City Council meeting, March 20, 2024

When: Wed, Mar 20, 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/924737330
Transcript: full text (27,173 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 March 20, 2024 City Council meeting opened with a public comment period in which speakers raised concerns about migrant shelters in Gage Park, homelessness, and city spending, followed by honorary resolutions for Skinner West Elementary, Ladies of Virtue, Women's History Month, and Clarity Partners. The council passed the Finance Committee report, including a loan restructuring for 3600-3616 N. Halsted (48-0) and three lawsuit settlements, among them the $2.25 million Macintosh settlement (33-15) and the $5.5 million Rodriguez settlement (36-12). Members confirmed several mayoral appointments after extended remarks, including Julie Hernandez Tomlin at Fleet and Facility Management, Jose Tirado at the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, Tom Carney at the Chicago Department of Transportation, and Sandra Blakemore at Human Resources. Committee reports on budget, aviation, rules, economic development, education, housing, licensing, traffic safety, police and fire, public safety, transportation, workforce, and zoning were approved, along with a Rule 41 vote on a TIF redevelopment agreement at 1022 W. 63rd Street. New introductions included several ordinances on length-of-stay limits at city-run migrant shelters, and the next meeting was set for April 17, 2024.

Topics: public comment, migrant shelters, Women's History Month, lawsuit settlements, mayoral appointments, CDOT commissioner, OEMC, TIF and affordable housing, liquor licensing, committee reports

Agenda items discussed

25:42 Public comment period: discussed
57:40 Resolution recognizing Women's History Month: passed
1:19:53 Resolution recognizing Clarity Partners' 20th anniversary
1:30:30 Loan restructuring agreement with Halsted Limited Partnership, 3600-3616 N. Halsted (44th Ward): passed
1:33:48 Financial assistance to Earl School LLC for Charles Earl Apartments (15th Ward): passed
1:34:35 TIF intergovernmental agreements with Chicago Park District (Bessemer Park, McGuane Park, Park 599): passed
1:37:48 Settlement: Estate of Rashad Macintosh v. City of Chicago, $2.25 million: passed
1:40:32 Settlement: Rodriguez v. Gura et al., $5.5 million: passed
1:43:03 Settlement: Nathan Jones v. City of Chicago, $45 million: passed
1:43:59 Appointment of Julie Hernandez Tomlin as Commissioner of Fleet and Facility Management: passed
1:55:58 Budget committee items: Fund 925 amendment, hiring preferences, illegal dumping reward program, advice and consent for Public Health Commissioner: passed
1:58:04 Technical service agreement with National Renewable Energy Laboratory (O2024-0007861): passed
1:59:49 General obligation / sales tax securitization bonds for economic development and affordable housing re-referred to Finance: passed
2:02:23 Resolution supporting the Affordable Connectivity Program: passed
2:04:57 Demolition surcharge expiration extension and city land sales (O2024-0007881): passed
2:08:38 Lakefront venue and Wrigley Field adjacent area liquor license ordinances: passed
2:11:28 Appointment of Jose Tirado as Executive Director of OEMC: passed
2:23:05 Appointment of Tom Carney as Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation: passed
2:49:11 Appointment of Sandra Blakemore as Commissioner of Human Resources: passed
3:00:31 Definitions for health and social services contracts with the city: passed
3:14:18 Rule 41 vote on TIF redevelopment agreement with EEG Wood LLC, 1022 W. 63rd Street (O2023-0004406): passed

Alderpersons who spoke

Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Honored Skinner West Elementary's basketball team for winning its first city championship. (52:57); Supported the Hernandez Tomlin appointment, citing her family's history of public service. (1:50:23); Supported the Tirado appointment, saying he understands the city's neighborhoods and operations. (2:19:42)
Michelle A. Harris (alderperson): Recognized Ladies of Virtue and Preston for Peace for mentoring young people. (54:11); Supported the Tirado appointment, describing his responsiveness as a former district commander. (2:17:05); Supported the Carney appointment, praising his record of returning calls and completing tasks. (2:41:32)
Pat Dowell (alderperson): Thanked Alderperson Michelle A. Harris for recognizing Ladies of Virtue and described the group's work in her ward. (55:39); Presented the Finance Committee report, including loan restructurings, park TIF agreements and lawsuit settlements. (1:30:15); Supported the Carney appointment, saying he knows the department well and is always available. (2:36:47)
David H. Moore (alderperson): Spoke in support of honoring Ladies of Virtue, describing his niece's experience with the program. (56:34); Supported the Women's History Month resolution and recognized women in the 17th Ward. (59:01); Supported the Hernandez Tomlin appointment, citing diversity, equity and community outreach. (1:45:48)
Gregory I. Mitchell (alderperson): Presented the Transportation and Public Way Committee report, beginning with the Tom Carney appointment. (2:22:51); Said Carney's 28 years prepared him for the role and challenged him to take the department to another level. (2:44:23)
Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Supported the Women's History Month resolution, noting she is the first Asian American woman on the council and honoring community leaders. (1:00:07); Introduced a resolution celebrating Clarity Partners' 20th anniversary as a Chicago employer. (1:20:01); Supported the Carney appointment and described his work on street lighting concerns in Chinatown. (2:34:36)
Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Supported the Women's History Month resolution, recognized veteran Elizabeth Soto, and asked for a moment of silence for women who have died. (1:02:20); Supported the Hernandez Tomlin appointment, citing challenges from aging and deferred infrastructure. (1:51:46)
William Conway (alderperson): Recognized Alderperson Pat Dowell as the first woman to chair the Finance Committee. (1:04:45)
Daniel La Spata (alderperson): Supported the Women's History Month resolution and spoke about violence against women and the council's power to address it. (1:05:37); Supported the Carney appointment and said at least 100 Chicagoans die in traffic each year, expressing hope the number reaches zero. (2:42:03)
Lamont J. Robinson (alderperson): Supported the Women's History Month resolution, recognizing Alderperson Pat Dowell, the 18 women on the council, the city clerk and the corporation counsel. (1:06:55); Honored the late Commissioner Clarence Wood of the Commission on Human Relations. (1:22:12)
Emma Mitts (alderperson): Supported the Women's History Month resolution and said 37th Ward residents are still struggling with flood-related mold damage. (1:08:44); Supported the Sandra Blakemore appointment and called for a more open and navigable city hiring process. (2:52:30)
Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson): Thanked the 15th Ward alderperson for his remarks and recognized the women chairing the Black and Latino caucuses. (1:10:50); Supported the Hernandez Tomlin appointment, citing her career in city government. (1:44:25); Supported the Tirado appointment, saying the role requires integrity and collaboration. (2:13:06)
Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Supported the Women's History Month resolution and asked that members be held accountable for legislation, not only speeches. (1:12:02); Supported the Hernandez Tomlin appointment, mentioning fleet electrification and building work ahead. (1:49:27); Supported the Carney appointment and mentioned potholes and bus rapid transit on Western Avenue. (2:39:28)
Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (alderperson): Supported the Women's History Month resolution and addressed people affected by domestic and gender-based violence. (1:12:55)
Debra L. Silverstein (alderperson): Supported the Women's History Month resolution, spoke about women's reproductive rights, and called attention to women affected by conflicts including in Israel, Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine. (1:13:37)
Gilbert Villegas (alderperson): Congratulated Clarity Partners and described it as an example of how the minority business enterprise program should work. (1:21:32); Supported the Hernandez Tomlin appointment, describing her as an operator who gets things done. (1:48:02); Presented the Economic, Capital and Technology Development report, including SSA appointments, tax incentives and an Affordable Connectivity Program resolution. (2:00:32)
Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Presented the Budget and Government Operations report, beginning with the Hernandez Tomlin appointment. (1:43:48); Said fleet and facilities management is often overlooked but essential to city operations. (1:53:08); Moved passage of items including hiring preferences for disadvantaged areas, an illegal dumping reward program, and advice and consent for the Public Health Commissioner. (1:55:58)
Anthony V. Napolitano (alderperson): Supported the Hernandez Tomlin appointment. (1:45:22); Supported the Carney appointment, describing him as a straight shooter who lays out the facts. (2:25:33)
James M. Gardiner (alderperson): Supported the Hernandez Tomlin appointment, referencing Women's History Month. (1:47:20); Supported the Carney appointment, citing his professionalism and knowledge of the city. (2:37:26)
Derrick G. Curtis (alderperson): Supported the Hernandez Tomlin appointment and welcomed her back to the city. (1:48:41); Supported the Tirado appointment, describing OEMC as the city's eyes and ears for safety. (2:16:13); Supported the Carney appointment and said delivering services and funding street work in all communities is the priority. (2:28:28)
Matthew J. O'Shea (alderperson): Presented the Aviation Committee report, including an agreement with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and a Midway property acquisition. (1:57:48); Supported the Tirado appointment, citing his police department career. (2:14:22); Supported the Carney appointment, citing his communication and attention to detail. (2:36:15)
Jeanette B. Taylor (alderperson): Presented the Education Committee report on four City Colleges board of trustees appointments. (2:03:14); Supported the Carney appointment and said he explained that new bike lane markings were for safety. (2:27:13); Supported the Sandra Blakemore appointment and said the city needs employees and real change in the department. (2:50:38)
Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Presented the Housing and Real Estate report, including a demolition surcharge extension, a KTown redevelopment agreement and city land sales. (2:04:36)
Peter Chico (alderperson): Presented the License Committee report on liquor moratoriums and lakefront venue and Wrigley Field area liquor ordinances. (2:07:41); Supported the Tirado appointment, saying Tirado was his commander at the police department and has a strong work ethic. (2:14:45)
Chris Taliaferro (alderperson): Presented the Police and Fire Committee report on emergency telephone board and police district council appointments. (2:10:13); Supported the Carney appointment, citing his responsiveness and advice. (2:33:04)
Desmon C. Yancy (alderperson): Presented the Public Safety Committee report, including the Rule 45 report and the Tirado appointment. (2:11:08)
Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Supported the Tirado appointment, noting Tirado is his constituent and asking why the appointment took a year. (2:15:15); Supported the Carney appointment, describing him as fair, honest and hardworking. (2:32:35)
Marty Quinn (alderperson): Supported the Carney appointment, saying he stayed with the city instead of leaving for the private sector. (2:23:21)
Anthony Beale (alderperson): Supported the Carney appointment, describing him as fair in distributing resources across the city. (2:26:17)
William E. Hall (alderperson): Supported the Carney appointment and recalled him finding Black contractors for a project on 83rd Street. (2:27:49)
Samantha Nugent (alderperson): Supported the Carney appointment, citing his collaboration on difficult requests. (2:31:32)
Ruth Cruz (alderperson): Supported the Carney appointment, saying he has been open to feedback on changes in the 30th Ward. (2:38:30)
Stephanie D. Coleman (alderperson): Supported the Sandra Blakemore appointment, crediting her help with a Black Caucus job fair for entry-level positions. (2:54:34)
Bennett R. Lawson (alderperson): Presented the Zoning Committee report, including special use rules in a planned manufacturing district, a landmark designation and map amendments. (2:58:28)

Exchanges between members

55:39 Dowell thanked Harris for recognizing Ladies of Virtue.
1:04:45 Conway recognized Dowell as the first woman to chair the Finance Committee.
1:06:57 Robinson said Conway took some of his thunder and joined in recognizing Dowell.
1:10:50 Rodriguez thanked the 15th Ward alderperson for his remarks about women who have died.
1:11:11 Rodriguez recognized Coleman's leadership of the Black Caucus.
1:11:22 Rodriguez recognized Rodríguez Sánchez as the first Latina chair of the Latino Caucus.
1:36:30 Dowell wished Clay a happy birthday during the Finance report.
1:51:50 Lopez noted that Burnett had already mentioned the appointee's grandmother before him.
2:15:17 Sposato responded to Chico by noting that Tirado, Chico's former commander, is his constituent.
2:18:50 Moore echoed Sposato's remark that the appointment was finally being made official.
2:34:09 Villegas echoed the 6th Ward alderperson's point about participation of minority contractors.
2:38:02 Gardiner said nobody had said it better than Quinn in praising Carney.
2:44:06 Ervin contrasted his request for new streets with Vasquez's mention of filling potholes.
2:44:35 Mitchell echoed Ervin's point that Carney understands local and citywide needs.
2:55:33 Coleman noted that the appointee would join Dowell as a fellow Delta sorority member.

Roll-call votes at this meeting

First amendment to redevelopment agreement with Portage Park Capital, LLC to provide tax increment financing (TIF) funds for construction of project at 3611-3657 N Central Ave (O2024-0007876): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 4-388 by allowing sale of alcoholic liquor by special club licensees on rooftops in Wrigley Field Adjacent Area (SO2024-0007874): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Agreement with Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (O2024-0007884): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Historical landmark designation for Phebe and John Gray House at 4362 W Grace St (O2024-0007798): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
On North Elston Avenue, from West Berteau Avenue to West Montrose Avenue. (O2024-0007693): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Negotiated sale of City-owned property at 4704-4738 West Fifth Ave to and execution of redevelopment agreement with K Town BCP LLC for expansion of parking lot to service developer's new facility at 4646 W Fifth Ave (O2024-0007912): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Acquisition of temporary easements for Chicago Halsted Improvement Project (O2024-0007316): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Right-of-way acquisition for Archer Avenue and Belt Railway Company of Chicago grade separation project (O2024-0007313): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 2-44-135 by extending expiration date for demolition surcharge to December 31, 2024 (O2024-0007881): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Authorization of loan restructuring agreement with Hollywood House Limited Partnership for rehabilitation of building at 5700 N Sheridan Rd (O2024-0007868): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 2-74 by adding new Section 2-74-075 establishing hiring preferences for residents of socioeconomically disadvantaged areas (SO2023-0006443): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Acquisition of State-owned property at 5400 W 63rd St for use by Chicago Midway International Airport (SO2023-0002212): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District to provide tax increment financing (TIF) funds for improvements at McGuane Park at 2901 S Poplar Ave (O2024-0007873): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-073 by authorizing issuance of lakefront venue liquor license for concrete pad at beach house at North Avenue Beach (SO2024-0007860): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
On Touhy Ave from California Avenue to Rockwell Street lifting restrictions (O2024-0007559): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Support of Class L Tax incentive for property at 1565-1589 N Milwaukee Ave (O2024-0007878): Passed 47 yea, 1 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Title 2 by adding new Sections 2-50-045 and 2-112-205 regarding definitions and terms of health and social services contracts with City of Chicago (SO2024-0007340): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 2-112-010 by requiring City Council advice and consent for appointment of department of public health commissioner (O2024-0007880): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Lifting Liquor Moratorium on Belmont Avenue, from Clark Street to Sheffield Avenue (O2024-0007711): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (38.99) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of W Addison St (O2024-0007819): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Support of Class C Tax incentive for property at 1250 S Kilbourn Ave (O2024-0007879): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
E.G. Woode LLC 1022 W 63rd St (O2023-0004406): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
ANLAP SALE OF 6222 S Wolcott Ave to J. Artemio Munoz Bucio and Maria del Carmen Munoz (O2024-0007894): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Six city-owned parcels sold under ChiBlockBuilder program (SO2024-0007907): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-6-0403-F by requiring special use approval for sports and recreation permits in specific use categories (O2024-0007733): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (37.18) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of W North Ave (O2024-0007654): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
First amendment to intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District to provide tax increment financing (TIF) funds for construction of Park 599 at 1623 W Edgewater Ave (O2024-0007875): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District to provide tax increment financing (TIF) funds for improvements at Bessemer Park at 8930 S Muskegon Ave (O2024-0007872): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Affordable Connectivity Program (R2024-0008207): Adopted 48 yea, 0 nay
Revised Redevelopment Agreement adjusting payout terms of tax increment financing (TIF) funds to Chicago Cooperative regarding project delays to redevelop 4620 N Broadway into full service grocery store (SO2024-0007864): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 7-28 by adding new Section 7-28-445 establishing reward program for information leading to conviction or finding of liability for illegal dumping (O2024-0007734): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
On West 63rd Street from S Pulaski to S Hamlin & S Central Park to S Hamlin (O2024-0007664): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay
Issuance of tax increment financing (TIF) grant, multi-family housing bonds and other financial assistance to and execution of redevelopment agreement with Earle School LLC and Celesterling Foundation d.b.a. Phoenix Foundation, NFP for acquisition and rehabilitation of former Charles W. Earle School building at 1711 W 61st St for creation of low and moderate income residential housing (SO2024-0007329): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay