City Council meeting, January 24, 2024

When: Wed, Jan 24, 2024, 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/905678465
Transcript: full text (25,377 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 heard nine public commenters, most addressing a proposed Gaza ceasefire resolution from differing positions and the police disciplinary arbitration award. The council adopted resolutions honoring the Lane Tech girls flag football state champions, the life of Reginald Wayne Sharp Sr., and International Holocaust Remembrance Day, with extended remarks and several decorum interruptions during the Holocaust resolution. It passed the 2024 municipal depositories ordinance (read as 47 yeas, 0 nays), wastewater revenue bonds, several settlements including Brown v. Bryant (read as 33 yeas, 16 nays), and confirmed Ciere Boatright as Commissioner of Planning and Development and a Community Development Commission member (read as 49 yeas, 0 nays), along with housing, license, traffic, zoning and transportation committee items. Late in the meeting, Alderman Raymond A. Lopez moved to suspend the rules to take up the police arbitration option; a motion by Alderman Jason C. Ervin to table that motion passed (read as 27 yeas, 20 nays).

Topics: Planning commissioner appointment, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Gaza ceasefire, police arbitration, settlements, community recognitions, housing and land sales, license and zoning items, public comment, decorum

Agenda items discussed

18:18 Public comment
48:05 Resolution congratulating the Lane Tech girls flag football team on its state championship: passed
1:00:41 Resolution honoring the life of Reginald Wayne Sharp Sr.: passed
1:07:28 Resolution commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day: passed
1:50:33 Designation of 2024 municipal depositories for the City and Board of Education: passed
1:53:35 Substitute ordinance on second lien wastewater transmission revenue bonds, Series 2024: passed
1:54:13 Small claims payments and denials: passed
1:54:46 Settlement in Brown v. Bryant ($300,000): passed
1:57:44 Settlement in Jeffrey Haig v. City of Chicago ($375,000): passed
1:58:07 Settlement in Maya Kirk v. City of Chicago ($2 million): passed
1:58:46 Settlement in Carter, special administrator, v. City of Chicago ($5 million): passed
1:59:53 2024 Fund 925 appropriation amendment and immigrant and refugee rights committee fund transfer: passed
2:01:19 Appointment of Ciere Boatright as Commissioner of Planning and Development and member of the Community Development Commission: passed
2:40:27 Special service area appointments and SSA No. 2 and No. 5 service agreements: passed
2:43:18 Resolution calling on Congress to prevent misuse of Puerto Rico tax incentives (R2023-0005541): passed
2:43:49 Resolution supporting United Nations resolution 377 (Uniting for Peace)
2:44:49 Housing and real estate items including affordable housing loans, land sales and a CHA intergovernmental agreement: passed
2:49:38 Liquor moratoriums, restricted cannabis and residential zones, and booting ordinance: passed
2:51:34 Substitute ordinance regarding small box retailers: deferred
2:52:39 Pedestrian and traffic safety routine items and Chicago cycling strategy hearing report: passed
2:54:10 Technical corrections to Chicago construction codes (O2023-0006384): passed
2:54:34 Licensing of apprentice plumbers, plumbers and plumbing contractors: passed
2:54:53 Zoning map amendments and large signs: passed
2:55:45 Transportation and public way items: passed
2:57:06 Agreed calendar: passed
3:13:18 Motion to table the motion to suspend the rules to adopt the police disciplinary arbitration option: passed

Alderpersons who spoke

Daniel La Spata (alderperson): Supported the Holocaust resolution, describing work with seniors who lost family in the Holocaust and other genocides. (1:17:05); Reported routine traffic items and a subject matter hearing on the Chicago cycling strategy. (2:52:41)
Pat Dowell (alderperson): Offered sympathy to Pastor Sharp on behalf of the Third Ward. (1:03:27); Reported Committee on Finance items including depositories, wastewater bonds and settlements. (1:50:14); Strongly supported Boatright's appointment, saying the planning department had not moved in recent years. (2:21:02)
Lamont J. Robinson (alderperson): Supported Boatright's appointment, saying south and west side communities have waited too long for development. (2:27:41)
William E. Hall (alderperson): Offered comfort to Pastor Sharp on the loss of his father. (1:04:11); Commended the mayor for appointing Black women to leadership and supported Boatright. (2:30:05)
Anthony Beale (alderperson): Supported Boatright, citing her work on the Pullman redevelopment. (2:06:06); Objected that the arbitration item was directed to the council and should not be tabled. (3:14:35); Said the city's lawyers told a court the arbitration item would be voted on that day. (3:16:01)
Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Congratulated the Lane Tech flag football team as a former high school athlete. (52:25)
Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Supported the Holocaust resolution and described visiting Yad Vashem. (1:21:40); Cited the council's decorum rules and asked the chair to remove those disrupting. (1:23:17); Said the council needs to stand up morally against antisemitism. (1:24:44)
Stephanie D. Coleman (alderperson): Supported Boatright and asked for investment following the socioeconomically disadvantaged areas map. (2:15:41)
David H. Moore (alderperson): Congratulated the Lane Tech flag football team and its coaches. (51:11); Explained the resolution honoring his pastor's father and the support the pastor has given the city. (1:01:04); Supported the Holocaust resolution, citing Dr. King and saying history should not be rewritten, including on slavery. (1:35:00)
Derrick G. Curtis (alderperson): Supported Boatright and noted that Invest South/West did not reach his ward. (2:22:51)
Ronnie L. Mosley (alderperson): Supported Boatright as business-minded and community-centered. (2:29:01)
Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson): Supported having a Chicagoan lead planning and cited commercial corridors in his ward. (2:14:30)
Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Supported the Holocaust resolution and said some council members should show more empathy toward audience members affected by the war in Gaza. (1:31:09); Called on the U.S. to stop funding war. (1:34:02); Reported housing committee items including affordable housing loans and land sales. (2:44:29)
Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson): Congratulated Boatright and expressed confidence in her vision for the city. (2:17:04)
Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Supported Boatright, noting broad testimony in her support and her work on developments in his ward. (2:31:00)
Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Supported the Holocaust resolution and concurred with Moore that silence in the face of injustice is remembered. (1:38:15); Reported budget committee items, with one item held in committee. (1:59:40); Supported Boatright, calling the planning department one of the most important for communities. (2:05:14)
Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez (alderperson): Reported the health and human relations committee's resolutions on Puerto Rico tax incentives and the Uniting for Peace resolution. (2:43:11)
William Conway (alderperson): Supported Boatright and said he looks forward to revitalizing LaSalle Street. (2:12:13)
Gilbert Villegas (alderperson): Supported the Holocaust resolution, noting rising antisemitism and Holocaust denial. (1:37:19); Closed on the Boatright appointment, describing her pro-development stance and plans to complete Invest South/West. (2:33:03); Reported special service area appointments and service agreements. (2:40:27)
Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Congratulated the Lane Tech team and raised concern about CPS plans for selective enrollment schools. (54:33); Supported the Holocaust resolution and asked that disruptive audience members be removed. (1:15:18); Supported Boatright's appointment. (2:07:29)
Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Congratulated the Lane Tech team as a Lane Tech graduate. (55:07); Asked audience members for respect and supported the Holocaust resolution. (1:26:44); Said the council should model respectful conversation acknowledging both Jewish and Palestinian communities. (1:29:28)
Anthony V. Napolitano (alderperson): Congratulated the Lane Tech team, citing his experience coaching women's hockey. (53:33); Supported the Holocaust Remembrance Day resolution. (1:21:10)
Bennett R. Lawson (alderperson): Supported the Holocaust resolution and expressed concern about the current climate in the chamber. (1:19:06); Supported Boatright, describing shared priorities on growth and affordability. (2:19:37); Reported zoning committee items including construction code corrections and plumbing licensing. (2:53:55)
James M. Gardiner (alderperson): Supported Boatright and commended the mayor for appointing Chicagoans to leadership roles. (2:12:43)
Angela Clay (alderperson): Supported Boatright as a Black woman leading planning and development. (2:18:14)
Matthew J. Martin (alderperson): Introduced the Lane Tech flag football resolution and praised investment in girls' sports. (48:32)
Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (alderperson): Supported Boatright, citing transit, affordability and co-locating libraries with affordable housing. (2:26:19)
Maria E. Hadden (alderperson): Supported Boatright's appointment. (2:20:16)
Debra L. Silverstein (alderperson): Introduced the Holocaust Remembrance Day resolution and recognized survivors' families and Holocaust educators. (1:08:46); Said antisemitic incidents have risen sharply and Holocaust denial and distortion must be condemned. (1:11:52); Reported license committee items including liquor moratoriums and restricted zones. (2:49:34)

Exchanges between members

1:04:29 Hall echoed Dowell's remark that remembering his father keeps him present.
1:15:18 Sposato told Silverstein he supports her and the resolution.
1:19:06 Lawson supported the resolution of his colleague Silverstein.
1:21:16 Napolitano told Silverstein he rose in support of her and the resolution.
1:36:56 Moore thanked Silverstein for bringing the resolution forward.
1:38:15 Ervin concurred with Moore's remarks on silence in the face of injustice.
2:07:46 Sposato said that if Beale supports the nominee, he does too.
2:08:16 Lopez referenced Moore's point about trusted people vouching for the nominee.
2:14:30 Rodriguez concurred with Gardiner on the importance of appointing Chicagoans.
2:24:07 Vasquez built on a point Dowell made about past planning commissioners.
2:28:14 Robinson echoed Coleman's description of the nominee as a Chicagoan who knows the communities.
2:34:26 Villegas referenced Burnett's remarks about public testimony supporting the nominee.
2:45:45 Ervin said he did not see the housing committee report.
2:45:56 Sigcho-López responded that Ervin should have a copy of the summary report.
3:14:13 Ervin moved to table Lopez's motion to suspend the rules on the arbitration item.
3:14:35 Beale objected that the arbitration item should not be tabled.

Roll-call votes at this meeting

Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022(40.16(a)) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of N Damen Ave (O2023-0006425): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Chicago City Council Urges Congress to Clarify U.S. Tax Code to Prevent Misuse in Puerto Rico (R2023-0005541): Adopted 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (17.254) to disallow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of S Ashland Ave (O2023-0006063): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code 4-6-230 (O2023-0003483): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of previously passed ordinance to designate new areas of 37th Precinct of 23rd Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units and vacation rentals (SO2023-0003093): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (33.17) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of W Montrose Ave (O2023-0005107): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (48.25) and (48.28) to disallow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of N Clark S (SO2023-0006127): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (33.152) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of N Albany Ave (O2023-0005106): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
AirBNB 8th Precinct 23rd Ward (O2023-0005822): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
23rd Ward 5th Precinct Restricted Residential Zone (O2023-0005820): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Housing Authority regarding accessibility home modification program (O2023-0006379): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Issuance of financial assistance and loan restructuring to Brainerd Senior Preservation LP for acquisition and rehabilitation of building and adjacent facilities located at 8901-8925 S Loomis St (O2023-0006388): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Cannabis Restriction 8th Precinct 23rd Ward (O2023-0005831): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-3-0500 by classifying portion(s) of N Milwaukee Ave as pedestrian street - A-8850 (O2023-0003990): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Negotiated sale of 4727, 4735, 4739, 4743, 4755, 4757 and 4759 S Cottage Grove Ave to 4735 South Cottage Grove LLC, and execution of redevelopment agreement with 4735 South Cottage Grove LLC and The Grove Bronzeville LLC for construction of building for commercial retail and restaurant use (SO2023-0006389): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Designation of 21st Precinct of 13th Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units and vacation rentals (O2023-0006437): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Public way easement agreement with 3305 Lawndale Dev LLC to maintain and operate drainage swale in portion of City property at 3300 S Kedzie Ave (O2023-0005776): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 4, 11 and 14 to make technical corrections and adjustments to Chicago Construction Codes (O2023-0006384): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Issuance of multi-family loan to Duo Development Corporation for acquisition of three buildings through Preservation of Existing Affordable Rentals Program (O2023-0006387): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Issuance of City of Chicago Second Lien Wastewater Transmission Revenue Bonds, Project and Refunding Series 2024 (SO2023-0006398): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 2 and 4 regarding licensing of apprentice plumbers, plumbers, and plumbing contractors (SO2023-0006382): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay