City Council meeting, November 7, 2023

When: Tue, Nov 7, 2023, 11:00 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/881837823
Transcript: full text (26,356 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 this City Council meeting, Ald. Emma Mitts spoke on a point of personal privilege about an encounter with Ald. Carlos Ramírez-Rosa during the November 2 special meeting, and Ald. Carlos Ramírez-Rosa apologized to her and to Alds. Lee, Cardona, Taliaferro and Yancy. The 2024 property tax levy, revenue ordinance and budget ordinances were deferred and published, as was the Chicago paid leave ordinance, while a 2023 appropriation amendment and environmental committee items, including a call for hearings on a Peoples Gas rate hike, passed. Under unfinished business, the Bring Chicago Home referendum question on the real estate transfer tax passed by a vote read as 32 to 17 after debate, a flooding-plan referendum question was held, and an amended acquisition of the former Jewel/Albertsons site at 115th and Halsted, with commitments on its future redevelopment, passed with members speaking in support of Ald. Ronnie L. Mosley motion by Ald. Scott Waguespack to censure Ald. Carlos Ramírez-Rosa led to extended debate; the chair's ruling that the motion was improper was overruled, the censure vote was announced as a 24-24 tie after the subject's vote was removed under Robert's Rules, and the chair cast the deciding vote, which the captions do not clearly record.

Topics: Censure motion, Bring Chicago Home, Paid leave ordinance, 2024 budget, Flooding referendum, Migrant shelters, 115th and Halsted site, Council decorum, Public comment

Agenda items discussed

1:25:14 Motion to allow remote participation for three members: passed
1:30:23 Public comment period: discussed
1:52:43 Point of personal privilege by Ald. Emma Mitts and apology by Ald. Carlos Ramírez-Rosa regarding the November 2 special meeting: discussed
2:12:06 2024 property tax levy and revenue ordinance (Finance Committee): deferred
2:12:56 2024 budget recommendations, annual appropriation ordinance and related budget ordinances: deferred
2:14:26 2023 annual appropriation ordinance amendment within Fund 925: passed
2:17:59 Transfers of funds within Ethics and Committees and Rules committees: passed
2:19:01 Amendment regarding radiation monitoring to remove the carnotite moratorium area (O2023-0004939): passed
2:19:29 Amendment regarding administration of private hauling complaints (SO2023-0001243): passed
2:19:51 Resolution calling for hearings on proposed Peoples Gas rate hike (R2023-0004577): passed
2:20:55 Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave ordinance (SO2023-0002980): deferred
2:21:58 Agreed calendar resolutions: passed
2:24:05 New business introductions, including several ordinances to repeal Municipal Code chapter 2-173
2:27:27 Bring Chicago Home referendum question on real estate transfer tax for homelessness (R2023-0004166): passed
2:51:36 Referendum question on a flooding mitigation and response plan (R2023-0005109): held
3:12:40 Acquisition of property at 11414 S. Halsted (former Jewel/Albertsons) with amended substitute (SO2023-0005042): passed
3:30:09 Motion under Rule 50 to censure Ald. Carlos Ramírez-Rosa
4:20:53 Appeal of the chair's ruling that the censure motion was improper: passed
4:44:42 Ordinance setting date and time of next meeting: passed

Alderpersons who spoke

Emma Mitts (alderperson): Described text messages and an encounter at the chamber door with Ald. Carlos Ramírez-Rosa during the November 2 special meeting, saying she was blocked from entering. (1:53:03); Said every woman should be respected, noted the apology she received, and said she is looking for action and no retaliation going forward. (2:04:22); Thanked colleagues and others who reached out in support. (2:06:42)
Carlos Ramírez-Rosa (alderperson): Apologized to Ald. Emma Mitts and to Alds. Lee, Cardona, Taliaferro and Yancy for his actions at the November 2 special meeting, and to the Council and the Mayor. (2:08:07); Said Council members must show each other respect even in strong disagreement and committed to rebuilding trust. (2:09:46)
Pat Dowell (alderperson): Reported the Finance Committee items and, with Ald. Jason C. Ervin, deferred and published the 2024 tax levy and revenue ordinance. (2:11:56); Supported Ald. Ronnie L. Mosley substitute, citing the expedited zoning and permitting commitments for the Morgan Park Commons development. (3:26:18)
Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Reported the Budget Committee items, deferring and publishing seven 2024 budget ordinances and moving passage of a 2023 appropriation amendment. (2:12:57); Said the flooding question is not a no-brainer for Austin and Garfield Park residents who suffered basement flooding and need state and federal help. (2:56:32); Said members who earlier stood with Ald. Ronnie L. Mosley should support the agreement he reached with his community and the Mayor. (3:21:36)
Maria E. Hadden (alderperson): Reported the Environmental Protection and Energy Committee's three items, including the Peoples Gas hearings resolution. (2:18:53); Explained the Bring Chicago Home referendum would ask voters about real estate transfer tax changes to fund homelessness services, and moved passage. (2:28:08); Disputed the claim that homelessness funds sit unspent, defended city workers' efforts, and said the city has a plan for the money. (2:43:42)
Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson)
Brendan Reilly (alderperson): Joined Alds. Hopkins and Beale in deferring and publishing the paid leave ordinance. (2:21:33); Agreed flooding is a serious issue but said the Council should act through a working group rather than a referendum that could crowd out a sanctuary city question. (3:01:20); Disagreed with Ald. Brian Hopkins and supported the censure as a historical record that such conduct is unacceptable, while noting the apology was accepted. (4:08:52)
Gilbert Villegas (alderperson): Recognized the Consul General of Bulgaria in connection with a resolution on Chicago's ties to Bulgaria. (2:22:40); Asked whether the substitute for the 115th and Halsted acquisition should have been introduced in committee rather than on the floor. (3:13:40); Supported Ald. Ronnie L. Mosley, saying the written commitment will help return the parcel to the tax rolls with development. (3:24:01)
David H. Moore (alderperson): Supported putting Bring Chicago Home on the ballot but raised concerns about the tax decrease, ensuring funds reach shelters, and wanting a seat on any oversight committee. (2:29:23); Opposed the flooding referendum, saying voters should instead be asked about sanctuary city status. (2:52:52)
Ronnie L. Mosley (alderperson): Described a substitute requiring the 115th and Halsted property be donated for the Morgan Park Commons redevelopment by October 31, 2024. (2:35:04); Said he met with his community, secured commitments for the Morgan Park redevelopment, and asked colleagues to support the item. (3:16:49)
Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Opposed Bring Chicago Home, arguing the city already allocates significant homelessness funds that are not being spent and the issue is execution. (2:36:27); Explained on a point of order that the item was properly noticed and the substitute was accepted without objection. (3:15:31); Objected to a section barring future ordinances on the site, saying it sets a precedent, and voted no. (3:18:02)
Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Supported sending Bring Chicago Home to voters while acknowledging concerns about commercial real estate and the timing of new funds. (2:40:49); Clarified that the threat she experienced occurred in the chamber during the meeting. (3:36:15); Said no one should abuse their position, acknowledged the resignations, and supported the censure as a first step in healing. (3:51:18)
Anthony Beale (alderperson): Called the flooding question a no-brainer and recommended holding it to negotiate a compromise that includes a sanctuary city question. (2:55:22); On personal privilege, objected to Ald. Jason C. Ervin response, said he supports flood relief, and asked for an apology. (3:00:21)
Anthony V. Napolitano (alderperson): Described annual flooding in his ward and his flood-control ordinance, but said the issue should be addressed by the Council rather than by referendum. (2:58:01); Supported the censure, saying members outside leadership would not receive the same treatment and that the meeting space was an extension of the chamber. (4:03:50)
Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Said the ballot questions reflect federal failures, criticized what he called divisive rhetoric, and called for federal support for migrants and residents. (3:04:01); Called up the 115th and Halsted acquisition with an amended substitute stating it would not be used as a migrant shelter beyond November 1, 2024. (3:12:40); Opposed the censure, agreeing with concerns about precedent and thanking Alds. Mitts and Ramírez-Rosa for steps toward reconciliation. (3:47:31)
Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Said Democratic officials, not only Republicans, are sending migrants to Chicago. (3:12:09); Said he accepts Ald. Carlos Ramírez-Rosa apology and could not support the censure. (4:02:00)
Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson): Supported Ald. Ronnie L. Mosley ordinance as an articulation of commitments made to the community. (3:23:04); Opposed the censure, distinguishing accountability from public punishment and urging a restorative process. (3:36:44)
Bennett R. Lawson (alderperson): Supported Ald. Ronnie L. Mosley compromise and asked for Corporation Counsel's view on the legality of the language restricting future action. (3:25:00)
Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Supported the agreement as a model for using properties with defined start and end dates as community assets. (3:27:46); Said he was conflicted but could not support the censure, citing concern about precedent and the role of a legislative body. (3:53:19)
Scott Waguespack (alderperson): Moved to censure Ald. Carlos Ramírez-Rosa for conduct at the November 2 special meeting, saying it was needed to restore accountability and decorum. (3:30:15)
Brian Hopkins (alderperson): Raised a point of order that Rule 50 censure applies to conduct during the current meeting, and that the conduct occurred outside the chamber at a prior meeting. (3:33:57); Said the Inspector General and Board of Ethics are appropriate venues and renewed his request that the censure motion be ruled out of order. (4:07:05)
Felix Cardona Jr. (alderperson): Described being told by Ald. Carlos Ramírez-Rosa during an economic development committee hearing what he would do, said he accepted the apology, and stressed the need for order. (3:55:51)
Monique L. Scott (alderperson): Said the experiences of colleagues who felt victimized should be acknowledged and questioned whether the apology would have come without video. (4:17:29)

Exchanges between members

2:34:31 Ald. David H. Moore commended Ald. Maria E. Hadden for her work on Bring Chicago Home.
2:43:56 Ald. Maria E. Hadden acknowledged points raised by Ald. David H. Moore and Ald. Nicole T. Lee.
2:44:27 Ald. Maria E. Hadden addressed Ald. Raymond A. Lopez and disputed his claim that homelessness funds are not being spent.
2:54:27 Ald. Maria E. Hadden offered Ald. David H. Moore a clarification that the flooding question is separate from the sanctuary question.
2:56:32 Ald. Jason C. Ervin responded that the flooding question is not a no-brainer for West Side residents.
2:58:01 Ald. Anthony V. Napolitano agreed with Ald. Jason C. Ervin that flooding is a major issue.
3:00:21 Ald. Anthony Beale objected to Ald. Jason C. Ervin comment and asked for an apology.
3:01:53 Ald. Brendan Reilly agreed with Ald. Maria E. Hadden and others that flooding needs to be addressed.
3:02:48 Ald. Brendan Reilly explained and supported what Ald. Anthony Beale was suggesting about the referendum.
3:04:27 Ald. Byron Sigcho-López said he agreed with Ald. Brendan Reilly that it is appalling such questions must go on the ballot.
3:15:31 Ald. Raymond A. Lopez responded to Ald. Gilbert Villegas procedural question about the substitute.
3:18:02 Ald. Raymond A. Lopez said he previously stood with Ald. Ronnie L. Mosley but could not support a section of the substitute.
3:21:36 Ald. Jason C. Ervin questioned members who earlier backed Ald. Ronnie L. Mosley but now opposed his agreement.
3:23:04 Ald. Jessica L. Fuentes thanked Ald. Ronnie L. Mosley and stood in support of his ordinance.
3:24:01 Ald. Gilbert Villegas supported Ald. Ronnie L. Mosley for getting the commitments in writing.
3:25:00 Ald. Bennett R. Lawson said he supported Ald. Ronnie L. Mosley compromise.
3:26:18 Ald. Pat Dowell said she supported Ald. Ronnie L. Mosley and admired the commitments he secured.
3:27:46 Ald. Andre Vasquez Jr. credited Ald. Ronnie L. Mosley and the Mayor for the agreement.
3:36:15 Ald. Nicole T. Lee responded to Ald. Brian Hopkins that the threat against her occurred in the chamber during the meeting.
3:40:19 Ald. Raymond A. Lopez rose in support of the censure motion offered by the 32nd Ward alderman.

Roll-call votes at this meeting

Call for hearing(s) on proposed rate hikes by Peoples Gas Company (R2023-0004577): Adopted 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 2, 8 and 11 regarding administration of private hauling complaints (SO2023-0001243): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Acquisition from Albertson's 11414 S. Halsted former Jewel Food Store (SO2023-0005042): Passed 49 yea, 1 nay
925 Amendment to 2023 Appropriations regarding Department Public Health, Department Fire (SO2023-0004943): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Proposal of new tax rates for Chicago R.E. transfer tax to set aside for homeless housing (R2023-0004166): Passed 32 yea, 17 nay
Amendment Municipal Code radiation monitoring Chapter 11-4 (O2023-0004939): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay