City Council meeting, April 16, 2025

When: Wed, Apr 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/manage/videos/1075797065
Transcript: full text (29,545 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.

At the April 16, 2025 City Council meeting, six public commenters spoke on a proposed cumulative environmental impacts ordinance, the firefighters' contract, Animal Care and Control, and a proposed downtown curfew for unaccompanied minors. The council passed resolutions recognizing Earth Day and Arab American Heritage Month. Finance Committee items passed, including continuation of the SRO loan program as the SRO Preservation Fund (50-0), settlements including $32 million in a case Alderperson Brendan Reilly voted against, TIF-funded improvements at Douglas Park and Piotrowski Park, O'Hare special facility revenue bonds, and financial assistance for housing conversions at 111 W. Monroe and 208 S. LaSalle. A $1.25 million settlement that received a do-not-pass recommendation was deferred and published. After the Health and Human Relations chair's report referenced a hearing on the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a motion to strike those remarks was laid on the table 27-20. A Workforce Development resolution directing the city to disqualify job applicants convicted of participating in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot passed 44-3 after debate. Other committee reports, including a rogue towing ordinance, zoning matters and the agreed calendar, were approved, and the next meeting was set for May 7, 2025.

Topics: January 6 employment resolution, Legal settlements, Park improvements, Earth Day, Arab American Heritage Month, Rogue towing, Point of order on committee report, Public comment, Committee reports, Housing financing

Agenda items discussed

1:21:50 Approval of remote participation under Rule 59: passed
1:27:41 Public comment period: discussed
1:49:45 Acknowledgements of UIC students, retiring HUD official James Cunningham, Johnny Coleman Academy students and Sikh Awareness Month
1:58:12 Resolution commemorating Earth Day: passed
2:18:57 Resolution recognizing Arab American Heritage Month: passed
3:02:54 Finance: substitute ordinance continuing the SRO loan program as the SRO Preservation Fund: passed
3:06:36 Finance: settlements in Hepper ($750,000) and Summary ($32 million) cases: passed
3:07:38 Finance: intergovernmental agreement for TIF-funded improvements at Douglas Park (up to $4.7 million): passed
3:09:35 Finance: intergovernmental agreement for TIF-funded improvements at Piotrowski Park ($8 million): passed
3:11:57 Finance: right-of-entry agreements ordinance and O'Hare special facility revenue bonds: passed
3:12:35 Finance: financial assistance for housing at 111 W. Monroe and 208 S. LaSalle: passed
3:14:51 Finance: settlement in Banks v. City of Chicago ($1.25 million), do-not-pass recommendation: deferred
3:16:44 Budget, Economic Development, Education and Health committee reports: passed
3:27:54 Motion to strike the Health and Human Relations chair's remarks (laid on the table): failed
3:35:13 Housing and Real Estate committee report: passed
0:00 License committee report, including the rogue towing substitute ordinance: passed
0:00 Appointment to the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability: passed
0:00 Resolution directing Human Resources to disqualify applicants convicted of participating in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot (SR2025-0015310): passed
0:00 Resolution recognizing May 1 as International Workers' Day: passed
0:00 Zoning, landmarks and building standards committee report: passed
0:00 Agreed calendar: passed
0:00 Public enforcement pilot program for parking offenses, re-referred to committee: held
0:00 Ordinance setting the next meeting for May 7, 2025: passed

Alderpersons who spoke

Daniel La Spata (alderperson): Honored 1st Ward resident Marjorie for her work on recycling, composting and tree care. (1:58:57); Recalled negative portrayals of Arab Americans in popular culture and welcomed progress toward a broader view of the community. (2:42:07); Moved to re-refer his public parking enforcement pilot ordinance to committee for a further substitute after discussions with the administration. (0:00)
Brian Hopkins (alderperson): Said a mixed-use project in Old Town approved by the zoning committee uses no public subsidy, includes 70 affordable units and is projected to generate $10 million a year in tax revenue. (0:00); Withdrew his discharge motion, saying a replacement resolution had been submitted to the Public Safety Committee for a hearing. (0:00)
Pat Dowell (alderperson): Recognized James Cunningham on his retirement after 33 years at HUD. (1:50:50); Presented the Finance Committee report, including the SRO Preservation Fund, settlements, park TIF agreements and housing financing. (3:02:54); Reported that a $1.25 million settlement received a do-not-pass recommendation and that Alderpersons Mitts and Ervin moved to defer and publish it. (3:14:51)
William E. Hall (alderperson): Thanked Arab American business owners for their generosity and investment in the 6th Ward. (2:34:36)
Gregory I. Mitchell (alderperson): Presented the Committee on Transportation and Public Way report. (0:00)
Michelle A. Harris (alderperson): Praised the owners of a restaurant in her ward for hiring locally and supporting community organizations. (2:33:26); Presented the agreed calendar of 138 resolutions. (0:00)
Anthony Beale (alderperson): Praised Arab American business owners Sue and Andre Williams for their community contributions. (2:24:03); Raised a point of order that the committee chair was speaking on a resolution pending in Rules rather than reporting committee items. (3:26:28)
Peter Chico (alderperson): Thanked Arab American families in the 10th Ward for their contributions. (2:49:21); As vice chair, presented the License committee report, including the rogue towing ordinance, a hemp products ban and liquor moratoriums. (0:00)
Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Recognized Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month and said Sikh Americans are among the populations most vulnerable to hate crimes. (1:55:58); Spoke about the challenge of honoring one's heritage while building a life in the United States. (2:40:17)
Julia M. Ramirez (alderperson): Honored women environmental advocates, including a longtime Southwest Side advocate named Kim, and connected the Hazel Johnson ordinance to preventing new polluters. (2:02:37)
Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Recognized a longtime Arab American Back of the Yards resident who died about a month earlier. (2:45:00); Asked for clarification on what was being deferred and published regarding the rejected settlement. (3:16:08); Moved to strike the Health committee chair's remarks under Rule 44, saying committee reports should cover only items presented as pass or do not pass. (3:27:54)
Stephanie D. Coleman (alderperson): Commended the Williams family for franchising to African American restaurant owners and for community events. (2:35:55); Honored the 40th anniversary of the Chicago chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. (2:56:47)
David H. Moore (alderperson): Recognized Urban Prep students who reviewed the proposed curfew ordinance and said they would be invited to share input in committee. (2:01:15)
Ronnie L. Mosley (alderperson): Recognized Johnny Coleman Academy students visiting with Peace for Preston. (1:54:45); Thanked Arab American restaurant owners for investing in the 21st Ward. (2:26:44)
Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson): Described the Arab American community as a growing political force in the city and region. (2:27:39); Said the $8 million Piotrowski Park investment would bring the city's first outdoor covered pool to Little Village, which has lacked a year-round public pool. (3:10:04); Presented the Workforce Development report on the January 6 employment resolution. (0:00)
Monique L. Scott (alderperson): Supported the Douglas Park TIF agreement, saying the historic park needs improvements and will also receive festival revenue. (3:08:12)
Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Recognized environmental justice organizers in Pilsen and Little Village and the Hazel Johnson ordinance. (2:13:31); Introduced Arab American guests and expressed solidarity, citing concerns about First Amendment rights. (2:21:39); Presented the Housing and Real Estate report of 14 appointments and five ordinances. (3:35:13)
Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson): Said the Arab community is diverse and an important economic and political presence in the 26th Ward. (2:37:25); As a restorative justice practitioner, said she supports second chances but that people who tried to overturn an election should not work for the government. (0:00)
Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Thanked Arab American business owners for mentoring young African American entrepreneurs. (2:29:22); Presented the zoning committee report, including special use requirements in a 21st Ward planned manufacturing district and a landmark permit fee waiver. (0:00)
Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Presented the Budget and Government Operations report. (3:16:44); Said striking the remarks was unnecessary because there is no verbatim journal record of such remarks. (3:29:55)
Chris Taliaferro (alderperson): Thanked James Cunningham for his role in securing $426 million in flood relief for the West Side. (1:52:33); Presented the Police and Fire committee's recommendation of an appointment to the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability. (0:00)
Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez (alderperson): Introduced Arab American community leaders honored by the resolution. (2:20:21); Closed the resolution by expressing her support and commitment to the Arab American community. (2:51:49)
William Conway (alderperson): Recognized UIC student government and advocacy students visiting the council. (1:49:56); Honored Linda Sanchez of the Climate Action Museum. (2:15:49); Described watching the January 6 attack while on military duty and said those who assaulted police should not work for the city. (0:00)
Anthony J. Quezada (alderperson): Supported the resolution, citing solidarity among immigrant communities and concern about rising Islamophobia. (2:25:17)
Gilbert Villegas (alderperson): Cited past council resolutions to recognize a Middle Eastern and North African category for business programs and the census. (2:39:06); Reported a tax incentive and a hearing urging faster implementation of the city's enterprise resource planning system. (3:17:50); Described the rogue towing ordinance, which allows police to tow rogue tow trucks and creates a private right of action for victims. (0:00)
Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Called January 6 a despicable riot but disputed calling it an insurrection and said trespassers should not have their lives ruined. (0:00); Raised legal concerns about the city choosing which crimes disqualify applicants and compared the response to other riots. (0:00); Asked to be added to the resolution honoring Stanley Hollenbeck. (0:00)
Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Recognized the Syrian Community Network for 10 years of refugee support. (2:30:49); Contrasted the motion to strike a colleague's remarks with debate over the January 6 resolution and said domestic terrorism is an appropriate line for government employment. (0:00)
Brendan Reilly (alderperson): Noted that although there is no printed record, the meeting is recorded on video and audio. (3:30:45)
Bennett R. Lawson (alderperson): Introduced a resolution honoring Stanley Hollenbeck, longtime director of the Legislative Reference Bureau, and invited co-sponsors. (0:00)
James M. Gardiner (alderperson): Thanked Arab American friends, mentors and staff members. (2:43:26); Asked whether the city has legal authority to disqualify applicants for pardoned crimes and raised concern about future legal problems. (0:00)
Matthew J. Martin (alderperson): Honored Sherry, founder of Reduce Waste Chicago. (2:12:06)
Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (alderperson): Honored Tricia Van Eck of the Edgewater Environmental Coalition. (2:05:02); Thanked Arab American advocates for keeping the 48th Ward inclusive and safe. (2:49:57)
Maria E. Hadden (alderperson): Linked air, water and soil quality to life expectancy and welcomed introduction of the Hazel Johnson cumulative impacts ordinance. (2:08:30); Supported the January 6 resolution, saying those who betrayed the country should not be city employees. (0:00)
Jeanette B. Taylor (alderperson): Honored Naomi Davis and said Black communities have the most polluters but environmental issues are discussed least there. (2:10:34); Presented the Education committee report, including Community College board appointments and an ordinance requiring quarterly CPS reports. (3:19:06); Thanked Arab American business owners who support community organizations and schools in the 20th Ward. (2:51:07)
Debra L. Silverstein (alderperson): Recognized the Arab American community's economic contributions in the 50th Ward. (2:35:29)

Exchanges between members

2:04:35 Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth said she agreed with everything Alderperson Julia M. Ramirez had said.
2:12:00 Alderperson Matthew J. Martin remarked that it was hard to follow Alderperson Jeanette B. Taylor.
2:21:11 Alderperson Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez asked Alderperson Byron Sigcho-López to introduce the rest of the guests.
2:21:39 Alderperson Byron Sigcho-López thanked Alderperson Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez.
2:29:38 Alderperson Walter R. Burnett told Alderperson Anthony Beale that the business owners he praised also work on the West Side.
2:37:51 Alderperson Jessica L. Fuentes elevated Alderperson Michael D. Rodriguez point that Arab Americans are a major political bloc.
3:10:04 Alderperson Michael D. Rodriguez echoed Alderperson Monique L. Scott message about investing in the two parks.
3:29:55 Alderperson Jason C. Ervin said the motion to strike was unnecessary because no journal record of the remarks exists.
3:30:45 Alderperson Brendan Reilly said Alderperson Jason C. Ervin was correct about the printed record but noted the meeting is recorded.
0:00 Alderperson William Conway thanked Alderperson Gilbert Villegas for introducing the January 6 resolution.
0:00 Alderperson Maria E. Hadden thanked Alderperson Gilbert Villegas for bringing the resolution forward.
0:00 Alderperson Jessica L. Fuentes commended Alderperson Gilbert Villegas for the resolution.
0:00 Alderperson Jessica L. Fuentes acknowledged Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez point that it is a resolution while arguing it states a position on consequences.
0:00 Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr. responded that people deserve redemption but domestic terrorism is an appropriate line for government employment.
0:00 Alderperson Gilbert Villegas thanked Alderperson William Conway for co-sponsoring.
0:00 Alderperson Gilbert Villegas thanked Alderperson Chris Taliaferro for co-sponsoring.
0:00 Alderperson Gilbert Villegas thanked Alderperson Matthew J. Martin for co-sponsoring.
0:00 Alderperson Brian Hopkins thanked Chairman Walter R. Burnett and the zoning committee for approving the project.
0:00 Alderperson Nicholas Sposato asked to be added to Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson resolution honoring Stanley Hollenbeck.
0:00 Alderperson Michelle A. Harris asked Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson to add her to the Hollenbeck resolution.

Roll-call votes at this meeting

Support of Class 7(a) Tax incentive for property at 1840 E 71st St (O2025-0015998): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Low Affordability Community (O2025-0015655): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-6-0403-F to require special use permits for daycares and community centers and gardens, and by-right permits for artist work space, food/beverage retail and medical services, all in PMD No. 10 (O2025-0016019): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Sections 4-60-022 (27.28) and 4-60-023 (27.28) to allow additional alcoholic liquor and package goods licenses on portion(s) of N Wells St (O2025-0016041): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District to provide tax increment financing (TIF) funds for improvements at Piotrowski Park, 4247 W 31st St (O2025-0015978): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Issuance of financial assistance to 208 LaSalle Affordable L.P. and 208 LaSalle Market Landlord LLC for acquisition, construction, rehabilitation and equipping of affordable and market rate housing projects at 208 S LaSalle St (O2025-0016003): Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Calling for hearing and series of virtual trainings for City officials, employees and general public and compile findings and recommendations available for public access to foster collaborative action against incidences of hate and to guide future policies and initiatives (SR2024-0010989): Adopted 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-3-0503-E by removing Pedestrian Street designation on portions of N Milwaukee Ave, W North Ave, W Diversey Ave, W Irving Park Rd, N Damen Ave, N Kimball Ave and N Cicero Ave - App No. A-8943 (SO2025-0015612): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-58-030 to disallow BYOB on portions of W Division St, from N Damen Ave to N Western Ave (O2025-0015576): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-3-0500 to designate portion of W Armitage Ave as Pedestrian Street - App No. A-8942 (SO2025-0015531): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Prohibition of cannabinoid hemp products Pullman-Roseland-Lake CalumetArea (SO2025-0014904): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Katanya Raby member Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund Board (A2025-0016712): Approved 50 yea, 0 nay
Zoning Reclassification Map No. 5-I at 1815-1821 N California Ave - App No. 19970T1 (SO2025-0016358): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 2-8-090 by requiring Committee on Education and Child Development to hold quarterly hearings regarding operation and performance of Chicago Public Schools (O2024-0008387): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Acquisition of parcels at 7850 and 7872 S Exchange Ave, 2910 and 2914 E 79th St and 7843 S Escanaba Ave for mixed-use redevelopment project (O2025-0015984): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapters 5-8 and 6-10 regarding protections of civil rights for individuals with actual or perceived association with any individual or protected class (SO2024-0012999): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-244-140 to prohibit peddling on portions of 4-244-140 (a) (29) prohibiting peddling on portions of W 47th St, S Halsted St, S California Ave, W 51st St, W 55th St, S Western Ave, W 59th St, W 63rd St and W Marquette Rd (O2025-0015853): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District to provide tax increment financing (TIF) funds for improvements at Douglass Park, 1401 S Sacramento Dr (O2025-0015980): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
O'Hare TrIPS Obligated Group Senior Airport Facilities Revenue Bonds Series 2025 (O2025-0015555): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Renaming of SRO (Single Room Occupancy) Preservation Loan Fund Program to SRO Preservation Fund, continuation of SRO Loan Program and continuation of grant agreement with Community Investment Corporation (SO2025-0015982): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Issuance of financial assistance to 111 Monroe Affordable L.P. and 111 Monroe Market Landlord LLC for acquisition, construction, rehabilitation and equipping of affordable and market rate housing projects at 111 W Monroe St (O2025-0016002): Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
Correction to amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of Kedzie Ave, from Granville Ave to Devon Ave and W Devon Ave, from Kedzie Ave to McCormick Rd (O2025-0015972): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Sheri Allen-Reeves member Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund Board (A2025-0016713): Approved 50 yea, 0 nay
Removal of EDS reuirement for right-of-entry liability release and similar agreements (SO2025-0015544): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 4-227 by adding new Sections 4-227-075, 4-227-150 and 4-227-160 and modifying various sections regarding vehicular towing fees, penalties, post-towing services, private right of action, and authority, and updating Section 2-14-132 regarding impoundment (SO2024-0012277): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Adonya Little, member of Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund (A2025-0016694): Approved 50 yea, 0 nay