City Council meeting, February 19, 2025

When: Wed, Feb 19, 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/1057974249
Transcript: full text (51,663 words, official 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 City Council, holding roll calls by voice because of a Wi-Fi outage, honored former U.S. Senator Carol Moseley Braun, recognized Transgender Day of Remembrance and American Heart Month, and passed resolutions on National Reparations Awareness Day, Black History Month, Carol Moseley Braun and businessman Larry Huggins after extended tributes. Public commenters raised the encampment at Gompers Park, a resolution on victims of slavery, the proposed 25 mph speed limit and a pending police misconduct settlement. The council passed a TIF agreement for Oak Larrabee (read as 50 yeas, 0 nays), other Finance items and legal settlements including $27 million in the Angela Parks case, but after a motion by Alderman William Conway to send an $830 million general obligation bond ordinance back to committee was laid on the table (read as 27 yeas, 23 nays) and members debated its repayment structure, the bond ordinance was deferred and published on a motion by Alderman Anthony Beale. Committee reports passed, including an ordinance targeting curbside vehicle sales, a transgender working group ordinance and zoning changes for the Black Ensemble Theater and the United Center area. A substitute version of Alderman Daniel La Spata ordinance lowering the default speed limit to 25 mph was accepted (read as 25 yeas, 22 nays), but the ordinance failed (read as 21 yeas, 28 nays), and Alderman Anthony Beale held his proposal to eliminate remote participation under Rule 59 after debate.

Topics: general obligation bonds, 25 mph speed limit, remote participation rule, Black History Month, reparations, curbside vehicle sales, Gompers Park encampment, legal settlements, transgender protections, Larry Huggins tribute

Agenda items discussed

35:56 Acknowledgement of former U.S. Senator and Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun: discussed
42:25 Public comment
1:14:03 Recognition of Transgender Day of Remembrance and the trans femicide working group: discussed
1:21:02 Recognition of American Heart Month: discussed
1:23:13 Resolutions honoring National Reparations Awareness Day and Black History Month: passed
1:58:22 Resolution honoring Carol Moseley Braun: passed
1:58:42 Resolution honoring Larry Huggins: passed
2:42:24 Communications from the mayor and city clerk
2:48:52 TIF redevelopment agreement with Oak Larrabee LLC for mixed-income housing (27th Ward): passed
2:54:17 City loan for HPUMC redevelopment, TIF for Franciscan Outreach and Haven on Lincoln, and designation of municipal depositories: passed
2:55:48 Substitute ordinance authorizing general obligation bonds for capital improvements (up to $830 million): deferred
3:02:30 Motion by Alderman William Conway to re-refer the bond ordinance to the Finance Committee (laid on the table): failed
3:36:38 Settlement orders including Cremer, Cervantes, Peligro and the $27 million Galla/Angela Parks case: passed
3:43:03 Budget and Government Operations Committee report: Fund 925 amendment, fee code amendment and fund transfers: passed
3:44:40 Economic, Capital and Technology Development report: SSA appointments and Class 6(b) incentives: passed
3:46:01 Health and Human Relations report: advisory appointments and ordinance creating a transgender and gender diverse community working group: passed
3:47:00 Resolution expressing support for victims of slavery (substituted in committee): passed
3:47:34 Housing and Real Estate report: land sales, acquisitions and redevelopment agreements: passed
3:52:03 License Committee report: liquor moratoriums, peddling restrictions and a Cubs concert exception at Wrigley Field: passed
3:53:34 Pedestrian and Traffic Safety report: 114 routine traffic items: passed
3:54:09 Police and Fire report: district council appointments and fire department grants and donations: passed
3:55:34 Ordinance expanding rules on vehicles parked on the public way for sale (curbstoning) (SO2024-0010137): passed
4:08:45 Zoning report: water main tapping, ground-floor residential conversions, Kingdom Baptist Church landmark, map amendments including Black Ensemble Theater and United Center area project, and signs: passed
4:17:11 Remarks on a proposed formal apology to Black Chicagoans for historical wrongs: discussed
4:23:24 Special Events Committee report on hearing about art display selection and event safety: discussed
4:25:01 Agreed calendar resolutions: passed
4:25:56 New business introductions by ward
4:40:51 Acceptance of substitute for ordinance lowering default speed limit to 25 mph: passed
4:54:23 Ordinance lowering default speed limit to 25 mph on streets and 15 mph in alleys: failed
5:40:56 Rule 41 motion by Alderman Andre Vasquez Jr. (withdrawn)
5:42:00 Proposal by Alderman Anthony Beale to eliminate remote participation under Rule 59: held
6:10:59 Motion to adjourn: passed

Alderpersons who spoke

David H. Moore (alderperson): Recalled campaigning for Carol Moseley Braun in the early 1990s and thanked her for remaining in Chicago. (38:06); Echoed Chairwoman Michelle A. Harris and highlighted Larry Huggins's help to young Black men starting construction careers and companies. (2:03:30)
Maria E. Hadden (alderperson): Said Carol Moseley Braun's lifelong public service is an inspiration at a time when federal government structures are under attack. (39:21); Supported the reparations work, saying reparations are about acknowledging harm and repair so that all Chicagoans can heal. (1:26:00); Spoke about the joy that Christmas in the Wards and the football classic bring to families across the city. (2:19:42)
Carlos Ramírez-Rosa (alderperson): Said trans people are sacred, recognized leaders of trans advocacy groups, and said the city's trans femicide working group will take tangible action to protect trans residents. (1:15:16)
William Conway (alderperson): Introduced a resolution recognizing American Heart Month, described CPR classes and shared his and his daughter's heart conditions. (1:21:13); Opposed the $830 million bond structure, citing recent credit downgrades and no principal payments for about 20 years, totaling over $2 billion in payments. (2:56:22); Said the repayment schedule reached members only after the committee vote and moved to send the ordinance back to the Finance Committee. (3:01:00)
Stephanie D. Coleman (alderperson): Credited former Alderman Sawyer and the administration for advancing reparations and described a $500,000 study on housing, health, education and policing harms. (1:23:45); Said the Black Caucus unanimously recommended honoring Larry Huggins and encouraged colleagues to get involved with his Wards 360 initiative. (2:30:48)
Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson): Commended the Black Caucus and its foundation and said Latino movements have learned from Black leaders' struggles for equity. (1:29:15); Supported the 25 mph limit citing data on reduced risk of death, and said only about 1% of pretextual stops relate to speeding. (5:22:12)
Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Thanked the Black family that took him in as a teenage immigrant and spoke about learning the history of Black liberation. (1:31:22); Presented the Housing and Real Estate Committee report on land sales, acquisitions and redevelopment agreements. (3:47:34); Supported the speed limit, describing a father who lost a young child in a crash and saying the council can address both pretextual stops and speed. (5:29:48)
Emma Mitts (alderperson): Shared her experiences growing up in the South and urged passing history and family values on to younger generations. (1:35:18); Recalled Larry Huggins's early project in her ward and praised his persistence and help to others. (2:35:31)
Daniel La Spata (alderperson): Quoted Dr. King on backlash after gains and said direct investment and reparations are the path toward equity, citing gaps in lending to Black communities. (1:43:07); Called his speed limit ordinance under Rule 41 and offered a substitute drafted with the Law Department to align with the Illinois Vehicle Code. (4:40:51); Said the substitute does not change the intent or effect of the ordinance passed in committee and only aligns it with state law. (4:44:02)
Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Spoke about the trauma and scars Black Americans have endured, praised Carol Moseley Braun as a trailblazer, and thanked the mayor for $5 million in reparations funding. (1:46:12); Recalled Larry Huggins's work on the United Center and other major projects and his help to small contractors. (2:15:52); Presented the zoning report, highlighting the Black Ensemble Theater project with 52 affordable units and the United Center area development's housing, green space and jobs. (4:08:45)
Michelle A. Harris (alderperson): Praised Larry Huggins's generosity through Christmas in the Wards and the football classic and credited Alderman Derrick G. Curtis for proposing the resolution. (1:59:55)
Gilbert Villegas (alderperson): Recalled Larry Huggins advocating for smaller contracts so minority firms could participate in city transportation work. (2:05:24)
Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Thanked Larry Huggins for welcoming the 11th Ward into Christmas in the Wards. (2:07:35); Said she agrees with the safety research but that lowering the limit without enforcement and infrastructure plans is incomplete, and said she would vote no. (5:15:55); Said committee meetings have repeatedly lacked an in-person quorum, forcing public speakers to return, and that remote participation has been abused though some hybrid use is reasonable. (5:42:54)
Derrick G. Curtis (alderperson): Thanked Larry Huggins for his giving and said he had urged Chairwoman Michelle A. Harris for months to honor him. (2:08:57)
William E. Hall (alderperson): Thanked Larry Huggins for sharing wisdom and opportunities rather than gatekeeping. (2:10:24)
Pat Dowell (alderperson): Thanked Larry Huggins for connecting her to Black Men United and exposing young people to HBCUs. (2:10:53); Presented the Finance Committee report, including TIF agreements, municipal depositories, the bond ordinance and settlements. (2:48:35); Said the bond issuance is standard, was not cited in the credit downgrade, is a not-to-exceed authorization limited to capital projects, and moved to table the motion to re-refer. (3:05:16)
Lamont J. Robinson (alderperson): Credited his own path to attending an HBCU and praised Larry Huggins for exposing young people to HBCUs and trades. (2:12:57); Called for a city council resolution formally apologizing for historical wrongs against Black Chicagoans, describing the Illinois Black Codes and later discrimination. (4:17:11)
Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Thanked Larry Huggins for the impact of Christmas in the Wards on families. (2:14:59); Said a contentious special events hearing concerned public art he views as anti-American and antisemitic, contrasting it with removal of the Columbus statue. (4:23:27); Opposed the 25 mph limit, saying drivers would shift to side streets and cause more crashes there. (5:02:55)
Matthew J. O'Shea (alderperson): Described Larry Huggins as a self-made role model whose Christmas in the Wards program helps families with nothing. (2:22:20)
Brian Hopkins (alderperson): Praised Larry Huggins's philanthropy and early work on the Cook County Hospital project. (2:24:25); Said COVID and flu are at elevated levels and that Rule 59 lets contagious members stay home, though some abuse should be addressed. (5:54:08)
Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Thanked Larry Huggins for helping send more Black students to HBCUs and said he brought Christmas in the Wards to the West Side. (2:26:04); Said the council will not raise revenue yet wants infrastructure, that the bond structure spreads costs over asset life, and objected to delaying South and West Side projects. (3:26:17); Presented the Budget Committee report including a Fund 925 amendment, fee code change and fund transfers. (3:43:03)
Ronnie L. Mosley (alderperson): Described Larry Huggins as an example of hard work leading to success and giving back. (2:28:03)
Chris Taliaferro (alderperson): Thanked Larry Huggins on behalf of 29th Ward families who received bicycles through Christmas in the Wards. (2:28:48); Opposed the speed limit change until a study shows it will not financially burden communities of color where speed cameras are concentrated. (5:19:18)
Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Praised Larry Huggins's impact on uniting the city and said Huggins took a chance on him years ago. (2:32:44); Argued it was out of order to allow the Finance chair's motion after the vote on re-referral had been ordered, and appealed the chair's decision. (3:04:07); Warned that settling a third case over unanswered 311 requests sets a costly precedent for future lawsuits. (3:38:41)
Anthony Beale (alderperson): Asked when the next rules committee meeting would be held. (2:41:58); Objected to the bond's terms, saying the first payment falls after the next administration takes office, questioned promised CIP work, and moved to defer and publish the item. (3:31:15); Said a change of the speed limit's magnitude should be debated in committee rather than amended on the floor. (4:43:43)
Scott Waguespack (alderperson): Asked whether the floor would be open for more discussion if the motion to table passed. (3:13:05); Opposed the bond, saying the repayment schedule was sent after the committee vote, defers principal for 20 years, and reflects a lack of transparency. (3:18:04)
Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez (alderperson): Reported the health committee's advisory appointments, the transgender working group ordinance and the substituted resolution supporting victims of slavery. (3:46:01)
Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Explained that curbstoning ordinance lets police tow vehicles being sold illegally on residential streets immediately instead of after the seven-day abandoned vehicle process. (3:56:31); Said people of color are disproportionately hit by vehicles, that fines and fees rather than the limit drive inequity, and urged passage with a working group handling implementation. (5:25:22); Withdrew his Rule 41 motion after talks with the administration and Chairs Ervin and Taylor so the item can go through committee. (5:40:56)
Ruth Cruz (alderperson): Said the curbstoning ordinance closes loopholes that let sellers move cars to reset the seven-day clock. (3:59:15); Said she supports traffic calming but the speed limit vote was rushed before the agreed working group could address implementation concerns. (5:17:16)
Jeylú B. Gutiérrez (alderperson): As a co-sponsor, said illegal curbside sales take parking from residents and block street sweeping and snow removal. (4:00:50); Said Rule 59 allowed her to vote two days after giving birth and urged keeping it for parents and those who are ill. (6:01:02)
Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson): Said members with serious health issues or new births need Rule 59 and that abuse should be handled through accountability among colleagues. (5:44:55)
Jeanette B. Taylor (alderperson): Said she participates remotely because she is preparing for a procedure for vision loss and asked that committee scheduling be addressed instead of eliminating remote participation. (5:46:26)
Silvana Tabares (alderperson): Supported eliminating remote participation, saying aldermen should hold themselves to a higher standard and show up like police and firefighters must. (6:04:07)
Desmon C. Yancy (alderperson): Said eliminating Rule 59 would punish everyone for some members' behavior and that committee scheduling keeps members away from their wards. (6:05:07)
Gregory I. Mitchell (alderperson): Said he agreed with Alderman Anthony Beale that the speed limit substitute should have been presented in committee. (4:45:08)

Exchanges between members

1:43:20 La Spata echoed Mitts's point that the past is the best guide to the present.
2:02:51 Harris thanked Curtis for proposing the resolution honoring Larry Huggins.
2:03:41 Moore said he echoed everything Harris said about Huggins.
2:13:25 Robinson referred to Dowell's point about exposing young people to HBCUs.
2:19:31 Hadden thanked Moore for providing intro music.
2:24:46 Hopkins referred to Burnett's mention of Huggins's work on the Cook County Hospital project.
3:03:14 Dowell moved to table Conway's motion to send the bond ordinance back to committee.
3:19:27 Waguespack cited Conway's point that no principal payments would be made for 20 years.
3:27:07 Ervin criticized the wards whose members opposed matching federal dollars for bridge work.
3:27:20 Ervin referred to Dowell's statement that pensions, not the bond, drive the city's debt.
3:31:21 Beale objected to Ervin calling out wards and argued against the bond terms.
3:36:02 Dowell responded to Beale's analogy about inheriting a great-grandfather's bill.
3:36:13 Beale replied to Dowell that the house is still good.
3:58:10 Vasquez thanked Mitchell for his work on tow ordinances.
3:58:10 Vasquez thanked Ervin for his work on tow ordinances.
3:59:15 Cruz said she was pleased to join Vasquez on the curbstoning ordinance.
4:00:53 Gutiérrez thanked Vasquez for allowing her to co-sponsor the ordinance.
4:00:53 Gutiérrez thanked Cruz for her work on the curbstoning ordinance.
4:11:19 Burnett commended Clay for advancing the Black Ensemble Theater project.
4:44:02 La Spata responded to Beale that the substitute does not change the ordinance's effect.

Roll-call votes at this meeting

2025 Municipal Depositaries (O2025-0014611): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Redevelopment agreement with Oak-Larrabee LLC for construction of mixed-income housing project at 955 N Larrabee St (O2024-0010991): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (50.35) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of W Touhy Ave (O2025-0014902): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Single event exception to Wrigley Field Ordinance to allow for musical performance on May 22, 2025 (SO2025-0014776): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 9-12-070 establishing maximum speed limit of 25 miles per hour on streets, 15 miles per hour in alleys, and absolute statutory nonurban limit of 55 miles per hour (SO2024-0010990): Failed to Pass 21 yea, 28 nay
6411 S. Central Ave sale of vacant firehouse for single-family residence (O2025-0014967): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
MuniCode 3-56-050 (SO2025-0015307): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 4221 N Normandy Ave (O2025-0014840): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Issuance of City loan and other financial assistance to Humboldt Park United Methodist Church, Inc. for construction, furnishing and equipping of low income housing project at 2120-2128 N Mozart St and 2847 W Shakespeare Ave (SO2024-0014175): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment to original ordinance for sale of seven additional lots to Sunshine Gospel Ministries, NFP (O2025-0014975): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Historical landmark designation for Kingdom Baptist Church at 301 N Central Ave (O2025-0014683): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (40.16(a)) to disallow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of N Damen Ave (SO2025-0014868): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 5440-5450 N Northwest Hwy (O2025-0014835): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Expression of support for victims of slavery (SR2024-0012436): Adopted 50 yea, 0 nay
Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 4209 W Lawrence Ave (O2025-0014830): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 4901 W Arthington St (O2025-0014831): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Sections 4-60-022 (35.84) and 4-60-023 (35.84) to disallow additional alcoholic liquor and package goods licenses on portion(s) of N Milwaukee Ave (O2025-0014475): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 2-36 by adding new Section 2-36-330 to authorize Fire Commissioner to accept grants of equipment, supplies, materials or other personal property (O2025-0014824): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-13-1000 regarding permit application approvals and exemptions for conversion of certain buildings from commercial to residential (SO2024-0008277): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Sections 4-60-022 (28.62) and 4-60-023 (28.76) to disallow additional alcoholic liquor and package goods licenses on portion(s) of S Oakley Ave (O2025-0014803): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Redevelopment agreement with and issuance of tax increment financing (TIF) funds to Franciscan Outreach for acquisition and rehabilitation of property at 2508-2538 W 21st St and amendment Number 4 to Western/Ogden Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Area Project and Plan to change allowed use for property from industrial to mixed-use (O2025-0014828): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 4555 S Racine Ave (O2025-0014834): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Acquisition of various properties for Englewood Nature Trail Project (O2025-0014899): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (48.5) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of W Argyle St (O2025-0014785): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-244-140 to prohibit peddling on portions of E 79th St, E 75th St and S Euclid Pkwy (O2024-0012863): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Pedestrian access easement agreement on City property at 6025 S Rhodes Ave (O2025-0014901): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Reclassification of specified area shown on Map Number 7-J and amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-3-0503-D establishing W Fullerton Ave, from N Kimball Ave to N Pulaski Rd as pedestrian streets (O2024-0014245): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 18-29-603.3.6 requiring tapping of water mains to performed only by Department of Water Management or contracted licensed plumbers (SO2025-0014865): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Authorization for acquisition of properties in bankruptcy auction to implement City's long-term planning objectives (O2025-0015406): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 9-80 clarifying definition and expansion of circumstances of vehicles parked for sale on public way (SO2024-0010137): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay