Morning, ladies and gentlemen. The committee on finance is
called to order.
Give me.
Give me back there. The committee on finance is called to
order. And before we get started today, I would like us to
take a moment of silence in remembrance of September 11th.
Thank.
Thank you. Will now have a roll call to establish quorum.
All.
Alderman.
Look.
Laspada fuse Me by chair Conway.
All.
Auburn.
Albany laspada, Alderman, Hopkins.
Alderman Hall.
Alderman Mitchell.
All.
Alderman. Harris, Alderman, Beale.
All.
all the
Alderman Lee Alderman, Ramirez Alderman, Quinn.
Alderman Lopez.
All.
Alderman Moore.
All.
Alderman. Curtis
All.
Alderman. O'Shea Alderman Taylor.
All.
Alderman Mosley Alderman, rodriguez-lopez Alderman, Burnett
Alderman, Irvin
All.
Alderman Taliaferro.
All.
Alderman. Cardona, alderman waguespack.
all the
Alderman Rodriguez. Sanchez Alderman, ramirez-rosa Alderman
Villegas, Alderman, Alderman, sposato Alderman Vasquez
Alderman, Riley, Alderman, Knutson all them in Martin,
Alderman Silverstein Alderman. Hopkins, I see you walking
in.
The ladies and gentlemen, we have 19 members, present
present, we have a quorum, all the men, O'Shea, and all the
bizarre do, and perhaps all them in. The Riley have
requested remote participation under the provision of rule
3059.
Can.
Can I get a motion to allow these all the men to attend the
meeting by remote means today? So moved by Alderman, Urban
all those in favor. Signify by saying I supposed supposed
in the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it, and the
motion carries. And so, all the men, O'Shea, are you with
us today and all them in spezzano and all them. And Riley
are allowed to attend this meeting remotely. I want to just
confirm, I know that I heard all them in O'Shea, alderman,
sposato.
all the
Alderman. Reilly
All right, so we have 20 members present at this time.
We're going to begin with public comment. That public
comment period will last 30 minutes and out of respect, for
everyone's time. Every speaker is limited to three minutes.
Alderman, Knutson will count you towards Corum and Alderman
Taliaferro. Good to see you this morning.
We have no callers that have signed up to speak remotely
and one in person speaker, who is mr. George Blakemore.
The.
The system is broken. One. Public speaker one.
A.
Something is wrong here?
What?
I didn't hear you madam. You say we have this is the
finance committee Madam, but this is dealing with millions
and millions of dollar bills, are taxpayers money and you
only have one public speaker, maybe something wrong with
the one public speaker or maybe it's something wrong with
this fist.
Maybe the system is broke. Maybe the people do not want to
participate. Sir, over here right here while I'm speaking.
No, no, you're not. Sorry, I'm the public. You heard us a
want you here.
Picture.
That should be.
Have some respect for yourself, turn around and listen to
the public affection is he Madame, would you please tell
those gentlemen to stop this second conversation Madden,
please. Thank you. Thank you. It's just, it's broke. No
respect for the public.
Set of sat on this board for years. Finance, the most
powerful committed committed, that's where this thing goes
on with these illegal immigrant who going to take
everything
Call.
Come from finding the money. Now I'm going to say once our
moment for my black people that were enslaved in America.
Not immigrant, not migrate enslaved in America and we never
received our preparation.
That.
That sucked out the moment for me, you and people black. I
want to see thousands and thousands of nappy hair black
people coming to Chicago bus sanctuary.
Bowser when you bro and Mia and as slaves to the America but
I resent other people that's not looking for like, name and
using this Monday.
This money.
I want to see thousands of nappy hair, big nose, big lift,
and a black behind like mine coming in here. Using the job
service contracts. I want to see people that look like me.
Otherwise, I wouldn't be so angry.
You were.
You explaining all of y'all.
Thank.
Thank you, mr. Blakemore, have a, have a great rest of the
day.
I will begin this meeting with the approval of the July and
August 2023, monthly rule, 45 reports. These reports was
sent out electronically to everyone and if there are no
questions, can I get a motion to recommend approval
approved, by approval of the July and August monthly, 45
reports, the motion made by all them in Moseley. All those
in favor, signify by saying hi holes. In the opinion of the
chair, the eyes have it, we have 14 items on the agenda
today.
Will not.
will not be taking out one of the agenda items, which is
the settlement on
Item 14d is going to be held in Committee in order to allow
the Law Department to do some more work on this. So we will
not be hearing item 14. Today we're going to begin with
The.
The office of the mayor and a communication concerning the
appointment of Chase Van Winkle as the city comptroller.
and we would like him to join us here this morning in the
hot seat all the membernet
We?
will you allow are acting comptroller to come this way.
and,
And we count you towards squirm.
Good morning.
and,
And would you like begin with your opening statement? And
then we'll see if we have any questions for you.
It may.
Good morning.
and,
And I hope everyone is well. Good morning, chairman dowel
vice-chairman, Conway and distinguished members of the
committee on finance. Thank you for the opportunity to
appear before you, as you consider my nomination as the
controller for the city of Chicago. I also want to thank
mayor Brandon Johnson for allowing me the honor and
privilege of continuing to serve the residents of the of
Chicago. In this important role
I'm leaving the Department of Finance. The city controller
is at the Nexus of most of the work of the city of Chicago.
The department collects Revenue issues, fines and fees
makes payments reviews expenses, managers cash flow, audit
City physical functions and assist with issues relating to
the city's Financial policy at its core. The Department of
Finance is meant to serve as a model of efficiency to make
sure the flow of City funds move swiftly and correctly to
where it is needed within the city's systems while. Also
not burning City residents, or businesses with a take
payment systems, confusing fees, or fines or delays. In
payments. I take the responsibility of managing this office
with the utmost eliminate and look forward to working with
every member of this body to improve our City's Financial
systems.
I've been.
I've spent the vast majority of my career working in Public
Finance for the past four years, I have served as the
Illinois director of banking, under Governor JB pritzker,
and that roll I was responsible for the safety regulation
and oversight when the states over 300 state-chartered
Banks and Trust companies. As well as the state's
non-depository mortgage lenders Student Loan servicers and
Pawn Brokers over my four years in the office. I work with
policymakers financial institutions, and advocacy
organizations to establish policies that will positively
impact, Illinois, residents, and small businesses for
decades. We passed the Illinois Community. Reinvestment
act, the banking development District act implemented, the
predatory loan, prevention act, negotiated free cash
checking for unbanked illinoisans receiving pandemic,
stimulus checks, and signed the First new bank Charter in
Illinois in over 10 years. First women's Bank,
Tire.
Prior to.
Prior to my work, as Illinois, director of banking, I
served as the chief Economist and the director of the bond
division for the Illinois State Controllers Office. In that
role. I was tasked with improving efficiencies in our cash
flow procedures rapidly to meet the challenges of the
two-year budget impasse. I'm proud to say that these
procedures we worked on during this time. Hopefully, to the
position the stages in today, significantly cutting into
the state's Bill, backlog, and improving the state's rainy
day fund before working for the state.
Controller.
Comptroller. I was the director of policy for the Illinois
state treasurer's office and had the opportunity to work on
multi-state coalitions around financial services such as
the national able Alliance and 18th State Coalition led by
Illinois that provides Financial Services to people with
disabilities. I know the challenges we face as a city will
be large, I believe the experience. I believe I'll bring
working and multiple Financial offices and under often
difficult, fiscal circumstances will add significant value
to the city's Financial team. I do not take lightly the
fiduciary responsibility that we have to the citizens of
Chicago and I will strive to improve the multiple multiple
services that we provide. I look forward to working with
every member of city council to improve our systems. So
that Chicago is from Avery every neighborhood benefit.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to appear before
the committee this morning, and I'm happy to take any
questions that you may have.
Thank.
Thank you very much, mr. Van Winkle, and before we get
started with questions, I want to acknowledge that Alderman
waguespack has joined us and will be counted toward Quorum
and will start questioning with all the more followed by
all the men Conway. I just want to make sure is it true,
Winkle, it's Ray winkel. R a y. Okay. Thank you. I just
want to be clear so I can say your name correctly.
Thank you.
Thank you for appearing to.
Thank you for appearing before us as you know, and I think
you would probably agree if you knew her rest. Missoni is a
definitely hard act to follow, but I I can't say this about
you from when you appear before I send housing sometimes
you can feel when somebody just be asking you. The
questions you answer and the way you answered them. I felt
were not only direct but I'm honest. And I just want to
commend you on that when you gave you an answer. So I do
appreciate that. Thank you. Find the person background is
pretty impressive, but let's dig into some of that stuff.
So, for me, from when you were director banking, can you
tell something that you did to increase Equity, or help
those Banks, increased Equity, International Financial
Equity, but people equity and diversity within their Banks.
If so, please explain that,
Is it?
That's a great question.
That's a great question and it was an important issue when I
was the director of banking banking. As an industry, is one
of the least diverse Industries. The United States about
85% of banking, and credit unions are our employees are
white. And then, in terms of ownership, there are only a
handful of minority owned banks in the country about 140
out of the / 4,100 banks in the country. So it was
important. We got in there to attack this issue from a
couple of items. One is to make sure that we were open and
available for a bank operations for, for folks that might
be interested in starting a new Charter that have a
minority background. So, we had a lot of conversations with
different individuals. First, women's Bank, obviously, that
one for, but there are
Are still on.
Are still ongoing conversations from when I left with
different entities looking to try to bring after American
Banks to the city of Chicago and other parts in the state.
The other part was to make sure that we had proper
incentives around, the lending not just for minority
communities. But in general, can use that have been left
out of the banking system banking is the circulatory system
of the economy. If you do not have access to
Taking funds lending and deposit. It's much more expensive
and much harder to develop as an economy regardless of
where you are in this country to our system works. We
should make sure that that system works for everyone which
is why we passed the Illinois Community, reinvestment act,
it is the only state Community reinvestment act in the
midwest. It is the second that includes now Bank mortgage
lenders and Credit Unions that was important to us because
the federal law does not and that Liz helped us increase
incentives for Lending into different communities. Another
the next part was we were trying to figure out ways in
which we could create incentives for apprenticeship.
Programs within the banking Community focused on minority
groups in Massachusetts, there is a apprenticeship program
for banking. In one of their Banks, the reading
Co-operative Bank, we talked with them, are they were no?
Sing.
Saying that they were not having the proper upkeep of what
they thought, they would be able to have with communities
in their footprints that were from an immigrant communities
from sub-Saharan Africa. And they realize that if they
could do an approach apprenticeship program, that they
would be able to potentially get that group together. So we
talked to them and we're actively, we're creating the same
sort of program here in Illinois.
We look forward to.
We look forward to but you know, by print my successor. It
looks forward to implementing that finally, because the
goal of that was to have multiple differences of opinion
when you're getting a lending officer, if you do not have
the same cultural background as somebody who's coming to
you with maybe even a great small business idea, it's
harder for them to take a chance on you from lending. So
was important for us to not only have Representatives
currently in the banking Community but also make sure
there's opportunities for folks down the line, which would
improve our economy overall. Thank you, just two more
questions. So, in your role in dealing with Bond forecast
in the end and it's so far you have time here. So don't I
don't, I don't care about what happened in Illinois with
this question. But have you had a chance to look at the
information here? And what you thinking about any forecast,
and bond forecasting, and outlooks, especially with the
interest rates and things that's going on. So what so far?
I just
I guess based on the few being here, can you tell me what
are you looked at that? That's far. And I do want to put
the caveat that the cfo's office is the primary review
here, but they obviously do ask us for, for opinions, from
our end, obviously the interest rate, environment changes,
kind of how we look at bonds. So we're all going forward
mostly because we've been living in a bond environment,
nationally sense.
Play 2010.
Play 2010 2000.
Play 2010, 2011, that is abnormal to the rest of basically
US economic history. That's going to require us to be very
smart about are refunding, making sure that we're not
coming into any sort of issues that will cause problems
later on and not deal with the mistakes that have happened
in the past. That were short term helpful, but long-term
difficult in general, I think the city is headed in the
right direction. Physically, but we have a long way to go.
There is there's something I know that this is something
that the CFO is taking, very seriously with her, with her
bonds, making sure that we are doing everything
appropriately, before we go out to Market because of the
changes in that market going forward. It's going to require
us to be a lot more serious than in not to say that we
weren't in the past. But you know, we're more sensitive to
those different and meetings and we're going to have to
keep working on, improving our
Find ratings.
Hydrating through other activities, in order to get the
full benefit of the city's bonding Authority and a my last
question. And I know I treasure our investing, but you all
work together and looking at Investments, what are your
ideas? Because I'm talking to people as that we're
preparing. Somebody that always, you know, how do we
generate new Revenue right to do the things that we do? But
I am part of that is how do we invest wisely and
And where is?
And where is beneficial to the city from your standpoint,
what are some of your possible ideas on a specific
conversation that we've had around investment. So we, we
don't deal so much on the investment side where the cash
flow side. But from a cash flow perspective, we can work
together on some things that benefit the city of Chicago.
Most people, when they're thinking about how the city uses
its money, to benefit the residents to Chicago, we think
about spending, which is obviously the main components, we
create programs, we spend money on them. We do grants
things like that, but the other party is cash flow and
general, the actual velocity of that money at any point in
time or money sits in different banking institutions, not
the large portion of it but enough because we do need to
have access to that cash over time. The city treasurer has
been very interested and making sure that we're utilizing,
especially with rice.
Enter.
Interest rate.
Interest rates that become more valuable to banking
institutions, are you using that large deposit to benefit
people in the city of Chicago? On the Stateside? They do
that through link deposit. That doesn't put the money at
risk, but it, it makes sure that the banks that are using
that money or letting it out to the communities,
immediately near them to benefit. Everyone, while that
money is sitting for us to use, I think we can expand on
that. Look at weigh their options, the state obviously has
a lot more.
Funny.
Money in cash than we do. That's just the nature of those
but we can definitely be smart about that and I know it's
something that the city treasurer has asked me personally
about and I'm interested in working with her on. Thank you.
And thank you so much jamming. Thank you all the men more I
want to acknowledge all the men Silverstein and all them in
Mitchell and we'll add them to the Quorum count by Cher,
Conway, followed by Alderman Irving.
Yeah, Mr. Confair, all right, my only objection to your
candidacy is that you appear to be wild the overqualified
for the job. So very much appreciate that you're taking
taking it on cuz I know you're either an Adjunct professor
guest lecturer at the Harris School and at the need to make
the resume as it as it is. But one thing I did want to
mention that when we spoke, you know, you of your
candidacy, you you really had a lot of great ideas of
smaller things that we can do to improve our fiscal
Outlook, some of those things you just, you just mentioned,
you all bring that up publicly to the first say, I'm going
to hold your feet to the fire on that. But also pledge
pledge myself and I'm sure many members if not all the
members of this committee to help you in. That efforts are
really appreciate the level of
Natalie.
Not only experience but intellect and creativity that you're
bringing to these problems and very much look forward to
working with you. So thank you. I appreciate that. Thank
you.
And that.
And thank you all the way in Irvine, followed by Alderman
Knutson.
Oh, all the men Knutson will come back to All American.
I'm have my coffee, quick question.
What are I was taking a look at your resume and I don't
want you to take this the wrong way. And I, and I want you
to help help me understand this policy, but I don't see.
And maybe you can explain it. To me, is what Financial
certification is things, don't not along that line that you
have because the cop showed his office is complex and
wanted it. One of his major responsibilities deal around
financial reporting and other items that may not be more of
a policy that you but actually nuts and bolts up for dance.
So from that perspective, one of the get a Clarity and
understanding. What type of certification is that you have
because we are your academic background has primarily been
policy question and definitely fair. So I my masters
Is it?
Is a focus on Public Finance, not from a policy perspective
in that certification. But from systems preference, where
we went over bonds and different reporting in terms of my
actual work, though, towards the, the systems within the
Comptroller's office at my background of the State
Comptroller. I was responsible for going through the kafir,
which is now the yak fur, as well as benefits. The mid the
mid-year reporting the the forecasting and those items as
well as reviewing all of our bond related documents from a
technical standpoint, the Comptroller's office and I think
you bring it up very well. It is primary is not a policy
office, it's a systems inefficiency office. I worked
through that and the State Comptroller side. I know I have
a policy background as well, but from the banking off
inside most of what we do is around audited. It's around
reviewing those systems and making
They were.
They were all.
They were on.
They were riding them appropriately, you mean from your
former employment or your current employment? So that the
banking director position is what I was referring to 4 on
today.
the, so I'm just
Let me just say this.
I'm
I believe that the person that sits in that chair needs to
have a certain set of credentials, they have had in the
past summer been CPAs, some of them for marketers, I have
never in my chin you or my remembrance found someone with
more of a policy angle that is the controller. Now, I think
the executive branch have great latitude and it decides to
put in certain positions, but I am personally concerned
about an individual that doesn't have a straight-up Finance
or background in that respect to be the Comptroller because
that person is deceased to fiscal in accounting officer.
But the
It's my Corporation counsel not being a lawyer or the
superintendent of being a police officer help me. And so, I
do take these things seriously because I do know, the
nuances of the afro. You know, we got five new accounting,
pronouncements being added in Africa, coming up this year
and
Max.
My concern is at.
Does.
Does the person know what? They don't know, or know what
they need to know in order to make sure that that's done in
an effective and efficient manner. And I don't know when
somebody is feeding them, something that doesn't make sense
because they don't have the nuts people's background to
deal on those issue. So, that's Point Blank, my concern and
I totally understand. I believe I do have that nuts and
bolts background from working in the state, controller's
office on those issues with the Catherine out, Yak fur,
going through, and making sure we were challenging. All the
different agencies around their numbers and that was a
period when we had the budget impasse. So there's a lot of
issues that we needed to deal with making sure that we were
compliant with our federal grants as we're going through
cuz those were not restricted by the impassive the budget.
Making sure that we had all the correct reporting pushing
back on different agencies from a technical standpoint in
regards to
they're spending making sure that it was clearly and at 8,
within the budget. You know, working with a gfoa on their
different standards, making sure that gas you know, all the
different Gatsby rules where we're being followed. And now
that I'm in this role that we're updating ourselves to meet
all the needs of Gatsby, 87, and all the things going
forward on that. So I absolutely understand you you ask is
I am not a CPA and Thomas buy training but I have taken
that very seriously and made made sure that I have those
hard skills in reviewing our documents and our fun sweeps.
Okay, that's all the questions that I that I that I have
again. I do have concerns and I
that's,
That's all, thank you. Thank you all the men Irvin
Alderman, Knutson.
Do.
Do I just wanted to stand in support of Mayor Johnson's
appointment here, another thing you forgot to include in
your bio is you you directed constituent services in the
43rd Ward in, what year was it? You must have been a
teenager. It was quite a long while ago. That, you know,
I've had I know people who have worked on Chase's teams in
the state. His leadership is as well.
I think, you know, it goes without saying he's, he's worked
closely with our State Comptroller and and that's a huge
value-add and done. A lot of complex work with with a
number of different banks. I'm grateful for his work as as
in lgbtq leader in the space as well. There's not much
diversity and leadership in banking, and that definitely
includes lgbtq leadership. And I think he's the perfect
choice, I was very excited when Mayor Johnson announced
dead and just wanted to say that and stand in strong
support of the Mainland Spotify by all the men Vasquez.
Thank you so much are met with you more in the past two
months. And I met with our previous control during the last
four years. I really appreciate the resume that you bring
to us. Like it's its varied, it's directly related. And is
one might say the poop is in the
we look to you a comptroller to accomplish the things that
you have accomplished in your previous spaces and the work
is there, the results are there and I have full confidence
in the results that you're going to produce at the city.
The only word that I would take issue with in the whole
thing is the word solemnity on the first page, because I
feel like you bring such creativity and joy and enthusiasm
to your work and I really appreciate that.
I would ask.
I would ask that we've discussed that has come up in a
couple different hearings over the last couple weeks is how
we work with you or how you work with your Chief
Information. Officer on the technology side certainly will
are the words of our Consultants around our Utility Billing
infrastructure on the it. So I have been troubling and I'm
just curious like what that process over your 10-year, what
you would hope to the to look like in terms of updating our
our software tank capacities and obviously, there are
there's a lot to work on there and these are conversations
that my team was having before I came and it is something
that I really would appreciate to.
To be.
To be a priority issue in the next 4 years because I
believe very strongly when people interact with their
governments. The frustration Lies when they feel like it's
unfair, it's not clear, I don't know where to go. I don't
know why this system isn't talking to that system. Wires
are kiosk of these bills but not these bills. Why can I
only do this online? But not that online. And those are
things that were actively talking with both of us. But our
other departments to make sure bacp. Make sure that we are
being we're looking at this from my perspective.
of, what an
Of what an individual who is dealing with. The city is
handling, no one wants to be caught off-guard by a charge.
They're not familiar with no one wants to be upset because
they don't even know if they do the charger or not. And
while their systems have improved, there are. There's a lot
more for for a boot warnings, things like that. We have a
long way to go and we are actively looking at, but you know
what other cities are doing areas of the states where they
are a little bit more transparent on some of their items,
as well as what technology might be available, and I'm
happy to keep you all updated going forward as that
discussion continues. I believe every word when you said,
because I know that you've tackled big structural issues
outside of the city, and I believe that you bring both that
Clarity and creativity of thinking, and the ability to
produce results to our city government. So, I'm really glad
to have you on
Have the opportunity to vote for you today, and then again
on Thursday. Thank you, sir. Thank you. All the middle
Espada Alderman Vasquez, so I would buy all them in Martin.
Thank you very much and thank you so much for being here
with us. I will add my voice to the chorus here. At folks
are really enthused to see you in this position. I think to
question one of our colleagues had about like nuts and
bolts, right? It shows to me when I'm looking at the resume
that is not just about a degree. It's more.
Looking.
looking at a different levels of the
Looking at a different levels of government, actually.
Effectuate change and sometimes how the bureaucracy and
government slows that change. So, to see you working at all
those different levels and really figuring out how they can
work together to have that background of changes that have
happened at the state level. And then how's the city can
now best? Take advantage of those changes. I think it's
something that's very welcome and regard to the city. So I
am I've never been this excited about Finance in my life
and I will say that I am pretty excited about it because
it's been frustrating to watch kind of how departments like
hers are stymied for example because they're not caught up
to date when it comes to ITT when it comes to like data
sharing. So I think my first question I have and I'm a
little biased is about the fact that a is being out as
conjoined, apartment is not as agile as it needs to be to
make sure that what you're doing is as quick as possible,
as well as other departments. So just want to get a sense
of in the time, you've been in the role now,
All right.
all right, looking
Alright, looking at it. How do you feel about the way is,
is built or what improvements could be made to make sure
that you're empowered to do more? Yeah. And thank you, you
know, at the state side we ran into a lot of IT issues that
were similar to some that I've I've seen now and some of
that is not really blaming the agency, but just the
communication between the different agencies and making
sure that those are open on both sides.
We?
We get a ladder an agency before. And one of the things
that I learned from that experience is Turf battles. Only
hurts the residence of that you're seeking to help. So I
need to what I know I need to do is make sure that we're
not putting up walls when we're trying to communicate with
a is or any other agents Department to make sure that those
are open on the specific. Structural question, I'm still
getting a hold of that but I heard you loud and clear on
that another other avenues and would like to talk to you.
Further about it, it is it is different from my experience
on the Stateside. Different doesn't necessarily mean worse
and I just want to make sure that we're moving toward the
situation where we have a really strong year
Play System.
A system as well as communication portals with the different
for the different views and in areas for the residence, I
think we can do that under our current system. But I I know
that we can have further conversations to be creative on
those ideas. I haven't talked specifically to ask about
that but look forward to doing so and and looking forward
to talking to you about it. For a thank you very much and I
really appreciate even the answer, right? The
thoughtfulness behind the bike, a we have to figure out how
to best be equipped considering the current structure and
it really, you know, the administer admittance, let's find
out more or less have these conversations cuz that
communication coordination helps us all out. So I
appreciate that. Might my next question is based on
capacity, right? So I know permit parking, for example, are
some of the enforcement mechanisms that the city has often
don't have or building enforcement, which is more dob, but
I think there's Finance components of fun.
Deca.
That come in in regards to what capacity looks like.
Because, for example, we get calls about permit, parking
lot being enforced. Knowing that defeat folks will enforce
that don't work with and all the hours are in the evening
or that kind of capacity or learn enough to actually really
hold it accountable. And I was just coming into the role,
is that something you're seeing on your end as far as
potential for growing that capacity because I think they're
going to have a budgetary implications of riding in a
budget.
and the
And this is a preview to conversation. Obviously we're
going to have later on in the budget. Hopefully what I will
say is a vast majority of the stuff that we've got 530
headcount the vast majority of that staff brings in money
net to the city. Whether that's through their accountants
Auditors actuaries or the the enforcement staff, the boot
and in fine writers we are we're doing stronger on kind of
the street team folks. We could always have more folks in
there and there is turnover that we want to make sure that
we're being appropriate with. We could use a lot more on
some of our accounting staff and auditing staff, which we
are actively posting for it is always a challenge.
where,
With any level of government and being at full staff. I
will say since the pandemic that challenge has become even
more magnified with a lot of different opportunities for
people outside of of government that might be remote or
something like that. It's a challenge. I faced at the
state. We we luckily we were able to staff up pretty high
and the reason why is we were just everywhere, we were in
all the universities, we are posting. Every everything. We
were moving everything out to make sure that people were
aware of those opportunities cuz he's a good guy.
These.
These are jobs that people can have a career in and it makes
sense for us to try to do that again, here at the
Department of Finance, it will take some time, but we are
in good shape. And a lot of our departments we still need
to look at adding on some of those accountants in an
daughter's, okay? I have no further questions. If do the
chair, you could provide kind of, like you mentioned, the
revenue positions and what they're bringing like a large
bucket, brake tag like, what race is what, and also share
the job posting. So we can kind of share after our
newsletter and help amplify again. I am very enthused to
vote here and comedian in Council and I'm feeling very
grateful that Mayor Johnson selected you for this position.
So thank you very much. Thank you sir, thank you all. I'm
just wanted to tag on to augment vazquez's. Question, can
you speak to your top three priorities for the Department?
Come.
Coming.
Coming in.
Moe's.
most important is,
pay my
Payment prompt payment. We need to make sure that we get
stronger at paying on time and it and its efficient manner.
The reason for that in that deals with a lot of
communication, with the other departments, the reason for
that importance is it. If the large corporations
I work with the city.
I work with the city, they definitely would appreciate us
to pay on Prop probably but they can handle for a. Of time
when we were a little bit delayed. But that is not true
with a lot of mid-sized and smaller businesses. That also
want to do business with the city they could do good work
here that can keep their money here in the city of Chicago.
And I've been Immortal large-capacity, we need to be better
at that. That is something that I was that was very
important to me at the state level and the Comptroller's
office and is very important to be here. Number two would
be around our collection in fines and fees and I will Echo
controller Sony
Do.
Did a?
Did an amazing job at trying to focus this team on how it's
collecting its revenue and whether or not that's being
inefficient and Equitable Manner and we need to build on
that. So, not just that you be our program and the CPR and
80 are pilots, but making sure that we are not burdening,
our tax base, both small businesses and individuals with
excessive fines and fees and it's more solidifying, our
Revenue based on what we think, is equal and fair to the
rest of the city of Chicago, that will do two things. One
people don't like when they feel like they're getting
ripped off, that causes resentment, when, when we're
dependent on fines and fees,
Continue.
Continue and two. It's less volatile fines and fees are more
volatile, Revenue source. And therefore we need to balance
those things and that's not so much finding new Revenue
sources older that's a larger conversation. That's also
looking at Alderman, the little things becoming much more
efficient at certain types of collection fixing certain
rules that, I caused the issues there and and making sure
that we can do that before. We even talk about, you know,
other large Revenue needs. And then third is about making
sure that our staff is up to is, is invested in up to a
point where we can handle any sort of constituent requests
from the city. Making sure that we're handling all of our
reporting. Making sure we're transparent with that
information and that require Staffing and making sure that
we're moving from within. I have a wonderful
that way.
That was that I inherited we need to give them help and it
and prove them so that those would be the three iron. Thank
you want to just acknowledge Alderman. Curtis and Alderman
sposato who we said could join us. Remotely have joined us.
I'm Alderman, Martin.
By the.
Bye-bye Alderman Mitchell, good morning, support your
confirmation very much delighted that you want to continue
serving sing, but you've already done. So in a number of
wide-ranging, an important capacities at all levels of
government one. It's a one in Courage you to continue the
good work of your predecessor when it comes to bringing the
perspective of sensitivity to access a capital. When we are
making art the necessary decisions when it comes to asking
people to pay fines and fees. I think that in a very
collaborative effort, your predecessor the city clerk
others in the Life Administration. Did very good work there
and I see a real through line in terms of your work, as the
banking director and your sensitivity to a lot of those
access to Capital related issues in for mean
What?
what I hope will be a continued thoughtful and Equitable
way to of bringing in Revenue in that way I was hoping it
just with my remaining time you could share a little bit
more detail about the Illinois, Community reinvestment act,
the work that you specifically did in terms of steering the
offices work in in, not just passing that but implementing
it. Yeah, thank you. So the Illinois Community reinvestment
Act is a building on a
Blacked.
Lacked the federal Community reinvestment act that was
passed in 1977 and it was designed as an anti redlining
procedure, it required the bank's get reviewed graded and
those grades be publicly made available around their
Community lending activity. It was actually promoted by
Gail cincotta and some of the organizers from the westside
of Chicago in the 1960s and 70s and that that program, that
that law has been successful. The banking itself has
changed quite a bit since 1977 and 1977 most, mortgage
lending was done by banks. In fact, almost all of it was
today more than half of it is done by non-depository
mortgage lenders, you know, them is like rocket mortgage.
I guarantee.
Guaranteed Rate, those places. They do not have to adhere
to the CRA cuz they are not covered.
And so we wanted to make sure that we worked with the
legislature to pass a law and include the non-depository
mortgage lender credit unions, both groups that had not
been included as well as Banks to make sure that the state
had a say in some of that Community reinvestment discuss.
I will.
Why we were following states like New York and
Massachusetts that had States. You erase there wasn't one
here in the Midwest. I'm pleased to say since that New York
is just their CRA to match ours. In a lot of ways, which is
always good confidence to do something. But now is the, the
implementation side to make sure that we're being Equitable
that were looking at race. And, and other measures that
were not looked at when the federal CRA was past, where we
can be on the Leading Edge. Because right now, the federal
CRA is debating their rules. And if we can push forward as
a state, and that was our goal on the Stateside, then we
can help drive that narrative and lead on that on those
procedures.
Okay, well I I appreciate that additional detail and just
one underscore, I think your work at the state
comptroller's office up before then a couple of with that
provide a sorely-needed perspective as we move forward with
continuing to raise and collect Revenue in a thoughtful
way. So thank you for your time. Thank you for being
willing to serve the teacher. Thank you, I'll demand
Martin. All them in Mitchell, followed by all them and
Mosley being a financial professional for probably a little
over fifty.
Proceed.
Percent.
Percent of my, my professional career, I actually share some
of the symptoms that a gym in Irvine truck Montage. Why I
said the necessaries the necessary background for a
controller. But with that said, one of the one of the major
responsibilities of my expenses for a controller with these
developing plans for the company. You want, organization's
Financial. Grow you a couple of responses? I noticed you
talked about Revenant, can you talk to me about so far
since you've been here and based on your experience, what
your plans are or developing plans for the financial growth
of this organization and speak a lot. To efficiencies, we
all understand, we got to buy Revenue by. We very rarely
talk about efficiencies in operation and try to include. I
want that looks like across different departments.
I'm great question. So there are
there are two things I want to do things that I want to
kind of get you from an efficiency standpoint that I think
are important. One is on collection itself. So that's not
only the technology question, making sure that we're strong
and Technology. Although we have a lot of those in place,
but it's also making sure that the The Collection point and
then the payment points are efficient. So if it takes
Find.
Find people.
Find people to review something. Through the system, is
there a way to improve that system? So that there are fewer
folks or that they can all do it within a shorter time
period to cut down on the approval process for payments or
four collection when it has to go through certain
Gatekeepers. In that regard, there are areas I have seen in
the state in the city that I can use a lot of efficiency
there. And part of that is also making sure that the
Comptroller's office is talking to the different
departments about how they can because we we have they help
us collect a lot of our revenue and other ways that we're
communicating to them about where we're seeing losses of
inefficiency, here's what I was saying about our
conversation, I've already had with the Department's
Weenie.
We need to not just be this is how you're going to do it.
We need to also get to the point of here is why this would
work and here's what we can take on. For you. The
department of Streets & Sanitation is Mango Street and
sanitation. It's not Revenue collection and billing we need
to step in and help them get more comfortable so that they
can do that more efficiently the cuts down on our time.
Finance.
Financial issues are caused by points of friction. In that
system. If we pause a different points within that system,
we lose the Velocity in that money. So how we can cut down
on? That is certainly important. The second part I think is
making sure we're looking at the current programs that we
have around either. It is a credible or where Revenue
forgiveness. So like you be our program and seeing whether
or not that's actually doing what its goal has been, and if
so, how we improve that song. By short time, we've looked
at the UB our program, utility bill relief, and what you
find is the revenue. It is seeking to go after to help
people get out from underneath that debt, is revenue that
we already struggle collecting, because lower-income can't
get that Revenue even when you sent it to,
Alexa.
Directions. So it becomes dead on our books, we eventually
have to write it down as we go through it. When we collect,
even a portion of that back, it's a net benefit. Overall,
it helps a person get out from underneath that and helps to
the city actually collect on part of that Revenue. Need to
make sure that we're not creating a moral hazard obviously,
but where we can improve on those systems I think is really
we've already seen some of those as I've been here and I
want to make sure that I work with you. When we seeing
Other opportunities like that. What what is a, how do you
measure you? You said a lot of thoughtful things but what
would be your measuring Rod? How do you how do you measure
success? How do you keep focused measuring excessive terms
of efficiency? Yeah, it's all about dollars when it's the
Comptroller's office we can talk about time.
but I have
But I have to assign a value if you that time. So it is all
going to come down to, is it a net revenue generator by
doing these different programs, in a lot of the times.
That's what it is. Is it's freeing up salary, time for
payroll, when people don't have to work on this as long as
they have to, and that's benefiting the city of Chicago,
but it's all going to come down to where we can create
efficiencies in our net dollars. Taking that in this be my
last question.
The.
Do you?
Do you have?
The other half of my my career was in technology and Mary
and those two disciplines, I learned that technology of the
absolute equaliser. When it comes to Crane, efficiency
isn't an operation from operations in the enchantment
Villegas. His committee cannot make development,
technology. We had a study from Gardner and are not pointed
out a lot of ways that we could go about doing things and
utilizing technology. What are your thoughts on? How you
and utilize technology to help create those fish sticks to
make City operate a little bit better.
Turn.
Cherub.
Jerry Villegas has brought up those to me individually. And
we're, we're actually looking at those things like
improving the Bayou clocks, making sure that we're more
efficient in our timekeeping, and those things are just
easy money. Generators for us, that we've talked with all
the Ben Villegas about want to work further on, but then
also things like improving, our portals are making sure
that we have kind of all of our bacp stuff and our Revenue
collection items in the same, like, with all the kiosks and
all those sort of things as well as trying to look at where
we can be better with a private private side. Has been
stronger at showing different.
I'd
Item.
Items related to their utility bills and explaining to
customers with their, how they can be more efficient on
their savings. We don't use the same procedures so we can
use that to kind of be more publicly available with that
information and then just looking at our system, the
general, and proving are your pee system. You know, when I
was at the State, Comptroller of the system was under a
very ancient kobold a system which is very old. So that was
really important because the comptroller's system needed to
talk to this system and even just making, those are prove
meds, it is something I'm looking for here. Okay, my my my
To.
$0.02.
$0.02 on a recommendation would be, there's three major
departments within the city of Chicago. That since I've
been here, I can go on for days and days. Talk about the
officially, how things that I things operate, which from my
experience translates into Dollars. Spent and could
transfer $2 saved, and that is water department, CDOT and
Streets & Sanitation. So, I believe that, that with you to
look at those three, we are meeting with all of them on, on
prompt payment. Thank you Jim. Thank you. This is join us
and we'll be counted towards form and all the nurses. I do
I see that you weren't from remote to in person. So good to
see you too Alderman. Mostly followed by Alderman. Curtis.
Thank you.
Thank you, madam chair. Chase is great to see you again. We
work together at the state and I was glad to find that and
centering Equity old mom's 14 different agencies. You were
always a great Ally, can you share more with me and my
colleagues, how you see that same ask that going forward to
your new role? Yeah, it is an equity is so important from a
benefit to the to the city of Chicago. In this way, more
diversity of opinion strengthens our, the decision-making
process and Equitable Revenue collection and Ico program.
Allows us to be.
Allows us to be essentially more fair as a city that gets
buying from our constituency and make sure that we are
handling ourselves in a non-volatile relationship, with our
revenue. And that we're improving all areas of the city of
Chicago. We did that at the state. As you know, that was a
big component. What we're doing, it's banking office in
before that, it's taped controller. I see a lot of the need
for that here at the city in a lot of aldermen and
department. Heads are driving toward that. And we kind of
the the technical office for the city needs to be there at
sport tools to improve those systems.
And one of the great things that I loved about you were
your your ability to see opportunities for to clean
cannabis when we talked about the access to Capital, but
that's a great concern that is even in my War project late
as African Americans. Black people marginalized people are
having issues with access to Capital. What are some things
that we can work with you on through the controller's
office to improve the access to capital for marginalized
communities? It's a great question you know, on the
Stateside we looked at deposits to try to make sure that we
could get some access to Capital. And that that is
something that, you know, what kind of discussed earlier
that I think the city treasurer is really pushing and we
can be good allies on.
Making sure that our deposits.
Making sure that our deposits are, are benefiting the
people of Chicago, and that we're getting strong benefit
out of them. Whether that's from a leak deposit, stamp one,
or just general access to Capital Place those resources
while they're moving through. The state system are the city
system, we're not spending them. We're just we're doing our
normal standard Cashflow procedures to benefit the people
of the city of Chicago. Thank you. I'm excited about your
candidacy. You and I both know the difference of the intent
of legislation or ordinances in this example, in the
implementation of that, sell to have someone in the seat
that gets it. It's much appreciated. Thank you for offering
to continue your life of public service. And thank you
madam chair for the opportunity was followed by Alderman
Lopez.
Thank.
Thank you. I'm not until I'm at Chase. How you doing? I
really enjoyed all the conversations and appreciated. All
the conversations we've had you and you definitely Jump
Right In the road and took off only have one question. You
had talked about a little earlier about payouts.
Can.
In the past weather is Ben Claims Settlement, whatever is
Ben.
We?
We always, we always took a long time to you. And what do
you feel that? Some spare time that playoff should be made
once they approve, you know, and it's something that chair.
I'll brought up in terms of my priorities. It's the number
one in the reason is, you know, we need to behave ourselves
like we expect the businesses that we are attracting with
two and that is we expect Services delivered on time. Based
on the contract. They should get payouts on time based on
how our contract is 30 days is, is is is usually the
standard that we look to that is going to take time and
we're going to have to figure that out on across all areas
and that is improving our Communications with a different
other, our sister departments. And also making sure that we
I understand, they
I understand their challenges, so we can assist with our
financial experts in improving those at the different
department level. I'm so we can get closer on that on that
prompt payment its key. Otherwise we're not we're not
behaving ourselves like we should with our with all the
other other businesses.
What's the high?
What's the hand salmon? Appreciate you. Thank you. Thank
you. All the men. Curtis Alderman, Lopez, followed by
Alleman Hall.
Thank.
Thank you, chairman, good morning, members of the
committee. Good morning to the public and good morning to
our comptroller.
I'm
I,
I will join the chorus of individuals who will say that you
have a very impressive policy-oriented resume.
but,
but I have concerns, and I have concerns not about policy
but about
Decisions and Optics trip.
You are now in this role at the apartment had correct.
Correct. One of the, probably, the most important and
impactful, departments that impacts every aspect is, at
some point. You either have a fine or you have a bill, or
you need help all money flows through you as you said,
so,
so I have concerns when I see the man with the checkbook on
his
Grand.
Granted personal time hanging out in offices that as far as
abolishing the police, and F12, and all of those other
wonderful things in the background. And I'm sure everyone
in this room can figure out what the f stand for in 12 with
that refers to the police. Let me know what about the
police stands for and we also know where that rhetoric has
got not only locally but nationally, do you have any
thoughts on ya and do you believe in all those slogans?
Yeah. I do not believe in those slogans and I know and I
understand it's a fair question to ask. We're going to be
paying out all of the different mechanisms of the city.
Part of that is the police and other areas that have come
under Fire in different areas, Jose from a personal
standpoint and I think
Play.
Believe.
Only referring to. Yeah, so just petition collecting and
things like that, that I've done in my personal life, I was
healed. Saturday, is this from Saturday? It is certainly.
And I believe in the candidates that I was collecting for,
do I believe in every single idea that
How?
I have a spouse. Probably not, I don't think there's
probably a candidate's I've ever voted for, but I believe
100% of the time with what they are. I feel very strongly
that it is important for a police department to be
supported financially and otherwise but I do believe very
strongly in the idea of Public Service. Not just from a
government perspective while I'm here but also from a
personal perspective having buying in my community and
making sure that I'm informed on the candidates that I want
to support. I believe, the photo that you had from
Saturday. That is that is the area that I live in? Those
are candidates, that represent me directly, and I have
appreciated and other items around housing social services.
So, if so, if I may interject sure. If, you know, I don't
think any of us would stop anyone from supporting or doing
whatever they wanted locally.
When?
When they are.
John Q citizen, you are no longer giant, you said to send
her, you are now a department head engaging in political,
in in politics, with individuals, who are in direct
contradiction to our city who are damaging the reputation,
by promoting images of police cars on fire and rioting and
looting. So I think that it's important for me to know and
I think it should be important for all of our committee and
Council to know that
That matters and that is going to be a part, regardless,
how you talked about it, that's going to be a part of some
of your decision-making and your policy ready? Forward
curious. If if we usually in confirmation hearings like
this discern, someone's professional capacities based off
their personal political beliefs. I think I think Alderman
Lopez this question that mean he asked the question. It is
a important question but I don't think we need to dwell on
it. What does it mean? If there's a point to it, you made
your point. And I'm actually meeting up with my point,
which was that, as a leading up to it.
He?
He should we should be concerned about what he does when
he's not on City time.
As.
As a thing, if that answers the point of information.
Well.
Well, it answered his point of information. So, if I may
continue Madam chairman, so hopefully on this point and
let's move on by soap.
The fact is that, that doesn't packed his professional
occupation, which is what we're here to discuss, which is
what I was getting too, before I was interrupted with the
point of information, because we are in fact, discussing.
And I've heard it today even referenced where some of the
same
i d.
ideology on the weekend. It's been put forth in some of the
things that were discussing like awkward. Want to hear
terms, like, Equitable and fair Revenue collection. When I
hear thing is that we are, we are trying to lessen how we
enforce things to make it fair and Equitable as opposed to
Universal and equal. Those are two very different policies
directions, because fair and equal means if you break the
law, if you are in violation of some Municipal ordinance,
you will have enforcement actions taken upon, which I think
is, what many of us in this room want stating that we're
going to be Ecuador Equitable about, it means that we're
going to make a determination on whether or not, we should
enforce you because of other
Question.
Questions now.
Questions. Not for the finance, are the Comptroller those
questions. You should ask the police department.
Respectfully, Madame chairman he brought it up. No,
actually, I'm referring to his Department which he brought
up in his statement, not twenty minutes ago that we have
to. When we look at fines and fees, be a look at the
Equitable and fair Revenue collection. That is what she
brought up from his enforced as far as his enforcement
Bells. So I think it's perfectly fair to have that
discussion here with the individual who's in charge of
things like enforcement. When we look at things, like the
enforcement of are parking our booting and things of that
nature when we see that, we've seen a a precipitous drop
and enforcement in areas or in certain areas altogether
blocked out from enforcement actions that should raise
concerns from us. So whether you want to discuss that or
not mad and chairman or have him discuss it later, those
are things that this body as we look.
How we?
how we are doing things need to address because it is not
eco.
Equal. When some neighborhoods, get zero enforcement in the
name of equity and that backfires on communities,
particularly on the south and west side where they're
asking for enforcement and get nothing. Because a policy
decision has been made not to enforce the laws in the name
of equity. Thank you madam. I appreciate that Alderman and
I want to clarify the equity standpoint because you bring
up an important
and I was,
And I want to make sure that everyone in this body
understands. What I am saying when I say Equity, we are
going to enforce
the rules of the road when it comes to our Revenue
collection. If you get booted in the city, we're going to
collect on that if you're violating because of a vehicle or
anything like that. We're going to collect on those items.
What I mean from a more Equitable standpoint is what we
kind of talked about a couple weeks ago with the water
billing. Right now, I have to buy statue collect every bit
of a amount of money related to a water bill. If there is a
leak or an accident. If it within statute, we have these
situations where somebody is being. But you know, let's
say, has a leak between their house in the service line to
the bee box and they're unaware of it. And they are Bill
goes from $70 to $40,000 and I still have to collect on it.
that I'd
That I don't.
That I don't think it's fair or accurate and I would like to
work with City Council on those items to make sure that we
are behaving appropriately. In those situations, that
doesn't mean that I have the be-all-and-end-all. I have to
correct that has collect Revenue based on what is in
statute and I am I want you to know. I appreciate the
alderman pointing out to make. Sure that is clear that you
hear from me that I will follow our ordinances to a t on
collecting Revenue. That is my job. I am not going to be
having any policy, but we're not going down this road
Alderman, Lopez, because his role as the Comptroller is to
collect the revenue collector. Find he's not responsible
for enforcement and so we're going to move on and go to
Alderman Hall.
Best.
Veggie.
Buju Banton chair. Just a simple question in your resume,
in your time down in the state has the cheapest economy in
this new role. What role will forecasting play as it
pertains to where we are, you know, headed as a city and
then, how often will your forecasts be made available both
the city council and to the public and then the second
question, which is more. I don't know if this is, you know,
the place soon and if I'm wrong, please correct me. But the
management of so much, the inclusion and Equity as a tank
stat Staffing with.
it's
But you will oversee. That's a big group of people to
manage. Do you have any plans to diversify that staff? So
that voices are at the table to inform, as well as engaged
in certain policies, as well as implementation zeit revenue
or whatever, the case may be, silly, diversity, equity and
inclusion strategy for Staffing and then again what role
are forecasting play? And how often will you be forecast in
internally? As well as extra? Thank you. Good questions
from the forecast except I just a technical standpoint. It
does follow to the the the director of the budget is is is
responsible for forecasting along with the CFO. I'm there,
more as for technical assistance and I have and will
continue to provide that when I was at the state level, we
were more, I was, it was more within my realm and we were
responsible.
Open.
Open the forecasting. It's important to meet the statutory
needs of forecasting. So they have those forecasting moved
before the budget discussion, so that you have those
informed issues. And then again later on in, in the year to
make sure that we're keeping track of of those numbers,
because as, you know, as we get more Revenue collection, it
improves, or weakens our, our, our village, and figure out
what's going on.
from my
From my standpoint. We will be keeping a, a strong I at flux
relations in our collection. That's where we are trying to
see if there's any sort of economic reasons for let's say.
You know, why is our a liquid tobacco tax? Why is that
down? And we can come up with a lot of reasons for that but
to make sure that OMB and the other departments put on B
and see if our informed on why those are occurring and it
also happy to provide those two city council as we're
having those discussions. No reason not to keep that head.
And then two other question on Diversey great question,
super important. I do have our numbers that. I'm, I'm happy
to provide you on a break down. But to your point, the more
diversity of thought, the more diversity of backgrounds,
the stronger our decision making is. So it is going to be
important. We do have an inclusion committee that already
exist,
before I
Before I got here and making sure that we're making some HR
decisions that would benefit the entire department from the
inclusion standpoint and we will be working on trying to
strengthen those procedures. I think you just for the, for
the record things change. And what you see you. You said
that you will communicate that frequently to. Yeah, I'm I'm
happy. I
We?
we can work on what you
We can work on what you think is reasonable. Usually with
kind of red flags related to our Revenue, it's going to be
a one-off where there is a situation where we're starting
to notice a weakness in what we might have thought from a
collection standpoint. So it might be depending on
circumstance. So not so much like quarterly updates of more
of. Hey we have noticed this issue specific. Just also s me
to your your statement as it pertains to more voices and
what-have-you at the table I just want to recommend that
often times. We have the vi part of the equity is even in
equal representation. And so hopefully in that strategy of
inclusion inclusion, rather for recruiting purposes, that
it reflects the population of Chicago, as well as the
neighborhood population that are impacted by Revenue. But
thank you, man. I'm looking forward to working with you.
Thank you. Thank you.
Ogden.
Alderman, Taylor has joined us for Quorum all the way to
the bottom.
Thank.
Thank you, madam chair Jason, nice meeting with you. That's
all I want to say. I mean, I know I'm a believer of the
mayor has a right to appoint who they want. So I'm guessing
you and me are going to agree politically on a lot of
things and I don't have a problem with that and hopefully
we can have a professional relationship and hopefully
hopefully are my good friend race was listening right now.
And I have a fraction of the relationship with you today. I
had with her so but you will have my support here
regardless of your political views in my political views,
and thanks for the meeting. Thank, thank you. Madam chair,
thank you. Cuz I do all the mentality of all the middle of
spider. Can I skip you?
I thank you all the men Taliaferro. I didn't have any
questions with mr. Ray winkel. I just want to say I'd
support the mayor's, a pic for this position and look
forward to boating and supportive. You don't share that.
Just want to say that whenever someone is put before us a
confirmation, their background becomes subject to our
inquiry. And and I think Alderman Lopez is line of
questioning was very relevant to today's proceedings.
Especially in fact that mr. Ray Winkle's office does. In
fact, does include enforcement
I'm in collections.
I'm in collections through the Department of Finance. And
so I believe that they quote, the line of questioning,
although I might do support this candidate, I believe his
line of questioning be relevant to these proceedings. So,
that's all I had to say. I think was a very proper line of
questioning and I believe that aldana Lopez. Should he wish
to continue should be able to continue with that line of
questioning. Thank you, madam chair. Thank you very much
for your admonishment admonishment, Alderman Taliaferro. I
just felt that just so I can explain myself. I felt that he
was going down acpd Road when that was not enforcement
that, that office does
Write all the Man Taylor.
Alarm.
Armchair, my apologies for being late. I was listening. So
first, thank you. We literally just had a conversation last
week because a lot of folks in my community feel like when
they apply for reimbursement that it never happens it. So I
appreciate you coming to have that conversation with us
about what your office does. Because too often folks in the
different departments and the committee never comes to, the
never have conversations with us about what their office
actually do. And as a second turn, all them and I
appreciate it. So, thank you for that work.
Phone number.
phone number to,
phone number to we all got
Phone number to we all got personal views, we all do stuff
off work time. And so I'm, I'm I'm a little bothered by
what you doing your personal time, cuz everybody does what
time they might not be too proud of it. So I appreciate you
supporting that you feel like are aligned with you until
we're all them. Is Pizarro's say we might not. I don't
agree with all them is about a politically, but me and him
have a respect for each other. We can work together. We
could agree to disagree. And so I appreciate the
appointment. Of course. You have my support. Thank you,
Matt and share. Thank you all them until. I mean, I just
want to say that I appreciate mayor Johnson's the
appointment of you, is our comptroller, give me more. And I
think that I find you to be really enthusiastic about your
new role that you have a real clear focus on the taxpayers.
All of whom we represent. And I like the fact that you have
Playing.
Playing speak. So to speak on finance issues. I'm I think
the questions and the way you approach the water billing
hearing that all the men Villegas had last week gave all of
us. A lot of information and gave us a peek into how you
will be approaching your role as our control controller. So
I want to wish you well, assuming that you are appointed
and approved.
as I
Hazard a comptroller and I wonder if there is a motion to
recommend approval. So moved by Alderman Rodriguez,
recommending to pass all those in favor. Signify by saying,
I
All.
All those opposed.
Oak.
Okay, so that's all the men Quinn, Alderman, Lopez and all
them in urban but in the opinion of the chair, the eyes
have it, and they do pass, recommendation will be reported
out of this communication at the next city council meeting.
Congratulations on this first step and we'll see you at the
next city council meeting. Thank you.
Item. Number two is from the Department of Housing. It's an
ordinance authorizing, the issuance of tax-exempt bonds for
the Care. Manor project, located at 4531 through 4555 West
Washington Boulevard in the 28th Ward we're joined today by
Kesha Ward Alleman Kerman
which,
We're joined today by Michelle 10, our financial planning
analyst from the Department of Housing and Tamara Collins.
I'm also with us, this today is Bishop David Whitley of
United for Better Living and Greg Miller of Miller Ferguson
lispenard.
Thank.
Thank you, and good morning, Tramadol. And members of the
committee, the record, my name is Michelle Pan are
They?
Thank you. Okay, thank you and good morning Tramadol and
the members of the committee for the record. My name is
Michelle Pinar from the Department of Housing. I'm here to
present an ordinance for Bond inducement for Care. Manor
Care, Manor will be located at 4531, 4555 West Washington,
Boulevard in the 20th, Ward Alderman, Jason, Ervin.
Quest.
Question, the band adjustment ordinance for the Care?
Manor, transaction, request, this committee's authorization
to issue up to 13.5 million dollars in tax exempt. Housing
bonds.
The development of.
The development will be located in the West Garfield
Community.
Normally I'm a lot louder. The development will be located
in the West Garfield Community at Washington Boulevard and
Kenton Avenue. Picture. It shows the yellow Parcels which
are owned by the developer and the two red Parcels are
owned by the city.
this is,
This is the current rendering.
The develop.
The development.
I'm a.
I'm at.
And then we have the development team Care. Manor LP is
going to be the owner applicant developer United for Better
Living and the architect is Triad Consortium. The attorney
group is Miller and Ferguson, we have Bishop Whitley and
Greg Miller from Miller Ferguson here in the audience as
well. Property manager will be five Team Management. I'm
consultant is 1600 investment disintegrator, will be any us
and then we have two lenders, construction financing, CIBC
and Community Development, trust for the permanent
financing.
Project summary. We have this building will provide 44 units
within the development. There will be three one bedrooms.
Third.
32 bedrooms 11, three-bedroom units will be two units.
Rented at the 30%. Ami three units that will be rented at
the 50% Ami. And 39 will be rented at the 60%. I mean, 60%,
am I?
Neck.
Next slide.
Probably can't see it very well. But this is just a
breakdown of the table of income limits. All of our
affordable buildings, have income limits attached to the
units, generally 30, 50, 60, and sometimes 80% based on
income averaging,
so,
Sephora example, the 30% one-bedroom unit in this
development, will be rented at income restriction of
$23,190.
Now.
now, the
Now, the fun part financing, the total development cost for
this project is round 25.4 million dollars with
construction coming in at 19.8% of the funds to drive from
the city bonds. This transaction will be funded with a city
multifamily loan of approximately approximately 14 million
dollars and Equity from tax credits of approximately 9.5
million. We will be. We are hoping to bring the full
financing back to city council for introduction in December
of this year.
Turn.
total the
Total about a total construction costs are at 19.9 million.
We have a different developer fee of 240000 and the total
development cost per unit is proximally. $578,000.
and,
Any questions?
I thought.
I think.
I thank you very much. Missing are for the presentation.
We have a question from all the men, Conway and Alderman.
Taylor, and then would you like to close almond? Irvin
All.
Altima Conway.
The numbers here on the sources at up to 2:35 million.
Presumably it's be give or take. Presumably. It's because
the equity bridge loan is being taken out by
I'm on.
Multifamily loans, something like that. I was just curious
how that all worked in. And also, if we had some idea on
what that we spent, a lot of times they talking about
interest rates and think you're a sweet idea with the terms
were that. So, there's a bridge loan that comes in before,
find it or the Project's done and then there's going to be
going to turn into a permanent financing once the Project's
done. So I know that they don't add up. Is it the bridge
loan in private loaner being taken out by one of those
other sources?
The equity.
The equity Bridge Loan then turns into the permanent
financing private loan.
and,
In the end.
The master doesn't make sense. Because that that adds up to
10:35 million in the project 25 million. So you got to get
at least 10 and taking out
it's
Is it a light socket? I apologize. So
dumped me.
so,
I wish.
I wish I had more notes.
Yes, of the total Construction Plus the sauce costume, add
up to the total development cost, 25 million at about 10:15
and another 10 there. So you could only got 35 million,
give her take on the sources of the construction. And then,
after the fact, that comes in for financing during the
permanent, so it switches
Call Mom, move on, we're back. So what on the multifamily
loan funds? What kind of terms are we looking at? On those
going for tax increment financing? Or did you test by
answering? And then either home or cdbg depending on what's
available, we know, will that be a floating rate based upon
a different rate like prime plus 5 or something like that?
It.
It's
but the
but that comes back before we're thinking about giving them
up to 13.5 and by just a general will come backs. All of
that information in December when it's all finalized. Okay,
thank you. And if you do with that, when I figure out which
sources and I can if needed, I can pass it to the
chairwoman and that's fine. Thank you. Don't know. You're
good. Thank you.
Ultimate.
Alderman Taylor. Thank you madam chair. Can we have our
guests? And explain what the the project is and what they
actually do? I we can have a bishop Whitley. Would you step
forward?
Thank.
Thank you.
Elmore.
Good morning. So, good morning, members of the city council
and servant to our chairwoman dial particular. We want to
honor recognize my own Alderman, Jason Ervin, but I stay in
here. Representing both our faith community, I've been
serving as senior pastor of Corinthian Temple Church of God
in Christ for the past 19 years and my grandfather founded
the church late 1960s early 70s and so since the very
beginning it's been a dual purpose to certainly in our
parishioners but also to reach our community with social
services that would make their life better. So since the
last 19 years we have built on that vision and that thrust
We offer up.
We offer a multitude of programs. Community already and
Social Services. Adult literacy or we train adults. How to
prepare for the GED, hundreds of graduate for my program,
every year, we sponsor activities for Youth and children
during the summer, and after school care, we have a growing
health and wellness, a program that we run through a social
service organization which is called United for Better
Living. We help families started with food over 200
individuals. Come to our food, pantry every Saturday and we
have a wonderful staff about in tears who support them. So
our vision is to make life and living better in a
community. This project helps us to reach that goal.
A beauty.
All the beauty of this project I believe without going into
too many other details to the council is that it would be
located directly across the street, from both our church
and our community facility. So we'll be able to provide
rapid wraparound services to the individuals who will be
living across the street in the Housing Development. And
this is a game-changer for the West Garfield Park
Community. Thank you very much. Thank you Bishop Alderman,
Burnett.
By.
Vice mayor Burnett. I'm sorry. Thank you very much, Madam
chairman, first of all want to come in my colleague
Alderman. Jason Ervin on having a, a great project in his
way. But I would be remiss if I did not say anything. My
wife actually got baptized at that church and her whole
family went there. Of course I had to take up from Nicole G
and bring over to the Baptist Church. I passed them. But
Hey Pastor, he's also a bishop. So not only is he just
helping his church over where he is. But he's also over a
whole bunch of churches in the city of Chicago. What? He's
trying to be a leader and encourage them to do the same
thing to do things in the community with affordable,
housing and economic development. And I commend him what
he's trying to do. I support this one hundred percent God
knows we need more affordable, housing, myself and
aldermen. Irving can tell you that and East Garfield Park.
And also in West Garfield Park, the property values are
going up medipac and East Garfield Park. I had the house to
sell for 708 / $800,000 and East Garfield Park. So the
property values are going up for me honestly in our
community. And once they start getting over half-a-million
dollars and start moving like gang, fire stick.
start selling their homes and if we don't put any permanent
affordable housing in these communities,
Peep.
people with median, incomes won't be able to be in these
neighborhoods. It only be millionaires living in the
neighborhood. So this is needed for that area. And not only
is this needed but we need more housing like that. On the
West Side before it gets too out of here. Thank you. Madam
Scherer. I support this one hundred percent of our
automobile Neto. B Melbourne that is released affordable
housing in West Garfield Park East and West Garfield Park
communities. This is actually the first affordable
development project in West Garfield Park in 20-plus years.
The work that the bishop Whitley is done or not only just
in the faith-based community but in the community overall
in the western section of the West Garfield Park Community,
believe it or not, the location that he speaks of was a
comment, a place of prostitution along that Came to Cordura
Canton in Madison in Canton in Washington that they have
sensors work in the trash.
Alarm off for.
Alarm off for for the betterment of the community of the
work that they've done a chair manner or in conjunction
with the Chicago Park District with, you know, United for
Better, Living Care Management, Care, Manor, in Alice, and
Foundation have have done great work in the West Garfield
Park Community. I think that that the bishop is leading the
way because others are trying to emulate or what he is
doing on an affordable-housing standpoint it. So again, or
as a white membrane that said, the work of creating
additional affordable housing units in these areas that
have great potential, the rapper rapidly gentrifying are
great, permanent affordable. Housing is something that we
all need to be considering, especially in these
neighborhood, where we started to rise in property values.
As I said before this corner, or does not have a great
history. But now all the work that they are putting in is
going to make this at a beacon of light, and create
opportunities for a family.
That otherwise would not have the affordability that they
need in the community salts. While this is just step one or
for the bond inducement would like, or everyone. So
favorable consideration of this awkwardness, thank you. I'm
sure, motion may. I mean, all them in Irving, that
westsiders than no motion by all the men, Burnet to pass.
All those in favor. Signify, by saying, I, although
The polls.
The polls in the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and
will report this out at our next city council meeting.
Thank you Miss Penn Yan. Congratulations Alderman, Irvin
we're going to take out item, three, four and five
presentation together, but we have to vote on them
separately item. Three is for an ordinance approving
Amendment or to the Redevelopment plan for the Northwest
Industrial Court and Redevelopment project area in Wards
2628 36th and 37th. The first ordinances for approving. The
second ordinance is for designated the expanded area and
the fifth ordinances for adopting, the tax increment.
Allocations the financing we are joined by Jim Jefferies.
Managing Deputy Commissioner for the Department of planning
and development.
Good morning, Cordell and members of the finance committee
for the record. Jim Jefferies managing Deputy Commissioner
in the department of Planning and Development. I'm here
today to request the approval of 3 related ordinances
items, 3, 4 and 5. That collectively comprised amendment
number for to the Northwest industrial Corridor, TIF
district, it approved these items I will make technical
modifications to the existing Redevelopment plan, as well
as authorized a minor expansion of the existing boundaries
in order to add 32.6 Acres of property to the TIF district.
At the North.
The Northwest industrial Corridor was originally designated
by City Council on July 27th 1998 at the conservation area
that would support the continued viability of the area's
industrial base which was later incorporated as planned
manufacturing District Number 9 by the area is generally
bounded by Fullerton, Avenue to the North, Hamlin Avenue to
the East Washington Boulevard to the South and Laramie
Avenue to the West. The Northwest industrial corridors
primarily within the Austin and Humboldt Park Community
areas, as well as both the 28th and 37th Ward with smaller
portions in the 26th and 36th words.
and,
In recent years funds from the Northwest industrial
Corridor have been used for a variety of projects but has
had an active spiff program, a particularly among
industrial corridors in the last 10 years DVD has the word
36.5 rather a million dollars in Smith funds to 62 projects
that have tended to be both small and locally based
businesses have been used to make nearly 17 million dollars
in critical infrastructure improvements, including projects
that directly, benefit the area's industrial users. This
includes 1.6 million for Viaduct and vertical clearance.
Improvements on North Avenue, 4.4 million dollars for
lighting, improvements throughout the district, in 2.2
million dollars for Street. Resurfacing, on both Fullerton,
and Armitage Avenue.
I was regards the matter before you. These ordinance will
first and then the existing Redevelopment plan, as a
follow-up to City council's, extension of this TIF district
2 in October 2022, are these changes include revising. The
plan budget to account for the additional term updating
language to address changes in the Tif act since its
designation and revising a land use map to reflect current
conditions. In addition to these technical elements, this
action will expand the boundaries of the Tif districts to
add an additional 32.6 acres to the Northwest industrial.
TIF district, are these are spread across four discrete
sub-areas. The first two are armpits Grand and Cicero Grand
which are both in the far northwest corner of this map.
These areas are being added because they will ensure that
But never, this will ensure that there is uniform coverage
of the TIF district in the area of the current situation
here is that that the majority of the businesses and
properties are within a TIF district and have access to
those related programs and funds. If you cross the street
into one of these sub-areas though, these properties do
not. I am not able to say definitively why these Parcels
were emitted when the tip was originally designated. But at
our current moment, we don't believe that having a
misalignment between he's otherwise contiguous geographies
represents a best operation of practice for our chest
districts, likewise the Canton area to Canton, sub area
represents a similar situation.
Are we haven't?
Are we have industrial properties? That are contiguous with
a lard with a larger PMD but are not within the current
boundaries of the TIF district. And finally, the Fire
Station sub area will add the fire department's engine
company number 95 to the TIF district. At this time, there
are no specific improvements being considered. But dpd does
generally look to include Municipal facilities schools and
parks within a TIF district whenever we are, otherwise
pursuing a boundary amendments and it is feasible to do so.
Stop.
So that concludes my presentation and overall DVD is
supportive of these proposed amendments. We believe that
the changes will position. The TIF district it to be the
most effective as a can be over at remaining term. I thank
you for your favorable consideration and I'm happy to
answer any questions you might have.
All.
Alderman. Ervin.
Thank.
They get mad at you again. This is area. I think I'm going
to Northwest industrial Corridor. Are we seeing good
growth? Was probably the dairy off of releasing 28th, June
28th that I'm sure with all them, it's the same great
growth in this area. I do believe that adding those areas
in Canton and the fire station do actually make sense for
us to do not knowing what the future holds for those
particular reason. And I do support the expansion and the
extension of this particular to thank you.
I told you.
I to join in with my kalyanam nerving in supporting this
tell if it has been been very beneficial to the community
and we look forward to continuing a Redevelopment within
the Northwest industrial chip so I'm asking they're
committed to favor. Do you support the expansion of the
chip? Thank you all the mess. We do have letters of support
from Walden and flanked us and all the men Villegas and Tim
I'm going to ask you all the man was spotted.
Don't know.
No, my ward was very supportive of the expansion. I'm so
curious with the sub areas that were looking at other
particular Community or Economic Development projects that
were already thinking about this specific program because
it's been so active here and these properties have not had
access to them. They end up if I go back,
and,
In the Armitage Grand and Cicero grand, for example, their
neighbors, to the east or west would have had access to it
through the Northwest industrial to its neighbors, to the
South and its contiguous with the kids. So they would have
had access to it. So in this particular in these for
particular area is no specific plans with no specific
opportunities, but General plans to, to make sure that they
are aware, that he is Swift resources exist.
Thank you for.
Thank you to.
Thank you.
Thank you, sir. Thank you all the men. All the men Conway,
10% questions about. I don't get a chance to review the
Consulting report that came with us at some point. It looks
like in there that the estimated project cost going
forward, our 350 million dollars is that, right? Or what
does that mean, he was listed as, but you'd be kind of
listed 30 million dollars worth of projects and then coming
in with 350, seems like a big job, just the maximum budget.
The TIF district is allowed to spend during its duration,
which would reflect the full 36 years. So the original
budget is 120. So a jump up 230 and this is just the amount
of Revenue that we think is reasonably going to be
collected over that over the next 12 years. Today as things
stand, the TIF district generates about 17 million dollars
of $17, x 12 assuming no growth
Will be.
Will be grossed, 200 million. So, this is just what we
think will be collected. It's not an obligation to spend
this money. It's just a maximum cap that could be spent
from this district. And that's pursuant to state law. This
is how the state has the requirements for the Redevelopment
plans, for every single TIF district, okay?
Wake.
Wait, so sad.
Wait till 17 x, 12, that's not 355, 230 additional got it.
Okay. And tell there's reasonable growth. Obviously and its
conservative growth patterns, based on historic rates that
sort of thing from the report that was interesting. Is it
says, the AV today is,
Even.
Even with the expansion Aries about 150 million, but it's
anticipated by tax year, 2033 collection, 2034 to be 650
million, and that seems like a huge jump. Any idea what?
That's I hope. I hope they're right. This is fantastic, our
Ally but any idea what that's based on I used to see
exactly what what that is and I can follow up with you
directly, but I mean, usually we are just looking at
What?
What are things at today and I guess I'm not quite sure if
that's Benchmark against the initial designation in 1998
for an hour. If it's two day today, either way, we
typically look at the current state of affairs on the navy
bases. Push it forward and use that as the basis of a go
forward for the next 12 years. We look at the the the
historic growth rates in specific geographies. I can say
Citywide it's about 2% compounded annual growth and a half
time Jump in a 10-year. It seems like a lot that's why I
say it's 12 years but I guess I just I'm not sure if that's
benchmarked.
1990.
1998 versus 2023. That's obviously a big difference, but our
general lab methodology. Is that just use looking today?
Apply of conservative growth rate over the term. Unless we
know that there is a specific project or parcel that is
pending development. In this case, we didn't know that we
didn't make those assumptions, just letting things. I hope
I hope the the growth rate that projected here comes
through. It comes to fruition. Thank you. That's that's all
right, I have
Thank.
Thank you. Brushed your Conway, Alderman, Burnett's,
Iceman, breathe in. This is not in my world, but he used to
be in my heart but I'm just east of it. So I'm glad to see
that is going to get some peppermints. So I don't have to
keep putting stuff in my would, maybe I can get some money
back to come over to my chest, but I appreciate what all
them in Conway is asking, Altima Conway? You just need to
know. This is where the over by. Where the police academy
is just, that police academies going to enhance that it's
going to have values in that community and already over in
the west Humboldt Park. We're starting to get houses going
for seven and eight hundred thousand dollars also. So the
values are tremendously going up in their community and
Solace is going to. The information is going to continue to
grow in that area. So I think
Those numbers may not even be. It may be ending up being
more than that especially with it. The safety aspect of
having police running around a community. All the time is
going to help out a lot.
Thank.
Thank you, I'll demand Burnett say no more questions.
Motion made by Alderman Hall, recommending do pass all
those in favor. Signify by saying, I need a picture of the
chair. The eyes have it to do pass recommendation of. This
ordinance will be reported out at the next city council
meeting. And now we'll go to item number for which is an
ordinance designated. The expanded Northwest industrial
Corridor Redevelopment Area, Redevelopment project area,
pursuant to the tax increment. Allocation Redevelopment Act
also went to 2628 36th and 37th Ward. Tim Jeffries
I think.
Oh, I didn't know you did all three. Okay. Okay. Yes, I do
motion by all the men. Can I get a motion to move?
Thank.
Thank you, Alderman. Miss recommending to pass all those in
favor signify by saying hi. All those opposed, in the
opinion of the chair, the eyes have it. I will report this
out as well as our next city council meeting and item.
Number five was or is an ordinance adopting, the tax
increment, allocation financing for this amendment number
for to the Redevelopment plan for the Northwest industrial
Redevelopment area.
so,
So moved by all the men, Irvin recommending to pass all
those in favor. Signify by saying, I all those opposed in
the opinion of the chairs, the eyes have it and will report
this out at our next city council meeting. Thank you, Tim
I'm Number 6 is from the Department of planning and
development and CPS.
Can.
Concerning an ordinance.
Give.
Giving me a 30 to enter into and execute an
intergovernmental agreement with the Chicago Board of
Education. The provision of tax increment, financing
dollars for upgrading repairing and recertifying the
building automation system at the amundsen high school
located at 5110, North Damen, in the 40th, Ward for the
amount of 1.2.
5 ml.
5 million were joined by Jamel Chambers, and Ivan Hanson
from Chicago Public Schools project today. So, hopefully
that works. All right, all right.
Did.
The vice mayor wants me to wear blue next time. So I got
you, sir.
All right, let's go with this item. Good morning Jeremy. I
remember the finance committee for the recommendation is
Ivan Jansen, and the chief facilities officer Chicago
public schools. And I'm also joined by Janelle Chambers
city council liaison for CPS. In Tim Jeffries DiMaggio,
Deputy Commissioner Department of Planning and Development.
I'm here today to request your approval of an
inter-governmental agreement and provide Chicago Public
Schools. What's up the 1.25 million dollars in tips
assistance to upgrade repair and recertify the absolute,
the Obsolete and failing building automation system. Am in
high school.
Are.
Here's a map of the general location to school within the
city. The school is located at 5110, North Damen Avenue, in
Lincoln Square community area. And the 40th Ward is located
within the Western Avenue, North District school is bounded
by Winona Street on the South Damen Avenue on the East
Foster Avenue, on the North and Hoyne Avenue to the West.
Ears.
Here's a view of the school's main entrance located on
Damen Avenue in the picture of the existing building
automation system. I'm a citizen neighborhood. High School
serving, almost 1,500 students in the grades nine through
12th grades.
The building automation project include upgrading repairing
and recertifying the apps, they absolutely failing building
automation systems and controls environmental and
mechanical systems within the building.
If approved an agreement without authorized up the 1.25
million dollars of Chief assistant switch to finance, the
entirety of the project, and completion of this project is
scheduled for fall of 24. I think you for consideration of
this request and I'm able to address any questions the
committee may have
Not seeing any questions. I'm all Ben Martin. We do have a
letter of support from you on this project and I'll demand
Vasquez as well, Alderman. Martin,
Making sure.
Making sure I just wanted to speak quickly. Because while
this is outside of the 47th Ward, a significant portion of
the High School's attendance, boundary Falls in 47, and the
underscore that the building is significantly over capacity
over and rolled my Believe last year was over 140% at
capacity this year. I've heard it might be north of 160%.
So, in addition to the work needed, there will be a great
number of students and unlikely in the near-term. A growing
number of students who stand to benefit from this work.
Thank you. Thank you. I'm in the spot. I has a question.
You can close all the mini basket has all the man was
spotted around the automation systems, the environment to
work in. We're in touch on similar projects over at
Clemente. So I'm glad we're doing this work. Also just add
the color is one thing, but it's the lapels that really
Set this to depart. So nice work and future. Thank you all
the middle spot a ottoman Vasquez. Thank you. I don't have
any fashion critiques or tips thumbs up your mail. Again I
really want to extend my thank you to my colleagues should
have spoken just right now. I think I'll remember and I, we
had conversations with the prior leader shipping existing
leadership it on and send Jackie about the concerns that on
my Cali raised. We're looking at.
Nothing, that is why.
Nothing that is right out.
Nothing that is right now currently over capacity as far as
the students are. And so this is going to lead to larger
conversations with the school board and CPS that we already
started but yeah, we do need the support in. Order to
upgrade knowing how many students and families are being
affected by it and knowing which direction we're looking at
when he comes to having a more sustainable buildings and
property. So thank you. We are in full support. I'm and
appreciative for the committee's favorable consideration.
Thank you, thank you all the men Vasquez. All them in
Irving.
Abdul.
A building automation system. So it's controlling the the
mechanical systems in the building by Alderman, Urban
recommending to pass all those in favor signify by saying
I'm opposed in the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it
and they do pasta, recommendation will be reported out at
the next city council meeting. I'm continuing with the dpd
and CPS in ordinances concerning the authority to enter
into and execute an inter-governmental agreement with the
Chicago Board of Education for the provision of tax
increment. Financing funds for upgrades to the entry Plaza,
which includes revising, the Landscaping, Paving, and a new
feature wall at uplift Community High School located in the
46th Ward at 9.
We'll see.
Wilson.
I've
Ivan. Good afternoon, chairman dial number to the finance
committee for the record. My name is Ivan Hanson and the
cheapest police officer Chicago Public Schools. I'm joined
today by Jamel Chambers city council, liaison a CPS and Tim
Jeffries. Imagine Deputy Commissioner Department of
Planning and Development. I'm here to request your approval
of an inter-governmental agreement that would provide
Chicago Public Schools was up to $900,000 in tipis distance
to provide site improvements at uplift High School.
Are.
Here's a map showing the general case of the school within
the city. The school is located at 900 West Wilson, Avenue
in the Uptown community area. In the 46th Ward is located
within the Wilson Yard TIF district school is bounded by
Wilson Avenue, to the South Clara Avenue to the east
Eastwood, Avenue to the North, in Sheridan, Road to the
West.
here's,
Here's a view of the school's main entrance located on
Wilson Avenue in the pictures of the existing Plaza. Uplift
is a neighborhood. High School serving over 100 students in
the ninth. Through 12th grades, the site Improvement
project includes revising. Configuration of landscape
areas, providing new concrete and stone Paving and
construction of a new feature wall in the Central Plaza.
if a prove,
If approved an agreement would authorize the $910,000 in tip
assistance will fornite finance the entirety of this
project.
let,
let's,
Next slide. Here's some photos Illustrated, a new Plaza. In
Treme look like complete this project would be scheduled
for fall of 2025. I think you could considerations request
unavailable to address any questions that can be may have.
We have a letter of support from all the men Angela clay
for this project she's not here any questions on this item
moved to pass by all the men all those in favor. Signify by
saying I opposed and the penny of the chair, the eyes have
it will report this out at the next city council meeting
another IGA we have before us is for tax increment,
financing funds for new, artificial turf football, soccer
field a four-lane rubber surface running track, LED High
bay, light fixtures and drainage infrastructure at the
greater Lawndale High School for social justice, Infinity,
math, science and technology, high school, Multicultural
Arts, High School World Language Academy, High School
Located.
Located at 3rd.
Located at 30.
Located at 3120 South Kostner and the 22nd ward in the
amount of 4 million dollars.
Play.
Good afternoon, Sharon. Our members of the finance
committee for the record. My name is Ivan Jansen, and the
cheapest Lily's officers cago, Public Schools. I'm joined
today by Jamel Chambers city council liaison for CPS and
Tim Jeffries to me as your Deputy Commissioner in the
department of Planning and Development. I'm here today to
request your approval of an inter-governmental agreement
that provide Chicago Public Schools. What's up to four
million dollars? In tips assistance remove an existing
natural grass field and replace it with new artificial turf
and track and rubber Lane surface for the greater Lawndale
High School campus. This campus, tours for high school's,
Infinity math, and science, and technology, high school
Multicultural Arts. High School, social justice. High
School in the World Language Academy, High School
ears.
It was.
Here's a map showing the general case of the campus with
the city. The campus is located at 3120 South Kostner
Avenue in the South Lawndale community area in the 22nd.
Ward is located within a little village, industrial TIF
district. The campus is bounded by the by 33rd Street, to
the South Kostner Avenue to the East Frontage Road to the
north and Kilbourn Avenue to the West.
Here's a few.
Here's a view of the campus main entrance located on Castor
Avenue and a picture of the existing field. If it's already
serves 12, almost 1,300 students in the ninth through 12th
grades. The turf field project includes removal of grass
and asphalt pavement. Replacing with new artificial turf
football, soccer field, which is going to be surrounded by
a four-lane, polyurethane rubber surface running track,
light poles, with LED fixtures and Associate electrical
connections and drainage infrastructure that for the site
restoration.
Neck.
Next slide is approved the inner Governor Greenwood
authorized at the four million dollars at if assistance
with remaining money coming for Chicago Public Schools.
Laugh.
Last Light Years, some photos illustrating with the new
turf field may look like. And the completion of the project
to be false 25. I think you for considerations request and
available to address any questions the committee may have
thanks.
Thank you all doing wagons back.
They?
Thank.
Thank you, sir, woman Ivan. Just this is really good
projects. We've done a couple of these before, actual whole
bunch of them, but I'm wondering if in terms of the amount
or design, if we could go back up to that slide.
What's?
What sea does?
What's the design is 800,000 getting that number down in
anyway because for a lot of these projects, I know we're
essentially building in the exact same thing and the design
number still seem to be pretty high in terms of, you know,
the same companies or the same design being utilized for
the turf fields and then that tracked us off track around
it. And if that applies to this one in particular, but I
noticed that number keeps pretty high-level. I know it's a
great question. This is an estimate at this point in time.
I will we do like to do is to repair the same products
together to get a larger scale and get some of those
numbers down. We will absolutely work with are many firms
to get the best number we can for these. Okay. Thank you.
All.
Alderman Rodriguez, is this a new school by the way? It's
constructed relatively new but you know I miss your face.
Did not include a significant and long-term plan on the
field. We have are baseball kids who can play one game a
year right now and soccer kids. Probably can't play any
because of the nature of the field right now, but I'm glad
Monique Monique is walking. We were just talking about how
this project is important to both of
Neighborhoods, we have to.
Neighborhoods. We have kids from both north Lawndale little
village and the southwest side of Chicago that attend the
school. It's one of the best neighborhood schools in the
state. I would say. And I very much deserving of a good
field for sporting. We know that positive Youth Development
is really based in young people's ability to be able to
exercise their Sports. And the fact is that communities
like mine? I will say that many of my colleagues said not
to get these types of Investments. So I'm very, very happy
that this is happening. It didn't happen without a lot of
conversations and lot of pushing, but at the end of the
day, I think the partners were at the PD and CPS and
Elsewhere for making this happen. This is what is a really
positive thing for the southwest side of Chicago in the
city of Chicago and I'm excited to be all the person of the
22nd work today. Thank you sir. Thank you. I'll demand
Rodriguez all the men stopped
to support.
you support the
To support this guy is so many times as Aldon Rodriguez
said that the North and the South Lawndale schools, are
never afforded this opportunity and so we see it on the
North side. We said in other places but never in the North
and the South side with black and brown children. So I
support this and congratulations.
Most.
Motion made by Alderman, recommending, do past all those in
favor. Signify by saying, I opposed in the opinion of the
chair, the eyes have it, did you pass recommendation on?
This matter will be reported out at the next city council
meeting, moving on to item number 9 and ordinances
concerning the authority to enter into and execute an
intergovernmental agreement with the Chicago Board of
Education for the provision of tax increment. Financing
funds for a full roof replacement and Associated targeted.
Masonry repairs at the Skinner, Elementary School Branch
located at 225 South Aberdeen and the 34th Ward. This is
for 1.26 million
A good at.
A good afternoon, Sherman doll and members of the finance
committee for the record. Again, my name is Ivan Jansen and
the cheapest police officer in Chicago Public Schools. I'm
joined today by Janelle Chambers city council liaison for
CPS and by Tim Jeffries the Mansion Deputy Commissioner of
the Department of Planning and Development. I'm here today
to request your approval of an inter-governmental agreement
that would provide Chicago public schools with up to 1.26
million dollars. In tips assistance to write a full roof
replacement and Associate Target. Mason repairs at the
Skinner, West Branch building.
there's,
There's a man.
Here's a map showing the general location of the school
within the city. The school is located at 225 West,
Aberdeen Street in the near West Side Community area in the
34th, Ward is located within the central, West TIF
district, the school was founded by Jackson Boulevard to
the South Morgan Street to the East Quincy Street, to the
north Aberdeen Street to the West.
here's,
Here's a view of the school's main entrance located near
Aberdeen Street and the pictures of the existing roof.
Skynyrd West is a neighborhood. Elementary School serving,
almost 1,000 children in the pre-k, through 8th grades. The
roof makes me proud looking through the phone replacement
and Associated Target, major repairs at the branch
building.
If?
If approved the inner government Greenwood authorized up
the 1.26 million dollars in tips assistance which is
financing the entirety of this project. Completion of the
project is scheduled for the winter of 2024. I thank you
for consideration is considered consideration this request
and I'm available to address any questions that committee
may have thank you Alderman Taylor.
You.
You said that this was scheduled to be done in the winter?
Where will the young people be?
They were.
Are they would stay Within.
Are they would stay within this, the school the entire time
we do, push it out to the the winter just because there's
going to be some Target, masonry repair that we need to do
on the outside of the project will try to get done through
the summer time, but we would have to come back and do some
things over the over brakes and weekends during the school
year, but we would not place any of the kids and no. Why
you ask that all the men Conway to clarify? This is 25
South Aberdeen and only also add that you know city of the
main campus. Here it's going to West which is located the
27th work. So this is the, the branch building and this
actually houses, the, the preschool and the kindergarten
within that and can tell you personally, that the rough
that the roof is in rough shape at this building. I say
that from an uneducated born if you are visually one but on
the last
it's in bad need of repair and I asked my colleagues to
approve it. Thank you.
Turn.
Can I get a motion to recommend to pass on this all the men
laspada? Recommending to pass all those in favor, signify
by saying, I opposed in the opinion of the chairs, the eyes
have it and will report this matter out at the next city
council meeting I have a number 10, is the miscellaneous is
the thank you very much. I've been good too.
Your mom. Good to see you to give me the red works.
No item.
No item number 10, I proposed order authorizing, the
payment of various small claims against the city of
Chicago. This was a direct introduction and we sent the
list to of approve payments to everyone electronically. If
there are no objections, these will be placed in the
Omnibus on item number 11, miscellaneous 11 is a proposed
order. Denying, the payment of various small claims against
the city of Chicago? Also, a direct introduction. And this
list was sent out electronically to everyone. If there are
no objections, will place this on the Omnibus, item number
12 on the miscellaneous, or to propose orders, or through
Rising charitable. Solicitation on the public way, or
tagged a permits one, is for the children International
Inc, which is a Citywide charitable.
Hey.
Haitian September 13th. 2023 through December 31st, 2023.
And the second one is the Illinois State Council. Knights
of Columbus Charities Inc. I also Citywide September 15th
2023 through September 17th 2023. If there are no
objections, these will be
play some
Placed on the Omnibus.
I'm
Item number 13 from the law department is 6. Munication
transmitting reports of cases in which verdicts judgments
and settlements were entered into for the month of July and
August 2023. These reports were provided by the Department
of Law and was sent electronically to everyone. If there
are no objections, these reports will be placed on file
with the city clerk's office.
okay, now we get to our settlements and I ask that you
would be mindful of your fiduciary duties confidentiality
and the fact that you're receiving privileged information
at this time, item number 14,
is 5 proposed orders authorizing, the corporation counsel
to enter into an executed settlement orders in the
following cases, item a or a B is Emily dinky individually
and as a special representative of Owen janky, a minor,
Patrick venky and Claudia Jacobs vs the city of Chicago at
all, for the amount of $150,000 were joined by Chief
assistant, Corporation counsel, James Gorman from the
Department of
let's,
Mr.
The storming. Thank you. Madam chair. Good morning morning,
everyone, gym, or mine, from the courts division of the law
department on October 14th, 2017. The city of Chicago
Parkway tree came out of the ground at the roots and during
his fault of the ground is branches struck and injured, six
year old Claudia Jacob and her daughter.
Thirty-three-year-old. Emily behnke husband and son were
practically half black. I had wanted a tree fell and did
not see the accident occur.
Mr.
Miss Jacobs. And Miss manke were hospitalized overnight
with their injuries, which included concussions for both
women and permits Jacobs. A hematoma that extended from her
knee to or groin area.
Lance alleged that the city was negligent and willful and
Wanton in failing to remove the parkway tree at issue and
they seek damages related to their injuries and leaving
Keys husband, Patrick Binky has a claim for loss of
Consortium and Emily is also asserts claims on behalf of
Owen Binky for intentional and negligent. Infliction of
emotional distress.
On.
on a
On October 14th, 2017. The extended venky family and
friends were walking home in the Bucktown neighborhood.
After going out for lunch to celebrate the 4th birthday of
their son. Owen, the family was northbound on Oakley Avenue
in the crosswalk at McLean. When the tree fell diagonally
into the intersection knocking, over a light pole, and
striking Miss Jacobs in Miss pinky, in the back of the
head.
Both women fell to the ground and were pinned under the tree
until First Responders arrived at the scene and help them
out from under it.
Prior to.
Prior to the tree falling, the city had received 2311 calls
about the tree at issue which was located at 2028, North
Oakley. The first call was on May 9th 2017 and in response
to at the Bureau of Forestry Center in inspector and
certified Arborist out to examine the tree on June 2nd,
2017. The inspector noted that the tree was dead.
and,
And scheduled it for removal, but he did not request
immediate removal as his evaluation of the tree. Determined
that it did not present an imminent risk for acquiring
immediate removal. Had it required an immediate response
team Spectre could have contacted the supervisor in order
to obtain the equipment necessary to remove it on an
emergency basis on September 9th. 2017, there was another
call for service concerning the tree where the caller
reported that quote, there is a huge tree that is
completely dead and leaning like it could fall over in the
street. And quote, this action was closed out by the 311
system as a duplicate of the May 9th service request.
and,
And no action was taken with regard to the second call prior
to the incident removals that are not emergencies are
typically completed between November and may because
Manpower is focused on responding to treat for me to
request from June through October when trees are in bloom
with foliage expert, witness who's a certified Arborist.
Testifies that for the tree to fall over like it, did its
roots were rotted which acknowledges was not something that
would have been visible to the inspector. He offers the
opinion that based upon the location of the tree and a high
pedestrian traffic area near School. The tree should have
been a priority for removal. He agrees that as a general
rule, a dead tree is not necessarily in need of immediate
removal, though. He believes the time. For removal should
have been much sooner, and that it should have been
completed in four to six weeks. Both Miss Jacobs and Miss
Vicki were struck in the back of their heads. Miss Jacobs
was unconscious and regained.
I just Consciousness at the scene with fireman and EMS
surrounding her, it took some time. Of time for the
firefighters to be able to slide her out from under the
tree and she had a laceration on the back of her head, that
was bleeding and it was later close to Staples. She was
admitted at Stroger hospital for 24-Hour, observation and
diagnosed with a blunt. Head injury with brief loss of
consciousness. Blunt cardiac injury with EKG changes,
right? Thigh hematoma and the Rasik back.
She had.
She had been.
She had physical therapy for the hematoma out with multiple
sections that were completed in June of 2018 and she claims
to have chronic a few in her thigh from the internal Scar
Tissue, her medical bills. Total approximately $26,000 Miss
Vicki had a loss of consciousness that lasted for
approximately approximately 30 seconds. According to her
husband, she also had a scalp laceration that required
Staples in at the hospital, she had scans of her head and
body parts that came back as normal. But an EKG, showed
some changes. So she was put on a heart monitor for
observation overnight. She was discharged the following
morning with the diagnosis of back pain. She followed up
with her internist to whom she complained of neck pain and
some mental slowing. She also reports she had headaches
that went away the following week. She was diagnosed with
post concussive syndrome and had further neurological
testing perform which came back negative. I'm assuming he's
total. Medical bills are approximately $10,000. If the
Proceed to.
Proceed to try.
How to proceed to trial in addition to medical bills, to
plants with seek recovery for pain and suffering. A loss of
normal life, experience and emotional distress related to
the incident. The Law Department, recommends settlement,
$150,000
Alderman. Sposato.
Care to questions about why I support this but I just do
something. You said kind of contradictory. And one thing
was unclear to me, so they reported that the dead dangerous
tree in May. And then again, in September, when did the
incident actually happen,
Yes.
I guess it happened in October and then I traveled through
both calls and then you also said, the husband was half
black ahead of his and how does he know she was unconscious
for 30 seconds? I gotta believe it takes more than 30
seconds to get back if you're half a block ahead of
somebody. So,
I'm half.
I'm half a block ahead of you old, you get whacked in the
head and come down. I what I know you were out for 30
seconds. The husband rushed back to where the wife was and
you know, this is an approximation in terms of what he
stated in his deposition. That's the best information we
have on that issue. So once again I supported but maybe
streets and San we get some of these emergencies. I know
many of my colleagues could say we get calls and saying if
you don't cut this tree down, is going to fall and kill
somebody at the constant thing. I got to my office. I'm
sure most of my colleagues at the same thing. So maybe it's
nothing to do with the settlement but maybe if streets and
Sanders listening, then maybe maybe these are things. We
need to expedite a little bit more, but thank you very much
and thank you, man. I'm sure, thank you. I'll demand
sposato
Quinn.
I got them in the order that I saw themselves are building
on what I was talking about, you mentioned about high
pedestrian areas near schools, how does the City View that?
Is that more of an emergency.
Generally, with respect to the area, where a complaint
comes in the, the inspector who goes out in response to the
complaint will take that into consideration along with
everything else but it if it's a the dead tree doesn't seem
to present an imminent risk it still would be scheduled for
the delay. You know. How would this City View this
particular instance? Well in ouuu comment about my
pedestrian area near school, should the city of Chicago be
putting them in a different category as as an emergency
I did.
I think that that policy question is one. That is not
something that I'm necessarily the person to address but
the that was the criticism of the plaintiff's expert
witness in the case. And the the issue is is as I see it
the Streets & Sanitation. Prioritises their Manpower as
best they can because obviously they have numerous a tree
trimming request during months with foliage and there's
backlogs with those as well that they need to address so
that the tree-trimming can better take place in the the
winter months when there are fewer or I'm sorry, the Dead
free removals can take place in winter months where there's
less tree trimming with the policy.
Make.
Maybe, maybe it's me.
How persuasion from your perspective is the high
pedestrian, your school argument.
I'd
I think it is, it certainly in this case ways into our
evaluation of liability, it's in terms of the criticism. I
don't know that there's any specific standard, the city has
an arborist expert with very strong credentials who says
that the delay of
Months.
Monster.
Months is Not Unusual and is consistent with national
standards generally. Thank you but I'm sure. Thank you,
Taylor followed by alderman.
Thank.
Thank you, madam chair. And so can you repeat those dates?
Again, the first day that it was, you said it was a poor.
The second day is here, when the actual incident in the
first call, was May 9th 2017. There was a response to that
the inspection was June 2nd 2017. And then the second call,
was September 9th 2017 and the accident was October 14th
2017.
So in all of this time forestry never thought about, so we
got a policy problem here, correct.
You.
You don't think I'm not necessarily in a position to be
critical of the policy because I I don't know that there is
a better way with the Manpower that they currently have,
but there are criticisms. I guess of the two policy in that
you know, obviously it would be ideal to bring down dead
trees as soon as you can and in quicker than four months
later cuz we're about to pay for. And so this is an issue.
There's a problem and there's a dead tree and we all go
through this all the time. And honestly chairwoman I'm
struggling with forestry and it's a new rule about how they
cut trees and so this is the price
How do you say?
This will be the first or last I feel like but are you
definitely will have my support cuz this person did get
hurt or not. I mean I think it's legitimate to to question
the policy that did come up during the briefing as to
you.
You know when a tree is inspected then when is if it's dead
when it gets taken down, I think streets and sand, although
they weren't in our briefings and he needs a questions that
we should be following up with them. During the budget
death, those questions they claim that the grid system is
The.
The way they addressed trees that need all kinds of is that
have all kinds of issues when they need to be trimmed or
dead within that grid system. And clearly we have questions
about whether or not that's working. It's my work. It's
here. When we thank you though, Osman Vasquez.
Thank.
Thank you, ma'am. I appreciate that. Especially with the
work we've been doing two kind of increased some of the
Bureau for she's team. As a reminder to some of the cards
here prior to the grid system, some of these trees will be
3 years, 4 years, of not getting any trim at all. And what
we've seen is that now we're doing triple the amount of
trees and what was done even than the prior-year. But I do
think it does speak to the fact that we still need increase
capacity as far as Staffing in teams to get even more done.
So part of it is exactly.
I just stated I'm a damn chair doing the grid system. There
more equipped to kind of cats things that they're seeing
him. Even that do they need more staff to cover more? The
other thing that I would make a recommendation based on
this case is the needs to be a. I in 311 with some of the
work we've been doing a way to actually Marked Tree
emergencies and make the 311 as return, there isn't right.
They either used to treat friends now they can't. But
there's no way this marquetry emergency so they can check
that. So that's an improvement in an air fryer in regard to
how if a tree falls on someone, how do you know that they
were out for 30 seconds? I turn around and walk in kind of
see how long they are out for. So I think some of it is
common sense clearly I think we could do more as it relates
to the process and will continue improving on it. It's
something to bring up during budget increased capacity, but
based on the case, I don't think any of us want to be in
that situation. And we be scared, even walk outside if
something like that occurred. So it makes sense to me, that
we support the settlement thing.
Is there a motion to recommend approval oven mitts
recommending to pass all those in favor? Signify, by
saying, I opposed to pass recommendation will be reported
out at the next city. Council meeting of the next case is
14 B. Diana Carrizales versus Chicago, police officer,
Christopher jarosz, store, number 9295, Chicago, police
officer.
Rooster.
Mustafa star 16130 Chicago. Police officer Arturo, William
Nueva star number 409 and the City of Chicago for $330,000.
Diane.
Diana Krall Diana Krall. Who is 25 time of the events? I
brought this action to certain that the Chicago police
officers failed to fulfill their duties under the Illinois.
Domestic violence act when they did not arrest your
boyfriend, Patrick Johnson. After she reported that he had
physically, abused her informed them that she had an order
of protection against him. She alleges that the officers
were willful and wanton and failing to arrest Mr. Johnson,
in response to a call in that, they allowed him to return
to her home, where he attacked her, and cause her to jump
from her balcony. While trying to flee from him, resulting
in serious injuries. She also asserts that the police
response violated the CPD general orders, clickable to
domestic violence incident response, which you will use
evidence of the officers willful and wanton misconduct.
Miss Frizzle that has a relationship with Mr. Johnson, that
started in 2013 and he is the father of her. Youngest
child. In 2015, she obtained a protective order against mr.
John, but in 2016, she allowed him to return to her home in
order to assist with watching her children while she was at
work. You're in an argument on December 16th 2016, mr.
Johnson grabbed me by the throat and struck her in the head
arms, back and shoulders and took her keys so she could not
leave the following morning. Mr. Is Earth. Left the house?
And as if to go to work, but instead went to Holy Cross
hospital to see treatment for her injuries.
Including head and neck, pain, bruises swelling, and
scratches CPD was called to the hospital concerning. The
reports of abuse and officer Christophe jaros came and took
a report. Miss Cruiser, I told officer jaros about the
incident the night before and told him that she had an
order of protection. She also claims that she told officer
jaros the Johnson was at her home, watching her children
and if she wanted Transportation there. So the Johnson
could be arrested also Yaris disputes that she told him.
That Johnson was at her home and denies that she asked for
transportation. But claims that, she said that, she did not
know Johnson's. We're about and that he did not live with
her anymore.
after your has also provided her with a victim information
notice, which explains how to obtain a warrant
and,
In the domestic incident, notice, which describes we're
safe. Houses in counseling can be found a report prepared
by Austin yahr has notes that she had an active order of
protection that had been sore but that she was quoted in
non-compliance by allowing responding Johnson access to her
residence to watch a common child and quote is reportedly.
Did not know that his request in her response. Concerning
Johnson's whereabouts nor did it mention that he had told
her to call for a c p d. S Corp from the hospital. You
later recorded this aspect of their interaction in a to
from report subsequent to the filing of the lawsuit. Miss
Frizzle that did not immediately return home after leaving
the hospital, but instead went to a friend's house until
early evening. So that so, that Johnson would think she'd
been at work. Since you returned home, there was another
argument with Johnson, where he's struck. Her older hair
took her keys phone and the police reports she received it
at Holy Cross Hospital.
Johnson also refused to let her leave and Miss prisoner at
the eventually went to sleep. She woke at 5:15 in the
morning, retrieved her phone and called, police from the
hallway, outside her apartment, and a recording of the 911
call. She told the dispatcher that she had an order of
protection against Johnson and that she'd gone to Holy
Cross and had it
this report for,
This report from there. She also told dispatch that she
wanted Jonathan to be arrested, Oxys. I mean to stop by and
Arturo Villanueva were dispatched to the scene, but they
were only informed by Dispatch that the call was for a
domestic disturbance. They were later joined by Sergeant
Bryan spry and his Cruiser, it will testify that she met
the officers outside the apartment and reported. That
Johnson had strangled her and stepped on her toes. She
asserts that she informed them that she had an order of
protection.
And if
In a police report and then she tried to show them but they
indicated that they did not just need to see her paperwork
as they had the information on their computer. She also
searched that she told officers, the off Sushi wanted
Johnson arrested, according to the officers mess for
Azeroth was calm when they arrived and she told them that
Johnson had not struck or threatened her and she indicated
that she that he was the father of her children that when
she came home that day, the house was a mess and let it
upset her. According to Austin, Mustafa Johnson was present
and Cooperative, but he did not want to leave the home
because he had nowhere to go after me, stop explaining to
me that he could not make Johnson leave. And that she would
need to get an eviction order. According the opposite of
she never showed them any paperwork or police report. She
never said anything about the abuse from the day before.
I want.
however, as they
However, as they were leaving, she mentioned that she had an
order of protection against Johnson. You also just been
checked leads and determine that. There was an order of
protection that was entered on March 30th 2016, but it
appeared that had not been served as there was no date of
service. Sean Sergeant Brian was called to the scene, as a
supervisor in order to serve the order protection and
sergeants friend arrived on scene. He decided to take
Johnson to the police station to verify, whether the order
had been served and if not, he would serve the order on him
there at the station stuck. Sergeants Brian attempted to
confirm service calling the County which was closed and
speaking to a leaves desk. Operator to see if they can pull
the card file to verify service, but they were unable to
do. So he also looked at the leads print out and it did not
show date of service for the order because he could not
confirm, the Johnson had been served with the other
projection. He served him with the ordered around 6:30 in
the morning and reading the instructions to have no contact
with for Azeroth noting. The remedies on the form he was
been really
I'm passing.
From custody at the station, you order protection file for
the Domestic Relations Division. In the Circuit Court of
Cook County shows that an emergency order of protection was
granted on October 26th 2015. And at the expiration was
extended twice, Johnson was also served Johnson was served.
The order protection in open, court twice and January, and
February 2016 at the February 2016 court, hearing for
Azeroth, refused to testify against mr. Johnson, and the
court, then set them out.
Grover.
Over the March 30th 2016. For a hearing on Entry of a
broader order protection that would supersede the 2015
orders prohibit Johnson from having any contact with his
children as well as reservists, bro. Two years ending on
March 30th. 2018. The order was honored at the March 30th
2018 hearing but Johnson was not present and so was not
served with the order after Mr. Johnson left the police
station, he merely return to miss Carissa is home when she
entered from the balcony, he rushed her and began pummeling
her dragged her into into her bedroom and kicked her. While
her children tried to stop him. She then tried to flee and
went out to open balcony, door and jump from the second
floor.
Massage.
Miss Johnson, then went outside and tried to, I'm sorry,
mr. Johnson, then went outside and tried to drag her back
into the building, but her neighbor told him police were on
the way and not to touch her Johnson, then fled the scene
officers arrived, and she told them the Johnson and come in
through the balcony and she jumped off. It should try to
escape the officers. Placed the children in the care of her
grandfather and an ambulance took her a threat to Christ
hospital where she was treated for her injuries. Johnson
was caught, and arrested a few weeks after the incidents
the Illinois domestic violence act require certain conduct
on the part of law enforcement officers, have reason to
believe that domestic violence has occurred CPD. General
order 0404 incorporates the duties and
Possibility.
Possibilities under.
Possibilities under the domestic.
Possibilities under the domestic violence Act.
Reply.
And requires the police officers. Quote, use all reasonable
means to prevent further abuse, including the arrest of
Defender when there is probable cause and quote the rest of
the offenders to Preferred response. Where there is
probable cause to believe that the offender committed, the
crime of domestic violence and rest is mandatory where the
offenders in violation of an order of protection. If the
offender is not on scene and in order
Interesting.
in an arrest is not made the general order requires the
officer to document the reasons for that. In the incident
report, you must conduct a search for the offender obtain
information from the victim regarding where the offenders
may be located include information in the narrative, if the
offender and not be located. Mistress arisa's famous April
fracture, multiple pelvic fractures including splintered,
fragments that impinged on her bladder, she had also had a
soft tissue injury to her hand from jumping out the window.
She had to use a walker and have home assistance and
underwent, six months of physical therapy. She also had
medical bills totaling approximately $47,000. At the time
of the incident, she was working full-time as a cashier, at
Sam's Club in Evanston. And she cleans lost wages totaling
$7,350. If she were to Prevail at trial in addition, to a
medical expenses and weight loss, a jury would award
damages for past and future pain and suffering.
Emotional to.
Emotional distress.
Emotional distress and loss of normal life, resulting from
the injuries, the Law Department, recommends settlement of
this matter, for $330,000, inclusive of Boston attorneys
fees.
I see no questions. So all the middle spada to beat
I'd
I do not think this is a fiduciary matter to ask a
statement of fact, we can you speak to all the charges
against mr. Johnson, preceded in
Did the information I have is that he was charged with
aggravated battery and that there were several charges he
was and I can't name them. I could provide the list through
the chair but the he was convicted of aggravated battery
and and had a four-year sentence and I believe he's free.
Now I don't know if he's had any other incidents since then
I'm going to speak things that are adjacent to the case and
I know that it is not your job to weigh in on policy.
Regards.
Regardless of what happens with this settlement and I am
very glad to make a motion to approve the settlement.
I hope that we are taking care or the plaintiff's welfare.
We we know from talking to Advocates. I sent it privately.
I'll say it again here. That usually strangling. Someone is
the next step before your domestic partner attempting to
murder you. I do not want to see that the fall or
plaintiff. I hope that we are taking care to support her
and her family. I hope there's a way for us to affirm
whether her children went to the Children's Advocacy
Advocacy Center, that we are treating them as much as
victims of this trauma, is anyone else. I will also just
know that I hope in the future as our mayor has spoken of
his support of the treatment. No, trauma campaign that we
take care to. Make sure that social workers either company
officers on these cases in the future or supplant the work
of officers all together. This is work that we've been
collected by the domestic
Gender-based violence, advocacy community.
it's
This case.
This case reminds us of the necessity of that work and so I
will make sure to put for that app to see during your
budget season as well and I'm glad for you for the work
that we're doing around this case. Thank you. Thank you.
All terminal Espada. Say no, all the monsters Auto.
I'm
I know how.
I know I learned on this spot I suppose I do get mixed up a
lot but the or following each other here. Just one
question. I'm unfortunately I apologize. I missed the
briefing or a rare time. I missed a briefing with a husband
and wife are they boyfriend girlfriend, boyfriend,
girlfriend boyfriend girlfriend, could we talk about his
history at the in here or no?
Back.
In fact.
A factual events related to it. I think we can talk about
yes. And of course it's terrible things that he have a
history that it was just a chronic staff. They would go
there for problems at this house was just a regular. I know
a lot of times these incidents week. We go to houses
regularly weather for somebody to call in for illness or
calling for a better partner or whatever. So is there any
history here at this house? I didn't have don't have
information regarding other arrests at the at the house
being a good set of there was an order of protection. So
obviously there was some history between
Days. Inn in Chico.
Isn't it? She called the police right away.
Well, you know, I'm backing up. I think in this instance,
she did call the police.
On the, on December 18th. In the early morning hours is is
an so most likely, he showed up and she's protection and
she called the cops right away or something. Well, you
know, I actually if the relationship was such that she had
allowed him back into her home with the order protection,
despite the fact that she had an order protection,
Thank.
Thank you. Thank you, madam chair, thank you all the men
laspada, all the men, sposato. I got all them in the spot.
On my mind, takes up a lot of y'all. So only because he
made the motion of do past all those in favor, signify by
saying I oppose in the opinion of the chair, the eyes have
it and we will report this out at our next city council
meeting.
I'll
Item, number 14. C will be presented by a deputy
Corporation counsel Victoria Benson it is Reginald, Rucker
versus Chicago police officer. Daniel kehlmann at all or
$350,000.
Spend.
Spencer, thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. Bouncing
Deputy Corporation counsel with the federal civil rights.
Litigation division. I'm here today to request your
approval to settle a
Is that bad?
Is that better settle a federal lawsuit filed by plaintiff.
Reginald rocker, arising from a traffic stop that resulted
in his arrest and prosecution after a handgun was recovered
during the stop. The parties dispute where the handgun was
recovered from the plaintiff was, ultimately found not
guilty at a bench trial, a lot of partment asked for your
approval, to settle this lawsuit for $350,000 worth of
claims that on November 5th. 2015, he drove to a friend's
house to help her move some items that belong to her,
estranged husband among the items to be moved were storage,
totes witch's friend, place in the back of the van that he
was driving.
after the,
After the yard.
After the items were placed inside the van plaintiff, and
driving toward a gas station to return the property to his
friends, estranged husband.
Office.
Officers Hernandez. I'm calm. And we're on patrol when they
stopped the pan. Plaintiff was driving for failing to use a
turn signal officer Hernandez, approached the driver's side
of the van and request. His plane is driver's license, and
proof of insurance claim. If I ever did not have a valid
driver's license, and he was unable to produce proof of
insurance according to the officers planet was done as to
exit the van and as he did, so plaintive told them, he had
a firearm ulcer common testify that he then recovered a
handgun from
Waste.
Waistband.
Bring up the knives with a handgun was recovered from his
waistband. According to the plaintiff, the officers
unlawfully searched the van during the traffic stop and
recovered. The handgun from an opaque storage tote that was
in their crate. That was in the back of the van plaintiff
claims the handgun must have belonged to his friend and
that he had no knowledge that it was inside the storage
crate.
There.
there's,
There's no video evidence of the traffic stop or the
arrest. All of the officers Patrol vehicle is equipped with
an in-car camera. The footage was deleted based on the
police, department's retention schedule because the
officers failed to properly, save the video.
Play.
Weight of his alleged that each defendant, including the
city, had a duty to preserve the in-car camera video and
that their failure to do. So will result of misconduct by
the individual defendants and in his complaint the plane of
slaves to testimony from detective, Derek Johnson that the
officers told him. There was no in car camera video because
they were driving a vehicle that was not equipped with an
in-car camera. Also common in Hernandez been, there was
nobody warned camera footage of this event because
body-worn cameras were not yet in use in the Police
Department 11th District.
What Subs are?
Plaintiff was subsequently arrested and transported to the
11th District police station for processing there. He was
interviewed by detective. Derek Johnson, who is now
deceased, according to detective Johnson plaintiff. Told
him that the handgun belong to his girlfriend but that he
forgot, he was in possession of it, when the police pulled
him over Lane, if, however, denies making any such
statement.
According to the plaintiff.
According to the plaintiff, detective Johnson told him that
he would be charged with everything because he was armed
typical criminal, and a gang banger.
And it was charged with committing several, felony offenses
and remained at Cook County Jail for 19 months until he was
found not guilty at a bench trial on May 1st 2017. Given
the risks associated with proceeding to trial on this
matter, including the risk of attorney's, fees to the
planet be successful in any of his claims. The Law
Department, recommends settling this matter for $350,000,
All.
Alderman. Sposato.
Timeshare. Hey, Victoria. How you doing? Sorry, I missed a
briefing. Thank you. Three officers. Got any time for this.
And they said it was Reginald said, one thing and the
officer said, the other thing, all sets of the officer say,
one thing. And the plaintiff says, yet another thing as a
detective coming to play for this shift because he spoke
with the plaintiff in the plaintiffs allegations are that
the detective's investigation and these statements that he
attributes to the plaintiff are false. So he'd said, so the
police pulled him over is that hey, I just want to let, you
know, I have a gun, but then he said, they said, he said he
had a gun. But then you said, I never said that. And the
gun was on his person. But they, he said, no, it wasn't. It
was when my friend Tote box, I was moving her.
Thank you. Thank you. Madam chair.
Thank.
Thank you. I see no questions. Can I get a motion to
approve item? Number 14. See. So moved by all the men
Rosanna
run.
Rodriguez Sanchez and I got so used to calling you. That
other name. I was getting ready to do that probably all
those in favor. Signify by saying, I all those opposed any
opinion Alderman, sposato in the opinion of the chairs, the
eyes have it. And I will report to do pass recommendation
at the next city, council meeting with no votes by all them
and sposato and Quinn.
Kim 14d. As I mentioned earlier, will be held in committee
and we move on to 14 East, which is Washington versus
Boudreaux at all.
Play.
Adverse and Hood versus City of Chicago. He's a two cases
join together by Christine and he sees me, Jessica Felker
from the Department of Law for 25 million dollars.
After.
good afternoon, every
Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Jessica Felker, Deputy
Corporation counsel for the Department of Law. I'm here
today to recommend settlement and the companion cases of
Tyrone versus City of Chicago and Wayne Washington versus
Kenneth Boudreaux at all. But La department is recommending
a settlement of 25 million. The city's insurance carrier
does not object to the settlement and will pay five million
dollars or 20% of a settlement could will receive 17.5
million and Washington will receive 7.5 million if this
settlement is approved.
The underlying crime here occurred. Sometime between May
8th and May 17th 1993. The murder victim nineteen-year-old
Marshall, Morgan Jr. Had been reported missing on May 8th
and his body was discovered on May 17th have been fatally
shot and its body was wedged in between the front and back
seat of his mother's car.
You're?
Beer bottles and cans were recovered from the vehicle and
who its fingerprint was found on one of the beer bottles
Hood was questioned denied involvement and identified
Washington as his Alibi witness? What alleges that? He was
beaten during that questioning Washington was located and
told detectives that he had seen Hood driving, the victim's
mom's car, and stated that hood shot the victim while the
two were attempt.
Neuropathy.
Tropic Tan after 36 hours in custody Washington, gave a
handwritten statement to a felony review, assistant State's
Attorney and detective Kenneth Boudreaux Washington. Now
claims that the statement was coerced and fabricated by the
detective who told who he claims told him what? To tell the
prosecutor
The thing.
The Fingerprints of another man, Joe westwear identified on
another beer can recovered. From the car was told the
police that he saw someone lying across the back seat of a
car that hood was driving. And that after West was dropped
off by Hood, he heard two gunshots West, however, recanted
his statement and died before trial two other Witnesses
stated that they heard her confess. They later disavow
their statements and stated that they were coerced
Enough.
another witness came forward shortly before the 1996
trials. When detectives were shown was showing his
girlfriend photographs of hood in Washington because they
believe that his girlfriend might know something, they had
no idea. This man had any information about the murders and
he saw hood and Washington's photos on a table and said
that he could remember seeing them on May 9th, 1993 in the
victim's car,
Following up.
Following a bench trial Hood was found guilty, and sentenced
to 75 years, Washington elected. A jury trial, which
resulted in a mistrial, Washington, and plead guilty and
received a sentence of 25 years in Washington. Claimed that
the true color is the victim's father, Marshall Morgan
senior.
Victor.
The victim's father had been suspected in the fatal
shooting of his fiance in 1995 and her body was found
wedged. Between the back of the front seat of her own car,
like Morgan Juniors. Also the father had taken out life
insurance policies on both Morgan Junior and his fiance
before they died Morgan. Senior however, was not charged
with his fiance's murder. But in 2001, he did plead guilty
to the fatal shooting of his den girlfriend. She was found
in the trunk of her own car. He was sentenced to 35 years
for that crime and remains in prison today.
Could.
Put in his attorneys went to the media with the evidence.
They asserted proved Morgan. Senior was the true
perpetrator an article was published about more Morgan
senior and using that article made a clemency request to
Governor Pat, Quinn, Governor Quinn, commuted his sentence
in 2015. After he had served approximately 22 years
Washington had already been released in 2008 after 12,
Imprison the state's attorney. After the commutation then
agreed in 19 and 2015 to vacate and dismiss the charges
against the two men in 2021 Hood, was awarded a certificate
of innocence and Washington. Who certificate of innocence
was originally denied, was recently, granted one by the
Illinois, Supreme Court in July 2023.
Right.
right, when the trial on these two cases with such a take
place,
It.
If?
These cases will proceed to trial, if settlement is not
approved, the department recommends settling as physically
proof. Importantly the cities and chores, do not object to
this out of even though they will be responsible for 20% or
five million dollars of the 25 million dollar settlement
bringing the city's obligation to 20 million,
In May the city try to reverse conviction case and the jury
awarded the plaintiff 27 million for 24 years in custody
the two men here have spent a combined 34 years in custody
and a trial. They will likely seek 34 to 68 million.
They will use the certificate.
They will use the certificate of Innocence at well as the
evidence against Morgan senior to prove their infants to
prove their innocence.
That is deposition in this case Morgan, senior asserted his
Fifth Amendment privilege to remain silent. When asked
about his possible involvement in the death of his son.
Also plaintiffs will present other allegations of
misconduct against detective, Boudreaux Who currently has
10, other lawsuits pending against him. If we lost the
trial, the city would be responsible for plaintiffs
attorneys fees. They will likely seek five to six million
dollars or more for the 7-year litigation here.
At.
A trial would last three to four weeks, the city and the
detectives are represented by outside counsel, and the cost
is City, the cost to the city and defend these at a trial,
will likely be $500,000 or more for all these reasons. We
recommend settling for 17.5 million with hood and 7.5
million with Washington, for a total of 25 million happy to
take any questions.
Thank.
Take me to stalker alderman. Sposato.
Once again, sorry, for missing the briefing. Do I got? I did
get briefed by AJ but I just it just have a couple
questions or the one question is, I know they both recanted
correct.
Are.
Remember originally admitted to it and they recanted but
never admit to it. Washington didn't omit to it. But he
says he was coerced the next day. Was it not until we got
to court or well, of course, I don't know what he told his
counsel, so I can't tell you if he told his counsel the
next day but I can tell you that he denied that he did it
and went to trial claiming his innocence. And my question
would be why when we just go to trial in and see what
happens? Around the hood for 20 million, no matter what, we
have a chance to go out to whittle, it down is that?
Because we have to work with our insurance carriers a day.
You guys, you know, we're not going to, okay? Okay, thank
you, I'll call them in Hopkins.
Thank you, madam.
Thank you, man. I'm sure my concern is whatever President,
we may be sitting here with this action today with future
certificates of Innocence. Will certainly be issued by the
court near future. For other exonerees, that are very
stages in the pipeline and the shares recently provided us
with an analysis that shows on average, we've looked at a
figure about a quarter of a million dollars as just
compensation for exonerees. For one year of unfair
incarceration, this settlement is off-the-charts
significantly, higher than that. Figure for the cumulative.
Of time, that both of these music, genres were improperly
incarcerated. We're setting our own president here. I don't
know why we would do that, you know, and I know you
mentioned it, the previous settlement of 27 million. Write
G reward, actually 27 million dollars for 24 years where it
were allowing that to stand
Approving. This figure here today. So my question is, what
is the justification for this significant jump in what we
perceive as the valuation that we as a public. You should
should get as compensation for people who were unjustly
incarcerated for a year is it a quarter million dollars or
is it a million dollars here? What is it and how do we
arrive at that figure?
I,
I understand your concern when I dispense that figure. I
advise or advice when I sent that figure and I had noted in
that. We have had some settlements of little as $10,000 per
year and some settlements that went above what? This is. So
it's dependent on the facts of the case in the briefing. I
explained what the facts of the case were that I believe
justify this. Of course, I can't reveal that here. That's
my opinion and work product, but there are factors in this
case, that warrant going above, our usual average. And I
will tell you that the last time the city settled, a
Boudreaux case was in 2017. There for companion, cases, and
we settle for a total of 30 million dollars. This State's
Attorney's office was also a defendant
And settled for another 29 million. So in that case, there
are 64 years of in. Those four cases are 64 years of
incarceration. Meaning the settlement was almost $1000000
per year.
so there are circumstances and again I'm happy to talk to
you Offline that warrant going above an average and an
average is an average, if you know, so that doesn't that
means we've gone above and we've gone below
Yeah, I I appreciate that but then my next question would
be doesn't the issuance of a certificate of Innocence sort
of negates all those additional circumstances every case is
different. But once it is a final determination, that the
court has ruled that errors were made and someone who had
been found. Guilty is in fact innocent. That should be a
standard approach from that point forward, we can stop
debating. We can stop talking about the circumstances that
led to the errors that led to the malicious prosecution
that led to the the falsehoods and potential misconduct by
investigators and detectives and everything else. That that
shouldn't really have much bearing on the fact that someone
spent a year in jail that they shouldn't have been in jail
because they were innocent all along and I think we can
arrive at a standardized figure or what the valuation of
compensation should be and we're not doing.
Daddy.
that you're
That you're off. We are doing that. We're setting the bar
extraordinary Lehigh higher than we can potentially afford
when all these other cases that are in various stages of
adjudication. What if they all resulting in certificates of
Innocence being issued? What we're doing right now is
binding the city to a course of action that we can't afford
into your appointment. I'm sure about our producer
responsibility, I think we're making a mistake here, you
know, I agree with Alderman sposato. Despite the disturbing
elements of this case, we should take it to trial and then
see if we can get a lower amount established is just
compensation on. Because what I don't want to see is us.
Inadvertently setting a, a standard that we can't afford to
meet in the future. Thank you. Thank you all the men,
Hopkins. All of them wagons back.
I'll be.
Bail. Bondsman Vasquez, picture woman Jessica just for the
certificate of innocence. Was that was that challenge by
the state's attorney? Or was it just issued by which is why
the Illinois Supreme Court ultimately granted it to
determine that. It could only consider the record that the
plaintiff in this case presented. And since there was no,
there is and I should be clear. The State's Attorney's
Office didn't say it didn't oppose, or it just said, it
didn't take a position. It didn't.
Are being in the first.
Are being in the proceedings, we value each case
separately. Even when there's a certificate, innocence, we
want to trial in March with a certificate of Innocence
because we were in part and we were able to get the
certificate of Innocence part in that case, but that was a
different facts in different circumstances. The previous
case with a certificate of Innocence that was presented
other than the one in May was in 2021. And that one was 22
years in prison, and we got a verdict of 25 million
dollars. So, we, we do value cases differently. Even if
there's a certificate of innocence and there are reasons
for that again and I can disclose here, but I'm happy to
talk to anybody offline. The state's attorney is not
required to challenge.
Caress.
Correct. They're not required to give any position and they
have opted not to in these two cases 2017 settlements of
the bee 2017 Solomon's. We did or I think it was roughly
50-50 in terms of what we paid and then what the states
while the county paid. Yeah. And I will note to hear that,
there is
Are.
Our insurers do not oppose our insurers who are going to be
on the hook for $5000000 do not oppose the settlement and
that's not always true. So
where,
Where's?
we're settling this. Now it is the county going to be on.
Have you heard of the County's going to be on the hook for
any amount as well or have they sort of I guess maybe
bifurcated and said enough in the 2017 when they said the
city's going to do 30 Sao is going to town, he's going to
do 29. In this case, is the county picking up, any portion
of this, because you had mentioned earlier, that the
state's attorney was sitting in the room.
At.
At the time.
when the
When the interview took place with mr. Washington. Yes.
They were not sued so they are not taking any part. They do
not have to take any Pride as they are not. No one from the
State's Attorney's office has defendant
that's,
That's interesting. But they were sitting in the room when
they move forward on the charges that the detectives told
him exactly what to say to the state's attorney. Okay.
Alright. Thank you very much German. Thank you.
Thank.
Thank you. My
Thank you manager, just a quick question. So we we we know
in Chicago we have some more of these cases that occur. As
far as people being wrongfully incarcerated is there,
What?
What's the most recent or has there been a stop at a
certain point or do we see like in continuance of this
occurring?
And it still occurs but the primary cases that we see the
majority are from decades ago. So yeah, I'm the reason I
asked can and I appreciate that that everyone's bringing up
kind of the fiduciary responsibility. Clearly as a
municipality, we have to take these things into account,
but it appears to me when we have conversations asking,
like, what what's a year of someone's life's worth that? It
is a very difficult conversation to bring up his
government. Write the way that affect somebody's life
livelihood. Family over our ecosystem is different based on
where people start off and I would argue that nobody and
this isn't this an argument? I think anyone would make
again, no one here wants to be locked up for a year and
imagine what that would cost their life. So then we're
talking about what a standardization of that. Looks like we
should be mindful of like what that sounds like given the
impact on people's actual lives.
and I would,
And I would hope.
And I would hope that folks have the same level of fervor
and and passion when it comes to the cause of people being
wrongly incarcerated, because no one ever talked about the
fact that their officers who shouldn't have been officers
that lead to these kind of results that whenever we talk
about backing, the blue is such a general conversation. No
one talks about the fact that we have officers that have
been corrupt that lead to these consequences, that
shouldn't have been officers in the first place. And so
when we talked about the effectiveness of the force, that
should be something we're equally as passionate about,
which is why we talked about auditing the effectiveness of
that Police Department because if you don't do that, what
at best, we end up doing on this side of the equation is
damage control knowing that, that's what caused it. So I
can understand why some words to the city and not other
parties involved because when the interaction actually
occurs it's a c p d and members. At that time, were the
ones leading to these kind of results now. So I do
appreciate that. There's a lot less of it and I'm a lot of
it is from decades ago.
Does.
Does not.
Does not mean that we should not take our eye off, but what
effective Miss should look like when we talked about the
police department knowing that there are lives at stake,
not only the lives that they're serving to protect, but
lies that if things aren't done properly, end up losing
years family members use the years children lose years of
their parents because it's situations like this and I would
say it's hard to put a price on any of that. So I
understand if people are suing and if the city says in
order for us to Allie, Brandt, take on some of that brunch,
we should set
I would argue we should listen to the in.
I would argue we should listen to the end ensures, we
should listen to the Law Department in saying so cuz we
would lose a lot more of these cases and a lot more than
$50 if we didn't. So thank you very much. Ma'am, chair
jageman Vasquez Alderman with Spotify by all them and Miss.
Thank you cheer in this might be just echoing. Armand
Vasquez has point, but to clarify like when we talked about
fiduciary responsibility of your committee, give a great
additional timer on this at the last three things that
happen. It's not just about what we share and don't share.
But to clarify like is Alderman. Our job is to limit the
city's exposure to Financial Risk and not to exacerbate
that potential risk. Correct. And I going to trial,
factually, we expose the city and taxpayers to additional
risk. Correct, or at all? I need
I want to be.
I want to bet that again is at the Crux of the matter.
Thank you, dear. Thank you. I'll demand laspada, Alderman,
mids, followed, by all the men Martin. Thank you, madam
chairman, no bruise. What was this? First time I did that.
You was out of town in mr. Briefing. Are you talking about
that go with this version of how many cases do we pee?
Settlement with his name being and do you know 55 so far
more that good-looking that you know of that on the books.
Now there are currently 10 other than these two excluding
these two there are ten other rivers connection cases
pending against former detective picture.
He?
He's receiving a pension at that's a question for the
pension board. I can't answer that. I don't know if he can
we find out?
How far?
I'll find out for you to the chair thinking. Thank you,
ma'am.
All.
Alderman. Martin.
Moved.
Move to pass. Okay, all the way Martin moves to pass but we
do have all them in Taylor that wanted to ask a question or
say something. So first, let me say thank you, too often,
when you all come and bring us cases, we want to hide
behind, it's about privacy and we don't talk about the
other cases. And what's bothering me is I've seen this
Council passed cases for people who literally have 10 and
20 cases pending against them in. So, this is not his first
time doing this, but we don't want to talk about that.
That's, that's never part of the conversation, which
bothers me is. Why
Thank you for the.
thank you for being transparent and
Thank you for being transparent and honesty. We need to
talk about, and I don't know what the what if it's
Corporation counsel who it is about, repeat offenders when
it comes to holding office accountable. We, we really need
to have that hard conversation and so maybe it's you don't
get your attention and I know you can't answer that
question and I ain't asking you to, but we need to have
some real conversations because we're spending out millions
of tax dollars on bad behavior. We love talking about the
people who who bring the case before us, but we don't talk
about the people that we actually pay and make sure that
they get their salaries, who was supposed to Serve and
Protect all of us, it's on. This is not a one-sided
conversation and so I just want to say metal shed. Thank
you. But thank you, for being honest about what, what, what
happened on our side. Thanks, Madam chair. Thank you all
the men Taylor and emotion to do pass made by Alderman
Martin. All those in favor, signify by saying, I
All those.
All those opposed.
All.
All the main Quinn is a no.
By.
By Sher Khan ways to know and all them in Hopkins, this and
all but in the opinion of the chairs the eyes have it and
they do pass recommendation with the exception of those who
voted. No will be reported out at the next city council
meeting there. Be no further business before the committee.
Can I get a motion to adjourn a move by all them and
Vasquez, all those in favor. Signify by saying I oppose in
the opinion of the chairs, the eyes half of the committee
on finance is hereby adjourned.