At least we will start momentarily. We are just have a
couple members on their way here. Thank you for your
patience.
Does tennis the meeting of the committee on pedestrian and
traffic. Safety is now called to order for July 14th 2023.
We will now have a role, to establish a quorum will orders.
Please make sure the microphones are on muted. Chairman was
fond of present vice-chair Cruz. I understand is on the
white trim and Hopkins.
Almond Robinson.
all Minion say,
Is.
Is in the back of. We don't count people till they're in
the room, all the way in Chico.
All.
Harley Quinn.
Alderman Moore.
All.
Or.
Ortman. Curtis
play.
Vice mayor Burnett.
Jeremy.
Chairman Irvin.
Make.
make a
Make it worth your while Sir Edmund Judson.
Auto.
Alton Lawson.
All.
Almond. Marvin Altman. Tall woman Monopoly.
They?
There are ten members present. We have a quorum also noting
chairman Gill Villegas president of for purposes, not of
corn for later in the Shell. At this time, we will begin
the public on. Out of respect. For everyone's Time. Each
speaker is limited to three minutes. Pursuant to rule 58e
public comment will be limited to 30 minutes. Our first
public speaker is mr. George Blakemore.
I've been coming to these meetings 30, maybe 20 years ago
and I have the same issue that residential parking permit.
I'm at.
I meant you should get rid of that when one by property of
red property, they should be familiar with a residential
parking. If not for the resident is for all the sinners.
Oh, I meant I'd get rid of that.
Does.
Just cuz you live in a place. You don't you want to private
parking lot, you want to get your driveway.
These streets belong to all the people.
You said, why do you continue to come down here and talk to
pay? You no attention. I know that but I am doing it for
the people where they can realize residential parking. And
also with people with disabilities, they get these parking
permit and they do just like the bowlers do the day in
Chicago.
You know, you got to go down this list and make sure that
these people are living and make sure that they are not
handicapped.
May.
Make sure some of their grandchildren are using this
handicap sticker.
The game that you played and everything that's on this
truck, gender is rubber-stamped. They already know how they
going to vote.
Do in a few minutes. They look like Pipi Pipi, your three
minutes are up there time should be up and the reason they
can get away with it because they don't get mad at the
political. Get mad at yourself because you continue this,
might change for the game. Remained the same, we have new
one, they don't do just like the old. So I hope you
understand, when people come from other side of town, they
want to go on the Gold Coast and they want to park there,
so you can't park here after certain type B Street everyone
spell public
dr.
The poor.
The Park Linkin Park is for everyone in the city.
Every.
Everyone D school supposed to be equal to. Why are you not
going to be thinking? You are responsible for what goes on
here?
Do.
don't don't talk about this and read this article in the
Tribune for Willie Wilson said,
did you read the article? Thank you.
The big bad for you, Mr. Blakemore are our next speaker is
Cafe Hemet.
I am here to support plowing the sidewalks on sidewalks are
a transportation Network, a transportation Network that has
gaps in it. Every so often is not of a used time, if you
took Lake Shore Drive from 35th Street and couldn't get
past 18th Street, it wouldn't be Lakeshore Drive. It would
just be a little stretches, Thicke roach. And expecting
every single property owner on some of them are necessarily
on the property. Some of them are absent or they're just
Lots. You not really taking care of expecting every single
property owner to plow their own sidewalk guarantee. Is
there's going to be gaps in the sidewalk Network all over
the place. I live in the nearest Southside area, have a kid
in South Loop, Elementary School and we walked to school
pretty much every day and end in Winter more and more
parents start driving. And right now Nationwide, pedestrian
fatalities due to car crashes are at an all-time high, I
think levels, we having
Send.
Since I think the early 80s, if I'm not mistaken and every
winter, right? Do we want this turning into Mad Max? Do we
want more people with, you know, lifted trucks and SUVs
driving around and making it less safe for children to walk
to school people with disabilities. People with mobility
issues, who can't drive, I can't reach bus, stop. So
there's a huge problem caused by gaps in the sidewalk at
work. So I think this is really something that's best
handled at the city level done for the entire city.
Thank you.
Thank you very much, are next. Public speaker is Claire
Faulk.
Dim.
Good morning. My name is clarify, okay. I'm here to testify
in favor of the plow, the sidewalks ordinance. And I just
want to speak to my experience as a mother of three kids.
Trying to get young kids out the door in the winter and
when they're in strollers, are there too little to walk
very far. There's been many probably countless times over
the years where we just couldn't get to the end of the
block and we've missed the daycare and preschool, Daze,
doctor's appointment, dentist appointment, you know, social
and family engagement. And just the fact that one or two
Property, Owners didn't plow their small stretch of the
sidewalk. So the sidewalk it's it's city property. It's a
public good. It just makes common sense for us.
Collectively to to plow the sidewalk.
And I have the sea.
And I have the city do it. I think it would improve life
for not only parents of young children, but everyone with
any kind of mobility issue everyone in general could
benefit. So thank you.
Thank.
Thank you very much. And finally, we have Alex Nelson.
Good morning to the esteemed, folks of the committee for
pedestrian traffic safety. Thank you for taking the time on
this beautiful summer, Friday, to talk about to know. My
name is Alex Nelson. Ayushee her pronouns and I am an
organizer with other Street Chicago and these
self-appointed campaign manager of Papa sidewalks. We are
here to share a vision of a pilot program. For plow the
sidewalk a campaign that ultimately seeks to make sidewalk
snow and ice removal a universal Municipal service
Chicago's current sidewalks. No policy was written in 1873
notable events from that year include the beginning of
Ulysses S Grant's second term as president the issuance of
the first u.s. postcard and the debut of PT Barnum's
Greatest Show on Earth. Most notably Chicago's current
sidewalk snow and ice removal policy predates, the
invention of electricity.
I'm going to leave it.
I'm going to leave it to my co-organizer to convince me why
we need to update this hundred fifty year old code and how
we get started. Instead I want to tell you a little bit
about our campaign for the past two and a half years,
Accord team of for unpaid and underpaid organizers, have
committed ourselves to making this a policy. A reality, we
have given nights and weekends to research City contracts
and budget draft seemingly endless amounts of reading
material and build trust with every partner. We could
inside. And outside of City Hall, we have worked hard to
see our work featured in Canada platforms across the city.
During the last election to receive support from Chicago,
Chicago Sun Times, editorial board. And just generally to
make sure we left no stone unturned. During our development
process, meaningfully upgrading a city code that is 150
years old is a lot of work but fortunately the team are
going to meet today is up to the challenge. We spend more
than two years building as policy and I'm so excited to
share with you what we've been working on solidifying,
folks, and Pet City Council enjoy the show. And to my
Morgan. I
Organizers. You've got this.
Play.
Thank you very much, this concludes our public comment. Our
first order of business, is the rule 45 report from June
23rd, which was sent out to the committee. Can I have a
motion to approve, the rule 45 of report, just beat you to
the punch Alderman, Martin. So moves all those in favor of
passing the report respond by saying. All of those pill is
post
Night.
A night in the opinion of the chair. The eyes have it. We
will now begin with the routine matters on our agenda. Can
I have a motion to recommend approval of all? Direct
instruction ordinances on pages, one through three.
So moved all the person Lawson hearing no objections so
order, let us turn now to page for which Begins the
recommended portion of the agenda. Shouldn't you recommend
approval of all recommended ordinances on page for for the
same roll. Call vote. As was used to determine Quorum
hearing. No objections. So ordered now we will move on to
the not recommended portion of the agenda.
On page five, can I get a motion to recommend approval of
all? Not recommended. Ordinances, 1 through 24, be passed
over the Department's recommendation by the same roll, call
vote as applied to determine Karim. Hearing no objections
to order on page. Six, can I get a motion to recommend
approval of all? Not recommended. Ordinances, 1 through 24,
be passed over the Department's recommendation of the same
roll call vote as was applied to determine a quorum.
There goes.
They're gone vice-chair Crusoe moose hearing no objections.
So ordered on page 7 can I get a motion to recommend
approval of all? Not recommended. Ordinances, 1 through 16
be passed over the Department's recommendation by the same
roll call vote as was applied to determine a quorum so
moves you've no objections. So ordered this concludes the
routine ordinances of today's committee meeting we will now
move to page eight item one, which is an ordinance
introduced by chairman Yaga and co-sponsored by mayor,
Brandon Johnson, myself and Alders Ramirez, Rosa Ramirez,
Robinson, 60 Lopez Nelson Cruz when does Hayden Martin
Rodriguez. Sanchez Vasquez perdona call. Nancy Scott to
Boris Rodriguez Mosley Lawson Silverstein
This is Ordnance 020 23-20 10 for an amendment of the
municipal code, chapter 10-8, modifying 10:8 dish 180 and
adding new article 7 entitled, Chicago plow. The sidewalk
pilot program you have in front of you that substitute
ordinance and received it over email as well. May I have a
motion to accept the substitute ordinance alderwoman
Manhattan worth. So
Move.
Moves Cuban Joe objections. So ordered we will not have
testimony regarding this ordinance starting with German
Villegas. If you are here to testify following German
Villegas, please state, your name and Association for the
record, you will have opportunity to ask all of your
questions after the presentation. And I would humbly ask
that you say take them to that point. German Villegas.
Thank you, Jeremy laspada, members of The Pedestrian
Traffic Safety Committee before you see a substitute
ordinance, which puts forward plow. The sidewalk pilot
program. How we got here? Nearly 600,000 Chicagoans are
negatively impacted during yearly snowfall do to unplowed
sidewalks. As a result of an accessible sidewalks. Many of
our more vulnerable residents are forced to stay in their
homes and watch is the world.
around the
Around them passes by this problem. Disproportionately
affects seniors people with disabilities and parents with
young children often. The only way these individuals are
able to participate and local business ecosystem and help
create much-needed revenue for the city of Chicago's by
paying additional costs and fees to delivery apps, such as
doordash Uber, Eats or Amazon to name a few group policies
and practices of shut, many Chicagoans out of participating
in every aspect of our world-class City to offer. Again,
this is an economic development tool.
That's much needed.
That's much needed, quite simply. It's our responsibility to
take care of people, maintain Public Safety and for equal
access to Transit and Mobility for persons with
disabilities and spur economic growth. My my, my proposed
solution to create plow the sidewalk Pro program conference
is just that and I want to thank The Advocates and the
co-sponsors for a coming along on this journey as we embark
on a pilot program for the city of Chicago and plowing the
sidewalks in chemistry, they committed those in ethics,
ethics and Angie are spacers, who helped to craft this
ordinance. If you would please, as you give, testimony
state your name and organization for the record.
I believe mr. Pancho's is going first.
Yes, please.
Hi, good morning everyone. Only in Chicago, would we be
talking about snow on a 90-degree July day? My name is
Michael Padres, I use he him pronouns and I am the policy
lead with better Street, Chicago. Chicago supports the
plow, the sidewalk Pro pilot program and other policies
that ensure snow and ice are removed from public, sidewalks
crosswalk and bestop. Sidewalks, and pedestrian routes are
an integral part of the city's transport.
Justin.
System and maintaining them is an essential Public Service.
It is imperative that the city take take over management of
sidewalk snow and ice removal to guarantee. Clearance is
consistent, timely and adequate for all travelers,
year-round on behalf of the better suit Chicago. I would
like to thank all the men, go Villegas for sponsoring this
pilot ordinance and committee chair, Daniel Espada for
their ongoing support advocating for the passage and
implementation of the pilots. Just leery, of course want to
thank the other 21 members of the city council who
co-sponsored this, as well as the mayor's office for their
support. We, of course, want to say a special thanks to our
partner, access living, and the two dozen other community
organizations and 100, frankly, thousands of individuals
who have shown their support for plowing the sidewalks on
particularly Adam Ballard who is representing ARP today.
And Candace Coleman who is also representing access living.
Side.
Sidewalks remain a neglected, I'll be at the essential
component of Chicago's transportation system. They are
regularly and possibly arguably the most important
component of our transportation system, considering
everyone uses them at some point in their Journey,
maintaining clear and say, sidewalks and pedestrian routes
year-round guarantees. All residents have access to Chicago
Civic and economic resources without reliable and safe.
Sidewalks residents are unable to access jobs, bus stops,
other Transit, amenities and social life.
A rope.
A robot.
A robust and safe transportation system. That supports
alternatives to driving is not a luxury. This is a priority
a necessity. Excuse me, immunity letter A that seeks. Begin
a new and extremely vital Public Service provided by the
city plowing. The sidewalks and clearing them of snow and
ice during the winter. Specifically heavy snowfall is a
burden on our transportation system but will be Employee
Solutions the snowfall on other parts of our transfer
City's transportation system. Notably Road, there is still
no comprehensive coordinated or Equitable system in place
to plow the sidewalk implementing a municipal sidewalk
snow. Plowing service will ensure our entire transportation
system is acceptable and operational everyday of the Year,
regardless of whether this includes side, walks when it's
no doing. So ensure that every Chicago and has access to
everything the city has to offer from jobs to transit to
amenities and their social life.
As.
As Alex pointed out for over a century, Chicago has relied
on its current system of sidewalks no clearance which
places the burden to shovel public sidewalks public,
sidewalks on the adjacent resident, business or property
owner. This is some is haphazard and virtually impossible
to implement at scale. Weather is random and residents
cannot be expected to plan their lives around, snow storms
and the requisite expectation. They will shovel their
sidewalks, providing a public service. I think it is fair
to say that is unfair for the city to expect residue.
Did.
To provide the service.
It.
It also needs to be noted that the current system is rarely
enforced, and it is inequitable enforcement only occurs if
an uncleared, sidewalk is reported to the city and even
then, sidewalks May remain unclear. For several days after
the initial snowfall and report is made during which time
they remain inaccessible, this is a burden felt
particularly hard on communities, that continue to
experience his stomach. This investment communities, where
there is a large amount of vacant land and instances were
property. Owners are absent or difficult to identify such
as a heavily, industrialized areas. But also where there's
vacant property or large building to add insult to injury.
The entire system is enforced. Using finds Witch of a
disproportionately negative Financial impact on those who
are least able to pay this, of course, includes many people
who have genuine barriers to shoveling sidewalks in the
first place, but are simultaneously the most likely to
benefit from using Municipal sidewalk snow plowing.
That.
Better future progress reports to plow the sidewalk pilot
program because it establishes Greater parity between
investments in infrastructure and services for drivers and
those for pedestrians and cyclists and Transit Riders. This
includes a selection of pilot areas that have a significant
percentage of older adults and people with disabilities,
zero car household and hide them in high Transit, ridership
low income and historically disadvantaged communities
households with children under 5 and high population.
Density area communities. We believe this will demonstrate
the value of this service to communities, with the most
immediate. Need it most immediate need and most likely to
immediately benefit. Nevertheless, we call on the city, the
mayor's office, and the relevant departments to work
diligently to scale this program to the entire city quickly
to all communities in all Chicago Ones can benefit from
this public service,
In.
In fact, plow the side with the plow, the sidewalk steam,
along with some help from very gracious. Volunteers
volunteers developed a publicly-available tool that allows
users to identify in Chicago where Pilot zones would be
appropriate to to the tool, which you can see a still up
here is available online to use and it digital eyes is
where potential zones can be based, can be based on the
metrics outlined in the ordinance which I just mentioned,
there is a diverse selection of community City Wide, where
this pilot pilot could be implemented immediately
Chicago.
Chicago can also learn from the experience of peer cities,
nationally and internationally Toronto Canada our sister
city, to the north offers, particularly useful lessons to
Chicago, the city has expanded its in its sidewalk snow
plowing service to the entire city as of 2020.
In Toronto and notably Toronto is extremely similar to
Chicago as well. We are both great lake cities with similar
climates with almost identical, populations and population,
densities Street, Network sizes. And land areas even are or
Urban form is similar with a dense Lakefront downtown and
neighborhoods radiating, radiating outward along the bread,
in Toronto, the sidewalk in Street. Snow plowing can be
completed Citywide in as little as 13 hours, in 13 hours,
after a snowfall, and they must be completed within 72
hours after a snowfall to, depending on the severity of
also coordinated across all modes. So Street sidewalks by
Queens and transits with work teams responsible across all
infrastructure in their service areas. Again, it is noted
that this is coordinated and comprehensive smaller cities
also provide this service. This includes Rochester and
Syracuse, New York, which introduced the services in recent
years. Syracuse provides a particularly resume.
Vamp.
examples of
Example of the importance and popularity of this type of
Public Service, the New York state city piloted the
program, several years ago, and quickly expanded it. After
was positively received by the public School Syracuse is
less affluent than Chicago. Their median household. Family
income is $38,000 compared to $54,000 for Chicago family as
of 2015, according to the US Census Bureau residents showed
that the best public services are ones. That serve their
everyday, needs us the popularity and request to expand the
Syracuse program quickly after it was initially implemented
in a small area, sidewalk snow plowing continues to be
expanded in Syracuse to the Stag.
Chicago.
Chicago has shown that it can be a leader on Equitable and
accessible Transportation. The cta's all access stations
Pro. Accessibility program also known as ASAP provided a
national model for making Transit accessible. Plowing the
city sidewalks is a natural next step and long-overdue, if
we know what this what cities weather is like, this is an
extremely valuable and important investment and will
guarantee that our entire transportation system, remain,
safe, accessible, and reliable for every resident, all
year, regardless of the weather. Thank you.
Play.
Thank you so much, mr. Potter is taking a moment to
recognize vice-chair Cruz, ottoman Robinson, and ottoman
yam, soup. For purposes of Orem, and Toby have a brief
video.
Chicago, hashtag three women with disabilities attempt to
navigate snow-covered sidewalks and at times, there are so
many people in the city of Chicago that have accessibility
issues. They use for cata assistive device, that needs to
have the sidewalks player, just to get a rain and snow and
I have been clear. I can't leave my apartment. I'm a very
active young person in Chicago. A couple days being stuck
at home. Is there a reason why I didn't get the grocery
store. How damaging isolation can be. And by not having
filed by wash your furthering, the isolation for a lot of
folks.
What's?
Yes, I want to get to the grocery store or to the pharmacy
when she's around the corner but I can pick up my meds
because it's not coming down. Salt and shoveling is a hard
job and everyone who owns the house may not have the
ability to do it and everybody may not have the resources
to hire. Someone just getting down. The sidewalk is
literally something every person has to do. It seems like
it should be a city's issue to make sure that that process
is safe for everyone. It should be no issue for me to get
in my chair and buy a few blocks down to get to the
library. However, because there are so many vacant
building, because there are so many people who can't sell
that sidewalk, I haven't gotten to it yet. I have to ride
the middle of the street.
I've had people.
I've had people scream at me out of the car windows. Say get
out of here, we can get where we need to go without
barriers. So I would have definitely Independence. I think
not having to worry or wonder if the sidewalks are so I can
get those places will just be one less thing that I have to
think about a blind person. There are a lot of things that
I consider when navigating in any type of weather and
knowing that we are sidewalks wouldn't necessarily have to
be oh my goodness, I will be able to leave the house in the
winter, half a restaurant. I go down to the library.
There's so many things that I can participate in and
programs and events.
if you go to the pharmacy,
Chicago has an opportunity to be a global leader in the
sidewalk.
I've been.
I believe we are next going to hear from Adam Ballard know
that we are going to hear, it's right up their chairman.
The next we're going to hear from Lauren Salzman from
access live.
There.
There we go. All right, good morning. My name is Lauren
Salzman. I am the acting chair of the CT Ada committee and
the transportation policy analyst. Practice living a
disability Justice organization in Chicago Center for
Independent Living. I'm thrilled to be here to support an
ordinance. That means so much to people with disabilities.
Snow and ice covered sidewalks of the number one
Transportation complaint. We get from our community in
Winter for wheelchair users people who are low vision or
blind and other folks with mobility issues have been
consistently. Cleared, sidewalks is not just a luxury. It
is a necessity, it is the difference between getting to the
doctor or your job or just hanging out with friends, it's
not having to roll down the street because the sidewalks
aren't clear.
Order.
Or get.
Or getting a fine because you can't shovel the sidewalk and,
like many people who are disabled and disproportionately
low income. You cannot pay to have some clear for you.
Chicago was not perfectly acceptable at any time of year,
we are suited to his committed, it is putting money into
improving accessibility
Start with ASAP program and rebuild Illinois. We have even
more money committed from the state and federal government
to improving our Transit. Accessibility the extent that
Chicago's mention numerous times at a White House Event,
just this week for its work, on a 7 drill, accessibility
hundreds of millions of dollars are going into these
projects. It would be a missed opportunity to fail to
ensure that disabled people can make it to the bus or the
train because of snow and ice covered sidewalks and
crosswalks, which is why we have been so grateful. For the
work of lead. Lead, sponsor Alderman, Villegas Channel
Espada their staff, and the mayor's office to get the
legislation here today as well better. Street, Chicago, ARP
Illinois, 23 sponsors, and 20, + organizations and
coalitions was signed on in support of public sidewalks and
is consistently understood how important this issue as for
the community and in particular, the 200,000 plus people
with ambulatory and vision disabilities who live
disproportionally in historically disadvantaged communities
in Chicago,
I would now like to take you up shoes turned over to my
co-worker friend. Oh, papa Starbucks at Cortner and
co-chair of the mayor's Equity transition committee,
Candace Coleman, who can speak to the ledge experience, and
how much snow and ice covered. So, I'm talking to text her
daily life. Thank you. Laura, my name is Candice going from
access living. Really appreciate the work that is going
into this, because as a community, organizer access living,
I work with multiple people with cross disabilities, and
the winter is always a dreadful experience. It's Dreadful
because one weather is cold sores painful, but to it means
that we are trapped in our homes or trapped in various
situations. I have multiple, I have multiple forms of
Mobility devices that I used that includes a wheelchair and
a cake. And so the likelihood of me being able to navigate
to City independently slows down tremendously during the
winter time apparel.
You.
Use.
You've?
User-installed when the snow is in the way they do not want
to pick you up, more than likely, you'll get left. I have a
job, just like everyone else does. And so I would like to
get to work and the snow not being plowed, really puts a
damper on that opportunity. The other obstacles that we
should look at when we think about why plowing snow should
be, plowed is because of an accessibility
We need.
we need a
We need a lot of delivery services to navigate groceries
medication and other things we need for our home. And if
the sidewalks are not plowed, in people don't want to come
to the door either.
Because it is icy and slippery sometimes for some people
who live independently, they have to rely on either
strangers or people who who would support. But that's a
guessing game. Our community would really like to see the
city be more Progressive and having plow the sidewalk so
they can create access when I just us before everyone just
because the snow is plowed, and we're recommending that it
gets done, doesn't mean you're not going to walk across the
sidewalk because somebody with the disability said, do it,
you're going to use the sidewalk just like everyone else.
It's so access for us is access for everyone. Thank you.
Thank.
Thank you, Miss Jones.
Belong to the city and at times even people struggle
shoveling snow is like Mr. While you just left symptoms
will help each other or the snow piles up to 68 inches,
does usual delay in between? It's ridiculous thing. Like
elderly people struggling to Chevron,
The city.
The city-state's that ESP shower by 10 the next morning and
I'm okay at this Junction in my age or some other people of
a struggle with it. A lot, I think you still while he's
almost 80 years old, can imagine him shoveling the snow
seals, and make sure to shovel the entire Street, or block
because some people to shovel this nose inside. And Sam
don't it kind of defeats the purpose of one dies. In the
next person doesn't do any delays at 1 and shovel when is
not going to fit the confusion, but you should see the
same. I'll make sure the entire block off side room so they
can I use it?
City.
Situation man, sings shape of in Cleveland.
Thank.
Thank you very much. And finally, we have Adam Ballard from
AARP, Illinois. Good morning on behalf of ARP. Ellen, oi
250,000 members in the city of Chicago. I'm here to
probably share the ARP supports Chicago plow, the sidewalk
pilot program and other policies that ensure that snow and
ice are removed from walkways, and pedestrian routes in a
consistent and timely manner. This maintains the safety and
health of older adults and others were at risk of injury or
medical emergency. I want to thank you for the opportunity
to be here. This morning, thanks to Sherman laspada into
our ordinances lead sponsor Altoona PA
Is for your work.
Is for your work for the mayor for his support better
Street, Chicago access living, and all the other
organizational sponsors of this wonderful pilot program.
Thank.
Thank you, mister Ballard committee before I think you are.
So they quit consistent and timely removal of snow and ice
from sidewalks and pedestrian routes should be. But often
is in a routine, part of maintaining year-round access to
city life, including that are public transportation system.
ARP advocates for building and maintaining a robust and
Safe Transportation infrastructure, that supports
alternatives to driving. Even in a Chicago winter it is
critical to the health and well-being of older adults
living in Northern climates like ours and Great Lakes
climates like ours that we're not trapped in our homes for
up to a quarter of the year.
The pain.
Depending on landowners to remove snow or Property Owners
to remove snow and ice means that older adults are unable
to know in advance. What are the route to their bus? Stop
favorite shop, place of worship, doctor's office or best
friend's house will even be safe to travel slipping and
falling on snow or ice in. The winter is riskier for older
adults and for the general population for older adults, a
simple one.
Simple winter fall.
Simple. Winter fall is more likely to result in serious
injury, fear of falling, while traveling keeps many older
adults at home in from participating, in the activities and
they are otherwise capable of doing
you.
You know when the landowners are conscientious about
getting their walks shoveled, snow accumulates over the
winter, the passable with of the sidewalks tends to get
narrower and narrower every time a new snowfall comes on
top of a previous snowfall. We see this right? Wheelchair
users and others using Mobility AIDS or just those simply
needing to walk side-by-side with a companion due to a
visual impairment or other Mobility. Disability are either
first forced into the street as we saw on the video
earlier, or again, as we heard from Candace and others are
stuck at home until or if a ride in a car or accessible
vehicle can be arranged and paid for. And for a lot of
folks, or older adults get with his abilities on fixed
incomes can afford a lift. Even if we could find an
accessible one in the first place, all of these outcomes
has been texting me personally, as well as he heard from
Candice.
The.
Depending on landowners to remove snow and ice from the
sidewalks and pedestrian routes asked residents to do
difficult and dangerous. Work people with disabilities and
older adults who cannot or should not be removing snow from
their properties. Might have to pay a fine or hire others
to rely on for snow removal. If they can't arrange on their
own for that, we will again it might be hit with a fine.
Too often older adults attempt to fulfill their
responsibilities for snow removal and end up suffering
older adults and others with health conditions, risk injury
and health emergencies while shoveling or using snowblowers
for some, the result can even be death.
He?
Here, again, the risk for older adults are higher than for
the general population.
Add.
adults, aged 55, years and older are over-represented among
those who are injured, while shoveling snow or while using
a snowblower,
Charles.
Shoveling snow or using snow, blowers is also associated
with other medical emergencies and even death from heart
attacks. These risks are especially high for men with
health conditions that rise in incidents with age, the
American Heart Association warns that people with heart
conditions, diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood
pressure. Should not be shoveling snow or using snow
blowers.
As we heard.
As we heard from better Street Chicago, we have models that
we can follow. We support this plow. The sidewalks pilot
program and we encourage its be taken Citywide as soon as
possible because we have a model in Toronto that is very
worth following.
Toronto can clear all of it. City Wide sidewalks as we
heard in as little as 13 hours because 95% of the sidewalks
are cleared by mechanical plows.
Play.
Laying on a clear? The sidewalk my voice got bigger.
Travelers can even go to a dedicated app in Toronto that
gives the status of snow removal and the location of all
plows, including the sidewalk Plows in real-time to know
how they're going to go. So in conclusion, along with the
Chicago plow this with the rest of the Coalition here by
the sidewalks pilot program. We have the opportunity here
in Chicago to show that a large American city in a Northern
Region. Can also be fully accessible and welcoming to
people of all ages and abilities to help once a year. Thank
you.
Thank you so much. Adam wanting to know to Alderman Curtis
for purposes of carb. Very briefly. I want to thank those
who helped to put this up suit together. I specifically
want to thank Miss Beth Beatty, commissioner Stallard.
Deputy Commissioner Kearney who's in the box with us policy
director. You meet Grigsby Eric Martinez. You would not
have this in front of you today, if it wasn't for their
work. And when we have a very brief, I want to talk to you
whenever you get a very late substitute. We, we admit to
the committee. This was a late substitute. It's important
to note that the why of the substitute and what is
different in your substitute people? Leave those of you who
were co-chairs on the earlier version. So for the bulk of
the difference is on page 2-2, you might have known it if
you were co-sponsor 2 of 2,
If?
If you work hostmonster previously, you might have noted
that we outlined a certain number of zones, we outlined the
geographic dimensions of those own.
In working.
In working with the administration in working, through the
capacities and flexibility of our departments will be
tasked with carrying out this work. They asked us to
instead, develop a working group in interdepartmental
inter-governmental working group which will also include
the participation consultation of those who drafted the
policy in front of us to develop this program over the
course of the next year or so to work out those Logistics.
So if you're wondering to yourself right now, German what's
going to be the cost? Were these zones going to be? Are
they going to be done by outside contractors? Are they
going to be done by Labour's within the city are or
Commissioners are Department through this working group
will be developing their program over the course of this.
Next year, they will bring that back to you for your
consultation reception when this work has been done.
again, if
Again, if you look, it's includes a sunset. They include a
maximum latest possible. Start date for this work. We're
going to bring back an evaluation of how this went, our
commitments to you, our efficiency and affordability. We
are committed to doing this work as efficiently as possible
and do they have in the city were committed to doing this
work as affordable as possible on behalf of the city. So
Holding on.
Putting all of that note into work in the preparation is
come before do committee members have any questions for the
draftees or for the chair ottoman War.
Verizon.
The rising a working group. That's exactly what you do.
That's it.
Work.
Working group will draft the program. The program will be
reviewed by this committee. A program of plowing sidewalks
will be carried out in Chicago and then the evaluation of
that will. Again, be brought back to the committee and then
when they come back with all the recommendations Karsten at
that time, will vote on whether we even doing a pilot or
anything else. Correct.
Thank you Alderman, more. Yes, that is correct. Once the
working group has evaluated, the the details around the
pilot program, they will come back to this body. And then
from there then we'll go get another vote to recommend a
pilot program.
All We Do.
Are we doing again for the record? All we doing is
authorizing a working group to be established and that is
it. We're committing to the both, the working group and the
actual work to help and I want to be clear on that but I
want to be clear with you Autumn and more. Nothing is going
to happen without further consultation and review from this
body. Will you add it? It working group and some work. What
work?
Yes.
Yes, sir. So I want to refer back to the ordinance. So
under definitions, we say program, a defined as means the
Chicago plow the sidewalk the pilot program established in
coordinates with section 2 of this ordinance.
If you go to page three it notes, the program shall begin.
No later than January, 31st of 2025 and end no later than
March 15th of 2026. We also note that all of the
Departments who will be carrying out this work on behalf of
the city will determine the size of the pilot area, the
selection of the pilot area, the sources of revenue to fund
how labor will be hired, the ending of the program. All of
this work is going to happen, but keep in mind, it's not
going to happen in a vacuum. We are going to continue to
bring this back to the committee for their review in
consultation moving forward. I get that I would rather take
that out of work language. Axes got to come back all
anyway, that's just established a working group. And then,
let's see what the working group to and then come back and
take on any bowls or any procedures after that. It's a both
and kind of situation that I can guarantee you. So don't
have to be though.
Go to.
That is what is in the ordinance before us today. It would
be it would be a bit disingenuous to say. We're going to
commit to plow the sidewalk and never plowing the
sidewalks. We don't want to come, we don't want to commit
to that without the information either that is so I would
rather just go ahead and have to belabor this on my end if
we're going to start, if we're going to be right about this
and we saying, we don't have any numbers and a lot of
questions here. Don't even, it's not even rather than
asking what that all of that. So, I think, in my opinion,
the only thing she would be. So established here is a
working group to get the information and almond, more
precisely, because there are these questions and they are
very good questions, they will be answered over the course
of the next year, by by the folks you see in the box and
also with consultation from our committee members. Thank
you, thank you very much.
Yes.
Yes, almond Curtis. I kind of
like this ordinance is specially being aged 55 already and
I don't want to pick up a shovel but up my question is what
does Toronto look like now? What does that program look
like if? So thank you for the Altima Curtis. So the program
has been in existence for over a decade and right now they
are proud plowing 100% of their
Sidewalks in the city.
Sidewalks in the city of Toronto and so they didn't get
their overnight. It took time to get there. So it'll last
decade. They got into a position where they are doing a
hundred percent of their sidewalks and Toronto's a perfect
example because of the fact that it's similar in size and
similar and geographically the way that's laid out like
City of Chicago has a huge dense area and then they have
neighborhoods as well. And so they're able to do that snow
plow on the sidewalk in 13 hours and no later than 72
hours.
Okay, so I know my water alone is over. Maybe a hundred, a
hundred and ten miles of streets and sidewalks. So the city
of the whole, I mean,
I don't.
I don't know what that even look like with.
Les.
Labor force, deferring back to the fact that the working
group is going to be put together to put for the pilot
program. And we want to make sure that we're starting off
to be successful. We don't want to put ourselves in a
position where we're taking out too much. I think we want
to take a look at what works in in there. You'll see that
in subsection, B under the working group guidelines, what
the target. What the criteria is going to be as a relates
to to the pilot program. So I can we want to make sure that
we're starting off small. We want to make sure that this
Successful.
Successful and what's the working group reports back and
get, you know, they could come back and say, it doesn't
work here, but the working group will be put in place along
with the Department's. That'll be all to mately responsible
for this as well as some of the Advocates that have put
forward. This this this campaign plow The Sidewalk Cafe
hands. I got a bad habit of work, looking, am I right Tara?
Nirvaan followed by Alderman, Quinn. Followed by Alderman
Lawson.
Famous German. So I'm somewhat in agreement with an ottoman
more as a relates to
Got to working group, you're asking for a working group and
authority to enter into contracts without knowing the cost
without knowing I was going to pay for it or anything. I
think I understand where we're trying to go. We haven't
really heard from Streets & Sanitation or C. As to how we
potentially implement. It just seems to be a lot of
questions and I would have been agreement for definitely
establishment of a working group but I think it's some
point. Once those things worked out that this does need to
come back to us for approval and what you're telling us is
that is coming back for consultation and advisement but not
necessarily.
Or proof. Because again, depending upon with the Zones look
like depending upon a bunch of different factors, people
that supported today, may not support it tomorrow. People
that then supported today Mesa for tomorrow and I think
that I don't want to say that we want another bite at the
Apple, but we would like to know the bite at the Apple
because we don't know what we're, where we going to land
with this. And I think it's only fair to the city council
and into an into members of the various communities that
this does come back to the council for approval prior to
the implementation of it. Cuz again what you're saying is
that it's it will come back with those are more advisory
and other types of conversations and doesn't come back for
specific approval. And we have been at to my knowledge
established in the budgetary Authority, or anyting else to
to go along with that. So how do you how do you reconcile
that? You're exactly right. So anything that were talking
about today,
We're.
Regardless of whether it's still an in-house or contracted
out. It includes material, includes labor included,
potentially contacting, which means with all certainty,
this one up, going back to your committee. That's wants
her. We will see this reflected in items that are voted on
by counsel in the future.
Again, depending upon how it how it is implemented that
could that, that could be, for example, under what you
propose, theoretically, the the commissioner Streets &
Sanitation, you say, hey, I'm not picking up garbage this
week, we're only going to plow sidewalks. That's a decision
that we need to have a conversation about but under the
confines, what you drafted or what? It's been drafting. So
you drafted was Ben, drafted that decision making ability
doesn't come back to us, that's something totally left up
to to some other people. So that's why I'm in agreement
with all the more saying, hey, I know no no issue with the
working group, but working group and Authority, not knowing
what the outcome is. I think it is is is unfair to us that
we give that difference to shoot the sand right now. And me
if if if there was a storm that just took place and they
said, hey need to pick up all the trash on the west side
because the basements were flooded.
We?
Read.
We arranged a staff. In order to do that they had that
Authority now without having to come back to the body. So I
would say that and that's why we, you know, trust the good
work of the street. This and I would also say that the
criteria around the pilot area,
It.
it if
It. If I want to make sure I'm hearing you correctly this
criteria there around. What the pilot areas going to
consist of, right? So you look at work section, 22 working
group, guidelines, subpart B, you'll see if the fines what
the criteria is going to be for the, for the pilot area.
And so I would hope that when where when the working group
is putting forward, these pilot recommendations that it's
based on that criteria, not by whether it's in my ward or
not. I think I mean we generally don't we do work in groups
to create ordinances that come before us for wedding, in
hearing what you're asking for is a working group that is
such as going to go into a program about coming back to us.
One proof that smile that is really my only objection I
understand. But I would say that to to have a working group
and have a pilot come at the same time allows for it.
Come back to this.
Come back to this party with recommendations on what works
and what doesn't work or they can come back and say listen
we did the pilot didn't work. We're not moving forward with
it. And I think that's where we need to have that. That
that is being on the same track where we're putting a
forward to working group. We're looking at Best Practices
throughout the throughout North America and then
implementing those best practices to see if they work here.
And then coming back to the body say, hey we're able to do
a pilot program in this area.
We think this.
we think this is what's going to cost moving forward, if we
were to expand it, and then getting that authorization,
Again, I guess we just have to agree to disagree. So
unfortunately, I do think it's this is something that we
should consider but also think that this is something he
needs to come back to the body, you know, prior to
implementation. And it's all for sale, won't be able to
purchase today.
we were at Algonquin you just sort of building on what
Jason, Ervin was talking about the chairman of the budget.
Just, so I'm clear. You're looking for implementation,
January Thirty-One or 2025. So, this is in essence, a
two-fold past. You're passing the building of a working
group coupled with implementation working group and the
actual work. So to be clear, right? So that runs contrary
to what Mr. Villegas just just talked about saying that if
the working group comes back with some adverse, thoughts or
was she didn't even do it, then we're going to cancel it.
Let me make sure that the working group will make
recommendations pilot what commands. And then after the
pilot completed, then it will come back to the body.
With.
with its
With its findings. So it's if I stated something that led
you to believe that was contrary to what I said, I want to
clear the record for that.
Can you?
Can you indulge me one more time? Made up of the
Departments as well as The Advocates will make
recommendations need apartments. Based on the working
group's recommendations put forward, a pilot pilot will
commence what's the Pilot's completed report back to the to
the body on its findings on whether or not? This is so
successful program or not. And the number of 750,000 was
throwing around prior to this is that still the guide? I
don't see that anywhere in here. So I would say that what
you saw in the previous, the initial organ cells,
recommended was really a robust ordinance that laid out
zones, and it was a lot more detailed. However, in
consultation with the administration, as well as the
department of streets of Sanitation C. Determine a
pedestrian traffic. Safety of The Advocates. It was further
thought that instead of having so much details,
Work.
I'm working group.
I'm working group which in turn can can decide what the,
what the, what the details are based on Section to
subsection B with that criteria, and soul numbers that were
put out before geographical areas, will put up before were
based on recommendations from The Advocates. But since
then, there's been a lot of discussion on how to get to a
point where we can pass something that ultimately would
allow for working group to come back with the
recommendations. I just went out for the record if you
don't have, by the way, I'm in this business, removing snow
for seniors. I do last year was at 760 houses, if you don't
have equipment ordered by May 31 2024 that artificial
deadline that you would 4th January 31 2025. You've already
you've already and in essence failed because you won't be
able to
May.
make the
make that.
Make that deadline. If you don't have equipment ordered and
$750,000, make hover, maybe to Ward's when it's all said
and done at $35,000, a piece of equipment. So if we were to
look at doing this on a Citywide basis,
At.
At thirty-five thousand.
At $35,000 a piece of equipment and say 10 Polaris has her
Ward, you're looking at 17 million dollars, just an
equipment that's not talking about backup or who's going to
drive the equipment, or who's going to manage the drivers
or who's going to get into managing the when stuff breaks
down. We're talking about millions and millions of dollars
here in this program. Just so we're all clear here, this is
not just a drop in the bucket and once we establish the
expectation, that expectation is real and you're on the
clock and you have to deliver. So I can't support this
today cuz I frankly don't feel like this has been thought
through well enough.
Tim.
To match the expectation that's coming with snow removal.
You don't want to get into a situation where you're chasing
snowflakes, it's a bad business to be in, I don't even see
parameters as to when you're going to have a call out, or
what happens if your lake-effect snow all of those things
have to be taken into consideration before we as a city, go
public with anything whether it's a pilot program or
whether it's a City Y program. So unfortunately, I think
the committee. Well intentions are great and I'm in the
program already. I think you're setting yourself up to fail
and fail miserably and if history suggests anything in the
city that people lose it,
because it's
Because of snow.
And because of snow so I just offer a whole lot of caution
and I want to be on the record saying that I very much
appreciate that. I think my one respectful of disagreements
that we won't be successful. The folks responsible for
carrying out this for both designing and implementing. Any
pilot, there is no one who knows snow removal better than
the folks were sitting in the box right now to mr.
Chairman, I totally agree in to that end, I think call
Stalin is be very best that we've hacked, and you're right.
He has power over the city of Chicago. When we get hit with
snow, he has expert power over all of us. And I would love
to hear what cold makes more importantly about the blind
spots that are forthcoming.
Miss you.
Do you want to come?
Clear.
Good afternoon, coach dollar, commissioner Department of
Streets & Sanitation. Thank you for the kind words. I thank
you for the back and forth. I think the committee for
giving us an opportunity. Also to have a voice in this, are
we understand the importance of this? We understand the
message as Chicago. We pride ourselves on snow removal.
I've learned from the best before me.
Is this?
It didn't come.
It didn't come too if you're looking at 20 plus years and
people investing in me on how to get rid of snow, I've
learned from every program.
I'm not.
I'm not against learning more at all.
Repeat.
There's people here that made very, very, very valid points
that I've listened to
but as the alderman that have spoke so far,
There.
There's much that has to go into this and I will thank the
group.
This is changed a lot where I brought up the simple point.
I'd
I talk to all these states are these cities. I talked to
Canada.
Talk to him at meetings with him.
Matt with Syracuse, this is something we've taken very
serious snow removal, big business, millions and millions
of dollars.
What?
But know that when I stated that,
Let me tell you, let me ask you what one square mile is a
to get the fellows from the mayor's office.
The.
To get us the answer that we verify because it's 128 city
blocks that nobody can put that number in their head of
what it would take to do, one square mile in the city. So
when I had the opportunity to bring that to him chatting
last night at 4, in the afternoon, because I wasn't going
to sit in front of these folks here.
I'm his body that I've sat in front of, for 20 years and be
embarrassed by no means
So they gave us the opportunity to State archives State our
concerns where we were at.
On.
Understand that we're going to be working with people
sitting at this table with us. We're willing to work with
you and we want to do what's right, but just know that it
is a big undertaking.
and,
I never.
And everybody keeps referencing Toronto. I'll put up our
snow program against anybody in the country.
and,
And that goes all the men and women that do that job
everyday.
and,
and I,
And I appreciate those folks also but it is a coordinated
effort with the bike Lanes. It took us years to figure out
how to not keeping throw, snow back into the bike Lanes, we
work together and I hope that they bored and continue to
take our recommendations through this process because this
is something we take very seriously. And I don't take
having that what people have stated as power. I don't take
that for granted. I understand that it affects everybody
sitting in this room and the people in the residents of the
city of Chicago.
Play.
I hope I answered your question. I know you.
I'm here to do my job.
I'm here to offer my mobile call expertise or my
explanation and I'm here. And I'm happy to have a seat at
the table to further that discussion.
Thank.
Thank you.
Thank you very much. Commissioner Army Quinn further
questions.
Mega Charmander.
Make a German. I like to shovel. I think it's funny. I
think it's give you know when I hear the first shovels on
my block. Now I got to get out there. I live in a four-unit
building will take turns and we're still going to have to
shovel and still going to do my suit, my front sidewalk by
my car at the back because a lot of places that there's no
shoveling out my neighborhood, Lakeview East. It does very
well until they actually I take exception to my friends of
access living, the blind lady on the 42 block of Melrose
and then let you know if I can park. So I noticed how good
our sidewalk was, cuz I feel like a high density buildings
in high traffic areas, especially on the East end of my
ward. Don't need this, but lots of vacant, lots city-owned,
lots that aren't being serviced or a huge huge barrier. I'm
so I view this as something of a troubleshooting tool. My
cemetery is on his way to shoveling as my school, right?
And I know when I spoke about how
Varsity.
Diversity is already covered by a snow removal program and
it would you just rather go through that again. Thank you.
I lost muscle CPS contracts that work out now and so
they're responsible for the 30-minute square feet of
sidewalk that they do on an annual snow base at CVS and
then ask her also and services. If if the thief the
Commissioners decide to do that. Also the Chicago Park
District's city colleges on the side chick but I do know
that the questions I had. What are we plow now?
As.
As you mentioned, as they brought up, we do there are. And
when I say we, I'm talking about the city sister agencies,
Are.
Other departments say is with Police Department. Fire
departments hospitals, we monitor very closely senior
centers we monitor very closely. You know, you have the
downtown area that Central business district, is my
business areas are monitor, very closely c, t a Street
sand, Sands responsible for 9600 miles of streets, that we
have neighborhood streets. Also, we break it down in each
Ward between about 60
The 80.
The ATM.
In the 18 miles per truck or are inside spreading. That's
pretty much what it takes. We put out anywhere from
To.
200-901-3030 flowers. We can have out up to over 300 when
we do get into the heavier types knows until we reach out
to our friends at Sea. And water. The private vendors, we
can have anywhere of 700 pieces out on the street, right?
But the sidewalks, I mean, do we do the airport? So we just
City Hall that those are done by other departments and then
Toronto, whoever can take it to have it in-house, or do
they contract out and what is their annual Bill? I'm going
to let Ty know that question a little bit. We've been
talking to all of them, but time has a little more
information on Toronto, because we're going to really focus
in on Toronto, because that seems to be the gold standard
for right now because I have talked to him all and
Week.
We compared with a lot of them there right now, but Toronto
seems to be the gold star for right now, and it's been over
a decade. Thank you for right now.
Tom Carney, first Deputy Commissioner of Chicago Department
of Transportation. The answer your question that I'm just
going to be able to answer based on what we've read
information, they have public that we have a bet that we've
received we have reached out to them to get further
clarification. So I just want to put that caveat on my
answer but some of the materials we read was that they have
15 contracts in place. So it seems like they do have a
mixture of contracted services and some in-house Staffing
so but I don't have much more like what's the how they
divided out who's responsible for what, you know, so on so
we have to have further conversations with them to get our
arms around that.
That's a.
That's all I had. All the women.
and,
Thank.
Yankee chair.
I was.
I wanted to First express my gratitude to The Oaks in the
box today including access living and better Street
Chicago. I'm along with the Commissioners. I appreciate you
being here. I am in full support of Abyss working group and
I do have a clarification and and just a comment, I am in
full support of this because in the last two years I have
had two hip replacement and so I have had to manage my
sidewalks with a walker in the winter time and it was, it
was very challenging to not only manage the sidewalks but
also the curb and I understand that there are a lot of
unanswered questions, but I I just wanted to say that I
have
Book hundred.
But confident in this working group, especially the
organizations that are involved with been on this path for
many years now, along with the Commissioners, I feel that
this is it. This is going to be a good outcome for the city
of Chicago, especially for people who who are disabled at
the video. Thank you for putting together the presentation.
I think it's very clear about the work that is being done,
but I just wanted to point
The.
E. I didn't see in the working group shall consult with the
Alderman and the community members regularly and no less
than three times before. May 31st 2024 know that there are
a lot of concerns about the process of this moving forward.
And what's going to what what's going to be the outcome.
And so I'm just hoping for a commitment towards that end
and so we understand what the where we are and what we can
do, do you know be involved as committee people before.
It's fully baked.
Thank.
Thank you. Thank you for that, and there is commitment from
his commitment to come back and work closely. And that
number reason why I was three times is because we that's
just the floor. We can meet as many times as the chairman
request as much as many times as the committee members
want, cuz we want to get this pilot program, correct as
much input as possible, so that was put in there as the
floor. Is it to make sure that there was some type of
commitment to some number? So there's, there's commitment
from the chairman we had discussion yesterday and I won't
speak for the chairman. He can't say how many times that
the committee wants to be German.
I will all.
I will only know that it says and other sources has
determined by the chair of committee and pedestrian traffic
safety plan to use that discretionary ability to make sure
our engagement or consultation both with you all in with
the community is as robust as it can possibly be.
Thank you notes and then vice-chair cruised in Orgrimmar.
I'm definitely in support of the working group. I, you
know, that I am thankful for all the work that's gone in by
lot of activists in the box and it has totally shown us
that we want to do this in the right way, which I think is
the most important thing. I had a list of questions that I
think we're very cart before the horse related to items
that the working group will be discussing. So I won't, I
won't open up that can of worms other other than noting, a
few. So one question and apologies, if this was already
Cub.
cupboard by
Cupboard. But is the working group funded in any way?
Did.
This.
Disparate set up. I imagine there's indirect costs such as
time from the department and otherwise, but is there any
allocation for? So, I would say that the working group is
funded only through the employees hours that are dubbed,
the city. We have the kids. This there is no Skyping. Its
volunteer work, just like, they've done for this last
campaign. Okay, great. That you're that goes into a theme
that honestly been talking about since last August with
certain people involved in this. Just that I have a big
concern that I don't want this to be a huge strain on DSs.
We, you know, my soup. Marty Casey is like a, he makes it
possible for me to do my job and I really don't want to put
an extra strain on that. So I think, as we talked about
this going forward, we got to talk about Labor. We've got
to talk about indirect hours that are being spent on it and
maybe that will lead to how we structure it. Whether it's
Ensure,
We're not a couple things I wanted to note just even added
the working group because I think it's really important. It
just to bring up.
I just don't want to.
I just don't want to see you.
I just don't want to see a program, that lands a bunch more
gas, powered equipment on our streets. I think it's really
concerning just the pollution that gas blowers give off.
And if we're funding is a city more to fulfill this program
that's going to be something that I think is detrimental
and and will turn a lot of people against it. I know the
people involved in this feel the same way, we just got to
find a route to making sure that that's not the case for
the end as we spoke. Yes, yesterday about that, I went
ahead spoke with the snow and ice management association
National Organization that does snow and ice removal and
their best practices and spoke about some of the equipment
that is already electrified them. So just as they are both
vehicles, they're on the verge of getting more equipment
that has a capacity to perform these duties. So they're in
the early stages and given the fact that we have a little
over a year and a half to put
Ford F.
Ford, I think the technology will begin to catch up at some
point over the course of the pilot program or even as a
programme continues, if it does continue, I think that
equipment. The electrified equipment will catch back up,
it's great and I think you know and we can even partner
with other committees on this I'm my team is looking into
just information around a more generalized gas blower ban.
I mean I think that could play into this to go with that
and always is not making it detrimental to people who
already.
Equipment in.
equipment in our labor and using a
Equipment in our labor and using it. So I'm were looking
into that as well. And you know with that I just wanted to
know to what we have kind of this group here. I think, as
we approach budget season, we should look into other
smaller lines in the budget that really do impact.
Accessibility, I know. And, and Tom Carney can correct me.
But within see. I think there's three people doing signs.
Just working like crazy, am I off on that? Cuz I was told
that
stop.
Tom Carney first Deputy Commissioner, are you referring to
the field service specialist that right the sign work
orders that you were amazing work. If you do have
currently, we have three that you get out in advance and
write the work orders that the Soul Tape, the fabrication
of the signs. And then gives the work order that the sign
hang where to install the same. So yes, we have three
field, service specialist that do that work. Those work
orders yet. I'm so in the end, I think too. I'm just using
the moment. But signs really do impact accessibility when
signs go down things get really dangerous. So you know
that, I think that's a parallel parallel issue that we
should talk about going into budget. That's all I have. I
have it a lot of ways to questions. I have full trust that
this way
King group will.
King group will be thoughtful and and you know, open for
where this might lead but I really support the concept of
boosting accessibility and in the city. So thank you cuz
another source is as determined I I will include Altman
cannot send as other source as determined. Thank you sir
Cruse.
Thank.
Thank you. Chairman. I want to act cool with my colleagues
just said, you know, all the notes in it. And it is the
concept, the support of the concept, which we do need that.
We have a lot of our seniors, a lot of our children, and
our neighbors with disability, who this will be a benefit.
And that's the reason why I Champion be part of the coal
sponsor cuz it is much needed in the city. But I also want
to Echo. What is the other one might have said? And I think
we do need more. I personally, we like to get more
information so I do have some similar questions as well
when it comes to the cost. Where is it? You know, where is
the funding going to come from the labor? Like who's going
to be responsible? And I want to say that much respect to
our commissioner on Cole, salary I write respect you know,
slap he's definitely has been tool a successful tool for me
and navigating me through the process or
How to say thank you.
how to say, thank you and
How to say thank you and also thank you for allowing him to
speak because we do wanted to see. Also their perspective
of how they see this program will work also, we like to see
more information about like which blocks and was a pilot
program. But where is it going to start off with? Like, how
many blocks will that be? I'm a little more information. So
them for us to have a better perspective, where we do have
great leaders and organizations leading in and to the point
of all the maintenance and say they would trust that will
lead the way and do it the right way we do need for myself.
I rather speak for myself. I do would like to see a little
more information when it comes to those questions. I know
it has been drafted like who it's going to be a benefit
from but I can't. Where is the party going to be one of
those black? How many blocks will data entail like the
where the fun is going to come? Who is going to be doing
the labor if there are going to be those organizations,
what are those organizations? And I hope I know we're
coming back. I know I farted.
I'll come back.
I'll come back with those questions but as our leaders are
working on that and we want to make sure that those are the
questions. They also have to come back and provide those
answers for us tonight. I see you or when she go after
Altman Martin Nordeman chica, we are going to briefly
recess the committee to amend language. Reflecting some of
the concerns around confirmation in consultation with the
committee said, Thank You trimming that
Again, we want to.
Again, we want to make sure that this is a successful pilot
and just because in Alderman comes forward with an idea and
co-sponsors once he gets to the committee. Obviously
there's more questions that come up and so hearing
questions from Alderman, more chairman Irvin yourself. We
want to make sure that we can incorporate that into the
into an organ. So as its chairman stated that after all the
questions will be come back with that. You can substitute
so briefly before we recess or almond Martin.
Thank.
Thank you one. I wanted to commend the plow, the sidewalks
Coalition on their terrific. Interactive feature that they
think there was a QR code for to really understand across
the city where we see concentrations of issues that we want
this program to ultimately take into account. And I think
that that's something that in some ways Rivals what our own
government puts out. So I wanted to commend this group of
volunteers and Advocates and experts for putting together.
What I found to be very helpful and I think will be very
instructive moving forward in second, wanted to encourage
you chair that depending on how the substitute made work,
the piece about consultation. I think I'm some consultation
early on in the form of a formal briefing or series of
briefings could be especially helpful because I think
Alderman, Quinn and others have flagged a number of
A critical issue.
Critical issues that I know for sure. And I'm not alone
would would like to see real. Assurances is this working
group is getting up running not halfway through or
three-quarters of the way through. But early on that
there's a plan set up that Flags those and works backwards
from a successful set of recommendations for city council
to think through. So from that process stamp when they
think front loading, some of that work. So that we along
with our colleagues at our departments will be tasked with
implementing. This, we know that we have the right sorts of
inputs. Very duly noted, thank you old man. Martin. Almond
to go to the comments. One of my concern is with the
implementation of pilot programs. I look at the criteria
and then
My.
men.
Many Southside communities that this fits in the a lot of
Southside Community. So, when it comes to implementing it,
I want I want to see fairness amongst throughout the city
that interesting just piling up in one area and that it's
spread out throughout the city. And number two, I know we
have a lot of questions, but all the men, can you share? I
think it's important with this body. The minimum amount of
inches that, that would be required for the program to take
place and for the boulevard,
I would, I would prefer that to the working group because
there are best practices that currently take place. I know
that CPS has a call out to 23 in, so it would be details.
After working group has released to the city, Chicago pilot
program, under our purview, what we would require for a
call out. And so I would refer everything to the working
group. We have subject, matter experts, there and dies
fast, as well as well as see that that will put forward
their recommendations and then ultimately come back to this
body for a pool.
Thank you.
Thank you for the job.
What?
What is Toronto Blue Jays typically do. How many inches
would they would have a call out there between 2 and 3 in
Toronto?
Open.
Papa, John's writer may have a motion for a brief recess.
Please, Autumn and Martin. So moves committee will recess
until 11:35. Thank you for your patience.
Becoming.
The committee on pedestrian traffic safety is coming back
together. I have a copy. Thank you so much.
Talk to me.
Do committee to talk through and then to ask for a motion
based off of feedback, we have a mended section, two
letter.
Search.
Section two letter, B now ends.
To establish and administer the program in accordance with
section 2 of this ordinance, pending approval from the
committee on pedestrian and traffic safety, and full City
Council.
So,
Section 2 under working group guidelines letter D, the
working group shall present their recommendations to the
Department's committee on pedestrian traffic safety and
community. No later than May 31st. 2024 Section 3.
Good. The section based off that notes. The program shall
begin no later than January, 31st 2025... Providing
continuation or expansion of the program has been struck
against Rock because any further action based off of the
recommendations and designs of the working group will come
back to this committee and the full city council based off
of that languages have been presented to. You may have a
motion to amend the substitute adding that the language
noted
Chairman Jason, Ervin so moves. Do we have single
objections? So ordered do we have any further questions
around the amended substitute?
That.
That's it.
With all that said, may I have a motion to recommend
approval of substitute ordinance, 020, 23-21 04 by the same
roll call vote, as was applied to determine a quorum old
one in Manhattan worth. So moves hearing no objections. So
ordered, we will report these items out at the city council
meeting scheduled for July 19th 2023 with there, being no
further business before.
The committee's.
The committee may I have a motion to adjourn.
I'll be.
Popular motion Alderman, cannot send. So moves all those in
favor signify by saying I we are adjourned. Thank you,
thank you.