Committee on Aviation meeting, January 20, 2026
- When: Tue, Jan 20, 2026, 1:00 PM (Chicago time)
- Where: 201A, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Aviation
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928533?video=1156548262
- Transcript: full text (4,315 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 Aviation Committee met remotely, approved Rule 59 remote-access requests, adopted the October 14, 2025 Rule 45 report, and passed an ordinance revising airport badge-holder fines and related enforcement provisions. The ordinance was sent to the full City Council for consideration. No public comments were received.
Topics: Rule 59 remote-access approval, Rule 45 report adoption, Airport badge-holder fines and enforcement ordinance
Agenda items discussed
- 9:17 Approval of Rule 59 remote-access requests: passed
- 10:10 Approval of October 14 2025 Rule 45 report for the Committee on Aviation: passed
- 10:34 Ordinance 02252582 – Amendment to municipal code adding airport badge-holder fines and related provisions: passed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Nicole T. Lee (chair): Called for a motion to recommend approval of the Rule 59 remote-access requests. (9:17); Asked for a motion to recommend approval of the Rule 45 report. (10:20); Requested a motion to pass the ordinance after discussion. (37:40)
- Marty Quinn (alderperson): Moved to begin the public-comment period. (9:46)
- Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson): Asked what qualifies as a secured area at the airports. (14:21); Inquired whether federal authorities such as Border Patrol or ICE would be subject to the new fines. (15:49); Requested clarification on the fine-breakdown slide. (16:44)
- Pat Dowell (alderperson): Asked the chair to return to the slide showing the fines breakdown. (16:44); Requested an example of a class-1 violation. (16:50)
- Brian Hopkins (alderperson): Congratulated the aviation team on O’Hare’s #1 ranking. (21:04); Asked whether the fines are civil matters and if any could lead to criminal investigations. (21:29); Queried when a violation should be referred to Chicago police for criminal investigation. (21:55)
- Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Acknowledged Alderman Irvin’s presence and thanked colleagues. (23:34); Asked whether the committee would follow up with the Law Department on the rule-making timeline. (27:49)
- Nicholas Sposato (alderperson)
Exchanges between members
- 16:44 Alderman Pat Dowell asked Chairman Nicole T. Lee to return to the fines-breakdown slide.
- 21:04 Alderman Brian Hopkins thanked Chairman Nicole T. Lee after his remarks on O’Hare’s ranking.
- 23:34 Alderman Raymond A. Lopez thanked Alderman Jason C. Ervin for his attendance.
- 27:49 Alderman Raymond A. Lopez asked Chairman Nicole T. Lee whether the committee would follow up with the Law Department on rule-making.