>> Good morning, City Council, good morning, City Council.
City Council members, please log into your device so we can start on time.
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If you need support, please raise your hand.
City Council will begin momentarily.
>> Good morning.
The City Council meeting will convene momentarily.
Please take your seats and silence all your listening devices.
We appreciate your cooperation.
Thank you.
>> The council will come to order.
Madam clerk, please take a quorum roll call.
>> The voting is now open.
Please use your e device.
The voting is now open.
>> For all those who have not voted using the e device, I will do a voice vote.
Alderman Hopkins, not present.
Alderman Robinson, alderman Robinson is present.
Alderman Hall, not present.
Alderman Mitchell, alderman Mitchell is present.
Alderman Beale, not present.
Alderwoman Gutierrez, not present.
Alderman Lopez, alderman Lopez is present.
Alderwoman Coleman, not present.
Alderwoman Taylor, not present.
Alderman Mosley, not present.
Alderwoman Tabares, present.
Alderman Rosa, not present.
Alderman Knudsen , not present.
Alderman Gutierrez , not present.
Mayor, we have a quorum.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much.
Now that we know all members present have been recorded, we do have a quorum.
We also have a couple of members have requested to participate in today's meeting remotely.
For reasons stating in the rule 59, can I get a motion to approve the remote participation and have
them added to the quorum?
It's Taylor and Knudsen.
It's been moved and seconded.
>> Also in the Chambers now, we have alderwoman Gutierrez present.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much.
All those in favor of the motion -- did we do that already?
We did not.
All those in favor of the motion to allow for open participation for Knudsen and Taylor signify by
saying aye.
Any opposed say nay.
The ayes have it.
Please mark the participating remotely as the roll call.
Thanks.
Please stand for the pledge of allegiance.
(Pledge of allegiance).
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON:
>>Please remain standing for the invocation which will be delivered today by Karla Powell of
Metropolitan Chicago ELCA.
>> Thank you.
Thank you so much, Mayor Johnson.
I appreciate the invitation to be here.
I am pastor Karla from the Metropolitan synod .
I wish for Bishop, and we are part of the ecumenical Lutheran church of America is the ELCA.
As we find ourselves at the beginning of this year, I was thinking about the scripture from psalm 90
that says Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to another.
Before the mountains were brought forth or the land or the earth were born from age to age, you are
God.
The span of our -- life is 70 years maybe 80 but the sum of them is labor and sorrow for they pass
away quickly and we're gone.
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
I'm going to read that verse one more time.
So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
I was thinking about all the ways in which we could count our lives, the musical rent has a song
525,600 minutes that reminds us how many minutes we have in a year, how many days, how many hours.
All of those reminders of all the ways in which we could count our days.
But at this beginning of the year, it's important for us also to be able to listen and to think
about paying attention to that time, paying attention to what we do with that time, paying attention
to being aware of the gift of time, that gift of every moment, every hour, every day, every month,
every year, and all of the ways that that gets played out in our lives.
Teach us to number our days, which I might interpret as a prayer of saying teach us to make those
days count.
Not just in ways that we run through life trying to get everything we possibly can because there's
also ways that rest and reflection can be part of those days.
But I invite you to pray with me at this time, to turn our hearts to God.
Almighty God, bless the public servants in this Chicago City Council meeting, that they may do their
work in the spirit of wisdom, charity, love, mercy, peace, and justice.
Teach us to number our days so we may seek your wisdom, oh, God, to serve faithfully and practice
our common life together in all the ways we make decisions today about time, about who we include,
about who we listen to, about what voices we center.
Thank you, oh, God, for being in every moment and every day.
Amen.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Amen.
You may be seated.
This is the portion of the meeting for public comments.
Mr. Clerk?
>> The council will now begin the public comment period, which is limited to a maximum of 30
minutes.
Each speaker is limited to three minutes.
Speakers cannot yield or transfer their time to another speaker.
Any written comments that have been submitted will be posted and made available for aldermanic
review.
Our first speaker today is Daniel Goldwin.
>> DANIEL GOLDWIN: I am Dan Goldwin of the Jewish United Fund.
On October 13 this council made the moral decision to stand for Hamas' victims.
Unless it is significantly modified supporting the current resolution means we'll be calling for an
unconditional cease fire that does not demand Hamas abandon violence and its request to destroy
Israel.
At 6:28 on October 7, Hamas violated a two and a half year old cease fire when they invaded Israel
and orchestrated a deliberate of rape, torture and kidnapping.
Over 1200 were murdered.
Over 4,000 were injured and over 240 were kidnapped in mere hours.
These facts are not in dispute.
If you would like to see for yourself a small sample of what happened on October 7th, visit the
website, Saturday-October-7SEVEN.
com.
The videos and pictures in stark for human life and even the lives of family pets.
Why should we trust Hamas to treat a new sees fire as anything but a time to rearm and reload.
Hamas names their October 7th rampage the Al-Aqsa flood.
On October 24th, 17 days after Hamas's attack, Hamas's spokesman said the following on Lebanese TV,
quote, we must teach Israel a lesson and we will do this again and again.
The Al-Aqsa flood is just the first time, and there will be a second, a third, a fourth.
End quote.
We are here in a city that is plagued by too much gun and other forms of violence.
And rather than learning from our own experience and demanding that Hamas terrorists abandon their
terrorism and seek peace and a better future for the Palestinian people to negotiations and
recognition, you're considering a resolution that absolves terrorists and blames their victims.
Hamas's leaders have made it clear in their words and their conduct, they are not seeking to achieve
peace, and they are not seeking to improve the lives of their own people.
In the same interview, Hamas told the world Hamas is willing to sacrifice innocent Palestinians to
eliminate the state of Israel and said quote, will we have to pay a price?
Yes, and we are ready to pay it.
We are called the nation of martyrs and we are proud to sacrifice martyrs, end quote.
Just yesterday Hamad rejected a two month cease fire proposal during which hostages would be
released and more to put in harm's way.
Instead of demanding Israel cease fire, you should make that demand of Hamas.
If you support Ghazi Hamad to kill as many Palestinians as possible, then support the resolution.
If you however value Israeli and Palestinian lives, draft a resolution that grants all Chicagoans in
a quest for real peace.
Thank you.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much for your comments.
Our next speaker is Amanda Green.
>> AMANDA GREEN: I am Amanda Green of Chicago Sinai congregation.
Like many of you, my heart was completely shattered on October 7th and it has continued to shatter
every day since.
Every week at Chicago Sinai we pray for the unimaginable suffering of those murdered by Hamas
terrorists, those taken hostage and those innocent civilians in Gaza facing the horrible
consequences of their leadership.
They cry at the death of the innocent and condemn of any kind against any people and yearn for peace
of all people living in the Middle East.
Let me remind you there was a cease fire on October 6th.
Hamas broke that cease fire as they celebrated raping women, burning them alive, cutting off their
breasts, bee heading babies and kidnapping innocent men, women and children, including Holocaust
survivors.
Let me remind you that it is Hamas who continues to violate international laws, using civilians as
human shields and hospital schools and mosques.
Let me remind you it is Hamas who released the video of an unconscious and half naked woman being
taken into Gaza in the back of a pickup truck with men sitting astride her and another woman sitting
with her wrists and ankles sliced open and her jeans bloody at the crotch being led out of a vehicle
by heavily armed men.
Imagine for a moment if these videos were not of Israeli women but were videos of Chicago women.
Would we sit here and allow people to yell liars?
If Hamas puts down their guns, Israel will stop bombing.
But if Israel puts down their guns, Hamas will continue to gun until they have killed all Jewish
babies, women and men, a one sided cease fire that does not take into consideration Hamas's central
commitment to the death and destruction of Israel reminds parents everywhere that there are few
consequences for massacring, raping and abducting civilians.
I too want an end to this war.
I too desperately want the loss of innocent civilian life to cease but that includes.
It must also include an immediate release of the hostages.
It must also include a plan for responsible Palestinian leadership to take charge.
City Council members, you have been elected to protect your citizens of Chicago.
What safe place calls for the elimination of another nation.
Students of my own community who attend CPS feel like they have to hide their Jewish identity.
The anti-Semitism and Islamophobia here in our own city is real and dangerous.
Let us instead come together in a community to create opportunities for conversation, rally around
common values, advocate for peace and for human life and that is why I request that if you want to
adopt a resolution calling for a cease fire, that you only support a cease fire resolution that also
calls for Hamas to put down their weapons, immediately release all the hostages and create a plan
for responsible Palestinian leadership to take place.
Thank you for your time.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much for your comments.
Our next speaker is Jonan Karsh.
>> JONAN KARSH: Good morning.
My name is Jonan Karsh.
I'm a grassroots leader with the Chicago chapter of if not now, an organization of American Jews who
fight for the rights of Palestinians because our Jewish values teach us that in justice anywhere, is
a threat to justice everywhere.
And that freedom and dignity for all Palestinians and Israelis will liberate, not threaten the
Jewish people.
Since the horrific atrocities of October 7th, and they were horrific, Israel has launched a
devastating and highly disproportionate military response in Gaza.
Its government has completely cut off the provision of food, water, electricity two two and a half
million people which Israel's defense minister justified by saying quote we are fighting human
animals and acting accordingly.
The UN warns this deliberate deprivation of essential resources has put huge swaths of Gaza in
famine.
Almost 2,000 have been displaced and 10,000 children have been killed by Israel.
Because of all of this, I call on alders who support the uniting for peace resolution, calling for a
cease fire in Gaza.
I am here to say that collectivist punishment and war crimes are never okay, no matter who commits
them.
The City Council has condemned the war crimes of October 7th.
Will we also give voice to the war crimes and anguish that our Palestinian community are grieving?
The largest Palestinian American community in the United States that we have here in Chicagoland.
Can we say that Palestinian lives matter and that the indiscriminate and genocidal war on Gaza must
come to a permanent end?
Alders for the last two weeks you may have been told that Jews who stand up for a cease fire are
fringe and radical.
But you should know in the last week over 900 Jewish Chicagoans have found an open letter calling
for the City Council to pass the uniting for cease fire resolution.
Three of the six Jewish Illinois state legislators who represent parts of Chicago, Robert Peters,
will Gazardi as well as Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, have all called for a cease fire.
We call for a cease fire for Palestinians and for our people.
Many of us have family in Israel.
Many of us know people who were taken hostage or killed by Hamas but we understand this killing
keeps nobody safe.
The only way to end the war is to end the war.
The only way to stop the genocide is to stop the genocide.
And the only way to stop it is with a permanent cease fire agreement to stop the genocide in Gaza
and free the hostages.
You cannot bomb your way to peace.
And with the time I have left, I would just like to make one more remark.
When I was growing up, I was taught about the horrific atrocities of the Holocaust.
I was educated about the Holocaust.
We mandate Holocaust education in our schools in the State of Illinois.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Mr. Karsh, thank you very much for your comments, however, your time has
expired.
Our next speaker is Queen Adesuyi.
>> QUEEN ADESUYI: Can you all hear me?
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: We can hear you.
>> QUEEN ADESUYI: My name is Queen Adesuyi providing on account exchange and police accountability
and police transparency.
There's a glaring error in policing contract.
This error critically undermines the fundamental principles of the Illinois public relations act.
In finding that he was legally compelled to award the SOP the right to closed door proceedings
before SOP approved arbitrators when police officers have been found to have unjustifiably killed,
assaulted community members.
Found he had no duties to consider the public interest and welfare of the people of Chicago.
It violates the plain language of section 14 of the PLRA.
Section 14 subsection H lays out a comprehensive , focusing on an arbitration panel must consider
when there's no agreement between parties or when parties negotiating a new or amended agreement.
The factors expressly include the lawful authority of employer, the interest and welfare of the
public, financial capabilities of the government unit, and any changes in these circumstances during
the arbitration proceedings.
These factors are not mere suggestions.
They are mandatory considerations.
There's a paramount public interest in police, transparency, protecting citizens from CPD misconduct
and ultimately safety.
The City of Chicago has a duty to stop a pattern and practice of federal constitutional violations
committed by officers who have been protected from discipline for their abuse of members of the
public.
City data analysis released this week shows that between 2019 and 2022, the city spent $295 million
to resolve lawsuits alleging more than a thousand police officers committed a wide range of
misconduct.
Over 60 percent of cases in that time period involve at least one officer with repeated claims of
misconduct.
Factors which Mr. Ben ignored.
Section 14 of the PLRA does not give arbitrators unrestricted freedom to dispute.
The law balance and just resolution, one that is firmly rooted in the law and take into account the
wide array of factors outlined in section 14.
To suggest otherwise is not only a misinterpretation of the statute but a gross misinterpretation of
the arbitrator's (inaudible).
Therefore as we admitted the arbitrator's decision, it is critical we modify.
In Chicago have not just cost taxpayers liability in legal fees and costs.
It has caused irreparable harm to individuals and families.
It has cost people their freedom.
It has cost people lives.
It has made us all less safe.
The people of Chicago have a right to demand arbitration process that adheres strictly to the letter
of the law, one that takes into consideration the interest and welfare of the public.
The City Council has a duty to the people of Chicago to reject the arbitrator's award to FOP and
reject another policing decade in Chicago.
Thank you for your time.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much for your comments.
Our next speaker is Janet Cody.
>> JANET CODY: Janet.
>> Janet, please press through the perilous fight to unmute.
>> JANET CODY:
>> Miss Cody, can you hear us?
Our next speak certificate Renut Ballesteros.
>> Thank you, council.
As your constituents, I am truly appalled that the cease fire resolution has been delayed.
With every passing day, hundreds of people are killed in Gaza by Israel with documented war crimes.
Using lives that have been longed -- lies that have been long debunked about sexual assault,
beheaded babies and other  as a young Chicago I will never look at my city the same way if we fail
on taking an ethical stance against this madness.
The call for cease fire has nothing to do with hatred for our Jewish neighbors.
In fact, many of them are here today demanding the same thing for you, making a full clear knowledge
that safety for one group cannot depend on the obliteration of another.
Holocaust survivors themselves, such as Miriam Lynn Gren have repeated incessantly.  The age long
persecution of Jewish people is harrowing .
But the troubles they have land grabbing.
They use a collective punishment, the starvation and bombing of refugee camps.
These are all funded by our tax dollars.
We cannot stand it.
As residents of the city with the largest Palestinian population in the U.S., we will not keep down
playing or denying the pain of our neighbors.
These are our friends.
These are our coworkers.
These are beautiful people who by a strike of luck and piece of paper are not in the conditions of
the (inaudible) we're watching day in and day out on our screens.
We are here for true solidarity and to ensure the city doesn't fail them.
As your constituents, we demand to be in the right side of history and to join some in passing a
cease fire resolution without delay.  I am also here to support a resounding no to police
arbitration and to keep transparent accountability for our police forces.
Thank you.
>> Thank you very much for your comments.
Our next speaker is Janet Cody.
Our next speaker is Sophia Perez.
>> Sophia Perez: Hello, everyone.
Good morning.
I'm thankful to be here in front of you all to speak today.
I'm here as a member of healthy Chicago and as a servant of the people.
I'm here today to ask this council to vote against the arbitration bill.
This bill does not involve community.
It does not make decisions regarding police misconduct transparent to the public.
An opportunity for transparency is important in order to continue better relations between police
and community.
The communities they serve.
But behind closed doors, police will not give themselves sentences equivalent to regular day
citizens who have committed similar acts as them.
I ask you to please vote no against the arbitration bill.
And as I stand here today, I also stand here in solidarity with the Palestinian community and ask
you to vote yes to a cease fire.
Every day countless men, women, and children are being killed in Gaza.
We cannot stall this any longer.
You, a woman I don't remember her name, but she made a good point today that minutes, hours, they
are important.
And the longer that this is stalled, the more lives that are being taken.
So this is the time in which time is futile.
Everyone here -- sorry.
Everyone here that stands in these seats is in a political office in which the people have voted to
place you in.
Therefore, you are members of a community and you serve them and you represent them.
You made a commitment to make a difference in this city.
And the people have spoken.
And they demand a cease fire now.
When you took your oath, I bet you all dreamed of making a difference in the city.
I bet at one point in your lives, you dreamt about saving a life.
By voting as to the cease fire, you will be saving the lives of thousands, if not millions.
And growing up, I know what it's like to have generational trauma, as my grandfather was a survivor
of the Holocaust.
And I just want to say free Palestine.
And in the great words of chairman Fred Hampton, all power to the people.
All power to the people.
>> Thank you very much for your comments.
Our next speaker is Omar Al Yemeni.
>> Omar Al Yemeni: Good morning.
My name is Omar, a member of the United States Palestinian community network.
Today I'm here with everybody, I would like to emphasize on the city for this council to up hold its
duty to the people they represent.
As the many members of the Black, brown, and immigrant communities have been victims of the police
brutality, it is necessary that the police department be held accountable for the unprofessional and
brutal actions that transgress the rights and livelihoods of these communities.
The only way that can be done is by voting no on the arbitration bill.
Private arbitration has proved to be as biased and corrupt as we have seen recently with the whole
entire police department using arbitration to cover up their corruption and crimes and CPD is guilty
of similar crimes.
Secondly, it is disappointing that the City Council has not yet voted for a cease fire and the
horrific war crimes, crimes against humanity, committed by the settler colonialist state of Israel
against the Palestinian people.
Israel has been called to the ICJ by South Africa for committing a genocide in front of the whole
world.
And it is funded by -- by our U.S. tax dollars.
Over 25,000 innocent Palestinian men, women and children have been murdered and yet we haven't
passed a cease fire resolution.
It is far overdue.
And Chicago could lead as the largest city in the U.S. to do so.
We need you all to lead the way other people Rodriguez, La Spata, and Fuentes and Taylor have.
Our Palestinian, Arab, Black and brown communities ask you to ignore those who publicly say that
they want to delay and kill the resolution.
And instead be on the right side of history.
Make your own history be passing -- by passing this resolution, which will press D.C. to stop
funding the genocide and to force Israel to end its murderous war crimes and further delay will mean
thousands of additional Palestinians killed.  We need you right now and yes to cease fire and no to
arbitration and power to the people.
Free Palestine.
>> Thank you very much for your comments.
Our next speaker is Denise Yvette Serna.
>> Denise Yvette Serna: Good morning.
My name is Denise Yvette Serna.
I am a citizen of the 11th ward.
I am on the faculty at Loyola University Chicago, at DePaul university Chicago, at the University of
Chicago.
And I was also awarded a DCASE grant last year.
This city believes that I am a leader, that I am a culture bearer, that I am an organizer and that I
speak for the people.  The people who ride the train every day, the people who work for a living,
the people who elected you.
And so I hope that you will listen to what I have to say.
I urge Nicole Lee to stand with the people and vote down the decision to allow CPD officers accused
of serious misconduct to have their cases heard in arbitration instead of in front of the public
police board.
People fought hard to bring greater transparency to this process, and we will not see that stripped
away.
We want to count on you to vote against the arbitration decision when it comes up for vote.
Additionally, Israel has killed over 25,000 Palestinians in three months, and I urge you to vote yes
on the cease fire resolution, SR2023-0006422, presented by alder people Rodriguez, Sanchez and La
Spata.
Black and brown communities have organized in solidarity with our Palestinian siblings for decades
and we will continue to.
And your vote should represent our voice.
Thank you.
>> Thank you very much for your comments.
Our next speaker is Julii Bint Hawla.
>> Hello.
My name is Julii Bint Hawla and I am with a community organization.
I'm here to clear up a few facts.
It's ironic to think we're talking about police arbitration and Israel on the same day.
The Israelis state themselves admitted that the IDF killed the majority of Palestinian citizens on
October 7th, that there are no indications of Hamas at all.
That there is no evidence that 40 babies were beheaded by Hamas.
The IDF told lie after lie after lie in conspiracy and these people have trained high ranking
officials in the Chicago Police Department.
I'm here in support of Alderperson Rosa Rodriguez Sanchez's cease fire resolution and a demand to
end U.S. support for Israel's genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza.
A cease fire is the bare minimum.
The fact that in this room a vote for a cease fire is controversial at all is disgusting and
revealing, and history will remember those who stood in opposition as the genocide enablers that
they are.
Delaying this vote due to Holocaust remembrance is a sick per version of real suffering to televise
the most genocide ever.  This is real disrespect to the history of the Jewish people, equating the
colonial apart hide that is real with the history of Judaism, that is anti Semitic.
The United States was the lone U.S.
security council member to vote no to a cease fire resolution last month exercising its veto power
to block the will of billions of the world's people and acting as an impediment to peace us here in
Chicago want no part of that.
A cease fire is the absolute bare minimum.
Again, the underlying problem is not the wording of a resolution or these little petty politics in
the City Council but it's an illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine and ethnics cleansing project.
We need to think of the urgency of these things.
And Israeli officials have been open about their genocidal intent from the beginning.
Just in October the ministry of defense said and I quote, we are dealing with human animals.
Net inch I can't hue said the state of Israel must control the he air from from the river to the
sea.
When Sanchez cried for freedom of all people, not control but freedom from the river to the sea, the
City Council had more problems with that.
Out of all foreign aid ever given out by the United States, Israel had received over 80 percent of
it and for what?
To fund Israel's occupation, to use even Chicago taxpayer dollars so that the U.S. can have a watch
dog in the Middle East.
We know that Chicago is home to the highest concentration of Palestinians in the country.
Just look at the size of the demonstrations in Chicago.
Tens of thousands of people demanding justice, demanding that you, the City Council, listen.
You have the chance to stand on the side of the people of your city, to stand on the side of justice
and self-determination.
Please vote yes.
Thank you.
>> Thank you very much for your comments.
Thank you very much resolutions.
>> Your Honor, there are no further --
>> Thank you very much.
We had three resolutions today, celebrating lane tech girl's flag football team, of the life and
legacy of Reginald Wayne sharp senior and international Holocaust remembrance day.
So for this, the chair will recognize alderwoman Dow as she moves for temporary suspension of the
rules for the immediate consideration of these resolutions.
Thank you very much, very much.
It has been moved and accepted.
Hearing no objections, so ordered.
In the interest of respecting people's time, we will for go the reading of the resolutions and go
straight to remarks.
The City Council, our first resolution is congratulating the lane tech girls flag football team on
their state championship win.
(Applause).
Are there any alders that the chair recognizes alderman Martin.
>> MATTHEW MARTIN: Thank you, Mr. President.
I am immensely proud to be associated with this resolution.
The girls flag football team at Lane Tech high school was founded just two years ago.
And since then they have had quite the run, two time state champions with the most recent title come
on October 29th of last year.
Flag football is one of the fastest growing sports today, not just in the U.S. but in the entire
country.
It is making its summer Olympics debut in 2028 in Los Angeles, and I know at least one Lane Tech
athlete with us today, senior Sadia Rodriguez.
Can you say hello?
I was hoping --
he was hoping to make that team.
She is the number one player in the entire state as voted by coaches.
(Applause).
And she is the first ever recipient of a change maker scholarship.
So needless to say, the college or university that accepts you is going to be a very lucky one
indeed.
For so many Chicagoans, youth sports are an indispensable part of life.
I know we have a number of coaches here, alderman Beale, alderman that pal tan owe who lived that
day in and day out, they can attest that sports are empowering.
They remind all participants of the heights that they can reach when they work hard and persevere
through challenges.
In addition, our sports help improve confidence, foster teamwork, and provide a sense of community.
I am thrilled to see, Mr. President, our city continue to increase investments in girls' sports in
particular and can't wait to see the opportunities that await my four-year-old daughter, Amina, when
she is the same age as the accomplished athletes with us here today.
I want to express my thanks to Joey McDermott, staff for helping shine a spotlight on this team's
accomplishments.
In addition to being a proud father and a girls flag football coach, he is a 29th ward, alderman
Taliaferro.
My congratulations to the teams coaches as well as Andraea and my congratulations again to the 2023
girls football team.
You make us proud.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: The chair recognizes alderman David Moore.
>> DAVID MOORE: Thank you, Mr. President.
I stand in support of this resolution.
Always proud of our student athletes, a couple of our colleagues in the corner saying Lane Tech is
the best high school in the city and I would have to agree with that today.
It's an institution.
But no, I am so excited.
What you all have accomplished is huge.
I think the girls flag football started about what, two years ago, if I'm not mistaken.
And as I watched some of those games, I mean, you all are good.
I mean you all are good.
The speed that you all run at for nobody to grab your flag is impressive.
But also you all create teamwork.
You learn leadership skill.
And I'm also impressed with your coaches.
I tell people -- a lot of people say I don't see how you can be alderman dealing with a lot of
people.
I don't see how people can be coaches.
You're dealing with some real stuff.
But that's great leadership and bringing them together for a championship.
And so I want to applaud you all.
Keep winning, keep doing what you're all doing and I wish you much success at your next level.
God bless you.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes alderwoman Nicole Lee.
>> NICOLE LEE: Thank you, Mr. President.
Good morning, ladies, and welcome to the City Council of Chicago.
We're so honored to have you guys here today.
I am a Whitney Young dolphin.
We're playing basketball today, so I'm just going to have to keep it right here.
But that doesn't stop me from being so immensely proud of you as a former high school athlete
myself, we didn't have flag football because that only came around two years ago.
I don't want to tell you when I graduated high school, but I played volleyball.
And what I know from being a former athlete and a student at a competitive school, it takes
something.
It takes something to balance all of that and to --
I'm gonna say it in City Council and I shouldn't, but to be as bad ass as you are, to be playing
flag football, to being pioneers in this, I think it's incredible and that you won the state
champion ship is even more incredible.
So congratulations, savior every one of these wins, only great things ahead of you so
congratulations.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes alderman Napolitano.
>> ANTHONY NAPOLITANO: Thank you, Mr.
President I too rise in support of this resolution.
Congratulations.
This is quite an awesome feat.
I think I like to celebrate the more of I can do process.
There's no sport that anyone can or cannot play.
Whatever you put your mind to, you can do for the last 11 years I've been coaching women's hockey,
and to me there is nothing better to see somebody strive at a sport that a lot of people say you
can't do.
And you're doing it and you're doing it with style and class and doing it now with a trophy too.
Congratulations.
Keep it up, keep going.
Thank you, Mr. President.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes Sposato.
>> NICHOLAS SPOSATO: Thank you, Mr. President.
If anybody feels the need to come and stand and talk around me when I'm speaking, feel free right
now.
Mr.
President, I want to congratulate everybody on this great honor.
Ladies, congratulations.
They have the number one player in the state that's really amazing.
Congratulations ladies.
My good friend Joe McDermott, I'm his former alderman, we've been friends a long time but
unfortunately I don't mean to rain on your parade but CPS wants to eliminate selective enrollment
schools so who knows if we'll see another group of lane tech girls here five or six years from now.
So enjoy the moment.
Congratulations.
I hope some of you -- they're giving out scholarships for this now so congratulations, just honored
to be here sitting with you so best of luck to everybody in the future.
Thank you, Mr. President.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes alderman Vazquez.
>> ANDRE VASQUEZ: Thank you, Mr. President.
One, I want to congratulate you so much for what you've accomplished.
I think we spend time here celebrating folks who have been formally called champions, formally
gotten the awards, formally been most valuable player.
I think we should see that it's actually a recognition of the work that you all do to get to that
position, that you all carry yourselves as champions and have done so since day one that has gotten
you to this point.
So I want to commend you for that, for being more athletic than I ever have been or ever will be in
life.
Congratulations and salute ladies.
And as someone who graduated from lane tech, it actually hits my heart even deeper.
I say that and I apologize really quickly.
As somebody who has a lane tech student from a selective enrollment, they didn't try to find out if
I was good at dodging or ducking.
They didn't pick that kind of selective when it comes to sports.
We can have larger conversations about that at other times.
But let's not take away from the point that you all are champions, period, regardless of what school
you're in.
So I want to thank you so much for that.
Thank you, Mr. President.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
Are there any other alders that wish to speak to this resolution?
All right.
Seeing no other hands, I stand with this body.
City Council, to speak to this resolution.
I'm so proud of the lane tech girls flag football team for winning the state championship this year.
The unstoppable long streak of wins, 21 to 1?
Was that the -- wow, yeah, 21 and 1.
How about that?
That's an impressive record.
(Applause).
And then to go onto the state championship game and win 30 to 0, I mean, the last time we had a
lopsided win like that, the Bears were Super Bowl champions so thank you for bringing a football
championship back to the City of Chicago.
Sports has a tremendous history in the city.
The Lane Tech girls flag football team, you have contributed so much to the rising popularity of
flag football.
I'm not sure if people are aware, but the summer Olympics of 2028 will feature flag football and
that has a lot to do with the work that you all have accomplished.
But the lessons that you've learned throughout this experience on and off the field will serve you
well throughout your life.
As a public school teacher and as one who recognizes that everyone doesn't show up to school to come
to Mr.
Johnson's social studies class to discuss the five causes of the American revolution.
Sometimes you also have to have other curricular activities that continue to feed off of the
talented as well as the unique skills that each student brings.
And the people who are responsible for pulling out the very best are not just our parents but our
educators.
So thank you to Caroline, Sean, and Tim for your work, inspiring and mentoring and leading this team
to victory.
So I wish you the best of success.  Special shoutout to Zora McDermott.
She was on my T-ball team.
I don't know if we were 21 and 1 that year, but I feel like I at least contributed to her athletic
prowess.
So congratulations again.
Let's hear it for our Lane Tech flag football girls championship team.
(Applause).
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Alderman Mitchell, alderman Mitchell, can I get a passage for this
resolution?
>> GREGORY MITCHELL: Mr. President, I move passage in the omnibus.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objections, so ordered.
Thank you very much.
Our next resolution, our next resolution is honoring the life of Reginald Wayne sharp senior.
Are there any aldermen that wish to speak to this resolution.
Chair recognizes alderman David Moore.
>> DAVID MOORE: Thank you, Mr. President.
I definitely stand in support of this resolution.
I'm not sure if my colleagues had an opportunity to fully read this resolution.
And if you have, you're probably saying why are we having a resolution for a -- someone who passed
away and died in another state?
The reason being is because my pastor, pastor Reginald Sharp is a pastor here in Chicago.
But more importantly, it's because not only did he lose his father, in the same year he lost his
grandmother and recently he lost his aunt.
And so it goes back to a sermon that I heard back in 2003 in Dallas.
It was called leading while bleeding.
Who takes care of the leader when they're bleeding?
And I want to thank fellowship and everybody that's here on the dais there to say thanks for flying
down to Atlanta.
Thanks for covering him.
But there is nothing like -- and I want to congratulate and thank the President, the President, our
mayor, for standing up and doing this resolution to let you know that your city, pastor, has you
smothered, covered, and surrounded.
And so that's why we're here today, because it's not only because he's a pastor at fellowship, he
also helps lead the city.
We're dealing with so many different issues.
And he gets poured on for those issues, from feeding the homeless, for clothing people, doing all of
these things.
And we have to remember when you're bleeding, when the leader is bleeding, who's helping the leader.
And so we encourage your heart today.
We ask God to just continue to cover you, to heal your heart as you're touching other people while
you're going through.
So I love you, I appreciate you, and I'm honored to be one of your deacons and to serve under you.
May God bless you and keep you.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you alderman David Deacon Moore.
Are there any other alders who wish to speak.
The chair recognizes alderwoman Dowell.
>> PAT DOWELL: Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair.
I want today stand up to speak to this resolution.
I told pastor sharp I wasn't going to say anything but my heart led me to say something.
Fellowship is located in the third ward, and Reverend Sharp has been a great addition to Fellowship,
taking it to a new level.
And I wanted to say that as long as you remember your father, he will never leave you, and that it
is a sonship and a relationship.
And we will always have you at Fellowship.
So thank you so much, and I appreciate you, and my sympathy on behalf of the residents of the third
ward.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much alderwoman Dowell.
The chair recognizes alderman William pastor Hall.
>> WILLIAM HALL: Today, Reggie I want to say to you as a colleague who carries a cross with you,
this cross of grief, we know, our book tells us, the Bible, that when we mourn, we seek comfort.
So may you always receive comfort in Chicago, Atlanta, wherever you go and just know as our chair
woman just reminded us, that as long as you remember that great father of yours, he's always going
to be proud.
God bless you, man.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much.
Are there any other alders that wish to speak to this resolution?
Seeing no other hands, this council has spoken very eloquently regarding this resolution.
And as we recognize the life and legacy of Mr. Reginald sharp senior who enriched the city and left
behind an indelible mark on the lives of those he served, it is truly my honor, Mr. Sharp, as a
devout member within our faith community, as a devoted father and husband and uncle and cousin and
friend, he truly imbibes who we are as a people, a man deeply rooted in his faith, imparted his
beliefs, his values into his family and especially his son, Reginald sharp Jr.
Who is a historic fellowship church.
Reginald sharp's senior's life has been a life in leadership and good works.
His son, his wife, his family and community have all been profoundly impacted by his life.
If we all could be so blessed to leave that type of mark.
So we should strive to emulate Mr. Sharp's integrity, strength and humility and faith.
And today we pray for his family, his loved ones, as those who continue to grieve the loss of Mr.
Sharp.
We pray that you find comfort, that you find happy memories, that you find peace of mind, and
knowing that Mr. Sharp not only contributed so much to the beauty and prosperity of our great city.
We know that he is simply resting in the bosom of Abraham.
And so our city is here for the Sharp family, whatever you need.
Thank you for being such an incredible help and support to so many lives.
And so we honor Mr. Sharp, alderman Mitchell, can we get a passage or a rising vote of this
resolution?
>> GREGORY MITCHELL: As I request passage of this resolution by a rising vote.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: To please rise in support of this resolution.
And finally we have a resolution commemorating the international Holocaust remembrance day.
Are there any alders that wish to speak to this resolution?
Thank you very much.
The chair recognizes alderwoman Debra Silverstein.
>> DEBRA SILVERSTEIN: Can we wait for them too?
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: I can't see around the corner.
Oh, I see.
People are coming in now.
Thank you.
>> DEBRA SILVERSTEIN: Are we ready?
Thank you, Mr. President.
I stand in support of this resolution.
January 27th will mark 79 years since the liberation of Auschwitz, the largest Nazi killing center
and concentration camp complex.
We commemorate this event with international Holocaust remembrance day, a day to remember those who
died in the horrors of the Holocaust and to honor those who survived to rebuild.
You will also notice many of the buildings downtown lit up yellow over the next several nights in
honor of Holocaust remembrance day.
Thank you to BOMA for including this important commemoration in the heart of our city.
We are joined at council today by the families of Holocaust survivors and by scholars who have
dedicated their lives to documenting the Holocaust and teaching its lessons to others.
Here today are Bernard Trikasa of the Illinois Holocaust museum.
Many of my fellow alderman joined me recently on a tour of the Holocaust museum in Skokie and
combatting Holocaust denial and distortion.
We are also joined by Ari Siget, Missi Williams and Howard Gerkmovitz.
Close enough?
Of 3D Chicago.
A group for the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors in Chicago.
Their grandparents endured the worst atrocity humanity has ever committed but they did not give up
hope.
They saw the destruction of their entire world, yet they had the courage to build back a life of
family and a community.
The 50th ward and the entire City of Chicago are eternally grateful for their heroism.
This year's theme for international Holocaust remembrance day is recognizing the extraordinary
courage of victims and survivors of the Holocaust.
The world is paying tribute to the bravery of those who stood up to the Nazis and defied their
efforts to dehumanize their victims.
One hero we recognize is Fredo brandice, a Jewish art educator while in a horrific camp, she held
secret art classes for children, allowing the innocent youth to briefly escape their imprisonment
and deprivation to imagine and create.
Tragically most of those children did not survive the Holocaust, perishing in the concentration
camps.
Dicker brandice was also murdered by the Nazi but before being reported to Auschwitz in a last act
of defiance, she hid much of the art the children created due to her bravery, thousands of drawings
and paintings survived the war.
I actually have a copy of some of these, the art that the children drew while they were in
concentration camps.
Horribly anti-Semitism is sharply on the rise.
Anti Semitic incidents sky rocketed 360 percent since October 7th.
The 80 more anti Semitic acts in the last three months than they would usually see in an entire
year.
This trend is deeply alarming.
It needs immediate action by the police and every elected official in this room.
We are also seeing unprecedented levels of Holocaust denial across the globe, as well as a new trend
of distortion, where people attempt to diminish the scope of the Holocaust or make false comparisons
to current events.
Make no mistake, Holocaust denial and distortion -- and I will have decorum -- Holocaust denial and
distortion are forms of anti-Semitism and must be condemned and combated on the strongest possible
means.
I represent Chicago's 50th ward which houses the largest Jewish community in the State of Illinois.
Like many Jewish community -- like any Jewish community, the 50th ward remains haunted by the memory
of the Holocaust.  Walk down our streets and you won't find a family that did not lose a
grandparent, uncle, aunt, or other loved ones to the Nazis attempted genocide.
As a Jewish woman myself, my family was also deeply scarred by the Holocaust.
My mother's aunts and uncles were all brutally murdered.
The point of international Holocaust remembrance day is to honor those who survived, to remember
those we lost, and to join together around the globe with one voice and say never again.
Never again --
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Please.
>> DEBRA SILVERSTEIN: Never again will we allow evil to overpower good and hate to overcome kindness
and decency.
Never again.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Please give some decency to allow our alder to finish her remarks, please.
Please continue.
>> DEBRA SILVERSTEIN: Never again will the world stand by while anti-Semitism and bigotry grow and
spread like a cancer.
I can assure you that the Holocaust remembrance day is very real for the residents of the 50th ward.
It's very real for the people joining us today, and it's very real for the people coming together
this week to say never again to hatred and tolerance and bigotry.
Thank you.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much.
The chair recognizes -- thank you very much.
Please allow for our resolution to move forward and to allow for our alders to speak.
All right.
If you cannot respect that, then I'm going to respectfully ask that our Sergeant of arms keep and
maintain order.
Chair recognizes alderman Sposato.
>> NICHOLAS SPOSATO: Mr. President, I appreciate you taking charge and trying to get some decorum in
here.
Thank you.
I don't know what to say.
I mean, I went to the Holocaust museum with Deb and a few of our other colleagues, and we saw some
stuff that is hard to basically scarred for life forever what we saw.
And we have all seen World War II movies and the brutality that happened to Jews back in World War
II.
I just don't even think we really have a clue as to the type of brutality these people experienced,
the suffering, the torture.  So I just want to say I support you, Deb.
I support your people.
You know where I stand.
I stand with Israel, your God's chosen people.
I --
are we going to threaten to throw them out again?
Sergeant arms.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Alderman Sposato.
>> NICHOLAS SPOSATO: Thank you, people.
Show a little respect.
I know it's difficult.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Alderman Sposato, please direct your comments this way.
>> NICHOLAS SPOSATO: I would ask you and the Sergeant of arms to throw these people out.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Alderman Sposato, please direct your comments towards me.
I've heard you.
I will respectfully ask those that are in the Chambers, this is now the third warning.
If you cannot respect this process, we're going to have to ask you to kindly be removed.
Okay?
All right.
Alderman Sposato.
>> NICHOLAS SPOSATO: Thank you, Mr. President.
I hope that's the third and final warning but thank you.
So once again, just peace be to their people.
I know you've been enduring thousands of years of persecution and I'm just here to support you.
So thank you.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much.
The chair recognizes alderman La Spata.
>> DANIEL LA SPATA: Thank you so much, Mr.
President.
Very glad to rise in support of this resolution.
During the time before I was an Alderperson that I worked with the Jane Adams senior caucus, I
actually worked with a lot of seniors along the lakefront who had come from Ukraine, who had come
from the USSR, who had lost so many family members to the Holocaust.
And it was troubling and personal to hear their stories.
And to say never again today makes me profoundly sad because I think about the violence this did in
Rwanda against the Tutsi people by the Hutu.
I think about the Holodomor and the genocide experience against the Ukrainian people.
I think about the fact that our ability to commit violence in the name of ethnicity and race has
never been more powerful or alive.
And it grieves me to see that we have struggled so hard to learn this lesson.
I want to believe that it remains within our cultural and social and spiritual imagination to view
every human being as fully human, to view everyone in the image of God.
I want to believe that in spite of the evidence, I remain hopeful.
But I do believe that it is within our capacity to live into what is said in the Talmud in 37, that
anyone who saves one life saves the world entire.
I believe that we can be those people, that our ability for compassion and humanity and justice is
within our grasp.
And so in that hope that that can be true for us, I stand in support of this resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much.
The chair recognizes alderman Lawson.
>> BENNETT LAWSON: Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise also to support this resolution and my colleagues, Deb Silverstein, I have Holocaust
survivors in my ward and across the country.
I was also a part of the group that went to the museum this fall with Deb and others.
And I have to say if you haven't be there, you need to be there.
You need to see these stories firsthand.
It's very powerful and very moving.
And I want to give a shout out to my constituent and friend, Bernard, the CEO of the museum who's
doing amazing work there just as he did to cradle to crayons and continuing your legacy of service.
I think as a young person as a student of history I remember learning about the Holocaust and
thinking never again and what do we have to do to get to a place where we never have to do this
again.
And I wish I had as much hope maybe as some of my colleagues because I think we're at a time that's
very, very tough right now.
I'm in a room where people were cheering on the Al-Aqsa flood, right?
I'm in a room where we've had a lot of very angry conversations or very angry shouting that is not
helpful certainly as we want to work toward a long-term peaceful solution to the issues that face
us.
I want to just quickly recognize my constituent who passed last year, Danny Wolfe, who was one of
the youngest survivors of the Holocaust, who was born in a camp in Czechoslovakia, came to this
country at the age of seven and because his English was the best he was the one doing the books and
making orders for the family business known as the bagel, which operated several locations and has a
new owner in my ward on Broadway.
His story is one of thousands, millions, that we need to continue to tell, that we need to draw some
hope from in what has been a very dark hour as we vow to again never forget.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much.
The chair recognizes alderman Napolitano.
>> ANTHONY NAPOLITANO: Thank you, Mr.
President.
I too rise in support of this resolution.
I have been to the Holocaust museum.
Skokie is like a neighbor ward to me.
Deb, I rise in support of you and I rise in support of your remembrance ordinance or resolution.
Thank you, Mr. President.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much.
Are there any other alders that the chair recognizes alderman Lopez.
>> RAYMOND LOPEZ: Good morning, Mr. President.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Good morning.
>> RAYMOND LOPEZ: Good morning, members of the City Council and good morning to our guests.
I rise in support of this resolution and in support of remembering all the factors that took place
in our lives that bring us to a point where we can look back and say how did we get to a place where
we had no problem killing 6 million individuals.
1.5 million of which were children.
I rise today because of the fact that while I have been to the Holocaust museum, I also in July of
2022 went to Yad Vashem, which is the Israeli Holocaust museum.
It is a truly profound and solemn place where you look at not just the box cars and the chains and
the silverware that was stolen, but you look at the map.
You look at the words.
You look at the narratives that were changed years in advance of the Holocaust.
When we ask ourselves why did this happen, how did this happen, look around today.
And as you see individuals twisting words and narratives and playing the victim when they are the
aggressor and pointing at individuals, blaming them for their -- Mr.
Chairman?
That's number four, Mr. President.
Our rules of decorum, Mr. President, say disrupted behavior, including disruptive or disrespectful
conduct during others' presentations is not permitted.
It has been permitted numerous time and I ask that you clear the individuals who are responsible for
that behavior.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
Please continue, alderman Lopez.
>> RAYMOND LOPEZ: Are you going to maintain decorum, sir.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: I'm going to give you.
>> STUDENT: Are you going to maintain decorum, sir.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Decorum is maintained.
Please continue, alderman Lopez.
>> RAYMOND LOPEZ: Proof of what I speak is right here in this room.
When we allow individuals to change the narrative, when we allow individuals to point blame and make
victim, make themselves victims, to give them the authority, the moral authority, to excuse behavior
that leads us down a path that we've seen already in our history, this is where we are.
This is where we're at today.
This is where we're at in this room, Mr. President.
Failure to stand up will be seen in history.
That much I agree with.
One of the commentators disrupting earlier.
We cannot forget that there were millions of opportunities to stand up and be counted to do the
right thing, to stop at any moment.
What brought the Holocaust to its full fruition was that so many good people chose to sit down.
So many good people who thought they were doing right simply went along with the narratives because
they were too cowardly to stand up and do what was right.
We see that more and more in our city.
We see that more and more in this room.
We see that more and more, especially in light of everything that is going on now.
When we can't even bring ourselves to say kidnapping infants is wrong.
Mr. President, this resolution isn't simply about remarking what happened 79 years ago, because I'm
sure on the 79th year and one day after, everyone assumed that we would never be in the same spot
that we find ourselves in today.
Where we are once again pointing the finger at a people as if they are the root of all evil.
Where we are trying to justify through changing of the narrative, through manipulating it social
media, and by equivocating at every turn what we should be standing up morally to fight.
It is obvious when we have to stand up, Mr. President.
It is obvious when we have to tell people that they are wrong.
And it is obvious that this council needs to do a better job at standing up, recognizing its place
in history, as whether or not it will go down as an enabler, an apologist, or some body that is
willing to stand up and be counted when it matters most.
Thank u Mr.
President.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes alder Vasquez.
>> ANDRE VASQUEZ: Thank you, Mr. President.
Before I make comments, I would like to ask that members who are seated, not council Chambers, but
everyone else, I understand the -- how natural it feels to want to respond to certain comments.
I think there's things that occur when members of our council are addressing certain audiences.
That may have other audiences feel different so just as a level of respect, I would ask for that to
start off with.
I am not eager to get on the microphone and talk about a situation that I think is extremely
nuanced, extremely delicate and people receive differently across the city and across the globe.
As a city who has the population that it does, we represent all of our neighbors.
And so first I want to be here in support of the resolution itself.
I think -- in thinking about what we're going through in this moment, we can't also have that take
away from what it means to actually remember folks who have gone through so much and what the
Holocaust means in general to all of us.
I have members of my family that are Jewish.
We have these conversations.
And so I think we have to acknowledge not only a remembrance of -- and I say this as calmly as
possible -- not only in remembrance of the results that have led us all to focus on what is tragedy
and what atrocity is it is, but also the climate that led to something like that even being
possible, which is folks making comments and allowing things to go into that direction.
There are certain things that we see, not just in this moment but throughout history where people do
remain silent in the face of injustice if they view it as not affecting their own people they
identify with.
And I think when people ignore that of any group that goes through it, it leads to the consequences
that have shown us throughout history we don't want to go down.
And so when we support our Jewish family members and our siblings, it is in recognition of really
the horrors that a people had to go through because everyone marginalized them and didn't -- I don't
want to say stand up because stand up is an ableist term and I recognize our disabled family members
as well.
But people people we're not standing shoulder with them when they go through marginalization.
That is what led to the Holocaust and why we're here remembering those atrocities.
When I hear never again and always remember, it means never again having those same --
that same environment grow so that no one goes through that kind of persecution.
And I think there's again -- please, I don't --
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Please address me, alder.
>> ANDRE VASQUEZ: My apologies.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: We're maintaining decorum.
That's fine.
>> ANDRE VASQUEZ: No, that's not decorum.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Look here.
>> ANDRE VASQUEZ: Thank you.
The reason why I say that is because we don't do enough here as a council, as a city, to model the
behavior we would want to see globally.
We can't sit down and have conversations in a way that doesn't lead to someone making a comment that
inch flames someone else that leads to the tit for tat that leads to a table upon that leads to
agreement.
And if we can't do that about this level about any resolution, what hope do we have for the rest of
the globe to do so.
So I want to make sure that as we have these conversations with each other, knowing that we have our
Jewish populations that have gone historically through marginalization through that level of
atrocity, knowing we have our Palestinian citizens currently feeling that in a moment that we can
have these conversations acknowledging both, knowing that the things that people suffer through is
separate from the decisions that governments make at times.
We have civilians and innocent lives, Israeli, Palestinian, all of the above, that have been taken
from us, that have gone through persecution, all because of smaller groups that run governments
making decisions.
And so I would really hope that we are grounded in the fact that we are not different.
We are not dissimilar when we're talking about what we think one side does.
There's people on the other side doing the same.
And if we take the time to pause and model the behavior we want to see across the globe, maybe we
end up with a solution that sets the example and move away from the kind of environment that led to
a Holocaust.
And I think that is how we can pay recognition, tribute, and also remembrance to that spirit.
And so I thank you, and I thank everyone for hearing me out.
Again, it is very challenging, but I have faith in us to figure out how to navigate where we don't
fall for those same kind of pitfalls.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez.
>> BYRON SIGCHO-LOPEZ: Thank you, Mr.
President, and raising support of this resolution.
And I was not planning to speak necessarily on this item.
But I do think just given some of the behavior, some of the members in the council, this should
certainly -- they should certainly model and certainly act what they preach.
So if history is any indicator for us, indeed as some of the colleagues have said, to act when such
atrocities and war crimes are committed, I do think that the council should have at least a
little -- some members of the council, more empathy, and more respect.
And focus on the history of the facts before making such remarks, especially when we see members of
the audience who have seen family members killed, brutalized.
So I wonder what is the decorum.
I wonder what is the decorum when we watching genocide in front of us if it is not to watch in the
past so that it doesn't happen in the future and it doesn't happen now.
So today to all our City Council members, I hope that we remember today.
And the same words that are being used to prevent atrocities, to prevent another Holocaust, to
prevent genocide.
And it is not anti Semitic to stand up for human rights, to remember what has happened in the past
so we're not seeing these kind of comments and asking for decorum on the same behavior as some of
the members of the council.
It is appalling.
So today not only I would like to rise in support of this resolution, but also making sure that some
of the same members of the council were talking about what has happened in the past, to make sure
that we speak about atrocities, that we don't miss every step to prevent another atrocity, just like
the Holocaust and the thousands and millions of people who lost their lives so that we honor them
and we remember them so this doesn't happen never again to nobody nowhere on the U.S. our country
has a responsibility to stop funding or looking the other way.
In such atrocities on the council and it's hard to maintain decorum when we see these atrocities
before our very eyes, let's make a commitment when we come back to this very floor so that we act on
and not continue to pandering for votes instead of calling for the U.S. to stop funding war.
Thank you very much.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes alderman David Moore.
>> DAVID MOORE: Thank you, Mr. President.
I stand in support of this resolution, reminded of the words of Dr. King who we just celebrated, is
as he said, I would not -- I may not remember the words of my enemies, but I will not forget the
silence of my friends.
And so here I didn't want to remain silent because of the friends I have in this community.
Our colleague, Debra Silverstein, who is always someone I can talk to, someone that's even keeled,
and then I think of today of my brother, Dave Lapel and his family who we have countless honest
conversations.
And by saying that we get to this thing, a threat --
an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
And so that's what we're reminded here to this day of this resolution.
And as I have these conversations with my close friends -- and these are these moments that you
address this because you have to have conversations.
You have to talk.
And it reminds me we can have these conversations that not only we say never again to this
Holocaust, we also say never again to slavery.
We continue to remind -- we continue to -- we continue --
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much.
>> DAVID MOORE: We continue to have those conversations so people can remember that any time we try
to rewrite history.  And that's what our colleague is standing here saying.
Let's not have people rewrite history and act like things didn't exist.
But as we say that, I say the same thing I remember having these conversations with my friends and
saying let's not rewrite history.
And with people acting like slavery that exists or certain people didn't have a part of it.
When we're able to stand up for resolutions like this, we're able to have those conversations and
bring these forces together.
So none of this will be never again.
So I thank you so much, alderman Silverstein, for bringing this resolution forward.
God bless you.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes alderman Villegas.
>> GILBERT VILLEGAS: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Good morning.
I stand here today in strong support of this resolution.
This upcoming Saturday, January 27th, is international Holocaust remembrance day.
This day marks the 79th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp.
On that day we remember over 6 million Jews were remembered by the Nazis in the Holocaust as well as
the millions of other people murdered by the Nazis.
We're reminded how for years the Nazis carried out this mass genocide while much of the world turned
a blind eye to these atrocities.
Today with the rise of anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial across the world it's imperative we as a
city take a stand and say never again.
There are 3,000 Jewish people who call Chicago home.
Many are descendants of Holocaust survivors.
This is their story and it's the story of so many Jewish people around the world.
Today and every day we remember.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes alderman Ervin.
>> JASON ERVIN: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I too stand in support of the resolution and also to concur in the words that alderman Moore stated
as relates to communities that I'm a member of and not wanting to repeat the same -- repeat the same
thing.
I think it is incumbent upon us to all to understand that we all have different past and how we
arrive to get to this point however as alderman Moore stated it's the injustice and the silence that
will always be remembered.
So as we stand in support of our colleague from the 50th ward, let's also remember we must stand for
all of those who face similar circumstances in these situations.
Thank you.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
Are there any other alders that wish -- are there any other alders that wish to speak to this
resolution?
Seeing no other hands, I'd like to speak to this resolution as we recognize January 27th, the
international Holocaust remembrance day and the liberation of an entire people group, at the hands
of real severe brutality.
I'm honored that we have a vibrant and a very proud Jewish community.
Many people in this community have been directly impacted by the Holocaust as descendants of
Holocaust survivors and victims and refugees.
As we gather to commemorate this day, we are honoring the memory and the legacy of the Holocaust
victims, survivors.  We do that through the remarkable stories, the history, the resilience.
But also making good on a promise to ensure that this legacy and this history is not only remembered
for today but for generations to come as we work to combat a distortion and revisionism of history.
Today we stand with our Jewish community to remember and honor the victims and survivors and all
those impacted by the horrors of the Holocaust.
And so with that alderman Mitchell, can I get a motion for the passage of this resolution?
>> GREGORY MITCHELL: Mr. President, I move passage of the omnibus.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objections, so ordered.
Alderman Mitchell, on a motion to return to the regular order of business.
>> GREGORY MITCHELL: Mr. President, I move that we return to the regular order of business.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objections, so ordered.
Communications.
>> Communications honor the mayor to the Honorable City Council to the City of Chicago.
Ladies and gentlemen at the request of Commissioner of housing and transportation ordinance
authorizing issuance of financial assistance for the Charles arrow apartment projects.
This is ordered to be appreciated by Brandon Johnson mayor by the committee of finance.
Ladies and gentlemen request the commission of housing and ordinance authorizing issuance of
financial assistance for the park phase this is Brandon Johnson mayor for the committee on finance.
Ladies and gentlemen request the Commissioner of executing agreement with LLC to provide TIF funds
of the former pioneer bank building.
Your consideration ordinance is appreciated very truly yours Brandon mayor, ladies and gentlemen the
request of the Commissioner of training and development we authorize execution intergovernmental
agreement with the Chicago board of education to provide TIF funds for improving Percy Julian high
school.
This be originated very truly yours Brandon Johnson mayor.
Ladies and gentlemen request budget director a 5925 amendment Brandon Johnson mayor.
Per the committee on budgeting and operation.
Ladies and gentlemen, at the request of the Commissioner planning and redevelopment I transfer here
with an ordinance authorizing a tax L incentive for property located at 465 west certificate Mack
road.
Very truly yours, Brandon Johnson mayor for the community on capital and economic development.
Ladies and gentlemen at the request of fleet and facility management authorizing the purchase of
property located at had 130 south Morgan street.
This ordinance appreciated.
Very truly yours Brandon Johnson mayor.
Ladies and gentlemen at the request of located at 6949 south Martin Luther King drive.
Appreciate very truly yours, Brandon Johnson mayor,  housing and real estate .
Authorizing the sales for the Chi blocker build platform, this ordinance appreciated, very truly
yours Brandon Johnson mayor.
Ladies and gentlemen at the request for Commissioner housing request ordinance authorizing loan
restructuring for eerie cooperative LLP apartments, for the committee on housing and real estate.
Ladies and gentlemen, ordinance authorizing the sale of execution of redevelopment with home and
housing LLC for affordable housing development.
It is appreciate very truly yours Mayor Johnson.
Ladies and gentlemen for the commission of and development authorize extended right of entry
agreement with DL3 realty advisors LLC.
We appreciate very truly yours Brandon Johnson mayor for the commission on real estate.
Ladies and gentlemen director of administrative hearing ordinance authorizing execution and
agreement the Chicago housing authority to continue hearing grievances.
We appreciate it very truly yours, Brandon Johnson mayor.
For the committee on housing and real estate.
Ladies and gentlemen we request the Commissioner of cultural affairs and Special Events for the 2024
annual Special Events ordinances, in consideration of this ordinance we appreciate it very truly
yours, Brandon Johnson mayor, on cultural affairs and recreation.
Ladies and gentlemen at the request of transportation I transfer an ordinance authorizing right of
way acquisition for the Archer avenue and belt railroad company of greater Chicago project.
We appreciate very truly yours Brandon Johnson mayor for the committee on public transportation,
ladies and gentlemen authorizing an acquisition of temporary easement for the Halsted improve
project.
Very truly yours, Brandon Johnson mayor, for the transportation and public way.
Ladies and gentlemen at the request of chief sustainability officer, I transfer here together with
alderman Hadad, municipal code regarding limitation on combustion and new buildings and significant
buildings significant conditions.
We appreciate very truly yours, Brandon Johnson mayor.
Referring to the joint committee after two committees have been called, this item will go to rolls.
Ladies and gentlemen I have appointed Lisset , Commissioner of department of housing ordinance and
appointment will be appreciated very truly yours, Brandon Johnson mayor, for the housing and real
estate.
I have appointed Blake Morris the department of human resources, will be appreciated very truly
yours Brandon Johnson mayor.
I have appointed Thomas the ladies and gentlemen, I have appointed Alfonso
of this appointment will be appreciated very truly yours.
For the budget and operations appreciated very truly yours, Brandon Johnson mayor mayor.
Police and fire.
City clerk inform the City Council the following documents were filed in my office relating to the
subject, your termination of regarding second amendment as well as Fargo bank, national, on December
29th, 2021, aggregate amount not to exceed $225 million.
Comprehensive annual financial report to the sit of Chicago to city college for Chicago for fiscal
year June 20th, 2023.
Inspector general's report Manning and development.
Small grants program.
To the inspector general's review City of Chicago's release.
Office of inspector general to sewer complaints, office inspector general's quarterly report for
period December 31st, 2023.
City clerk Anna Valencia all those matters held on December 13th, 2023, were required by statute to
be published in tablet form on January 2024 by being printed in full text and printed copy of
general proceedings of the state council of the City of Chicago.
Clerk Valencia also informed the acts of special council meeting held on December 24th, 2023 should
be published in book or pamphlet form or one or more newspapers, on January 4, 2024, being printed
in full text full proceedings of the City Council of Chicago.
Tax levy approval of a year 2024 budget execution of a service provider agreement special service
area passed by the City Council to December 13th, 2023 to require to be published in a special
pamphlet for December 24, 2023.
City clerk also transmit here with the communications report regarding City Council action,
classification of ticker or zoning landmarks and other standards City of Chicago to refer to the
commit I on finance recommendation to Chicago 202 south State Street, a change landmark recs and
building standards by the Chicagoland marks for designation of 220 south State Street as a
Chicagoland mark as referred to building landmarks and standards.
Your Honor, that concludes reports, communications to the mayor and other officers.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much, committee reports.
For committee reports we'll start with finance.
The chair recognizes finance chairperson Dowell.
>> PAT DOWELL: Thank you, Mr. President and members of the City Council.
Reporting for the City Council's committee on finance which held the committee meeting in a subject
matter hearing on January 24 -- 22nd, 2024, the following items received a do pass recommendation
from the committee.
Item number one is an ordinance concerning the designation of municipal depositories for the City of
Chicago and the Chicago board of education for fiscal year 2024.
Mr. President, unless there is someone that wishes to speak to this matter, I move passage of this
item by a roll call vote.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Seeing no hands, members, please use the e vote application to record your
vote at this time.
>> The voting is now open.
Please use your e device.
The voting is now only.
Please raise your hand if you need assistance.
I will now calm on anyone who has not -- call on anyone who has not voted on the e device for a
voice vote.
Alderman Hall.
Alderman Hall is a yes.
Alderwoman Lee.
Alderman Curtis.
Alderman Curtis is a yes.
Alderwoman Taylor.
>> JEANETTE TAYLOR: Yes.
>> Alderwoman Taylor is a yes.
Alderwoman Riley.
Alderman Knudsen.
>> TIMOTHY KNUDSEN: Yes.
>> Alderman Knudsen is a yes.
Alderman Beale.
Alderman Beale is a yes.
Anyone else in Chambers?
Going once, going twice.
All right.
The voting is now closed.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: There are 47 yeas, 0 nays.
This resolution is passed, alderman Mitchell to consider this vote.
>> GREGORY MITCHELL: Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: All in consideration of this vote say aye.
All those opposed say no.
This motion fails.
Chair recognizes chair woman Dowell.
>> PAT DOWELL: Thank you, Mr. President.
Item No.
2 is the substitute ordinance concerning the issuance of the city's second lean wastewater
transmission revenue bond, series 2024.
I move passage of this item by the first most favorable roll call going to the committee on finance
and the associated unsuccessful motion to reconsider.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: All right.
Seeing no hands but the chair does recognize alderwoman Lee.
>> NICOLE LEE: Thank you, Mr. President.
I'd like to request to be added to the first most favorable vote to the committee on finance.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much.
The clerk will make that indication.
Seeing no other hands regarding this motion, so ordered.
>> Item No.
3 and 4 consists of orders of authorization for the payment of various small claims against the City
of Chicago and denials of payments of various small claims against the City of Chicago.
If there are no objections, I move that these items be placed for passage in the omnibus.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Seeing no hands, hearing no objections, so ordered.
>> Item No.
5 is the report of cases in which verdicts, judgments or settlements were entered into for the month
of December 2023.
This will be placed on file with the clerk.
Item No.
6A is an order authorizing corporation counsel to enter into and execute a settlement order in the
case of Brown versus Bryant in the amount of $300,000.
I move passage of this item by the first most favorable roll call vote on the committee on finance
report and the associated unsuccessful motion to reconsider with the exceptions of alderman Moore,
Quinn, Curtis, car Donne as, Sposato and Nugent who request to be voting as no.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Okay.
There's a motion on the floor for a roll call vote on this item.
>> On the vote -- voting is now open.
The voting is now open.
Hit refresh.
The voting is now open.
Please use your e device.
If you need help, please raise your hand.
I will now call on anyone who has not voted using their e device.
Alderman Hall.
Alderman Hall is a yes.
Alderwoman Taylor.
>> JEANETTE TAYLOR: Yes.
>> Alderwoman Taylor is a yes.
Alderman Robinson.
Alderman Robinson is a yes.
Alderman Knudsen.
>> TIMOTHY KNUDSEN: Yes.
>> Great.
Alderman Knudsen is a yes.
The voting is now closed.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: There are 33 yeas, 16 nays.
This motion passes.
Alderman Mitchell on a motion to reconsider.
>> GREGORY MITCHELL: Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: All those in favor to reconsider signify by saying aye.
All those opposed say no.
This motion fails.
Chairman recognizes chair woman.
>> PAT DOWELL: Dowell thank you, Mr.
President.
Item No.
6B is an order authorizing corporation counsel to enter into and execute a settlement order in the
case of Jeffrey Haig versus City of Chicago in the amount of $375,000.
I move passage of this item by the first most favorable roll call vote on the committee on finance
and the associated unsuccessful motion to reconsider.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objections, so ordered.
>> PAT DOWELL: Item No.
6C is an order authorizing the corporation counsel to enter into and execute a settlement order in
the case of Maya Kirk versus City of Chicago in the amount of $2 million.
I move passage of this item by the most favorable roll call vote of the committee on finance and the
associated unsuccessful motion to reconsider with the exception of alderman Conway and alderman
Taylor who wish to be recorded as voting no.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: All right.
Besides those three in spite of the division, this motion passes.
So ordered.
>> PAT DOWELL: Item No.
60 is an order authorizing corporation counsel to execute and to enter and execute a settlement
order in the case of Gabray Carter as special administrator of the estate of witch field marshal,
deceased, versus the City of Chicago in the amount of $5 million.
I move passage of this item by the first most favorable roll call vote and the associated
unsuccessful motion to reconsider with the exception of alderman Conway who wishes to be recorded as
voting no.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Despite the division, hearing no objections, so ordered.
>> PAT DOWELL: The committee on finance also met on January 22nd for a subject matter hearing to
discuss municipal depositories.
No votes were taken.
And Mr. President, that concludes my report.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you, chair woman Dowell.
The next committee budget operations the chair recognizes chairman Ervin.
>> JASON ERVIN: Thank you, Mr. President and members of the council reporting for the committee and
budget and operations held a meeting on January 23rd, 2024.
The committee has a series of report recommending passage of the following items.
Item one is a communication recommended a proposed ordinance concern annual appropriation ordinance
fee of 2024.
Amendment within 925, I move passage of this item by the first favorable roll call vote of the
committee on financing the associated unsuccessful motion to reconsider.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objection, so ordered.
>> JASON ERVIN: Item No.
2 will be held in committee.
Item No.
3 is a communication regarding the proposed transfer of funds with regard to immigrant and refugee
rights via 2023.
I make the same motion if there is no objection.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Seeing and hearing no objections, chair recognizes alderman Riley.
>> BRENDAN RILEY: Thank you, Mr. President.
I simply want to be recorded as having voted aye on the first item finance agenda.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
Madam clerk make sure you enter alderman Riley as a yes on the first item.
Hearing no objections on the motion, so ordered.
>> Mr. President, that concludes my report.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: The next committee is economic development.  The chair recognizes chairman
Villegas.
>> GILBERT VILLEGAS: Thank you, Mr. President.
And members of the City Council, reporting for the committee on capital development.
On Tuesday, January 9th, 2024, the committee held a meeting and recommends passage of the following
items.
Items 1 and 2 on the report is the appointment of Ciere Boatright as Commissioner planning and
development as well as the -- a member of the community development commission.
I think we should wait till she comes in.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: That's fine.
>> Mayor, did she leave already or what?
Mr.
President, we want to make sure that she didn't leave already.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much.
The chair recognizes chairman Villegas.
What's your motion again.
>> GILBERT VILLEGAS: I'll repeat it.
So item 1 and 2 on the report are the appointment of Ciere Boatright as both Commissioner planning
development as well as a member of the community development commission collectively voted on by the
members and introduced by Mayor Johnson at November 1st, 2023, City Council meeting.
If there are any other aldermen that like to speak, I reserve the rights to close.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Very well.
Are there any alders that wish to speak to this appointment?
Thank you.
The chair recognizes alderman David Moore.
>> DAVID MOORE: Thank you Mr. President.
I stand in support of this appointment, not knowing Miss Boatright previously.
But in life sometimes it's good to have people that know people that you can trust that say good
things about people.
My pastor used to say, reverend clay Evans, your name will get somewhere before you do so keep a
good name.
You have kept a good name and because people that I respect, respect you.
And because of that and our conversation that we had, I'm definitely in support of this resolution.
I look forward and one of the things I heard you say in our meeting is that you are pro development.
You are about development.
I always tell people I am a social service baby from welfare to projects.
But one thing I believe in is giving somebody a job.
And you can give people jobs when you build, when you develop, so you can get them out of being
dependent to self-sufficiency.
And that's what we want to focus on.
Because all of the ills that we deal with throughout this city rolls -- always comes back to
economic insecurities.
And part of that is making sure that we develop.
So I support you.
I'm glad your beautiful children are here to see this moment because they can grow up to be what
they can see and their own mom.
And your husband his shaved head is looking good because he goes to my Barber.
But he gets my time when I need it to get down to City Council.
But just appreciate and thank this whole entire family for allowing her to accept this position
because we already know what it's going to take.
And sometimes there's going to be sacrifices from the family.
So you all are on this journey as well.
And I thank you all for allowing her to accept this position so that she can serve this great City
of Chicago.
And I thank you, Mr. President, for making this appointment of a person who believes in developing.
Thank you.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes alderman Ervin.
>> JASON ERVIN: Thank you, Mr. President.
There are two rising support of this appointment.
I'll say this.
Development is important to all of us and the process by which we get there is important.
In my conversations with the Commissioner, I feel strong that communities will get that opportunity
to move forward as also with the mayor's executive order on speeding up the development process.
Again, our communities can't wait.
We've been in shambles and troubles for a number of years and I'm glad that we have someone that
understands that portion of it, not necessarily the academic portion but the operational portion of
it to lead that department.
I say this with all sincerity.
This is probably next to the police superintendent probably the most important department that we
all as collectively have to deal with.
We're glad to see someone of your caliber and care and concern leading that department.
Godspeed and God bless.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you, alderman.
The chair recognizes Alderman. Beale
>> ANTHONY BEALE: Beale thank you, Mr.
President.
Mr. President I do rise to support this resolution ordinance.
I have had the pleasure of knowing the Boatright family for almost 20 years now.
And I can tell you without question that we have a pro business Commissioner.
So we're going to change the initials to PBB. That's pro business Boatright, all right?
And so we have a Commissioner who understands the importance of working with aldermen and
understands the importance of getting bills done.
I'm extremely excited because you all know that Mitts Boatright has been part of the pull man
renaissance when she first started with CNI, Chicago neighborhood initiative.
And we have created over $2 billion dollars of and almost 2,000 jobs in the community.
So that's just a small fraction of what this city is in store to see coming down the future.
So we have someone who understands it working with us, working with the administration, working with
the community.
So I'm excited to have Commissioner Boatright in this seat.
And I know you're going to do a fabulous job.
And congratulations to your entire family.
You all have been supporting her throughout her entire career and we hope nothing but the best for
everybody.
So thank you so much and God bless.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
Chair recognizes alderman Sposato.
>> NICHOLAS SPOSATO: Mr. President, I too support this appointment.
I had the pleasure of meeting with Ciere yesterday.
We had a nice conversation.
Certainly I look forward to good things in my ward and the city.
And also if -- I'm glad to see you're from the community.
So working with somebody from the community, for the community.
And if Anthony Beale gives you two thumbs up, I give you three thumbs up.
So look forward to working with you.
Thank you, Mr. President.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Okay.
I'm going to resist the urge there.
Just spare thumbs just laying around.
All right.
The chair recognizes alderman Lopez.
>> RAYMOND LOPEZ: Good afternoon, Mr.
President, members of the City Council, and good afternoon to you and your family.
We -- unfortunately we have had several near misses in meeting, but as my colleague from the 17th
ward said, if you have friends that vouch for you, you're all good in my book.
And if alderman Mitchell and Beale both told me to be nice to you today so I'm going to acquiesce to
their request.
No small victory indeed.
But I do want to just point out a couple things, if I may.
And unfortunately I wasn't able to join you at committee.
But I do believe that we do have to become very much pro business once again in the City of Chicago.
Your predecessor, as some of my colleagues could attest to, would languish on for months on what
kind of leaves should be in a parking lot, what color fruit should come out of a tree.
And all the while miss an opportunity to build in our communities.
I'm not going to say who, but Maurice Cox knows who I'm talking about.
The fact of the matter is this.
We have a lot of programs that are waiting for action and execution.
As we look at the recovery plan from 2023, some notable highlights that are of concern to many of us
are the vacant lot reduction strategy, which many of us on the south and west side are with, the
12,000 plus vacant lots of which we allocated or committed --
excuse me -- $42 million to addressing and have only spent 11 million.
The vacant rehab project, which we constantly hear about from individuals from our community looking
for opportunities in which our own neighborhood businesses, young men and women can rehab some of
the vacancy in our community, we committed over $50 million to that and have spent zero up to this
point.
There are many other issues that are in that plan, which I know you are familiar with, if not, I can
help you become familiar with.
But I think at the end of the day, department of planning and development has had numerous successes
when it comes to starting pilots but never taking them beyond the pilot stage.
Most notably, Mr. President, invest southwest by your predecessor was designed to focus on areas of
investment.
Unfortunately, of the ten locations, only one was in a Latino community.
We have seen where we are able to look and encapsulate investment dollars in those districts, and we
failed on a couple of points.
One, beyond the ribbon cutting, there was very little follow through and build out, which I am
hopeful that you will see through.
Two, in communities on the southwest side, which didn't fall in a TIF district, in neighborhoods
that don't have those extra financing areas, we need to be able to commit to expanding those
programs in those neighborhoods as well so that we can continue to build out those economic
opportunities, not just in those ten districts but across all 77 communities.
To make roseland what it is, to make -- to lift the 9th ward up the way you have is no small feat.
Now I need you to do that on 77.
So I look forward to the opportunity to working with you and the administration to make that happen.
Because there are some glimmers of hope within your department, but we need to address what we know
is already out there.
We need to double back on those programs, particularly the home modification, the emergency heat
assistance and all of those things that have languished for three years because of COVID.
All of those things need to be brought to the forefront immediately.
And I hope that in working with you, not just the 15th ward, but all wards can see some of these
projects come to fruition beyond the initial ribbon cutting.
Thank you, Mr. President.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes alderman Conway.
>> WILLIAM CONWAY: Mr. President, I rise to support of your candidacy.
Commissioner I'm very excited that someone with your extensive credentials is taking on this extreme
responsibility.
And I look forward to rebuilding LaSalle street into a multi-use booming district, arm and arm with
you after a global pandemic.
So thank you very much for joining us here at the city thank you, Mr. President.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes alderman Gardiner.
>> JAMES GARDINER: Thank you, Mr. President I too support this and echo some of the words spoken by
my colleagues.
Miss Boatright and I had a telephone conversation yesterday and I just want to comment on the energy
and the passion that you executed through that Zoom meeting.
It's very inspiring to hear who you are and where you come from.
Mr. Mayor, I will say although we disagree on a lot of different things, I want to commend you in
your administration on giving opportunities to Chicagoans.
Through and through, we see it time again, that you are enabling Chicagoans to get to higher levels.
We see it with the police superintendent.
We see it with the corporate counsel.
We see it now with the Commissioner, DPD.
And it's great to see.
And I hope we continue to do that.
We have not seen that for awhile.
So giving people opportunities, whether from the north side or the South Side, we are all one.
So I would like to see us continue to give these opportunities to the sons and daughters of Chicago.
And you're doing that.
So I commend you.
Also I commend you, Commissioner, and I wish you all the very best.
And I'm privy to say I hope that we can continue to bring more success to the 45th ward where we are
bringing phenomenal developments to our ward.
And our community is excited and we're excited to partner with you.
Thank you.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes alderman Michael Rodriguez.
>> MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ: Thank you very much, Mr.
Chair.
And I'd like to concur with my colleague, who I have a very similar take.
To have a Chicagoan in one of the most important positions in city governments is extremely
important.
You understand the heartbeat of the city.
You are the heartbeat of the city.
Whether it's in my ward, the historic and beautiful route 66 along Ogden avenue or the second
magnificent mile on 26th Street, or whether it's the gateway to midway on Cicero avenue, I think you
understand, as I do, the significance of these gateways, these historic avenues, and how we need to
not only have these spaces survive but thrive and I think you understand that.
And I know what you've done on the South Side but I also know you have a view of our city that's
much broader than that.
So I think you're the exact right person.
I'm so excited to work with you and I'm so excited about this appointment.
Thank you.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes alderwoman Stephanie Coleman.
>> STEPHANIE COLEMAN: Mr. President, I undoubtedly stand in support of this appointment.
As a member of the first, finest and best sorority, alpha kappa alpha incorporated, we are just
excited that not only our mayor, but our CEO selected someone capable, competent, and qualified from
Chicago.
Who understands it and who gets it.
So not only us in Englewood but across the entire City of Chicago, we look forward to cranes in the
sky.
We look forward to folks working in our communities, in the 77 beautiful neighborhoods that make up
our city.
Thank you to your family, your beautiful children, and your husband of the great fraternity, Omega
man, for sharing your mom with us.
She's got a lot of work to do.
We have been stagnated for the last four years, and there are certain projects and developments that
the trees and Parkways are more important than getting the job done.
So congratulations, Commissioner.
We look forward to the investment in following the SEDA map, the social economic disadvantaged
community and using that rubric system especially for the south and west side.
God bless you.
We are excited about your future.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much.
The chair recognizes alderman Fuentes.
>> JESSICA FUENTES: Good afternoon, Mr.
President and members of this body.
Commissioner, congratulations.
Look, I trust your intellect, your professionalism, your passion and your vision for the City of
Chicago.
I think this appointment is one that we all agree on that here in the City of Chicago there is
beautiful talents that we have not affirmed and elevated.
And here we are one of the best and brightest in the City of Chicago ready to take our city to a new
level.
And so I'm excited for all of the possibilities that you're going to bring to the family, to the
Boatright family.
Thank you for borrowing your partner, your mom, so that we can build what is already the best city
and make it better.
There's going to be long days and long nights, and she will go down in history for what this city
will look like for the future to come.
Commissioner, I look forward to our relationship.
I look forward to the brilliance that the department of housing, the department of planning, is
going to bring in the next three and a half years.
Congratulations.
And welcome to the City of Chicago.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes alderwoman Clay.
>> ANGELA CLAY: Thank you so much, Mr.
President.
I too rise in support of Commissioner Boatright.
I am so excited.
I would -- I did wear my T-shirt and thought of this you this morning because all great things come
from Chicago, okay?
And this is a testament of that, to have a Black woman lead the department of planning and
development in one of the best cities, the best city in the world.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Freaking.
>> Sorry.
I forgot the freaking, is amazing.
And it is a testament to other young Black leaders in this city, that they have a place here, that
they are respected.
Not only do you bring credentials.
You bring culture, right?
You bring a sense of collaboration that the city needs.
And our conversation was more than just development.
It was about working moms.
It was about the future for the babies and the rest of the City of Chicago.
So I am super excited because development not only brings housing and not only brings commercial
corridors but it brings employment.
It brings culture and it brings community together.
And I think that's exactly what all of us here as council leaders wants to see in the City of
Chicago.
I'm so excited to see what you bring to this position and I can't wait to work with you in the
future.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much.
The chair recognizes alderman Lawson.
>> BENNETT LAWSON: Thank you, Mr. President.
I want to commend you on this appointment.
I think Mr. Boatright's resume and record of success really speak for themselves.
And I look forward to working with her.
I have an extensive background in neighborhood development.
And we had a great conversation.
And she and I are pro growth, pro business, pro development, pro affordability, pro equity.
And none of those things are in conflict so I look forward to working together with her and her
team.
Thank you to your beautiful family for being here and drawing those people who don't live here in
Chicago currently into our great city so we can continue to grow.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes alderman Hadden.
>> MARIA HADDEN: Thank you, Mr. President.
I too rise in support of this appointment.
I know we got to know each other a bit before.
And really appreciated our call to your family.
Thank you.
Thank you for sharing her with us.
And I hope you can tell by the number of people rising to speak with you and the great enthusiasm
that we have of the great expectations we have for you and your department.
So I know you'll serve the city well.
And I hope that we do not age you too quickly with all of the demands that the great City of Chicago
is going to have of you.
But really look forward to working with you.
Thank you.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes, my apologies, alderwoman Dowell.
>> PAT DOWELL: Thank you, Mr. President.
You know I started my career in the department of planning and development 20 some years ago.
And I always look at this appointment as a signal of how I think the administration is going to go.
And I just want to tell you I am so proud of this appointment that you made.
When you talked about finding people who were tethered to the City of Chicago to do the work for the
people of the City of Chicago, Ciere Boatright is a shining example of that.
And what I like about Commissioner Boatright to be is that she has a lot of fresh ideas.
She leads from the front, and she's asks probing questions and she's creative.
And I think we need that kind of energy and focus on our neighborhoods in the City of Chicago
because we're all different.
And I think you appreciate that difference that we all bring to this body.
And so when you talk about how you see vacant land in the City of Chicago or wanting to collaborate
more with the Chicago housing authority, the CTA, or just being very pro business, as you have been
in Pullman and other places in the city, I very much look forward to you working here.
I get emotional about this because this department I care about.
And for the last four years or more, this department has not moved.
And so I am happy to see you here.
And I look forward to working with you.
And you have my full support.
Thank you.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
Chair recognizes alderman Derrick Curtis.
>> DERRICK CURTIS: Thank you, Mr. President.
I too rise to support this appointment.
And I commend you on this appointment, Miss Boatright, it's been a pleasure talking and laughing
with you.
Unite -- I'm from the southwest side of Chicago.
And invest southwest didn't even reach my ward.
So we talked about that.
I have a lot of ideas, and you shared a lot of ideas.
Your mom live right around the corner.
So I'm so glad that you're here.
So let's get to work and change some things that I've been waiting on for so long.
Thank -- I want to thank you and your family.
Thank you for lending your mom to us again and your husband.
You're gonna -- I have to put you on some gym shoes because you have a lot of area to cover here in
Chicago.
Again, mayor, thank you so much.
This was a super appointment.
Thank you.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes alder Vasquez.
>> ANDRE VASQUEZ: Thank you, Mr. President.
I really want to thank and commend you -- first I stand in support of the appointment and want to
thank you, really, for your vision in this appointment.
I think to something alderwoman Dowell mentioned, if you look at like the different commissioners
we've had in the past, you had folks who were very pro business, very pro development, without
thinking about the equity and how it affects different parts of town, who maybe don't have the
creativity and vision to be able to deliver something even greater.
We've also seen folks who are very much creative, had a lot of vision, but then weren't able to get
development moving quickly enough.
And there's a very fine balance that has to be struck to make sure all those things are happening
and to make sure that when you're thinking of legislation or changes, that it affects each part of
town differently.
And so I am very excited to see Miss Boatright here.  What's been very clear from the outset is the
level of energy and passion that you bring to the role, the fact that you worked in real estate in
the executive side of things allows for a better understanding of how to fix and make processes more
effective so you actually get things that are being built.
But also with an eye on what it's like being a Chicagoan in different parts of town and being part
of our communities that are sometimes marginalized and the part that development and planning have
into working against that.
When we have a city that have been historically red lined and segregated, what you do when it comes
to planning and development can work to either reinforce those things or to break them down.
And so to have you here is amazing, and we feel really proud of the decision as well as the work to
be done.
I also want to shout out the kids in the Booth.
I think just as somebody who grew up in the city and didn't even have an understanding of how
government worked, to have you all here to kind of watch it means so much and it also grounds us in
how important this work is because the work being done now sets the foundation for future
generations and allows those opportunities.
So although we have some really tumultuous waters to navigate through when you think about the city
forward and the city vision, I think one the name fits, and if I'm going to trust somebody to
navigate us through it, having Miss Boatright at the lead as Commissioner puts us in a good place so
thank you very much for that appointment and I look forward to seeing it confirmed.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes alderwoman Manaa Hoppenworth.
>> BRIAN HOPKINS: Thank you, Mr. President.
I want to congratulate you on this appointment and to you, Commissioner, and to your family,
beautiful family.
This is very exciting.
A time for all of us.
I was born on the South Side.
We had a really great conversation and I know that you're going to build a lot of bridges.
You're going to connect us.
We're going to see transformational changes, especially around our transit system and I love the way
you talk about affordability and economic development made as a small business owner.
I love how you speak about our public spaces, including how we could co-locate libraries and
affordable housing.
That's very exciting too.
I just wanted to thank you for your vision and also I know that you're going to come in with spirit
to work with other departments because we need it.
Right now when we're talking about building a bike grid across the city or expanding along the red
line, underneath the red line in edge water and throughout the reconstruction of the RPM, I have a
lot of faith in you and your family.
And what we can do together in this fantastic city.
I'm very excited for you.
And I can't wait to work with you.
Congratulations.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
Chair recognizes alderman Lamont Robinson.
>> LAMONT ROBINSON: Mr. Mayor, I rise to support this appointment of Miss Boatright.
As someone that represents the Loop, I understand the importance of making sure that our economic
engine remains strong.
But Mr. Mayor, our constituents on the south and west sides deserve better and have been waiting far
too long to have developed communities.
Mr. Mayor, thank you for choosing someone as chairman Coleman stated is a Chicagoan who knows our
communities, who will think out of the box, who is a relationship builder, someone that draws
circles and not lines and who is excited to transform our communities.
Miss Boatright, thank you for taking on this task and also thank you for the Boatright family.
Blessings.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you, alderman.
The chair recognizes alderman Ronnie Mosley.
>> RONNIE MOSLEY: Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise in strong support of this nomination.
You search for the best and you found it right here in the City of Chicago.
I'm very excited because Miss Boatright has been described as a perfect combination of being
business minded but also community centered.
And it's not lost on me that this month we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
, who talked about a beloved community.
And I know under this leadership, you, mayor, this Commissioner, Chicago will come as close as it
has ever been to being a beloved community.
So Miss Boatright, I want you to know that your family's proud of you and thank you for the
sacrifice on being on this journey with your mom, your wife.
I want you to know that your community is proud of you.
The 21st ward is proud of you.
And I hope that you are proud of you because you could have been working and doing anything in this
world, and you chose to serve and give back.
So thank you, much success, and we've got your back.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
The chair recognizes alderman William Hall.
>> WILLIAM HALL: Thank you, Mr. President.
First of all, I wanted to say to you, once again, you've done a great job in putting Black women in
leadership.
To your right, Black history.  To my right Black history.
And once again you're writing history by putting a great Commissioner in place.
And so I extend my respect to you, and I extend my celebration to you, who not only is connected to
the sixth ward but is truly a negotiator and truly somebody who knows how to get things done.
We see the work down the street in Pullman and I have a feeling you're going to pull us all together
to make this city great.
So thank you very much.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
I have one final speaker before the chairman closes.
Are there any other alders that wish to speak?
All right.
Our final two speakers, the chair recognizes vice mayor alderman Burnett.
>> WALTER BURNETT: Thank you very much, Mr.
Chairman, and I just want to also commend you on this appointment.
You know, you can be in a room with Miss Boatright and not get excited.
Her passion, her excitement about the future of the City of Chicago can be felt everywhere she goes.
When she came here to speak, she had developers -- I never seen a Commissioner that have developers
that come and testify.
But she had people from not for profit organizations coming to testify on her behalf.
She had people from the financial industry to come and testify on her behalf because they all know
that she understands all of that.
I think we're blessed to have her as our Commissioner.
As a matter of fact, she hit the ground running.
I actually been working with her already.
As a matter of fact, she's been in bills late at night negotiating on large developments in my ward
for which some of those large developments made -- some of those large developments would make a lot
of neighborhood opportunity funds to go into other areas in the City of Chicago.
She's well rounded.
She understands what's going on.
I think this is a great appointment.
Her family, you all should be very excited about this, very proud of her.
And she also understands that right now the market is going through a time right now.
But this is a time when it's getting ready to turn around.
So this is a great time for you to be in there.
And it's good to have somebody who understands finance and know how to leverage things to make
things happen.
And as I said, when you came to see me, the only thing that matters in this business is
groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings.
Groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings.
That's what we need.
And I look forward to doing a lot of them with you.
Thank you very much.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
Chairman Villegas.
>> GILBERT VILLEGAS: Thank you, Mr. President.
I'm very excited about this appointment as well.
The department of planning and development is an economic development department responsible for
building, creating jobs, creating tax revenue, that the city needs in order to put forward programs.
So I'm very excited.
I'm also excited about the fact that she's going to complete the invest southwest programs and also
take a look at investing in the northwest and southwest sides as well.
I also appreciate the fact that during her testimony -- during her presentation, she talked about
how she was unapologetic about being pro development, pro business.
That's the narrative that we need to translate out there, that the City of Chicago is open for
business.
That we want to make sure that projects are getting done in a quick way because we know that time
kills deals.
And all you have to do is look at certain parts of the community, parts of the city, where projects
have been announced but never broke ground.
I also appreciate the fact that she actually had to deal with the department of planning development
when she worked externally, whether with CNI or Clay co and understands the bureaucracy.
So I appreciate that because she'll be able to fix that firsthand.
And she understands the importance of making sure that we're getting projects financed, making sure
that penciling out and making sure they're coming to fruition.
As my colleague from the 27th ward mentioned, typically we allow for 30 minutes of public testimony
in the committee.
I can tell you that she used up all 30 minutes because we had ten people come in and talk about how
great she was from both the business sector, not-for-profit sector and the finance sector.
We even had a prior Commissioner talk about how excited they were about this
-- appointment.
So I can tell you we're very excited about this.
We're ready to roll up our sleeves and work with you.
We're ready to talk about any challenges you face legislatively.
Please feel free to reach out to us.
We can introduce legislation to make your job easier and create the necessary jobs for the City of
Chicago.
Mr. President, I move for --
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Yes, sir, on your motion.
>> GILBERT VILLEGAS: I move for passage of these two items, 1 and 2 with the first roll call vote
with the committee on finance and the associate unsuccessful motion to reconsider.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: There's been a motion for a roll call.
Madam clerk?
I know when another alder asked for a roll call vote.
Yeah, I got it.
So as our clerk gathers members, please use the e vote application to record your vote at this time.
Just for clarity, this vote is for Commissioner as well as the CDC.
So the community development commission as well.
So again we're bundling both of them together.
>> One moment, please.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: You may have to do it the old-fashioned way.
>> THE CLERK: No, it's coming.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: And I know Miss Boatright's children are eager to get back to school, so I
want you all to hurry up.
Yeah, madam clerk, if that is not cooperating, let's just -- we have bundled both items and let's
just take an oral vote -- oh, looks like --
>> It's working.
All those who are voting, the voting is now open.
Please use your e device.
Hit refresh.
The voting is now open.
Hit refresh.
The voting is now open.
All right.
I will call on anyone who has not voted yet electronically by a voice vote.
Alderwoman Coleman?
Alderwoman Taylor.
>> JEANETTE TAYLOR: Yes.
>> Alderman Knudsen.
>> TIMOTHY KNUDSEN: Yes.
>> Alderwoman Manaa Hoppenworth?
Okay.
With all those voted, the voting is now closed.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much.
There are 49 yeas, zero nays.
This motion passes on the motion to reconsider, alderman Mitchell Mitch.
>> GREGORY MITCHELL:  Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON:  All those in favor signify by saying aye.  All those no.  This motion
fails.  Congratulations, Commissioner Boatright.
So because we have not moved onto the next item, the chair recognizes alderwoman Manaa Hoppenworth.
And she'll speak from the mic from the fifth ward.
Thank you.
You're a yes vote.
Very well.
There were 50 yeas, zero nays.
Congratulations one more time again.
(Applause).
Thank you.
The chair recognizes chairman Villegas.
>> GILBERT VILLEGAS: Thank you, Mr. President.
Items 3 through 10 on the report are a series of appointments and reappointments to various special
service areas collectively voted on by committee members and introduced by Mayor Johnson at the
December 13th City Council meeting of David SSA31.
Reappointment of David J general pool and appointments of Lora K Botwinick, Virginia Mulgary and
Dominican Hertsberg to SSA33.
Appointment of Keila Colbert and Khan SI cheeks to SSA No.
50th.
e appointment of Jamyron Whitaker to SSA56.
I love for passage of these appointments and reappointments bites first roll call vote on the
committee of finance and the first unsuccessful motion to reconsider.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objection, seeing no MANDZ, so ordered.
>> Items 11 and 12 on the report are scopes of services, budget and service provider agreements.
The very special advice areas collectively voted on by committee members and introduced by Mayor
Johnson on December 13th, 2023 City Council meeting.
SSA No.
2, Belmont and central located in the 31st wards, SSA5 commercial avenue located in the 7th and 10th
wards.
I move for passage of these ordinances by the first available roll call vote on the committee of
finance in the associated unsuccessful motion to reconsider.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objections, so ordered.
>> Thank you, Mr. President that concludes my report.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: It's not very often you get a chance to take pictures with someone that
popular so I thought I would do that.
All right.
Our next committee, health and human relation, the chair recognizes chairperson Rodriguez Sanchez.
>> ROSSANA RODRIGUEZ-SANCHEZ: Thank you Mr.
President.
Reporting for the committee on health and human relations which met on December 13th, 2023, at 1:00
p.m.
The committee considered two resolutions last meeting the first being R2023, 0005541 to call on U.S.
Congress to clarify U.S. tax code to prevent misuse of Puerto Rico tax incentives and economic
impact on Puerto Rican people.
This received due pass.
Mr. President I move passage of the first unfavorable vote on the committee of finance and most
unsuccessful motion to reconsider.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objections so ordered.
>> The second item was resolution 2023, 0036422 which was an expression of support for United
Nations resolution 377 known as uniting for peace.
This item receives a do pass recommendation for committee.
Lossa and I refer this order.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objection, so ordered.
>> That concludes my report.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Very well.
Thank you very much.
Our next committee is our committee on housing and real estate.
The chair recognizes chairman Byron is Sigcho-Lopez.
>> BYRON SIGCHO-LOPEZ: Thank you, Mr.
President.
Mr. President and members of the City Council reporting for your committee on housing and real
estate which held in-person meeting on January 17th, 2024.
The committee has a series of reports recommending passage of 10 ordinances.
These include various land sales, loan and security agreements and an incremental agreement.
The following items from department of housing are grouped for convenience.
Item No.
1, ordinance 2023, 0023867 issues a family loan to development corporation for acquisition of three
buildings through this preservation of existing affordable rental program in the 31st and 33 rd
ward.
Item No.
2, 023-0238, issues on financial assistance and loan restructuring to Brainerd Senior Preservation
LLP for acquisition for building an adjacent facilities located at 891-8925 south Loomis street in
the 21st ward.
I move passage of these items by the first most favorable roll call vote on the committee and
finance on unsuccessful motion to reconsider.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much.
The chair recognizes alderman Ervin.
>> JASON ERVIN: Thank you, Mr. President.
I don't see a report for the committee unless I'm missing something here.
>> JASON ERVIN: You should have a copy of the --
>> BYRON SIGCHO-LOPEZ: You should have a copy of the summary reports.
>> JASON ERVIN: My apologies.
Maybe I'm missing it.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: We'll double-check to confirm that.
We'll bring it right over.
So there's a motion -- seeing no other hands, hearing no objections, so ordered.
>> BYRON SIGCHO-LOPEZ: Thank you, Mr.
President.
The following is the aldermanic introduction by alderman Waguespack is item No.
30023-004114, designation of 1868 through 1878 north Milwaukee avenue as affordability in the 32nd
ward.
I move passage of this item by the same motion.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objections, so ordered.
>> BYRON SIGCHO-LOPEZ: Thank you.
Item No.
4 is from the department of fleet and facility management, ordinance 02023-00756.
Public waste easement agreement with 3305 Lawndale development LLC to maintain on operate drainage
of city property at 3300 south Kedzie avenue.
I move passage of these items by the same motion.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objection, so ordered.
>> BYRON SIGCHO-LOPEZ: Thank you Mr.
President.
Item No.
5 is from the mayor's office of people with disabilities.
This is 02023-006379, intergovernmental agreement with the Chicago housing authority regarding
accessibility and communication program.
I move passage of this item by the same motion.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objection, so ordered.
>> BYRON SIGCHO-LOPEZ: The following items from the department of planning and development are
grouped for convenience.
Item No.
6023-0068385 sale of city on properties located at 4337 south Lake Park avenue, 3435 west 23rd
street, and 3109 east 92nd street in the fourth 22nd and tenth wards of the item No.
7 is 0723-006402, sale of city on properties in the third, tenth, 28th, 29th and 37th ward for
adjacent neighbors under ChiBlockBuilder band --
0023006394, negotiated sale of city property at 1946 and 1948 west 63rd street for insulation LLC
for reopen parking lot for adjacent commercial space in the 16th ward.
Item 9 is 0023-006396, negotiated sale of city owned property at 2151 west Adams street to sustain
built LLC 2149 to consolidate with adjacent property for construction of a three story multi family
building.
And item No.
10 is S -- SO0 it 3 negotiated sale of city owned properties with redevelopment agreement to
Milhouse development LLC for 4727, 4735, 4739, 4743, 4755, 4757 and 4759 south Cottage Grove to
remediate property and construct three story building with ground floor and two floors of commercial
retail and resident space in the fourth ward.
I move passage of these items by the same motion.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you.
Hearing no objection, so ordered.
>> BYRON SIGCHO-LOPEZ: Mr. President, this concludes our report.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you, our committee on license and consumer protection, the chair
recognizes chair Silverstein.
>> DEBRA SILVERSTEIN: Thank you, Mr.
President.
Is to the President and members of City Council, I am reporting for the committee on license and
consumer protection.
We held a meeting on January 16th, 2024, to consider five ordinances regarding liquor moratoriums in
the 17, 33 rd, 47th and 48th wards.
The committee has recommended passage of each of these items.
That would be 02023-0005106 and others ending in 5107, 6063, 6127, 6425.
Mr. President, I move that the City Council concur in the recommendations of the license committee
of the same roll call as item No.
1 of the committee on finance report and the associated unsuccessful motion to reconsider.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objection, so ordered.
>> DEBRA SILVERSTEIN: Ordinance 0202323-0205381 an orderance designating the 23rd ward as restricted
cannabis zone, I move passage of this order by the same motion.
If there is no objection.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objection, so ordered.
>> DEBRA SILVERSTEIN: There were four ordinance designating precincts of the 13th and 23rd wards as
restricted residential zone prohibiting an additional shared housing and vacation rentals to
023-003093 and others ending in 5820, 5822, and 6437.
I move passage of these items by the same motion if there's no objection.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objection, so ordered.
>> DEBRA SILVERSTEIN: 02022-0003483, an ordinance amending the municipal code to prevent booting of
major vehicles by private property within the 33 rd ward and 49th ward.
This past committee on September 26th, 2023.
I move passage of these items by the same motion, if there's no objection.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objection, so ordered.
>> DEBRA SILVERSTEIN: We held a meeting on January 22nd, 2024, to consider 02023-0004978, a
substitute ordinance to amend the municipal code title 4 and 17 regarding small box retailers.
I'm aware that the sponsor of this ordinance, alderman O'Shea, along side chair woman Harris,
intended to (inaudible)
and published in item.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: No objection.
So ordered.
Thank you.
>> DEBRA SILVERSTEIN: And lastly 02023-0004230, an ordinance to amend the municipal code of Chicago
regarding ground transportation vehicles.
This has been referred to the committee on finance.
I move passage of these items by the same motion if there's no objection.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objection, so ordered.
>> DEBRA SILVERSTEIN: Mr. President, this concludes my report.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much, madam chair.
Our next committee, committee on pedestrian and traffic safety, the chair recognizes chairperson La
Spata.
>> DANIEL LA SPATA: Thank you, Mr. President.
Reporting for your committee on pedestrian and traffic safety, for which a meeting was held on
Wednesday, January 10th, 2024.
The committee held a subject matter hearing on the Chicago cycling strategy with the department of
transportation.
No votes were taken on that topic.
There were 372 other routine traffic items before the committee.
One item was held in committee.
Two items failed to pass.
And 369 items passed.
If there are no objections, I move passage of these items by the first most favorable roll call vote
from the committee on finance and the associated unsuccessful motion to reconsider the vote.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objection, so ordered.
>> DANIEL LA SPATA: That concludes my report.
Thank you.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much.
It concludes our committee reports.
Agreed upon calendar.
On matters on agreed upon calendar, alderwoman Harris.
I'm sorry.
Transportation.
Sorry.
I guess I'm zoning.
Yeah.
It looks like somebody's ready to go, huh?
All right.
For committee on zoning, landmarks and building standards, I apologize here.
Recognize vice chair Lawson.
>> BENNETT LAWSON: Members of the City Council, presenting a series of reports for your committee on
zoning, landmarks and building standards which held a meeting on January 23rd, 2024.
These reports are grouped for convenience and the following items were passed by majority of the
members present.
Page 1 contains document number 02023-0006384.
The amendment to the municipal code titles 4, 11, and 14 to make technical corrections and
adjustments to Chicago's construction codes.
I move passage of this item by the most favorable roll call vote of the finance committee report and
unsuccessful motion to reconsider.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objection, so ordered.
>> Page 1 also contains document numbers 02023-0006382, the amendment of municipal code 2 and 4
regarding licensing of apprentice, plumbers and employment contractors.
I move passage of this item by the same motion, if there is no objection.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objection, so ordered.
>> Pages 1 through 6 contain various map amendments in the fourth, 11th, 20th, 25th, 27th, 28th,
29th, 34th, 35th, 37th, 40th and 43 rd wards.
I move passage of these items by the same motion if there is no objection.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objection, so ordered.
>> Lastly page 7 contains various large signs over 100 square feet in area, 24 feet above grade in
the first, 23rd, 27th, 28th, 46th and 50th wards.
I move passage of these items by the same motion if there is no objection.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: No objections.
Hearing none, so ordered.
>> Thank you, Mr. President.
That concludes my report.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Very well.
Finally our last committee, committee on transportation and public way, the chair recognizes
chairman Mitchell.
>> GREGORY MITCHELL: Mr. President, and members of the City Council, reporting for your committee on
transportation and public way which held a meeting on January 10th, 2024.
The following items passed by the majority of the members present.
Page 2 includes one ordinance for grant privilege introduced by the local alderman for the 27th
ward.
Pages 3 through 5 includes 20 ordinances for miscellaneous items introduced by the local aldermen
from ward 1, 5, 26, 27, 28, 29, 35, 36, 39, 40, 42, 48, and 49.
Page 6 includes item ordinance 20230006447, a subdivision ordinance for a property located in the
30th ward.
Page 7 includes item ordinance 20230006441, a vacation ordinance for a property located in the 4th
ward.
If there is no objection, I move passage of these items by the first most favorable roll call vote
of the committee on finance and the associated unsuccessful motion to reconsider.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objection, so ordered.
>> Mr. President, this concludes my report.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Thank you very much.
Now, for the agreed upon calendar, matters of agreed upon calendar, chair recognizes alderwoman
Harris.
>> MICHELLE HARRIS: Thank you, Mr. President.
I received from the city clerk Andrea and Valencia 201 items proposed of the agreed calendar
consisting of congratulatory commemorative and interpretive solutions from Valencia and the
following Alderpersons, alderperson Paul, Lopez, Coleman, Curtis, O'Shea, Tabares , Taliaferro ,
Nugent , Riley and Alderperson Gardiner and I move passage.
Agreed calendar and omnibus.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objection, so ordered.
All right.
Now we have new business.
Mr. Clerk will call the awards beginning with the first award.
>> Zoning amendments referred to the committee on zoning landmarks and building regulations, traffic
control signs which are referred to committee on pedestrian and traffic safety.
Grants and privilege on the public way which are referred to the committee on transportation and
public way.
An ex edge from physical barrier from commercial driveway access which are referred to public way.
Alderman La Spata has proposed 4-60-6 O. 3 to disallow portions on west grand avenue which is
referred to the committee on license.
Alderman La Spata has also referred order of transference of funds wage allowance automatic expense
account for the year 2024 which is referred to the committee on budget and operations.
Alderman Dowell has proposed at 1414 south Wabash avenue which is referred to the committee on
zoning, landmarks and building standards.
Alderman Yancy has proposed arguments on police discipline which has referred to this committee on
work force development.
Alderman minimum he will has a proposed resolution, the call to provide additional funding and
resources for U.S.
postal mail security which is referred to committee on public safety.
Alderman Chico and alderman Villegas have proposed my 17-5-0207 by requiring planned development
approval for mining excavation permitting which is referred to a joint committee priced to the
members of the committee on zoning and members of the environmental protection and energy.
Alderman Lee has proposed funds within the 11th ward wage allowance account for the year 2024 which
is referred to the committee on budget and operations.
Alderman Ramirez has proposed section 4-6023 to disallow additional package licenses on South Archer
avenue which is referred on consumer protection.
Alderman Quinn has proposed ordinance for the transfer of funds on the 13th ward wage account
aldermanic expense account which is referred to the committee on budget.
Alderman Lopez has proposed an order for the commission on department of human resources directed to
and all nonmedically relevant telework policies across all departments, which is referred to
committee on the budget and government operations.
Alderman Lopez also have proposed an
amendment of municipal code by allowing persons with disabled parking permits to apply for a new
permit at new residence with written certification from the con controller.
This is referred to the Commissioner on traffic safety.
Alderman Lopez has called for hearings on participation, benefit and enrollment outreach associated
with smart 911 program which is referred to this committee on public safety.
Alderman Lopez also has proposed ordinance on municipal code by adding a new section, 2-25-095
regarding prohibition of septic excessive consumer fees which is referred to the committee on
license and consumer protection.
Alderman Lopez also has a proposed resolution to call on U.S. President Biden and secretary of
homeland security to process any requests for temporary protective status to Ecuadorian citizens
migrating to the United States which is referred to as immigrant and refugee rights.
Alderman Lopez calls for hearings on carbon die oxide and storage, which is referred to
environmental protection and energy.
Alderman Moore has proposed transfer of funds within the 17th ward wage allowance for the year 2024
which is referred to the committee on budget and government operations.
Alderman Rodriguez has a proposed order issuance of permits at 3501 west street this is referred to
zoning and landmark.
Alderman Rodriguez has approval of arbitration option and certain police disciplinary cases as set
for the on interest arbitration award.
Correction.
Alderman Sigcho-Lopez has proposed orders for the issue of permits for sign boards at 724 west 21st
street which is referred to the committee as zoning landmarks and building standards.
Alderman Sigcho-Lopez also has amendment of code 17-0403F by requiring special use approval for
religious assembly permits which is referred to the committee on zoning, landmarks and building
standards.
Alderman Fuentes has proposed ordinance for the transfer of funds within the 26th ward aldermanic
expense accounts for the 2024 which is referred to on government operations.
Alderman Villegas has permanent signed boards which is referred to zoning landmark and building
standards.
Alderman Ervin has a proposed at 564 west Taylor street which is referred to the committee on zoning
landmark and zoning standards.
Alderman Ervin also has 4-60-62 to allow liquor licenses which is referred to on license and
consumer protection.
Alderman Ervin also has section 4-60-62 to allow liquor licenses on portions of west Roosevelt Road.
This is referred to consumer protection.
Alderman section 3-50-020 by excluding paper bags provided by shoe repair or shine businesses for
customers used from paper carryout bag definition which is referred to as carrying out license and
consumer protection.
Alderman Taliaferro has proposed within the 29th ward wage allowance for the year 2024 which is
referred to on the government and budget operations.
Alderman Cardona has within wage allowance automatic expense account for the year 2024 which is
referred to budget and government operations at 1435 west Webster avenue which is referred to zoning
landmarks and building standards.
Alderman Rodriguez Sanchez as shield Silverstein way which is referred to as transportation and
public way.
Alderman Conway and others have prohibition of expenditures, appropriations or allocations of fund
in excess of one million dollars received under the American rescue act without City Council
approval which is referred on the budget and operations.
Two committees on the committee on health.
The matter is referred to the committee on rules.
Alderman Villegas, alderman Conway have proposed amendments for code chapter 2-92 by modifying
sections 2-9220 and 2-92-10 to confirm monitoring participation in veteran owned business enterprise
used in public contracting.
Which is referred to committee on contracting oversight.
Alderman Villegas and alderman Sigcho-Lopez have proposed resolution to call for hearings on Chicago
housing authority's plans of action toss address vacancy rates of scattered site properties, which
is referred to this committee on housing and real estate.
Alderman Villegas has proposed connection corrections September 14th, 2023, which is referred to
this committee on committees and rules.
Alderman Villegas and others have proposed a resolution to call for hearings the analyzed cost of
converting building from natural gas to electric and heating in Chicago which is referred to
economic capital and development.
Two committees haven't been called, the committee on economic development and the committee on
energy.
The matter is referred to the committee on rules.
Alderman Villegas also has proposed code regarding temporary financing for extensions and
improvements of Chicago water systems public and private side lead service line replacement which is
referred to this committee on finance.
Alderman Villegas and (inaudible) have a proposed Illinois J.B.
Pritzker and the Illinois governmental protection agency to reevaluate and increase allocation of
bipartisan infrastructure law funds to Chicago for use in replacing lead service lines, which is
referred to a joint committee comprised of the committee on environmental protection and energy and
economic capital and technology development.
Alderman Villegas also has a proposed resolution for the people of Ukraine and call on U.S. Congress
for defense systems which is referred to health and human relations.
Alderman Villegas also has a proposed resolution to call for hearings on State of Illinois data
storage security which is referred to economic capital and technology development.
Alderman Villegas and others have proposed amendments for municipal code by adding 2-50-regarding
definitions and terms of health and social service contracts within the City of Chicago which is
referred to the joint committee of the committee on health and human relations and a committee on
work force development.
Alderman (inaudible) has proposed amendments to 46023 to allow additional packages license on
western avenue which is referred to license and consumer protection.
Alderman aldermanic expense account for the year 2024 which is referred to on the budget and
government operations.
Alderman Nugent has proposed ordinance for code to allow additional packaging licenses within an
area bounded by Chicago and Northwestern railroad right of way Northwestern avenue and north Rogers
avenue which is referred to license and consumer protection.
Alderman Nugent and others have call to Illinois general assembly to Illinois public labor relations
act to require those presiding over grievance related and peace officer received adequate specific
training which is referred to the committee on police and fire.
Alderman Napolitano has Helen brand way which is referred to transportation and public way.
Alderman Napolitano also has proposed honorary designation as Richard P halogen way which is
referred to as transportation and public way.
Alderman Napolitano also has transfer of funds within the 44th wage account which is referred to
committee on the budget and operations.
Alderman Riley titles 4 and 9 by adding regarding location and permitting of loading zones which is
referred to the committee on trafficking and safety.
Alderman Riley has a proposed ordinance to disallow mobile food vehicle stands at 200 south LaSalle
street, which is referred to the committee on pedestrian and traffic safety.
Alderman Lawson has transfer of funds within the 44th wage allowance for 2024.
This is referred to on the budget and operations.
Alderman Martin has transfer of funds within the expense accounts for the year 2024 which is
referred to committee on budget and government operations.
Alderman Martin has proposed amendments title IX your Honor, that concludes the presentation of
aldermanic introductions.
>> Alderman Mitchell for the approval of the journals.
>> GREGORY MITCHELL:
>> Alderman Mitchell.
>> GREGORY MITCHELL: Madam President, I am not aware of the correction to the journals for December
13th, 2023 and December 14th meetings and move that they be approved.
>> Hearing no objection, so ordered.
Unfinished business, alderman Mitchell?
>> GREGORY MITCHELL: Madam President, I'm not aware of any unfinished business.
>> Miscellaneous business, alderman Mitchell.
>> GREGORY MITCHELL: Except for the ordinance of the date and time of the next meeting I'm not aware
of any miscellaneous business.
>> Alderman Hadden would like to be added to the finance vote.
Excuse me.
Alderman Ramirez-Rosa would like to be added to the finance vote.
Hearing no objection -- back to alderman Mitchell, please for the date and time.
Decorum, please.
Alderman Mitchell.
>> GREGORY MITCHELL: I've handed up an ordinance to the clerk setting the date and time of the next
meeting.
>> Clerk, please read the ordinance.
>> The next regular meeting of the next meeting of the City Council should be held on January 21st
2024 in the second chamber is 21 south Chicago second to the ordinance shall take effect for being
after passage Gregory Mitchell, alderman 7th ward.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objection, thank you, alderman Mitchell.
Hearing no objection, so ordered.
Now for omnibus, alderman Mitchell.
>> GREGORY MITCHELL: Mr. President.
Chairman recognizes alderman Lopez.
>> RAYMOND LOPEZ: Thank you, PR chairman.
As a point of order, what happened to the arbitration motion?
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: That is my understanding alderman Rodriguez decided not to receive it.
Proceed write in for committee?
That's my understanding.
>> RAYMOND LOPEZ: Mr. President, if I may.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Sure, you may.
>> RAYMOND LOPEZ: Thank you, sir.
Since this was properly noticed, by our colleague from the 22nd ward and we are within the open
meetings requirements and I would move for the temporary suspension of the rules for the purposes of
adopting the arbitration option.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Okay.
Thank you.
So there's a motion on the floor to suspend the rolls to take up this matter so I just want to make
sure I'm clear.  The chair recognizes alderman Ervin.
>> JASON ERVIN: Thank you, Mr. Chairman I move to table that item as the chairman wants to do it in
committee.
It is tabled.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hold on a second.
Thank you.
Alderman Bill, would you wish to be recognized?
Okay.
The chair recognizes Alderman. Beale
>> ANTHONY BEALE: Beale Mr. President that is an item that is being direct to the City Council and
you should not be able to table that item as such.
Thank you.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: So there is a motion to table the suspension of the rules, which is in
order.
So now there's a motion on the floor to table the motion to suspend the rules.
So if you vote yes, on the motion to table the rules, you do not want to suspend the rules.
If you vote no on the motion to table, you wish to proceed with the motion to suspend the rules.
Madam clerk, chair recognizes Alderman. Beale
>> ANTHONY BEALE: Beale thank you, Mr.
President.
Just for clarity, I just would like the body to know that there was a court decision to --
that our lawyers here that represent the --
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Pardon me, alderman Beale.
>> ANTHONY BEALE: I just want to speak to the motion, Mr. President.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: We're not debating.
>> ANTHONY BEALE: I'm not debating.
I just want to let the body know for clarity purposes that we were directed through a court that we
were supposed to vote on this item today, and our lawyers told a judge that this will be voted on
today.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: So I believe everyone is clear about that.
>> ANTHONY BEALE: I don't think everybody was clear that there was a court order that we would vote
on this today.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: That is not our understanding of that order.
So I don't know where you're receiving that from.
But again, that there is a motion on the floor to table the motion to suspend the rules.
That is an order.
And so just for clarity to the body, a yes vote for this motion to table the motion on the floor to
suspend the rules is that you wish not to suspend the rules.
If you vote no, you wish to return back to the initial motion, which was the motion to suspend the
rules.
Madam clerk.
>> The voting is now open.
Please hit refresh on your device.
Raise your hand if you need support.
The voting is now open.
I will now call for a voice vote if you have not submitted your vote on the e device.
Alderman O'Shea.
Alderman O'Shea is a no.
Alderwoman Taylor.
>> JEANETTE TAYLOR: Yes.
>> Alderman Taylor is a yes.
Alderman Mosley.
Not in Chambers.
Alderwoman Scott.
Not in Chambers.
Alderwoman Mitts, not in Chambers.
Alderman Sposato.
Alderman Sposato is a no.
Alderman Knudsen.
>> TIMOTHY KNUDSEN: Yes.
>> Alderman Knudsen is a yes.
All those who have voted, the voting is now closed.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: There are 27 yeas or 20 nays.
The motion to lay the motion on the floor to suspend the rules has passed.
Alderman Mitchell, for the omnibus.
>> GREGORY MITCHELL: Mr. President, I move that matters in the omnibus be passed by the first most
favorable roll call vote by the committee on finance and the associated unsuccessful motion to
reconsider.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objections, so ordered.
Alderman Mitchell, on a motion to adjourn?
>> GREGORY MITCHELL: There being no further business before the body, I move that we adjourn.
>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON: Hearing no objections, so ordered.
The meeting is adjourned.