City Council meeting, July 17, 2024

When: Wed, Jul 17, 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/985101083
Transcript: full text (41,435 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 met on July 17, 2024, opening with public comment on a proposed fur sales ban, charges against protesters arrested near O'Hare, housing preservation ordinances, procurement, and a policing referendum. Members passed resolutions honoring the late Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer, the retirement of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Commissioner Ken Meyer, three Pilsen community leaders, and NASCAR's Chicago street race, and recognized a former sergeant-at-arms joining the Fire Department. Committee reports were approved, including a TIF agreement for De Diego Elementary (47 to 0 as read aloud), several legal settlements, a stop hate littering ordinance, smart streets pilot amendments, and zoning changes. Under unfinished and miscellaneous business, the council passed a deferred Milwaukee Avenue rezoning and Mozart Street housing bonds by voice vote, and after a procedural dispute suspended the rules (43 to 6) and passed an ordinance on the chief procurement officer position by a 50 to 0 vote.

Topics: Public comment, Dennis Deer tribute, Ken Meyer retirement, Pilsen community leaders, NASCAR street race, Legal settlements, Stop hate littering ordinance, Smart streets pilot, Chief procurement officer ordinance, Zoning

Agenda items discussed

30:56 Public comment period: discussed
1:01:45 Acknowledgements of Joan Gray, MG Graphics and youth groups: discussed
1:07:43 Resolution honoring Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer: passed
1:34:11 Resolution recognizing the retirement of BACP Commissioner Ken Meyer: passed
2:23:45 Resolution honoring three Pilsen pillars: passed
2:36:12 Resolution honoring the NASCAR Chicago street race: passed
2:54:43 Recognition of former sergeant-at-arms Torreon Cox: discussed
3:16:38 Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Board of Education for TIF funds at De Diego Elementary: passed
3:20:24 Amendment to neighborhood opportunity fund provisions: passed
3:20:47 Application for CDBG coronavirus urban shelter program funds: passed
3:22:07 Settlement in Najera v. City of Chicago ($410,000): passed
3:22:41 Settlement in Reading v. City of Chicago ($2.5 million): passed
3:23:15 Settlement in Livingston et al. and Griffin v. City of Chicago ($11.25 million): passed
3:23:49 Settlement order ($7.6 million) that received a do-not-pass recommendation in committee
3:24:28 Budget committee report: fund 925 amendment and account transfers: passed
3:25:55 O'Hare concession lease and license agreements (O2024-0010130): passed
3:26:40 Corrections to council journal of proceedings: passed
3:27:31 SSA reappointments, tax incentives and employee ownership hearing resolution: passed
3:30:27 Amendment prohibiting accumulation or dumping of garbage and waste (SO2024-0007841): passed
3:31:07 Stop hate littering ordinance prohibiting threatening material on private property (SO2024-0008939): passed
3:37:17 Housing committee report: reconveyance deeds, low-affordability designations and land sales: passed
3:42:16 Resolutions on CPD U visa adjudication and temporary protected status for Ecuadorians: passed
3:43:24 Traffic safety items and smart streets pilot amendments: passed
3:48:50 Amendment on permits for athletic events (SO2024-0009633): passed
3:49:45 Transportation and public way committee items: passed
3:52:14 Zoning reports: map amendments including Western Avenue rezoning, ZBA appointments, Milwaukee Avenue overlay and Hyde Park Union Church landmark: passed
3:56:36 Agreed calendar resolutions: passed
3:58:02 New business introductions
4:11:50 Zoning reclassification at 2418-2426 N. Milwaukee Avenue: passed
4:12:52 Multi-family housing revenue bonds for 2120 N. Mozart Street: passed
4:15:16 Ordinance on chief procurement officer tenure and service agreement: passed

Alderpersons who spoke

Desmon C. Yancy (alderperson): Acknowledged the late Joan Gray, founder of Muntu Dance Theater, and her family. (1:01:56)
Julia M. Ramirez (alderperson): Recognized MG Graphics for 40 years as a family-owned business in Brighton Park. (1:02:50)
Gregory I. Mitchell (alderperson): Acknowledged a youth mentoring group and its leaders. (1:05:38); Reported transportation committee items, including a proposed Ashland bus route extension. (3:49:45)
David H. Moore (alderperson): Spoke of Dennis Deer's work ethic, service and love for his family. (1:08:02); Described Ken Meyer as fair and accessible to aldermen. (1:46:30)
Derrick G. Curtis (alderperson): Offered condolences to the Deer family and described the commissioner as a leader with integrity. (1:09:05); Thanked Ken Meyer and the BACP task force for shutting down pop-up parties. (2:10:36)
Daniel La Spata (alderperson): Described Commissioner Deer as kind and joyful in his work. (1:09:52); Reported 142 traffic items and two smart streets pilot amendments. (3:43:24)
Monique L. Scott (alderperson): Recalled Dennis Deer as a childhood friend, neighbor and commissioner. (1:10:48); Thanked NASCAR for its block party event in North Lawndale. (2:39:12)
Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Recalled Commissioner Deer's commitment to the West Side and his remark about wanting the oven, not the pie. (1:12:02); Said Ken Meyer often had to say no but tried to find solutions, and congratulated him. (2:00:17); Thanked NASCAR for its work with West Side schools and suggested letting residents drive the course. (2:46:46)
Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Recalled Commissioner Deer as one of the first officials to offer him advice. (1:13:06); Honored Lucy Gutiérrez, a Pilsen volunteer known as the neighborhood's grandmother, and Rev. Slim Coleman for their community work. (2:25:34); Reported housing committee items including low-affordability designations and land sales. (3:37:17)
Emma Mitts (alderperson): Described Commissioner Deer as a servant of the people who sought and gave advice. (1:14:15); Praised Ken Meyer's knowledge of city government and his staff at BACP. (1:43:07); Said the contracting oversight committee she chairs had been unable to move matters and criticized the procurement department's leadership, urging the council to move forward. (4:36:25)
Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Credited Commissioner Deer's leadership in county health care and the Juneteenth holiday. (1:18:15); Described Ken Meyer as an enforcer in the mayor's office who was loyal and found ways to make things work. (1:52:58)
Stephanie D. Coleman (alderperson): Said Commissioner Deer introduced her to the West Side and represented both the South and West sides. (1:19:41); Credited Ken Meyer's team with helping close businesses linked to crime in her ward. (1:51:15)
Pat Dowell (alderperson): Recalled Commissioner Deer serving both the West and South sides and thanked his staff. (1:21:42); Said her ward benefited from Ken Meyer's approach of finding solutions for businesses and the city. (2:14:03); Called the NASCAR race a success, citing vendor diversity and over $600,000 in local donations, and asked for deeper commitment. (2:40:11)
Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson): Said Commissioner Deer prioritized both the South and West sides and championed Black and brown unity. (1:23:21); Credited Ken Meyer with growth of the Office of Labor Standards. (2:02:59); Spoke about shared struggles between Pilsen and Little Village and Rev. Slim Coleman's work. (2:30:36)
Chris Taliaferro (alderperson): Said Commissioner Deer was a strong presence for West Side residents. (1:24:54)
Peter Chico (alderperson): Recalled Commissioner Deer as his instructor at the county sheriff's academy. (1:26:07); Thanked NASCAR for its community event in Harrison Park. (2:46:17)
Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Described Commissioner Deer as welcoming and devoted to his family. (1:26:42); Thanked Ken Meyer for helping her as a new alderperson. (1:39:44); Congratulated Torreon Cox on joining the Fire Department. (3:03:39)
Michelle A. Harris (alderperson): Thanked Ken Meyer for guiding her during her first term. (1:35:02); Thanked NASCAR for engaging African American communities and an After School Matters mural. (2:45:37); Congratulated former sergeant-at-arms Torreon Cox on joining the Fire Department. (2:54:48)
Samantha Nugent (alderperson): Shared stories of working for Ken Meyer under Mayor Daley and praised his attention to detail. (1:36:27)
Bennett R. Lawson (alderperson): Noted Ken Meyer's visibility as an openly gay man in the mayor's administration and his responsiveness. (1:41:01); Presented zoning reports including map amendments, ZBA appointments, a Milwaukee Avenue overlay district and a landmark designation. (3:52:14); Called for a vote on a deferred rezoning at 2418-2426 N. Milwaukee Avenue. (4:11:50)
Debra L. Silverstein (alderperson): Thanked Ken Meyer for his guidance since she became license committee chair. (1:49:21)
Scott Waguespack (alderperson): Said Ken Meyer was fair during difficult periods such as the parking meter deal and Olympics bid. (1:50:00)
Timothy R. Knudsen (alderperson): Praised Ken Meyer's mentorship of staff and his directness. (1:55:27); Explained the stop hate littering ordinance, describing antisemitic flyers in his ward, and said it creates civil penalties up to $1,000 for intimidating materials left on property. (3:31:48)
Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Praised Ken Meyer's understanding of business and government and the team he built. (1:57:10); Reported immigrant and refugee rights resolutions on U visas and TPS for Ecuadorians. (3:42:16); Supported the smart streets amendments, said the pilot has been slow to begin, and asked colleagues to support resident-based reporting. (3:46:13)
Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Said Ken Meyer went above and beyond in helping aldermen. (2:02:04); Congratulated Torreon Cox and described firefighting as a life-changing job. (3:02:04); Reported an amendment on permits for athletic events. (3:48:50)
Anthony V. Napolitano (alderperson): Credited Ken Meyer with setting a professional tone in his department. (2:04:15); Shared his experience joining the Fire Department and encouraged Torreon Cox. (2:57:17)
James M. Gardiner (alderperson): Thanked Ken Meyer for his service and willingness to solve problems. (2:05:07); Advised Torreon Cox to study for the state test and find a mentor. (2:59:16)
Maria E. Hadden (alderperson): Said calling the question applied only to rule suspension and that members could still debate. (4:29:36)
Brendan Reilly (alderperson): Said he had respectful disagreements with Ken Meyer and wished him well. (2:07:00); Said he was initially a critic of NASCAR's arrival under the prior administration but that NASCAR has over-delivered on commitments. (2:49:36); Supported extending the smart streets pilot to collect two years of data on loading zone and traffic lane violations. (3:44:44)
Anthony Beale (alderperson): Said Ken Meyer helped him understand government and was focused on getting projects done. (2:08:44)
Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson): Credited Ken Meyer with helping small businesses and labor sectors. (2:11:53)
Matthew J. O'Shea (alderperson): Thanked Ken Meyer for helping small businesses rebound from the pandemic. (2:15:26); Thanked NASCAR for investments on the South and West sides. (2:51:31); Reported an O'Hare concession lease ordinance for the aviation committee. (3:25:40)
Ronnie L. Mosley (alderperson): Thanked Ken Meyer for resources provided to businesses and for his responsiveness. (2:16:51)
Silvana Tabares (alderperson): Supported the NASCAR resolution, citing its investment in neighborhoods and partnership with CPS. (2:37:06)
Gilbert Villegas (alderperson): Said he was initially skeptical of NASCAR but supported it due to economic development and community involvement. (2:38:22); Reported SSA reappointments, tax incentives and an employee ownership hearing resolution. (3:27:31)
Brian Hopkins (alderperson): Said NASCAR exceeded expectations for community involvement, citing All Kids Bike and After School Matters. (2:42:43); Asked for a moment of silence for philanthropist Ann Lurie. (2:56:17)
William E. Hall (alderperson): Supported NASCAR's work in neighborhoods and with young people. (2:44:57)
Lamont J. Robinson (alderperson): Said NASCAR was initially a headache but has made adjustments and given back, and urged other corporate citizens to do more. (2:47:38)
Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez (alderperson): Reported health committee ordinances on garbage dumping and threatening materials on private property. (3:30:14)
Matthew J. Martin (alderperson): Clarified that his hold request referred to a different item, not the Ashland bus route. (3:50:53)
Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Objected that the CPO ordinance combined two new ordinances not heard in committee, said the department has an acting officer, and moved to refer it to committee. (4:16:41); Called the question on the motion to suspend the rules. (4:20:23)

Exchanges between members

1:17:22 Alderperson Emma Mitts echoed Alderperson Jason C. Ervin point that Commissioner Deer never missed a meeting.
1:42:38 Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson remarked that Alderperson Nicole T. Lee was among few who missed Ken Meyer's retirement party.
1:45:36 Alderperson Emma Mitts referenced Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson remark about Ken Meyer's unchanged phone number.
1:47:19 Alderperson David H. Moore said Alderperson Samantha Nugent had described Ken Meyer's fairness.
2:00:29 Alderperson Jason C. Ervin compared Ken Meyer's early role to Alderperson Walter R. Burnett description of him.
2:05:25 Alderperson James M. Gardiner repeated Alderperson David H. Moore remark to Mrs. Meyer about raising a good son.
2:07:57 Alderperson Brendan Reilly made a joking remark directed at Alderperson Jason C. Ervin.
2:14:03 Alderperson Pat Dowell told Alderperson James M. Gardiner he was not the only one who missed the party.
2:47:38 Alderperson Lamont J. Robinson credited Chairman Pat Dowell for bringing the NASCAR resolution.
2:50:20 Alderperson Brendan Reilly agreed with Alderperson Brian Hopkins about NASCAR's community involvement.
2:55:17 Alderperson Michelle A. Harris thanked Alderperson Nicholas Sposato for his role in recognizing Torreon Cox.
3:00:04 Alderperson James M. Gardiner said Alderpersons Napolitano and Sposato would describe the fire service the same way.
3:02:17 Alderperson Nicholas Sposato said he and Alderperson Michelle A. Harris arranged for Torreon Cox to return for recognition.
3:03:44 Alderperson Nicole T. Lee thanked Alderperson Nicholas Sposato for allowing her to speak after he closed.
3:25:24 Alderperson Jason C. Ervin made a lighthearted remark about Alderperson Brendan Reilly at the end of his report.
3:44:44 Alderperson Brendan Reilly thanked Chairman Daniel La Spata for presenting the smart streets amendments.
3:46:13 Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr. thanked Chairman Daniel La Spata for moving the smart streets item forward.
3:53:44 Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr. thanked Alderperson Debra L. Silverstein for leading the Western Avenue study.
4:17:47 Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez responded to Chairman Jason C. Ervin that the ordinance had not been heard in committee.
4:21:19 Alderperson Jason C. Ervin responded that the matter was discussed in committee when Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez was not present.

Roll-call votes at this meeting

Call on U.S. Congress to expand scope and enforcement of railroad safety standards (SR2024-0010855): Adopted 48 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Reconveyance of four city parcels from Bickerdike Redevelopment Corporation plus one release (O2024-0010117): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 7-28-710 by prohibiting accumulation or dumping of garbage, food trash, foodstuffs, vegetation, dead animals or waste of any kind in any building, land, or waterway (SO2024-0007841): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Historical landmark designation for Hyde Park Union Church at 5600 S Woodlawn Ave (O2024-0009806): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Call for U.S. President Biden and Secretary of Homeland Security to process requests for temporary protective status to Ecuadorian citizens migrating to United States (SR2024-0007367): Adopted 50 yea, 0 nay
Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 5201 W Grand Ave (O2024-0010104): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 17-7 by adding new Section 17-7-1500 establishing Milwaukee Avenue Special Character Overlay District on N Milwaukee Ave between N Western Ave and N Ridgeway Ave (SO2024-0010154): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 9-108-080 by extending expiration date for Smart Streets Pilot Program (SO2024-0007768): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 12525 S Carondolet Ave, 2924 E 126th St, 12350 S Carondolet Ave and 12359 S Burley Ave (O2024-0010116): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 9165 S Harbor Ave (O2024-0010108): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Board of Education for allocation of tax increment financing (TIF) funds for improvements at Jose De Diego Elementary School, 2301 W Potomac Ave (O2024-0010100): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Call for hearing(s) with Chicago Police Department and Chicago Law Department regarding status of U Nonimmigrant Status certifications, policies for approval/denial and collection of data (SR2023-0001265): Adopted 50 yea, 0 nay
Support of Class 7(a) tax incentive for property at 5100 S Damen Ave (O2024-0010114): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Support of Class 6(b) SER tax incentive for property at 4533 and 4545 W Augusta Blvd (O2024-0010113): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Lease and license agreement with HFF HPH SK ORD T5, LLC for operation of food and beverage concessions at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (O2024-0010130): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 1621-1625 W Carroll Ave (O2024-0010106): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 2841 S Ashland Ave (O2024-0010115): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 16-14 regarding neighborhood opportunity funds (O2024-0010097): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 4500 W Chicago Ave (O2024-0010112): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Municipal code 8-4-083 amendment for hate material or actions on private real or personal property (SO2024-0008939): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Call for hearing(s) on promoting potential and benefits of an employee ownership business model for Chicago businesses (SR2024-0009481): Adopted 50 yea, 0 nay
Pedestrian Overpass connecting Galter Property and 633 Property (O2024-0009353): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 2-92-010 regarding Chief Procurement Officer's powers, functions, duties and obligations pursuant to Municipal Purchasing Act (O2024-0010931): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 9-108-010 and 9-108-020 to include metered parking violations for the automated parking enforcement system pilot program (SO2024-0009634): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Title 17 by modifying various sections and adding new Section 17-9-0130 regarding indoor event venues (SO2023-0005724): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 10-8-332 requiring evaluation and determination that athletic events not present unreasonable risk to health of participants, bystanders or City personnel prior to issuance of permits (SO2024-0009633): Passed 50 yea, 0 nay