# Committee on Public Safety meeting, May 7, 2024

- When: Tue, May 7, 2024, 12:00 PM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: [Committee on Public Safety](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/public-safety)
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928579/video/941704570
- Transcript: [full text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/941704570.txt) (17,533 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 Committee on Public Safety met on May 7, 2024, approved remote participation for several members, and heard six public commenters, including clinic staff and a volunteer escort who supported a noise ordinance and residents who raised concerns about violence, a police crash report, and economic conditions. The committee reconsidered and substituted Alderperson William Conway ordinance amending Municipal Code section 8-32-065 to designate a noise-sensitive zone around Family Planning Associates at 659 West Washington Boulevard, restricting amplified and percussive sound; after debate in which Alderperson Nicholas Sposato raised free speech and enforcement concerns and other members spoke in support, the substitute received a do-pass recommendation with Alderpersons Sposato and Gardiner recorded as no votes. The committee then held a subject matter discussion on Alderperson Gilbert Villegas substitute resolution calling for a hearing on rogue tow truck operators, hearing from the Department of Streets and Sanitation, BACP, the Chicago Police Department and the National Insurance Crime Bureau about licensing, enforcement, fees, scanner monitoring and tow rotation programs used in other cities, and adopted the substitute resolution.

Topics: Noise-sensitive zones, Reproductive health clinic access, Free speech, Rogue towing, Tow truck licensing, Police enforcement, Consumer protection, Public comment

### Agenda items discussed

- [18:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=1110) Motion to allow remote participation for several members: passed
- [19:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=1141) Public comment: discussed
- [37:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=2279) Amendment of Municipal Code section 8-32-065 designating noise-sensitive zones on portions of specified streets (substitute): passed
- [1:07:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=4028) Substitute resolution calling for a hearing on rogue tow operators in the City of Chicago: passed

### Alderpersons who spoke

- [Brian Hopkins](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/2) (chair): Explained that the noise-sensitive zone ordinance had passed committee in November but was held rather than reported out, requiring a motion to reconsider and a substitute. ([37:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=2279)); Described seeing rogue tow trucks at crash scenes with missing or questionable ICC numbers and asked whether patrol officers can verify a tow truck's registration and what their responsibility is at the scene. ([1:14:44](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=4484)); Said rogue operators monitor scanner traffic for airbag deployments and that the city's ability to verify tow operators at scenes should be followed up on. ([1:17:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=4650))
- [William Conway](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/34) (alderperson): Explained that the substitute was revised after the Corporation Counsel reviewed the earlier version for constitutional issues and is now signed off by the Corporation Counsel. ([38:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=2334)); Said the ordinance creates a noise-sensitive zone around Family Planning Associates because protesters have used amplifiers that make it hard for clinicians to hear patients, and noted many neighborhood noise complaints. ([39:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=2360)); Described the ordinance as a text amendment to an existing 2019 ordinance that created noise-sensitive zones around two hospitals, restricting bullhorns and percussive noise that interfere with noise-sensitive activities. ([40:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=2420))
- [Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/48) (alderperson): Thanked the sponsor and speakers and asked whether there is a plan with the police department to secure the area after passage. ([44:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=2695)); Said she was glad of the coordination with police and fully supports the ordinance. ([46:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=2791)); Asked how long city tows take to arrive, whether city tow trucks look the same, and where towed cars go. ([1:49:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=6586))
- [Byron Sigcho-López](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/25) (alderperson): Spoke in support of the ordinance, saying abortion rights are respected in Illinois and Chicago and that patients have the right to seek services without harassment, and urged colleagues to support it. ([46:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=2812))
- [Nicholas Sposato](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/38) (alderperson): Opposed the ordinance on free speech grounds, questioning why abortion clinics are singled out and describing loud counter-protesters at an anti-abortion rally he attended. ([49:14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=2954)); Said he was disappointed that police were not present to explain how they would enforce the ordinance, noting enforcement requires sound meters. ([50:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=3039)); Asked the Law Department whether it saw no problem with the ordinance and said restricting amplified noise only at abortion clinics sets a dangerous precedent, though he would accept a citywide rule. ([57:18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=3438))
- [Matthew J. Martin](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/47) (alderperson): Said the ordinance was carefully reviewed with the Law Department and Legislative Reference Bureau, that the record supports it, and moved to pass, citing the need to protect access to reproductive health care. ([52:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=3150)); Noted the ordinance requires findings developed with CPD and the Department of Public Health, and that the list of noise-sensitive activities is non-exhaustive and could cover public offices. ([1:05:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=3927))
- [Derrick G. Curtis](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/18) (alderperson): Asked to hear publicly from a Law Department attorney on the ordinance so the process would be transparent. ([54:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=3276)); Called for flyers and CAPS outreach so residents know what licensed tow trucks look like, and asked whether unsolicited tow trucks can be impounded at the scene. ([1:39:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=5957)); Asked whether license stickers change color when they expire so officers can spot expired ones. ([1:44:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=6246))
- [Maria E. Hadden](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/49) (alderperson): Said sound restrictions are common and the ordinance does not limit free speech or assembly but addresses amplified sound in sensitive areas, and said she would support a similar zone for a colleague's ward office if needed. ([1:04:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=3841))
- [Gilbert Villegas](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/36) (alderperson): Said rogue towing has persisted despite a 2021 tow licensing ordinance, that the ICC lacks resources to oversee the industry, and that the resolution calls for a hearing with the departments involved. ([1:09:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=4171)); Cited a crash in which a tow truck chasing a call hit a bus that went into a business as the impetus for the original ordinance. ([1:11:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=4260)); Defined rogue towers as ICC-licensed operators who solicit crash victims, tow vehicles to yards and demand cash, and described territorial conflicts among them. ([1:12:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=4341))
- [Jeylú B. Gutiérrez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/14) (alderperson): Asked how aldermanic offices and CPD can help residents identify licensed tow trucks, and whether the license sticker shows its year. ([1:42:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=6156))

### Exchanges between members

- [44:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=2682) The chair thanked Alderperson William Conway and entered the noise complaint records into the meeting record.
- [44:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=2695) Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth thanked Alderperson William Conway and asked about a plan with police to secure the area.
- [45:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=2741) Alderperson William Conway described added police presence and a meeting with the district commander.
- [47:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=2839) Alderperson Byron Sigcho-López said he appreciated Alderperson William Conway effort and urged support.
- [52:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=3141) The chair told Alderperson Nicholas Sposato his opposition would be recorded as a no vote.
- [52:35](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=3155) Alderperson Matthew J. Martin responded to Alderperson Nicholas Sposato remark about attorneys by describing the legal review the ordinance received.
- [54:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=3252) Alderperson Matthew J. Martin commended Alderperson William Conway for staying with the ordinance.
- [55:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=3354) Alderperson Derrick G. Curtis thanked the chair for allowing the Law Department to speak publicly.
- [1:02:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=3729) The chair asked Alderperson Nicholas Sposato to let the sponsor respond to his point about police not testifying.
- [1:02:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=3742) Alderperson William Conway responded to Alderperson Nicholas Sposato concerns by describing the ordinance's legal basis and coordination with police.
- [1:04:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=3885) Alderperson Maria E. Hadden told Alderperson Nicholas Sposato she would support him if his ward office faced similar amplified noise.
- [1:05:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=3923) The chair asked Alderperson Matthew J. Martin whether he wished to renew his motion.
- [1:11:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=4298) The chair thanked Alderperson Gilbert Villegas for his opening remarks.
- [1:12:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=4341) Alderperson Gilbert Villegas answered Alderperson Nicholas Sposato question defining rogue tow operators.
- [1:18:18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=4698) Alderperson Nicholas Sposato suggested the sponsor consider a contract cancellation period for tows.
- [1:19:04](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=4744) The chair told Alderperson Nicholas Sposato his suggestion was well timed because the hearing would lay groundwork for a future ordinance.
- [1:19:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=4759) Alderperson Gilbert Villegas told Alderperson Nicholas Sposato that some tow firms reopen under new names after getting in trouble.
- [1:26:44](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=5204) Alderperson Gilbert Villegas asked the chair to hear from BACP and the insurance industry.
- [1:42:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=6156) Alderperson Jeylú B. Gutiérrez echoed Alderperson Derrick G. Curtis point about aldermanic offices spreading information on licensed tow trucks.
- [1:49:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C?t=6586) Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth thanked Alderperson Gilbert Villegas for raising the issue.

## Documents

- [Agenda](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/c08b5ff0-b049-47c5-95fb-0017e20711fb.pdf)
- [Notice](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/15570c80-a6c7-4a42-99c9-79aeab107fa4.pdf)
- [Summary](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/bb9b6b8a-b721-4243-b045-27660848c685.pdf)

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/B3C1F4A5-1807-EF11-9F89-001DD804AF4C · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt