Good morning.
the day of third
Today is Thursday day nine of 10. I will start to start
this morning with public comments.
Oh, do we have anyone online for comment today?
is my
Is Mike's up? Could you turn the mic on for him? And please
let's use this clock that we I can see tomorrow, right?
happy
I think this.
I think this is the Environmental school is supposed to be
here this morning. Which city Department.
and
And why they're not here.
h e
18
is
it's dumping in your early roll.
ear and if something wrong with black people
something wrong with the
something wrong with black people. I've been coming down
here for over 30 years. I've never seen a white person or
Hispanic person spend in this mic on the behalf of black
people they talk about
and then when I go to the
And then when I go to the cannock they talk about coyotes
these people have their own agenda.
and by
and black
And black people better start getting their own injector
having blackface in high places. The commissioner.
shopping
something here
Something here is not working is not trickling down to
black people a child is a blessing when they get down to
the black and gold shop that you say that.
Usher
Call Shirley.
I sure did. Do you know what a goal and shower and another
thing?
Trickster
6th and
69 with all black with these white and Hispanic. You don't
have to like what I say.
the true
the trooper
The trooper sick huge free you spoke you black off me
primary aim is not the Democratic machine.
if you
It's your black constituents and even if you don't have any
black constituents and you are black you must focus on you.
and you
And you alone?
And you alone but this is just the way the world is set up
birds of a feather flock together self-preservation is the
law of Nature and we are all human being.
so
So Blackbird, you must fly got to giving you two wings to
fly. And if you don't use your what you got to get what you
want. You won't need you don't need what you got. You've
been catching fire out of the city of Chicago. You don't
have the number stop it. We fight you. All you all can't
fight me Geronimo and Cochise was fighting each other and
these wife.
more
Martha
Marshall wife
Marshall Wright to the reservation James McCoy
give me
immigrants
you may pursue.
You may proceed. Okay. I just want to say that black
Americans have built the United States of America through
slavery through the weld the railroads all of that started
from slavery started with enslaved black people. Okay, we
have been the ones who have fought in every war saved
America and every single crisis and have yet to be paid or
do you have to be paid reparations Chicago? The city of
Chicago is currently gentrifying black residents in the
ones that are not being gentrified are struggling to pay
their bills or to choose to either pay utilities or to put
food on the table. And now we have a whole bunch of other
people migrants coming over here that are on vetted. We
don't know I'm committing crimes and that's been documented
and they're coming over here and they're getting checks.
They're getting money. They're getting food. They're
getting housing. There's been
for decades of black homeless people hundreds
For decades of black homeless people hundreds of black
homeless people sleeping outside under bridges behind
garbage cans eating out of the garbage. Nobody's done
anything for them. Now they are coming over here these
people that nobody knows and America is setting up tent
spending millions of millions of dollars for tents or you
have black Americans over here struggling to pay their rent
struggling to keep their utilities on struggling to put
their kids in school struggling to do anything. So the city
of Chicago needs to allocate money that is owed to Black
Americans the ones that built this country there would be
no City of Chicago there would be no America there would be
nothing had it not been for these people and their
descendants. So the city of Chicago always that debt to
those people the city of Chicago needs to pay reparations
need to allocate their budget for reparations for Black
sport black American specifically, they do it with every
other crisis every
group
Grupo
group of people who
Group of people who come over here. There's money all of a
sudden for them and when it comes to us, then it's so bold.
It's a budget. It's a pole is waiting waiting waiting
Doctor Martin Luther King said Justice delayed is Justice
denied. And as far as black Americans are concerned. We're
always the one put at the back of the blind always the one
filter last. We're always the one who are the most dinner
and that needs to change change can happen if we want the
country to be a better country.
I want this country to grow and be the country that we all
claimed we wanted to be.
claim. We wanted to be then we need to start doing what is
right by the people who have been done wrong the most which
is Black Americans and that is by paying them reparations.
Okay, the city of Chicago olds these people something the
city of Chicago pays everybody else and looked out for
everybody else people who I'm not done anything at all to
deserve it. So they need to pay the money to the people who
actually deserve it and look out for the black Americans in
Chicago.
play
Thank you, sir. Next will have Lee Foley.
Des Moines
Good morning.
Good morning Sherman thing.
Good morning, Sherman. Thank you. I can wait a members of
the committee on budget government oversight. My name is
Lee Foley on their senior director of government and
community relations for Lyme or world's largest a shared
Electric Mobility operator in Chicago is not what I wanted
to thank you all so much for your continued support for the
expansion of shirt micromobility what I wanted to bring to
the attention of the committee on budget. Is he concerns
around the payment of fees in the licensing structure that
the city has at $1 per day for scooter that we have to pay
for two years in advance. I would like to bring to the
attention of this committee that there is an existential
threat to the future of shared micro Mobility that we've
seen Lima self-esteem 1.6 million trips in Chicago so far
with 40% of those taking place on the city Southwest
are
Are we are very strong?
Are we are very strong and our commitment to Acura?
Are we are very strong and our commitment to equity having
invested two million dollars just this year. I'm making
sure the students to remain afford what 50% in automatic
50% discount on the southwest side. I don't want to make
sure that we can continue to provide that Equity that
focused on equity for Equitable transfer Transportation
through making sure that the licence fee structure is a
reconsider has restructured so that we can have more
financial sustainability, when it comes to providing
private shared micromobility Chicago strong way to be able
to get around the city and it's a proven way to prove in
addition to the city's Transportation fabric on it. So we
wanted to continue to invest in Chicago want to be here. We
want to make sure we can continue providing connections to
the CTA our Rider say that they need shared Michael Kelly
for us to continue getting around the city, especially when
buses or trains do not show and so we want to continue
investing in Chicago and we want to do so in a financially
sustainable way.
equity
Equity that's why I asked
Equity until I actually
Equity that's why I asked for this committee to continue to
investigate in the in question are the fee structure that
we are required to pay in Chicago so we can continue to
operate here in the long-term. Thank you all so much.
thank
Thank you. I missed a few.
Thank you. I missed a Foley.
Thank you. I missed a Foley next we'll have a Paul
Rosenfeld.
Thank you for
Thank you, Miss.
Thank you. Mr. Chairman members of the community. My name
is Paul Rosenfeld and I represent spin Mobility which is
the other shared service scooter program here in the city
of Chicago to piggyback on what Lee just said about lime.
You guys have a great program here. It is one of the best
social Equity kg in the United States. We serve every
community in this area and you insure based on the program
that we are in the most economically challenged areas in
the city of Chicago 35% of our of our scooter trips start
in one of your economic equity zones and 40% of the people
live in those economic equity zones, that's unparalleled
for us in the country. It's one of the best. However the
fee structure that goes along with that is unsustainable.
We can't make money doing that. We are not allowed
virtually it would basically in the downtown area except
for a very tiny part of our Fleet. We're not allowed at all
and
Lakefront Z
Lakefront 0
Lakefront zero of those are places where we could make up
for the money that is being used in the economic. So but
we're not allowed in those areas. In addition is Mr. Foley
said that we are made to pay for every scooter Upfront for
a 2-year. We cannot do that and continue to help your
in these different zones
In these different zones throughout the communities we had
enough.
another scooter company that was working in the city of
Chicago. They're called superpedestrian. They pulled out no
one wants to pull out of a marquis place like the city of
Chicago unless you can't make money. So now there's only
left us lime. And then the downtown area that is being
taken care of by Divi and you and left you or ask you to
look at this again and decide what your priorities are. If
your priorities are that we're going to help people
throughout the city of Chicago get to school get to work
get to the Parks get used our scooters great. We think
that's fabulous. We want to continue with that buff. Your
priority is to make money. We can't do both we have to
decide one of the other to look at the fee structure. We
ask you if we want to continue to serve all of your
communities, but we need to be able to do it in a way that
we can start losing money when we direct thank you all very
much happy to answer any questions and I ain't I
thank
Thank you, Miss Rosenfeld and our final speaker. This
morning is a Mister Oscar Worrell.
well
Welcome, Miss.
Welcome Mister. Well, good morning. Members of the city
council. I'm here representing my pyramid Consulting Group
LLC as a retired 35-year house-trained inspector with the
Department of Water Management.
read
retire
Retired April 28th of 2023. My first point is this does
this city council know about President Biden's executive
order of 29 billion dollars.
What are
40% for disadvantaged communities throughout this country.
That's the first question. My second point of information
is that in the city of Boston they have already introduced
and voted.
Oh.
or
Or an ordinance on the subject of reparations for
three-year study.
rapper age
Reparations is more than just giving the descendants of
slave money or land or property.
rapper
Reparation is about the legal system of traded bodies for
labor for over 400 years.
Let's not get.
Let's not get that twisted.
I do.
I don't.
I don't want to see.
I don't want to say anything else.
be
Because the mayor Brandon Johnson and his report
post-election talked about and there has been a group of
people that have Lobby for office of black Affairs for 10
million dollars for 10 years. That's a drop in the bucket.
So that is why black people in Chicago are mad at this
Administration for not being accountable to each and every
Alderman in the black Wars where you want to place my
grits.
we not
We not going to take that.
bad
baton
That is why certain communities have issue injunctions and
lawsuits saying that public buildings are not zoned for
residential use.
and then not
And then not only that Chicago keeps accepting these buses
from the state of Texas when you can really send them back
to the governor who is sending us these migrant where you
got 50 states in the United States and why is he targeting
Chicago New York and any other major Metropolitan City wear
black and brown people live?
gas
That's all I want to say.
Thank you. I appreciate it. Thank you. Mr. Royal.
Thank you. Mr.
Thank you. Mister will thank you to your public speaking
today today. We will have hearings on Department of
environment and water and transportation. We will start
with the Department of environment in in a few minutes.
We'll take a brief brief.
reset
Recess and then I will stop.
recess and then I will start with the
Recess and then I will start with the Department of
environment.
more
Good morning up.
Good morning of commission until bar welcome to the
committee on budget and government operations for your your
baptism process will start with a brief overview from Kofa
of followed by your opening statement and introduction of
members of the kid with you in the well, and those that are
in the Box.
chairman
German
Sherman Irving
feisty
Vice chairman Lee city council and yes, we did have a
survey with older men a couple months ago and I'll do the
department of environment wasn't specifically discuss.
There are a lot of issues about it that were discussed and
some of those issues with our
yeah.
the Army wanted
The Army wanted to bring it back. So, you know, we're all
happy that you're back. So that's like one of the things
that they kept continually talking about. They want to
bring you back so welcome back.
BF
Be a fight when?
Baby24 budget is 1.8 million, which is 1.1 million more
than the FY 2003 budget 14 budgeted f t e or more than the
23 budget. It's funded 100% with the corporate fund.
the first
the person
a personal
The Personnel Service category said to grow by 540 5745
representing and 80.62 and grease compared to f y 23.
Why?
1.2 million dollars was for personnel and point six million
was for non personnel.
as mentioned earlier
As mentioned earlier 100% is Corporate fun. So all of the
fce is aligned with corporate fund.
And not only the fce but also the dollars are all in
corporate find also.
appropriate
preparation Katic
Preparation categories we have Personnel Services being the
number one appropriation category at one point two million
followed by contractual Services of 523000. That's my
report.
Thank you.
Thank you are Janus.
it was
good morning, every
Good morning, everyone. Good morning chair Irvin by Charlie
and honourable members of the city council. My name is
Angela Tovar. I'm the chief sustainability officer for the
city of Chicago.
Thank you for the opportunity to address you today on
behalf of the office of climate and environmental equity
and under the proposed 2024 budget the restored Department
of environment. I'm joined by my colleagues Jared
policicchio or deputy chief sustainability officer. And in
the Box were joined by Wendy wardlaw our director of
climate and environmental justice initiatives for the
Chicago recovery plan and Gabby Wagner. So b o r e j
program manager
we
We will be joined later. Bye.
We will be joined later. Bye Kyra.
We will be joined later by Cairo Woods are proud program
manager for climate resiliency. I am before you today to
address the critical matter of the Department of
environment budget for the upcoming fiscal year before I
delve into the accomplishments of last year and the
initiative to head. I want to express our deepest gratitude
to this city council your support and partnership over the
past few years has been instrumental in our pursuit of a
sustainable just and Equitable, Chicago.
anarkali
Collabera
And our collaborative efforts with this Council vocal
Advocates city leaders Business Leaders and partner
departments. We have developed a comprehensive
environmental agenda. That place is equity at the
Forefront. We have worked tirelessly with various
departments to ensure that sustainability is prioritized
throughout our operations and functions as a city the
office of climate and environmental Equity is Guided by the
2022 climate action plan the plan lays out a suite of
actions to drastically lower. Our greenhouse gas emissions
as a city 62% by 2040 while delivering deep meaningful
benefits across Chicago 77 communities.
in the FYI
in the FY 2012
In the FY 2023 budget the office of climate and
environmental Equity was formed to advance the climate and
environment priorities of the city of Chicago. The office
is Task currently with coordinating across departments to
mitigate the threat of climate change alleviate
environmental harm in Chicago's most overburden communities
generate Community wealth-building opportunities in the
green economy and to Foster health and the resiliency of
our neighborhoods.
Be off.
the office of clay
The office of climate and environmental Equity has convened
the environmental Equity working group fostering
collaboration with Frontline leaders technical advisers and
other stakeholders to co-develop and Propel important
policies forward along with the ewg. We have partnered with
cdph on the development of the cumulative impact assessment
laying the foundation for strategies and policies to
equitably alleviate environmental harm through the
development of the CIA v o c e n c e p h a l so convenient
interdepartmental working group to develop environmental
justice action plans for departments, like pwm. Cdph d p d
a i s m DPS
in coordination with the
in coordination with cdphe
In coordination with cdph. We also took tremendous strides
this year and strengthening the city's effort on heat
health and mitigation by cotovelo being a heat bubbler
ability index in coordination with Northwestern University
and informed by Public Health Data and Community input.
Furthermore The OSI has partnered with a is d p d d o h e s
s e p h c. And dwm to implement various climate and
environmental justice initiatives within the Chicago
recovery plan one of the largest portfolios in the recovery
plan with over a hundred and eighty eight million dollars
dedicated to this important agenda some of the highlights
include Chicago reluctant or Chicago Electric the city's
ambitious program to Electrify 100% of the municipal weed
by 2025 launched successfully in partnership with a is in
2023 with the installation of nearly 200 EV charging
stations across the city and the sea.
set
that's what I
Cecil transition of 23% of our light duty non emergency
vehicles today. Our first-ever climate infrastructure fund
was launched to in partnership with BPD ran over six
million dollars to nonprofit organizations and businesses
to accelerate the city's Equitable transition to the green
economy grants were awarded to increase the uptake and
renewable energy generation and Energy Efficiency systems
electric vehicles and EV charging in for
structure and green and for
Structure and green infrastructure selection for the second
round of funding is underway.
Beyond
b o c e
B o c e partnered with Pacific Consulting Alliance,
Bloomberg strategies and opium to study the city's future
of environmental governance and environmental services in
order to plan for the reinstate Cynthia. We finally as our
new mayor transitioned into his role. We took formal steps
to formalize our new office in June 2023. We transition to
a new office space and in September 2023 the city formalize
the role of the CSO as the Director of the office when this
body approved my appointment.
book
Looking ahead.
Looking ahead to 2024 were focused on increased capacity to
achieve our environmental and climate justice schools. We
will lay the foundation for a successful Department by
hiring personnel with administrative Financial
Communications and grants management skills necessary for a
fully functioning. We will also begin evaluating a strategy
for transferring appropriate existing environmental
functions and duties to the department. But in apartment of
environment intends to move aggressively and intentionally
to realize the climate priorities of the city of Chicago
along start of our partner departments communities and
sister agencies, we are committed to maximizing Federal
funding such as the greenhouse gas reduction fund the
climate pollution reduction act as an energy.
Jackson said with me.
Jackson said was made possible by the inflation reduction
Act.
we intend to
We intend to make even more progress along alongside Parks
cdph see. And DSs towards our route Chicago the city's plan
to equitably plants 75,000 trees over the next five years
by the end of 2023. We will reach the halfway point of our
goal and intend to maintain the same level of investment
for 2024 and Beyond we will continue to work closely with
to FM to evaluate opportunities to lower our mission and
generate on-site renewable energy on our public assets
beginning for us with our community serving buildings.
We will.
We will remain in.
We will remain in partnership with DSS who just announced
their expanded commitment to Citywide composting at 15
sites throughout the city and we will continue to
invaluable and expanded commitment to composting and other
materials management strategies outlined in the Chicago way
strategy.
in Culebra
and collaborate
In collaboration with two we will develop a fleet
electrification plan with actionable goals and
recommendations ensuring that we remain at the Forefront of
sustainable transportation.
as we consider the budget for
As we consider the budget for the future Department of
environment. I asked you to reflect on the extraordinary
progress that we've made and the incredible potential that
lies ahead. We look forward to working with you all in
Partnership to ensure that we increased capacity for the
Department of environment as a critical next step to
achieving our City's climate and environmental justice
goals. Thank you and that open questions with the chair
hadn't charity committee on environment any other questions
for me.
Thank you, sir.
Thank you teacher.
Good morning.
Good morning, almost Department of environment. Good
morning. It's exciting to be in the space can be
contemplating the 2024 budget with the Department of
environment. So I wanted to start off by thanking you she's
so far in your team for all of the work that you have done
and building us to that point. And then also of course with
a note that I know we're not complete. I think my Mike's a
little ringing loud guys.
cup
a couple of
A couple of media questions I have are actually about future
grow. So I know that you know kind of what we're looking at
for 2024 doesn't have a department of environment with
enforcement capacity. So wondering if you could speak a bit
about the plans to eventually migrated some of those
environmental permitting inspection and other
responsibilities to the Department of environment.
So thank you for that.
So thank you for that question. I will say that I have a
commitment from the mayor that we are going to be migrating
positions Under the Umbrella of the Department of
environment that is going to take work. We are still in the
process of evaluating which positions would move under the
umbrella and that is worth that were committing to
completing over the course of this year. We want to be
mindful and sensitive to the people that have been working
and other department since 2011. So we will
You know.
you know, we done a proper.
You know, we done a process to get that done. We also want
to make sure that we incorporated change management
strategy, you know, folks may have been working it and
apartments and they have not really seeing themselves into
each other's work. And we want to make sure that folks are
unified and proud to advance the city's mission for
addressing in mitigating the climate crisis and advancing
our environmental priorities. So there's still quite a bit
of work to be done and we intend to move with a very
intentional praise.
best to make sure that we are thinking of
Best to make sure that we are thinking about the needs of
the city the gaps that may exist today and also the needs
of the folks that we're here already and that have been
serving the city in various capacities throughout different
departments. Thank you. I wanted to ask I guess another
piece around your budget for 2024. I brought this up with
the budget team and it was the lack of any line items in
your budget for things like supplies, whether it be a
printing or Post-it notes or reusable water bottles. So I'm
wondering if the budget director mentioned that she had
reached out to you trying to dress this wondering if since
last week that's been done. That is correct. I do believe
that we will see a technical Amendment under that budget
line. If it is my understanding that that was just an over.
Sachin
search and
search in the
Tai Chi and the
And that it will be corrected. Fantastic. I don't know even
if it's you're still a small department, but I was just
thinking of some of the things we've even run into right
with the urban forestry Advisory board or write with
colleagues who want to work on kind of different public
education campaign, whether it's kind of smaller large. It
seems like it would be useful to have that for you
fantastic. You mentioned the electrification of the fleet.
I'm wondering if
bear
There are also plans are kind of working.
There are also plans are kind of working with a is on
decarbonization right of our city building. She talked
about the public buildings and to that. Peace. Will we be
leveraging the inflation reduction act in those direct pay
options?
Yeah.
Yes, sir.
Yes, so with our city buildings, I want to first date that
the city of Chicago will transition to a hundred percent
renewable energy by 2020 to 2025 for all of our city
operations. Do all of the buildings in our portfolio
including O'Hare and Midway as well as Jardin our water
plant will be operated through by 100% renewable energy by
2025. The city has a energy Supply contract which has
enabled a very large-scale solar farm downstate to make
that happen and we have continued to coordinate with us on
that effort. But we do recognize that it is critical that
we invest in our buildings. Not just the city's existing
building but to support the building transition and
retrofit across the city of Chicago. So we do have some
recovery plan dollars that we are investing now in
community facing building that is worth that this team has
done in partnership with a is
And their new energy manager in that team.
And their new energy manager and that seemed there real.
And their new energy manager and that team there real
estate portfolio team to make sure that we are thinking
about the opportunities to both invest in energy
conservation measures. So to lower our consumption of
energy as well as to determine buildings that are viable
for on-site renewable energy generation, so that works that
work is right now being piloted with the intention that we
can maximize funds through Ira to continue that work for
word for this is sort of a down payment through the
recovery plan with the intent to secure your other dollars
in IRA and other sources to be able to see success here.
Our goal is that we would like to realize at least 30% of
the city's energy generation within the city limits if
possible. I got one more question, and thank you.
Thank you. This is just a long to recti and I guess it's
more of a hey, let's keep talking cuz it's not something
you're going to have an immediate plan for but we have
heard some concerns, right it's hard for some of the
individuals, especially our individual homeowners to take
advantage of and so we know in New York City there
comptroller has worked out a program to make it a lot
easier for individual Property Owners take advantage.
direct Paso weather in
direct Paso weather is
Direct pay so whether it's retrofitting our homes, or I know
this is come up multiple times as we look at Department of
buildings and toh. We have a lot of constituents who need
other access to funds right to upgrade their homes, and I
think the IRA funds could really be a big a big Aiden that
I'm so just would love to talk more with you guys and then
to have you guys check in with the Comptroller's office on
seeing if we could replicate something similar here in
Chicago.
and thank
And thank you.
And thank you, sir.
They
Thank you. All the Manhattan just sorted out. I have
laspada more Burnett Conway Vasquez.
Omar speak
On my speakers list, okay Riley.
she told
Sita Lopez
Don't know.
Joe Lopez
do
dial
me and Mom
Me and Mark. Okay. Got it. All right.
Who's that are you doing? I'm just messing with you.
are
all right with
All right, we're good. Okay, so next next week. Okay,
you'll be next all the way down, but she wants one more to
go.
dial
golf
Downfall about more. Thank you. Mr. Chairman. Good morning
commissioner. When I wanted to follow up on the Chicago
recovery plan. We talked about 188 million dedicated to
that that was from money that had been allocated through
the previous budget. Correct? How much of that money have
you spent?
No.
No, I am.
No, I am going to ask our recovery plan director. Wendy
word. Latte field. Bastian. Thank you. We have about 40
million spent and we have nearly 100 million that is
obligated obligated meeting. It isn't money that spent out
the door, but it's either obligated through rfps or Grant
finalists commissioner mentioned the climate infrastructure
fund those have been announced and they are going to
contract so there are quite a number of projects like that
that are in motion, but the if you look at the budget item
the money isn't out the door yet. So I'm doing the math
here that is 48 million dollars that I look at it that way.
Roughly I'd have to follow up with.
Roughly I'd have to follow up with exact numbers for you.
and is
And is how is the unspent money given the highlights that
you've identified? How are you thinking about spending that
commissioner? Well, there are projects for all of that and
they're just different projects in different stages so I
can report on the breakdown of the unspent dollars that
that Gap Pike and I'm happy to report on the status of
those projects as well. Can we get that today or can you
get through the chair? Would you like a verbal highlight
now? Yes, that would be helpful. And then I'd like to get
through the chair a breakdown of the 40 million spent the
100 million obligated in the 48 million to be spent because
we knew what we were a new office this year and a
soon-to-be Department. We had no authority to
implement the
implemented
Implement the project so we've been working in close
partnership. So a couple of highlights we mentioned the
fleet transition that is certainly a highlight for the
city. We have also mentioned the the the work that has been
done in partnership with a yes to invest in energy
conservation measures and renewable energy generation on
our own building the climate infrastructure fund. We we
have had a 6 million.
dollar
Tyler Brown
Dollar Round of funding that has gone out to small
businesses as well as non-profit organizations. We are also
investing 15 million dollars and have an open RFP right now
with the Department of Housing for 12 for family retrofit
program low to moderate-income looking at both energy
conservation and decarbonization measures and households to
enable health benefits in energy cost Savings in the
housing department is working on that that is being lead by
Matt Stern team.
All right.
All right, you don't have to keep going or not. Just I just
start trying to get a sense. What's the vehicle? How many
vehicles are we talkin about when you talk about changing
to electric vehicles? What's what's the number?
approximate
Approximately, thanks for the question older older woman
Jared Pacheco the deputy CSO. The overall city fleet is I
believe approximately 13000 vehicles, but we could
certainly get you a precise number of vehicles you just
talkin about car on road vehicles, but that that goes from
garbage trucks to
Snopes
snow plow
Snow plows to other. That's the full range what we've been
focused on so far and light-duty Vehicles. So it's your
point in a primarily Passenger cars. Okay in the 200 EV
charging stations across the city. Can we get a sense of
our map of where they are? And is it open to the public for
public use? I will I will that is that part is being led by
ass has a Fleet Management team. I will say that one of the
things that is remarkable about that is that they did a
racial Equity analysis to identify air quality
vulnerability and they are transitioning and prioritizing
communities that have high air quality vulnerability to
minimize our own impact. No sweetheart. That's a very
remarkable project that they've taken out on we can
certainly get you a map of those locations are open to the
public.
charging
Her Gene is be.
Her Gene is being low.
Her Gene is being led by C. I'm so the public to the
charging EV infrastructure that we're describing to you is
the transition of the city's own Fleet. There is another
effort being led in partnership with C. To explore public
charging and opportunities to make that more accessible
across the city's neighborhoods. And I know do you know if
they have money set aside for that purpose.
I am aware of the
I am aware that they have pursued ran dollars through the
inflation reduction act. And I also know that they are
using some existing funds but I would defer to them in
terms of the details of their funding that they're using
somebody that project. Okay, I miss the chairman. I've got
one last question if you would allow how can you talk about
any kind of Partnerships are how you thinking about working
with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District?
Yeah.
Yes, I I I can so we have a couple of exciting
opportunities to work with mwrd now and then some future
opportunities as well. We have been talking to them about
investing in our tree canopy. As you know trees are a
opportunity to absorb stormwater. And so for them. It's an
exciting way to and excited and fast way to mitigate some
of our flooding. We are also in conversation and their
partner of ours on Space to grow which is our resilience
schoolyards program. Our office's involvement is that we
provided the Chicago recovery plan dollars for them and
I've served in the coordinating capacity on that project,
of course dwm has the technical ability and the engineering
capabilities in and they lead that project on behalf of the
city in terms of the technical work and that is a
partnership between the water to
I'm done.
mwrd CPA
Mwrd CPS as well as our nonprofit Partners open lands and
healthy schools campaign.
which
wish you a
Wish you the best that you moved in this area are you know,
I know that I was talking to a friend of mine yesterday
from where she from I just met with her for breakfast
Boston. She's from Massachusetts, and she was talking to
who ever lived in Chicago and she was talking about a lot
of the work that we need to do in order to move Chicago to
be one of the leaders in this area. So I know you have a
lot of challenges on your plate and I wish you the best and
as you move forward, thank you all doing and I appreciate
that. Thank you. I got him down all the men of Mor followed
followed by
nest
That's not be.
That's not bad.
On our way.
on a ride
on a Riley
On a Riley thank you chairman. Thank you commissioner for
reaching out and I'm meeting with me and having a
conversation around an issue with that. I want to address
which is the initiative to run a campaign to keep Chicago
clean have an ordinance out there and it's and thank you so
much almond Delphi asking your questions about the Arca
money and knowing that that 48 million.
dial
Dallas to
Dollars is still up there to be.
Dollars is still up there to be obligated. And so help me
if you understand connect can some of that 48 million
dollars be used to run the campaign out. It won't even
really take that much. But in those dollars to use dollars
are set aside they are not up arpa dollars. They are Bond
funded dollars. Do they have to be used on Capital
Investments? And so if you think about equipment if you
think about, you know things like solar panels, you know
trees that they have to be tied to Capital Investments. So
unfortunately the program that you've described as is would
not be an eligible use. So so the 40 million 100 + 100
million + a 48 million
that's a
That's a good.
that's about
That's to be obligated. All that went for some type of
capital investment. It is going to Capital related projects
and how much have been spent on capital projects from the
city because you saying sound with the organization sound
with the businesses are obligated to business. So what's
been spent by the city and what are some of those projects
will give me a maid amount spent by Jeff the city of that.
I'm at 4 a.m.
A 40 million + 100 million to be obligated that my
colleagues described as being spent by the city only six
million of that has been granted out to nonprofits and
small businesses. And so that was for this specific use of
renewable energy generation and Energy Efficiency that was
for EV charging and EV infrastructure as well as green
infrastructure. We do have a second round of funding. We
are partnering on that project with the Department of
Planning and Development. So we do we are evaluating
applications for a second round of funding and I believe
that will be four million dollars of funding the remaining
balance of that spend is all on City related projects.
Okay.
so you say
So you said 6 million out of 40 mean to can I hear 40
minutes pint?
and then
And then six million to small business organizations out of
that 40 million. So that has not been spent by those small
businesses yet, correct.
those
dos
Those projects because they're grant-funded require a
process many of them have to provide because of the work
that they are doing the they may have to provide
engineering reports. They may have to provide plans. So all
of that is in development right now and dpd is their
primary the primary grantor of that fund and has been
working closely with the grantees to support the
development of their projects. So through the chair of the
six million dollars that's out there to the small
businesses and organizations, correct.
Can you?
Can you provide?
Can you provide and I don't know if I had asked that
question as you probably did that list already. That was
the six million dollars the bit that way, you know, what
area they are in, you know, the organization or the
business would be happy to provide that to you so that then
that leaves 36 million dollars that you say is.
and you
And you saying the city itself as spent thirty-six million
dollars now? Yes, that is correct. And just high-level.
What did we spend at 36 million dollars on so it has been a
wide range of projects. We have invested in Fleet
electrification and the EV charging we have invested in our
tree canopy. So as
as I described a
as I described in an
As I described in my opening statement, we have already met
our halfway point in terms of planting trees across the
city of Chicago. We have invested in air quality monitoring
at projects that is being implemented by cdph our health
department in partnership with them. When do you want to
know if you can help me understand and so now the hundred
million obligated what is a hundred million obligated
already two, can you provide that to the chest so you don't
have to run that list of princes already obligated and then
that's it. So well the 500,000 and so I won't require
around 2. I'm saying that now clearly so you didn't hear
me. Well as if this last question, so the $500,000 is what
you're basically working with to do any of the programming
like I thought we were like I'm asking for.
weather
why they keep
weather keeps Chicago
Weather keeps Chicago clean ordinance, but then also can I
and you can elaborate on that? And then in that question
the grant position that's open that hasn't been filled yet
correct person who then apply for Grants the type of Grants
besides the stuff for infrastructure. What type of money is
about how many dollars are out there? You think we can get
one to get a grant person on? Yeah. We're very excited to
bring on a grand person for that very.
he said
He said the federal government has allocated billions of
dollars through the inflation reduction act for in climate
infrastructure and other climate priorities, which is a
really exciting prospect for the city of Chicago. In
addition to that as as older woman hadn't alluded to there
is money that the city is eligible for Via a program called
direct pay so because we are not taxpayers. We have not
historically been eligible for a rebate. But because this
new opportunity has opened up as we make climate
Investments as the city of Chicago some of those
Investments are available for an incentive through the
federal government. So the grant person will help us
navigate the inflation reduction of dollars again billions
of dollars that are available via competitive grants for
infrastructure and climate infrastructure and other climate
priorities as well as navigate.
a the new
through the newly and now
Through the newly announced direct pay program to ensure
that as we're making these climate Investments that were
thinking about maximizing and sent his back to the city to
get that personal quick. Thank you. Thank you, sir.
they got a
Take Autumn amore.
No such.
as well
No second round, right? Okay, I will clear today. Okay.
Alright Alderman Riley followed by alderman laspada.
Thank you Jeremy.
Thank you. Chairman. Good morning. Chief Tovar. Good
morning to start out by saying like a lot of my colleagues.
I thought I was a big mistake when the city eliminated
Department of the bottom in the first place. I have a
policy background environment energy and I think that was a
big mistake that frankly should have been reversed by the
last Administration. So I'm grateful to this one that we're
bringing it back and reviewing your budget. I all the
things that you've mentioned in your narratives are
admirable and important initiatives. I have no critiques
there, but I'm trying to stand since you're brand-new
budget. I'm trying to understand a few things very quickly
the $500,000 online 144 professional Technical Services.
That's a very round number briefly. How will that money be
spent?
two
$2,000 a
$2,000 the office of climate.
$2,000 the office of climate environmental Equity currently
manages our benchmarking program. So all of our buildings
over 50,000 square feet are required to Benchmark for the
city of Chicago. I'm so we do manage the contract to
oversee that process as well as provide Technical Services
and customer support to businesses that have to report back
to the city give you a lot. So that's really where the bulk
of that money is that is about half of that money in
addition to that in addition to that. We have relied on
Technical Services in the past for things like the climate
action plan reports like the the decarbonization report. So
we intend to utilize outside Technical Services to continue
to advance our goals here. I'd like a list of those those
vendors that you're using for these services to be helpful
to ask.
Specific questions I have about some line items. What will
the director of public affairs do?
set a
so the director
So the director of public affairs will serve as our Pio the
public information officer for our department because we
are managing projects that span across so many different
departments. There is actually quite a bit of demand to
talk about the environment in the city's climate
Investments. We are under capacity right now currently in
that state.
without have
without having a
Without having a dedicated Pio we still rely on the mayors
of press office for that and that person will be important
not only to disseminate information about what we're doing
but to ensure that we have a public face for the office. We
want people to be able to maximize services that are
available to them to help them Advance environmental
initiatives across the city. So we're very excited to bring
that person forward. Okay and very quickly the recovery
recovery team director was that is a detail currently from
a is and so this allows us to bring her under our budget
permanently. I'm not sure what was that title mean in
recovery plan portfolios. So the 188 million dollars that
we described and those projects spanning across many
departments. And so she is the person on our team that
oversees the portfolio.
got a
Got it.
and look
I'm looking.
and looking at your narrative that the bulk of the work
you're going to be focusing on his part policy part
Ombudsman part project manager for other departments, make
sure they're executing environmental pieces properly
all-important work, but for me, I got a
You know where?
you know, where's where's
You know, where's where's the beef? Where is the
enforcement regulatory you your budget falls under
Regulatory and looking at your positions here you have none
and this isn't your fault. This is not a critique of you or
your staff. I'm trying to make a point that if we're having
Department of environment, let's really have a department
of environment. You should have inspectors. You should have
a regulatory and enforcement Wing to be able to issue
citations when necessary back but we didn't good old days.
And now other departments have gone and grabbed all that'll
Oltorf and I can tell you the Department of Health lot of
good people there bungled so many environmental disasters
one after the other. I know if that was managed under the
apartment environment that wouldn't have happened because
you all know environments.
Pub
Papa
Pablo
public how
Public Health not so much these permits that we've been
issued over the last six years insane that wouldn't have
happened on your watch and so chairman. I'll accept this
budget submission for this department this year, but next
year got to help you. If you don't come in having swept
back all those other key functions from these other
departments that rated you out when you used to exist
because yours is an important Mission and I may represent
downtown Chicago, but there's a lot of work to be done in
an apartment of Justice.
the city and the
the city and he's
the city and East Apartment B
The city and these departments by taking all those functions
from you. I've made a mess of things and have a tremendous
a lot of amount of faith in you and your employees and
these other departments. And so that's my request for
fiscal year 2025 and I really hope that you can make that
happen. Thank you. Mr. Chairman part of the setup. I think
is more to get the house in order and then bring the
regulatory component in I'm hopeful that that will actually
happened prior to 2025 budget that we will be seeing that
sometime, you know third third quarter 2024 so that the
point is well taken at this point that's coming up and all
members of council that talk about this. So I do foresee
that to happen sooner rather than later.
damn
I'm in Spa.
Thank you. So.
Thank you so much. I'll sort of our great to be here with
you. There is a quality to this year and it almost feels
too perfunctory and I was looking at this movie quote where
we said what just happened is a miracle and I need you to
acknowledge it and this this is this head along to station.
And I'm really glad for where we're at and where we're
going and I I will ask a few questions one that kind of
like piggybacks off of all day while he's .00 around
structure governance.
growth
Growth your team and an outside contractor, I think with
mused let this really wonderful environmental governance
studying. I know that there were small group in focus group
meetings. I was able to participate in one of them. I was
wondering and granted we know part of the end product,
which is you all but I was wondering when that study will
be released if it will be released publicly and how the
results of that will guide the development and growth of
this department sure. It says thank you for that and thank
you for participating. It was really great to have the
voice of of so many champions like you really wanted to see
investment in this space and end to bring back the
department of environment. So appreciate your effort. We
are environmental governance study is completed. We use
that study to inform the the multi and Ed are going to
continue to use it to inform a multi-year Astra.
to bring the
to bring those
To bring those positions back under one umbrella. The
timing of the release is is the release has been held only
because we have been in front of this Council so much in
the last couple of months, which is a good thing. I got
work. We're glad to be here and to be transparent about our
work and just share our work out. So we had initially
imagine that that would be a subject matter hearing but
because we had the appointment and because
He had.
He had been here to talk about.
he had been here to talk about the
He had been here to talk about so many things tied to the
environmental governance study. We have not finalised
whether or not that should be at end of the conversation
that we need to have with chair had in in terms of whether
or not we would like to bring the government study of
forward. But the other opportunity here is that we can
release it that we can just release it on online. You know,
it isn't intended to be a secret. We want to make sure that
we are sharing with the public how we have thought about
the positions that exist today where how other cities have
structured the work. I think that's important for people to
see that benchmarking of cities across the country and to
see how you know, what the different models are that we
could utilize as a city ourselves. I would say also that it
strengthens our hands and being able to fight effectively
order Department. I I would ask and again I got my calling
to ask about some of these particular position so only four
one more
1 wor new headcount with feels exciting which is your
policy analyst position. How we looking at their what what
is the hiring strategy and what are some of the scope of
policy we would look for that person to take on so as you
know, we have been historically a policy shut up coming out
of the mayor's office and now transitioning into our own
office certainly as people take on more expanded roles and
you know, for example at my colleague
I'm has.
I'm has been leading on our environmental justice work on
Kiro.
Kyler Woods in our office has been leading on climate
resiliency as people transition from their policy
portfolios into a more expensive roles in project
management and coordination with departments and sister
agencies. It's critical to still have a policy analyst to
help think about coordination with you all and with the
broader public on policy development. And so some of the
near term policies, of course that you know that we're
working on a cumulative impacts as one of them as our
partner departments have identified environmental justice
strategies some of those our policy changes as well. And
then in addition to that we have the 20 for recommendations
from our decarbonization report that we're very committed
to so there are some policies there and I know that there
are many other policies that we care about water
affordability being another one so having someone on hand
another said
another set of
Another set of hands that could help us continue to convene
stakeholders making sure that recording with you all and
then be successful in passing the policies that the city
needs is going to be critical. I appreciate it arguably lot
of coordination and collaboration with the other two
departments that will hear from today. Pardon one final
question. I was going to ask because it is a curious thing
if you look at in the back of this big book,
In the grant such.
in the grant section
In the grant section y'all maybe the one Department that
does not have any grants attached to it. And I would know
we talked about your new Grant specialist position. I know
that we talked about the direct pay.
thank you and may
Thank you and maybe.
I think it may be time back to the government study. Are
there other types of grants that we would see Department of
the environment apply for in incomparable cities in
addition to the inflation reduction. Oh, yes. It's so so
historically we have had grandson. They would fall under
the mayor's office because we just transitioned out of the
Bears office. So we have utilized philanthropic support
before particularly for positions within the department. We
have we had our building decarbonization and building a
portfolio manager that was funded by the Illinois science
and energy Innovation Foundation. We have also worked with
the joists foundation for water policy person that is
right. Now that money is allocated to the mayor's office
and we will begin hiring and supporting the work in
coordination with the mayor's office and that person so we
have her light on.
traffic support before and
Traffic support before and if the opportunity presents
itself, we will pursue that we are also pursuing Grand
Slam.
like Bloomberg strategies for example has a three-year
grant that we are pursuing right now for additional
technical assistance, and so we are looking for those
National opportunities, particularly to expand Technical
Resources to make sure that we're successful in this space.
So that's something that will always look out for so
hopefully that number will change, because we're a new
Department you do not see that reflected in our current
budget by the fantastic. I appreciate the strategy
appreciate having you here and looking forward to your head
and thank you. Thank you dear. Thank you vas kez followed
by just left.
awesome
Awesome. Thank you so much chairman really hard to see
this. I mean some of us are pushing so hard to get some of
this last term and I'm glad that what I see in this year,
but it looks like it's the planting of the seed for will
ultimately grow inside a full Department. I've got a first
question to the chair this if you could just provide job
descriptions for each of the rules for the position that
are there and it indicate in those job description, which
ones are reclassification from like the other departments
right cdph and such. Just trying to get a sense of B all
all the different roles there.
I know the
Indian others the best kind of like bringing in folks on
the other.
the other depart.
the other departments, and I know that there's been a coup.
commitment for the mayor to kind of my great those over the
year. If you could provide similarly to the chair kind of
what those positions are. Like, what's the outline for what
that looks like so that way when we can make sure it's
moving in that direction and also just for accountability.
That's okay. Alright.
so
So don't count can I clarify something? Absolutely, that is
a planet that has not been finalized. We would be happy to
provide some of the models that we've used to demonstrate
how we have thought about the various positions that exist
and which functions could potentially be migrated. But that
process is very much still under development and is
something that we need to finalize with our decision-makers
in the mayor's office. So they can appreciate that to kind
of follow along then what is the timeline for that final
plan to be completed?
We will.
We have made a commitment. Of course to have that ready the
migration strategy ready way ahead of the next budget year
and before this process but we haven't made a firm
commitment yet on the timeline from the council side to
make sure not only for you but also for the administration
to make sure that sooner rather than later right looking
for looking at q1 to actually be able to affect you play.
Some of that change be
living
I think there is a difference between migrating them over
the year if you find out in Q3 and Q2 2 2 2 or 3. And now
we're heading to budget would be a pretty short time on it
to measure success. So just wanted a flag that but I do I
do want to make sure that I ice. I say that that that
migration that that report back to the mayor that is
something that we intend to codify in. This year's
management would be perfect. Thank you very much when it
continued progress here so that the other thing I wanted
some positions to attack you the powers of this department,
right? Like I think being the mayor's office had the
ability to kind of go across departments now having its own
Department, what are the current statutory powers and
obligations that you are Envision yourself having are there
things that you would recommend that we amended the
municipal code that give you more power right to just to be
clear so that you can make sure that the Department of
Health other ones are doing what they need to or are there.
remind
recommend a
G & H
Recommendations are they?
Recommendations are they are thinking of for this count.
Sure.
Sure, so I are powers remain the same as the chief
sustainability officer has powers as the coordinator and
the convener of the mayor in the city broadly are our
climate priorities. And so we do have the ability again to
convene people under shared priorities. We have the
ability, of course to advance policy in terms of
regulatory.
Woody's we do not have any to date and what I would say is I
I will hold on any recommendations because I think that the
process the migration process needs to play out. I will say
that there will be an evaluation of which Powers she will
also transition. So as we deliberate which which regulatory
functions should come into the department overtime, we will
also evaluate and make sure that we have the proper
Authority for the commissioner of this department to be
able to execute the appropriate powers that come along with
the regulatory function. Awesome. I think I think you
mentioned about the public information kind of role and yet
I think similarly having one that's that's a really a
zombie tween like this Council cuz I think you've got
things to report out on right so many initiatives changes
the migration regulatory that like I would make the
recommendation of having a person who is kind of that point
person. I like engage with us or even like some sort of
weather report
reporting
the reporting to let us know what's being approved cuz I
think we all want to see it success. We all want to be a
part of it. I mean talking our colleague the more we know
we can figure out where we can help move on things that I
just make a recommendation next of the data and I T line
0446. It's a forty-five hundred bucks. If I correctly I've
been looking at it we've got a is split into the actual
tech department and I see how each of the apartments need
to flush all these out in the 4500 feels pretty
to me as far as that when you got
To me as far as that when you got to track what's going on
different departments as well. I'm can you speak to it with
a plan is for those?
a plan is for those funds and if there's any further need
their like as we move forward, you know, you're over a
year.
sure, I'd
Sure, I do.
Sure, I'd I do I'm a
Sure, I'd I do imagine in.
Sure, I'd I do imagine in in.
sure, I'd I do imagine in in so
Sure, I'd I do imagine in in so that right now is primarily
for the hardware. Of course as we have new positions that
are coming in and we will need to make sure that those
folks are furnished with software and Hardware in order to
do their job because these are mostly project manager
roles, you know, this will take a computer and you know the
word for now but we do anticipate of course as we grow over
time, there will certainly be a need for other software
especially as the department moves into a regulatory
functions. We will also have to evaluate the types of
software that we will need as you all know that can be
anything from sales for a system of the the software that
is utilized to Monitor and in for an end to it could be
successful in our enforcement efforts. So that will just
take time to identify those. I'm good for now. This is just
basic in terms of just hardware and in the basic software
that we need us products or so, and then the recommendation
weather for tonight at all, so I dabbed
Break is like looking at?
Break is like looking at.
Break is like looking at DMV for example on how they don't
interface with Salesforce in 311 like the morning get that
start at the ground floor the better information. You're
going to get the better going to find out like we're
violations are and so yeah, I like happy to help partner on
that geeky stuff cuz that's my jam. So thank you so much
for your work and taking care of it. Thank you. Jesus will
be followed by Audra Martin.
thank
Thank you.
Thank you German and a good to see you too. So so the
officer at the barbecue is good as majority agrees with
having Dave Department of the environment. My question is
around their regulatory Authority right on this line of
what the concerns are currently having some of my
colleagues already touching that some of the Personnel
staff in a Professional Services as well as the for more
positions. What can we do in the terms of life brings in
some of the concerns that people have in her community
about inconsistent inspections, right or even basic
emergency plans when there are when there are accidents in
facilities. Just brought me speaking. You know, how will
the current budget in a dress. And maybe what do you
envision the feet?
You know.
You know a know I do.
You know a know IG report that came out.
You know a know IG report that came out before the talk
about some of the enforcement shortcomings as the city
particularly around Personnel right in and that is still
under the purview of cdph. I think where we can add value
now is having dedicated project managers to oversee. These
portfolio is and I do believe that we have done a
tremendous job in partnership with cdph in improving some
of these outcomes on behalf of the city of Chicago to one
example that I can offer and my colleague Abby is here
today. She has transition to the environmental justice
program manager role for our department, which is not
something that we have had historically Gabby for a long
time work on a very broad portfolio that included a number
of different projects and having gabbi transition to that
role. I'm she is now they dedicated environmental justice
again program manager that also includes a play.
can
Can you?
can two
And to have direct access to from Community to our office
to ensure that if people have long-standing environmental
justice issues that they have a name and number that they
can call in the office to talk about those problems that is
not access and support that the city has offered before and
we want to make sure that outside of the 311 system that we
are accessible and that we are able to be reached so that
we can continue to coordinate and resolve those.
issues and I think that for this this by
Issues and I think that for this this budget year, even
though you're not seeing the full migration for the DePauw.
Department of environment, you are certainly seeing
expanded capacity in terms of cross-departmental
coordination. And so there is a lot of work that we do and
we do add value to the work that other departments do
through the environmental justice action plan that we
described earlier. We are taking the time to work again
cross-departmental e to identify strategies to alleviate
environmental harm so we know that whether intentionally or
unintentionally some of our outcomes have resulted in
environmental harm or some of our actions have resulted in
environmental harm in our community and we as a city need
to think about her actions have
You know.
You don't.
You do still have led to some of those outcomes and that's
something that we are committed to resolving. I'm as you
know, we have a policy and development now and we will
continue to support that work to think about those
strategies as well as the operational changes that are
required to make sure that we're better successful. So it's
not just cdph. It's not just cdph enforcement but it's
across the board and we are deeply committed to continuing
to work with our departments to make that happen one last
question. And this is mainly for your 2024 initiatives the
participation of the city on the federal inflation
reduction.
remind
G another important Federal funding for infrastructure,
especially now, how do you see like those funds apply in
the city, especially industrial corridors with their desire
for commute to move to where the Greener corridors were
there sometimes with assistance, but I do think there's
also opportunity. So maybe have you insured a participation
and also the participation of more community-driven
processes that allow me to have a betting better, you know
this kind of initiatives share. So I will say that the
exciting thing about the inflation reduction Act is that
there is money the city of pursuing we talked about some of
the work that were pursuing for public charging through
see. You know, we of course our are pursuing work to
continue to advance the programs that we started under the
Chicago recovery plan, but there is also competitive funds
that are available for Community organization and already
we have served in the capacity to support money
community-led.
and
any
and if she
initial
Initiatives that are pursuing those dollars we know that
folks are applying for funds via the EPA. We know that
people have pursued funds or nonprofit organization. I
pursued funds under the department of energy grants that is
work that we continue to support we have signed many
varriale a lot of letters of support and have offered our
expertise in technical assistance so that we can realize
those projects in our communities. I'm so we have
a wide range of projects that folks
A wide range of projects. That folks are look
A wide range of projects that folks are looking at
everything from clean energy gen.
everything from clean energy generation Workforce
Development transitioning away from heavy duty High
emissions Technologies and hit it a more decarbonize
Technologies and a wide range of efforts to be able to
mitigate harm and communities. So we're very supportive of
that effort and will continue to work with Community
organizations to be successful Martin followed by ottoman
Conway, if he returns and not want to someone else go ahead
ottoman a teacher good morning to the two of you as well as
the people in the Box. I'd like to start off with a through
the chair request of a list of the Departments and the
corresponding individuals that you've worked with today
with regard to on the inflation reduction act and in
particular direct pay
is there
then
Then questions that aren't through the chair will your
department be responsible for the safety of the city's
migratory birds in the related policies that are being
discussed right now. I'm ask casualty of birds birds that
were flying through the city and the
I did.
I didn't Mass.
I didn't ask, you know after interacting with the McCormick
Place building and so we have course are very concerned
about and want to prevent Mass casualties like that in the
future. We do have an existing sustainable development
policy that is in development by dpd. They are working on
that that would have forced only impact new construction.
So I would defer to them on the status of that of their
they're the update to STP. We understand that there are
existing measures that could be put into place. Of course,
the city does have a voluntary lights out Chicago program.
We are now going to meet with the bird advocacy community
and have already been coordinating with openlands to get a
group of people together so that we can identify other
strategies to address that issue. So
not with a
not within my power.
Not within my powers and but it's certainly something that
I'm going to answer. We are going to insert ourselves in
that conversation to make sure that we recognize that there
is an issue and to help support and resolve that issue for
the city. Can you explain?
What?
what's a
What's what causes that I I saw the video of like numerous
birds that had died. What's the what is it about McCormick
Place that causes this to happen.
I do.
I don't know he
I don't know about asking her bird migration if they're
unaware that they were about to hit a surface right if you
have a clear window and the lights are bright. It may be
blinding and I'm and I'm not a technical expert on bird
migration just come up on out. I was just I was amazed to
see the number of dead birds said that I think I was I was
watching something and I just never understood why that
happened at that particular location. So I apologize. Go
ahead. So with regard to the the study. I'm glad to know
that that's been completed that's usually important I think
is you've noted and others was on Council that will serve
as a real guidepost for how your department continues to
grow as well as work elaborative Lee.
existing to
existing apartments in the coming months in
Existing apartments in the coming months and years and I
very much appreciate the desire to be intentional so that
if we reporting positions from other departments, when
we've already done that I say with in someone's 10 year at
the city there were doing so thoughtfully in and being very
sensitive to how that can create issues for people as
they're considering whether they want to stay in that
position and migrate to a different department. Can you
share a little bit more as to why at least some of those
positions aren't in the proposed budget before us in our ER
how your maybe decision along with others to not put them
in the proposed budget will nevertheless ensure that in the
coming months say that by the time is Army. Riley said
you're here again a year from now that it's not just
five more positions
Five more positions are 10 more positions, but something
that substantially close to any of the recommendations that
are in that study.
I would say that.
it
It is.
it is it is it's it's a long process and it is nothing more
than you know, this is going to require a multi-year
strategy, you know, we did take the time and it it took us
seven months to go through a meaningful process to again we
want to take
stakeholder
add stakeholders
Add stakeholders that was very important to us. We wanted to
recognize the people that have work in the department of
environment in the past and had some intentional Outreach
with them as well. We wanted to hear broadleaf from Chicago
wins to talk about what the gaps are and services we hear
overwhelmingly all the time. Hey, we want a department of
environment. What does that look like for you? And so it
was important for us to take time and to coordinate an end
to work on an external Outreach strategy as well because we
are so small were a department of 5 people right now. It's
it's nothing more than just the capacity. So this is just
going to take more time. We want to continue to work
forward. I move this work forward. We had we aren't we will
be again committing to providing those recommendations to
the mayor and look forward to working with you all. So I
would say that it's it's nothing intentional. It's just a
process and we're going to continue to move that process
forward.
think
I think we
sync with my room a
Sync with my remaining time. I just want to reiterate how
much support there is on Council for seeing this happen
quickly and I can appreciate that. We're not going to go
from 0 to 60 overnight. But I also don't want us to take an
unnecessarily slow and incremental approach to this because
when you look at some other departments like the Department
of Housing which kind of like the department of environment
has had this back-and-forth ready to stand alone with back
in the dpd then expanded. That was not a slow expansion.
And we made the decision in.
And we made the decision and put in a lot of time as city
leaders to build that out in 2019 for the 2020 budget has
it grown since then? Yes, but it was a real significant
first step and I think some more modest steps afterwards
and I think from my perspective going into the next budget
cycle. I would hope that we can see something comparably
ambitious and terms of not just a few positions but a few
dozen positions including but not limited to what's what's
in other existing apartment. So thank you looking forward
to continuing to work with you and Jared another's on that
picture. Look forward to them. Thank you. Thank you for all
the men do Martin aldeman Conway is not in the ultimate
Cruise.
Thank you to
Thank you, German.
Iowa
I want to see.
I want to say that I am super excited to have the
department of environment back. So thank you. I want to act
with some other things that also my colleagues have said
but before I do that, let me ask you this question. What is
your what is a vision of the department environment to
coordinate with other agencies to ensure that
sustainability and climate goals are being mad attempt to
see silos. Everybody hasn't a plan. Everybody has things
they want a complex. But how you going to bring everybody
together from those Agency for example like CPS?
this
District
bestrix City College
Bestrix City College of Chicago other. How is that going to
work? Sure. So I think the benefit that we have as a
coordinating body is that we have taken the time to
complete a climate action plan and that really is
reflective of our goals. You know, we believe that we can
drastically reduce their greenhouse gas emissions will also
intentionally investing in our communities. And so that has
served as our roadmap that is a cross departmental effort.
We did work with our fellow departments as well as sister
agencies to identify strategies within that plan. And so
you see and very ambitious targets to retrofit our
buildings. You see very ambitious targets from both
internal our internal flea and as well as from our
transportation department to get us to a lower carbon
Transportation Network as well as CTA you see commitments
are 2X
are two Excel.
are to accelerate clean and renewable energy on behalf of
the city as well as a commitment to making more data
informed decision-making process. He's among other goals
that are within their so having that roadmap that which is
cross departmental in nature is critical especially as we
are still Limited in terms of our own capacity. We really
do rely heavily on those deep Partnerships. It's not
something that this office can do alone and we have
especially
as demonstrated in the recovery plan have
As demonstrated in the recovery plan have already Foster
those deep deep.
those deep deep relationship to implement and that's
something that we intend to continue to do. Perfect. Thank
you. And also one of my colleagues mentioned about having
inspectors and some of these things and then that I know
where next area is it seems that is the antenna. Do you
agree with that idea? Like what would it be? How would you
be suggesting there's a in how will you be working? Also?
Will there be any relationship with forestry when it comes
to you know, also making sure that you know, where would
the arborist and again working together? Is that also
within the plan sure. So with regard to the enforcement
there such a wide range of enforcement that happens. It's
the environmental enforcement. Of course, the building's
enforcement. We have enforcement teams have bacp and and of
course at DSS, there's quite a bit of info.
Spent the day.
Spent the day explain.
Spent the day takes place. So it really leaning on the
process and this migration strategy to identify which
enforcement is appropriate for this department is Is our
commitment to continue this work moving forward with regard
to our coordination with forestry. That is something that
we that is already on going and we're very proud of that
relationship. We collectively with c. And with the SS the
bureau forestry launch they are rude Chicago initiative.
Again, that's our
play I
plan to act
Play on to Akron.
Plan to actively plant 75,000 trees over the next five
years. We have over the first two years already met our
halfway point in addition to that. We have coordinated to
eliminate the three-year backlog of trees before this.
There was a three-year backlog and we work collectively to
improve their operations. So they are now using new
technologies so that our Foresters have the support that
they need in community the technology to be able to
identify and to address trees on fortnite in real time
instead of using paper so that work continues to move
forward and we will continue to work through our recruits.
We also have been working with cdph as part of that
partnership. We do a lot of tree organizing so we have
three ambassadors throughout our communities that have been
disseminated information on the value of trees, and we've
been very supportive of that work as well. So it really is
a collective effort to make sure that Chicago has a healthy
tree canopy.
and we're
And we're very good.
And we're very excited.
And we're very excited to continue that work for Norfolk.
Thank you. Thank you for everything you all my time.
the
but you're
But y'all need proof.
But y'all in Cruise, let me see one clay vice-chair Lee.
thank
Thank you chairman.
Thank you chairman morning CSI Tober. How are you?
Learning? Good to see you. Get to see you too. I'm going to
have to ask a duplicate of questions here. But let's start
with concrete legislative goals for next year. What does
that look like? What does 6s look like from a legislative
perspective for the Department of environment sure R are
two primary but we are pursuing right now that are in
development are our cumulative impact assessment. I'm so as
you know, that is something that has come before this body
already. It is the 28th indicators that are that we have
evaluated to identify an inventory sources of pollution to
think about how pollution how it interacts with different
communities across the street and then identify
vulnerabilities, right? So communities with high ball or
ability to pollution again, and there has been an
interdepartmental working group that has net.
I'm going.
I'm going to
I'm going Bass.
I'm going based.
An ongoing basis to identify policy opportunities and
operational changes that are tied to cumulative impacts. So
how that data helps to inform our work moving forward. So
there will be a suite of legislative opportunities and
policies that we will move forward including the cumulative
impacts ordinance. That work is in development now and is
something that we intend to bring to you all and
Partnerships so that we can move that work for word.
addition to that are
Addition to that are other priority is decarbonize.
Addition to that are other priority is decarbonization As
You Are?
you all know.
bill
buildings in
Buildings is our highest source of emissions in the city of
Chicago. So we have to think about Solutions and equitably
and upscale for all of the city's building that is going to
require us to think about how we build the highest
efficiency buildings at the time of new construction and to
reduce fossil fuel combustion. And then it is addition to
that. We need to think about how we can accelerate the
retrofit source of all of our building types. We have
invested funding in the Chicago recovery plan so that we
can support the retrofit of low to moderate-income building
and we want to continue that work forward. We do anticipate
that there will be policy changes that will come out of
that as well. I'm so those are our two top priorities and
terms of this year's policy outlook for the thank you has
any of them I didn't realize that the goal was a goal is to
have everything that city-owned at least to be carbon
neutral by the end of 2025 and that feel
ambitious
play ambitious and it feels to you.
play ambitious and it feels to you for a lot. That's a lot
of inventory what sort of work is already underway already
begun doing any actual infrastructure changes to any of
these buildings yet. So the goal is 100% renewable energy
by 2025 and so we have entered
in partnership with a is
in partnership with a i s o a s has
In partnership with a is so a is has the authority we are
just the supportive office that helped to work with them on
this project. But it is an energy Supply agreement that we
have that agreement has enabled something called a power
purchase agreement. And that is that has been enabled a
large-scale Solar Development to be built in downstate,
Illinois. That is run by a solar developer 70% of the
renewable energy that is generated through that project
will be utilized for city electricity. In addition to that.
We will be procuring the other 30% of our renewable energy
on the Renewable Energy Credit Market allow for us to get
to 100% So we see an incredible potential to move away from
resume
pursuing Rex and to instead generate renewable energy
through the investment of energy conservation measures and
renewable energy here in the city. We know that that is an
opportunity for us to pursue the retrofit of our buildings
which are much needed. We know that that's an opportunity
to generate homegrown renewable energy, and we know that
that's an opportunity for Workforce Development and for
jobs back to our community. So we're very excited about
that Prospect. That's great news all around you knows we
talked about decarbonization and conversion. I know that
the
Governor has also stepped forward some ambition.
Governor has also stepped forward some ambitious goals as
well from renewable energy used in eliminating the use of
natural gas as well. So, you know, I have a question about
just from your opinion. Have you guys take a look taken a
look on my God take a look at the the capacity of Thomas
current in infrastructure to handle like a cut over to all
electric at some point. I think it's important to mention
that the great capacity. This won't happen all at once
right? We're not going to flip a switch and then I'll be an
all-electric buildings and it will be something that is
happening over time. I will say that one thing that I think
is important is the federal investment in grade capacity.
We're seeing that through the inflation reduction act if
there is money set aside for utility-scale improvements to
help support capacity. If you look at the inflation
reduction act and they're really trying to drive the
decarbonization and renewable energy market, right you see
things and sent his for things like heat pumps use instead.
tips for soul
tips for solar
Tips for solar of course and four other renewable energy
measures and we know that that is going to be important. We
know the grid capacity is important to and we are also
advocates for grade capacity as well and to make sure that
all of our neighborhoods we want to be intentional about
equity in the space to to make sure that all of our
neighborhoods have the capacity that we need as we make
this transition. So it's something that we're keeping a
careful eye on to and it is critical that we tap in.
and that we advocate for our utilities to be my
And that we advocate for our utilities to be maximizing the
Sunday.
Sunday and in particular for ComEd to be thinking about
grade capacity, and I believe that they did just receive an
award for good capacity upgrade for Northern Illinois.
Excellent. Thinking the one last comment chairman is on,
you know, you want to take another look at your budget to
make sure that you got sufficient resources. I know you're
the alderman Vasquez mention the $4,500. I know that's just
for equipment, but if you want to after having these
conversations here today, if they're there something more
that you need I want. I think we all want to make sure that
you're you're well positioned for success and in
transitioning into 2025 appreciate that thank you. Thank
you. Thank you.
Take me.
big lyrics
Think we're exhausted.
I think we've exhausted every one. That's that's in the
room. I know this is a I know you're building a plane as
you fly it but you know, we stand here to be partners with
you. It seems as that this has been an important priority
of the council has been an important part of the council
are probably going back to the last two or three or four
years and so happy to see that it's information. Are we do
anticipate you coming back off for additional of Staffing
additional regulatory enforcement power and the Beast and
the ready once you all are going to come to the right
configuration that you feel is proper for the department.
So with that being said you all are
used and double
Used and I were going to bring a while.
Used and that we're going to bring a watering next so we'll
be at easy as water comes in.
Don't know.
No, no, no, no.
Don't know. My apology.
could you
Could you made a mistake colleague from Wayne or fun for
TI-84?
apology
My apologies already.
My apologies all romantic off of work. So she's not had an
initial round of questioning. So my apologies Altima
Manahawkin one or two here to thank you so much for being
here. I'm very excited for this new department and I just
had a couple questions. One of them is about and I'm I'm so
excited especially about the collaboration that you want to
do a cross Apartments in building your team. And with those
that have been on the ground through their life experiences
really taking them into consideration. I wanted to ask you
as you're wanting to build a green economy or Chicago. How
are you Incorporated in the voices of Youth especially with
live experiences? And also, how are you incorporate?
are
Arts and how is that?
Arts and how is that go?
Arts and how is that going to help with our small
businesses and building Chicago that we all want to live
in? Thank you. I think that those are two very important
things as we think about the strategy moving forward. I
will say that traditionally we have relied on the
organizing of our partners, right? We know that many of our
environmental justice league leaders have Incorporated you
with voices and so as we've had these processes and we have
certainly allowed for those voices to be a part of those
conversations and have really allowed for that
intentionality that takes place at the community level 22,
we've been supportive of that and so in terms of our own
engagement, we do have a marriage youth commission. We have
a number of times visited the commission you are correct
Authority that has
is my
is more were
is more work to be done there to make sure that we are
identifying strategies for youth. I think that as we move
toward a a department that has both a public information
officer as well as more project managers that are thinking
about strategic Partnerships. That is something that we can
do better in terms of art. We are very excited to say that
we were supportive of something called Earth art Chicago
this year. It was an in F
that way
That was led.
that was led by
That was led by the Illinois science and energy Innovation
Foundation where they provided art grants to Frontline
leaders environmental justice communities throughout the
city to advance various our projects that we seen you
murals and art activation that have been popping up across
the city that talk about some of the critical issues in the
space. So it's been a very exciting effort something that
we were very supportive of and proud to partner with the
foundation as well as partners received those grants. So
thank you so much. I'm glad to hear that youth will be
compensated for the work that they put forward to really we
need to be listening to them. And I appreciate you speaking
on that. I had one question about
I'm have.
I'm have a question about land remediation.
and
And that we had a chance to go visit the 10th Ward where I
was born and dumb.
there's a
There's just so much happening in there. But as we are
figuring that out how we can use the land in ways that are
is healthy for everyone including our kids and our all the
way along the line and also bringing in new neighbors.
There is a proposal right now to build it.
count on
Camp on land That's not healthy enough right now for us to
build. I can you speak on that? Cuz that is something I I
don't understand what the process is and I'm concerned
about people living on land That's not healthy. So this
office has not been involved in the siding of the and
identifying the parcels of land that are viable for the
migrant base camps. I do know that we have asked and have
been assured by our departments the infrastructure team at
the mayor's office as well. As our land remediation team at
a is a group of professionals that are evaluating the
viability of the land that testing is still ongoing so I
can't speak to the findings of that testing yet, and it's
something that we
continue to
Continue to Monitor and to be a part of conversations where
were asked and we do standby and and hope to continue to
engage with the mayor's office as they make these very
difficult decisions on behalf of the city, but it's
certainly something that we are aware of in that we have
been in conversation with the team's about thank you. I
would like to be included in any of those conversations
again. I'm very grateful for all the work that you do.
so they
so that way
so that we can
truly you.
truly use our platforms to create a world where we all want
to live in and it it it's our responsibility to be good
stewards of this land and start putting people on land
That's not healthy. I have a problem with it and I would
just want to understand what what we're doing. I hope that
your voice can be involved in that those decisions. Thanks.
Thanks. Thank you. Thank you all the mountain top and work
my apologies for missing you on that on that first round.
All right committee will stand at ease while we transition
to the water department.
open
Sorry, thank you chairman. Just real quickly a question.
Are we done with yes?
Orchid after
good afternoon will
Good afternoon. We're back on or medium, but you to govern
operations budget here for the Department of Water
Management.
boost
We'll start with.
We'll start with a brief overview over a few from kotha
followed by an opening statement from the Department along
with the introduction of members in the Box as well. We
also have joining us from
the
DPS
just
desio Cortez and Monica Jimenez
where they at?
Is there a
Can I see are?
Can I see Eric is Eric still want to
gusto
boost on
Boost on Sergeant Miller. Okay, your staff procuring
supposed to be with us and Co Cortez and then Monica
Jimenez you can have to join us will appreciate that.
Copa
My name is Jana soda grey. I'm the acting director of Copa.
if
before it's
Before I talkin in detail with a Department of Water. It's
just going to be a brief overview. We did have a survey
with the older person's right before budget season and they
talked to us about what they felt was important. They'd had
a few items that they felt were important with Department
of Water.
Primary in
Primary issues being flood control project coordination and
communication and infrastructure assessment.
I had a dish.
I had additional issue.
I had additional issues with the senior water main break
assistance program. So it's clearing restoration times and
Sewer cleaning inspection.
looking
Looking at the numbers.
Looking at the numbers f y 2497.83 million which is 13.4
million more than FY 2003 budget FTE is 2482, which is one
less than f y 23.
I did with the waterfall.
bonded with the water find 71.37 %
purse
personality
Personnel 263.1 million in Personnel Personnel 134 million
cars
personal expenses are on the rise while contractual
services are budgeted to decrease by 20000 by 20 million
dollars equivalent to 32.33 per cent reduction in fiscal
year 24.
of the funny
Of the funding totaling 71.37 which is a water fun. It
represents a 5.3 to decrease compared to the revised. FYI
23 budget.
then
the next pay
The next page is just a quick worksheet and it looks at all
the areas in water. And if you look across horizontal it it
has columns with water find a block grant sewer fund grants
Personnel Services and non personnel and the different
areas the Commissioner's Office Administration engineering
Bureau of water supply operations and distribution near
services. And if you see all of those areas combined, you
can see the f y 24 total of 397.8 and the f y 23 total of
384.4. Also the FTE is all the way the column all the way
to the right. Am I right?
and
And the area with the largest number of FTE is of course
operations and distribution.
looking at the funding type
we have a
we have local fun.
We have local find the water and the sewer fund. We have
those amounts and they are and we also have the grants but
there's no amounts for Grant. We had the block grant which
has a whopping 23 million dollars in it.
permit at
permit FTE
Permit ftee by fund we have the local funds which have the
activities of the 24824 fiscal year 24.
That was a
That was I went quick.
don't
going
Going to the next page.
we have
We have the appropriation category.
They probably
the appropriation
The appropriation category, of course Personnel Services is
the primary Personnel category, and then the next one is
Commodities and materials by contractual services and
permanent Improvement. It's my report. Thank you.
Thank you. Wonder what?
Thank you one directly Brave commissioner. If you can
introduce your style in the Well in that those other in the
box and then give your opening statement and we will
receive from there.
start my
Start my day.
Start my bank.
Certainly. Thank you. I'm Andrew Chang a commissioner next
to me is first Deputy Commissioner, Joe Vieira and managing
Deputy Commissioner Marisol Santiago.
I'm in.
I'm in the back.
I'm in the Box behind Matthew Quinn managing Deputy
Commissioner.
are
Aaron bieler bad
Aaron bielarz Battersea Deputy Commissioner
old
Olive
Olaf
olufemi Sequoia Deputy Commissioner Michael Grillo Deputy
Commissioner
Will you?
William to be TW commissioner
Brandon shrine
Schreiber Cheese
Schreiber chief engineer of sewers, assistant chief
engineer of the sewers Hans Kruger cheap water engineer
and Ava
and Evil
and evil Hawthorne director of public affairs
Good.
quick
Quickly, could you tell?
Quickly, could you tell us the your deputies and whatever
areas are overseen by Matthew Quinn is over our beer of
operations and distribution and Lead Sharon pilar's is over
Regulatory and legal me Sequoia is over labor and t.i. My
Grillo is over M and Lead will Tubidy is over a beer of
operations and distribution Brandon Schreiber and auto,
moreover. The engineering section for sewer ponds is over
the engineering section for water and Angel is over public
affairs.
Thank you.
the more
Good morning.
Good morning, Jefferson Ervin members of the committee on
budget and government operations and members of the city
council. I'm dr. Andrea holthaus the Department of Water
Management, and I am pleased to appear before you today to
present and discuss our 2024 budget proposal.
the mission of a 2304
The mission of a 2,300 employees of the Department of Water
Management is to deliver high-quality drinking water and to
efficiently manage waste and rainwater. We operate to the
world's largest conventional purification plant 12 pumping
stations that distribute 750 million gallons of water daily
do more than 4,300 Mi of water mains to 5.1 million people
in Chicago and 120 suburbs. That's 41% of the state of,
Illinois.
I'm
honest
on the sewers.
On the suicide. The department is responsible for the
transmission of waste water and rainwater through more than
four thousand five hundred miles of sewer Mains to the
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
for
we take a
We take this responsibility very seriously and protecting
public health is our primary concern. We perform over
600,000 analysis of water per year through the treatment
system 24/7 and adjust treatment protocols as necessary. We
also monitor water quality and like Michigan to identify
potential early issues early as a protector Lake from
polluters. The result of these steps is at Chicago's
drinking water meets or exceeds all federal state and
Industry standards, including those for like four years
Chicago's water his casket under the US epa's Benchmark for
lead in drinking water.
it just
in addition to our a
in addition to our Acura
In addition to our equity and homeowner initiated LED
service line replacement programs that were launched 2
years ago. We had at the daycare program that offers free
replacement license daycares in low-income. Neighborhoods
the brakes and leave the program that replaces LED lines
whenever alliances change damaged and the block long
program that replaces the LED lines of Homes located on a
long Water and Sewer main replacement importantly except
for the homeowner initiated let service line replacement
program where owners voluntarily replace the fullest
service line. All of these programs are completely free to
resident. They all include replacement of the private side
section of the service line these programs also include the
free installation of a water meter for homes that did not
previously have one resulting in 981 location receiving new
meters over the last two years.
with
We don't.
with over 4 in
With over 400,000 LED service lines installed before 1986
in Chicago their replacement will be a huge multi-year
multibillion-dollar effort, but it will grow Chicago's
construction industry and create good new jobs for
thousands last year. We filled 428 vacancies the majority
of whom will work on replacement. We continue to advocate
for the highest level of funding from federal and state
sources stress test with light service tire replacement,
but we have not yet received our allocation of a federal
dollars from the infrastructure investment and job back. We
are working with the state expand the definition of what
constitutes a disadvantage community so the Chicago can
receive
a map
the maximum amount of available
is my
Despite the number.
Despite the number of LA.
Despite the number of Lights.
Despite the number of light service.
despite the number of light service lines in the city.
Despite the number of light service lines in the city are
drinking water is safe due primarily to the corrosion
control. We add to it that creates a coating within the
pipe that minimizes led leaching into the water any
Resident who has concerns about their water can call 311
and request a free lead test kit. The samples are tested by
an independent lab turnaround times. Those are only three
to four weeks and it is open to renters as well all for
free.
BW
CW on
B w on water testing program has mailed out over 110,000
hits since 2016 to promote transparency about what's in our
drinking water. We voluntarily post an anonymize results of
these water test chicagowaterquality.org.
righto were
brother worked at
I do work this year. We have taken several critical steps
to ensure that we are administering our program equitably
while promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace among.
These are that we hired a Deputy Commissioner to oversee
Labor Relations and diversity equity and inclusion.
We will.
We love
We launched a d
We launched the DDI training with an outside consultant and
completed training for all dwm senior staff and managers.
We're currently training mid-level supervisors.
We're actually.
We're actively Park.
We're actively participating in the city's first equity and
racial Justice leadership cohort including implementation
of new ideas. And we partner with the HR for ongoing annual
eeo and sexual harassment training.
climb
climate changes
climate change is impacting Chicago with more severe storms
and A&A Moving Benchmark for what defines a 100-year storm
that dumped large amounts of rain water in a compressed. Of
time when they occur
add
I did.
Adidas
IDW I'm we have been working to identify flooding Solutions
on a short medium and long-term scales on a labor
neighborhood level. We are also planning underground Brian
rainwater storage projects on side streets in areas where
not many utilities are present. These storage projects will
temporarily hold rainwater surcharge. Thereby alleviating
basement flood dress.
long to
long-term
Long-term Regional Solutions include the area for project
on the south and far south communities in city of Chicago
which include constructing a 9.7 Mi long 20 ft diameter
Deep Rock Tunnel to direct the Surplus rain water and
sanitary surcharge to the mwrd tunnel system. The project
will significantly and chronic flooding from more than
30,000 residents. Ew is moving into the next day. So we
design and sourcing funny cuz it's massive project.
is our priority
Is our priority to promote transparency.
Is our priority to promote transparency around our work we
issue an annual water quality report. So that residents can
understand exactly what's in our water and we post and Emma
and I'm in a residential water testing results online. This
report includes information on lead key fob chromium-6 and
soon microplastics with Altima providing more specific data
to your offices regarding 311 request Capital work and
water quality report to help support constituent services
and accountability if there's something that we are not
doing right I want to know about it so we can fix it.
Where can I
We're committed to providing.
We're committed to providing the highest level of
Professional Service to our customers and building a strong
water infrastructure to make Chicago's needs now and for
future generation, I pledged to continue to work with all
of you on these important water issue. Thank you, and I'm
happy to answer your questions and glad that you were able
to join us today. I thought we were going to have your
first Deputy told me you're a little under the weather but
duty calls and I'm glad that you took us up on the offer to
join with us today. So I'm going to start around the
questions. Please raise your hands. You have questions.
I've got imma give you say I would never do anything for
you get a happy birthday. So you get up you get to go
first. So it will give you give you that.
thank
Thank you. Mr. Chairman.
shoe
shoot
Shoot that was a pair.
Shoot that wasn't prepared. I was wondering
Shoot that wasn't prepared. I was
yeah, I got your hold on one second. I have a series of
questions just determined that we submitted through the
chair, but I have about 12 13 questions. So we submitted
them through the chair already 444 response from the
Department.
is there
Israelites
It relates to this was the one question that didn't didn't
submit through the chair.
how
How many?
How many miles of new sewer water main did dwdw M install
on 2022?
price
prior to
Prior to enforcement of the new law around a service lines
and how many miles from Newark new sewer water main in 2018
also practice enforcement of new law.
Anywhere, I'm trying.
anywhere, I'm trying to get his
I'm trying to get us where we at. I know that under mayor
Emanuel is very aggressive about getting water and sewer
Mains these jobs ordinance in jobs Department people
working. I want to know where we're where we're at. Then
we're at now.
Sure. Thank you.
Sure. Thank you very much.
Sure. Thank you that question. So if I'm understanding you
correctly as you know, we had our 10-year accelerated CIP
that started in 2012 went to 2021 and you're asking where
we're at with that came out of water mileage as of 2023 796
miles out of a target of 880. Of course towards the end. We
had to Pivot to add Inlet service line replacement number
of other factors. So now we not only measure mileage. We
also measure number of Allied service lines that we do
along with it. So I like to say that we met our goal
because we were on track more than on track and then having
to add on let service lines on top of it and pivot and a
dime and we did it right now or mileage for 2023 for water
mains is 4.3 Mi and our estimate for 2024 is 10 miles
pending. We are in some flux with it. So what was the goal
before cuz you said four point?
Miles you look.
Miles you looking for 10?
Miles you looking for 10 in 2024 and then our normal would
be about 40 42. We usually you want to do about 1% a year
of your of your mileage write 2 and 4300 miles of water
main in total 1% A year would be your normal, but we didn't
accelerated for 10 years because we had about a hundred
years before that.
and when they had next
And when they had an accelerated, silly.
And when they had an accelerated installation of what you
said 11 per cent a year so that 1 4300 B 43 Mi a year. We
did 4.3 with the inclusion of Blood Service. And so now
you're funding for your light service line is going to be
the pinch point right now weed instead of being able to fun
water main or sewer main separately. We can only find that
mileage if we had the light surface lights over by a backup
to catch up backups that 42 miles a year.
So with that dick.
So with that decrease of new sewer and water made how much
did the Inn in housework for in-house Workforce get
reduced. I mean cuz I know they're busy doing less
herbicide replacement instead.
So we
sweet
So we have we both have in-house doing let service and
private doing an updo and let service correct program.
Bahama
So how much did we?
So how much did we do in-house versus private 23 + 4.3?
Yeah, I'll
Yeah, okay. So we did two point two miles in house in 2 mi
2 .07 miles for contractor in 2023. Why is it so long as
you still are we learning or something? Like what why is it
so low that we had a number of things going on. So in our
in addition to let the
In addition to let service on replacement and you can just
find it so we can buy lawn out for us because the new state
law that started in January 2023. We cannot hook back up
for Lent service tonight. Right? So we do you like
everything along side of it. We also had a switch in our
construction management a pmo offices are project
management. So course they have that section that helps us
with design construction and restoration add we had to
switch out in April and we also have the end of that
concrete shortage at the beginning of 2023 number of other
factors, but certainly let service by my placement is one
of the biggest ones but having to switch piano offices is
another challenge as well this year. It's less unless
service lines right correct or not in the only way that we
can do it is if the homeowner instead and we get a waiver
but even then we're doing a The public's eyes. So there's
no there's no way to avoid.
how
hot
having
How do you say?
Having some measure of length or width on a place where it
happens every once in awhile besides being funded. The
private side has a number of different funding sources. I
do know we're working with the state to increase those
funding sources. We have a very small number that's coming
from the Illinois EPA buy a cologne with principal
forgiveness. That's only four million dollars, but we also
have some g o
bonsai
Bonsai from the general fund and CRP fine
Bonsai from the general fund and CRP funds to help until we
can increase that amount coming from the Illinois EPA. We
also have a different funding sources for the public site
including the with you alone. Just close up on Friday for
336 mi in the EPA loans. That's our main source of funding
right that we're trying to secure in 2024 K&N. Have you
ever given money back to the EPA? Because we didn't spend
it. We have over the years more for the bucket different
buckets of funding can only be associated with the contract
that their specified use a Windows contract and you might
have left over that you didn't use depending but more
recently if we had money for water main that did not
include let service on her placement we had to you know, we
will have to turn that in to exchange it for money. That is
specific for Led Zeppelin replacement option. I have a lie.
call
cool
Queen
Quinn Morrow say Napolitano anymore. Okay with me out here
to Sparta.
Harry
Harris
Burnett
rules
Mitch
Basque
Vasquez sposato
Rio
Riley
all the timer
all the time I already
All the time I already have you.
more
mark
Martin
at
patent
so make sure we got
so make sure we get everybody ready by Summer.
Thank you, very
Thank you very much. Miss Sherman.
Good morning,
Good morning commissioner. First of all want to thank you
and your staff all of your help, and your folks are very
efficient and very helpful when we call for any issues this
going on it would appreciate it. And I want to thank you.
What?
boys
Or your hair?
For your help. I'm dealing with the landlines and in and
working with all the minerve in myself Michelle Harris
alterman that dial and Mitchell and Mitch reference to
making sure we have minority participation or African
American participation in the removal of the last line, but
I do want to ask overall. How is your pain with I wish your
Spin and diversity.
Sure.
Sharon overall
Thank you all the way.
Thank you. All the men overall for 2023 as of July 31st. We
are total M B & W b e e is 7373 million $46,220.
and
32.0
32.86% 32.86% of minority participation minority and WD-40.
We don't have that.
What?
would be in
Would be mine.
60
16 of 17%
zip
Is it busy?
17%
No, I'm sorry 20.
No, I'm sorry. 27% 27% would be just and me and then W B &
M B E is 32% how many American we have 25% of the mwbe or
8.5% of the total?
And I'm going to tell you.
And I'm going to tell you is.
And I'm going to tell you it's been on.
And I'm going to tell you it's been unacceptable we could
apartment for a long time and we really need to do
something about that. So so the conversation that we have
had in reference to dealing with the lead removal. We need
to have that same conversation and reference in reference
to overall with all of the different contracts that you
have going on from Trucking from excavation from all of
those things because this is this is just doesn't make
sense that with everything that you all have going on in
your department that there is no way that African Americans
can be included in those beds or included in in in in some
of those jobs. A percentage is very very unacceptable is
going to let you know.
under
I'm just
understand
I'm just at a great and I think some of the things that
were exploring for lslr. We're looking at the same time to
see what else can we be using this for? You know, what is
some of the changes that were working with UPS? Absolutely.
All right. So maybe maybe the caucus need to have a meeting
with you to break this thing down. Maybe you got to figure
out a way to doing jocker and something else in reference
to these things cuz this is just ridiculous and we've been
going around and around on this for years and it seemed
like the numbers I get lower and lower every year. So we
really need to have a talk. Okay. Can you tell me what's
the diversity in your office?
a book
before you
Before you do that the numbers of the nbe spend generally
are in the book and I don't see them. So either through
budget or do your office if you can send that to us so we
can provide it to all of the members cuz it's is not in the
in the big book as it normally would be for every other
department.
add
and four are the
And for our department over all of 1989 fill positions, we
have 14.88% female 85.12% male and 33.8% black 19.8%
Hispanic 42.6% white 2.2% Asian Department shark vacancies.
We have 389 150 of those are in process and 110 of those
are traits often related to let that was fine that we're
working on filling and then also can you tell me how is the
the program that you have going on with the labors with the
what's that program where they take apprentices and and
they go to labor department to work with you guys.
Sure. Yeah, that's our labor.
Sure. Yeah, that's our labor Apprentice program. We've
actually hired almost 400 labors for that program, but all
that Marisol go into more detail.
we started at
We started the program in 2012 as part of our Capital
program and we have hired close to four hundred labor
apprentices. That's actually what helps us drive are eat
your number's up as it is a willing and able position and
so we're able to bring in candidate that don't necessarily
have certifications and train them to your program and then
they graduate and move into the labor pool slides
construction laborer position.
so
how is a
How is zactly do you all cuz do you let the alderman know
of how to incorporate folks in my Wars into into that
program? I know is located inside the located to the
laborers places located in 37 or 29. One of them. I've been
there is beautiful shop is a beautiful idea appreciate it,
but it's like we don't do that sort of a disconnect with us
in reference to trying to get out of your own people into
that.
my
I know we send the positions open positions. All your
officers include the labors. Yes, all of our bid positions
particularly the labor Apprentice position since last year,
each of your ward offices should be getting those emails
directly send in to your ward email inboxes so that they
can be posted throughout the city. I don't recall anybody
else recall. I don't recall our last meeting there. You
just got there is a different email. We should be using
that Bruce all the men together. So I think we need to look
at using that one instead of like more do one more do to
order three emails.
All right, so
Alright, so yeah, definitely. I think all of us we got
miscommunications with these emails with every department
is ridiculous. Everybody think they communicating with us
and they're not too tall. Is it I guess it's going into the
abyss somewhere of cyberspace in and we need to make you
need to make sure we know about this stuff. Okay? Yeah, it
should be burned shouldn't just be on us to to know about
it. It should be on you to make sure we know about okay, we
can confirm before we do our next wave of hires. We're
actually in the process of trying to fill more laborious
and have that posting up before the end of the year. So
we'll make sure that the ward office emails that were
sending them out to our car, correct for
hosting
Hosting. Thank you.
Thank you all.
Thank you. All like
Thank you all again.
thank you all are going to burn a
Thank you all are going to burn it wasn't there a similar
path on Plumbing. We have the labor path, but there was
also a trainee pathan Plumbing or a position. That was like
I'm going to call it a half a bummer but something where it
would allow people who had basic skills to migrate
potentially to be in a water department plumber or a
position in that in that realm without having to be a
full-fledged journeyman plumber because that was a accused
barrier for diverse candidates. Do do we ever finalize or
complete that process?
Yeah, I believe.
Yeah, I believe that's your friend the Conqueror program
again for the marathon that one. Yeah, we initiated the
process a couple years ago to or a few years ago rather to
create and fill Cocker positions, which is an unlicensed
plumber part of that program is for the candidates to go
through the four-year program where they go to school and
have on-the-job training and then their pay is incremental
until they finish the program. We are actually in the
process as part of these new Labour negotiations to expand
on that Pro.
We did.
We didn't.
We didn't have as much.
We didn't have as much success as we thought with the with
the positions that we created only two or three of the
candidates actually graduated finish school. And so we're
trying to implement them controls do that. When we create
this next wave of positions. We have more candidates that
actually complete the for your program graduate in and get
license Cocker positions exist in in the department.
begin, this is
Begin, this is an ally.
This is a non licensed plumber who theoretically could come
in with very little experience and then graduate up to
being a journey person plumber.
the
see currently have
about six total Cocker positions
and hold upon
the whole department
sing
six bakes
6 bacon or 6 and told these are unlicensed plumbers the
majority of the positions that we have are licensed
plumbers. That's where the bulk of our positions for Life
Plumbing is how many former positions do you have?
about a
about 120
okay, and I'm currently if you have
sixth
60
6 total positions I'm looking at five of them that are
vacant on on this is just on one page. I haven't looked at
any other Pages. It sounds like something that we need to
be.
push
Pusha
Pushing pushing forward I mean 6 in the whole department at
that's only six opportunities and there were talking about
having a number of how do we deal with just six spots and
then you have other spots that are that are vacant as well
including the plumbers and the construction laborer. So,
how do we how do I how can we expect to see change in
diversity with only with only six opportunities of which
five right now are vacant.
yeah it
yeah, and I
Yeah, and I think you part of that is looking at the work
that we do, you know each car has to be supervised by a
licensed plumber. So we have to make sure that we have the
right number of plumbers as well not to either work. But
yeah, I think we're exploring all the options. Is there
opportunities to go straight into a plumbing Apprentice,
you know and especially with LED service on her place and I
know those are conversations that we're trying to have time
with the plumber seeing you see all the options weather is
Cocker or some other different route to building diversity
in the plumbing Mission. We definitely we definitely need
to be exploring it and when you all come back we we we
expect to see those numbers in expanded especially with the
LED service line program that's going on. We should be able
to generate some more.
open
oportun
opportunity
opportunities for a
opportunities for individuals in that respect so altered
Harris
autumn
All my hair is fall.
All my hair is followed by Alderman Reilly.
Warren
Good morning,
Good morning commissioner. First of all, let's start off
with thanks. Thanks so much for your commitment to the
community, especially during the flood for coming out and
talking to some many of my neighbors about the water. They
got net. The basement was extremely helpful. I have a
suggestion as we're doing the last service lines and we're
kind of shutting a program down for the winter. So, you
know already where you're going.
and then you can
and a new construction season
And a new construction season right when you know, you have
the project all set up for the spring anticipated projects.
Right? So the whole problem I have had a project that has
stretched out longer than then I wanted it to wear it
longer than it should have been for me and the community
and everything but I think if we do The Upfront work to get
the homeowners educate them over the winter about what will
be happening to them in the spring so that we can keep
these projects in their proper timeline and I just think
that the work needs to be done over the winter to
communicate they will be on your block when we touching
your last service line and because of that where you're
going to need that you have access to your house possibly
get in and work them through it and educate them on the
process rather than once we cut the street open leaving the
street open for eight or nine months to get people on board
or from any cases.
not a
Not on boy.
Not on board and penalize and everybody that's been part of
what she could be just the wonderful and for structure
Improvement to the point where we possibly may not even be
able to close the street up our winner. So it's my I just
think that we take the time over the winter to possibly
communicate with people that will be affected moving
forward on this kind of project. So people are just not
left with a list.
being the
Being Dusty and torn up.
Being Dusty and torn up for a prolonged. Of time and not
seeing any kind of work. It makes it so difficult for me
and the office to manage blocks and blocks of people that
are patiently waiting for their restoration. So if we could
work on that that would make me really happy. If you could
tell me that we're going to do that on the point of the
Hawkers tell me about how long it takes a call for to
become a plumber.
Marathon that we
on the part of marathon that 14-year program to graduate
from start to finish Okay, so
I am
I agree with I'm chairman Irving that we need to increase
the number of Parker's on it since it take so long to go
through that that program. I think that increasing it are
doubling doubling the amount so that we can see effects so
that everybody all the regions could have people that look
like those particular geographic regions. Do we get people
of all kind of colors and stuff to be involved in the that
additional projects. Are you interested in doing job fairs
in hiring fairs across the city with 389 positions are no
150th is great, but would you be interested in doing as
many hiring fairs across the city to get some of these
possible position?
video
I feel absolutely it any we do do Sound by absolutely. We
try and find out about lots of them Jackie from Marisol
shop angels on how to allow them as well as to help as
well. 96% of our department has Union so I will say there's
only so much within our control but we do love to do those
and get the word out. So absolutely, you know for everyone
if you have those, please let us know we love to show up
and talk about our opportunities and to your earlier Point.
Absolutely Teleflora Outreach education another area that
that angel is involved with is it super key and even by
state law we have certain. Of time, you have to give people
45 days notice before we even touched ground. So working on
that that is a great point the winter opportunities for the
planned work obviously pretty early, so much but for the
planned work, I just think that is a wonderful opportunity
as we're shutting down on the construction cycle and that
part of work as we can.
app
operate
operator
Operate on stuff when the temperature drops below 32
degrees. I just think it's a wonderful opportunity for the
department to get ahead of some of this stuff and to not
put
are
Are they?
Other people across the city in the same position to have
their Street.
Torino
pouring out for the
Pouring out for the whole for about a year. So that's
that's my ask is that we create some kind of program during
the father to anticipate the projects that will be
happening again in the new construction gear. Thank you.
You all are wonderful. Everybody's wonderful. Thank you all
my hair. So Riley followed by Alderman Quinn and I don't
have a lot for you today. You know, you're a real
Enterprise funds got a lot going on on your plate and there
are two folks in your office to interact with mine and
their pleasure to work with Tony, Florida and Lisa Rosario.
They're very helpful to us. Tony is participate in the
number of community meetings with my office to announce
major projects and Lisa.
very helpful.
helpful day today
Helpful day today communicate with my staff that said I
have a question for you about protocol and planning water
shut off and water main taps.
it's
It does.
It doesn't seem like an organized effort and my office
hardly ever receives advance notice of these activities and
if we were to get an advance notice, we could help your
department properly promote this information with
neighborhood residents. So they're not caught off guard
there been occasions when Department of Water goes directly
to the impacted buildings and tells them this is coming
whether you like it or not. My office needs to be informed
of every one of these that are playing. I represent the
central business district and if that's too much of a
burden for your office that's going to be a problem for us.
I have a much smaller office than you do and we can't
handle the volume of phone calls we get when
and I have high.
and I have hide.
and I have a high density Ward when literally thousands of
neighbors are impacted by interruptions to service, you
know, the nature of award a lot of development and
investment in property and all that. I understand this is
going to happen on the regular, but we cannot continue to
be caught flat-footed and put it a disadvantage with
neighborhood residents constituents when these things
happen, so it's really not a question, but maybe why don't
you just give me that the standard protocol today and where
does
automatic office fit into that
Automatic office fit into that so I can tell you my staff
been with me for a very long time and they do excellent
work. So we're not dropping the ball on our end. Could you
maybe answer that question directly and apologies? We will
definitely work on that. I would like managing Deputy
Commissioner. Matt Quinn to discuss our current protocol.
you
You hear me? Good afternoon everyone. So there's two sets
of protocols as you mentioned all been when its planned
work or staff reaches out to the automatic office weeks in
advance to let everybody know the status of the project and
how it will progress. But when we do have emergency
repairs, we do have limited time to notify everybody. We
usually just a couple of hours before we apply for permits
and start the excavation process, but that's no excuse. I
will work with the commissioner to make sure that somehow
either it's a phone call with an email that we can get to
that Alderman's office expect you to have a crystal ball
and and be able to tell us hey, we're having a failure here
in a couple hours. So let's get the word out its Leslie
emergencies, obviously as soon as you can get us
information on emergencies will help get that information
out quickly. I'm sorry about planned.
in a building I has happened in a building that I lived in
and the
in and the elevator ride down in the lobby was not a
pleasant one. We were not properly notified. My office
wasn't and then I experienced the interruption myself and
had no good excuse for the Neighbors as to why they didn't
know.
So I'm home.
So I'm hoping that these are anomalies it only occur in the
42nd Ward, but you need to really up your game on notifying
our offices where the Frontline we interact with Chicago
voters more than anybody else in this building and we have
to have that information. It is critical. It impacts
people's lives in some cases. It impacts their businesses
restaurants have to go without water for most of a day need
to plan for that. So everything else I have his positive
for you, but there's your homework. We really need you to
step it up in the end in prioritize that and get us the
notice as soon as humanly possible. Thank you commissioner
appreciate you and your team and thank you champion.
Thank you.
Thank you all my.
Thank you almond.
Thank you. Almond Riley on the Quinn full of all the
ministry.
take
Thank you.
It's a term.
German good morning commissioner.
mission
commissioner
Commissioner one of the tricks I get for my constituents
about your department is Parkway Restorations?
I'm can
Can you comment on what that contract looks like? Yeah, we
have just brought on board. Our new construction management
office is well that is is overseeing our restoration. But
specifically for the combat contract I'll have will to be
speak a little bit on that.
are Puerto
are protists
are protocols
Are protocols for landscape restoration is after repairs
completed. There was 30 days or the contractor complete the
restoration.
Commissioner would what's the turnaround on a cave a sewer
cave in? What's a catch basin?
while you're looking at
While you're looking out just going to add some commentary.
It seems like it takes a long time from start to end. It's
and it's another pressure point for my constituents.
My Moment
Superman cake
Brewer Maine cabin inspection request average for 2023
is 3
Is 3 days?
and we had about
And we had about 4,800 of those so far in 2023.
speak
Speak to the three.
Speak to the three days from three days from it getting
into 311 or 3 days from when you're on the answer that she
gave is the time from the inspection. Your question is
about completing the work you're going to have to not ride
again. Okay. So the question is how long after inspection
does it take for your team to get out and fix the issue?
men's
mention w
Manson wa Mac. When do you have numbers.
just
Yes, so let's set up a time to inspect the cave is about
three days to make the cave and repair is approximately 34
days 34-34 Days of labourers or you need help because
that's a pressure point. I don't care about what they say
can see other front window and so help us understand. Is
that something you need? Thirty four days seems a bit long
and that if that's the average
I think our
I think RSL.
I think our SLA I think that is less than RS La brickmont
actually 60 days, but we are in the process of advertising
awarding our Private Ryan contracts and in two of those are
actually awarded the city forces are complaining that work
as well where historically are we were assigned more to the
cave and repairs we anticipate those to be awarded first
quarter of 2024. And then we definitely expect that number
to decrease my response times to repair the cable.
how
How many?
How many how many LED replacement jobs are we doing a day?
It varies by Pro.
It varies by program.
It varies by program so far. We're at 3 3652 complete over
all our biggest program is Bryson leak which obviously is
variable more seasonal, but our second biggest is our
Equity program and R Block Level program. So again variable
if you block a program plan to work that happens more so
during the summer in the winter commissioner in your
opening statement, you talked about the LED replacement
being a multi-year multibillion-dollar project one thought
that I had is perhaps some coordination with CPS high
schools to answer all the questions that are being spoken
about hear that.
that were
At work is going.
At work is going to last a lifetime and if we if we're
intentional about collaborating with CPS today and getting
our student Chicago kids hair to be plumbers in and
laborers and alike and we could solve a lot of the problems
down the road in terms of what we're experiencing today's
but we have to be intentional. So that's a recommendation.
I'd like to make public solutely and I think we're we're
working on our water operator training and apple butter
operator training program for a racial Equity cohort as
well, which is also not for l o r. I think it's similar
minded wear your Beret training for, you know high school
kids to be able to find the interest in water because the
water is not the first place if you
Do for a job?
Then go for a job how many municipalities do how many
minutes past?
minutes pally's by our water 120 and last year. We
celebrate the project in Joliet which is going to reap the
benefits of a lot of money ever a point where we could
rebate our residence portion of that water bill.
I don't.
I don't think so. But that is something that we could
discuss with the the cfo's office in their water bottles.
But if you look at the the cost that we have for our
construction moving forward, that would surprise me.
just one
Just 11 critique. It's frustrating when I get calls from
prospective businesses that are bumping into I don't want
to see a conflict but issues with plumbing inspectors about
getting their business open. It's incredibly frustrating. I
had I had a call last week from Walgreens that was
shuttered during the unrest that is in loggerheads with an
inspector. People need that Walgreens in my neighborhood
convincing Walgreens to open up without a drive-through is
next to Impossible, but that's what's happening in for me
to bump into some sort of problem with the plumbing
inspector. It's incredibly frustrating we could do better
we need to do better.
turn
Call anju commissioner in in your leadership to make sure
that that gets ironed out. Those. Those are those are
frustrating calls to get and I thank you Joel for jumping
in but that should never happen were I'm getting calls
because loggerheads are happening between your department
and in a prospective business just it just to conclude. I
do appreciate you all's help and Matt's help and Danny
Mission and will in in my clothes. So thank you very much.
Thank you.
I got.
I got a
I got to look.
I got to be Queen the alderman O'Shea for the Baltimore.
Thank you.
Thank you, Karen.
Thank you chairman.
Good morning.
Good morning, She.
Good morning commissioner.
I don't.
I always thought.
I already talked.
I know we talked a little bit about this lead service
lines. What has the investment been up till now?
And how many?
jobs
Jobs, have we been able to complete?
Sure. Thank you for that question. Older men. We've been
able to complete 3636 52 in terms of total jobs across the
city since it began the investment so far. Not too bad. I
have I can get you the infection is so far for the charity
investment for 2024 is planned to be about 321 million. I
threw out all the programs which is significant as we look
to ramp up. Our goals are goal for this year is 4504 on
track to meet by the
year about a
About another eight.
About another eight thousand more next year.
And why?
and while the
I'm well aware of.
I'm well aware what a daunting task this is but I really
appreciate the progress that's been made so far and hope
that we can continue to to increase those numbers.
I want some.
I want to switch gears.
I want to switch gears here or one of my colleagues already
mentioned this restoration.
Yeah.
You know, it's is frustrating to constituents when a pipe
job takes an extended. Of time. And then when finally the
heavy equipments gone and the streets open back up. They
still have to wait weeks and sometimes months for
restoration. So I want to do that. That's
we've got
we got to do a better job and trying to get these projects
completed when they're when they're parkway's torn up.
I didn't.
I did not expect.
I did not experienced flooding this late summer, like some
of my colleagues on the South and West sides, but my
community certainly has been hit with quite a few of the
100-year storms. And I'm glad we are meteorologists are now
identifying that their more frequent hundred-year storms.
and then
and this
And there's probably nothing more frustrating to watch them
when we get these storms and we have hundreds and in some
cases thousands of of people with flooded basements.
appreciate all the effort
Appreciate all the efforts that have gone in when that does
happen because there is no good answer for someone. You
know, that That's a classic case where all they know is
everything in their basement is ruined and they have to
throw it out.
and I always
And I always feel like bar staff spent an inordinate amount
of time explaining to people that there's not a deep tunnel
valve that somebody was sleeping and didn't open up when we
get pounded with those condensed.
Board of
four and a half a
Four and a half inches of rain in a 23 minute. Or whatever
they are, but I want to make sure I compliment the response
we've had from your team when that does happen.
you
You know what?
You know why often times our staffs in our office
interacting with people far below who's here today in the
box and again?
are
our staffs
Our staffs are getting it on the phone office visits, but
there's some folks to work for you that are extremely
responsive that I at least a Rosario so professional and so
helpful. I know her name has been mentioned, but I think
that's really important that little like I'll be out and
I'll get a call from my staff call Lisa. If nothing else.
We're getting back to the constituent in a timely manner
saying Greg night. We've had a couple things on the street
where
is
He's been.
he's been very responsive and communicative and you can go
out to the job and talk to him Mike Baloch.
are
everybody in
Everybody in the box. Thank you for your efforts.
wish
Michigan State
Commissioners thank you, Sharon. That's it.
Nike
Thank you.
Thank you all going to say autumn or fall the bottom in the
spawning.
thank
Thank you.
Thank you, and we got snow commissioner.
Who's the new way?
Who's the new William cheese?
Who's the new William cheeks?
What was that?
Who's the new William cheeks cheeks retired? Unfortunately,
okay and
net
Matt thinks you're a good.
Nothing she could do so well, sweetie. Okay, so maybe got
mad at you got for my queen. What was after that?
does
just
Just me to mow.
Just give me two more after that that area for field will
CBD is fantastic. He's our Deputy Commissioner.
Will you?
Williams video
William Tubidy, William William TV DTA
Amana
imagine if I
You mind if I ask where you come from Chicago, northsider.
I used to live in the Ravens win every area. Okay, and you
have a background and you work in sewer water before? Yes.
I was restoration inspector coming out of college for the
city, correct? Alright, we have to sit down and talk to get
to know one another and so one of the things I'm going to
real quickly so, you know, it's critical and it's what all
the more tabernash it on. Yes. We have a war to 15 email
that everybody lay Mama saying something to that and I'm
talking about everybody whether it's a state issue people
who Google that they send that.
It's a win.
and so we not saying in a
And so we not saying in a date our automatic emails with
Jess job because that would then that becomes to junk
email.
is got a
is got to be
Is got to be from a professional standpoint which but you
know, it's critical. Okay, and so I just want to be I don't
want people saying okay, they tell him send it to email get
off. So we've got to get this floods and slugs email in an
automatic email becomes junk email, but we know though,
we're smart enough to know that those things that are
critical that the ottoman should know about that. She go to
our direct automatic emails. The other part of that that
would help is who is the if we have won the government
liaison if you will for your department,
yeah.
Yeah, we don't have.
Yeah, we don't have one officially right now. But a lot of
our folks like talking to Angel the angel Hawthorne person
right now, but and I will make sure that everyone has
Angels contact information because she is also and most of
your Wards at some point or another are doing Outreach. So
everyone should be getting familiar with and I'm not sure
with 50 Wards if that has to be determined whether that's
not too overwhelming for one person because if these things
coming down like planned projects that have to be
communicated by the
set
deadly
that liaison, you know, so I
That liaison, you know, so we have to look at that and if
we need another reasonable body in that position at some
cars, that's why we're in budget we have to know because
this is this is costing us a lot of time and money and
turns of our staff. I'm going out there because there's
some other things that's not getting done when they're out
there chasing. Okay, so that that part is very critical the
other part comes in and I'm bringing this up with C. But
you all use private contractors to restore your street most
of the time from what I understand how many project
managers do we have in the city that's responsible for
going out and making somebody's got to take off and sign
off and say, okay, and I kind of company. Yeah, you did the
restoration, right? Who how many
those two
those price
those projects
Those project managers that we have that response for doing
those jobs. We definitely have our read that report up to
make sure that we're seeing those Matt. I'll let you talk a
little bit more about that.
currently
Currently we have a team 10 and 12. I reach that supervised
Restorations Citywide. They report up to two separate
managers those managers report up to going to be
okay.
Okay, so I'm already sure everybody who don't know cuz we
got some new people here are the resident engineer. So what
is
add a
Adonna Moore
adanna Marie's title
Jenna
generals
General Sir general superintendent. Okay, so she's my go-to
person that is doing a house standing job. And so as we
think about promotions I want us to make sure we think
about promotions from within as well for people who know
the Department's who no construction who no water and who
knows suet that's very critical. But whoever our army is as
a sign that they specifically to maybe the 17th Ward Ariano
if that's person. Is this the South Region I need to know
who that person is because it is my directive constituent
Services who is going out and chasing this stuff down and
to all them and Rally's point. We just don't have the staff
to do this is so what a project manager should be doing.
even before we buy
Even before we even know about it.
Even before we even know about it and see it because I
shouldn't even have to know that that street is open cuz
you all are working on it and somebody has to sign off on
it. And those a lot of stuff is just looking like crap and
it takes my director of constituent Services chasing down
and trying to get this get this complete it right. So it's
important that we know I know who that Paris is for my area
so that I can have that relationship.
the
do you have
the other
you want
You want to run?
you want around 25 minutes when I do in 10 minutes, I got
some Sarah I do you want to go for the round around 2. I
think I called the Spotify. Lullaby Lopez.
I got.
I got to do anything.
I got too many things on my desk. This looks like my ward
office desk. It's so sad. They really great to be here with
you. I will say one of the most informative things that I
was able to do last year and I would encourage any
colleague who hasn't yet. It's actually going to the Jardin
Water Filtration plant. It was a great invitation was a
remarkable to see the work that your team is doing there
and it's why despite whatever challenges we may talk about
in the media. We have probably the cleanest drinking water
that we could expect and it's just as good for bagels and
pizzas at New York City water. So don't listen to them when
they say that a few quick questions that I would ask. I was
curious and looking at page 3 summary Beach
it's a
it says the
It says that we're running a 56 million surplus from last
year that contributes to our total appropriate role budget
of 950 million this year. Can you talk about where that
Surplus comes from?
is there
Is that an?
Is that paid for Budget recommendations summary beat the
summaries are great. Y'all yet. It took out the some reason
I slept on the summaries for 4 years.
Yeah, well.
Yeah, well, I'll have to double-check on that with OBS. I'm
not sure if that's part of our Pago.
What?
weather for today
Right after the table of contents.
I think about
have to double-check
Have to double-check that window be an apology what
accounts for the 56 billion dollar Surplus?
Okay.
the chair is fine, but
The chair is fine, but I can.
The chair is fine, but I can I can move on from there.
I do.
I did one.
I did want to ask when we went you were talking earlier
about our lead service line replacement work. I see you in
the budget 53 million for that is that is a true Bond
funding is at through the revolving Loan Fund that we
passed an ordinance around a couple years ago. What what
accounts for that do many things? We have a different many
different sources out when you're looking at the public
side with you is the big not a bad. So we just closed them
at Friday at 336 million dollars over five years and that
is from UIC PA. So low interest loan. We also have our
water Bond accounting for things like the rest of the
restoration. So some of it there's a lot of rules about the
different Federal and states or co-founding and what I can
and can't do with it including things like restoration that
different
To be done differently through things like our bond.
To be done differently through things like our bond asking
about that next year.
To be done differently through things like our bond and then
we also have our iepa loans are more traditional State
revolving Loan Fund loan. We have a little bit of that
going on as well go to the public and the private side as
well as Community Development block grant for Equity
program, which is really great that can be used for both
sides as well. And we are the first ones to use it for all
of our and then we also have some Congressional earmarks
for the private side for lslr specifically for daycares. In
addition on the private side. We are using some of General
find MSRP bond for the private side because that is so hard
to find the right kind of money for the private side. And
then we are working on your 2024 getting hopefully
competing for some of the first iiga money that will come
through but right now the infrastructure that dividing
money coming through the infrastructure jobs act and that
right now though the limit is that performance.
hours per se
hours for sale
hours for City by the
Hours for City by the state and we are working to change
that because that is not enough. It's not a proportionate
allocation given the number of all the flowers we talked
about the piece. I would love to dig it with the why don't
I left the the bond funds the installation of the LED
service line. It does not fund the restoration did I hear
that accurately that the bond usually does but repave
not
the EPA
The EPA service line the bond funds the restoration. What
is the restoration standard that we should expect as orders
not even in terms of timeline, but what what should thing
is look like when that service line is completed. We do
basic restoration. I'm so the industry standard is
basically putting things back the way they were with the
exception of things like and we have run into this heated
floors. We don't put back heated floors, right if there is
a fancy wrought-iron fence wheelchair, please take it down,
but we won't put it back up if there is a court usually try
and work around it. We do it much as we can to minimize the
impact two things especially things that we can't restore.
But if there is something we can't avoid we try to
carefully take it down and we make sure the homeowner know
is what we're doing before we do it because you don't want
anyone to be surprised. What is the Landscaping standard as
well?
feed hydroseed is our standard usual because bad people
don't water it and it turns brown and becomes a tripping
hazard in terms of
turn
Turn it down.
The domain work the work the receipt for repairs in the
street. Should we be expecting concrete or asphalt
restoration to follow after the first concrete and then and
then Asphalt 8 depending on the season, of course, if it's
winter, it may stay concrete for a while until the asphalt
plants open up in house or through subcontractor through
contractors. Thank you to you earlier point on the 56
million dollars, which is merely the difference between
current assets and current liabilities. So even though it's
a bit so you can appropriate it doesn't mean that you have
to appropriate it is just a difference of the accumulated
earnings of the of the bond.
the
that I
that and
That answer your question if I were to dig into it with it,
which I'm not trying to now because the time has elapsed
the Surplus appears to increased incrementally over the
last four years and I'm just curious why I don't need to
talk about it right now, but it's something that the why of
it I can tell you. I'm just trying to give you a call after
Lopez at them going to break for lunch at lunch will be
ready. So a little bit as you can begin, no pressure. Thank
you and good morning commissioner good or good afternoon
commissioner members of the committee commissioner. Just so
you know, I
and
And it up by two dozen.
And it up by two dozen through the chair request dealing
with topics of restoration LED sewer, cipn. Wrdr
contractors hydroplaning private drain as well as outside
funding. So your answers to those are appreciated. I do
have a couple questions first on page 572 of the budget
book in the grant section. It only shows 27 million dollars
of grant money going towards
the
Department of Water Management, is that correct?
Yes.
Because the only one that officially counted the grant is
cdbg. Everything else is technically a either alone or
alone with principal forgiveness or a federal Your Mark. So
for example, so the federal or state funding which a
reference in my questions as well. They're not considered.
They're considered loans until we use them they are alone.
So the only one that has principal forgiveness is the four
million dollars for daycare from IPA. So it's technically
not a grant it's a loan with principal forgiveness. But the
Community Development block grant is a genuine Grant. Okay.
So then if I may ask how much of those loan those potential
loans that we get for improvements in infrastructure are we
returning back is
used
I think we have not officially returned anything yet. We
are working on that because the the money that we have for
that is specifically for LEDs for a water main without lip
service line replacement. And what we need is watermelon
with ice or without a place are actually two separate
bucket. So we have a little bit more work we can do on it.
But basically there's money that we can no longer use
because of the weather change and then speaking of the
state law, you know, it's been something that has been
stuck in my craw for many years and you know exactly where
I'm going to talk about when we deal with the Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency and the fact that we still
have ongoing litigation as a relates to the work that was
started and stopped and we're still pending. What is our
plan to do it, too.
help
Help the car.
Help the communities that have been stuck in limbo. Not
every neighborhood was impacted but where there are
definitely communities like some of mine in West Englewood
where work started never captain now roads are completely
falling apart. And I know that's something that many of my
colleagues have as well. So what are we doing to address
those because we're at a point now where sinkholes are the
norm and we can't touch it because of this are there
waivers to ask are there and runs around this Kansas City
pay for this and doesn't determine who's responsible later
on cuz I know we're still trying to get contractors to pay.
What?
What we approve but I'd like to know what I can't.
What we approve but I'd like to know what I can tell our
residents were actually going to do.
Yeah, yeah.
Yeah, and and
Yeah and Anna.
Yeah and Nae.
Yeah, and and as you may
Yeah, and and as you mentioned is in litigation, but the
latter basically the option of we're working on fixing then
taking account of exactly what we found and figuring out
who pays for it later. That is our approach. So apologies
for the Flonase but we are working on getting the remaining
ones completed so that we can see your point is not fair if
the resident on to sit and have to deal with that so we are
working on that especially now that we have our new p.m. In
p.m. Team on getting that done. And what's the timeline for
that because that's been several years in the making so I'd
like to make sure that it's not several years in the
fixing. We will have to get you back to the chair and then
lastly chairman because I know everyone's getting hungry
and I don't want to be accused of being David Moore number
2
you
You Lie.
you like a
you like I'll set you up. I know you did it. Yeah, I
forgot. You got me on that one.
your
Your your predecessors would be proud of you. I just want
to end on this point water department does a lot of good in
neighborhoods your guys the men and women of your
department. The labor is the workers all the way up do
great things cuz we're doing good things to help improve
the infrastructure. The problem that I have. Is that often
times.
things
Things go on.
Things go off the rails as we heard from a lot of my
colleagues and the good that we would get in the
neighborhood turns into anger frustration and animosity
when things are left when roads are left open when things
are left undone when communities don't see that dude spend
1.2 billion dollars is hiring them all of those things. We
can fix. I was just want to see commissioner and I'll say
this to everyone listening. Who by the way. I only noticed
only one person smiled and introductions. We need to focus
on making sure that there's positivity felt by everything
you do in our neighborhoods. It's a wasted opportunity if
we're not improving lives, but people are miserable because
we're doing it and there are ways that we can do this. We
just have to have a mind mindset shift that this is what
what are angle has to be not just improving water but
improving the quality of life and making people happier
that we're doing it. Thank you. Go eat
all
Altima
Alderman Lopez you need around 2 or you good?
Come on, man.
Come on, man by David Grier. Well, we're going to a break
at this point will come back at 2 p.m. We're going to start
back with ottoman Vasquez at to Media stand in recess until
2.
where
We're going to go ahead.
We're going to go ahead and reconvene here Alderman
Napolitano. Why don't you go ahead with your questions?
Thank you, man. I'm sure I'm going to probably just wait
for this crowd to die down a little bit quiet.
Oh, no, that was a
Oh, no, that wasn't for you.
Get a
Good.
Good after.
Good afternoon, Mission Rob Levy Department your I think I
told you this before the response that we get from you
personally and from your your staff incredible in our Ward.
So we really appreciate it. I know how big or how difficult
your job is and how much is going on. And how hard is it to
get through it? My questions have been pretty much asked
and answered it fell under Alderman Quinn's. I just like to
hopefully put a ride around that emphasis what I see mostly
in my award is a long duration for sinkholes PD's and you
are washouts and and restoration. So, like I said, I can't
come in here and argue that I need it done faster because I
do know just throwing a number out. There are Forty-Eight
hundred of them are in queue for some of these sweeping
sinkholes in in in PTS.
I just if there's any way.
I just if there's any way going forward to your budget.
Anyway, we can help you to help bring more staff or more
more more of a workforce out on the street to get through
this it would be it would let us know that that's what
we're here for. I like I can't emphasize how much I
appreciate your staff. I work a lot with mr. Falada as
well. Incredible credible guy very very down-to-earth very
to the point doesn't set you up for failure on the street,
which is awesome. He kind of watch it. See what's going on
and your staff is always willing to talk to our
constituents as well cuz it doesn't always come well from
us and sometimes you have to hear from the Department. So
please if there's any way we can help you with those simple
things. I'm I'm the residential area of the city. So when
you have that sinkhole or that that wash out of that PD
that's in the street with a plate on it for months. It's
just difficult for us to convey it to her.
It's
It said she was.
And such was our residence I should say so I appreciate all
you do mine's more of a statement than a question. Thank
you very much. Thanks for all you do.
thank
Thank you. Alderman.
Thank you Alderman, the politano alderman B. Would you like
to
Thank you.
Thank you, Rhonda.
Thank you madam, chairman and get afternoon commissioner.
I don't.
I don't have a 1.
I don't have a one thing to talk about from your
department. Yes one thing and that's that flood.
and I'm
anime
Anna McKee
Animal keep talking about it because I want to make sure
your department understand what a disaster really was and
we talked about a disasters around the country have one
right there in the 37th Ward for sure more than any and in
the statement. I just got sick when I don't see nothing
there for the West it makes me sick to my stomach.
because
Because who is it the track data from floods?
and how
And how do you allocate your resources to help this city
Chicago where floods have been very impactful throughout
the years?
is a
Is it might?
Doesn't matter answer that for me.
I'm
Are you yes, I can't thank you. I'll demand. Yes, but the
flood of July 2nd was awful. We do track the request on 311
for Thomas Wallace OMC and others too, but we're kind of
looking at it more for an operational standpoint. Where do
we need to allocate our resources and our cruise that day
and then afterwards I need to know right now. We're in your
War.
as well as
As well as the hardest.
As well as the hardest-hit wants to be additional ones of 28
29 to do the sewer cleaning catch bass in cleaning by grid
with our contractor and we're at about 4 about 40% done so
far what we began in August and is you know, we'll be done
with that by about the end of the year with everything and
then for the catch basins and they will be beginning the
sewer main clean out in the quarter water 2024 specifically
for the west side. And you know, I realized that the
Mission Inn because I made the call and say I want all
these do is clean here. I made the call it was it cost the
department came out and say we're going to clean these
sewers for you and reached out to me. I had to make the
call just like I made the call the day of the flood.
nobody can
Nobody called me.
Nobody called me then. I'm not call you.
and then
And then where?
and then we have
And then we have a whole department and we spending all
these tax dollars. What do you expect me to tell my
constituents? How do I supposed to dress that you not care
about all the complaints coming in?
turn
Turn off.
To the office that we got to go through people's like
everyday we live in with this out there and we still living
with it because this is a disaster. You don't recover from
a disaster 90-112 money to buy be next year. Some people
may not never recover even with payment, but I want the
department to have some compassion.
about how dare you lie to a race or
about how dare you lie say resources
and if I told you what I had a flood four times, you can't
tell me that we don't have nothing tracking that something
is in the budget somewhere for that community and look
something else. I just told you did you not know that that
area is on a down Zone. Did you check that out for me?
is
Is it?
Is it on today?
Is it on it down Zone? Yes. Yes, and you mean to tell me it
ain't just got on her down. There has been there all the
time. So is your department somebody whoever working out
there? I'm not parent. Can I do on a job somebody need to
know this? I'm not the expert. I am not the expert, but I
can see.
I do.
I don't want.
I don't want to run my blood pressure up cuz you bout to
make me run it up. I don't want to run it up cuz I'm upset
just talking about it and knowing the impact that it took
me and I want Solutions. I want it we talked about them fix
that you're looking to do. That's fine, but that ain't
enough.
is
It's not.
it's not an
It's not enough.
Winnie
we need
We need to have a original plan for how we going to make
sure that we obtain a that water contain that water that's
there.
after
Absolutely. I
Absolutely all different. I think I'm in the budget. You'll
see that the three million dollar pilot allocation that we
put for many things but inclusive of the stormwater Wing
pilot that we discussed that are going to be in the the
west side. I know I heard you I heard I got all the things
that you looking to do the three million dollars.
That's it.
That's anybody.
That's in the budget. But is that going on fix the problem?
I will.
Are we going?
Are we going to talk about disconnecting the downspout? Is
that going to fix the problem? I don't think so.
If not with the tunnels being as old as it, how old are the
tunnels is there.
I need a
I know last time they've been how old are the tunnels that
in the ground are somebody wouldn't know that.
It depends.
It depends on that part.
It depends on that part of War but we can certainly get you
like the Aged by by the band of each main Heather different
age. Okay, but we definitely get it. You can't see how do
we select the projects that need to be done?
do
The selection is usually based on their sewer couple of
different things including the supermodel that we just got
swear it look you're looking at flows and you're looking at
potential pinpoint when the system whether we ought to look
at age of the sewer Mains and break in league history,
right? If it's breaking it doesn't matter if it's new it
needs to be repaired. Right? And so we look at a
combination of all those factors to help figure that out.
But obviously with the impacts of the flood that Westside
is the priority making sure that we help your point help
everyone recover from that flood.
Are we done?
Are we definitely want a
We definitely want to continue these conversations with
your if your office.
Okay.
Okay, thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you
for what you done already. I have to share this with my
community. And that's the first thing they'll ask me when I
go to my command me what is going to be done. I don't think
I'll let you all come out and share with them, but you'll
be done if I'm going to get.
read
Ready?
ready to
Ridicule and I want somebody to be there with me because we
have a whole lot more to your department way larger than my
office and more people is working and I don't think that we
should have to make these calls all the time who out in the
street should be cleaning up all the that concerns. My
colleagues are raising. Somebody should be checking that
stuff out on a regular basis. If not, what are they doing
out there?
the absolute
Absolutely.
I absolutely will be there for whatever means you need us
for. All right, thank you talk a little bit about the
replacement of sewer Mains, where we are in the process and
we're where the priorities for 2024 going to be.
Sure, I do.
Sure. I think I think it's important to note that when we
talked about flooding it more than just the replacement of
sewer Mains right? We're looking at other things that help
with flooding but may not be necessary. Just replacing on
Superman, but in terms of the actual mileage
is
in terms of act
In terms of actual mileage Weaver place about 215.6 miles
since 2012, which is the beginning of that accelerated Gip
right about our Target or Target with 220. We're just about
there. But we also slimes doors do we replace them more? So
when?
We can.
we can't get in there in like
We can't get in there in line them for.
We can't get in there in line them first. If we couldn't
find them and create a pipe within a pipe. That's the
preferred is only about a quarter of the cost for
essentially creating a new pipe. So they are we done 593
miles of Silver Lining or go with 479. So we exceeded it
and we also do superstructure rehabs here when we talk
about catch Basin some things that are connected to the
sewers the same thing applies if we can get in there and
Rehab it first that's better than replacing it. We've done
a hundred six thousand superstructure rehabs in our goal
with 95,000. So we exceeded it there to let me talk about
flooding there's additional methods that we look at and you
know, I always say it's a short the medium and long-term
give everything in the short-term things like downspout
just connections that are really impactful if if you can
get lots of people to do it and that's the key is working
on education. The other thing that's involved. There are
some of our wings
which is putting a
which is putting in a
Which is putting in storage components on the areas that are
the public right away that are not where we would only have
a sewer say that it's a cross-section know where it where
you normally have a super on one side and you haven't maybe
some extra space getting some basis in there that can act
as Sir protection for flooding. We also have our Bridge
Superman cleaning and longer scale. We have things like our
area for which is the the one I talked about in my
statement where we have massive underground tunnels that
are going to help get the water to our colleagues at mwrd a
faster manner, but those are billion-dollar side projects
and take a little longer.
Thank you.
Thank you, hun All the Monsters auto Jerry really wanted to
talk when it was actually somebody here. But oh, well, I
guess they could watch it on the review. Thank you. You're
like a back by play neighbors listening here. So my friend
man from Hedwig by doesn't care what goes on on the
northwest side, but that's okay. Commissioner a couple
things. I didn't really have any questions until I got here
and I thought of a couple so I know I could ask you these
anytime even though I almost never call you but that's my
fault not your fault because I never need to call you
because you have a good stay up behind you and I will
mention a few of them as much as I hate to mention people
cuz you know, you're always going to miss somebody but I
will mention four people later on but so
I don't believe any.
I don't believe anybody gets it harder to.
I don't believe anybody gets hit harder than that the 38th
ward in the last 10.
ward in the last 10 years as far as flooding is so and I
had thought of something I think my esteemed colleague from
the 41st Ward try to start something about 8 a flood
control program. You think that's ever really possible. I I
mean, I know if I paid 10000 and he paid 2505 couldn't get
10 bag and he gets 25 big are you think it's ever really
possible financially for us to say hey and the flood
control program for the city. I know a lot about him a good
friend of mine are referred from their former lapis about
him off. Like I'm sure those aren't the same you can't
spend $1,500 and expect you're not going to flood you need
to spend $10,000 on a good flight control in my opinion.
You think there's ever a possibility we could work on
something to a a program a reimbursement for flood
controls.
pause
possum
possibly a
possibly
Yeah. Yeah, go ahead.
We are.
we asked
We actually wrote.
We actually wrote the ordinance already. It was approved
and city council to do the it's the flood control abatement
program where it's kind of done the same way that we do the
shared. It should cost sidewalk program. It's been approved
and city council and it's been rolled out and use as a
pilot program in the 39th Ward already. So it is an active
program ready. We just have to get funding allocated. Sorry
to take that. Thank you order Elmwood Park. They have it.
You know, you can't get 10,000 1500. It's based off of a
certain amount, but I can look into that. Yeah.
the interesting thing
The interesting thing, you know.
The interesting thing, you know when?
The interesting thing, you know what you're referring to if
you don't like backflow prevention or overhead sewers,
obviously as you do your talking Capital cost there. I
think the downside to it though comparative you're looking
at orders of magnitude the first thing I always encourage
people to go to disconnect their dad's house first to see
if that's helpful because it is so much less costly and it
helps the whole neighborhood is you're literally taking him
out of water off your roof and when you get into lawn
that's literally less water in your sewers, or is it a
backflow prevention, you know, that water's got to go
somewhere and it might be your neighbors, right so it can
be a little inequitable but I think it requires a multiple
tools and her school box address flooding so as we look at
Pilot or down but just connection, you know, I think we can
look at things like that as well as where can you
incorporate that and maybe you prioritize folks who the
basement is there living space. There is no other living
things, you know scenarios where they they don't their
basement isn't just for storage. It's Living Well, I
respectfully disagree with that commissioner only because
these torrential one
when
once a
Once every hundred years Reigns we get like once or twice a
year. That's not going to go into the grass is just going
to go right into the sewers again. So I just I just don't
know that's going to work but these once every hundred but
whatever we all we could talk about it also as far as the
replacing the LED.
it's going to
It's going to take us fifteen hundred years of doing.
It's going to take us fifteen hundred years to do this in
the city. So I'm
the city. So another thing you think it's possible. They
have a program there. And if John Smith says hey, I'm
interested in doing it myself another reimbursement
program. You think that's something we could work on it we
could do possibly but I hire my own contractor and you can
get x amount of dollars not the full amount obviously, but
it is basically at a higher than the higher their own
often. They're doing part of a rehab usually know if they
happen to have a plumber. I'm bored already and we wave up
in $5,000 in the permit fees. And so that's similar to what
you're talking about. We can happy dance. So, you know, but
the concept of basically if somebody's really do it late
they think that they're not going to qualify for other
programs. They don't want to wait and you'll be surprised
how many people have actually had to do that? We've
actually had
baby
babe
baby
paper home.
paper homeowner
Paper homeowner initiated 360 people do that or left and
that's way more than I thought would be safe to do is
mention people. First of all, I don't know somebody's doing
something right in your office cuz I'm getting a
communication. So I don't know I do 49 other people I'm
getting them but the 38th ward has gotten them. Just want
to let you know that we're getting himself. So we leaned on
I never call you or Joel's the same people all the time and
last year or two years ago. One of my colleagues got all
bent about losing your general superintendent John
Gallagher. So her lost was my
change the
change song
chainsaw, John Berry
Chainsaw, John Berry keeps me informed. Joey D's been been
great for the twelve years. I've been in in a car. We
always waiting on Marisol and Eliza or Alyssa. Not sure how
to say her name, but those two just want to thank them for
their Communications with us and certainly No Lack of
communications with your office in my office and with that.
Are you the rest of my time and I'm sure give me around to
you later. Thank you very much. Older is pizzato Alderman
Chico followed by older woman has chetas.
I can.
I can share.
I can share her. I'll be real brief commissioner. How many
labor apprentices Bart wear higher this year?
I know.
I know it's on.
I know it's almost four hundred in the total program at
Meijer sell. Do you have the one for this year? We're
actually getting ready to post for that position in the
next month or so. We have not hired any yet this year.
We do.
We don't have the number for 25 and next year.
soda
so Jenna
So generally speaking through a tradition or the
apprentices who graduate the program. We we go between 20
and 25 tires to make room for again. A lot of people
graduate the program every year and they move into
different positions. So about 2025 per year is what we've
been averaging.
How long did she?
How much thank you commissioner. Thank you to all your team.
I know that hard work that you will put into it has been
amazing for me to learn all of the different departments.
When I toured the facility is amazing to understand how
from the water from the lake and we can drink it. I'm a
True Believer of hard work and just can't be no
development. And I know your department is inside. I just
have one question actually all kudos to your team. But just
one question that I'm really worried and my colleague was
talking about the Caymans and how how long it takes. I know
it could be better at that with that process and having
them fixed in in less time. The only thing that also comes
up to my mind when they repair a cave-in or any type of
improvement in inner-city. I think they leave behind all
the materials or the barricades, you know the LIE.
it's
It's a living.
It's a living there for a couple weeks. Then I don't know
if we can talk to the teams are responsible to have going
back and recuperate all of that because of course if we
talking about why did I've seen them in the floor broken,
right and it cost us more money to replace those. So we're
better are going and pick him up. As soon as her a job at
situs is ready and done. I think we can always utilize.
Is Barry Kates in Baton?
Is Barry Kates in that makes?
Is Barry Kates in that material ones in ones and we?
Is Barry Kates in that material once and once and once
again, so it's just my only suggestion or ask that we could
do better A lot of other things to improve but that would
because I've always seen him, you know throwing it in the
middle of the road, you know kids and families are walking
by the sidewalks. They're in the garden, you know, they're
just like blocking the people passage. So we just need to
do better about that.
So
Absolutely, nothing.
Absolutely. Thank you.
Absolutely. Thank you and thank you everyone again.
what's the
first of all
First of all will just want to say thank you madam chair
into the water department. We met in the midst of a water
main break and I definitely want to share for the record
into those who were listening to the quick and Swift
response given by the water department and was it
complicated effort a lot of seniors on the Block water have
to be cut off what you first Deputy stayed until the end.
It was close to 11 past at night when you were there. So I
want to commend you and your entire team for dealing with
so much so fast in addition to that. I had a few questions,
but also wanted to purchase more over the statement than a
question of the efforts to include especially in this
massive contract the those who aren't often times at the
table, especially black and minority partners that can
provide the plumbers so forth and so on again, I want to
man
Men's firstep ready for meeting with explain to me the
process and start the conversation. I'm where where do you
see that bridge being built better? Because oftentimes it
is the case that will really get water maintenance Projects
New Order deals that we made. How can we do if you see a
window better communicate to include more minority owned
black owned companies to participate in the workforce as
well as the project multiple pathways are moving forward on
one is you done that I didn't communication right trying to
make sure that we're talking to the right Folks at the
right and I see I see Esco. I think they're certified
making sure that least the ones that are already certified
are fully aware of all the opportunities. Just tell us
which is huge. So we're going to be hosting its an event at
our facility.
are water
Are water plant?
Are water plants because yeah just been thinking about it
people usually don't see that right and just see a LED
service. I replace them, you know in action but in addition
we're working with you to look at jock to look at small
business initiative, which is a little challenging for us
because the funding sources we have two were working on.
How can we use different funding sources? Because a lot of
times repaste barely restrictive the okay. How do we prove
it? All right, let's find different funding sources. Let's
see what we can.
Webster
West in the GPS
westender GPS constructs and even changing ordinances is no
Within the GPS constructs and even changing ordinances is
necessary to try and find a way to get people to have an
opportunity there. And then I think also looking bigger
picture of how do you get additional people to become
officially certified to be a little bit on these two and
that's we're also working with UPS on bigger Communication
in some big events will be inviting all of you two as well.
You know, I just want to be a bassinet, you know, when it
rains we get all this standing water, but how often do or
who is there a cross reference or cross departmental
partnership will never was another department to keep the
thesaurus clean. Like I don't offer time see a lot of
preventive, you know, take it out the the Glock and all of
that you just see streets over flooded. So how often does
that happen in the wards is their schedule or is it when
you know call is made from a resident or alter?
It's a cow.
It's a common age.
It's a combination so it's a combination of pre-planned
work as well as calls and you because it's an extra eyes
and ears ready for getting calls May, you know, we doesn't
want to be responsive to that but I'm actually going to ask
Matt Quinn to go into more detail.
Good.
Good after.
Good afternoon.
I'm a
I'm in the
I'm in regards to what we would call grid cleaning. We have
Crews specialized to do that City why we try to reach every
area of the city approximately every ten years depending on
Staffing levels and you know emergencies on examples the
last few years. We've had some heavy rains. So those
gridlink programs were rotated into those High flooding
areas and taking off the grid program. We have contractors
available to help us with that aspect of the work as well
on example is currently on the west side. We have a
contractor helping us clean the sores and catch basins over
the next few months. We also have a structural lining and
Sewer lining program and is part of that program. The
contractors are required to clean the structures before
they line up and over the last 10 years. We've probably
lined 100,000 structures on it. So with those are cleaned
and a little over
500 MI
500 Mi of sir
500 Mi of snow
500 Mi of Stormy was lying so that has been cleaned as
well. And then we still have the 311 program. Where
customers can call and request the catch Basin to be
cleaned in front of your house for the sore to be cleaned
in front of their house and this year alone. We
accomplished about 22,000 of those. Thank you.
beat the shot clock
Did the water conservation, I mean when I walk to the plan
it was amazing, but one of the things that you can be here
throughout the tour is the need to cheat the best gift we
have in Chicago with good stewardship. Are there any
conservation projects in the future or are there ways in
which you can imagine, you know older than award partnering
to preserve the water so that we can maintain good
stewardship of it and believe it or not actually two
biggest ways. You can conserve water in Chicago is to get M
into people house and to replace water mains because of
water main one water main break in waste so much water it
so quickly as you being and so that's another thing that we
know with that 10-year accelerated CIP. We were estimated
to conserve I think was 33 million gallons.
play
upon
Upon completion of a significant but also m not so much
that we expect people to stop showering and things like
that, but people just be more aware of leaks and breaks
that might get current silent toilet leak can wait a ton of
water. Usually when we get there or even Finance gets
called about leaks nine times out of 10 it is that running
toilet. And so the other part of it with education, and I
think that's where we need. It definitely could do more in
terms of water conservation is just letting people know.
it may
It may sound.
it may sound trite to
It may sound trite to say check your toy.
It may sound trite to say check your toilet. Don't let the
water run when you brush your teeth, but it all adds up.
water run when you brush your teeth, but it all adds up and
we you know, we seen it over time. So there's things that
we can do like the making sure people are getting M me
especially with a place right now and making sure that
we're doing the water main replacement but there's also
education and conservation and what have you count me in.
Thank you so much, I was also going to just stay too just
us as individuals. We can help with that keeping the catch
basins clear, especially this time of year with the leaves
moving your car has been there street sweeping so that the
street sweepers can also get those leaves up. Those are all
really important things that we can do as residents to help
with the flooding. So what that I'm going to go to other
women man. Have a
thank you.
thank you so much.
thank you so much commission are also want to thank you and
your team for all your work for being a very accessible to
our office and Deputy Commissioner 24 coming to talk to us
about so many things said that you do including public
engagement. It's really necessary right now, especially
given the weddings this woman messes mentioned and I too
I'm going to try man and say I would love to know more
maybe you could speak on this as people are asking for more
information. I'm from your department and as the city wants
to
overhaul r i t c
Over hauler it systems are you doing now?
over hauler it systems are you doing now that you
Over hauler it systems are you doing now that you think is
is going well that maybe we don't know about and maybe what
is it that we could do better your department overlaps with
so many others including see. And the Water Reclamation and
and and and more. So how do you think that a given the
enormity of your work? What would a revamp an it look like
for you to apartment? Thank you for that question ideas
something. I'm kind of nerd out about actually though if I
had my phone had a proper signal right now show you that
the dashboards that at that I keep on there that are
staffed keep on there. So I actually think we are pretty
Progressive when it comes to it. We use a work order system
or we're going to tracking system that we keep up-to-date
real-time. Our folks have iPads in the field to update
data.
all time
What time I'm in.
What time I'm in it gets fed into power from gimr WWII
system into Power bi dashboard so we can track everything
from the you know, Superman can't even type work to the lfl
r-type work and we've taken to the next level by putting
our lead service line inventory on our website is real
time. The mandatory people can look up their address and if
we replace that let service line last week. It'll be
updated in that inventory, which is pretty neat. We also
have it.
time difference
different systems we
Different systems we use you.
different systems we use he is he is regularly, but it
interfaces with our buildings this
interfaces with our Billing System ER Billing System, which
we share with Finance is important. I definitely need we
need my teeth replacement and help with but we're in the
process of where the process of replacing at p.m. Is as
they would call it a billing system as well as our meter
readings at job to modernize it. I remember when it was
first put in and it seems really modern and now it is not
so there's a lot we can do to be more transparent to your
appointment resident. The expectation is the Amazon
experience right now, and I and I and I think that's
understandable those apps there's ways to get information
to people and and that's exactly what we're working on.
Excellent. Thank you so much. I just had two more questions
when it had to do with the Department of Finance and your
insinuation of the utility billing relief program. And do
you think that an overhaul an it might help in that way to
in terms of transparency?
Yeah.
Yeah, but you
Yeah, but yeah.
Yeah, but yeah Department of Finance runs that you be our
system a Chilly Billy Hurley and I'm not sure that I know
what the it. I know that they use Banner for but I'm not
sure if there is additional I.T. Work today or software
that they use. I do know that they'd switch from tube at
the new Banner Avenue Billing System will be helpful in
every way for billing so I can't imagine it will be also
helpful for you be our thank you. Will you speak on the
well, it's
well towards the
well, it towards that and
Well, it towards that and it can you speak on the the
long-term Residential Water affordability strategies that
you might be considering as if it is you're working to
finance an Implement large water scale infrastructure
projects. We had a lot of conversation about water
affordability and in the past month and teach you to speak
on anything that you're doing in your apartment sure. We
obviously work on this with Department of Finance is more
the lead on that but I think part of affordability is
making sure that we're sharing the burden with by
increasing the amount of suburbs that wieser right that the
more that we can build a regional partnership with folks
like city of Joliet that brought on 30 million additional a
year the more that we can spread the costs that are in 82
the system among other people and that helps keep our
residences cost down. I think that there's lots of
different ways that you
Set right.
Set rates up in terms of things. I can be more affordable.
You can have sliding scale depending on income. But you do
in terms of what Department of Water Management has more
direct control over making sure the people get m is pretty
cheap. And that was part of that. You know, what report by
Elevate was folks. You just lie where it had not been the
first to jump in line for me. I M State program then tend
to be the ones that are still non-metered and if you're not
a m at 10 to be high.
which
Which is is out?
Which is is a little ironic and we first started a m State
program and you couldn't convince people.
program and you couldn't convince people that getting a m
was saving money. Now. We're finally the point where people
get it is a way to save money. So you need to work and make
sure that every letter with my we do has a m involved is is
another part of the affordability equation. I had a
question about will you announce is the tunnel project in
2022, right? And then you mentioned it today that's an area
for that's on the south end Forest outside of the city and
that's 9.7 miles long 20 ft Deep Rock Tunnel direct to for
the surplus of rain water and sanitary discharged to mwrd.
Right and and it's supposed to help alleviate basement
flooding and chronic flooding two more than 30,000
residences.
I'm
And can you just update me where exactly is it or slate
like located? And then also how are you involving the
community in this project?
she
Sure. Sure.
Sure sure, and I'll have Brandon dry bar cheapest or speak a
little bit more on this but I think we're at the point
where he designed. So we're really at this point looking at
Space Center store modeling. You know, what's going to show
the most impact sizes dimension. You know, where would what
would the pathway be before we get to the point of actually
talking to me about more detailed design work, but we just
finished the very preliminary design part of it Brandon.
Can you provide more info? Sure, so good afternoon chief
engineer sewers.
I'm so! And we've recently completed the preliminary
assessment and feasibility study. So the next phase of this
is going to be us issuing a RFQ to obtain what we consider
the face to design which is the final design that'll be
through 2024 and then we'll be looking for funding for
construction starting somewhere in the realm of 2025. The
tunnel is it starts off at 106th and Torrence is the
downstream and where that's an existing mwrd tunnel system.
We pick up there and run north to 93rd Street and then West
on Halsted.
thank
Thank you for that. I I just want to say I appreciate all
the work that you're doing and your team. I think that
water is so Central to Chicago how we were built around our
water waste system and I'm interested in learning more and
and just thank you for your work. Thank you for your work
on Equity as well. I appreciate that. You have a Deputy
Commissioner to oversee labor relations in 2nd. I I of
course always say that the d i is not a checkbox. So can
you just very quickly speak on the role of this person and
exactly how you are bringing Gia has to work and we talked
about your hiring practices and now you're bringing people
in but can you speak anything more on that? Sure sure. The
it is I agree. It's really important role and especially
given the history of our department and so
one of the
Any one of them?
one of the first things that
One of the first things that that's any rwd isn't working
on his buddy I training but let's just start out with the
basics and that was t.i. Training provided by a contractor
to our senior staff and then now all of our supervisory
staff their continued to roll that out and the other parts
of a door. So they rolled in also from me the equity and
racial Justice work that we're doing
cohort so
Cohort so but looking at the water operator and training
program, you know looking but the daycare lslr program was
born out of that as well making sure that we're looking at
daycares in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods, but
there's so much more we can do it be doing so we also added
the budget for next year as senior Equity officer. We have
an equity officer. We had a person sold in there but
unfortunately didn't work out that we have a new vacancy
for that as well as well the equity officer senior Equity
officer and we have the deputy. So I will be filling that
that section out in 2024.
Great. Thank you again for all your work and thank you for
being here. Thank you to thank you next.
Pikachu
making sure
Future commissioner and seemed good to see you all know
where I'm going down to it. So I will be quick. I have
three questions will really two questions that come at once
would + 10 the possibility of an official government
liaison will underscore that with Elise in particular we
get terrific responsiveness, but I think that she like many
other people are overstretched and probably have a number
of responsibilities and it just kind of working exclusively
with our offices. So I think that could be our resources
well spent my first question is series of questions is
around sewer cleaning. So was wondering to start if we're
aware of what the average amount of time. It is for a sewer
cleaning and stuff.
Joker
Sure.
sure, I'll
sure, I'd like the
Sure. I'd like to have my
Sure. I'd like to have McClintock and
Sure. I'd like to have Matt Quinn talk in more detail about
that.
dancing
Good afternoon, the sewer cleaning inspection for a cruise
the first response to a customer complains about 3 days and
then the time for 6 cleaning out the structure if it's
confirmed that based on the inspection some sort of
cleaning needs to occur, but not something as significant
is Alderman Quinn was discussing earlier in terms of an
actual cave in.
sofa
sofrito
So for 2023 average response time to clean.
Catch me.
catch basin
Catch basins main stores and Ali's is a little under 20
day. And then my last question so we is an office aren't
able to see all the internal notes from the WM work orders
after a crew marks an issue is completed her clothes. We
see this coming up a lot in the context of us were
cleaning. So just why I want to start off with that
question. So we're oftentimes reaching house and sent to
Lisa sometimes others to clarify. What if any work is
scheduled to be completed and I would welcome ideas around
how that information can be provided in a more proactive
way. Ideally not be a person, but maybe there is just some
additional information back in on 311 or elsewhere we can
just go
see
See what's going on?
see what's going on say
See what's going on save your department a lot of time and
get our residents a quick response in terms of yes, you can
see anyone in the Publican c-311 marked as complete in
terms of inspection. Here are the results of the next steps
if we're going to take so I don't know if there's a
response right now. I don't need a response right now. But
if you don't have one immediately available through the
chair way would be much appreciated.
Sure.
Sure yet.
Sure. Yeah, and I think you know, if you look at the old
romantic Toradol and you know the information to provide
their there's there may be some opportunities there as
brainstorm some options to the extent. We can be a good
sounding board as an office and that's all I have.
Thank you. Bye.
Thank You by vice-chair, I'm also going to go action Kali
met Martin ask the question, but I'm a gummy through the
process. So I know we talked about from the sewer
Inspection Cleaning inspection 3 days to inspect the
inspector about 20 days to clean it. When does the ticket
get closed and I'll and I'll say why after your answer
I'll get back to be.
I'll get better at the big picture of review that the
inspection gets closed when the inspection is done. But
that creates that creates the next ticket. Alright, if it's
depending on what they find her in the inspection for the
mobile app that creates the repair ticket, then that open
and and gets closed unless you're referring to Restoration
know somebody a cleaning inspection. It gets closed but I
don't see anyone being open again and then you know, the
residents are calling us and say it's still pretty bad like
nobody came and cleaned it but then we're like yes I wanted
was there but then when we go out to inspect that it's
actually that has not been clean and has been for quite
some time from the day that I was Center. Is there anyway
and I know we talked about this with other departments
where you know quick picture or happy we show that the work
was done because we often find ourselves that we have to
read
Reese
resume
resubmitted another ticket and then the explanation say
take pride ticket was closed, but it wasn't nothing was
clean.
Are you?
Matt do we have those? I think we have the ability to add
pictures. I'm not sure if we currently do nothing. We
currently take pictures the right there. Can you just say
your name or just for the transcript?
Yes, I was.
Yes, I'll try to get.
Yes, I'll try to get you the answer to the chair to examine
RIT structure to see if we can do that.
Okay. Also, I know earlier another my colleagues also asked
about the the standard protocol of plan work which it has
you know, what share with us. It will be within weeks.
We'll get a call or an e-mail. That's something that I want
to share that that's not happening often as well in my
office when it comes to emergency. So I understand it's an
emergency and thinks after we happened fast. However, you
know a quick call. I'm always you no answer my phone at any
time and I already share this with with
play
Marisol said this a situation with Marisol and she has
issues helping me but I just don't want to run into this
situation. We were talking to Residents every day. They're
calling our office and then us to email and it is very
frustrating at my end that I can provide an answer to my
constituents when they're looking at me and saying you
don't know what is happening at you know, yesterday was a
situation we had on Belmont Avenue, I reach out to other
departments from eomc to the commissioner for see. We were
all trying to find out what was going on and we couldn't
find permits. We couldn't find any information. So that is
frustrating not only to my residence but also to me just
because I want to provide the best information to them how
I mean if you don't have my phone.
I mean if you don't have my phone number or whatever maybe
I mean if you don't have my phone number or whatever, maybe
I can share that but what is a plan to eliminate this or
lemonade? But get better at these situations you have
anything in mind that you would like to suggest what I
think and I think we need a reminder to our staff. But I
think that we can you know, knowing hearing what I am
hearing today, you know will look and re-evaluate what are
procedures are make sure that our staff know what they are
and make sure that we have the right contact information
for example, like if maybe we need to know which each
Alderman prefers text phone call email to some extent I say
hey, you know what? I'm a bit older men prefers a quick
phone call we can make sure that that's happening versus an
email. They might be happening and maybe that's not quick
enough. But let us take a look back and re-evaluate our men
are procedures and also with the flooding. We just
experienced. I know there's there's other cities around,
you know around the Chicagoland area. They do like rebate.
or some of the
Or some of the repairs they have to do I understand we had
FEMA for those but how do we we being proactive for future
we know climate has a lot to do with it with what's
happening. And I think that's something that we can stop
and prevent but how we can prepare for other situations. No
hug, we can look into you know the city budget and when it
comes to the also the water department would have been some
of the rebates. What are we doing? And I can just besides
you know, what you'll be adding to hold water the 9.7
miles. Is there anything else in mind that you have. Thank
you for that question. I think in addition to some of that
b b i r e b type program that we can take a look at we've
been focusing on get down. So disconnection pilot where you
can reach a lot of people all at once that are all been
taking all that water off of the roof and putting it not in
the sewer.
we also
We've also been like
We've also been look.
We've also been looking at a great.
We've also been looking at our grid-based cleaning catch
Basin sewer Mains. We have a private sewer drain repair
program as well. And then it seems like our space to grow
partnership that department of environment mentioned
earlier. That's what I'm wrdn CPS will be are putting
stormwater storage and Adam. Can you play G? I do some
creative ways that were flooding. Thank you. I also just
want to say thank you to Alyssa. She has been great, and
she every time we call her.
Play when I don't can read.
Play when I don't can reach her. I was like, I don't know
what else to do. She has been great.
else to do. She has been grade, but also to William William
TD is that yes, thank you for showing up. We had a
community meeting regarding addressing the flooding in
Portage Park and graciously, you're the permanent other
departments where they are there were some tough
conversations, but we appreciate all of you being there. So
I just wanted to say a quick. Thank you.
Are you ready for you around 2. I think I am.
this game
This came up and it has been asked and answered and just go
briefly this contractor call Michaels.
are there
Are they receive?
Are they refusing to clean sewers because they haven't
gotten paid.
Empi. Can you ask?
Can you ask that question again contractors that week the
contract that we use Michael's are they refusing to clean
sewers because they haven't gotten paid. No, I don't
believe they're refusing to somebody. Can we be sure he's
not in his head. He probably I think it's just making sure
I answer it with clarity.
96
nicest
Asus tablet
That is a stop to work is Michael still cleaning? Sewers are
they they are still clinging to a show who who's making
sure that that happened Who's the who?
it was
It was the pop.
It was the part.
Who is Department that oversees Michaels that would be
willing to be so they are they are they out there. They're
still working when we call him. They are not having any
invoicing problems truck. They don't have any invoice
problem invoicing issues, but they are still working, but
that still going okay.
Gray
green stamp
green stem
Green 79th to 83rd Street is again to watch Autumn. And
Riley was talking about this is important to me and I
talked about it with you offline on it. Cuz it's just
important that you can look at it to see what's going on. I
know we had some other chicks we had some water main breaks
out there. She did a good job of getting out there, but
then they would try to wait until they lay the new parts
like the new pipes have been laid and I need to know when
the street is going to be fully resurfaced.
because the
Because the community has been on.
Because the community has been almost two years now with
everything going on with the brakes and the fixture that
the community is from 79th and green up to the corner of
83rd and green.
Where's my app?
Where's my am I missing something. Give me a second, and
maybe I wasn't ready.
holding your time to
Holding your time. Thank you so much.
Oh.
Oh, okay then.
Oh, okay, the contractors that see that uses for
resurfacing how many of those contractors do we have in a
queue total? And how many of the contractors are African
American contractors?
did
Did you say?
Did you say the the contract of the sea. Using a water cuz
you all use private contractor? Probably be a sexy. Cuz I'm
always thinking tree resurfacing. So how many contractors
do you have that you use and of those ones that you because
you probably pre-qualified them. I'm sure and and of the
ones that you prequalify as vendors how many
African-American this that you hired to do Street
resurfacing if you don't know that right off the bat,
please provide if someone Know It please answer, but if
No one.
No one has it right now, please provide.
No one has it right now, please provide it to.
No one has it right now. Please provide it to the chair. Do
you have it answer now? All of this information was already
requested of all minority vendors by group and what
percentages of how much overtime as you know, Emanuel
Administration. I had a hearing over regarding racism and
things like that in and out of that some issues came up
about overtime and I'm still hearing from people that is it
overtime being distributed equitably and it's been and who
is response for making sure certain people get overtime.
Yeah.
Yeah, I believe that our overtime is distributed equitably
it's it's distributed by each section supervisor, but with
monitor, you know, fire department. We're always trying to
make sure that we're minimizing it overall obviously, but
usually it's very focused on seasonal flooding winners, you
know, as well as our 24/7 shift operations and I water
plants so I believe it is distributed equitably so when you
said with monitoring and how we looking at it, so it's
somebody someone has a sheet to say.
so
show me the
so many people
require
request it over to
requesting overtime. They got it. What race they were all
of that is that how is that was I mean when we say after we
how do we know exactly what is a list rotations but they go
through that are required to call it the next person on the
list depending on exactly that the union they each have
their own set of rules. We need to look at that because I'm
hearing that I don't we can go about what I'm hearing. I
don't know if it's factual not so I got at least ask and
poop it out that there's still some practices that's going
on in there where I'm over time as not being in a
distributed equitably.
Would you like?
Where would you like to have the
Where would you like to have that through the chair what
the policies are for allocating overtime by each different
that only the policy but I can set up policy but is that
policy being followed and how I how do I know if the Impala
are we using certain metrics, you know and keeping that
that I have a Marisol add on to that answer employees who
receive overtime are covered under the contract. So the CBA
governs how the overtime is distributed to the employees
for overtime. So we if and when we do have issues related
to someone saying they didn't receive overtime where they
should have been up for overtime versus someone else they
do.
how
Have the ability.
have the ability to file a grievance which
Have the ability to file a grievance with the department
will take a look at it.
will take a look at it and respond to appropriately and
then I just want to thank
I like.
but I guess
like I said.
And
Allied
A lot with Adonna but my staff there's a lot with mr.
Knight and Eliza. And is she one of my staff my director
considering service when you to make sure I thanked her I
don't I don't spend a lot of time with Eliza, but when she
calls her I guess the work is getting done. And so I want
to thank mr. Knight and Eliza for responding to my staff
when they call.
I think
I thank you. Thank you.
Thank you. I love.
Thank you Autumn amore.
we were
We will.
We will have a vice trailer.
Hello.
LOL
Hello again, just give me one second to unlock my computer.
we should
When should I change things?
We should I check thanks for being here today. And thank
you everybody that's here in the box of your teams. Always
very responsive. I'll get that all expunged but the the
acknowledgments are great and I have them on speed-dial
whenever there's a water issue and they are always quick to
answer my calls in to keep me informed of you know
Solutions and what's going on. I'll jump into the
questions.
Let's do.
Let's service line replacement. What's your goal for which
our Target for 2020 for The Replacements? 8000 Lazarus on
your place amongst all the program is this put us in terms
of us is going to take us probably generations for this but
every year what was that look like for us in terms of
completion how much time sure at 8,000 is is a ramp of
goals in your whistle ramping up. Basically we have about
fifty years to do it for the state law. We'd like to get it
done faster than that funding is going to be a big part of
it as well as Workforce, but we basically will be required
starting in 2027 because of the state law to do a certain
percentage. We are about two and a half percent of year and
there are still several regulations that are pending
actually this winter from the federal government so that
there are called action right now, but we'll see.
we may
We made.
We may have to pick.
we may have to pay the
We may have to pay a little bit depending on what comes
down the pipeline with your ex and do we do we think we
have enough contractors to to do this? I know availability
of plumbers is a really tough thing it is we do not know I
do not read the whole state of Illinois. The plumber to let
service line ratio is lower than any other state. So it's
something that we've had lots of conversations the plumbers
Union and and the whole state about how do you create more
plumbers sure has 8,000 for next year. What what are we?
going
Going to complete by the end of this year for.
Going to complete by the end of this year 4500. We are still
in the what are we doing? What let service lines in
schools? And yeah, so we work at CPS on LED testing, but
they actually don't really have any service lines that are
LED their leg come from older Plumbing inside the building
at Old galvanized Plumbing. Great. Thank you for that.
I'm already on.
I'm already asked about.
I'm already asked about sewer cleaning. I will not be that
dead horse again, I'll just for the sake of my
constituents. You know, I think every aldermanic office
gets complaints about just restoration after work after
work has been done. So anything that we can do to work with
our contractors to stay on top of that a little bit more I
think communication is really key.
Have a
having
Having and having someone stopping at the office. If you're
great at the beginning and it will get will get a quick
overview of what what the project is. The sewer Mains were
replacing front of my board office not all that long ago.
So get a nice kickoff meeting. I think where we where we
have room for improvement is sort of throughout the
process, you know, if there's a delay for some reason I
think just improving that so that we can then communicate
that to the community because a lot often times that will
get his phone calls that say, you know what there's
equipment out here.
nothing
Nothing's being done or like one.
nothing's being done or like
Nothing's being done or like when is this going to be done
with this?
with this is taking up all the parking things that that I
think every one of our offices are contending with anything
that you could do on that front, especially with the the
contractors to make sure that they're staying in
communication with us would be great. So that was more of
a, not a question of how did they provide accountability
with contractors, you know, so we can any plan to prevent
address or mitigate some of this stuff would be happy to
hear about it. Thank you for the question. I think we're
really excited to see some of the changes that are going to
be coming with our new construction management office and
project management office. And you know, they were brought
on board and about May of 2023. And now that they've kind
of gotten on-boarded. I think 2024 going to be seeing more
of a communication and more of that kind of ability. We do
hold contractors liquidated.
we have
We have week.
We have weekly.
We have weekly meetings with contractors and we also in
securing some auditing. We're we're comparing, you know,
every work order to Restoration do they match are there 12
we're missing a restoration and you know, do we need to do
any retraining on staff? So we're initiating more of the
auditing side of that as well. So I think you'll be seeing
some improvements but definitely will continue to work on
on what other opportunities we have to connect communicate
throughout the process to make sure respirations are
happening and it's happening and it happening anytime.
fashion
Fashion and communicating with with the residence on
expectations to I was recently in a conference and they had
signs up for their projects for the beginning and the end
but there's obviously to make sure that the continued
Communications challenge just wanted people want to know
what's going on in the neighborhood if I may be allowed a
couple more here. So I don't I would be there around 2, so
it doesn't matter what's going in where was talking about
earlier?
I get we had a lot of people walking in the door to when I
get a massive water bill and we're dealing with those
issues where folks may have the toilet running or they may
not know that there's a leak underground on their property
and we've asked the Comptroller about this before to us
when I have someone coming with a bill from the the month
before was $350 a quarter before a $350 is the next
quarter. They've got a $14,000 bill and I have no good
answer for them because they are the M been check the meter
is working and there's nothing like there's a leak
someplace that
because I
Because a resident can't see it inside their house is not a
swimming pool inside their house. They haven't used a drop
of this water if they're still being charged for it and
really the from a policy perspective and I'm told that that
water was metered and counted and confirmed. There's
nothing we can do for them. And if they don't qualify for
the payment plan or stuck with the $14,000 Bill all of a
sudden and are facing, you know collection it is there any
work going on I even from a legislative perspective to try
to help aid our residence in this and I I know is he
looking at them peepers options in terms of how did he call
it? Like a review process Amor official review process to
go through I think for our part we want to make sure that
we can provide that updated m m billing software that can
provide more real-time data is right now, we only read a m
was a month. We have we have you know, 65% of our
94th
94000 accounts i r m a tremendous amount so being able to
get to a point where we're taking that data and what they
call a fix network. We're getting that data may be more
daily hourly. So customer can find out if they have an
earlier person is a real late. They can find out earlier
and then you know, obviously there's things like the
utility billing relief program as well where they can
forgive him of that. But for our part, we want to get to
the point where they don't have that they have that
awareness of their not building up that big Bill in the
first
So they don't have to go.
So they don't have to get to the Comptroller and go through
that for.
that process. We did and shut off the course in 2018 as
well for you know for Billy.
well for you know for billing issues.
well for you know for billing issues to give them time to
be able to account without to do those kind of reviews and
see what's going on. Thank you one on language access
language accessibilities Citywide. I talked about this
quite frequently and more than half of my word now is Asian
predominantly Chinese speaking. Can you talk about how many
if you know this Chinese speaking staff you have I know
that the the LEDs service line information, I believe is
already translated in the traditional Chinese witch and
thank you for for doing that because that's really
important. And if you tell me the Frontline staff wise do
we have people that can speak the language also a challenge
I think across-the-board. I have one at least one Chinese
speaking the staff member of my staff and if she's not
there to
Translate really difficult. I think we have tried to be
very proactive about that in every written opportunity. How
do you know if you look at our website, we have multiple
languages that you can translate see with like a click of a
button for example on our Arlette page. I think we could do
a better job in terms of the the pamphlet that we hand out
with you. Usually like Chinese polish English Spanish, but
I think there's more we could be doing there.
I just
and especially you know what you
And especially you know what you do the traditional Chinese
herbs.
Chinese simplified but so depends away all your friends
that we have staff members with 2,300 staff. We have
probably just about every language covered but our
contractors are really helpful especially start talking
about what we want to make sure that not only can meet you
in the Cape of the contractors are anyone that's
communicating can be able to reach out and and you told
corporately on cuz we're never going to get it supposed to
be sunny on Sunday complicated and big without doing sign
language does not like pressing a button, right? This is a
minor construction projects that we just need to be
communicating in there. And I think there's opportunities
including at the building where my office is and we were
able to I know your folks go door-to-door. They come out
multiple times and we try to communicate to through our
newsletter to someone's going to be knocking on your door.
Don't be afraid of them.
another come
another,
You know they're coming.
You know, they're coming with with good news. Actually, I
that's going to be helpful to you. I think the more we can
do that, especially when we're in areas where we know at
the aldermanic level. We know that there were none
non-english speakers. We can work together to maybe hold a
community meeting where you can have One Stop Shop and
address a whole lot of people all at once. My final
question is around how long it takes to pay our contractors
the one of the things I
I hear from Asian.
I hear from asian-owned contractors. Is that the city and
this is not just water. So I'm not putting this just on
water. I think it's at The Chronic issuance. One of the
things that's very frustrating because you know, it's a
city we are you've heard it around this room participation
by minority and women-owned businesses is very important.
And well, you know it warning a contract is important. It's
even more important that we pay people on time. I think
part of the challenge with whether or not we have enough
people that live in the numbers are sufficient enough in
terms of price and subs for contract Builders is there is a
company's ability to float money to the city and it's quite
unfair at the end of the day for the city not too, you
know. It's commitments when the work's already been done. I
would like through the chair if you could I may never know
if this is you or if this is procurement, I'd like a
breakdown of outstanding payments to minority-owned firms.
by
I have no
I have missed.
I have necessity and I go back and whatever we have
outstanding. I'd like to see what the outstanding as of
today because I I've heard enough and I will work with
whoever I understand. I need to spend some contractors that
there's work that's been done for several years now that
they still haven't been paid for so I'd like to get some of
that stuff cleaned up so we can clarify to you. Sometimes
there's the financing of the whole the height of the end
until the project is completely clear.
but then we also have somewhere it's it's let you know what
you
legitimate invoices that haven't been paid and definitely I
know we've heard that as well and we're participating in
the 50/50 program in terms of payment. But we also time
that payment doesn't get the band ber. It's right right
though. Thank you. That's all I have Sherman commissioner.
Just a cup.
Just a couple of
just a couple of items are as relates to
all
are we manage?
are we managing?
soul
so like
selection of a vendor's and nbe spin.
There were Carver.
There are conversations with fire of procurement hearing
about how the selection committees are created and how what
those selections committee look like and how that may not
be yielding us the best results from a diversity spend
perspective. Can you walk us through how your evaluation
process your selection process is when it comes to making
these decisions are related to who you going to use. Who do
you how do you qualify folks in the light?
thank
Thank you. You do a lot of our time is it if it's low bid
situation is a depends on the project but stay it's
something a project like like an RCMP is a good example
where we did have a committee that was done for selection
and you really look at qualification it just as much as
you're looking at price and I think usually those are by
Vai subject matter expert depending on the area trying to
get a broad-spectrum. So I think you know, like for example
her RPM, I think we had people from multiple different
sections anyone that was impacted, you know by that
contract but you don't happy to work with picture and then
or you know your office to a question is like strictly a
big issue are there.
are there a
Are there are other factors of goals that you are put into
these?
call
cobra
Conversations to look at the diversity of the spin that
that exist cuz when we asked for Pyramid procurement says
well by the time they get involved you guys are at the
point of pretty much letting a contract at that point my
push back to them was that will nothing you can move
without their blessing. So why?
Why?
Why isn't there more carbs?
Why isn't there more conversation or?
Why isn't there more conversation earlier in the process so
that it doesn't become a point where it has to be rejected
or has to be done over again, cuz that's a wasted effort
and energy. So I guess I'm trying to get some clarity on
how you all arrived to the decisions. And if you're just
telling us his just buy low bid then there needs to be a
little more intervention in the process to make sure that
we're looking at the the values of the city and everything
else that's happening and I guessed it at and what is a
Deputy Commissioner Sequoias roll in in in this if they're
doing diversity dni. What role do this? She play or people
in her Department play in the procurement aspect of what's
Happening.
Go to the question.
Go to the question that we really are amazing very focused
on on DIY on buy more like initiatives and programs but I
think our RMB Contracting mom has really been how is in our
department Deputy of procurement Services, which we
actually had recently retire. So we filling that role but I
think that's going to be something that time you could
also, you know be involved with I think that the toys for
the new Deputy procurement, you know, a person is going to
be pretty important because I think that bad Drive
Any participation in?
Participation is going to Pretty Kitty.
Participation is going to pretty Key West and what projects
would be your denr Deputy be looking at if you weren't
around spend or what. What else do you all work working on?
Are we are we are we getting there in the same amount of
time throughout the city. If not, is there a reason or like
are LED kit for around like we we send them all out are we
getting them returned equitably. Do you know throughout the
city? Are there some neighborhoods were knocking return Why
or what are we what do we need to change about our program
but also things like from an HR perspective by training
making sure that then our folks are acting professionally
inappropriately the workforce.
but I think it's
But I think it's something that you know what it is, but
the section is just beginning. So I think it's something
that we could look at it as including as well agree with
that, but I think that the department has had long-standing
issues that have been well documented throughout the years
even though I do see that you all are making a stop sign.
This is my first time seeing that there was a deputy
dedicated to to the work. I'm just I'm just concerned that.
What?
What is it that we're?
What is it that where you know, what is it that we're
looking at or if there are other initiatives in the box of
dni?
the
that we
That we could be looking at because wow service most
definitely is in busier is important water broader picture
about the economics and when we start looking at Workforce
and spend those are those are the things that I think give
us the greatest bag and loveridge it if this is going to be
an expanded HR function of just talkin about programming
then there is a place for that. I think this body has great
interest in the economics behind it. When you look at it in
the take the chance outside of the fire department. This
department probably is the least diverse of any Department
in the city and you all in my opinion of making great
strides on your leg.
Where is in the other pee?
Where is in the other piece? We got to switch that up a
little while and I'll switch it up, but add to the
procurement aspect of it. And I think we can definitely be
well on our way to making the type of progress. I think
that most members of council are looking to to see one
thing that I will say is that
Why?
watch I
watch on the
Why turn the water on at home, but comes out so that's job
number one and that you all have mastered. I know we have
some of the best water and water quality in the United
States. I think God in time. This city will become very
valuable to the country as we have one of the largest
bodies of fresh water anywhere. So I know that we are
adequately in a good space. We just need to work on I'll
call the edges of what it is that needs to occur, but from
a you know distribution, I've never turned the water on and
not had water not come out of never lets the toilet in the
water didn't float away. I needed to flow so I'm from that
aspect. We doing a great job. We just need to get the
economics in the in a little better shape and I think that
will make the department. I think A1 and an example for not
just Chicago but an example for the country so weird.
Yes.
just
is this
You know, we got another.
you know, we got another department love.
why is
Why did you do this?
Why did you do this before we started man? I just be ready
to go and move on here. You come Johnny come lately you
back in that back that talk in moving around with this
done. The other grab a chairman. Robert said that's what
they told me when I came in. So go ahead and thank you very
much for that. If I could get a specific uses for the
finance General money, right? Cuz that's the one where
we've been asking the protection of a flex day to talk more
through it cuz it's such a big number so you can show us
that that would be helpful.
another car
Another question is
Another question was obviously we have been going through
flooding. I know that we've accounted for by the South Bend
Indiana having like smart sewers and such and just want to
see like what ideas you will have to address kind of what's
Happening clearly put a lot of money to be spent for the
other like Creative Solutions as to what we need to do to
get people better prepared to better address when we're
seeing the flooding happening in no problem of the three
sure, you'll see in a budget at $3000000 Pilot for sewers
for exactly that for trying to go beyond the nuts and bolts
and look at some really creative stuff including create a
shot.
and clean that Wing storage I was talking about earlier, but
which I
which is like the underground storage within a Citywide
Subway as well as most of construction methods and the
residential. But the connection program is well and Sewer
cleanouts, but that's exactly what we're trying to do with
that that pilot money is due some pretty creative stuff. So
I'd like to report all communication money has been used
and like the names and positions of the folks and DW on
that are focus on like public affairs and Communications
cuz we have residents are being notified and a timely way
about boil orders are water shut off like we hear about it
from the war at the ward office cuz I haven't gotten a
heads up. I know some of these emergency that I understand
but just want to know like who does a Communications how is
being spent? I do appreciate that. We've had Angel
Hawthorne and Tony pallotta come in now on board nights,
they're going to deliver some information, but it feels
more one-off rather than like a strategy on Tom's. So just
kind of how much money you're spending on comms who's doing
and what the plan is.
Thank you.
Thank you, very
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much are.
order
Auto Wrecker
go to record every last thing that you asked has already
been asked so I I mean you got you got to got to pay
attention that I'm just
Yeah, I mean you.
Yeah, I mean, you know, that's that's why we we had
Insurance love you, but you got a lot going on. But you
know, we had to do that with the exception of those from
procurement. You all excuse will stand in recess for a few
minutes while the Sea. Comes in.
Network on everything
Grafton
Good afternoon. We're back on with the Department of
Transportation will start with a or short presentation from
a code for Dan from Cofer followed by opening statement in
the staff instructions from our commission of Kearney.
then
dinner
Daniel for
Daniel first round Council office of financial analysis. So
last today we have discovered Department of Transportation
and in our conversations with members before these hearings
and surveys some of the Prime issues that came up where
infrastructure planning of the capital projects of project
coordination and communication with the members
particularly and different issues involving the menu in
potential menu money menu money reform.
and now
and that allow
And that along with a diversity in the workforce of the
Citi Bike grid equity and contracts by duct repair and I
really just the project selection process in general.
so
Go to the numbers for FY. Twenty four. We have 1.48 billion
that is 825.1 million more than fy20 3. So I will state
that, you know, this giant increase in spending is just the
way the infrastructure Grant Cycle Works really you have
the federal infrastructure bills you owe the state capital
such as rebuild Illinois program. Your these are multi-year
life cycles typically five or more years. So the actual
spend it is dependent on how many projects are slated or
program to begin in a given year. So simply put if you look
at the f y 24 side of your budget box or in these grass it
essentially shows what the department believes it could
potentially get some portion thereof as well if you're
looking at the fy20.
freestyle
recite
Reefside I would describe that Moore's actual receipts of
Grants spending and again to Grant's makeup 85 about 85% of
this one point for a billion dollars. So that's why it
looks like there's a big gap there. So as far as fpe's
there's 1593 that's 53 more than fy20 three only three.
43 /
43% is from the corporate fund and 163.8 million is for
personnel in 1.3 billion is non Personnel so you can see a
breakdown here by fund again. The other shows that grants
make up 84.04% of total spend.
and then
And then you break it down by the STDs. You can see where a
majority of those 1593 are coming out that including the
vehicle tax fun in motor fuel tax fun for the most part.
and I
and then he
And then here so there's three pages of Grants of in their
broken-down by amount. So the so the biggest ones are at
the top here the surface Transportation program the eye.
Transportation funds rebuild Illinois dceo grants. And so
if you look at the slides that were handed out you can read
more about all the individual grants.
more
More install once you break it down by category 160 3.8
million as far as Personnel again, and you can see most of
it about 1.1 billion is for a permanent Improvement, and
that is a prekopa.
add a
Adair
add an
Adair
what's the
Whistler
Wesner you you could introduce the staff and then give your
opening statement. So I'll greatly appreciate nothing will
open for questions between our two Transportation Traders
and go from there. Yes. Thank you chairman. So start with
introductions to my right is a chico High Deputy
Commissioner division of administration in the box. We have
a Alonzo Owens managing Deputy Commissioner of operations &
Bourke chief engineer managing Deputy Commissioner. Did
Krishna Murthy managing Deputy Commissioner over planning
and Design.
Sam Alexander debit
Sam Alexander deputy
Sam Alexander Deputy Commissioner signed management Mike
Drake Deputy Commissioner in house construction Abraham
Emmanuel Deputy Commissioner Traffic Safety in the second
row J. Khalil Deputy Commissioner division of
infrastructure management.
Craigslist
Craig Turner Deputy Commissioner division of electrical
operations John Waddell, Deputy Commissioner division of
Citywide services and and Zane Deputy Commissioner division
of engineering I will also add that we have a former Deputy
Commissioner Luann Hamilton who's in the audience
long-time. See. We're happy to have her here as well. But I
thought I'd give her a shout out statement followed by
Automotive Sparta will start first.
thank
Thank you, German.
Thank you chairman. Good afternoon, Jeremy Irvin,
vice-chair Lee and members of the city council. Thank you
for having the Chicago Department of Transportation before
you today. My name is Tom Carney acting Commissioner of C.
I look forward to answering your questions and discussing
the work see. Is doing to maintain and improve our
transportation infrastructure in every neighborhood for the
people of Chicago with more than 40 100.
miles of streets for
miles of streets
Miles of streets 413 Bridges and viaducts nearly four
hundred miles of on-street bike weighs over 300,000
streetlights / 774 hundred miles sidewalk and nearly 3,000
signalized intersection Citywide see. Overseas one of the
largest and most complex Transportation networks in the
country to keep Chicago moving safely and efficiently see.
Is committed to maintaining these assets in a manner that
increases accessed opportunities and promote safety for all
residents and visitors.
Juanita
twenty
2020
2023 has been a very busy year for C. And we look forward
to carrying this momentum into 2024. We made significant
progress on numerous major projects including the
following. We completed the 43rd Street pedestrian bridge,
which is a new fully accessible pedestrian and bicycle
bridge over South to Sauble Lake Shore Drive leaving South
Side residents easier access to Chicago's Lakefront.
crew
Cruise come
Cruz completed several major milestones for the Jackson
Park Mobility improvements project in support of the Obama
Presidential Center. This includes the construction of
three new pedestrian underpass and a new fully reconfigured
signalized intersection at Hayes drive and Richards Drive
when completed this project will provide multimodal access
to the OPEC and lace front.
Aruba
Revitalize Jackson Park and strengthen the surrounding
neighborhood
we're
We're completely.
We're completing several improvements and significant
repairs to DuSable Lake Shore Drive this spring we
completed much-needed resurfacing between LaSalle drive and
Lawrence Avenue. Currently. We are completing payment
patching and Joint repairs between 31st Street and 57th
Street. We recently began work on to Sauble Lake Shore
Drive Bridge Viaduct Network to make repairs essential for
the bridges preservation and long-term health
in 20
In 2024 c. Will begin rehabilitating the Lake Street
bascule bridge over the South Branch of the Chicago River
this major Rehabilitation will include complete replacement
of the bridge which carries double track CTA trains on the
upper level and vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the
lower level.
Robert
progress
Progress continues on the construction of the dam and Lake
Green Line CTA station that will open next year and fill an
important Transit gap on the westside in 2024 will break
ground on the new State and Lake CTA station that will
replace the more than 100 year old existing structure.
she
Chicago's divvy bike-share system expanded service city wide
and is the largest system by area in North America. We're
also adding more bikes and new stations to make the vehicle
access more convenient and Equitable throughout every
neighborhood.
we
We can.
We continue.
We continued our work to make our communities more livable
and vibrant through streetscape project projects in
neighborhoods across the city.
through,
Through coming through Community engagement and strategic
design engineering or streetscape program creates safe
public places that reflect the unique character of
Chicago's diverse. Neighborhoods is your we broke ground
and made significant progress on several major streetscape
projects across the city including in Back of the Yards,
Austin Rogers Park South Chicago Mount Greenwood in Lincoln
Square dozens of additional streetscape projects are in
various phases of design and engineering and procurement.
and it did
in addition to
In addition to these major projects we've been making an
unprecedented price it in a number of safety improvements
on our streets to reduce traffic crashes. And sure that
everyone can move around our city safely comfortably
regardless of their age ability or mode of transportation
this year. We are on Pace to install more than 55 Mi of
whiteway projects including more miles of protected and
stress bike Lanes than any pre
Stress bike Lanes than in any previous year. We also
released the Chicago cycling strategy, which outlines are
community-driven approach to extend Chicago's bike Network
and create a more Equitable safe and inviting City for
cycling.
easy
seasoned rice
These investments in complete streets are helping make
Chicago a safer place for all users of the road about any
traffic fatality is too many We are continuing to see
positive Trends in traffic safety following a spike in
traffic fatalities during covid-19 pandemic is decreased
14% in 2022 compared to 2021 and that downward trend is
continuing this year 2023 traffic fatalities are also down
compared to the previous five to 10-year averages C. Looks
forward to continuing to work closely with city council to
make Chicago Streets safer.
and fine
And finally as you all know, so well the neighborhood
services that CAA provides our critical quality of life in
your Wards and for your constituents by the end of this
year see. Will every surface more than 150 miles of
arterial streets residential streets and Alleyways build
more than 470,000 potholes refreshed over 150 miles of
roadway pavement markings installed more than 7,000 Ada
sidewalk ramp Citywide net will bring the total to
approximately 130 7088.
complying
compliant ramps installed across the city since two
Compliant ramps installed across the city since 2006. We
love installed 174 blocks of new residential street
lighting and repaired over 34,000 streetlights and 16000
traffic signals. Finally. We will plan to close to six
thousand trees along arterial streets and in medians and in
boulevards behind the scenes of all, this work is C.
Project coordination office, which is improve the
coordination of these projects alongside the work of other
agencies in and service providers within the public
right-of-way helping save taxpayers millions of dollars
while minimizing minimising disruption to our businesses
and residents. We have accomplished much in 2023 in close
collaboration with city council and with the support of
Mayor Johnson. We look forward to building on this success
to deliver the best possible services to the residents of
Chicago next year.
I'm a
I'm Happy dance.
I'm happy to answer any questions you may have at this
time.
thank
Thank you can
Thank you commissioned.
Thank you commissioner going to start with the audible
Espada.
Thank you, very
Thank you very much cheer commissioner. Thank you so much
for being here with us both on the ward side. And on the
committee side pleasure to work with your team out all take
a personal Liberty think one person in the Box one who's
not Sam Alexander. I don't know anybody who does more with
less not look forward to doing more with more and all.
call
Call Schwarzenegger.
Call Schwarz are one of your Traffic Engineers. I don't
know anybody who can move a project more quickly from
design to implementation than that man. He is to be
commended. I also want to thank the staff who was with us
in the committee's office last week shooting videos with a
lot of my colleagues here for the world day of remembrance
coming up in November taking one quick moment to recognize
Don Hageman cyclist who was killed in a hit-and-run in the
40th Ward just earlier this week. It's not everything that
your department does but no one goes more and can do more
to keep Chicago and safe in their comings and goings and
see.
So they
so that's
So that's it.
So that said I'll be brief. I want to ask about a couple
grants initially on page 570 enhance mobility of seniors
and individuals with disabilities gram, which was fully
carried over and then on Titan meets 571. There's a grant
related to Safe routes to school programs where respect is
not a large grants, but we only spend about 400 of it in
the previous year and I wanted to ask if you were the staff
could talk about why we saw some with significant a
carryover from the those grants and what are the actions
that we're taking to keep our our seniors and their
students safe. So I'll start by thank you very much for the
intro in the
Edwardsburg
words about those
And words by bo staff members. They're certainly excellent
part of the sea. Team with the Grant's first start by
saying that there are certain amount of requirements for
all these federal and state grants. And so ensuring that
we're meeting the requirements and the documentation needed
it is is a key thing so that we get reimbursed properly
brought a lot of Grants have certain amount of of community
engagement and various depending on the components of that.
I'm and then you get into that phase and then it's a design
engineering and in Ultimate construction. So with the
amount of work going on across, you know, our Capital
program state capital program in these grants, you know,
it's just this constant work to push things through is very
common for our grants to carry over from the other get
awarded but then it needs to be carried over into the next
year with regards to those specific re
I don't.
I don't know if they do you had anything to add on to that
then I think you said it was good at school safe the
schools safe routes to schools and enhance Mobility for
seniors and people with disabilities Jessica Alderman. We
will look into scripture Carney said the state is the state
fruit of school Grant often times as a commissioner said we
will be in the process with I. Doing the phase one design
and then we will have to get the permit for continuing the
bread so often time.
the one thing
The funding sources of funding will go to Capital
Construction. And so we may often to speed up the grand
delivery process use some of our local fun to do the design
process and reserves the money for Capital Construction
pencil that sometimes also while you may see it the big
rant on paper not being spent down because we're trying to
be strategic about how we fund designed to get to the only
ground as quick as possible, but we can text her up at
second question kind of piggyback off of that cuz I are
probably the largest grantee. It seems his eye. With 880
188 million in 2023 and then suspended Grant of 130 million
in 2024 for the edification is that specifically for the
work that we do on Illinois roads to Chicago and how are we
able to make sure there were incorporating complete streets
design pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure into that work
when where?
Bring up.
bring out those
Bring out those grants.
Bring up those grants.
Sure.
church song
Church, so you have to remember the eye. Grants in the eye.
Fun and covers a wide range of things from Bridges to it's
about the shoreline. It's it's about them in quite a bit of
few projects, you know, there's a major projects going on
on a canal rebuilding that that Viaduct structure from
about 10 to the downtown. So those mega-projects really
play a role in in that such large number of the answer your
question though about complete streets design that is
Incorporated on all our projects. So, you know, the
collaboration of our folks from engineering but also from
traffic safety and in our Traffic Engineers in All Phases
that they sit down on those routes and analyze
block-by-block where strategic improvements can be made and
that that's also plays into the ordinance that was passed
by,
Flash
last year was kind of codified that approach we have been
doing it. But I kind of gave further codification to that
so that work continues. I think a great example of that is
some of the work going on that wrapped up on Irving Park
Road. Some other projects come to minor are Milwaukee and
Grand Jury service in Grand is reconstruction. So that is
kind of baked into our process snow.
A chair what?
a chair with your humor me
A chair with your humor me to call.
A chair with your humor me two quick questions. Thank you,
sir. I was going to ask you a quick and hopefully this is a
quick when I know we've needed a goal to replace all of our
bothered and quicker protected bike Lanes throughout the
city with concrete. Can we get a progress report on where
we stand on that? Yes, so we're projecting that by the end
of this construction season will be a 95% of all those 48
miles. There's a couple occasions they were going to have
to carry over into 2024 but they will be done by Spring
2024 question, is curious about our how we leaned in to
contractual services within see. So we kind of been moving
in this place is like the division of traffic safety where
we have about 16.7 million allocated for contractual
Services. We see similar in the division of infrastructure
management.
under the mou
under the mower
Under the Motor Vehicle Tax fund on page 369. Can you talk
to us a little bit about how see. Let's see. Thinks about
how we balance in house personnel with contract Adult
Services.
Sure.
sure, so it really
it's
it is.
it's a place kind of into the the topic or like the the the
nature of the work and if there's a need for
search
sir next
Certain expertise. So to speak that that maybe it's it's
hard to maintain that level of expertise, you know in
house. So, you know that that amount you saw for
infrastructure management is reflective of the PCL office.
So the project coordination office and that that really
brought in the you know that contract brings in technology
and in and skill sets that you know, that's that's their
expertise. And another one that comes to mind is is the
contract we have for bridge inspections, you know, there's
there's Federal requirements to you know, for the biannual
inspection of all our bridges so it it really gets into
that. You know, we would love to have more Traffic
Engineers. I mean right now that the challenge is a bit
that Nationwide is a shortage of Traffic Engineers. So
Contracting
the model is is what we have to
The model is is what we have to go to now take to get that
extra bandwidth. So maybe for your your young ones at home.
Maybe you can steer him into traffic engineering. I think
that would be a great career Alderman that everybody
started scrambling for her to find that band with well,
hopefully in a few years my daughter finds herself on the
7th floor over across the street rather than the second
floor over here. Shout out the bread house. We just came in
house IP. Genuinely the work that you do the collaboration
with your team. If colleagues are interested. We do have a
map out of pedestrian traffic fatalities from the last year
if you want to see quite what that has looks like in
Chicago, but thank you for the diligent work of your staff.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
And I've known you.
and I'm going to be
Good afternoon, everyone.
you
You know.
You know I speak with some speakers you so much I hate
because you have any questions me some things that did. I
haven't talked to you in a while about so I'll bring them
out today through the years. You know, I've always been a
stickler by quality of work in quality control in knowing
that the conversation you have had overtime overtime. What
have you done over the last few years since I didn't come
by to improve the quality of work that goes into not just
our menu.
items, but I'll
Items, but also the law.
Items, but also the larger projects in in an award and
include, you know, not just the quality of work and get
from and Stafford standpoint or labor standpoint. But also
how your your management and supervisory staff is is is is
is watching the quality control them. How are you coming
back reporting and get so you can continue to approve
overtime? Yes. Thank you all the men. So the first thing I
thought I'd like to start with is we've had a strong
support and collaboration from our Union partners that have
helped us fill in the gaps were training is needed. The
private sector has a a better model for security, you know,
like
I have
having tree
having training for their like their private-sector
employees. So it's got to be creative with some of the
funding and some of the things you lies in the training
center, but the laborers union heavy equipment operators
local 9, you know, they've all been strong Partners in
helping us work our existing Personnel in to get job skill
training to do, you know, one of the things that we worked
hard with his is to pay for training really for our
in-house worse. Is that do the residential street
resurfacing cuz you know that such a big programs, you
know, the amount of money we
What is the city in a?
What is the city and you certainly?
What is a city and you certainly know the importance to the
council and the residents with regards to our our contract
Services, you know, we have we have already with the Kinect
contract, which is Ari support. So they checked both our
contractor jobs and our city jobs to make you know, just
very punch list, you know checklist of things that are
making sure everything all the requirements are being mad
that the jobs being done correctly that there's no errors.
We certainly don't want any mistakes that that lead to
failure is to have to be you know, redone I think.
are
there's
There's still a bit of work to be done. It's a part of it
has to do with just the volume. We're dealing with right
now. We if you look at the end amount of work that were
pushing out versus three years ago five years ago seven
years ago. There's just so much work going on between
having a city capital program state capital program. The
County's got a capital program and now there's Federal
money, So it continues to be something that we have to work
at it not only getting shovels in the ground, but then
making sure that the quality control on those jobs. So the
work continues for sure what type of engineering efforts
have you are cooperating as I think a lot of stuff some
problems I've had.
we
Where are curved?
Where curves got two streets?
Where curves got two streets were put in and it it in water
standing water after that probably have standing water
water wasn't wasn't draining properly. So what kind of
engineering efforts have been put into place to make sure
we had that minimized or non-existent going for it will
certainly if those instances occur. I'm in the first order
of business is to figure out where the breakdown was. His
things aren't designed to have standing water. And so was
it was it a mistake on the design part was in the you know
it in the office or was it a mistake in the field, you
know, and that that's first order of business and then
certainly from their correcting it and then from there
going back at 2 and I wear to the breakdown happen to this
does not occur again.
Thanks.
French
Did The Five-Year Capital plan that I've been seeing every
year? What what is the what is what is involvement in
convicting on creating a capital plan? Am I saw that the
pie chart of how many different projects go so you can send
the $7 now, you know why I come to print well so you know
it in if you take it back a few years we're that Capital
plan was being assembled so to speak.
we we contributed in like
We we contributed in like creating some models about like
okay, if we were to get our streets on a cycle of that
they're going to be paved, you know, you know, what an
appropriate life cycle, right? So doing the math on that
like what if you were going to resurface arterial streets
every 15 years in the miles, we have what it what is that
look like what is the funding needed to find that for a
residential streets and trying to come up with a dollar
spend of that would be commiserate to just maintaining a
normal proactive life cycle. So those numbers are still
pretty sound that that those that expertise we continue to
provide to budget when they're you know, figuring out what
Bond funding levels are appropriate you do the same thing
as applied to Bridges things like that. So,
I'm assuming.
I'm assuming they
I'm assuming that the inequity lands as applies to that as
well as knowing that serving size of town known Southwest
as we have done more wfae stream. We got street that
probably hadn't been resurfaced frequently. Is there
another Ward you know, I mean you was you probably won't
agree to but I mean was disproportionate two different
scientific towards you applying to equity lens and it's
done with it yet. So I know you guys do kind of trying to
come and give me your thoughts on what the considerations
are when you you know, when you creating that Capital
planning
ensure that those are
ensure that those South and West sides those problems a
infrastructure areas are actually you don't have some have
some attention. Yes. So thank you for that question. So
when we first were rolling out the capital plan the
department created the mobility and hardship index and then
with all our work types. We applied that index in really
married at with the various condition indexes that we had
to come up with a scoring for different streets Orr
collector Street program arterial lighting WPA streets. All
these things are I have calculators that factor in things
like that. You know, is there a Ada ramp spend on their the
Ada ramps have been done to that means that that has been
worked there since 2006 right? So there was a lot of things
just year to calculate and really
are we in?
Irwin on big
Irwin on both the economic hardship Mobility hardship would
also condition asset and and we really think we threw those
calculations that's guided our work here these last few
years on where we scare those programs and other Wars that
a lot of snot infrastructure projects are are paper with
tip money you take into account.
those Wards or do
Those Wards of those areas that do not have to.
Those Wards are those areas that do not have chips and kind
of had that took your thinking as far as I'm craving plants
go on a license a big thing. I know one words to pay for a
Bass to my area with tip money, but was like, man and one
area that I could do that with.
so you
So yes. Yes, we do. We do Factor then.
and you
elaborate on
Elaborate on how you expected that answer the phenomena
about like like Tiff's right that they're uniquely shaped
right now. So you do have an idea where I'm chips are
uniquely shaped in so we're Tiff Investments have been made
aware that were the equations we've come up with.
based
FaceTime candy
FaceTime conditioning next is not going to score enough
high enough to make it as a priority on our or things like
lighting or some of these programs. Right if the temp is
already funded to repair the lighting or the street there.
make a
it can
It can dish.
air conditioner
a condition that the X Factor of of the calculations going
to
lower the radio
lower the rating on when you meet with when you make with
Administration and in talk about that, you are just things
that you're trying to get accomplished. If you do you can
we need a lot of help in certain areas and the Bishops see.
If they say, you know at advocate for certain things and I
Ford
that holds
That holds weight. So I guess it's not really a question,
but it might ask that when you do sit down with operations
and that you haven't came through cuz you you do have a
good idea. I mean you at your desk. Everybody. Hope you
have a great idea Alonzo and everybody and my drink is over
your house. You guys have an idea what I would look like,
so I'm asking that you make sure why we haven't before I
would that you guys actually having cake for them as well.
I'm like these areas need a little bit more attention, and
we just can't pay for we need a little extra help with that
said Jim. Thanks. I think you should. Thank you.
I will.
I will go.
I will go to.
I will go to Audubon Burnett. You ready?
followed by
Followed by we will give you a pass today cuz you gave us a
good lunch my brother. So you going to get it you're going
to give you up give you you the number to master. You get
the number to question. So followed by brother be able to
hook you up today or just want to take this opportunity to
commend you and your staff as of late. We've been doing a
lot of work together and trying to talk about things around
the United Center. Hopefully we could get more. I know that
you are supposed to be having a may have had a conversation
with people from the state reference to that. Hopefully we
can try to do it all in for sure.
turn
surround
around the United Center
Around the United Center before the Democratic Convention
in the weather change. So it's something that concerns me
cuz I think
back in 9
Back in 1996 we way ahead of it. So they want to make sure
we get in line with that now, but also I want to thank you
for sitting with me and and working with the Medical
District in the area where the infrastructure has been
neglected for so many years because we used to have CIP
programs and we don't have that anymore and those areas
really don't qualify for menu program and you know also
some of those areas may not cover the tips very concerned
about that, you know, if I had conversations with the state
about it because we do have a lot of bad infrastructure in
those areas that have been neglected for a long time. I
want to thank you for working with me in the Medical
District going to trying to come up with some kind of plan.
go to
Go to do.
Go to deal.
how to deal with some of those things
I pray.
appreciate
Appreciate Lonzo and everybody else in Burke and everyone
for working with me on the damn street. I think I know we
looking at the Brown Line and I don't know if his
Transportation. Are you all going to be doing the Brown
Line to?
Are you?
Are you free?
Are you familiar?
Are you familiar with?
Are you familiar with the study are you doing on the Brown
Line on Division Street at the door? I remember our last
meeting that we had a conversation about that that I
remember you raise that there was something to start
looking at them still hasn't been brought to your attention
yet.
What?
Why?
Why my
Why did the adding of a station conversation? So I yeah, I
know we have talked about it, but I don't I don't have an
update on that at this will hopefully they're listening to
this now and it will be brought to your attention guys
bring it to his attention. We need that Brown Line done on
a new stop at Damen and I mean that our division and it's a
social it's a social justice issue. They took out two stops
around all the public housing developments and made it hard
for the public housing people to get on the L stops with
the other people. So we need to make sure we put it back in
but I just want to thank you and your staff for everything
that you do. I know we
It's been a long.
It's been a little alone.
It's been a little a little Rocky and dealing with the bike
lane stuff in particular on Grand Avenue and myself the
spot of Legos, you know running through three boys at the
same time. As you know, you got different views and
reference to that but I appreciate you guys working with
all of the property owners over there trying to accommodate
people in reference to that and also over on Lake Street
where we were somewhat mistaken about a bike lanes and
bump. I don't know if you called O's Bunkhouse with those
things called when you put them on the curb is that a lot
of the vendors were concerned about those being bike lanes
and a new bike lanes and blocking them out, but I want to
thank you. But before I go, I just need to know
commissioner. How is your day bersedih with your
Contracting? Can you give me that real quick?
Yes.
Yes, or
Yes, sir.
so
So our total purchases this this covers a period from July
1st to July 31st 2023.
total purchase
Total purchases by the department 235950195. The total mbwb
purchases are 85300202 which represents 36.1% of that
breaks down to.
I love
11972797 is wbe that's 5% 14784460. 2062 is Asian and be at
6.2% And then 22220336 is African-American and be 9.4% And
then 36322605 is Hispanic and be 15.3% so good. I know you
coming in on the back end of this stuff, but that's not
good. It wasn't.
the last
Last year we need.
Last year, we need to make sure.
Last year, we need to make sure it's right this year. So so
I was suggested maybe you sit down with some of us in the
black caucus and we maybe talk about some jock programs
some joint venture program of something to bring those
numbers up cuz there's no way you can tell me we don't have
truckers. We don't have to know people who rent equipment
all types of other entities that can do business with you
all. This should be on our minority Bender list that that
can help bring those numbers up even what does accountants
or whatever the case may be there has to be a way and it
needs to be a concerted effort on really trying to make
those numbers come up. We got to figure out a way of
reaching to make those numbers come up and I know you can
do it. I know you got a good heart. I know you mean well, I
know those things can happen. So if we can try to speak
with you to the president of Black Caucus and see if we can
down
Down and come up with something May.
Down and come up with something bad. Okay.
Down and come up with something bad. Okay, absolutely. All
right. Thank you. Thank you. I'll buy you some beer before
I go to the automobile just so that I know I have for
speaking of Lee Robinson Conway sposato Vasquez Knutson
Gutierrez Cruz Gardener in hopping with anybody else. I
need to add to the list.
Or
is it clay you okay?
small
Smart smart and guess what? I all right. You know what I
need to do now to bring more bring more food.
I
Hi, good afternoon. Commissioner afternoon first. Let me go
on the record by saying I think that you need to be put
into this position permanently Nobody Knows the department
more than you you do a phenomenal job for the city of
Chicago and you have a symbol with one of the best teams
that I've seen in any Department here in the city of
Chicago. And so whatever it's worth. I think you need to be
put in this position permanently so we can get to the
business of resurfacing as the people want us to do in the
city of Chicago start.
Keep it.
People that and thanks for everybody in.
People that and thanks for everybody in the box. So moving
moving. I just have a couple of questions, you know, the
biggest one the one we just we just had a little
disagreement with who makes a decision on bike lanes and
the little bump outs whatever they called the little curves
and stuff like that makes those decisions.
Sure. So our team in division of project development is
analyzing and they've worked over the years to overall
build a grid and to try and connect, you know to make it
billed out, you know from Lane to Lane. So people can move
throughout the city not just in the work is not but not
just had a concentrated in certain parts, but to expand the
network Citywide and it was decided by previous
commissioner to try and take all the protected lanes and
upgrade them to the concrete Precast protected. Dad that
layer of safety for the for the users. They're worried
about where all the money come from for the extra concrete
work, you know about there's find money in the in the
overall bond package. There was money allocated for safer
streets.
so do the Oldham have
So do the Oldham have any say-so on where those things?
So do the Oldham have any say-so on where those things go?
We will.
We welcome feedback from Council. Well the new bump out to
do all just put in on Doty Road. I don't know if you saw
those pictures, but you did a very good job of sending
somebody from see. I'm out street and saying out there to
measure and do all the things your due diligence, but they
look at the condition of the street when they put those
things down.
The focus was to put those Precast down I locations that
currently had delineators safety improvements. Now, I will
say that, you know, yes, you raised the concern and support
applies on that project and it is on my to-do list after
getting to her. I'm going to write myself a real good look
at the condition of the street and in front of Walmart best
street has gotten compromised basically because they put
those little small grid sewer caps and the water was
backing up and it rolls and everything, but they sent pull
those out but you know,
I like to ask for
Asphalt of course is now coming apart because of the
freezing and it's all in the freezing point, but they just
put those concrete things on top of a street that needs to
be resurfaced. So, I mean, that should have said somebody
says they hate waiting list all this thing. Let's resurface
this street before and then come back and put these curves
down or whatever, but that's neither here nor there.
all the way
all the work that
All the work that was supposed to be done with the bond
that went out a couple years ago is all that work being
done.
shorty
Jordan
short answer
Short answer is yes. Yes, we continue to push out for
Menace amount of work if some programs made further
progress than others absolutely. You know, I would say that
the resurfacing is moving. I would say that the lighting is
now up and moving I would say some things like WPA streets
have struggled to get off the ground with some of the
changes due to the LED service lines, but the work is
getting pushed out out of that Bond money. You know, the
number I have is worth over 500 million have been when work
has been spent and then that money continues to be spent in
projects going on all over the place.
on all the money that
On all the money that is being spent Citywide by Ward. I'm
really concerned about the collective streets because I let
you know. I do know that, you know, some people were
getting extra stuff because they voted a certain way and
they were getting extra streets and collectibles and things
like that. So I just want to get to the bottom of how all
the money is being spent Citywide and break have it broken
down by Wards. We can kind of dig into that a little bit
you guys working on the road. So that's what that's a great
project but dolphin is still not on my list and you know
that resurface in the other side of dolphin, but other than
that commissioner acting commissioner should be
commissioner, you know, I love you guys. I love everybody
in the Box we work together for a lot of years and I
appreciate everything that you all do and you all are truly
one of the backbones Department's here in the city of
Chicago and thank you for that.
thank
Thank you.
Thank you very much. I love her.
I expect my name to come up so soon walked out and I come
back in that's good High Commissioner. How you doing? I
want to start with until your stuff in the box. Thank you
for all that you do and how you mentioned a 15-year life
cycle for arterial streets. Did I hear that correctly out?
come
Coming in when you were talking.
coming in when you were talking about the
Coming in when you were talking about that. Yes. Ideally
we'd like to get 15 years out of the arterial streets.
Okay, so can I get a where we are on State Street, Michigan
Avenue, Indiana King Drive and Garfield and Clark.
What are
What is the
43rd Street
54
51st Street
now
Now I notice.
now I noticed in the budget that you have on page 570 of
the recommendations you have an anticipated Grand of 15
million dollars for the electrical vehicle infrastructure
management for an original eight. And how are you thinking
about utilizing those funds?
So they
So those are a Federal Grant and so the funding were
looking to utilize is for to install EV infrastructure
primarily starting at like the airports and then building
out into some of the neighborhoods in other places in the
city to build that infrastructure. So people can plug it in
and charge. Okay. We still need to spend all of
$5 at the airport when
$5 at the airport. We need to make sure that we're putting
that charging capacity in a lot of our neighborhoods as
well. And I was wondering how you think about perhaps using
some of the city's vacant Lots where we could that are
unsuitable for the construction of housing. What if we were
to use those slots for City own vacant for a city-owned
electric vehicle charging stations are to help increase
Revenue. What do you think about that? I think it's a great
idea I do and I know we've had some conversations about
that. I've been in some meetings were talking about
different ideas. So I do think it's a good idea for us to
look at I will pay you back on that that we did working
with our partners in the budget office. We do have added to
our budget a position that's going to focus exclusively.
Leon e v
Leon Evie both the part of trying to secure more there's a
lot of France at the state and federal level so certainly
working on that. But then also, you know, we're embarking
on a study that we had just announced about a month ago
Community engagement and in evaluating the goal of having a
report in 2020 for the build-out that Evie framework, like
how do we know?
Let's play The Workout.
let's play the work going on a
Let's play the work going on in cities.
If that's really the work going on in cities across the
country, like how do we plan for this? How do we implement
this in a way that benefits all in and make sense for our
infrastructure in our
well, I
Well, I mean, that's one of the reasons why we haven't put
in our budget to hire somebody with China cabinet together,
but the existing staff, but what?
don't
but we
But we're going.
But we're going to hire staff members to help do the study.
I think we as a city should look to partner with some
minority-owned EV installation companies of which there are
some in the city of Chicago so that we can develop some
kind of revenue-sharing agreement with the between those
companies and the City of Chicago. I think it would be a
good way for us to increase the capacity of minority
businesses in certain demographics in the city of Chicago
build wealth has great idea. So what will certainly follow
up in January? What's your timetable on what will certainly
when the position you know, January want it becomes
available will work to fill it related to this subject.
Do you how?
do you have
Do you have in your mind that you want to put at the airport
and put at in certain neighborhoods?
I'd
I do.
I don't.
I don't think that number's been outside yet. I don't know
if they can I don't think we're at that point that we've
decided that number EV charging your cell that afternoon
imagined Christian Murphy. The EV charging market right now
is very much to Marcus. You could say there is the private
sector driven market and the vast majority of charging
stations within the city of Chicago or concentrated within
3 Community areas. There are several hundred, you know,
they may fall one of the charging networks one of the
automotive companies who offer this charging networks
grocery store or Walgreens that sort of thing. This is
extremely Capital intensive and so our call with the grant
money, which you mentioned the $15 is to help stimulate.
I'm charging infrastructure and parts of the city as you
mentioned that are underserved really all 47 other
community areas.
this is something that we are going to really try to steer
the ocean like
the ocean liner.
the ocean liner there needs to be injection of private
Capital as well. And I'm from the automaker's as they bring
these vehicles to Market because the the public sector
alone can provide the amount of charging over the long term
that will be needed. So we're really trying to be the
leader in focus and shoulders demand there is interest as
you say south in West in all parts of the city for Ev
adoption, but over time we hope to see private capital and
other partnership models. Like I said that you had to bring
that investment and open up charging equitably to the whole
city. Okay. I'll be chasing you another day.
man
Manchu
Madam chair. I have just one more question. Okay, Tom you
know that. I'm calling you a lot sometimes about the lack
of African-American workers when the city is doing work in
my ward, and I want to know how you're thinking about
changing that what can you do to change that? I don't have
to keep calling you cuz I'm going to call you when I see no
African-Americans or one African-American out of you know,
15 people on the job when my constituents call me. I have
to call you and I don't want to call you. I would rather
just make sure that the
The city is being proactive.
The city is being proactive and in that way.
Yeah.
Yes.
Yes, sir. Thank you for that. Yes. We know the priority of
Natalie your warden in in the conversations we've had but
you know across city council. We've heard that we start off
every construction season meeting with our various
contractors. And you know about I did I attend many of
those meetings and I start off this one of my key points
that the you have to have a Workforce that is reflective of
the community you working it. So that is fun of mine. We do
continue to reiterate that I think in talking with the
staff I think you know
we're getting a
We're getting it. I feel like we're getting it right on our
big projects like Jackson Park Mobility Daymond Green Line.
We worked closely with Chicago Cook Workforce partnership
work closely with those contractors to have I local
Workforce project area goals and we've done job fairs and
things and and I feel like we're getting it right on those
big big projects to offer any like instead of points on the
building side.
so that it's
So that it's their Jackson Park we did the problem.
Will they?
Well that debt.
Well that that's where I was kind of going with this is
that what I think we have to do is we have to take what's
working on these bigger projects and now step it down to
the next level for these contracts that we have for like
residential lighting contracts for a concrete work. How do
we apply what's working on the big projects were getting it
right? You know Jackson Park Mobility has no head 50% local
residents eagle and 15% project area goal right now. It's
at 54% and 18% was working because we did a lot of work
with partners and end things. So it's like how do we take
that what's working on those big projects and now apply it
down to these next level and that's something I really want
to work with the team on his wee-wee got into the next
year's construction season. Next year is construction
season starts in April. Is that feel like it starts next
week, but yes.
No, yes.
Reply? Yes when the weather breaks?
Call Yasmin the weather for follow up with you offline. Cuz
I would like to see how that applies to pacifically in my
part of town. That's okay. Yes, and then finally, I just
wanted to let you know. I'm taking the prerogative to thank
that as though Jim boster Michael Drake Sam Alexander Jim
Ault rice and Lupica. I am Craig Turner was terrific for
all of the work that they do with my office. Thank you.
Thank you. Who followed by Alderman more?
thank
Thank you, man. I'm
Thank you madam, chair learning acting commissioner. But as
my esteemed colleague 9th Ward said I agree with them. You
should be the commissioner providing you would want to be a
commissioner. I don't know if that job is worth an extra 20
grand, but you might be happy where you're at. But thanks
for everything. I never have to call you, which is a
we
which is a good
Which is a good thing. I only have one bunch of question
and I just noticed it and I didn't have it coming in here,
but I noticed
and
Anna system
An assistant director to news Affairs would stay at and who
is the director to know if we have an assistant director
also?
I'm so see that for many years had to
like
Like the Press media for you stay after we had been down to
one for a while. So we were able to finally fill the second
one the volume of media enquiries, but they're really the
volume of a for you is through the roof by chance, but they
said that they have to brings us back to where we were
physics department for many years and he's listening right
now, by the way, so he'll probably have something about
this meeting about me so but okay was just curious or just
a curiosity question always run the fear of name and people
and that name and somebody so I've gotten great service
from see. No complaints to guys over there that I don't
really know that well, but I text him or call him every
once in a while. It seems like not too much, but you know,
I can't imagine the little bit I bother him * 50, but they
have to go through and Sam and Craig. Thank you guys.
Much appreciate you guys I Spy.
Much appreciate you guys always come through for me. I can't
imagine especially Craig. What are the light proud?
imagine especially Craig what are the light problems? We
got in the city trying to make everybody happy. I don't
know how you do it. I don't know how anybody is done your
job you you probably got to the toughest job and see that
and then lastly my good friend. He's my mate liaison is a
lifelong friend, and that's one of the ways he's always
helping me with everything and he's that he is more than my
I don't know my I don't know what you're referring to me. I
said that he works with us he has, but he became a true
friend and he's always helping me and I really appreciate
him. But once again appreciate everybody in her stay up. I
know a lot of people that helped us out that I don't even
know about, but thanks for all you do and if you should
want this job. I hope you get it. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you madam Chair, by Aldrin Vasquez
thank
Thank you.
Thank you so much commission of you and I talk a lot and I
I don't want to use the word Echo, but I think I've told
you probably and I said publicly definitely I think you
should have the position back and part of that is because
you got good people around you like that young lady sitting
next to you. Chill call. Hi who done some excellent work
and I just want to make sure you guys are constantly
working together to make sure that our communities are
doing I have two things that they need to do and have it at
it is in terms of making sure people liked her get out of
bed.
it in any
It in anyway, they need to.
it in anyway, they need to Les Les Les make that happen if
happen if classical OK and because she does a heck of a job
and it's not a lot of people that does that I think I think
before I think I was under the previous commissioner that
they elevated so who definitely deserved that promotion he
is out there constantly responding and being proactive as
well. And that's what I appreciate so much about him. I'm
sure my staff deal with a myriad of other people that you
know, maybe I have no idea. I have no doubt that's doing a
good job. And I want to say that I appreciate you all so
much as you work with me, but I think we have to also be
proactive to those lights. It's just truly dark out there
are some spots and how how many I'm driving out there. I'm
about to run over some folks a couple of times and I'm and
I'm that's not even with Drake.
driving for
driving fast as
Driving fast that's driving like Miss Daisy and and it's
like it's I have to be extra extra careful because it's so
many dark spots and I'll be thinking I can't believe these
lights out and I like white these lights are not out. And
so and so I know when we call him and call him out call you
all and you'll come in and brighten them up for it. If
somebody can be proactive going out there and do it. It'll
be very helpful because you you all know we are staffed
minimally and
Meet me in out.
meet me in out the
Me being out there to 11:00 and 12:00 at night. It's just
raining my ability to find a wife man. So, you know, I need
you to help me out. Okay, but no seriously, it's it it lot
of spots are dark. The other part is.
this
This bomb money because I heard something different under
the Emanuel Administration in terms of these bike Lanes
going back to what automobile was talking about. They are
was told I recall being told that those bike a lot of bike
Lanes had to be done because it came with stipulations from
getting money from the federal government. But now I'm
hearing you saying that that that was laying down with a
lot of our bond money. So and he asked you a question of
who makes that decision and then you said with some
aldermen and put it has to be an even with this
Administration. I don't think this Administration never
came in and said you have to put these bike lanes and 17
you have to put them in 21. I'm I'm I'm
again support
again, support bike Lanes if they're needed if they're
needed and so many of our areas is just causing so many
problems and if you get a bite to come down there if you
get one bite to come down there you're lucky and so it
can't be, you know, just did you know, we get to amp up we
have to be able to say
and when I
And when I just saying yes or no to buy.
And when I just saying yes or no the bike Lanes.
And when I just saying yes or no to buy you a nice that's
not it if I if I see it's at a need for it. I'm going to
say yes, let's put bike Lanes down but it's so many cases
is causing us more problems than not and I can assure you
and and and and and I know numbers don't lie, but people do
it but people is right with the numbers. They're going to
tell you I couldn't have gone up pick up. I'm just saying
it is it is clear as day. And so I want to make sure that
we not just have him put but we have a say so yay or nay
what we talkin about putting more bike Lanes down and in a
concrete barrier is up.
Do you?
the other day
The other thing for me is what we talked about Ashland
getting done this summer. So it seem like it's been put on
the back burner. So why was it put on the back burner? And
when can I expect us to get done? Because we got three
calls yesterday where people just found another couple of
potholes got one at 2 in the morning and then one at like
11 last night in Oso.
What?
What's going on?
What's going on with a?
What's going on with Ashlyn? Yeah, so the contract for the
next in the next package of arterial resurfacing we didn't
make our you know, it didn't get pushed out to advertise me
as early as we had anticipated or wanted it to it is being
advertised now. I'm so we will be opening up the bed
shortly and work to have those awarded and we'll hit the
ground running in March of 2024 but construction now, let's
go to run and she didn't tell me you tell me so and you can
put on blast if you need to but she's usually getting back
good back to me. Did you know the first round of that or
anybody notify my office that ask him going to put out cuz
I had a community meeting I think in the spring and I told
the people in a committed to them that they were talking
about it that was definitely going to get done.
I'm a
number
Summer Bay
Number based on the information you all shared with us. So
that's that information. I'm going to say I don't recall it
being shared with me and so check and I'm saying it was
your responsibility to share it but somebody knew at some
point that 79th and Ashland wasn't going to get done this
summer and I could have communicated that been proactive in
communicating that to my residence to say. Hey, this is
what happened. It's going to be pushed to the
Frank
I saw.
I don't.
I said I don't know what
I said, I don't know what happened there pologize that all.
last and I won't have a little round to Chairman. I really
want to I don't want her to be the lone voice in there. So
you all know how important it is if it's a hydroponic cuz I
know a lot of people to get higher with the city. I know we
talk people want to be on at sea. But we know we have
people that are reflective in the community. And again, we
have to be intentional about who is singing out at job
sites because as we fight with our private contractors and
everybody else it is is hot pressed for us to when we're
doing projects are people calling us and saying you all
have no jobs for us know but you know, and then I have to
give him the story.
weather
What is a story?
What is a story or reality? Cuz I don't like lying to him.
Well, yeah, we got people that work here. But you know,
they're probably up north. You know, what that's not flying
anymore. We have to see our workers out in our community
and then hopefully making an effort to hire more if that's
what's needed. And if we have to have have to have hiring
fairs and things like that. These are some of the good jobs
that people want so let's let's let's really let's do it.
Let's just work on it. Let's do it and we can't we cuz we
can't do it so cousin and I appreciate it.
Everything that this department does you?
Everything that this department. As you all are so
responsive. I cannot say that enough and that is
responsive. I cannot say that enough and that I appreciate
so much. Thank you. Thank you Lord. Thank you Jesus. Thank
you very much are I may need around 2, but I'll try to keep
it as tight as I can add me to the plus one for Tom doing
the doing some amazing work. I I think I can say this
pretty fairly in my view. You'll have the best team in the
biz is it comes to the city across the board when it comes
to with its planning getting things moving 11 a credit to
Mr. Biaggi for some of the vision right when she was in the
world, but you all continue in and deliver it and then
there's a vision is also the execution and I think Thompson
and amazing job and doing that. So I want to thank you for
it.
I want to go.
I want to come.
I want to come to refresh.
I want to come to reframe something. I believe firmly that
it just shouldn't be up to the Alders as far as to buy
claims you end up in a situation where you have a system
across a city that doesn't even connect to each other.
These are accidents either cars crashing into Vehicles. We
lost somebody this past week and we've had more than I care
to mention in this past term. So I would actually have a
key for the opposite. I think as you all have been doing
the work to create the protective sidewalks are protected
bike lanes that you continue to do so that you message it
out. That is something that comes from Kyle Administration
on down because if you leave it up to Oscar and have a
system. It doesn't doesn't connect and we need a bike right
now.
also a
Also happens to be a public safety issue you one.
Also happens to be a public safety issue. Do you want less
people stealing vehicles are running around you want less
drive-bys, maybe do Road diets and people are speeding and
some of these streets the way we currently have them built
because they've been built to be so car-centric for however
long the country's been doing it. So I commend you off of
the work. I think I need to do more of it. I think it's a
construction job for folks who need to be put out there to
work. And so I think you and want to see more I'm just
wanted to advocate for that question. I have next travel a
lot. I'll send you the chair, you know lot of whiskey are
here from our constituents about the challenges with CT a
right and it's our city transportation how to see. Interact
with with that. Is there like a liaison as far as CTA buses
and trains
I'm so
So we we have several touch points with the CTA for sure,
you know, obviously with the with the construction of CTA
stations that that's really falls under a division of
Engineering in the leadership of chief engineer Dan Burke
and his team but really at the supporting Transit work in a
supporting bus in in in the work we've done on on corridors
like Belmont where we've done more of the bus islands and
in Milwaukee that design work in coordination is through a
Deputy Commissioner big krishnamurthi. Steam Clark Clark
Street is another
example comes to my
example comes to mind and certainly you know, they have
I want to
Equivalence, but they have like they can't ski contacts at
CTA that they collaborate with frequently future to really
hack. Somebody has more liaison not just from construction
or like the support on on the on the ground but really
planning how we look at transportation across the city a
lot of us are looking for other candidates for president.
So it'd be good to see somebody who's got some experience
at the city level two kind of have this conversation with
because you know, we're failing as it pertains to what is
really kind of like the nervous system of the city and with
ties together. And so I think I'd be another Focus are a
better president. How many menu Liaisons do y'all have? I
know, you know, we talked to Sherry fairly often and always
feels like he's carrying a lot and so I just don't know how
to split up. So the group is is under a lot of New Orleans.
Alonzo Owens got elevated. So he's
hey, I'm
They imagined.
Imagine Deputy operations. He's kind of doing double duty
right now. So you certainly have to back fill his position
as head of the menu team, but then there for menu Liaisons
split 250 a month before the kind of Carrie.
can each my
Can each might be about a split a deck?
Can each might be about a split all my deathly know we are
all asking for menu stuff all the time. And so it would it
would help us all out. Next the city was recently found to
be in violation of our ADA compliance for sale. You provide
accessible pedestrian signals at signalized intersections
throughout the city for folks who are you know, how blind
are have low vision? What's the Department's plan to like
installed in a kind of Meet the demand so that they're not
in violation.
I'm
So that little litigation is still active and I going so
not really going to go into that but separate of that week
we've been working to get advertise. Hopefully in the very
near future. Very close and has more of an update but a
package that would the package include design engineer
construction of is it 75 or 100 APS locations?
and that
And that's the
And that the contract that we're trying to get a taste of
that. I'm sorry for then 5050 undercurrent capital projects
and we have a plan. You know push out though those
occasions one more question if I can so once once
you can also send a
You can also send us.
You can also send us any plans for infrastructure upgrades
as a relates to the DNC convention and also the cost for a
NASCAR prep and restoration. I think it's weed Adidas
contract moving forward. We actually want to see what the
cost look like a cross at the variety of lenses. So that
would be helpful. And then last year it's about Viaduct
maintenance. So when it comes to a lot of like Ravenswood
in 40, for example, when it comes to like to buy a Dodge,
it'll feel like sometimes see. And Union Pacific are like
pointing fingers at each other. And so I'm trying to figure
out how do you hold accountable? Who do you all too, But
whenever they see something like concrete coming from like
the tunnels that's falling down. You got a couple tunnels
that we just don't know where to take it. If so, I want to
get your thoughts on that.
So fire trucks are challenged by our city for sure and it's
it's been an issue that has been raised by Council. We have
maintenance responsibilities and things we do itsy. You
know, if the roadway maintain the roadways sidewalks
lighting if there is falling concrete, we we have the first
responder so to speak roll. So if there's a loose her
hanging debris, we send out people immediately to knock
that down make it safe to do scaling off times at that
scaling. Is that steps as far as we take it so that there's
no no Hazard to the additional pieces for
Going on a car.
Going on a car destruct.
Going on a car the structure will be.
Going on a car the structural piece of like replacing that
are making me.
are making more permanent repairs that falls to the
railroad and that Dad that's a challenge to get them to
invest those dollars. So if you all have recommendations on
what we could do to the municipal code to hold a more
accountable and make him pay up if you're not getting it
fixed. So I please let us know it's extremely frustrating
when they call themselves Partners, but don't act as such
thank you all so much for the amazing work you all do
anything. You shouldn't have got plenty of them in the 11th
word as well. Especially the one that on the street that I
live on not for nothing but the walls are coming off of the
walls are coming down Bill the railroads back for the
Emergency. We're good. We're doing to fix the things that
are actually their responsibility.
I'm
We're not allowed to reach we are able to fill them a
little bit for the viaduct lights. Thank you. I'll demand
Central Lopez next fella by Alderman Martin.
thank
Thank you. Thank you for women and the follow-up questions
already camping cupboard this have to do with maybe some of
the some of the work that we do in partnership with other
agencies, especially when it comes to capital projects. So
you may experience of being oftentimes a little difficult
to coordinate with our dish Rags or with the Chicago public
schools in particular with capital projects got to do with
the safety, you know, especially around the school send in
a district with the families Crossing his other colors and
mention. What can we do to make him prove some of the
coordination and maybe you experience so that we can
expedite some of these capital projects will be more
funding sometimes that is a constraint.
so
So, you know, I guess are you talking about like vegetarian
or Vehicle Safety improvements like leading towards parks
in in in schools of that nature. So we certainly have
different touch points with CPS and Park District, and we
certainly going to work with them on various projects. I
think.
there's the
there's just a
There's this problem.
There's there's probably a need for a greater
collaboration. Especially if there is locations that they
are seeing that it's dangerous for students folks don't
utilizing those spell Parker's school. We certainly have
done many projects City on South Street speed How are
schools? A lot of words use their menu money and they
prioritize it around those a lot of the work that we're
doing with, you know, a reference to a safer streets find
money doing a lot of those improvements, you know, give
ticular focus on schools and Parks because we know the
high-volume, you know of pedestrians and children utilizing
those spaces, but I think it's a good flag that you raised
it for us in the team to go back and think about how how we
can
Take that.
take that to the
Take that to the enough.
Take that to another step further is going through their
infrastructure planning and all that will be a good time.
Cuz sometimes there's confusion to walk into CD cover
versus the other infrastructure and planning around it.
That would be great is with a United States in the word. We
have some serious issues with safety on some of the State
Road slicer my friends and so serious issues of safety
there. I know, you know, we can do the traffic studies we
made recommendations, but in terms of like the
infrastructure needed in order to provide more precautions
for both pedestrians and bike in bike Lanes, what can we do
especially with the coronation I mention Cermak and
especially any specifics intersections between Levittown
play
Salina I've seen so many accidents and I know that these
he's not only a c t matter. This is out. So I doubt there's
a state road. So what can we do to make sure because
infrastructure or the options that we have available
sometimes full of having my flashlights are used for
structural is a little bit more in line with in
unfortunately word that what we see in the the spike in
accidents.
Yes.
yes, so I'm
Yes, so, you know the work with I. There's more work to do
this past year. We did reach an mou agreement memorandum of
understanding between see. And I. You know promoted and and
try to streamline some of these things so we could get more
pedestrian in in in traffic improvements safety
improvements on those I. Routes to facilitate those
happening quicker that there was thank you Alderman Martin
and and in some legislators legislators from the north side
who would really Champion that we did see we are seeing
dividends from that. So I certainly would like to go with
the team to look at this Cermak location reference for then
when there is no next time we're going through for arterial
resurfacing that we can incorporate more of those safety
improvements.
and invite
And in while we we we had some successes, one of the things
to do this on the to-do list. This winter is to reconvene
with I. On what worked and what didn't work and what we
need to do to further refine improve upon that mou that was
signed last year or this year. Thank you. I think you just
give me the last just cuz I don't want to go to the ground
to bed. And I know that you being even increase.
Take me to go.
significant
take me to give me the
Take me to give me the the the number of laborers for
potholes and repavement. So, you know that can be through
the chair. You know, how we can work in precise more local
hiring at some of my colleagues have talked about that is
good for the city, but it's also good for hiring. So and I
can do it just to be sure and thank you. Thank you. Thank
you. Thank you. Thank you.
like you care
Accu-care appreciate it afternoon commissioner and and
members of the box. I will just briefly restate the price
of others who share it in terms of commissioner your
responsiveness your knowledge you're willing to work with
us in a solutions-oriented way as well as everybody in the
box is I mention that one other department us some days
ago. This is one where we know that when issues arise we
can reach out to you and we'll get that quick all
especially in times of emergency. So really appreciate that
and on behalf of the community the mou commissioner that
you would mention that we collectively worked on with idive
estate Partners. The huge Game Changer in a lot of concrete
is being poured as we speak along some of those portions
including where an older gentleman was tragically hit and
killed by a driver. So appreciate that as well as the work
with arterial resurfacing bringing in more pedestrian and
bike safety improvements as well as bike Lanes, which a lot
of people have mentioned.
I did want to ask we've talked about some of the concrete.
I did want to ask we've talked about some of the concrete
delays today.
delays that have been hitting at least portions of the
north side pretty significantly outside of C. Control in
terms of what prompted that you and I have discussed that
I'm curious how things are shaping up as we head into the
end of the year. And if there are any changes more broadly
we should be aware of the sea that is contemplating her
putting in place so that with the particular sub at issue
here just more generally we can hopefully avoid this from
happening in the future sure and thank you for that
Alderman. So yes, we we've had challenges with with that
vendor on the North side. We are you know, that did a good
and bad the good is that the shared cost sidewalk work from
2022 and 2023 will all be completed on that North Side
area.
We have work.
We have worked.
We have worked aggressive.
We have worked aggressively to take menu work and and
redistribute it to both our in-house sources. We were able
to get utilize a water department contract, you know it
we're able to push some work to one of our arterial
contracts to do some work, but more needs to be done and
the strategy we're going to we're going to do is we had
some good collaborations with the PVC valve.
live with with k
live with with can't
Live with with Contracting. I'm so we are going to take the
old green Ally's on that North Area and and bid that out
has our overall package to catch up on the North side that
will you know, you'll get all those Odalys done and then,
you know free a bandwidth for that contractor on the North.
That's that's going to be the work during the winter to get
that piano in place that's good to hear and I know that in
your prior to roll you were especially hands on with that.
So personally thank you for it when we reached out as an
office and be personally you already said hate your sweats
in the pipeline. You're not bringing anything to my
attention. I'm not aware of so that was great a modest
issue with the livable streets section. I think they did
see that is terrific people working in there. But like so
many other parts of the city department, they could use
more resources and just threw the chair. I'd like to know
over the last 4 years.
how
How many?
How many feet?
How many positions are have been funded for that section
how many of those positions have been vacant and then for
the upcoming fiscal year 2024 with the funding sources for
all the positions Associated. I understand that memory
serves its drowning of corporate funds so it can get
complicated but I do want that information is a background
for what might be an Ask next year for fiscal year 2025 for
again the livable streets section.
in
and then
And then I would say same set of question.
And then I would say same set of questions for Traffic
Engineers including Molly Smarties team, which does
terrific work again. We ask a lot of them their work
product is very high quality and is as timely as it can be
but I think that they could use some additional support in
the coming years. And then with my remaining time. I was
just hoping if someone might be able to speak and see. To
some of the public comment that we heard from
representatives from some scooter programs. I understand
that we have a few different programs operating not
everybody is treated the same way but that I'm several of
the operators have had some struggles and I understand that
there are some in the next year's budget emancipated
payments from those companies if memory serves and so an
update that anyone might be able to share right now would
be perfect.
Sure, so.
sure, so I'm
Sure, so, you know, I have met with those companies myself
and you know our team but also the team from VA c&p on your
commissioner Meijer. So we have heard some of the pain
points that they've articulated, you know when they
articulated today.
is there
There's there's a couple if it's not a silo decision with me
about the cost of it. And so certainly we need to have some
other folks in the room to decide. What's what's your
propriate cost to run a program and what we're charging it
in. There is a component of city council approval to that
as well. So I think we've heard their perspective on it and
and what they view as needed to, you know operate, you
know, what was causing them to operate and I think it's
just going back and and having the right people in the room
to crunch some numbers and see what's what's the right fit
for the city. So I have a commissioner and seeing and
thinking her. Thank you all.
pretty
Couldn't you?
Couldn't you just get it? It's easy 47 48 49 50. We won't
make you so ugly your head too much. Thank you. It's good
to see you jump on the bandwagon here with a lot of prayers
for you and your team. I know we bother you all a lot. So
thank you for answering our calls answering our emails.
I'll also add my great disappointment though to my
colleague Alderman more Alderman more. They were supposed
to redo Ashland up on my side of town too. And Pratt first,
they told me they couldn't do Pride then they told me they
couldn't fit Ashland didn't either.
I will say though of the few you.
I will say though of the few years that I've been in office
with you guys. I think this is the first year we've
actually had such significant changes in previous years.
You've actually been able to do most of the things that you
planned on the CIT. I know we had a lot of challenges on
remark mention the concrete changes. We've had a lot of
water work. I'm wondering if you could speak a little bit
about what have been some of the other challenges that you
faced or some of this kind of plan Capital Improvement.
I'm sure.
I'm sure so it did take a. Of time to catch up with with
from last season's Corey strike. And then it was compounded
by this man shorted regionally.
it was
It was a bit breathing a sigh of relief that we made it
through this construction season without another cement
shortage because the Army Corps of Engineers had work on
locks that you know, some barge traffic coming up the
Mississippi was impacted fortunately, you know, we we were
I in that all summer, but fortunately we dodged that so we
can feel like that is as leveled out I think.
in
You know.
You know, we we saw a capital plan, you know couple years
ago and we we did a lot to staff up. You know, they have
extra laborers an extra drivers and things like that where
we're Capital plans. And again when you have a a city-state
County and federal money when you have so much money
wearing in I think a challenge for all of us collectively
in city government is to how do we staff up? You know, when
he gets further Upstream, you know, like I worry about the
bandwidth and see that the permit office is all this has to
go through them to permit right? Are you worried about
being with it with our partners with procurement, you know
all that there's different parts even deputize division,
you know, people are involved in payments when you get
further Upstream it gets tough to staff up. Everybody just
thinks about what we need more laborers, right, but you
start
about the
about those are
about those other sex
About those other section. So the work continues very much
in all those areas and really making sure that all those
parts that make a successful Capital program. That's that's
the thing that we really have to continue to work at
day-to-day week-to-week.
thank
Thank you for that. This gets into the kind of that topic
of the broader planning. Right like you mentioned some of
the issues of the cement shortages obviously through my
committee. We've been hearing a lot of concerns around
climate-related impact right on our infrastructure. We
recently held a hearing on going to flood mitigation and
did have a member of your team. They're right to to speak a
little bit about what's happening. I know when this came
from meeting to the water department in my ward this year.
We saw like a record number of sinkholes right in the 49th
Ward and I am sure they were all over the city and one of
the things that water management shared with me right was
like we didn't get cold enough last year to develop like a
really solid Frost fine and that had a strong impact on the
infrastructure.
Wonder
wondering
Also wondering if you could speak a little bit about
current planning but maybe future conversations that might
involve the department of environment for you guys to have
to be even more adaptive in thinking about right, you know
plans you might have for flooding mitigation. Now that
these you know 60 or floods aren't really 60 or floods
anymore. And obviously that's not just about the water
department in water management, but in has impact on our
larger infrastructure that then even things
Warmer winter switch it looks like we're going to expire.
experience again if you could share a lil.
experience again. If you could share a little bit about
kind of your thoughts are planning for them.
Sure. Thank you.
Sure, thank you for that and I hope you didn't jinx jinx
the warmer Winter by saying that but it really want a very
cold snowy winter. I apologize to everyone but you know, so
yes, I think there's going to be a lot of touch points with
c. And the new Department of environment and you know it,
you know as we prepped for Budget, you know, you're going
into all the issues and you don't and you kind of just
start seeing like oh, yeah, we're going to be talking to
them about this summer, but I do feel that whether there
has been some challenges to stand up the aggressive program
for green alleys of 50, you know, 50 year one for each Ward
know we had had some challenges and getting that really
assembly line going.
it
It is.
it is make
It is making.
It is making a difference. They are getting built
throughout the city. And those are you know locations that
were very problematic, you know, the words have done a good
job of saying like, oh that is a really problematic
location. And I think you know is we're developing getting
better at that. That's a good thing for the city. I think
there is a lot of space for us to collaborate with them on
how can we stormwater retention, you know?
take that into some of our
Take that into some of our you know Street.
Take that into some of our you know Street reconstructions
are streetscapes. How can we be more creative and and and
continue to push on that and it you know, we're doing a
very good job with tree planting. But how do you add a Wii
U no get into some of these other things like, you know,
storm management sand and water runoff things on those
sorts of reconstruction project last thing I do I'll add
and I don't have anything else to share and thinking about
that. I'd love to continue to talk with you all and once
that department of environment is a official official and
thinking about what we can do as we have the capital
planning to I know you guys work to try and be fair, right?
We all get that green Allie. I appreciate that and then
have the opportunity to maybe use some of our menu for
additional granelli's but knowing that we have some parts
of the city that are more heavily impacted. I think that it
should definitely be considered and I'm
Quincy
going to see the
going to see that until
going to see that and play.
going to see that in planning for 2024. I'm outside of menu
and looking at the CIT of some things that maybe need to be
more highly focused right on certain areas of the city. I'm
just thinking about all the woman meds and knowing the
parts of her award that has been hit hard. I think she
talked about the last flight even ten years ago that really
just struck that Community very hard and the infrastructure
Investments That Could Make a Difference knowing unique
conditions in 1 G of
a few over the other
A few over the other. So just hope that some things that
you're considering and know that we're here to partner with
you on that.
Thank
And thank you. Thank you, very
And thank you. Thank you very much.
Thank you. Thank you very much in Robinson followed by all
them time to me.
Thank you. I'd share woman commissioner. You have a lot of
Goodwill in this room a tickly has a new altar altar that
really didn't know the distinct difference between the work
the streets and San doesn't see that does all but I will
tell you that Alonso really was helpful and making those
distinctions and what's E. Can do in the fourth ward and I
will tell you that again as a new altar that was very
helpful because I needed to understand how can I bring
services to my ward round infrastructure and social
spending? I think three or four different times with Alonzo
coming to my ward was very helpful. And I think that we
need to figure out how to clone him. I'm not only in C. But
across other departments in the city of Chicago because for
me that's coming into this role. I can now say the City
Works, unfortunately commissioner.
after work
how to work it you have to read
How to work it you have to reach out if you have to go
release.
Have to work at you have to reach out if you have to build
relationships. We got to push people are forcing do their
job. Unfortunately Alonso is not like that. He reached out
and we were able to I Really I get some things done in the
war to thank you for that with that said I I use Alonzo as
an example because I know that he has a long career with c.
And now has a high-level career with you. And so in my
research here, it looks like you have 241 openings.
and
and looking
And looking at your numbers of the diversity numbers
commissioner a little dismal. And so how do we take those
240 or 100 jobs get minorities into these jobs where they
can start to build a life and take care of their families
and and contribute to the city of Chicago. How do we get
folks into these jobs that are in the 40s 50 60,000 dollar
range and they could look to someone like Alonzo to to be
the number two and number three of the department.
It's so so thank you for that. I do feel like so yeah, we
have 241 vacancies, which is high. We worked very hard in
the division of administration. We started off this year at
3:15. So there was a
Out of hard work now.
Add a hard workout.
out of hard work not only be
Out of hard work not only by division ministration, but by
the folks in that box and their divisions to work that
number down. I am happy to say that out of our new hires.
It was the numbers were 41% African-American 28% Hispanic a
6% Asian. So we are seeing here. We are appreciative that
we are hiring Workforce that's reflective of the city of
Chicago and we certainly I feel like, you know previous
commissioner and and I am happy to have been involved in in
in recommending several of the people that are in that box
for promotion and I'm putting them into leadership roles.
It's something that the department takes very seriously and
you know his as long as I'm up here, I'm going to continue
to Advocate and push for that cuz that's
things to do in a
things to do in that makes
thing to do that makes us the best apartment. Thank you
that you have the salaries. Is that possible? If you can
get that to us through the chair what positions you have
and what the salaries are? Okay. And then lastly how can we
be helpful to fill those those two hundreds of my jobs that
you have, you know, so we we we put out a newsletter to the
wards and we have that the current openings.
we could
We could be.
We could be a little bit better as a department with the
Cadence. I'm getting that out. You know, we kind of been
cordially at times that you not capturing all the positions
that are open. I'm sorry, I take that something little bit
of a homework assignment for us to go back after the
hearing here and think about how we can up that
communication about the positions in the hole when when
these titles are becoming open Mondays 240 vacancies are
posted for people to apply at you and Alonzo don't do this
work alone. So I also wanted to thank The Oaks in the Box
as well. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Alderman Robinson
just to pick up on this last night here. How many of those
jobs are union jobs in what is the process do they come
through the Union's they have to bid for the jobs. I'm just
wondering how many people can just walk in off the street
apply for a job have some qualifications and get hired or
if there's an extra layer of having to do with the unions
or so.
we
We are.
We are very heavy unionized Department 93% D. The entry
level positions doll are advertised Union positions while
are advertised and open to the public to apply. There are
minimum qualifications for you know, every job title pretty
much as some some minimum quals.
what are
Of whatever the trade is.
Of whatever. The trade is a
Of whatever. The trade is order.
Of whatever. The trade is or the job is a lot of they'll
actually all of that like once you're into the Union in the
city system me know if your Foreman going for a general
Foreman spot or something that you're a you're a lineman
going for 4minute lineman those follow the collective
bargaining agreements. You also experienced a lot of people
and once they get in they hop around to different
departments that was that sort of internal turn over
something that you guys faces. Well, yes yesterday happens.
It happens when I talk to department heads the more I
realized that is a real challenge. Yes. It's a challenge,
you know streets and San water department CDOT certain
titles were all
zebra
you were all like my
you were all like match together. Sometimes we're just
constantly can rearrange and chairs on the Titanic at
bills. But thank you for that.
the time I
The time I would I would act go my colleagues who have
identified that your you personally in your department has
a great job it shot out. Some people see Mike Drake in the
in the box or does a fantastic job with my office as well
as Molly sumati more cans and everyone's already talked
about Jerry Jerry Mandell Hannah. What does a great job as
well?
So, thank you. Thank.
So, thank you. Thank you for that.
So thank you. Thank you for that question. I get could
significantly is is when new utility lines are put in, you
know you then then the gravel is kind of has laid on top of
them and then they just seem to sit there for a while and
we get and we get a lot of complaints in this used to
happen a lot all over the the downtown area and was going
to ask about your role in that and how we can perhaps do a
better job on that specifically.
So thank
So, thank you.
So thank you. Thanks for the compliments Alderman. I think
something that is something for us to consider about how we
can do better on you. There's there's a certain amount of
those cuts that we have done coordination to our project
coordination office. So we we've notified that agency or
we've done an mou with them that they don't have to restore
that cut because another agency is coming in and doing work
or RC dad is going to be doing resurfacing. So there's no
point in having them restore that little cut just saw that
I can come in and be again in that that's part of the
cost-savings work of the PCO through those coordination
efforts in 2022, the savings over all the 23 million
dollars, but I think to Joe citizen or you and your staff
going through there if you don't know about that.
you are the
You are that that that was coordinated. It just seems like
it's it's not being.
it's it's not being handled. There are instances where
agencies might be delinquent in that and in those are
situations where it's okay for us to have our public way
inspector positions filled because under J Khalil ft DJ
Khalil and his team they will they will go out and do
blitzes and they you know, especially trying to get folks,
you know this time of year. Hey one of your rapid closing
this up if you do agencies of their utilities, if they're
doing work in the winter months, you know, we know that the
asphalt plants aren't open but still be a spring. Where
they'll go and Blitz word to say. All right, you have till
next day to get this restored and if they don't they get
issued citations. Is there a the last thing I want to do is
put extra work on on your department. But is there a what
you do?
Is he?
easy way of place we
Easy way a place we can go where we can know about the word
in the questions about who knows, you know certain Street
in our area that's been like that for a while that we can
find out that memorandum of understanding exist. Yes. So I
think I'll answer as a follow-up Jay and his team will come
out and be with you and in more carries some of the things
that are available in that maps that they could help you
with you and your staff with that wonderful pictures of
training thing on our and just so we don't have to ask you
I want us another another question.
might be related to this one and you can
Might be related to this one and you can thank your friends
of coal.
and coleslaw for pointing this out is that noticing notice
that the that your pothole and pavement maintenance
division is is scheduled to go from 53 employees. 247 was
curious. What was you know, if you walk espresso to plan
ramp-up of there and and driving then so you don't see that
has it a bit of a uniqueness in that we reside in the
corporate fun the 100 Fun 300 fun and the 310 fun. We're in
all three fun. And we work closely with the budget office
that you know, depending on those fun levels and and and
what work they have to do. Sometimes the way to balance
those funds is to ship different sections of C. From one
phone to the other. So we've always thought I was a good
strategy to cooperate with the budget office and work
clothes.
What's
with the
What time is?
with them so real
what time so really they
With them so really those that number that you saw is just
a reflection that that section was was moved from one phone
to another trip with the Department's sure my wife would
love it if there was tripled in size, but you know, that's
just a reflecting of a fun balancing. Wonderful. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you next week have a Roman Gutierrez about
the album Cruise.
thank
Thank you. Thank you. I'm just wanted to congratulate your
commissioner in your team. And thank you again for coming
to her office and explaining to us the beauty of these
apartment where I could see something that will see in a
daily basis. And I know it's a lot of work also talking to
contractors and outside companies that performed up for us
as well. I know it's it's a lot in your plate. I just want
to commend you and your staff for the great work that you
guys are doing and I'm just ready to put that many money in
order for next year. I'm excited and I know it is Des
Moines are as well. And I know that we are going to
a black
He blessed to be able to help constituents that have not
have their sweet paved in 20-30 years, so it's coming up
and I'm excited for that and for all the work that we could
have continued to. Thank you. Thank you very much.
Thank you. I'll Vice chair. And also hello. I'm
commissioner. I want to start off with saying thank you. I
know was texting you late last night to help me out with
the situation. So I appreciate that. But I want to say
thank you to the Box. Either have been wonderful. I have to
say I have a greater a budget liaison. Allen-hall Anthony
can. So since day one has been
on the
On the photo has been there Anthony.
On the photo has been there Anthony percent.
On the photo has been there Anthony percentage as well. My
Drake. Thank you sir. Sam Alexander. You. Haven't had the
pleasure to meet with you in person. But thank you Craig
Turner everybody again. I don't want to miss out anyone.
But thank you so much for for the help and helping us get
it through through the process more than a question. I have
a task for you. Some of my colleagues have brought it up
but is some of these contractors or subcontractors that we
have. I have to say that some of the work they have done.
It's not the quality of work that we want to see in our
communities. There are alleys that have been done. We're at
the edge of where the construction and there's like just
tons of asphalt not slanted the way they should be the
answer that God is the roller doesn't get there. If that
was the case every single work would look like that.
cross the
cross this
cross the city, but it's not true because there are ways
the roller doesn't get there but there's other ways to make
sure they were flying and that work with her shovel with
there's other smaller material that we can use because we
have were arrested and say if my Ally is going to look like
my the alley across the street from me don't touch my alley
because that's unfair the quality of work that has been
done the water that set on these alleys that we got to come
back with a key cut and we're doing the
Where do?
we're doing double work and I think
We're doing double work. And I think that's
We're doing double work and I think I'll text.
We're doing double work and I think a taxpayer dollars. We
don't want to make sure that we are doing the work right
this companies are getting paid. So what we expect is
quality work, so we're not going back and Reinventing and
now we're trying to do we have some of my residents out
with at work trying to you know, the plan in the asphalt
some of the work that has been done it right. Now. I'm in
construction that they have to do is see that I that also
I'm Fullerton with, you know half an inch for the binder
sewer caps all that stuff. Like I may not be an expert I
have to say but I do have people that are experts at our
guided me through this process my own residences call meow
and they don't allow this number work to happen. Like what
are you going to do to stand up for us? And that's what I'm
said. You have quality you have to seize and work
engineering to the work. We just want people to go out
there and inspect the work that is being done. I think that
is fair and it we need to respect her.
the dentist well
students as well as
Students as well and not just say it's a city work. That's
how the city operates this has to come to an end. I'll
because my my constituents are holding me accountable of
the type of work. I wish I could be an engineer or you
know, we accused on spot but I am not but I am asking you
to please anybody who's in charge of these two works.
Please take the time to evaluate this work. I'm learning as
much as you don't know how much I have done studying of all
the stupid construction, but that's my only asking
again, your team
Again, your team is always out there for me.
Again, your team is always out there for me always helping
me and guide me through the process. But that is when I
asked that I have for you is to make sure that we are
ensuring and we holding these companies accountable to do
the right work because we deserve quality at work to be
done in our communities.
so thank you for
So thank you for that.
So thank you for that all the women. I've a hundred percent
agree with you. I would like you to know that you know,
when I talked to the contractor is beginning of the year
and when I talked to our in-house Cruise my comment line is
is that I want everyone to work in front of locations. Like
it's like your mother lives there take those job sites.
Seriously that they like it's your family member that lives
there because those are the residents of our city and
that's who's paying for this work at the end of the day. So
I will continue to preach that message and I know the
deputies the staff behind me a site that as well. I will
Alderman reach out to you come out to your word. I would
like to see some of these locations that you reference. So
I will follow up I'll take you there. All right? Perfect.
Thank you and you're my time. Thank you. All the Roman Cruz
older women in Menasha.
Thank you, Jerry. Thank.
Thank you, Jerry. Thank you commissioner.
Thank you, Jerry. Thank you commissioner and I'll thank you
to all that's in the box and good evening. I want to also
say thank you to lend always and Jerry and also others who
have reached out to the office to help Orient us. There's
so much coordination that needs to be done across many
levels and exactly what you were saying was rearranging
seats on the Titanic, which is very interesting. But yes,
there's there's a lot to do in the 48th Ward and across the
city unfortunately in in our Ward we did have a fatality on
Broadway and and I want to thank your team for working with
my office and also that Martin's office in the 47th to
really find solutions to make that intersection safer to In
N A.
only take a
only taking the time to
Only taking the time to explore all options and I see that
there's actually things happening right now. I'm so I just
appreciate your responsiveness. We can't bring that person
back, but we can tell the family that we're working to make
it safer for everybody in the neighborhood. So thank you
for that. And then also the previous Alders mentioned the
death of a bicyclist in the 40th Ward and unfortunately,
that was someone who resides in
Edgewater
How much water do it to me?
how much water do it too many of our residents are dying on
us to
our streets and fortunately, I know that there is a
Citywide effort towards Equitable transit-oriented
development. Can you can you speak on that? And how do you
think that we're doing right now in terms of coordinating
towards Equitable transit-oriented development not just in
the 4th Ward, but across the city and towards safety for
all no matter if you walk where you ride your bike or if
you drive a car, so thank you for the other woman. So, yes
you are and it's was passed in 2020 to see that has
developed some preliminary guidelines that that's like a
roll. I mean soon they were working in collaboration with
Planning and Development on execution of this ordinance and
you know looking at these developments and
how they can sue
how they can support
How they can support Transit and safe safely getting to
Transit than and walkability and things like that their
preliminary design guidelines. Cuz we we sort of have to
like try this out few times and refine it and get it to
where it's it's effective for what the intent of the
ordinance was. There hasn't been a large number of
development how to put through that the preliminary
guidelines that we developed.
short answer
Short answer I'm so there's still a little bit of crafting
and refining the guidelines that we've created on this so,
I don't know if Angie Deputy krishnamurthi if there's also
ask because you know, the red line is being reconstructed
after a hundred years in the 48th Ward is seeing that right
now with a lot of it with an unusual moment where the
embankment for taking down next to the L. And so we're also
going to have City personals available and opportunities
for development and I want development happening 48 Ford.
We need density how we need small businesses. We afford
ability and we need Safe Streets but as that happens, I
understand how I'm learning so much but I understand that
there needs to be so much coordination towards that end and
I'm just wondering who is leading on that effort because at
this point I know the ordinance has been passed but
is
Is it?
is it the job of the older person to make sure that all
that happens in coordination or is there an office but that
I could talk to or is it you how does it work? Yeah, I
think we'll do what we can set up a time with your other
woman to brief you on on our Roland and the e t o d a state
that discuss the possibility of an office of Equitable
transitory.
development
the development Zone
the development zone am I am open to
development so I'm open to those conversations I wanted to
ask about
well, I
what I do want to say I'm listening to my colleagues and I
understand the need or systemic change like working towards
system including replacing Bloodlines and I see the bike
ride is something like that, you know, it doesn't work to
have
one piece
One piece of a chain missing and so I will just ask that I
would just ask that if you build this grid to please if you
could devote some time to talking to the ward offices and
also making time to bring in the residence and also the
small businesses because there we have a lot of business
quarters in 48 Ford and we can do a lot of feedback from
everyone and it would be great to have you there at the
table or someone from your office to bring people together
because it is a it is a it needs to be done. We are we're
losing people and painted street is not the same as a
protected bike lane.
a great
Agree, yes. Thank you.
I was
I want to
I wanted to I just want to thank you again for all your
work. I was also up at Alder LaSpada's office with the
committee talking to folks and your team about the
Worldwide Day of remembrance for road traffic victims. So
thank you for that work. I would like to learn more about
that work that you do and include I'm not disliking
bassadors. But how how you're doing Outreach to people I
have three kids and they're learning how to drive. I'm
actually driving a lot left now. I'd like taking mass
transit I meant but then if I do get behind the wheel and
especially especially more than ever trying to be cognizant
of what I do, you know as I'm driving and where I'm looking
and after I park out how I'm opening doors and all of that
is really about public education about how we're going to
share the roads and sidewalks to keep each other safe. So I
I'm thing.
I'm thinking.
I'm thank you.
I'm thank you for that work and get your thank you older
woman IHOP and worse and you might have thought you were
off the hook after her. I haven't had my turn yet. So my
sister gets more than 5 minutes hate. Don't first. I want
to thank everybody. I mean, I think she does amazing, You
know how much I think of you everybody that we call.
Be at Halls by.
calls back on
We're calls back on I know that there are lots of
challenges and often times things that are not totally
within your control, but we do get communicated with. Oh,
sorry. I'll remember not going to happen.
Sorry to hear.
Sorry chair. I don't I don't want to close out. I just can
I ask one more question, I guess thank you. Thank you. I'm
so sorry. This is this is
It's
this is an
This is important because I don't have an understanding of
it and I would really like to know we want people to start
using the app the 311 app and we want people to call her
office and I I need to understand how.
tell
does a
doesn't
Does it work when people put complaints or a
quality-of-life issues reporting into the 31 app is that
something that your office your department takes care of or
do they get routed back to the Alderman's office for us to
take care of an arm and you how what's the connection
between 311 and what we need to take care of?
so my men
So my menu, yes, so service request that are entered into
311 through the app. We receive them directly. So, you know
folks in in dispatcher in the various divisions are going
in every morning logging into Salesforce finding the
service request and then working to assign those out that
you know, that's part of like the maintenance city services
role of C. For sure certain requests. You know, when we
have our CIP briefings where we're bringing you information
about projects in your ward will also bring to you
suggested locations for consideration to do man you work
and what we're relying on his is the date of that we have
from 311. So we will be bringing you information about
where there's higher concentrations the street lights out.
I will be.
I will bring.
I will bring you information about streets that are rated
poorly and that they have a higher volume of a pothole
complaints. So that's why I'm hoping that answers your
question so much. I just tell him I wasn't making that
connection. So I appreciate that and then just generally
about as a city is revamping all of its it infrastructure.
Do you see a potential where constituents will be able to
go online and see where?
Action might be happening.
action might be happening or
Action might be happening or the status of a project
online. Yes, a lot of this exists on shy street-works,
which is through. Maps so we can bring up staff come out
and in and show you how that works. And that that's
something that can be shared with all your residence and
they can see they can put in like they're block and then
anytime there's a permit there's some work going on. They
get a notification of that got it but there isn't any kind
of notification system that people could sign up for right
now is before but no no no worries. We'll set up a briefing
on that. We can have come out and give you a briefing on
that and how to do that. Yeah. That's terrific. Thank you
again, I appreciate it and everything.
Thank you for
Thank you, Miss Turner.
thank
Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you though always helpful. I don't have
any other than I know you will be completing 59th Street,
or I also Anthony and Prevail you all are amazing. Thank
you for helping us assist my 5th Ward colleague, okay.
is all
What's your IQ?
Thank you, Cheryl.
Thank you chairman. Hello again, right. So there have been
some emergency times when I've had to call upon your
department, especially with what happened over at Sox Park
and I think we've got a great plan in place for that. So I
think everybody that was involved with that. I look at the
engineers Molly in particular that was very helpful on that
project and other many others, but I don't have a list in
front of me. So I apologize ahead of time for not having
everybody's names but that the quick work that they made of
it. We did a couple rounds of revisions to make sure that
we could get some bike infrastructure in there as well. And
I was really pleased that we were able to work in some
protected bike Lanes. So use that as an entry point for
some of my questions.
You know, I'm not on Twitter whole lot.
but the majority of
But the majority of what I get is a big problem spot in the
word for us protected bike Lanes is something that we
definitely want more of an award of talk to Big about this
and Dave. I'm so we're in a good conversation about what we
can do to expand the bike protected bike Network within the
11th ward, but at 329 West 18th Street on the 18th Street
Bridge. We are protected bike Lanes. We just put in the
quicker.
what's
What's the standard?
What's the standard width of a bike lane because one of the
problems that we constantly have our cars are driving into
the protected bike lane and parking there and it's not just
regular cars at FedEx trucks. But it's also City Vehicles
which is all the more galling at the end of the day. I come
back to that. But just with the width of that lane, I'm
wondering if there's something that we can do there either
reduce it or I'm ready to ask for a jersey barrier to just
be put there. So it makes it even harder for a vehicle to
pull in because it really defeats the purpose of the really
great protected bike lane. That should be helping to keep
people more safe. But as you know cyclists go up there they
run into the back of a car and then they got either jump up
on the sidewalk or go in the bridge, which is not good for
their bikes in someone talk to me about just the standard
widths of a of a bike lane.
shirts
Sure, so.
Fortune
Unfortunately, they
Unfortunately, there's not a standard with per say because
streets are all various sizes throughout the city, you know
different parts of town. There are some that are wider and
then based on that allows us to have different pieces of
equipment that can go through there for snow removal with
regards to 18th Street. You do have situations where City
vehicles are parked their particular when we're working.
on the bridge erase
on the bridge raising
On the bridge of raising the bridge.
On the bridge of raising the bridge but those Cruisers are
supposed to put up signage that the bike lane is closed and
they should be working there and I'm sure Mister Drake will
Deputy Commissioner Drake will reiterate that with our
Bridge trades work on that location, but I think in terms
of preventing Bad actors, I think that's something big then
we can do some homework assignment on this figure out what
can be done if we're lucky we can get them in issue a
citation the storage people like utilizing the isn't there
at like this. There's actually a drive-in portion that
people just don't use it like I talk to the building
management about this as well. I think that there's
probably some things at the building can do for sinus to
say, you know, no parking and then pull in here, but I also
think that with the new legislation that we
Last year, I'm one.
Last year, I'm wondering if that's considered new signs
that just say, you know bike Lanes no parking because there
isn't and I know that parking enforcement is going to be
getting a lot more creative with the cameras on the Vans,
and it'll be easier to the ticket people for those things
and be nice just to give people a visual cue that I'm not
supposed to park here. So do if there's not a sign already
at ask you to consider that I think we'll do some homework
on.
is there is something like a
Is there is something like a baller.
Is there is something like a Bollard or a jersey barrier
that we can place their? I think that would be an easy fix.
Just just to that piece of it in understanding that there
is work that goes on if you can make sure that there is
signage warning people to use the opposite side or to go a
different way. That would be great.
and I
And I'd like to I don't know that this is you necessarily
but I think this is a call to working with a is and others
that have fleet vehicles just to remind people that you we
have laws on the books for a reason than the city workers.
Certainly shouldn't be agreed grievously violating host of
other things with any bets it for four protected bike lanes
and we're going to continue to do work. I think to increase
the amount of protected bike Lanes. I'm actually the one
last question around bike Lanes is as you're putting in
Greenways into like lower-density streets. How are you
handling designing those around existing handicap parking
for disabled parking.
Mansion game
managing Deputy play
Managing Deputy Chris Murphy good afternoon by Cher on the
neighbor Greenway program. Will we try to do is really
focused on the corner by the corner clearances either with
detached bump-outs to improve visibility Miniver Greenway
designs have reverse direction or contraflow bike Lanes. So
typically are Greenway designs don't really expect 88
parking spaces or residential parking or street parking
because we're working at those existing. No parking here is
on the corner clearances at the answers of block. So if you
have a particular concern are on a certain project will
help you to follow up with you but there should be little
then I went back on those residential street parking. It's
with those projects write. Thank you babe. I didn't I
didn't have one particularly and mine. But as people were
talking earlier just occurred to me. I have a lot of
disabled parking lot of seniors in the neighborhood and if
we're considering doing something like a green way, it just
dawned on me. Like how do we handle that?
It'll make it.
It'll make it more.
It'll make it more difficult.
It'll make it more difficult for those with disabilities to
their cars if they have to go through a pipeline to do it.
Target
Let's talk about the electrical grid.
I have an in Chinatown some very nice decorative lights
that don't provide enough light for security purposes. It's
it's very dim along Wentworth Avenue, and I don't think
that we were on the part of the modernization coming into
this year. But I wonder if someone can give me an update as
to where we are with grid modernization for that part of my
ward Chinatown particular. I'm calling in life. All the
time in that in that part of the the ward.
rights
I'm right. So the Chicago smart lighting program where we
know modernized the city's leading away from the high
pressure sodium to LEDs and then also implemented the nodes
which is a smart part of it where we get notified. If
there's a power failure that program is complete was 160
million dollar program at the time because of you no
different a different time in the world and in financial
situation of the city, it only contemplated the viaduct
lights and they contemplated the Legacy lighting that was
out there meaning that any ornamental Lighting in the city
was not part of that. So you have over 300,000 street
lights in the city all in the smart lighting was capturing
about 207.
thousand
1000 + so there is work to do we do have to go back and he
Department figure that part of it out to get the rest of of
it out of the city into LED lights which cost savings and
and longer life span of those lights and also getting those
lights into the smart Lighting systems to we're getting a
notification when there's an outage. So that is something
that we're talking about figuring out how to weed. What's
the right of procurement approach also figuring out in a
funding sources or that you have you have some situations
where
yeah.
you know you have to
you know, you have to you have to replace there's some
older, you know, ornamental stuff out there that you
actually need to replace poles and lighting are some
locations that really just kind of missed the ship to LEDs
that really just needs it changed change out fixtures. So
that is really pretty with all of this place a piggyback on
one and I mean it took months and months to find the part
and I think we are ultimately took it from another or
another light pole and just brought it over. I get the
challenges considering, you know, how to work that out that
we just be included in that conversation. And if it's
something that I have to look at a menu, you know fixed for
you know, I'd be willing to look at it to prioritize your
security Safety and Security is really a
when you guys
can you guys play such a
Can you guys play such a big role in?
Can you guys play such a big role in that especially with?
lights and I appreciate the offer these the menu money, but
I I view that as something that that's A B C. Sproul the
figure it out. We have to finish the job in the smart lady.
I appreciate that even more sir. Thank you.
and these
And these are all the
And these are all in no particular order any more on the
wells Wentworth connector, beautiful Road. I guess if I got
to take a look at it when it was completed when they're
doing a final inspection and I've seen from above that. We
put those Jersey barriers from Nascar on there any idea
when we're going to open that because I know that the
cycling Community but absolutely love to have that as a
very safe routes from the south into downtown. Yes. So
there is a few punch list work items that need to be done.
There is some reconfiguring of the jurors the NASCAR Jersey
while they're out there to reposition the house that they
were the big goal was to get them out of ramparts. We could
turn the park back over. We do have to reposition some of
it and we had to get some special attachments for our
equipment so we can do that we have that now we are looking
at your husband conversations about 2. We just open it to
Pat and bike is there for Matt to do that.
there are concerns though also about when
There are concerns though also about when we do want to open
the roadway cuz it's an important connection we built it
for a reason but in the in the intramural out of sequence
with the developments that were envisioned there. We do
have concerns, you know about the speeding and and what bad
activity that could get you which is why you know, when I
went on that inspection I said my biggest concern with that
with that Road opening the connector opening was drag
racers, especially because there isn't about men's going on
back there right now. So we want to be very careful and
strategic by how that how that happens in certainly when we
make final decisions on that you we will brief you prior to
making any do it take any action on that.
are
Are we?
Are we all caught up from last year's like concrete and
gravel delays in terms of just projects from the previous
year. I know that we we got kind of behind due to all of
the supply chain delays last year. Are we caught up now or
pretty close to it?
I don't know if you were here for a while.
I don't know if you were here for went when they
I don't know if you were here for went when there was a
conversation with the alderman Martin. We're still behind
in the North Area.
That's
We've had some challenge.
We've had some challenges their their work through but the
other areas, you know, I'm happy to say that 2022 shared
cost sidewalk program an 2023 sherco sidewalk program to
both be completed. So caught up. There's a lot of programs
were caught up with these construction programs. Do you
know where we are fixing the the curbs and sidewalks on
Archer between Wentworth and Clark right under the red line
that the curbs are coming apart from the the street at this
point to know that was something that we talked with CPA
about last year. I think that you were involved in that
conversation. I just want to get an update because I wasn't
sure that the work's been done.
I've
Irish
I remember last year conversation where we were doing work.
I want to save I orange line. I thought it was Archer and I
was at 30 we can talk offline about it. No problem. Is
there proof that all we know that the disability?
having a
having it at any moment to
Having it at any moment to anyone and with winter coming.
This process is probably going to be even longer people. Do
we have working in the sign Department staff to serve Aid
disability permit since I'm hangers.
Sure.
shirts
Church, so I'm one thing we're very happy about we
appreciate the support of budget office in that were adding
for new Inspector Inspector has to sign management and they
really are the front lines of going out and survey and
writing the work orders that you know determine if it's
feasible for disabled parking our location. So that's
greatly going to assist the Sam Alexander and his team to
have you know, I always say to people that the making and
hanging the signs isn't the long part of things are getting
to that point. I will say and this is the same thing. I
tell any Alderman rest.
You Don't See
You don't see that is.
You don't see that is is a contributor to disabled parking
sign it. But certainly we work with the Department of
Finance in the Miami PD has a real there's a lot of people
working to make that program work. And the reason we're all
doing that is cuz the way the ordinance is written
everybody's doing what their role is because we're Bound by
what's written in the ordinance and
We certainly welcome to be.
We certainly welcome to be a part.
We certainly welcome to be a part of.
We certainly welcome to be a part of conversations with
Council it if there's ways we can improve upon out of the
city manager's that program because we have feedback from
many council members about that how long it takes so we
welcome those conversations be a part of trying to improve
upon that but I would say that a lot of this is because
it's an ordinance that way I'm going to I'm taking all of
your Clues and hints they're very subtle and I'm going to
pull schedule a meeting cuz I I definitely want to and I'm
interested in making that process a lot easier especially
because this is for our disabled neighbors. So we'll take a
look at the legislation and looked it to make that a lot
simpler and easier to manage. It does seem to be a chronic
issue when we write legislation and aren't necessarily
talking to the right people to make sure that the execution
piece of it matches the way that the the ordinances are
written.
into the end of
until the end of this
Until the end of the sea.
Until the end of this. I promise you I'm going to switch
gears and just talk about minority contracting and
everything. I'm not sure if someone asked for this through
the chair earlier, but if through the chair, you could
provide a breakdown of any outstanding payables to minority
and women-owned businesses by ethnicity that be great. I
asked the same thing dwm earlier, one of the things I get
to talk to minority on contractors and businesses is about
it's great to be able to get a contract from the city.
I always get paid on time and I think that's a very big the
server.
service that we do to these minority-owned businesses. We
we want to encourage and you don't have contracts with
these companies. But some of these companies aren't big
enough to float the city hundreds of thousands of dollars
and then it prevents them from growing. So, you know, I
want to make sure that we're doing everything that we can
to help these businesses grow and Thrive. So I am actually
delighted that you asked that question because because
we've worked extremely hard on that issue as a department
and not only through our division, but I'll see you know
through leadership of a Deputy Commissioner. Hi, we have
looked at our workflows. We did some revisions to how we we
process payments in and how we, you know, it's after you
process things. We also met with vendors to really
understand what's going on with them and that we provided
them with some training about, you know, you're having
pain.
It's held.
It's held up.
it's held up because
It's held up because of these common mistakes and things
like that. We've instituted that a monthly meeting in the
commissioner's office with Robin staff the drill down into
it and I'm happy to say that on the construction side in
2022 are average from invoice to payment our average days
is 96 days this year. We've gotten it down to 58 days on
the Professional Services.
adult
of those those contractor
Of those those contractors. We were at 139 days last year
and this year averaged in 64 days. So it's it's a really
good story for the Department of it actually like to kick
it over lease that beehive she could kick in a little I'm
so glad that that time said, I'm at the beginning of this
year. We took a really deep dive on our processes to make
sure that we're paying our vendors in a timely fashion and
just to give you a picture of the volume on payments that
we move in on a monthly basis for Professional Services.
I'm for the month of September. We paid 6.2 million dollars
and on the construction in again for the month of
September. We paid 62 million so that hopefully he gives
you a picture of just the volume of work that we move at
Sea. And on the professional
decide on which is typically decide that we have most of
our minority vendors 76% of our payments are current and
that's 25 million of that 33 million + 24% is over 60 days
and that's eight million and most of those anything that's
over that 60 day. Typically is some type of additional
paperwork that we may need from the vendor that and
We communicate that to the band.
We communicate that to the vendor that we need that.
We communicate that to the vendor that we need that
additional paperwork But as time mentioned in twenty20, we
were in a space that it was taken 139 days from the point
that that voucher came in to the point that a check was cut
from the Comptroller and in 2023. We got that down to 64.
And again that's on our professional service. I'm on a
construction site. Again, we paid 62 million dollars for
the month of September and of that 60 $2000000. 91% is
current.
and I
and that star
And that's starting to million dollars and that remaining
9% which is 3 million again typically is problematic that
we working with the contractor to make sure that we are
paying those as well. So we're in a better space. We
understand the importance of paying our vendors on whether
you're minority or not. We believe in timely payment says
he got well, thank you and congratulations on that
achievement. I haven't heard back from anybody else so
kudos to you on that. So just a couple last questions here
and there just sort of like
Thank you know we've noticed that we've put spot whole
requested and you know, it takes a while and then they're
closed out as if they're done. But in actuality it actually
hasn't been done. We've been noticing that a little bit
more so I'm not sure what's going on, but that's happening
but it just makes me wonder like how often this is
happening with stuff gets closed out. So they're there was
an issue that we talked to you in a different department
about the other day and they said well as theirs to request
for the same thing or to request for a similar issue on the
same block. There's like a parent child's r o e m c that
was asking answering this question and then the duplicate
request was getting closed out but there was no explanation
for it. So I'm wondering how much of that is actually going
on is me and how we fix this so that it's not frustrating
to Residence.
Cuz I can.
Cuz I can see.
Cuz they consider.
Cuz the constituents then call us to say Hey, you know,
this is closed out and it's still not done and you didn't
do what you were supposed to do and then we could call and
Chase these things down even as think even as simple as the
Amazon has to show you right now that your package has been
delivered. We have cell phones and everything. Is there
even a way to fill out here? Here's a picture of yours is
closed out and I just had a million things in there. But if
you can just respond to that it's a sore point in my office
right now, so think of that
yes, and that there was a dream at
yes, and that there was Audrey Mathis who said that and I
Yes, and that there was Audrey Mathis who said that and and
her team is that kind of overall lead on Salesforce in 311
G is correct that you know, the system couples together
duplicates so that the system isn't kind of over flooded
and depending on some timing of things you will get
instances where it's closed, but the resident doesn't see
that the work has happened. I think Dad's certainly a flag
that.
in a week
You know Wheatley we've shifted over to Salesforce, but
there's always room for improvement on that. I will say
from an operational perspective. This is the time of year
where I get a little bit long in our car service delivery
on potholes because we take every you know, every one of
the troops we got in and are putting them on menu to try
and deliver all these men you so get wrapping up the street
resurfacing deliver and speed humps will make a big push
right before that the plants close typically first week of
December. So right now you're probably only you know, where
we have less staff to put out parking Cruise, so we're
probably not making his many visits the ward, you know this
time of year once once the
can I
can a
Can a the grinding operation stop start?
Can a the grinding operation stop start winding down which
typically around Thanksgiving, you know, it will be
shifting people December, you know provided it stays
relatively, you know free of snow or my childish. December
is typically a great catch up Mom's for us or we can catch
up and put on shift all those resources now on the potholes
work that number down cuz we want to get those filled
before Mitchell everybody's tires this winter time.
my
My last question is just around.
this
the speed the
The speed the people are driving right now. I've had just
at the intersection of 33rd and emerald and the last
probably two or three months three major accidents. We've
asked for a traffic study. I would put me back you put
signs up that warn people that there's a signal coming but
I find out across my ward and all around the city people
are driving like maniacs. I don't know what other work is
being done to take a look at reducing the speed limit. I
love speed cameras. I'd love to have more I put two in the
office cuz they I do think they make a difference. I see it
on the roads as we drive and I'd like to you know, if
there's more personal that you need to do traffic studies
to work on how we can address those things. I would be very
supportive of it. If you don't already have it in the
budget figure out how
Can grow you some more?
Can grow you some more Traffic Engineers?
Can grow you some more Traffic Engineers Little Lucia
laspada is in training at this point. Your frustration is
shared by it's one of the most common things were hearing
from Council was just the frustration in the Alderman's
office is about just at the speeding and in frustration of
residents B by driving we have done a lot of analysis by
lowering the Citywide speed limit, you know, we have to
continue some conversations with the new Administration to
bring them to give full briefing on that that and then an
automated speed enforcement as well. So those conversations
thank you and thank you everybody again for indulging all
of my questions here and I would be remiss not to mention
the same to you and shout out to germano. He's great. He's
been helpful to me since day 1 in
20%.
20% he always says.
20% he always said whenever we have issues in the ward with
wink can call him and thank you. Everybody else who I know
I brought up the phone lines for appreciate everything that
you do. I'm done. Sure. Thank you Uncle chairs.
Yeah not.
Yeah. No. Thank you.
Yeah, not think you're just a point about formation. I'm
sickening i s what you said that lie about the traffic
studies? I think he's something like that. It's really
important for us all of the safety of our community,
especially of our families and our little ones that many
times they walk by themselves the school back and forth and
submitted a couple of traffic studies in I do have 18
schools in my ward and I I told every single community and
every single school and we're going to try to our best to
perform one cuz of cords we need to find out better waste
bring you that safety around the school. You will know I'm
also a former educator and Mom of two little ones, of
course Safety and Security will be always my priority.
So if we can do
So if we can please go.
So if we can please continue to work towards that I know
all of the Departments have all the Departments are looking
for staff, but if there's any way that we can enter and to
help out with that in order for that to get done. I know
all the schools around the city are asking for a traffic
study. I know there's a lot of things and changes that we
need to make sure all around, but I just want a second, but
Lisa. Thank you.
thank
Thank you. I just got a couple items real quickly.
best
St.
STP still work on 80/20 split with the federal government
or is or is it changed?
Dan Burke. Yes. Yes, it does and so in this only qualifies
on.
stay
state route
State roads or what is the criteria for what is like in the
reverse that it can't be used on local roads, so that would
be like your residential streets.
there's a
There's a few other.
There's a few other criteria to a but that is probably the
easiest way to frame and you can use in a local roads can
use in an alley a block.
blah
block fund
Block fun. We get blocked funds for that or are we do we
have to go in and compete if I remember correctly through
see map of was how how those funds were allocated to work
or do we just get a straight block from either the federal
government from the state and relation has to pee pass this
to add a room and you never answer. Your question is both a
used to be entirely as a block now. It's about 50-50. We
got a block and then we compete with the other STP.
for any competitive pool for other funds
What do?
What are we seeing annually from the approximately 100
million a year.
is a
Is that the 80 or is that the 100%
that would be the 100% So so we're putting in 20 to get a
hundred since you are those just resurfaced sayings or
Recons or are these what are we doing with that money
specifically usually large capital projects just because of
the federal process involved with it, but the annual
research team program a capital Bridge Project Bridge
inspections traffic signals instructions, occasionally
streetscapes and dumb at times bike and pedestrian permits
as well.
Okay.
Okay, and that's the block is that what you said the hundred
was that blocking it competitive or was it just a block
from me?
be
the
The timber we can provide you a detailed breakdown of both
believe that total combined operations. Looks like we've
added some lamp maintenance workers and this seems to be an
annual conversation on.
the number of vacancies in the electrical department of
what's what are we doing to improve the process or what or
what have we done to improve the process for either a
retention or Recruitment and Retention one of the
challenges his team faces at electric is
Bass Pro
base basic
Base basically the when you know, if a foreman retires
Orman lineman retires, the lineman go for it and then you
just kind of keep Shifting the vacancies around so it is
kind of like in the electrical operations on his
never-ending hamster wheel trying to catch up to where the
vacancies are peering we did have.
and
an older work for
an older Workforce at a
An older Workforce and an electrical operations and and the
past several years have been seeing a lot of that
retirement. So keeping up with those retirement has been a
bit challenging what we have begun to do which I think it
probably needs another year or so to it's really we're
seeing the dividends is
we
where is
Where is pre?
Where is previously it was required that you know, you're
going to post street light repair man. Okay, then after
after you lose the lamp men for the street light repair men
title. Now you post the lamp and was one at a time. We
received cooperation with Garmin human resources and budget
office to now go to a framework work. Hey, we know if we're
going to post this and fill these it's going to come from
the ranks of the lamp making it so let's post them
simultaneously. Let's do certain certain of these titles at
the same time to ensure. We're being more efficient with of
the process instead of one at a time when it's time we
weren't keeping up. So the lamp maintenance worker from
correct me if I'm wrong is the entry point or that group.
That's correct. Is that a biddable spot or is it someone
that you were plowed the street for you apply off the
street and for that position we have to have some minimum.
Okay, and then they'd allow.
Okay, and then they the lap maintenance worker bee.
Okay, and then they the lap maintenance worker becomes the
what?
make a
native
They typically would bet either to lineman or street light
repair worker. Okay, and then then next up from that is the
form for me right there Just For Men of War if they in, you
know being in the union if they wanted to go into a
different discipline of traffic signals lemonade have to go
for training stuff like that, but it creates won the last
last budget. We had it 32 this year. We've added three it
looks like that maintenance workers.
we still
We still have a significant number of vacancy. So you're
saying now will be able to fill those vacancies plus the
subsequent vacancies that come from promotions.
Grammy where
Grammy working hard to ya continue to do that to fill those
remains priority that last budget had additional positions
added 44 construction Crews as we do want to try and end up
the amount of construction that is being handled by
in-house worses keeps a good complement of boa contractor
in housewares is on on lighting project. Okay. Well, let
them blocks for everybody.
your last words
Your last with the caliper?
Your last with the capitol with the capital plan. So okay.
Other than that, I will agree with this with the with the
pothole situation. It seems like we do something is very
well. And then we do some things not so well and when I
look at the Fulfillment times in the in the other 31 ones,
you know, we got some stuff that has an inordinate amount
of time some stuff with a very short amount of time to to
get done and I don't know what it is that we need to do the
counter bring these Greenies times down, even though I know
these average not sure if it's a glitch in the system, but
in some way shape or form we got to work to bring these
times down. Your pursuer resource issue. If it is, I think
that's something that we need to know and understand and
you know, we can't keep chasing our tails on certain.
but I'm just
But I understand.
but I understand we got
But I understand we got some resource human resource
challenges that we need to wear to work toward over.
Although I think that you guys do a solid job dealing with
the challenges that we continue to throw at you all from
all different types of aspects of work. We definitely
appreciate the you to work at the department that you got a
great a great team over there. I think this is been beat
enough about minority participation recipe I can make
participation with the department needs to work with the
dude and I'm hopeful that with the work with for
procurement that we are able to
begin
Begin, not only fishing for more effective with how we are
handling. Those are opportunities and creating additional
smaller opportunities for additional contractors to come in
the way to build the force is to create create your own
almost to start small and allow people to grow the capacity
that they need so that they can become the larger
contractors of of tomorrow. So again, or thanks for always
picking up the phone and not hanging up on me as well. And
he's on to you to you same thing to you all the money. You
got to get a better relationship with with Dan about the
Zoe and sound we we speak to a bike on a pretty regular
basis, but I think
Arthur
I think we just want you guys to be intention.
I think we just want you guys to be intentional not only
about the work that you doing, but how we get stuff done in
the participation that's necessary to help her create the
equity that the city is so desperately crying for so if
there if there be nothing else or you all are excused and
committee will reconvene tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. Thank
you.