City Council meeting, November 1, 2023

When: Wed, Nov 1, 2023, 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/879869589
Transcript: full text (35,827 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 held public comment on topics including the Bring Chicago Home real estate transfer tax proposal, migrant shelters, a proposed fur sales ban and the conflict in Gaza, then passed resolutions recognizing Native American Heritage Month and Veterans Day after extended remarks from members. The Council passed Finance, Aviation and Housing committee items, including affordable housing assistance, TIF-funded school improvements and several TIF amendments, while a proposed referendum on Chicago's sanctuary city status, the Bring Chicago Home and flooding-plan ballot questions, and the acquisition of a vacant Albertsons/Jewel property at 115th and Halsted in the 21st Ward were deferred and published after debate over migrant shelter siting. A motion to table a referral of an ordinance permitting public bookcases on the public way failed and that ordinance was referred to committee. The meeting closed with a public hearing on the proposed 2024 budget, where the Civic Federation and two residents testified and members asked questions about transparency, migrant costs and structural deficits.

Topics: Native American Heritage Month, Veterans Day, Migrant shelters, Sanctuary city referendum, Bring Chicago Home, TIF and affordable housing, Public bookcases ordinance, 2024 budget hearing, Public comment

Agenda items discussed

32:29 Motion to allow members to participate remotely: passed
36:23 Public comment period: discussed
1:07:48 Resolution celebrating Native American Heritage Month: passed
1:21:16 Resolution commemorating Veterans Day: passed
2:15:03 Communications from the Mayor and City Clerk
2:22:06 Amendment for Imani Village Senior Residence at 9621 S. Cottage Grove (8th Ward): passed
2:25:23 Finance items: Rule Among senior apartments transfer, Austin United Alliance assistance, United Yards 1B redevelopment agreement, TIF funding for CPS school improvements, and TIF plan amendments: passed
2:28:46 Second Amendment to Clark/Montrose TIF redevelopment plan (Ald. Matthew J. Martin recused under Rule 14): passed
2:31:28 Settlement order in Richey Hampton Jr. v. City of Chicago ($200,000): passed
2:32:33 Aviation committee: concessionaire COVID-19 relief extension and wireless license amendment at O'Hare and Midway: passed
2:34:43 Correction of City Council Journal of Proceedings of September 14, 2023: passed
2:35:12 Proposed referendum on whether Chicago should remain a sanctuary city: deferred
2:39:46 Resolution calling for hearings on proposed Peoples Gas rate hike (referred to committee)
2:44:21 Ballot question on real estate transfer tax rate to combat homelessness (Bring Chicago Home): deferred
2:45:23 Ballot question on creating a flooding mitigation and response plan: deferred
2:56:05 Acquisition of former Albertsons property at 115th and Halsted (21st Ward): deferred
3:00:07 Extensions of intergovernmental lease agreements with University of Illinois for neighborhood clinics: passed
3:25:22 Planning items: fire station sale to Black Fire Brigade, Robert Jackson Park land exchange, CTA Red Line extension IGA, Sankofa Wellness Center land sale: passed
3:29:17 Agreed calendar resolutions: passed
3:37:06 Approval of journals of October meetings: passed
3:37:34 Substitute ordinance permitting public bookcases on the public way (motion to table referral failed; referred to committee) (SO2023-0002990)
3:46:37 Ordinance setting date and time of next meeting: passed
3:48:10 Public hearing on proposed 2024 executive budget: discussed

Alderpersons who spoke

Maria E. Hadden (alderperson): Associated herself with the Native American Heritage Month resolution and thanked guests for their leadership. (1:08:38); Spoke of her family's military service and encouraged veterans to consider continued public service, including elected office. (1:33:22)
Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Supported the Native American Heritage Month resolution and criticized past government efforts to suppress Native American heritage. (1:09:24); Challenged all members to open their ward offices to the Department of Veterans Affairs to connect veterans with services. (1:42:03); Opposed the 115th and Halsted acquisition, saying the city lacks an articulated long-term plan for migrant shelters and that communities are not notified. (3:02:10)
Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (alderperson): Spoke in support of the Native American Heritage Month resolution and asked to hear the names of guests in attendance. (1:11:23)
Carlos Ramírez-Rosa (alderperson): Associated with the Native American Heritage Month resolution, noting Chicago's large urban native population and his own indigenous ancestry. (1:11:59); Said the city's migrant plan is posted online and presented at committee hearings and briefings, and that only the city is operating shelters. (3:08:24); Supported accepting the free 115th and Halsted parcel, saying it is planned for the Morgan Commons mixed-use development. (3:10:19)
Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez (alderperson): Spoke on honoring indigenous resilience while recognizing the harms of colonization, and expressed hope for an Indigenous Peoples Day. (1:14:19)
Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Associated with the Native American Heritage Month resolution and spoke about historic injustices against indigenous people. (1:16:12); Thanked veterans, endorsed Ald. Raymond A. Lopez challenge, and connected veteran homelessness to support for Bring Chicago Home. (1:51:09)
Gilbert Villegas (alderperson): As co-sponsor and a Marine, described Veterans Caucus initiatives and planned legislation on veteran housing set-asides and hiring preferences. (1:24:38)
Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Spoke of his family's military service and said veteran homelessness needs to be addressed. (1:31:02); Said he stands behind the 21st Ward alderman and asked to be recorded as a no on the acquisition. (3:18:54); Spoke in support of the fire station sale to the Black Fire Brigade, praising its youth programs. (3:27:02)
Anthony V. Napolitano (alderperson): Rose in support of the Veterans Day resolution and thanked veterans for their sacrifices. (1:32:30); Said Ald. Ronnie L. Mosley was elected to represent his community and that he would also vote no. (3:10:51)
Chris Taliaferro (alderperson): As a veteran, supported the resolution and cited the real estate transfer tax as a way to house homeless veterans and address PTSD. (1:35:07)
Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Spoke of her family's military service and acknowledged Asian American contributions to military service. (1:37:14)
Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson): Described veterans' volunteer work in his ward and associated himself with the resolution. (1:39:19)
Samantha Nugent (alderperson): Supported the resolution, noted the Korean War armistice anniversary, and highlighted her ward's veterans committee event. (1:40:57); Moved to refer the public bookcases ordinance to the Committee on Transportation for further consideration. (3:37:55)
Timothy R. Knudsen (alderperson): Asked to be added as a co-sponsor, shared his grandparents' Navy service, and urged offices to serve as resources for veterans. (1:48:29)
Peter Chico (alderperson): Supported the resolution and described efforts to restore a Vietnam memorial mural near Our Lady of Guadalupe in his ward. (1:50:11)
David H. Moore (alderperson): Supported the resolution and described the South Side Memorial Day parade he started for veterans. (1:54:04)
Desmon C. Yancy (alderperson): Supported the resolution, citing Milton Olive and relatives who served, and said veterans must fight for resources after returning. (1:56:47)
Michelle A. Harris (alderperson): Supported the resolution and described her family's military service, including an uncle who died saving others in training. (1:58:01); Presented the Rules Committee report, including referrals and deferrals of proposed ballot questions. (2:34:18); Asked the Civic Federation for its recommendations on improving the public comment process. (4:09:55)
Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson): Spoke about the 65th Infantry Regiment veterans in her ward and said housing and mental health care, including Bring Chicago Home, are needed. (1:59:32); Said no one had proposed a better solution to the migrant crisis, that asking a ballot question would not provide solutions, and urged pressure on state and federal governments. (3:11:05)
Daniel La Spata (alderperson): Supported the resolution and said veterans are disproportionately affected by homelessness and mental health crises, requiring action beyond words. (2:02:31); Read from the bookcase ordinance, noting it limits public way permits to nonprofits, organizations and licensed businesses. (3:40:06)
William Conway (alderperson): As an active reservist, recounted an experience in Afghanistan and spoke about repeated trauma and veteran suicide. (2:04:14)
Matthew J. Martin (alderperson): Explained he was invoking Rule 14 on the Clark/Montrose TIF amendment because of his wife's firm's past work for an entity advocating for it. (2:29:14)
Matthew J. O'Shea (alderperson): Presented two Aviation Committee items on airport concessionaire relief and wireless services. (2:32:33)
Anthony Beale (alderperson): Questioned how a referral of the sanctuary city referendum could be treated as a committee report. (2:36:02); Argued voters should be allowed a nonbinding referendum on sanctuary city status, citing spending on migrants and neighborhood needs. (2:36:44); Urged colleagues to honor the 21st Ward alderman's opposition to the 115th and Halsted acquisition and asked whether redevelopment commitments were in writing. (3:15:18)
Brendan Reilly (alderperson): Said he agreed with Ald. Anthony Beale that voters should be asked about sanctuary city status and criticized using a flooding question to fill ballot space. (2:46:30); Asked for an explanation of the substance of the unfinished-business ordinance before the vote. (3:38:33); Asked to confirm the ordinance concerns the little free libraries seen around the city. (3:42:01)
Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Criticized developers' arguments against the transfer tax, citing property tax appeals, and said voters should decide on homelessness funding. (2:49:38); Presented the Housing Committee report, including land acquisitions, clinic leases and property sales. (2:55:51); Moved to defer and publish the 115th and Halsted acquisition, citing the need for more debate. (3:25:04)
Ronnie L. Mosley (alderperson): Said he understood the Administration's commitments on migrant shelters but had pledged to make decisions with his community, and asked to be recorded as a no. (3:00:25)
James M. Gardiner (alderperson): Asked to be recorded as a no and said members should listen to the alderpersons who represent affected communities. (3:14:54)
William E. Hall (alderperson): Said the migrant situation is a federal issue and that the President should bring federal funding when visiting Chicago. (3:18:05)
Monique L. Scott (alderperson): Urged members not to pit communities against each other, said many wards host migrants, and said she would stand with colleagues who say no. (3:19:24)
Pat Dowell (alderperson): Welcomed the Black Fire Brigade staying in the ward and urged efforts to bring more African American recruits into public safety. (3:28:01); Asked the Civic Federation whether it had analyzed ways to increase revenue given the budget's structural imbalance. (4:11:58)
Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Asked the Civic Federation whether it had provided its usual information packet on the budget. (4:06:29)

Exchanges between members

1:35:48 Ald. Chris Taliaferro credited Ald. Gilbert Villegas leadership of the Veterans Caucus.
1:34:13 Ald. Maria E. Hadden referenced Ald. Gilbert Villegas remark about the shrinking veterans caucus.
1:41:06 Ald. Samantha Nugent thanked colleagues who served, including Ald. William Conway who is still active.
1:48:36 Ald. Timothy R. Knudsen echoed points Ald. Raymond A. Lopez made about veterans' services.
1:52:20 Ald. Andre Vasquez Jr. thanked Ald. Raymond A. Lopez for his comments and challenge to open offices to veterans.
1:53:35 Ald. Andre Vasquez Jr. thanked veteran members including Ald. Gilbert Villegas.
2:02:59 Ald. Daniel La Spata echoed Ald. Chris Taliaferro point about veterans and homelessness.
2:08:06 Ald. William Conway said he was proud to serve in the Veterans Caucus with Ald. Gilbert Villegas.
2:46:49 Ald. Brendan Reilly said he agreed with Ald. Anthony Beale on allowing a sanctuary city referendum.
3:07:18 Ald. Raymond A. Lopez said he would stand with the colleague who voted no for his community.
3:10:51 Ald. Anthony V. Napolitano said Ald. Ronnie L. Mosley was elected to represent his community and joined him in voting no.
3:14:58 Ald. James M. Gardiner told Ald. Ronnie L. Mosley he stands behind him and would vote no.
3:15:34 Ald. Anthony Beale urged colleagues to honor the 21st Ward alderman's wishes.
3:19:08 Ald. Nicholas Sposato said he stands behind his colleague in the 21st Ward.
3:28:01 Ald. Pat Dowell addressed Ald. Derrick G. Curtis about the Black Fire Brigade remaining in her ward.
3:38:33 Ald. Brendan Reilly asked for the substance of the ordinance sponsored by Ald. Raymond A. Lopez.
3:38:50 Ald. Raymond A. Lopez answered that the ordinance concerns permitting public bookcases.
3:42:01 Ald. Brendan Reilly asked, based on Ald. Daniel La Spata description, whether the ordinance covers little free libraries.

Roll-call votes at this meeting

Second Amendment to License Agreement with Chicago Concourse Development Group (O2023-0004942): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Second amendment to Galewood/Armitage Industrial Redevelopment Project Area Tax Increment Finance Redevelopment Plan and Project to increase allowable costs by maximum of five percent (O2023-0005099): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Extension of Intergovernmental Lease Agreement at 1713 S. Ashland Ave (O2023-0004940): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Red Line land disposition with Chicago Transit Authority (O2023-0005103): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Board of Education for allocation of tax increment financing (TIF) funds for fire alarm system replacement at Friedrich W. Von Steuben Metropolitan Science High School, 5039 N Kimball Ave (O2023-0005062): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
City and private parcels to create Sankofa Wellness Village (O2023-0005045): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment No. 3 to Imani Senior Village Phase 1 LLC revising Exhibit A, previously revised (O2023-0005579): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Restructuring Agreement from Chicago Community Development Corp to East Lake Darul LLC (O2023-0005046): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Restructuring and redevelopment agreement with tax increment financing (TIF) assistance and additional City funds to Austin United Alliance LP, Austin United Alliance GP LLC for multi-family, mixed-use development at 5206-5224 W Chicago Ave (O2023-0005047): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Extension of Intergovernmental Lease Agreement with University of Ill at 845 W Wilson Ave (O2023-0004941): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Board of Education for allocation of tax increment financing (TIF) funds for full roof replacement, targeted masonry repair and replacement of playlot and existing asphalt pavement areas at Irvin C. Mollison Elementary School, 4415 S Dr Martin Luther King Jr Drive (O2023-0005066): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Black Fire Brigade (O2023-0005101): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amended tax increment financing (TIF) redevelopment agreement with Celadon Construction Corporation NFP and other entities by excluding property at 1635-1643 W 47th St, modifying construction project scope, retaining property at 4700 S Ashland Ave and 4707 S Marshfield Ave (O2023-0004944): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Board of Education for allocation of tax increment financing (TIF) funds for full chiller plant and system replacement at Roberto Clemente Community Academy High School, 1147 N Western Ave (O2023-0005057): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District to transfer former Robert Jackson Park property at 4319 S Indiana Ave to City in exchange for replacement land to expand existing parks or for public purpose use (O2023-0005102): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay