City Council meeting, May 22, 2024

• When: Wed, May 22, 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/showcase/6277394/video/948872038
• Transcript: full text (50,648 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 May 22, 2024 City Council meeting opened with public comment on ShotSpotter, police staffing, the Democratic National Convention, and a proposed noise ordinance near an abortion clinic, followed by recognitions and resolutions celebrating Jewish American, Haitian American, and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Months, including remarks from a Holocaust survivor. The council approved committee reports including multifamily housing bonds (46-0), a water leak relief pilot program, several lawsuit settlements, a resolution supporting Puerto Rican self-determination, a Middle Eastern or North African data classification ordinance, city land sales, and appointments to the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability. A proposed noise-sensitive zone ordinance around a family planning clinic was deferred and published. Under Rule 41, the council confirmed Nick Lucius as Chief Information Officer (48-0) and approved the Brian Mejia settlement (37-10). After extended debate, a motion to send Alderperson David H. Moore ShotSpotter transparency order back to committee failed 23-25, and the order then passed 34-14; the next meeting was set for June 12, 2024.

Topics: ShotSpotter, heritage month resolutions, antisemitism, Haiti, Asian American and Pacific Islander community, water bill relief, Chief Information Officer appointment, lawsuit settlements, clinic noise ordinance, public comment

Agenda items discussed

• 41:02 Public comment period: discussed
• 1:24:06 Resolution celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month: passed
• 1:55:59 Resolution celebrating Haitian American Heritage Month: passed
• 2:26:08 Resolution celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: passed
• 3:12:30 Multifamily housing revenue bonds for Avenues SW LLC, 3601-3625 W. Chicago Avenue (27th Ward): passed
• 3:15:14 Water leak relief pilot program: passed
• 3:18:17 Amended redevelopment agreement with NP Avenue O LLC for Commerce Park (10th Ward): passed
• 3:18:38 TIF redevelopment agreement with North Lawndale Catalyst Initiative, 4100 W. Fillmore (24th Ward): passed
• 3:20:20 Lawsuit settlements including Chavez v. City of Chicago ($1.75 million): passed
• 3:30:47 Resolution supporting self-determination for the people of Puerto Rico (R2024-0008389): passed
• 3:31:14 Middle Eastern or North African designation in city data reports (O2024-0008872): passed
• 3:34:24 Housing and Real Estate Committee lease agreements and city land sales: passed
• 3:42:03 Liquor moratoriums in the 1st, 8th, 10th, 36th and 38th wards (O2024-0008642): passed
• 3:46:59 Appointments to the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability: passed
• 3:48:36 Noise-sensitive zone ordinance around a family planning clinic: deferred
• 4:13:13 Rule 41 vote on appointment of Nick Lucius as Chief Information Officer (A2024-0008353): passed
• 4:32:17 Rule 41 vote on settlement in Brian Mejia v. City of Chicago (Or2024-0008761): passed
• 4:37:32 Rule 41 vote on order for ShotSpotter transparency and reporting (SO2024-0007759): passed
• 6:05:11 Motion to discharge budget and rules committees from further consideration of items (O2023-0004977)

Alderpersons who spoke

• Pat Dowell (alderperson): Recognized Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman II for earning a doctorate at age 17. (1:05:26); Recognized Public Allies Chicago and Older Americans Month, including the city's senior services division. (1:12:27); Supported the Haitian American Heritage Month resolution and noted the struggles of Haitian migrants arriving in the US. (2:14:43)
• Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Introduced a resolution recognizing Afro-Colombian Recognition Day and the anniversary of Colombia's abolition of slavery. (1:08:53); Supported the Haitian American Heritage Month resolution and called for cooperation to address Haiti's humanitarian crisis. (2:12:14); Supported the AAPI Heritage Month resolution, citing his work with the Chinatown community. (2:40:51)
• Jeanette B. Taylor (alderperson): Recognized students from Dulles and Sherwood elementary schools whose art about their community will be displayed in her ward office. (1:11:15); Said the ShotSpotter question deserves more discussion, including with Superintendent Snelling, and that residents often do not call police because of a lack of trust. (5:15:48); Said the council should consider alternatives presented at committee before spending taxpayer money. (5:18:26)
• Stephanie D. Coleman (alderperson): Recognized students from Earle STEM Academy visiting for a civic shadow day. (1:15:51); As Black Caucus chair, supported the Haitian American Heritage Month resolution and thanked colleagues working on the African diaspora working group. (2:20:14)
• Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez (alderperson): Recognized Mental Health Awareness Month and efforts to expand crisis response and reopen city mental health clinics. (1:17:28); Presented the Health and Human Relations report, including the Puerto Rico resolution and MENA ordinance, and encouraged staff Narcan training. (3:30:39)
• Lamont J. Robinson (alderperson): Honored building inspector Kevin Callahan for 25 years of service, including helping families displaced by a high-rise fire. (1:19:29); Supported the Haitian American Heritage Month resolution, describing Haiti's independence and its current humanitarian crisis. (2:08:36)
• Debra L. Silverstein (alderperson): As the only Jewish council member, introduced the Jewish American Heritage Month resolution and invited a Holocaust survivor to speak. (1:24:18); Said antisemitism is at an all-time high, citing antisemitic flyers left in her ward the previous week. (1:27:32); Presented the License Committee report on liquor moratoriums and a 23rd Ward peddling prohibition. (3:41:44)
• Maria E. Hadden (alderperson): Supported the Jewish American Heritage Month resolution, relating it to the history of Black Americans. (1:35:38); Supported the Haitian American Heritage Month resolution, noting Rogers Park's Haitian community. (2:02:26); Supported the AAPI Heritage Month resolution, describing the diversity of Rogers Park. (2:32:40)
• Timothy R. Knudsen (alderperson): Supported the Jewish American Heritage Month resolution and said hate speech is rising and the council can act against it. (1:38:13); Said he views ShotSpotter as a useful tool but questioned whether the order is legally enforceable, and supported sending it to committee. (5:13:58)
• David H. Moore (alderperson): Supported the Jewish American Heritage Month resolution, describing his family's history with a Jewish family and the need to heal together. (1:39:38); Supported the Haitian American Heritage Month resolution and called for greater honors for Jean Baptiste Point du Sable. (1:59:56); Honored the late Raydale Lacey, who taught chess to young people in Englewood, and said a room in the new Ogden Park field house will be named for her. (3:02:20)
• Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Supported the Jewish American Heritage Month resolution, describing past discrimination against Jews and Jewish-owned businesses that employed West Side residents. (1:42:19); Supported the Haitian American Heritage Month resolution, recalling his work to name the Du Sable bridge and statue. (2:04:08); Supported the AAPI Heritage Month resolution, describing shared struggles and his family's Asian American members. (2:30:08)
• Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Supported the Jewish American Heritage Month resolution and said the country must stand up against hate. (1:45:11); Presented the Special Events Committee report on a Neighbor Space intergovernmental agreement. (3:53:21); Supported the Lucius appointment and said it should have happened a month earlier. (4:16:23)
• Bennett R. Lawson (alderperson): Supported the Jewish American Heritage Month resolution, describing swastikas drawn on a school in his ward and an arrest, and congratulated Silverstein. (1:46:10); Presented the Zoning Committee report, including Zoning Board of Appeals and Plan Commission appointments and a landmark designation. (3:55:41)
• Scott Waguespack (alderperson): Supported the Jewish American Heritage Month resolution and thanked the Jewish United Fund for pandemic-era services. (1:47:52)
• William Conway (alderperson): Supported the Jewish American Heritage Month resolution and said constituents report not feeling safe amid rising antisemitic attacks. (1:48:32); As sponsor, described amplified protests outside a family planning clinic and cited a 1994 Supreme Court ruling upholding noise restrictions. (3:49:54)
• Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Supported the Jewish American Heritage Month resolution and the Holocaust Museum's work to preserve history. (1:49:11); As the first Asian American woman on the council, recognized community leaders including the sponsors of the TEAAACH Act and an MBE-certified IT firm. (2:52:20); Said her ward wants ShotSpotter to continue, noted the item was debated in committee, and said a replacement plan is needed. (5:39:06)
• Matthew J. O'Shea (alderperson): Supported the Jewish American Heritage Month resolution and urged school visits to the Illinois Holocaust Museum. (1:50:52); Supported the Lucius appointment and said it should have been done a month earlier. (4:15:54); Questioned spending almost $10 million to continue ShotSpotter through the DNC before ending it in neighborhoods with the most gun violence. (5:29:24)
• Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Supported the Jewish American Heritage Month resolution and said resurgent antisemitism is unwelcome anywhere. (1:51:44); As Immigrant and Refugee Rights chair, asked the Haitian community to push the city for centralized, language-appropriate services. (2:17:43); Supported the AAPI Heritage Month resolution and called for inclusive representation in city leadership. (2:42:29)
• Anthony V. Napolitano (alderperson): Supported the Jewish American Heritage Month resolution and described taking his children to the Holocaust Museum. (1:53:22); Said ShotSpotter is a tool that has helped locate officers in shootouts and shooting victims, and opposed removing it without an alternative. (4:53:53)
• Carlos Ramírez-Rosa (alderperson): Supported the Haitian American Heritage Month resolution and described US actions toward Haiti, including the 1915-1934 occupation. (1:57:44)
• Daniel La Spata (alderperson): Supported the Haitian American Heritage Month resolution and said the US should invest in Haiti's stability rather than only offer prayers. (2:06:37); Presented the Pedestrian and Traffic Safety report, including a hearing on lowering the citywide default speed limit. (3:44:16)
• Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson): Supported the Haitian American Heritage Month resolution as a person of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent and linked migration to foreign interference. (2:18:30); Supported the AAPI Heritage Month resolution, citing Asian American contributions to civil rights and labor movements. (2:45:13); Supported the Lucius appointment, citing his technology and legal background. (4:17:12)
• Desmon C. Yancy (alderperson): Closed on the Haitian American Heritage Month resolution, describing learning that an enslaved ancestor came from a plantation in Haiti. (2:21:29)
• Julia M. Ramirez (alderperson): Supported the AAPI Heritage Month resolution, noting the 12th Ward is now 20% Asian American, and thanked groups that helped new arrivals. (2:27:16)
• Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Supported the AAPI Heritage Month resolution, describing the growth of Asian American communities on the Southwest Side. (2:37:13); Moved to recognize the family of the late Raydale Lacey of Englewood. (3:00:43); Moved to table the motion to refer the ShotSpotter order to committee. (4:43:49)
• Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (alderperson): Supported the AAPI Heritage Month resolution as the daughter of Filipino immigrants and described Asian American contributions to infrastructure and labor history. (2:47:20); Supported the Lucius appointment, calling it one of the mayor's most important appointments. (4:24:34)
• Gilbert Villegas (alderperson): Spoke in support of the water leak relief pilot program, citing residents charged tens of thousands of dollars on water bills. (3:15:49); As lead sponsor, said the MENA classification would ensure the community is counted and can access resources. (3:31:39); Urged CHA leadership to address vacancy rates and poor conditions in scattered-site housing described at a recent hearing. (3:38:58)
• Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Presented the Budget Committee report, including changes to term limits for the Council Office of Financial Analysis. (3:22:26); Said the ShotSpotter order may cross the boundary between legislative and executive authority and moved to refer it to the Committee on Police and Fire. (4:38:09); Said the item had been deferred and published, not discharged, so it could be referred back to committee. (4:46:14)
• Chris Taliaferro (alderperson): Presented the Police and Fire report, including re-referral of a lithium-ion battery ordinance and six CCPSA appointments. (3:45:53)
• Brian Hopkins (alderperson): Presented the Public Safety report, including hearings on summer preparedness and illegal tow trucks and the clinic noise ordinance. (3:48:16)
• Derrick G. Curtis (alderperson): Supported the Lucius appointment and apologized for what happened at his first appearance. (4:23:21)
• James M. Gardiner (alderperson): Supported the Lucius appointment and thanked him for returning after the earlier delay. (4:25:56)
• Anthony Beale (alderperson): Said most shots fired have no 911 call, that police leaders support ShotSpotter, and urged passage. (4:39:45); Argued that an item brought under Rule 41 cannot be re-referred to committee. (4:45:35); Said the vote was about obtaining more ShotSpotter data, not about keeping or ending it. (6:00:43)
• Monique L. Scott (alderperson): Said she had another mass shooting in her ward where 90 shots were fired and no one called police, and that her community needs ShotSpotter. (4:51:11)
• Peter Chico (alderperson): Described using ShotSpotter as a police officer when no 911 calls were received and asked colleagues to support it. (5:11:28)
• Ronnie L. Mosley (alderperson): Asked members without ShotSpotter in their wards to listen to those who have it, and called for infrastructure investment as part of public safety. (5:31:53)
• Ruth Cruz (alderperson): Said her residents want ShotSpotter and asked what the transition plan would be if it ends, with Superintendent Snelling involved. (5:35:23)

Exchanges between members

• 1:38:47 Knudsen thanked Silverstein for championing the Jewish American Heritage Month resolution.
• 1:38:50 Knudsen thanked Hadden for her remarks about interfaith dialogue.
• 1:41:16 Moore thanked Silverstein for bringing the resolution.
• 1:45:35 Sposato told Silverstein he stands with her and her community.
• 1:46:14 Lawson thanked Silverstein for the resolution and congratulated her on an honor in Israel.
• 1:46:20 Lawson noted that Sposato had affirmed Silverstein would never be alone.
• 1:47:52 Waguespack thanked Silverstein for bringing the resolution forward.
• 1:49:14 Lee thanked Silverstein for inviting the Holocaust survivor.
• 1:49:53 Lee built on Waguespack's point about Jewish community contributions.
• 1:51:45 Vasquez thanked Silverstein for her leadership.
• 1:54:06 Napolitano thanked Silverstein and said he stands with her.
• 2:12:47 Sigcho-López echoed Robinson's remarks about Haiti's history.
• 2:16:04 Dowell thanked Yancy for bringing the Haitian American Heritage Month resolution.
• 2:17:00 Vasquez thanked Yancy for putting the resolution forward.
• 2:20:33 Coleman thanked Dowell for her work on the African diaspora working group.
• 2:21:11 Coleman thanked Yancy for the resolution.
• 2:23:06 Yancy acknowledged Coleman's leadership.
• 2:23:12 Yancy acknowledged Moore for championing the Lake Shore Drive renaming.
• 2:27:40 Julia Ramirez acknowledged Lee as the first Chinese American alderwoman.
• 2:32:51 Hadden referenced Burnett's comments about enjoying the heritage resolutions.

Roll-call votes at this meeting

• Expression of support to right of self-determination for people of Puerto Rico, opposition to Puerto Rico Status Act, and endorsement of Puerto Rico Self-Determination Act (SR2024-0008389): Adopted 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Support of Class 7(c) tax incentive for property at 5214-5232 S Archer Ave (O2024-0008897): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Amendment of Municipal Code Section 2-44-085 to clarify affordable requirements ordinance regarding provisions for developers of rental property in downtown districts, inclusionary areas, and community preservation areas (O2024-0008891): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-4-0404 modifying limitation on minimum lot area reduction to exclude buildings in lawful existence for 20 years, in districts with dash 16 designations, and granted no previous floor area bonus (O2024-0008948): Failed to Pass 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Amendment to ERAP Subscription-based Software Contract with Unqork Inc. (O2024-0008906): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (8.7) to disallow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of E 79th St (O2024-0008963): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Call on Mayor Brandon Johnson to remedy by Ward choice whether to remove Sound Thinking/ShotSpotter surveillance technology with other assurances and advance notifications to affected Ward Council members choosing to retain such technology (SOr2024-0007759): Passed 34 yea, 14 nay, 2 absent
• Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (8.43) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of S Stony Island Ave (O2024-0008959): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Lease agreement with Northwestern Memorial Healthcare for use of City-owned property at 4727-4759 S Cottage Grove Ave for contractor parking (SO2024-0008958): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Historical landmark designation for John B. Murphy Memorial at 50 E Erie St (O2024-0008744): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (8.41(a)) to disallow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of S Stony Island Ave (O2024-0008962): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Liquor License Moratorium (O2024-0008642): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Amendment of Municipal Code Title 17 by modifying various sections regarding permit specifications and location restrictions for cannabis business establishments (O2024-0008398): Passed 47 yea, 1 nay, 2 absent
• Redevelopment agreement with and issuance of tax increment financing (TIF) funds to North Lawndale Initiative Support, Inc. for rehabilitation of industrial building at 4100 W Fillmore St (O2024-0008886): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-12-1005-D regarding occupancy rates of principal tenants utilizing high-rise building signs (SO2024-0007801): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Support of Class L tax incentive for property at 801 W Madison St (O2024-0008899): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 11-12 by adding new Section 11-12-470 establishing Water Leak Relief Pilot Program (O2024-0008889): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (1.36) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of W Chicago Ave (O2024-0008861): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Execution of loan subordination agreement with Perlmark Realty Corporation for Lincoln Village Senior Apartments at 6057 N Lincoln Ave (O2024-0008971): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Declaration of official intent to issue tax-exempt multi-family housing revenue bonds to The Ave SW LLC for low-income rental housing project at 3601 and 3613-3625 W Chicago Ave (O2024-0008344): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Adopt-a-Landmark grant funding agreement with ECG Madison LLC for preservation project at 801 W Madison St/2 S Halsted St (O2024-0008905): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• 23rd Ward Peddling Ordinance-AMEND (O2024-0008773): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• First amendment to intergovernmental lease agreement with Chicago Park District for use of City-owned property at 5801 N Pulaski Rd (O2024-0008970): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Amendment of Municipal Code Section 17-4-0404 regarding MLA Reduction for Downtown Floor Area Bonus (O2023-0006208): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (38.17) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of W Irving Park Rd (O2024-0009004): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• First amendment to intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District to provide tax increment financing (TIF) funds for improvements at Park 598 at 1514 N Larrabee St (O2024-0008342): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• First amendment to redevelopment agreement with NP Avenue O LLC to provide tax increment financing (TIF) funds for improvements at Commerce Park (O2024-0008340): Passed 47 yea, 1 nay, 2 absent
• Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 272 N California Ave (O2024-0008896): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 10330 S Woodlawn Ave (O2024-0008893): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• First amendment to intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District and Forest Preserve District of Cook County for continued funding and support of NeighborSpace open space projects (O2024-0008968): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (10.259) to disallow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of S Commercial Ave (O2024-0008839): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
• Amendment of Municipal Code Section 2-53-020 modifying term limits and causes for removal of Director of City Council Office of Financial Analysis (SO2024-0008945): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent

Documents

• Agenda
• Agenda
• Notice