
Are.
all right, so icy
Vato.
Valley.
Taliaferro. Okay. Silverstein
On Whalley.
When?
Okay, this I will pour it out. This motion has passed with
nose by Quinn Taliaferro, sposato Conway, Silverstein and
wait.
Hey.
Okay. Moving on to the last item on the agenda is Arthur
Brown versus City of Chicago in the amount of 7250000
dollars. We will hear from Jessica stalker from the
Department of Law. Also, a deputy Corporation counsel Miss
Felker.
it after
Good afternoon committee. I'm here today to request
approval for a settlement of the amount of 7250000 dollars
in the Arthur Brown versus City of Chicago case. This is a
federal reverse conviction lawsuits that brown file in
2018, in which he alleges that, he was wrongfully convicted
of a 1988 arson. Double murder as a result of the
misconduct of 3, Chicago, police officers, and one
assistant State's Attorney, the underlying crime occurred.
When a fire was set at a video store at 5 a.m. on May 28th
1988.
if I,
The fire spread to the restaurant, next door and killed two
individuals. Who are asleep in the back, a witness at the
scene. Shortly before the fire saw two men exit a Ford
Bronco one. Carrying a gas can that witness remembered a
license plate off of the Ford Bronco, which was later
identified as belonging to a man named Michael Harper.
Michael Harper appeared at the scene after the fire and
represented himself. As a co-owner of the video store, he
asked officer.
Set.
The people next door had gotten out, he was taken in for
questioning where he eventually confessed to starting the
fire. He said that Arthur Brown at you others, his cousin
girone afford and his Uncle Albert Harper, participated in
the arson as well or done came in for questioning and also
confessed and implicated brown and the others. After these
confessions police executed, a search warrant and found
dozens of x-rated videos from the video store. In Harper's
car, Brown was brought in for questioning and eventually
confessed implicating the other three as well. The state
prosecuted, all four individuals. The theory was that
Harper, Michael Harper Road bills on his business that he
couldn't pay. So he wanted to burn down the store, taking
out the x-rated videos before the fire in order to sell
them Michael Harper and brown were both convicted of the
arson double murder.
Board.
bored with
Board was convicted of arson and Albert Harper who did not
confess was acquitted years later. Brown move to have his
conviction vacated because James Bell a man serving two
life sentences confessed to the arson. Arson. Double murder
in prison Brown was granted a new trial jury trial took
place in 2008 and brown, call Bell as a witness will
testify that he committed the crime. Bella said that he
burned down the store because Brown told him.
Brown hair.
Brown, however, denies that he was ever involved with drugs
and just have our spells allocation as to motive, despite
Bells confession, in court, Brown was again, convicted
round again challenge, just conviction alleging ineffective
assistance of counsel and improper arguments by the
prosecutor at a second trial in 2017. He was granted a new
trial, the state's attorney eventually agreed, not to re
prosecute Brown, and he was released after 20 years, 29
years in custody. The state took no position on Browns
petition for a certificate of Innocence into. And in 2018,
it was granted by the Cook County circuit court. Judge
Michael Harper remains in prison on a life-without-parole
sentence or has served out his sentence and his conviction
has never been vacated
In the sky.
In this lawsuit, Brown alleges. That she is in a
second-round alleges that the officer defendants,
physically and psychologically coerced his confession and
the assistant State's Attorney fabricated his confession.
He alleges that. Defendants maliciously prosecute him,
prosecuted him and failed to intervene to prevent his
rights from being violated.
and they also,
And they also conspired together to violate his rights. All
three CPD officers are deceased he missed around, had
alleged, I know now claim against the city it's a policy
and practice claim against the city, but on summary
judgment, the city was able to get that clean. Dismissed
this case was set for trial on April 10th 2023 and will go
to trial. If this settlement is not approved, the
Department of Law recommend settlement, as fiscally prudent
Brown, spent 29 years in custody, and will use the
certificate of Innocence. As proof. Of his confession, was
not true at trial, he would likely seek 60 million dollars
in Damages. And if we lost a trial in addition to those
damages, the city would likely be responsible for, at least
half of rounds attorneys fees, and we expect that his total
attorneys fees through trial would be around five to six
million dollars.
I'll
Also, a
Also of note, is after the city reached a settlement for
7.25 million dollars the county. Then later also reached a
settlement of 7.25 million dollars. So for all these
reasons, we recommend settling at 7.25 million,
Thank.
Thank you very much. Miss Felker Alderman Taliaferro?
I'm
Comanche, I just had a question just about this specific
item but about lawsuits in general. So I noticed by
colleagues and up. It may be more of a specific item. I'm
sorry.
All.
Almond Hopkins. You sitting way over there, you just not in
my line of you all the time. I think. Is there any evidence
to support the claim that there was physical coercion that
led to the confession? That it was a beating choking
etcetera. How does the medical records still exist? There
are no medical records to corroborate but he did make an
immediate outcry. When is criminal proceedings for
beginning and Ella and wanted to suppress his confession on
that ground. Obviously, 30 years later without the
officers, we only have his his side of the story. Was he
represented by a public defender in the original trial? I
don't know if it was a public defender appointed Council.
Thank.
Thank you, my manager. I'll support this settlement
recommendation.
although,
Auburn sposato.
Thank.
Can we go back to the certificate event? Sorry, I'm sorry.
All the Miss bassano Alderman. Taliaferro, if we can have
the log Department, provide you with some items that cannot
be discussed in the public public forum from the Law
Department, that would be a great. And also, when it comes
down to these a lawsuit settlements, sometimes we, we
missed debriefing for one reason or another. Is it possible
by rule that we could go into executive session on with
regard to items that cannot be discussed in a public forum?
All right, I'll look into both of those questions. I said
on the first question that, that was something that I was
going to follow up on out at the second question to that
discussion with the law department and get back to the
committee.
oven is for,
All the Misfits.
Albany sposato Anchorman of chair. Just a quick question
about the certificate of Innocence. He received a
certificate of Innocence from the Cook County circuit court
issues though and then who didn't recognize it as you say,
you said somebody didn't recognize it or
It was.
It wasn't. Yeah, it was the state's. Attorney is allowed to
oppose those, or take a position and the state's attorney
did not take a position. Thank you. Thank you, madam chair,
thank you all them and Vasquez.
Thank you, madam chair out of the question. I had was about
the three officers who are now deceased where there any
complaints or anything on their records that might lead to
some of similar behavior in different instances. Where were
their record looking like
My.
Let me look at their previous, their previous.
Boston.
Lawsuit history.
so,
Mr. Campbell gives me this is their previous lawsuit
history, which is
I know the
I know that there's a difference between disciplinary
history and lawsuit, history, lawsuits are in the public
record if they're named a bit. It's so I can tell you what,
cases, they've been sued and that's you can look that up
online.
Can.
Can you answer this question? We will get a full
understanding of what's allowed and what's not allowed
moving forward.
So Joseph Campbell Campbell has not been sued in any other
matters that we are aware of. I will just advised that
Joseph Campbell started in 1966. David Koontz started in
1977 and Joseph. Fine. Started in 1966. So I redid the best
to search, but obviously and they're all the seasons and
obviously, the records going back to 1966 and even in
court, can not be complete but to the best of our
knowledge, mr. Lazar food Swayze.
What's?
What's the?
Was sued in two cases 1 + 1975. + 1. + 1991 was involved in
a motor vehicle accident. The other one we couldn't
determine what the case type was, and then Mr. Fine is
currently a defendant or currently defendant or reverse
conviction cases.
I'm sorry. He was a, I'm sorry. He was a defendant in Four
Rivers conviction cases, but due to due to the plaintiff,
not naming the correct party, he was dismissed from now,
and there is also a 1968 case against him. I can't tell you
what information from back then, but just even knowing that
there were other lots of special about a reversals is
important. So thank you very much.
Thank.
Thank you, Alderman, Vasquez, all them and Taylor. How old
is Mr. Brown now, mr. Brown. I believe it's 72. Now, he was
37 at the time of the incident and you're saying, if we
don't settle, he could ask for 60 million, he will ask for
60 million at trial.
And you said he got 7.2 million from the county, the same
amount 7.25 from the county. They haven't their County
Board has approved that yet so just like this sending.
Thank you. Thank you, thank you. All the Man Taylor
Sing.
Things.
Say no questions. Other questions from the committee, is
there a motion to recommend approval of this item on the
agenda Alderman? Martin recommends to pass all those in
favor signify by saying, I opposed
I'm
I depending on the chair, the eyes have it, the do pass,
recommendation will be reported out at the next city
council meeting.
This.
this is my first meeting y'all, and it's been
Been a long one. So there being no further business before
the committee, can I get a motion to adjourn?
SoMo buy all the manly, all those in favor signify by
saying I opposed in the opinion of the chair, the eyes have
it, the committee on finance is hereby adjourned.