City Council meeting, October 9, 2024

When: Wed, Oct 9, 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/manage/videos/1017625447
Transcript: full text (38,093 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 City Council heard public comment on the proposed quantum computing park rezoning, a fur sales ban, the 2025 budget, housing and the October 7 anniversary, then adopted resolutions commemorating former Alderman Mary Ann Smith, recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month and honoring Latina/o Heritage Month, along with acknowledgements of Indigenous Peoples Day, International Day of the Girl and the October 7 anniversary. The council passed Finance Committee items including several TIF redevelopment agreements, CPS school improvement agreements, legal settlements and wastewater revenue bonds, while a sales tax securitization bond refunding was deferred and published after Alderman Raymond A. Lopez amendment to it was laid on the table (read as 28 yeas, 20 nays). A motion by Alderman Jason C. Ervin to suspend the rules to send items held in the Committee on Committees and Rules back to their original committees failed (read as 31 yeas, 17 nays) after the chair's ruling allowing it was sustained on appeal. Reports from the budget, economic development, housing, license, traffic, police and fire, public safety, transportation and zoning committees passed, including a firefighter skylight safety ordinance and a line-of-duty death leave policy. A motion by Alderman Raymond A. Lopez to dispense with approval of the September 18 journal was laid on the table (read as 38 yeas, 9 nays) and the journal was approved; Alderman Gilbert Villegas withdrew a call for a special meeting on CPS board appointments in favor of an October 18 Education Committee hearing.

Topics: public comment, Mary Ann Smith commemoration, domestic violence awareness, Latina/o Heritage Month, TIF redevelopment agreements, bond refinancing, committee referrals and rules, journal approval, firefighter safety, CPS board appointments

Agenda items discussed

35:55 Public comment
1:08:30 Acknowledgement of Indigenous Peoples Day: discussed
1:10:42 Acknowledgement of International Day of the Girl: discussed
1:18:34 Acknowledgement and moment of silence marking one year since October 7: discussed
1:25:13 Resolution commemorating former Alderman Mary Ann Smith: passed
1:46:37 Resolution recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month: passed
2:21:21 Resolution honoring Latina/o Heritage Month: passed
3:07:03 Communications from the mayor and city officials referred to committees
3:15:35 Redevelopment agreement with Bandwidth Music Ltd for 134 S. California Ave. (27th Ward): passed
3:19:01 Replacement redevelopment agreement and TIF funds for DANK Haus German American Cultural Center (40th Ward): passed
3:19:47 Redevelopment agreement and TIF funds for TimeLine Theatre Company (48th Ward): passed
3:20:18 Redevelopment agreement and TIF funds for Double Door redevelopment at 1050-1052 W. Wilson Ave. (46th Ward): passed
3:20:58 Second amendment to redevelopment agreement for restoration of the Ramova Theater (11th Ward): passed
3:21:33 Intergovernmental agreements with the Chicago Board of Education for TIF-funded improvements at Johnson, Collins and Chalmers schools: passed
3:23:20 Redevelopment agreement and multifamily bonds for The Avenue Southwest at 3601-3625 W. Chicago Ave. (27th Ward): passed
3:24:01 Redevelopment agreement and bonds for Sacred Apartments low-income residential facility (10th Ward): passed
3:24:45 TIF redevelopment agreement for 79 W. Monroe St. (34th Ward): passed
3:25:16 Settlement orders in Bass v. URS, Wade v. Doughty and City of Chicago, and Banks v. City of Chicago: passed
3:26:50 Ordinance ceding tax-exempt private activity volume cap to IHDA and the CHA: passed
3:27:23 Second lien wastewater transmission revenue bonds, series 2024B: passed
3:27:50 Refunding of Sales Tax Securitization Corporation bonds, series 2024: deferred
3:32:39 Motion by Alderman Raymond A. Lopez to amend the bond refunding ordinance on its face (laid on the table): failed
3:37:23 Payment and denial of various small claims against the city: passed
3:41:14 Appeal of the ruling of the chair allowing a motion to suspend the rules on committee referrals: failed
3:38:19 Motion to suspend the rules to re-refer items from the Committee on Committees and Rules to their designated committees: failed
3:59:56 Budget and Government Operations Committee report: Fund 925 appropriation amendment and fund transfers: passed
4:02:40 Economic, Capital and Technology Development report: SSA appointments, budgets and hearings, and Class 6(b) incentives: passed
4:06:37 Housing and Real Estate Committee report: loan restructurings, low-affordability designations, Cut the Tape code amendment, leases and land sales: passed
4:10:40 License and Consumer Protection report: liquor moratoriums, pedicab restrictions, shared housing and cannabis zones, Wrigley Plaza extension: passed
4:13:06 Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee report: 421 routine traffic items: passed
4:13:38 Ordinance establishing leave policy following the death of a uniformed service member: passed
4:15:37 Resolution calling for a subject matter hearing on extreme weather response: passed
4:16:12 Transportation and Public Way Committee report: passed
4:17:53 Zoning Committee report: Public Building Commission reappointments, ZBA alternate member, landmarks, map amendments and signs: passed
4:19:01 Ordinance on low-slope roof skylights and fire safety: passed
4:23:12 Agreed calendar resolutions: passed
4:24:02 New business introductions by ward
4:32:11 Motion by Alderman Raymond A. Lopez to dispense with the reading and approval of the September 18, 2024 journal (laid on the table): failed
4:43:14 Approval of the journal of the September 18, 2024 meeting: passed
4:44:42 Withdrawal of call for special meeting on CPS board appointments in favor of October 18 Education Committee hearing: discussed
4:51:39 Motion to adjourn: passed

Alderpersons who spoke

Maria E. Hadden (alderperson): Honored Indigenous Peoples Day, read from the city's land acknowledgement and urged colleagues to include Native communities in equity discussions. (1:08:40); Recognized International Day of the Girl and the Girls Like Me Project, describing violence and other issues girls face in Chicago. (1:11:00); Called for continued budget investment for survivors and encouraged attendance at a hearing on missing and murdered women and how police handle those cases. (1:57:38)
Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Spoke in support of the Day of the Girl recognition she co-sponsored and on working with fellow women council members. (1:14:26); Recalled meeting Mary Ann Smith through a community organization serving immigrants and her attention to community needs. (1:38:21); Said domestic violence should be addressed beyond October and urged colleagues to keep supporting survivor services in the budget. (1:55:56)
Pat Dowell (alderperson): Congratulated the Girls Like Me Project director on her work in the community. (1:15:21); Recalled working with Mary Ann Smith on neighborhood planning and the support she offered during Dowell's own breast cancer experience. (1:32:07); Presented the Finance Committee report, including redevelopment agreements, CPS intergovernmental agreements, settlements and bond ordinances. (3:15:21)
Debra L. Silverstein (alderperson): Marked one year since the October 7 attack, described the hostages still held and rising antisemitism, and recognized Jewish organizations in the gallery. (1:18:46); Asked colleagues to rise for a moment of silence for those killed on October 7 and for the return of hostages. (1:23:37); Presented the License Committee report on liquor moratoriums, pedicab rules, shared housing and cannabis zones, and the Wrigley Plaza extension. (4:10:34)
Bennett R. Lawson (alderperson): Described working in Mary Ann Smith's era and her work on LGBT rights, HIV/AIDS policy, affordable housing, traffic calming and green infrastructure. (1:26:14)
Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Recalled working with Mary Ann Smith on affordable housing and described her governing style. (1:34:04); Recognized former Alderman Vilma Colom and honoree George Burciaga for his work advising mayors around the country. (2:40:56); Presented the zoning committee report, including Public Building Commission reappointments, landmarks, map amendments and the skylight safety ordinance. (4:17:32)
Scott Waguespack (alderperson): Recalled Mary Ann Smith's work on traffic calming, open space impact fees and banning smoking on beaches. (1:35:48); Called for dedicated funding and staff for domestic violence programs as federal ARPA funds run out. (2:13:02); Explained his no vote on the sales tax securitization refunding, saying it pushes debt into future years, lacked transparency and risks credit downgrades. (3:28:24)
Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (alderperson): Described Mary Ann Smith as a placemaker who created historic districts, expanded parks, built supportive housing and introduced traffic calming in the 48th Ward. (1:39:18)
Stephanie D. Coleman (alderperson): Cited statistics on domestic violence affecting Black women and announced a special hearing on domestic violence and missing girls on October 23. (1:48:56)
Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson): Said city efforts on domestic violence need strengthening, citing a recent killing in his community and state legislation known as Karina's Bill. (1:51:14); Spoke on the diversity of the Latino community and recognized community leaders from Little Village, calling for better treatment of migrants. (2:21:44)
Daniel La Spata (alderperson): Said the council should address gender-based violence year-round, cited the share of girls who will experience it, and called on men to reject violence. (1:53:34); Recognized a housing organizer and a new member of the community commission for public safety and accountability. (2:29:31)
Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Spoke about children affected by domestic violence, his own experience, and cases in his ward where police and courts did not protect victims. (2:00:01); Spoke as Latino Caucus vice chair about shared experiences of being othered and recognized an advocate for displaced immigrants. (2:43:00); Asked whether the motion to dispense with the journal was intended to prevent enforcement of the Northwest Side housing ordinance. (4:38:04)
Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Said lack of shelter keeps domestic violence victims with abusers and called for investment in shelters and community organizations. (2:02:45); Spoke on the 25th Ward's Mexican American community, Latino contractors and procurement, and noted Alderman Carlos Ramírez-Rosa is also a senior Latino member. (2:55:57); Presented the Housing and Real Estate Committee report, including loan restructurings, low-affordability designations and city land sales. (4:06:28)
Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Shared his family's experience with domestic abuse and urged Springfield to pass Karina's Bill and related bills, calling a one-time $1,000 payment insufficient. (2:06:08); Said Latino representation among committee chairs, the school board and the city workforce has not kept pace with the population. (2:51:18); Said the city pays higher bond fees than peer cities and moved to amend the refunding ordinance to raise the minimum sale price from 85% to 90% of principal. (3:31:39)
William Conway (alderperson): Recalled his experience as a prosecutor working with domestic violence victims who often did not proceed with complaints. (2:11:30)
Jeanette B. Taylor (alderperson): Shared her own experience of domestic violence and said she secured commitments from the mayor and police superintendent for a task force and funding to search for missing women. (2:14:32)
Julia M. Ramirez (alderperson): Honored Carmela Vargas, president of the Mexican Patriotic Club in the 10th Ward, for decades of community work. (2:24:26)
Peter Chico (alderperson): Recognized the Mexican Patriotic Club and the Mexican American Leadership Organization for their work in the 10th Ward. (2:27:22)
Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson): Spoke about Latino contributions, displacement from gentrification, and honored a Humboldt Park dance leader. (2:31:15); Asked to be recorded as a yes on the first Finance Committee item. (3:34:22)
Ruth Cruz (alderperson): Spoke as a Mexican immigrant about Latino contributions and honored a longtime advocate for women, immigrants and affordable housing. (2:35:51)
Gilbert Villegas (alderperson): Recognized former Alderman Vilma Colom and George Burciaga, a partner on the Chicago Technology Task Force. (2:39:22); Presented the Economic, Capital and Technology Development report on SSA appointments, budgets, hearings and Class 6(b) incentives. (4:02:31); Said 41 aldermen signed a letter seeking hearings on recent CPS board appointments and withdrew the call for a special meeting in favor of an October 18 Education Committee hearing. (4:44:46)
Jeylú B. Gutiérrez (alderperson): Spoke as the first Latina to represent the 14th Ward about serving residents in Spanish and honored the founder of The Blessing Hand. (2:47:26)
Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Moved to suspend the rules in relation to committee referrals. (3:38:14); Said the items held in the rules committee include SSA appointments and TIF assistance and urged a vote to send them to their committees. (3:51:49); Agreed with Alderman Anthony Beale that the original referrals were made without debate but said suspending the rules is a separate step the body may take. (3:54:27)
Anthony Beale (alderperson): Said the motion to suspend the rules on committee referrals was out of order as an attempt to circumvent items sent to the rules committee, and appealed the chair's ruling. (3:39:55); Cited Rule 42, saying items called to two committees go to the rules committee without debate, and asked why the matter was being debated. (3:53:16); Said the council was manipulating its rules and raised his objection to the cancellation of ShotSpotter. (3:55:50)
Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Thanked Alderman Anthony V. Napolitano for the line-of-duty death leave ordinance and said the current fire commissioner has granted such leave. (4:14:12)
Marty Quinn (alderperson): Recognized the widow of firefighter Drew Price for her testimony and said the skylight ordinance is a first step with more work to do. (4:19:17)
Samantha Nugent (alderperson): Explained that the ordinance requires guards around light shafts and skylights to protect firefighters, citing the death of firefighter Drew Price. (4:20:01)

Exchanges between members

1:14:32 Lee echoed Hadden's remarks on International Day of the Girl.
1:36:18 Waguespack referred to Lawson's remarks about Mary Ann Smith's traffic calming work.
1:50:15 Coleman thanked Hopkins for scheduling a special hearing on domestic violence and missing girls.
1:50:30 Coleman thanked Villegas for connecting the Women's Caucus to the issue.
1:55:59 Lee said she agreed with La Spata that domestic violence should be addressed beyond October.
1:58:04 Hadden credited Coleman's leadership on the upcoming hearing on missing and murdered women.
1:58:12 Hadden thanked Hopkins for holding the special hearing.
2:02:51 Sigcho-López referred to Rodriguez's remarks on the Little Village case and the need for action.
2:11:36 Conway thanked Lopez for sharing his personal story.
2:15:59 Taylor thanked Hopkins for agreeing to hold the conversation on missing women.
2:16:34 Taylor said she agreed with Lopez that protection cannot be just paperwork.
2:43:46 Vasquez referred to Fuentes's point about Latino communities moving across the city.
2:53:28 Lopez responded to Burnett's remark about choosing an honoree, saying every ward has Latino leaders.
2:58:25 Sigcho-López corrected Lopez's statement about being the most senior Latino member, noting Ramírez-Rosa's tenure.
3:31:42 Lopez joined Waguespack in thanking the Finance chair for removing the operating expense language.
3:31:44 Lopez thanked Dowell for addressing the operating expense language in the bond ordinance.
3:33:20 Dowell moved to lay Lopez's amendment to the bond ordinance on the table.
3:47:38 Lopez moved to lay Ervin's motion to re-refer items on the table.
3:54:26 Ervin said he agreed with Beale that the original referrals were made without debate, while arguing the suspension was a separate step.
4:02:03 Ervin thanked Silverstein for accommodating Saturday budget hearing dates.

Roll-call votes at this meeting

Establishment of new Special Service Area No. 82, Division St from Clark St [West] to State St {East (O2024-0012433): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Chicago Fire Department Administrative Leave Bereavement (SO2023-0006445): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Redevelopment agreement with and issuance of tax increment financing (TIF) funds to German American National Congress Chapter Chicago - North and D.A.N.K. House d.b.a. DANK Haus German American Cultural Center for rehabilitation project at 4740 N Western Ave (O2024-0012444): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Designation of 10th Precint of 23rd Wrad as Restricted Residentail Zone (SO2024-0011274): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Issuance of City of Chicago Second Lien Wastewater Transmission Revenue Bonds, Project and Refunding Series 2024B (O2024-0012441): Passed 44 yea, 4 nay, 1 absent
SSA No. 8 Hold public hearing increase tax levy rate, extend through 2038, additional services (O2024-0012329): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 4204, 4208, 4210 and 4218-4232 W Lake St (O2024-0012501): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Redevelopment agreement with and issuance of financial assistance to The Ave SW LLC for acquisition, construction and equipping of building at 3601-3625 W Chicago Ave (SO2024-0012440): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
SSA No. 54, Sheridan Road, Scope of services, budget, tax levy and service provider agreement (O2024-0012370): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Restructuring Agreement of ownership and City debt for supportive living 82200 S Ellis Ave (O2024-0012550): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 9-48-045 restricting operation of pedicabs in area bounded by W Roosevelt Rd, S Indiana Ave, E 21st St and S Columbus Dr (O2024-0011203): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Second amendment to redevelopment agreement and second amendment to authorizing ordinance with Our Revival Chicago LLC, Our Revival Chicago Operating Company LLC and Southside Revival NFP for restoration of Ramova Theater at 3518 S Halsted St (SO2024-0012446): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
SSA No. 76,, authorizing 0.050 tax levy in year 2024 and 2025, Michigan Ave Oak St to Chicago River (O2024-0012423): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-14-0301-A allowing designation of alternate member to Zoning Board of Appeals in event of vacancy (SO2024-0010982): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
SSA No. 19, Howard Street, scope of services, budget, tax levy and service provideer agreement (O2024-0012333): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Restructuring of HOME loan agreement with Renaissance Saint Luke SLF LP for property at 1501 W Melrose St (O2024-0012547): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (10.280) to disallow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of S Ewing Ave (O2024-0012424): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-160-100 extending repeal date of Wrigley Plaza ordinance to February 1, 2028 (O2024-0012384): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Redevelopment agreement with and issuance of financial assistance to SACRED Apartments Owner LLC for acquisition, construction and equipping of low-income residential facilities at 9212 S Burley Ave (SO2024-0012435): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 2-44 by adding new Section 2-44-150 authorizing ceding of tax-exempt private activity volume cap to Illinois Housing Development Authority and Chicago Housing Authority (SO2024-0012429): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
SSA No. 75, Oak Street (O2024-0012391): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
SSA No. 25, Little Village Scope of services, budget, tax levy and service provider agreement (O2024-0012339): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Call for hearing(s) on examination and improvement of extreme weather response plans (R2024-0010357): Adopted 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
SSA No. 42,, (O2024-0012347): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Historical landmark designation for Mars Candy Factory at 2019 N Oak Park Ave (O2024-0011694): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Redevelopment agreement with and issuance of tax increment financing (TIF) funds to Double Down Development LLC for redevelopment of building into commercial space including venue for live music entertainment and tuition-free afterschool program at 1050-1052 W Wilson Ave (O2024-0012445): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Redevelopment agreement with and issuance of tax increment financing (TIF) funds to TimeLine Theatre Company for construction of new theater auditorium at 5033-5035 N Broadway (O2024-0012447): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 2-124 ending process of submitting acquisitions, dispositions and change-in-use of City-owned land to Chicago Plan Commission (O2024-0012425): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
LAC Ordinance - 3955 N. Kilpatrick (SO2024-0012214): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
SSA No. 20, South Western Avenue, 2025 budget, tax levy and service provider agreement (O2024-0012335): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
SSA 24 Clark Street, Scope of services, budget, tax levy and service provider agreement (O2024-0012338): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Historical landmark designation for Jackson Storage and Van Company Warehouse at 3609-3611 W Cermak Rd (O2024-0010591): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Board of Education for allocation of tax increment financing (TIF) funds for improvements at Thomas Chalmers STEAM Elementary School, 2745 W Roosevelt Rd (O2024-0012432): Passed 48 yea, 1 nay, 1 absent
Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Board of Education for allocation of tax increment financing (TIF) funds for improvements at James Weldon Johnson STEAM Elementary School, 1420 S Albany Ave (O2024-0012431): Passed 48 yea, 1 nay, 1 absent
SSA No. 44, 103rd St Beverly (O2024-0012322): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Redevelopment agreement with and issuance of tax increment financing (TIF) grant to Brown Derby LLC for acquisition and redevelopment of portion of existing building at 79 W Monroe St (SO2024-0012437): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Sections 4-60-022 (16.152) and 4-60-023 (16.155 and 16.156) to disallow additional alcoholic liquor and package goods licenses on portion(s) of S Halsted St (O2024-0011200): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Board of Education for allocation of tax increment financing (TIF) funds for improvements at Collins Academy STEAM High School, 1313 S Sacramento Dr (O2024-0012430): Passed 48 yea, 1 nay, 1 absent
Hearing to establish SSA No. 32-2024, 15 year tax levy period through 2038 capped at 1.75%, (O2024-0012341): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Hearing authorization to establish SSA No. 81 through 2033, levy not to exceed 2.0% (O2024-0012426): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Redevelopment agreement with BandWith Music Ltd. to provide neighborhood opportunity funds for capital project at 134 S California Ave (O2024-0012443): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (42.605) to disallow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of N State St and on W Huron St (O2024-0012419): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Designation of 10th Precinct of 23rd Ward as Restricted Cannabis Zone (SO2024-0011275): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
SSA No. 43, Devon Avenue, scope of services, budget, tax levy, Service Provider Agreement (O2024-0012360): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 2515-2561 W Taylor St (O2024-0012498): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 14B-15 by adding new Section 14B-15-1516 regarding low-sloped roof edges and Chapter 14R-3 by adding new Section 14R-3-306 regarding roof replacements and skylights (O2024-0012417): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Designation of 4th Precinct of 23rd Ward as Restricted Cannabis Zone (SO2024-0012133): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
SSA No. 21-2016 Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, tax levy, budget, service provider (O2024-0012336): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent