City Council meeting, June 12, 2024

When: Wed, Jun 12, 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/956681679
Transcript: full text (36,903 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 June 12, 2024, opening with public comment on a proposed quiet zone around an abortion clinic, a lithium-ion battery ordinance, a policing referendum and other subjects. Members gave special acknowledgements and passed resolutions recognizing Pride Month, honoring the late Marian Robinson, and declaring Women Veterans Recognition Day. Committee reports were approved, including park TIF agreements (the first passing 43 to 0 as read aloud), O'Hare and water revenue bonds, housing bonds, and several legal settlements, while a lithium-ion battery safety ordinance was re-referred to committee on a 32 to 14 vote after several members raised concerns. Under unfinished business, the council debated and passed Alderperson William Conway noise-sensitive quiet zone ordinance around Family Planning Associates by a 41 to 4 vote as read aloud, and passed a master service agreement with DataMade by voice vote.

Topics: Public comment, Pride Month resolution, Women veterans, Marian Robinson tribute, Park TIF agreements, Legal settlements, Revenue bonds, Lithium-ion battery ordinance, Clinic quiet zone ordinance, Committee reports

Agenda items discussed

24:21 Public comment period: discussed
53:16 Acknowledgement honoring civil rights activist Ricky Jones: discussed
58:33 Acknowledgement of Alpha Kappa Alpha Day: discussed
1:05:45 Resolution recognizing Inti Raymi Day: discussed
1:07:18 Memorial proclamation for firefighter Andrew Price: discussed
1:11:54 Resolution celebrating Pride Month: passed
1:47:06 Resolution honoring the late Marian Robinson: passed
2:02:32 Resolution honoring Women Veterans Recognition Day: passed
2:31:39 Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District for TIF funds at Union Park: passed
2:35:36 Park District TIF agreements for Moran, Skinner, Wells and Revere parks: passed
2:37:25 O'Hare International Airport revenue bonds, series 2024: passed
2:38:12 Second lien water revenue bonds, series 2024: passed
2:39:56 Multi-family housing revenue bonds for 208 S. LaSalle and 111 W. Monroe: passed
2:40:48 Multi-family housing revenue bonds for 2120 N. Mozart Street: deferred
2:43:19 Settlement in Isabella Keaton v. City of Chicago ($1.25 million): passed
2:45:43 Settlement in Edmond et al. v. City of Chicago ($5.8 million): passed
2:46:21 Settlement of cases against James Cassidy et al.: passed
2:47:16 Budget committee report, including municipal ID card data amendment and ward account transfers: passed
2:50:07 Special service area appointments and Class 6B/Class C tax incentives: passed
2:54:01 Order directing a Keep Chicago Clean public service campaign proposal: passed
2:55:07 Ordinance codifying an executive order (ethics committee): deferred
2:55:36 Board of Ethics appointments of Bernetta D. Bush and Sarah Chin: passed
2:56:43 Housing committee report: lease, land sales and affordable housing loan at 1237 N. California: passed
3:01:27 Liquor moratoriums in five wards: passed
3:03:38 Lithium-ion battery safety standards for micro-mobility devices (re-referred to committee): held
3:12:39 Pedestrian and traffic safety committee items: passed
3:14:24 Chicago Police Board appointments: passed
3:15:04 Transportation and public way committee items: passed
3:16:39 Human Resources Board appointments and collective bargaining agreements: passed
3:19:09 Zoning committee report: vacant storefront registration, map amendments and signs: passed
3:21:40 Map amendment for 2418-2426 N. Milwaukee Avenue: deferred
3:23:21 Agreed calendar resolutions: passed
3:24:18 New business introductions by ward
3:33:02 Quiet zone ordinance prohibiting amplified sound around Family Planning Associates: passed
4:27:39 Master service agreement with DataMade LLC (O2024-0008352): passed

Alderpersons who spoke

Lamont J. Robinson (alderperson): Honored the late Ricky Jones, describing her decades of political organizing and her leadership of the Cook County Democratic Women. (53:34); Spoke about supporting LGBTQ youth, noting high suicide rates, and thanked family members and mentors. (1:28:56); Honored Marian Robinson as a Fourth Ward resident, describing her emphasis on education and her role supporting her family in the White House. (1:51:17)
Michelle A. Harris (alderperson): Recognized Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority members for their service and commitment to Chicago. (1:00:32); Recalled Marian Robinson as a neighbor involved in her block club and community. (1:49:05); Described her sister's military service and the sacrifices women make when deployed away from their children. (2:09:52)
Stephanie D. Coleman (alderperson): Said Black women are a disproportionate share of violence victims and urged action on violence against Black women and sex trafficking. (59:51)
Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Introduced a resolution recognizing June 24 as Inti Raymi Day to honor indigenous communities in Chicago. (1:05:55); Presented the housing and real estate committee report on land sales, a lease and an affordable housing loan. (2:56:32); Supported the quiet zone, saying people should be able to seek abortion services without harassment, and commented on the distinction between protest subjects. (4:12:16)
Timothy R. Knudsen (alderperson): Honored firefighter Drew Price, who died in the line of duty, and expressed support for fire safety ordinances including one circulated by Alderperson Marty Quinn. (1:07:35); Said LGBTQ+ youth face high suicide rates and urged all council members to affirm Pride in their communities. (1:22:48)
Maria E. Hadden (alderperson): Thanked LGBTQ+ guests and asked residents to bring issues of discrimination and threats to council members. (1:12:31); Thanked women veterans and said service continues after military duty. (2:14:47); Reported the environmental committee's Keep Chicago Clean order and a ComEd summer preparedness hearing. (2:53:52)
Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (alderperson): Thanked LGBTQ+ community members and said young people need housing and mental health supports. (1:15:25); Voted no on the lithium-ion battery ordinance, saying more time was needed to develop language with other stakeholders. (3:05:24); Said the issue had several hearings, described her personal experience, and urged colleagues to support the quiet zone. (3:49:33)
Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson): Recognized trans community advocates from Humboldt Park and cited housing and safety needs of LGBTQ youth and trans people. (1:17:46); Asked for support of an $8 million bond issuance for affordable housing across from Humboldt Park, citing gentrification pressures. (2:59:24)
Bennett R. Lawson (alderperson): Recognized community leaders including Art Johnson and the new Center on Halsted CEO, and said he would work with Alderperson Ruth Cruz on citywide LGBTQ resources. (1:20:38); Presented the zoning committee report including vacant storefront registration, map amendments and signs, and noted an ADU subject matter hearing. (3:19:09)
Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Supported the Pride resolution and announced a plaza in the 40th Ward named for Elise Malary. (1:24:48); Asked to be recorded no on the lithium-ion battery ordinance, saying some environmental groups were not consulted. (3:04:01); Said the quiet zone is about a person's ability to make a medical decision without being yelled at, and said he would vote yes. (3:38:34)
Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Spoke about violence against LGBTQ people, including the Pulse shooting anniversary, and called for restoring HIV prevention and condom programs and more services south of Madison. (1:32:45); Said the number of ward offices partnering with the VA grew from one to thirteen and challenged colleagues to expand it. (2:16:30); Recused himself from the O'Hare bond vote under Rule 14 due to pending personal litigation. (2:37:56)
Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Spoke as an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, noting the Asian American community as a place where it is not always safe to be open. (1:40:51); Thanked women veterans and announced VA days at the 11th Ward office. (2:11:47); Voted no on the lithium-ion battery ordinance, citing feasibility and unintended impacts. (3:04:20)
Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Praised Marian Robinson as an example of the role grandmothers play in Black families. (1:55:38); Presented the budget committee report including the fund 925 amendment and municipal ID data changes. (2:47:16); Moved to refer the lithium-ion battery ordinance back to committee. (3:08:52)
William Conway (alderperson): Spoke about women he served alongside in the military and thanked veterans' families. (2:04:01); Requested to defer and publish the lithium-ion battery ordinance, then withdrew the request. (3:06:23); Explained the quiet zone prohibits amplified devices around Family Planning Associates, cited testimony and noise complaints, and said it was drafted with the Law Department to be content neutral, citing Madsen v. Women's Health Center. (4:20:00)
Brian Hopkins (alderperson): Honored women veterans and recognized Navy veteran Rocio Varela, senior staff of the Public Safety Committee. (2:06:48)
Chris Taliaferro (alderperson): Thanked women veterans and noted that women have been able to serve in all military fields, including combat roles, for about eight years. (2:08:36); Reported the police and fire committee's recommended Police Board appointments. (3:14:15)
Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Thanked women veterans and expressed regret that he never joined the military. (2:20:22); Said protesters he observed at the clinic were mostly peacefully praying, questioned that amplified sound penetrates the building, and said he would vote no on First Amendment grounds. (4:16:00)
Gilbert Villegas (alderperson): Described challenges women veterans face, such as a health system designed for male veterans, and noted the day is not nationally recognized. (2:21:34); Supported the quiet zone, citing reports of patients and staff at Family Planning Associates unable to carry on care due to noise. (3:56:09)
Pat Dowell (alderperson): Presented the finance committee report, including park TIF agreements, bond issuances and settlements. (2:31:23); Said a woman arriving at a clinic has already made her decision and should not face harassment, and urged a yes vote. (4:04:21)
David H. Moore (alderperson): Said one bond firm showed strong African American representation while another needed improvement, and asked that diversity be considered in future selections. (2:38:28); Asked for clarification on which zoning items were included in the motion and moved with Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez to defer one map amendment. (3:20:43)
Ronnie L. Mosley (alderperson): Reported special service area appointments and tax incentive ordinances for the economic development committee. (2:50:07)
Matthew J. Martin (alderperson): Reported the ethics committee items, including two Board of Ethics appointments. (2:54:54); Asked to be recorded no on the lithium-ion battery ordinance for reasons others shared. (3:05:39)
Peter Chico (alderperson): Read a statement from the committee chair supporting the lithium-ion battery ordinance, citing battery fire data from New York City. (3:02:10)
Daniel La Spata (alderperson): Reported 177 pedestrian and traffic safety committee items, including three municipal code amendments. (3:12:39)
Gregory I. Mitchell (alderperson): Reported transportation and public way committee items, including vacation ordinances. (3:15:04)
Anthony Beale (alderperson): Asked for clarification on which vote was being applied to the workforce committee report. (3:17:57)
James M. Gardiner (alderperson): Said he visited the clinic and observed Christians speaking scripture with an amplifier that was not deafening, and said he would vote against the ordinance on free speech grounds. (3:33:34)
Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez (alderperson): Said loud noise and shaming at clinics is a health and safety issue and urged a yes vote to protect Chicago's bodily autonomy sanctuary status. (3:45:57)
Samantha Nugent (alderperson): Said patients and providers should be able to meet without amplified sound or shouting, and supported extending quiet zones to all health care centers. (3:48:04)
Anthony V. Napolitano (alderperson): Said safe areas from protests should apply citywide, not to one location, and said he would not support the ordinance. (3:57:33)
Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Described receiving constituent calls about crowds near the clinic when it was in his ward and said the situation can be frightening, and supported the ordinance. (4:05:59)
Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson): Clarified that the ordinance restricts amplified sound, not speech content, citing testimony from clinic staff, and said he would vote yes. (4:10:53)
Emma Mitts (alderperson): Called for a vote on a master service agreement with DataMade LLC for public-facing planning and zoning applications. (4:27:39)

Exchanges between members

58:49 Alderperson Michelle A. Harris asked leave for Alderperson Stephanie D. Coleman to speak on AKA Day.
59:30 Alderperson Stephanie D. Coleman thanked Alderperson Michelle A. Harris for acknowledging the sorority.
1:14:06 Alderperson Maria E. Hadden referred to Alderperson Timothy R. Knudsen line about the council's LGBTQ representation.
1:15:30 Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth echoed Alderperson Maria E. Hadden point that showing up matters.
1:20:38 Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson remarked on following Alderperson Jessica L. Fuentes remarks.
1:31:46 Alderperson Lamont J. Robinson thanked Alderperson Pat Dowell as a mentor.
1:31:46 Alderperson Lamont J. Robinson thanked Alderperson Michelle A. Harris as a mentor.
1:51:21 Alderperson Lamont J. Robinson thanked Alderperson Michelle A. Harris for her remarks on Marian Robinson.
1:56:57 Alderperson Jason C. Ervin thanked Alderperson Lamont J. Robinson for bringing the Marian Robinson resolution.
2:03:23 Alderperson William Conway offered to defer to Alderperson Gilbert Villegas, the resolution's lead sponsor, to speak first.
2:06:48 Alderperson Brian Hopkins joined Alderperson William Conway in honoring women veterans.
2:15:28 Alderperson Maria E. Hadden addressed Alderperson Chris Taliaferro in a remark about military branches.
2:18:21 Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez referenced the 11th Ward's new VA partnership mentioned by Alderperson Nicole T. Lee.
3:04:20 Alderperson Nicole T. Lee voted no on the battery ordinance in concurrence with Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr..
3:06:57 Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez argued Alderperson William Conway deferral motion was out of order.
3:20:43 Alderperson David H. Moore asked Alderperson Bennett R. Lawson which zoning items were included in his motion.
3:33:18 Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr. noted he had voted with Alderperson Nicholas Sposato minutes earlier but differed on this item.
3:33:37 Alderperson James M. Gardiner said Alderperson Nicholas Sposato was not alone in opposing the ordinance.
3:40:17 Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr. responded to colleagues' description of the amplifier as small.
3:44:10 Alderperson Maria E. Hadden said a single visit to the site should not outweigh testimony from clinic staff.

Roll-call votes at this meeting

Additional Senior Loan Bonds or Refunding existing bonds for O'Hare International Airport Projects (SO2024-0009575): Passed 46 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (33.34) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of W Belmont Ave (O2024-0009344): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Bank of Mellon Trust Bond Issuance securing Second Lien Water Revenue Bonds, refund series 2024A (SO2024-0009602): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Sections 4-60-022 and 4-60-023 to disallow additional alcoholic liquor and package goods licenses on portion(s) of E 93rd St, E 106th St, S Brandon Ave, S Ewing Ave, E 100th St, S Indianapolis Ave, S Avenue O, S Commercial Ave and E 118th St (O2024-0009165): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Second amendment to intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District to provide tax increment financing (TIF) funds for improvements at Revere Park, 2509 W Irving Park Rd (O2024-0009579): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Historical landmark fee waiver for property at 2401-2403 N Kedzie Blvd (Or2024-0009642): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Modification of City Lots for Working Families Program for fee reductions and waivers regarding redevelopment agreement for Reclaiming Roseland Project (O2024-0009638): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Issuance of tax-exempt multi-family housing revenue bonds to 208 LaSalle Owner LLC for rental housing project at 208 S LaSalle St (O2024-0009577): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Support of Class C Tax incentive for property at 4121 and 4155-4157 S Packers Ave (O2024-0009576): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
First amendment to lease agreement with TFO Reva Golub Burnham LLC for use of office space at 111 W Washington St by Chicago Department of Public Health (O2024-0009601): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 9-68-032 by including portions of E 31st Pl, S Vernon Ave and E 32nd St in seasonal permit parking program (O2024-0008956): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District to provide tax increment financing (TIF) funds for improvements at Moran Park, 5727 S Racine Ave (O2024-0009583): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (42.178) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portions of E Erie St, N Rush St and E Ontario St (O2024-0009632): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (47.49) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of W Montrose Ave (O2024-0009663): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Issuance of multi-family program funds loan to 1237 N California 9PCT HHDC LP for affordable housing development at 1237 N California Ave (O2024-0009595): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 9-64-170 to allow pickup trucks or vans less than 8,000 pounds to park on portion of N Elston Ave (SO2024-0008597): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Second amendment to intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District to provide tax increment financing (TIF) funds for improvements at Union Park, 1501 W Randolph St (O2024-0009580): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Historical landmark fee waiver for property at 3116-3124 W Logan Blvd (Or2024-0009640): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Extension of Chicago Housing Authority hearings on tenant grievances (O2024-0007327): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Support of Class 6(b) Tax incentive for property at 10770 S Doty Ave (O2024-0009599): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
First amendment to United Yards Project ordinance authorizing issuance of multi-family housing revenue bonds and other financial assistance to New City Redevelopment Limited Partnership for acquisition and rehabilitation of affordable housing at 1515 and 1635-1643 W 47th St correcting legal description of project sites (O2024-0009605): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 8-32-065 by designating noise sensitive zones on portions of specified streets (SO2023-0004088): Passed 41 yea, 4 nay, 2 absent
Issuance of tax-exempt multi-family housing revenue bonds to 111 W Monroe LLC for mixed-income rental housing project at 111 W Monroe St (O2024-0009604): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment to 2023 City tax exempt private activity volume bond cap ceding ordinance for reallocation of funds for affordable housing development (O2024-0009584): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District to provide tax increment financing (TIF) funds for improvements at Skinner Park, 1331 W Monroe St (O2024-0009581): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Approval and execution of CBA Teamsters, Local 700 (Supervising Police Communications Operators) (O2024-0010070): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Titles 11, 14a and 14X regarding regulation and registration of vacant or abandoned commercial storefronts (SO2023-0005958): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 7-38-117 by disallowing mobile food vehicle stand at 200 S LaSalle St (O2024-0007361): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 2-31 by adding Section 2-31-045 entitled "Keep Chicago Clean" (SO2023-0002249): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
CityKey Ordinance Change (O2024-0009432): Passed 46 yea, 1 nay, 2 absent
Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District to provide tax increment financing (TIF) funds for improvements at Welles Park, 2333 W Sunnyside Ave (O2024-0009578): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 2-8-040 establishing exception to annual aldermanic introduction limit for honorary street designations (O2024-0009245): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Historical landmark fee waiver for property at 3300 and 3302 S Giles Ave (Or2024-0009712): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Direct Intro Collective Bargain Agree - Illinois Council Police (Aviation Surveillance Specialists) (O2024-0010083): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (25.74) to disallow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portions of Cermak Rd (SO2024-0009623): Passed 47 yea, 0 nay, 2 absent