City Council meeting, July 16, 2025

When: Wed, Jul 16, 2025, 10:00 AM (Chicago time)
Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
Status: Scheduled & Published
Body: full City Council
Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/6277394/video/1101655742
Transcript: full text (60,781 words, automatic captions)

Meeting notes

AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.

The July 16, 2025 City Council meeting opened with public comment on the mayor's veto of the snap curfew ordinance, tenant conditions, housing preservation, the cumulative impacts ordinance and police activity near an ICE facility, followed by acknowledgements and resolutions honoring Disability Pride Month, DePaul coach Doug Bruno and retiring WBBM reporter Craig Dellimore. A motion to override the mayor's veto of the snap curfew ordinance received 27 yeas and 22 nays, short of the 34 votes needed, and failed. Council approved Michael Belsky as city comptroller, several legal settlements including a $3 million settlement passed 32 to 15 on a roll call, a substitute ordinance modifying the powers of the Office of Inspector General, and committee reports, while an immigrant and refugee rights order on CPD activity on June 4 and an accessory dwelling unit ordinance were deferred and published. Members delivered extended tributes to Vice Mayor Walter R. Burnett at his final meeting. An ordinance by Alderman Anthony Beale to repeal Rule 59 remote participation was discharged from the Rules Committee 37 to 8 but failed on adoption 17 to 28, and the next meeting was set for September 25, 2025.

Topics: snap curfew veto override, Rule 59 remote participation, Walter Burnett farewell, city comptroller appointment, legal settlements, Inspector General powers, Disability Pride Month, public comment, committee reports, honorary resolutions

Agenda items discussed

25:09 Public comment period: discussed
45:55 Acknowledgements (Leo High School Boys Choir, Pastor L.K. Curry and Louella Evans Reed, U.S. Army 250th anniversary, South Water Market centennial, Sister Rosemary Connolly, Little Village Lawndale High School security officers): discussed
1:04:49 Resolution celebrating Disability Pride Month: passed
1:35:42 Resolution honoring DePaul women's basketball coach Doug Bruno: passed
1:52:28 Resolution honoring the career of WBBM's Craig Dellimore: passed
2:27:21 Communications from the Mayor and City Clerk, including the mayor's veto letter on the snap curfew ordinance
2:37:29 Motion to override the mayoral veto of the snap curfew ordinance (SO2025-0016732): failed
2:41:35 Redevelopment agreement and TIF funds for Southbridge 1C housing project, 2311-15 S. State St.: passed
2:44:48 Bond inducement for Homan Square Apartments Phase IV: passed
2:45:21 Appointment of Michael Belsky as city comptroller: passed
2:59:04 Ordinance aligning the senior sewer exemption and senior refuse discount programs: passed
2:59:22 Substitute ordinance regarding lien assignments: passed
3:01:36 TIF redevelopment agreement with Black Ensemble Theater Corporation: passed
3:02:16 Settlement orders (Bradley $400,000; Mendez $2.5 million; Wilson $12.7 million; $17 million case): passed
3:03:07 Settlement order in Marley Aguilar v. Eric Duran et al., $3 million: passed
3:11:45 Ordinance on bond and indebtedness requirements (do not pass recommendation)
3:12:23 Request by Alderman Anthony Beale to be added as a yes vote on the veto override: discussed
3:16:35 Tribute to Sergeant Pete Kovich: discussed
3:19:54 Budget and Government Operations report: passed
3:21:31 Economic, Capital and Technology Development report (SSA appointments and tax incentives): passed
3:23:41 Substitute ordinance modifying powers and duties of the Office of Inspector General (SO2025-0015583): passed
3:39:25 Health and Human Relations report (Board of Health appointment): passed
3:40:33 Housing and Real Estate report (appointments, land sales, City Lots for Working Families amendment): passed
3:45:00 Order requiring data on CPD and related presence at 2245 S. Michigan Ave. on June 4, 2025: deferred
3:46:23 License and Consumer Protection report (liquor moratoriums): passed
3:47:47 Police and Fire report (Emergency Telephone System Board, district council appointment): passed
3:49:10 Public Safety report, including ordinance on assault against public officials: passed
3:52:16 Resolution supporting the Paul Simon Job Corps Center (R2025-0018013): passed
3:52:49 Collective bargaining agreement with Public Safety Employees Union Unit II (O2025-0018728): passed
3:53:22 Pedestrian and Traffic Safety report (190 routine traffic items): passed
3:56:06 Ordinance amending Titles 2 and 17 regarding conversion units and coach houses (SO2024-0008918): deferred
3:57:12 Zoning items including parking reductions near transit, landmark lot area exemptions and map amendments: passed
3:59:54 Map amendment at 700 W. Chicago Ave. (O2023-0002795): deferred
4:01:44 Tributes to Vice Mayor Walter R. Burnett at his final meeting: discussed
5:57:06 Agreed calendar: passed
5:58:04 New business introductions by ward
6:10:58 Approval of the June 18, 2025 journal: passed
6:11:43 O'Hare and Midway airport senior lien revenue bonds (Rule 41 motion) (SO2025-0017478): passed
6:42:21 Approval of remote participation for four members under Rule 59: passed
6:54:56 Motion to discharge Alderman Anthony Beale ordinance repealing Rule 59 remote participation from the Rules Committee: passed
7:00:25 Adoption of ordinance repealing Rule 59 remote participation: failed
7:04:22 Ordinance setting next meeting, amended to September 25, 2025: passed

Alderpersons who spoke

David H. Moore (alderperson): Recognized the Leo High School Boys Choir for its America's Got Talent appearance. (46:26); Asked for a moment of silence for Pastor L.K. Curry and Louella Evans Reed. (49:03); Supported the disability resolution and said the city must be made more accessible. (1:05:53)
Stephanie D. Coleman (alderperson): Honored Emmanuel Baptist Church and the late Dr. L.K. Curry. (50:45); Credited Burnett's influence for the creation of the Office of Reentry and praised his commitment. (5:15:30)
William Conway (alderperson): Thanked Michael Belsky for taking on the comptroller role during a difficult fiscal period. (2:55:16)
Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Recognized the 100th anniversary of the South Water Market and the University Commons neighborhood. (55:56); Praised Craig Dellimore's fair journalism. (2:01:07); Supported the Inspector General ordinance as a compromise while cautioning against weaponizing investigations. (3:35:26)
Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Introduced a resolution honoring Sister Rosemary Connolly of Misericordia. (57:43); Said the city has not yet made every part of Chicago accessible and asked advocates to push council members. (1:22:11); Reported the Immigrant and Refugee Rights order seeking data on police presence on June 4, 2025. (3:44:48)
Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson): Honored two school security officers who helped prevent an abduction at Little Village Lawndale High School. (1:00:23); Reported support for the Paul Simon Job Corps Center and a Public Safety Employees Union agreement. (3:52:05); Called Burnett a bridge builder across communities. (4:04:29)
Julia M. Ramirez (alderperson): Thanked disability advocates and the commissioner for their work on inclusion. (1:07:48); Thanked Craig Dellimore for his influence on City Hall news. (2:07:39)
Maria E. Hadden (alderperson): Supported the disability resolution and pledged the 49th Ward's support for disability rights. (1:09:31); Praised Craig Dellimore's curiosity and objectivity as important to democracy. (2:18:51); Urged support for the Inspector General ordinance, saying elected officials must be above reproach. (3:28:33)
Matthew J. O'Shea (alderperson): Noted Special Olympics began in Chicago and recognized Sister Rosemary Connolly and special needs programs in his ward. (1:10:49); Praised Craig Dellimore's research and fairness. (2:13:01)
Matthew J. Martin (alderperson): Recognized Victoria Prince of Silent Cooperative for serving deaf and hard of hearing residents. (1:12:50); Reported the substitute ordinance modifying Inspector General powers and thanked the Law Department and Inspector General for collaboration. (3:23:27); Described Burnett as connective tissue for the council and praised his community development. (4:09:42)
Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (alderperson): Honored Sarah Hollenbeck for Disability Pride Month and referenced FDR's social safety net. (1:14:09); Thanked Burnett for his focus on people in affordable housing. (5:11:32)
Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson): Thanked the disability commissioner and honored Zaida Lopez, noting systemic barriers to employment for people with disabilities. (1:18:16); Said Burnett's personal story gives young people hope and thanked him for helping ease tensions in council. (4:19:13)
William E. Hall (alderperson): Recognized disability advocate Nick Boyle and the disability commissioner. (1:21:18); Supported Belsky's appointment and cited help with parking enforcement in his ward. (2:53:38); Said Burnett treated him with respect before he took office and set a standard of leadership. (5:10:18)
Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Called for more job opportunities for people with visible and invisible disabilities. (1:24:00); Supported Belsky's appointment, citing his willingness to serve. (2:52:19); Recalled Burnett's advice to her and thanked him for his service. (4:12:32)
Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Shared a family experience with disability and supported advocacy for resources. (1:25:58); Supported Belsky's appointment, citing his accounting standards experience. (2:49:23); Disputed opposition to the Aguilar settlement, noting the man had no criminal record and suffered serious injuries. (3:05:32)
Daniel La Spata (alderperson): Said Chicago has never had an ADA transition plan in 35 years and committed to seeing one adopted. (1:27:49); Described Burnett as joyful and kind. (4:51:40)
Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Honored Doug Bruno's contributions to women's basketball. (1:37:46); Clarified he meant to vote no on settlement 8C rather than 8B. (3:10:42); Called Burnett someone who could get along with everyone in a divided council. (4:06:17)
Pat Dowell (alderperson): Thanked Doug Bruno for building women's basketball in Chicago. (1:39:30); Reported Finance Committee items including the Southbridge project, settlements and the comptroller appointment. (2:41:19); Closed on Belsky's appointment, calling him exceptionally qualified. (2:55:41)
Timothy R. Knudsen (alderperson): Thanked Doug Bruno on behalf of the 43rd Ward and Lincoln Park. (1:41:47); Said he learned from Burnett's approach to getting development to yes. (4:42:27)
James M. Gardiner (alderperson): Thanked Doug Bruno for mentoring tens of thousands of athletes. (1:44:02); Supported Belsky's appointment. (2:50:15); Said he would vote against the Inspector General ordinance, arguing proper guardrails should be in place before expanding powers. (3:24:25)
Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Supported Belsky's appointment, emphasizing revenue from enforcement. (2:46:47); Opposed the lien assignment ordinance, calling it a solution in search of a problem with unanswered questions. (2:59:45); Opposed the Aguilar settlement, citing the plaintiff's conduct before the incident. (3:03:45)
Michelle A. Harris (alderperson): Praised Craig Dellimore as fair and compassionate. (1:53:05); Recalled 40 years of working with Burnett and praised his kindness. (4:07:48); Presented 101 agreed calendar items for the omnibus. (5:57:09)
Peter Chico (alderperson): Thanked Craig Dellimore for his professionalism during his first radio interview. (1:58:11)
Scott Waguespack (alderperson): Thanked Craig Dellimore for accurate coverage of council. (2:05:11); Supported Belsky's appointment and suggested adding technology and efficiencies in finance. (2:51:18); Urged support for the Inspector General ordinance and credited the Law Department for its work on the language. (3:33:19)
Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Thanked Craig Dellimore for unbiased reporting. (2:08:35); Presented his final zoning committee report, including parking reductions near transit and map amendments. (3:55:03); Gave farewell remarks thanking his family, mentors and colleagues and urging members to talk to each other to get things done. (5:43:47)
Samantha Nugent (alderperson): Praised Craig Dellimore as fair and a gentleman. (2:10:25); Supported Belsky's confirmation as comptroller. (2:46:07); Moved to suspend the rules to honor Sergeant Pete Kovich and offered condolences to his family. (3:16:37)
Jeylú B. Gutiérrez (alderperson): Thanked Craig Dellimore for his reporting, including a story on her being the first alderperson to have a baby in office. (2:14:37)
Anthony Beale (alderperson): Congratulated Craig Dellimore on his retirement. (2:21:52); Asked to be added as a yes on the veto override vote after stepping out, citing past precedent. (3:13:03); Credited Burnett with bringing people together and influencing his own ward work. (4:32:07)
Brian Hopkins (alderperson): Reported the public safety committee's passage of an ordinance on assault against public officials. (3:49:13)
Derrick G. Curtis (alderperson): Supported Belsky's appointment, noting plans to address truck parking enforcement. (2:54:07); Agreed Rule 59 has been abused but opposed repeal, citing members' medical needs. (6:19:16)
Anthony V. Napolitano (alderperson): Offered condolences to the family of Sergeant Pete Kovich. (3:17:20); Thanked Burnett for leaving disagreements at the door. (4:59:32)
Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez (alderperson): Reported a Board of Health appointment and a hearing on the health department's strategic plan. (3:39:31)
Ronnie L. Mosley (alderperson): Reported SSA appointments and tax incentive ordinances. (3:21:35)
Chris Taliaferro (alderperson): Reported Emergency Telephone System Board appointments and a district council appointment. (3:47:50); Thanked Burnett for his mentorship and passion for people. (4:55:07)
Debra L. Silverstein (alderperson): Reported liquor moratorium ordinances in seven wards. (3:46:27); Noted the proposed September 24 meeting date falls on Rosh Hashanah, leading to a date change. (7:05:36)
Ruth Cruz (alderperson): Reported a hearing on police traffic stops and 190 routine traffic items. (3:53:30)
Gregory I. Mitchell (alderperson): Reported transportation items including an RTA pilot for safe transportation of minors at events. (3:50:58); Called Burnett a historical figure who shaped several neighborhoods. (5:24:24); Asked for clarification of Alderman Jason C. Ervin point on the legal basis for remote participation. (6:53:46)
Marty Quinn (alderperson): With Alderman Gregory I. Mitchell, moved to defer and publish the coach house and conversion unit ordinance. (3:56:47); Called Burnett an honest broker and a great Chicagoan. (4:24:49)
Bennett R. Lawson (alderperson): Thanked Burnett for teaching him as vice chair of the zoning committee. (4:39:51)
Desmon C. Yancy (alderperson): Thanked Burnett for his leadership in tense moments and his advice. (4:44:24)
Monique L. Scott (alderperson): Praised Burnett's transformation of his ward and said she will push for similar development in Lawndale. (4:49:20)
Gilbert Villegas (alderperson): Joined remotely to thank Burnett for his leadership. (4:53:03)
Brendan Reilly (alderperson): Described his working relationship with Burnett and called him a natural at retail politics. (5:19:11)
Emma Mitts (alderperson): Spoke about Burnett's loyalty and faith. (5:28:58)
Lamont J. Robinson (alderperson): Thanked Burnett for his mentorship and support. (5:32:05)
Anthony J. Quezada (alderperson): Said Rule 59 needs better enforcement by chairs but should be reformed rather than abandoned, to preserve access for members who are ill or expecting. (6:34:54)

Exchanges between members

50:37 Moore passed the acknowledgement of Pastor Curry to Coleman.
51:51 Coleman referenced Moore's remarks about notable members of Emmanuel Baptist Church.
55:22 Conway recognized Taliaferro as an Army veteran during the Army anniversary acknowledgement.
1:09:39 Hadden said she agreed with everything Ramirez said about the disability community.
1:11:21 O'Shea joined Vasquez in honoring Sister Rosemary Connolly.
1:14:41 Manaa-Hoppenworth thanked La Spata for his work on accessibility policies including sidewalk plowing.
1:27:15 Ervin echoed Vasquez's call to advocate for visually impaired and disabled residents.
1:42:28 Knudsen offered a different career win total for Coach Bruno than Sposato cited.
2:05:35 Waguespack echoed Harris in calling Dellimore a true gentleman.
2:07:26 Ervin agreed with Sposato's suggestion of a new business line for Dellimore.
3:05:16 Dowell corrected Lopez, stating the Aguilar plaintiff did not have a criminal record.
3:05:46 Ervin responded to Lopez's opposition to the Aguilar settlement, citing the plaintiff's injuries.
3:10:47 Sposato clarified the vote he had given Dowell on the settlements.
3:33:08 Hadden thanked Martin for bringing forward the Inspector General ordinance.
3:34:35 Waguespack credited Martin for working on the ordinance language with the Law Department.
3:35:27 Sigcho-López thanked Martin and the corporation counsel for reaching an agreement.
3:56:26 Burnett noted Lawson wished to speak on the coach house ordinance.
3:59:45 Burnett recognized Sigcho-López before moving the map amendments.
4:01:51 Ervin offered words of appreciation to Burnett at his last meeting.
4:04:29 Rodriguez thanked Burnett for his years of service.

Roll-call votes at this meeting

Union Pacific permanent access easement at North Nagle (O2025-0018220): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Transfer of certain remnant properties to be within purview of Commissioner of Transportation to negotiate, transfer, and include by economic settlement, those remnants of original acquisition parcels determined to be uneconomical and not needed for Burley Ave Rd improvements (O2025-0018190): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Diversey and Lincoln Liquor Moratorium Amendment (O2025-0018058): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (42.611) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of W Chicago Ave and on N Clark St (O2025-0018024): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
900-920 W Lake St (SO2025-0018193): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
5831 W Chicago Ave, 5835 W Chcago Ave (O2025-0018254): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 9-64-113 by adding new subsection allowing vehicles to park with wheels on curb on portion of W Grace St (O2025-0018273): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (27.226) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of W Madison St (O2025-0017821): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Redevelopment agreement with and sale of City-owned property at 2311, 2313, 2315 S State St (a.k.a. 3-5 E 23rd St) to Southbridge 1C Housing LLC for Southbridge Phase IC project (SO2025-0018188): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 2-56 to modify powers and duties of Office of Inspector General with regard to issuance of and defense against subpoenas, professional standards and attorney-client privileges (SO2025-0015583): Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 7-28-235 aligning senior sewer exemption and senior refuse discount program (O2025-0018148): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Support of Class 8 Tax incentive for property at 4000 W Diversey Ave (O2025-0018191): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (29.1) to disallow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of W North Ave (O2025-0017833): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Expression of support for Paul Simon Jobs Corps Center and continued federal funding for Jobs Corps Program (R2025-0018013): Adopted 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (12.89) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of W 47th St (O2025-0018097): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (40.7 (bbb)) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of N Lincoln Ave (O2025-0018166): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Bond inducement for Homan Square Apartments Phase IV project (O2025-0018177): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Expenditure of Open Space Impact Fee funds for garden development at 2616 N Albany Ave (O2025-0018158): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Redevelopment agreement with and provision of tax increment financing (TIF) assistance to Black Ensemble Theater Corp. for improvements at Black Ensemble Studio Theater at 4440-4450 N Clark St (O2025-0018180): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Title 17 by modifying Section 17-10-0102-B to allow minimum off-street automobile parking ratio reduction up to 100 percent for the construction of parking structures near Chicago Transit Authority or Metra rail or bus lines (SO2025-0015577): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Issuance of Chicago O'Hare International Airport Senior Lien Revenue Bonds and Chicago Midway International Airport Senior Lien Revenue Refunding Bonds (SO2025-0017478): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay
Call on Regional Transportation Authority to create pilot program to provide safe transportation to minors with pick-up and drop-off services at public events within 29th Ward (R2025-0018176): Adopted 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code creating new Section 8-4-078 regarding assault against public officials (O2025-0018154): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 3-64-100 regarding composition of City's Emergency Telephone System Board (O2025-0018144): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (27.405) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of N Ogden Ave (O2025-0017637): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Second amendment to right-of-entry use agreement with Lincoln Park Zoological Society to continue research opportunities at Lurie Garden, 220 E Monroe St with renewed access to property (O2025-0018171): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Sections 2-44-140 and 2-45-110 regarding property liens, waivers, debt and transfer definitions, reporting, and mandatory consultation by Commissioner, requiring agreements with prohibitions and time frames for development of approved plans (SO2025-0018149): Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Collective bargaining agreement with Public Safety Employees Union, Unit II (O2025-0018728): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-7-0591 to expand predominance of Block 606 District (O2025-0018156): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapters 17-4 and 17-8 authorizing Zoning Administrator to approve exemption from minimum lot area for Chicago Landmark buildings (SO2025-0018189): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay