City Council meeting, September 14, 2023

• When: Thu, Sep 14, 2023, 10:00 AM (Chicago time)
• Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
• Status: Reconvened
• Body: full City Council
• Video: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/864032014
• Transcript: full text (37,540 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.

Reconvening from the prior day's recess, the City Council allowed Alderpersons Reilly and O'Shea to attend remotely and heard ten public commenters on topics including animal care, affordable housing protections in Woodlawn and South Shore, Bring Chicago Home, and the proposed Peace Book ordinance. The council adopted resolutions honoring Broncos restaurant, Reverend Jesse Jackson on his retirement from Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and Hispanic Heritage Month, with many members speaking. The Finance Committee report passed, including Care Manor bonds (read as 44 yeas, 0 nays), the appointment of the city comptroller, Northwest Industrial Corridor TIF items, CPS school improvement agreements, and several settlements. After a motion by Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez to divide a Fund 925 amendment that included about $33 million in FEMA funds for migrant services was tabled (33-15 as read), the amendment passed (45 yeas as read) following debate on oversight of migrant spending and flood relief. The council also confirmed Angela Tovar as chief sustainability officer, approved acquisition of 3034 West Foster Avenue for uses including a temporary migrant shelter, and passed a traffic crash review ordinance, an electric vehicle charging ordinance, and other committee items.

Topics: Jesse Jackson, Hispanic Heritage Month, migrant funding, FEMA grant, flood relief, chief sustainability officer, migrant shelter site, police misconduct settlements, water billing, public comment

Agenda items discussed

• 19:39 Request for Alderpersons Reilly and O'Shea to attend remotely under Rule 59: passed
• 23:30 Public comment
• 52:13 Resolution honoring Broncos restaurant on its reopening: passed
• 1:00:02 Resolution honoring Reverend Jesse Jackson: passed
• 2:06:49 Resolution commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month: passed
• 2:46:36 Communications from the mayor and city clerk
• 2:55:09 Tax-exempt bonds for the Care Manor project, 4531-4555 West Washington Boulevard: passed
• 2:58:56 Appointment of the city comptroller: passed
• 3:00:13 Northwest Industrial Corridor TIF redevelopment plan amendment, expanded project area designation and TIF financing: passed
• 3:01:31 Intergovernmental agreements with Chicago Board of Education for TIF-funded school improvements: passed
• 3:04:59 Settlements in Janicki and Carroll cases (14A, 14B): passed
• 3:06:25 Settlement of $350,000 in Reginald Tucker v. Chicago police officer (14C): passed
• 3:08:23 Settlement in Washington v. Boudreaux and Hood v. City of Chicago (14E): passed
• 3:09:32 Finance Committee subject matter hearing on water billing: discussed
• 3:15:16 Motion by Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez to divide the question on the Fund 925 amendment (laid on the table): failed
• 3:14:18 2023 appropriation amendment within Fund 925, including FEMA funds for migrant services: passed
• 3:45:07 Rules committee report including journal corrections and referral of tipped minimum wage ordinance: passed
• 3:46:26 Special service area appointments and Class 6(b) and Class L tax incentives: passed
• 3:50:50 Resolution calling for hearings on expanding access to mental health services: passed
• 3:52:32 Appointment of Angela Tovar as chief sustainability officer: passed
• 4:08:09 Acquisition of 3034 West Foster Avenue from MWRD, including use as a migrant shelter: passed
• 4:17:00 Roadway acquisitions and sales of city-owned property; Island Terrace Apartments financing: passed
• 4:20:45 Liquor moratoriums and 23rd Ward restricted zones: passed
• 4:23:35 Traffic crash review and analysis ordinance (O2023-0001253): passed
• 4:26:49 Transportation and public way ordinances: passed
• 4:28:40 Collective bargaining agreements with Illinois Nurses Association and other unions: passed
• 4:29:37 Electric vehicle supply equipment ordinance and zoning map amendments (O2023-0002910): passed
• 4:32:48 Agreed calendar: passed

Alderpersons who spoke

• Brian Hopkins (alderperson): Introduced the Broncos restaurant resolution, describing the immigrant family's nearly 50 years serving the DePaul community and its reopening after the pandemic. (52:23)
• Timothy R. Knudsen (alderperson): Supported the Broncos resolution, echoing Hopkins on the restaurant's role for DePaul students. (56:01); Congratulated the chief sustainability officer and called for enforcement of environmental regulations and review of the bag tax. (3:57:26)
• Chris Taliaferro (alderperson): Moved that the clerk read the Jesse Jackson resolution in full. (1:00:45)
• Michelle A. Harris (alderperson): Honored Reverend Jackson, recalling Black Expo and his voter registration and corporate equity work. (1:05:50); Moved to lay on the table Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez motion to divide the Fund 925 amendment. (3:15:48); Reported the rules committee items, including referral of the tipped minimum wage ordinance to the workforce committee. (3:45:07)
• Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Praised Reverend Jackson's international negotiations and his push for Black representation in corporations, media and sports. (1:13:05)
• Emma Mitts (alderperson): Thanked Reverend Jackson for helping a constituent facing loss of her home. (1:17:17); Supported the Fund 925 ordinance but urged help for West Side residents affected by July flooding, saying constituents question migrant spending. (3:30:30); Supported the chief sustainability officer appointment, citing her outreach on flooding. (4:03:35)
• William E. Hall (alderperson): Described years traveling with Reverend Jackson and credited him for his own path. (1:19:39)
• Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson): Honored Reverend Jackson as a unifier, recalling his support during the 2015 mayoral campaign. (1:21:08); Recognized veterans, organizers and other community servants during Hispanic Heritage Month. (2:25:43); Supported the chief sustainability officer appointment, calling climate change an existential crisis. (3:54:19)
• Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth (alderperson): Credited Reverend Jackson with inspiring her civic involvement and voter registration efforts. (1:22:41); Thanked Nugent for expanding temporary shelter but said shelters are not a solution and more must be done, including federal action. (4:13:45)
• Pat Dowell (alderperson): Honored Reverend Jackson's leadership of Operation Breadbasket, Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition. (1:25:05); Presented the Finance Committee report, including bonds, TIF items, school agreements and settlements. (2:54:48)
• Stephanie D. Coleman (alderperson): Honored Reverend Jackson and expressed hope that Kennedy-King College might one day carry his name. (1:27:44)
• Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Honored Reverend Jackson's coalition-building and support for immigrants. (1:30:33); Spoke in support of Hispanic Heritage Month, urging unity of working people and opposing divisive narratives. (2:28:44); Presented the housing committee report, including acquisition of 3034 West Foster Avenue and a subject matter hearing on the real estate transfer tax proposal. (4:07:37)
• Jeanette B. Taylor (alderperson): Credited Reverend Jackson with local achievements, including King College Prep and support during the 2015 Dyett hunger strike. (1:34:45)
• Maria E. Hadden (alderperson): Honored Reverend Jackson's community building and encouragement of young leaders. (1:37:25); Supported the Hispanic Heritage Month resolution, describing Latino communities in Rogers Park. (2:21:59); Presented the appointment of Angela Tovar as chief sustainability officer from the environment committee. (3:51:59)
• Daniel La Spata (alderperson): Honored Reverend Jackson's courage in remaining a public leader while living with Parkinson's, referencing his own father's experience. (1:39:44); Supported the Fund 925 amendment, saying questions about migrant spending were addressed in committee and calling for full funding and work permits. (3:27:52); Praised the traffic crash review ordinance as directly saving lives. (4:24:45)
• James M. Gardiner (alderperson): Thanked Reverend Jackson for advocacy that led to more Fire Department hires from a 1995 exam, including himself. (1:41:31)
• Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Thanked Reverend Jackson for standing with the mother of Vincent Chin in seeking justice. (1:44:34)
• Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Credited the Rainbow Coalition with shaping today's council and quoted Reverend Jackson on the American dream. (1:48:10); Spoke on Hispanic Heritage Month, linking migration to U.S. intervention in Latin America and calling for solidarity across groups. (2:18:42); Supported the chief sustainability officer appointment and thanked Hadden for her committee leadership. (3:55:32)
• Lamont J. Robinson (alderperson): Closed debate on the Jesse Jackson resolution, which he worked on with the mayor, describing Jackson's civil rights record. (1:50:19)
• Felix Cardona Jr. (alderperson): Supported the Hispanic Heritage Month resolution, noting independence anniversaries in Latin American countries. (2:08:55)
• Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson): Supported the resolution and called for Puerto Rican self-determination, asylum rights for migrants, and confronting anti-Blackness. (2:10:17)
• Ruth Cruz (alderperson): Spoke as a Mexican immigrant about her heritage and the American dream. (2:12:24)
• Peter Chico (alderperson): Noted he is the first Hispanic alderperson of the 10th Ward and honored his grandfather. (2:14:19)
• Carlos Ramírez-Rosa (alderperson): Described Latino identity as pan-ethnic, rooted in African, Indigenous and European heritage. (2:15:23); Supported the chief sustainability officer appointment, citing collaborative governance with communities affected by environmental racism. (3:59:30); Presented the zoning committee report, including the electric vehicle supply equipment ordinance. (4:29:21)
• Julia M. Ramirez (alderperson): Described the complexity of Latino identity and her family history, and offered a different view from Vasquez on the September 15 timing. (2:23:16); Congratulated the chief sustainability officer, citing her work on the Southwest Side. (4:02:40)
• Jeylú B. Gutiérrez (alderperson): Spoke as the first Mexican immigrant representing the 14th Ward and encouraged pride in speaking Spanish. (2:33:56)
• Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez (alderperson): Thanked those showing solidarity with new arrivals during Hispanic Heritage Month. (2:39:02); Reported the health committee's resolution calling for hearings on expanding mental health services. (3:50:50); Thanked the chief sustainability officer for including communities affected by environmental racism. (3:58:30)
• Gilbert Villegas (alderperson): Said residents are being overbilled for water and proposed an appeal process, comptroller flexibility on erroneous debt, and approving an IT vendor. (3:10:08); Urged the administration to act quickly on IT modernization, citing potential savings. (3:49:20)
• Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Moved to divide the Fund 925 amendment to separate the $33 million FEMA migrant section. (3:15:16); Opposed the amendment, saying migrant funds were redirected without a public plan or vendor accounting and contrasting it with help for flood victims. (3:20:13); Supported the electric vehicle ordinance but urged the city to limit affordable housing exemptions beyond state requirements. (4:30:14)
• David H. Moore (alderperson): Agreed accountability for migrant spending matters but said the city must accept federal emergency funds to lessen the burden on taxpayers. (3:33:59); Supported the chief sustainability officer appointment and promoted his Keep Chicago Clean ordinance. (3:53:05); Supported the West Foster acquisition after the administration addressed his requests for Ogden Park field house funding and a migrant strategy. (4:10:26)
• Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Said Portage Park was also hit by flooding and called for more federal pressure regarding the migrant situation. (3:36:04); Thanked Nugent for ensuring veterans' monuments at the Foster Avenue site will remain. (4:15:19)
• Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Urged acceptance of the federal funds, saying migrant spending did not come from opioid settlement funds and rejecting the grants would not solve challenges. (3:38:30)
• Samantha Nugent (alderperson): Supported the chief sustainability officer appointment, citing joint work on the urban forestry board and single-use plastics. (4:01:26); Supported city acquisition of the former Marine Corps property in her ward for a temporary migrant shelter and possible future park or early childhood uses. (4:08:43)
• Debra L. Silverstein (alderperson): Explained the traffic crash review ordinance requiring CDOT to review fatal crash sites and publicly report recommendations. (4:24:03)

Exchanges between members

• 55:25 Hopkins said he stood with Knudsen in honoring Broncos restaurant.
• 56:05 Knudsen echoed Hopkins's remarks about Broncos.
• 1:39:10 Hadden echoed Taylor's point about Reverend Jackson's leadership.
• 1:43:06 Gardiner noted that Napolitano was also hired through the same Fire Department exam process.
• 2:10:25 Fuentes referenced Cardona's remarks on Latin American independence.
• 2:25:25 Ramirez said she would push back a little on Vasquez's comment about the September 15 timing.
• 2:25:01 Ramirez gave a shout-out to the 10th Ward.
• 3:10:08 Villegas thanked Dowell for hosting the water billing hearing.
• 3:15:48 Harris moved to table Lopez's motion to divide the question.
• 3:27:56 La Spata said he agreed with Lopez that charity starts at home while supporting the ordinance.
• 3:30:37 Mitts cited Lopez's mention of West Side flooding.
• 3:34:18 Moore agreed with Lopez on tracking where money goes but supported accepting federal funds.
• 3:36:19 Sposato referenced Moore's point about not refusing the money.
• 3:39:32 Ervin acknowledged Mitts's concerns about the West Side.
• 3:39:40 Ervin acknowledged Sposato's concerns about Portage Park.
• 3:55:46 Vasquez thanked Hadden for her leadership of the environment committee.
• 3:57:34 Knudsen echoed Vasquez about leadership on the committee.
• 4:05:35 Hadden cited Knudsen's point on enforcement.
• 4:05:39 Hadden cited Mitts raising flooding.
• 4:08:35 Sigcho-López recognized Nugent to speak on the Foster Avenue acquisition.

Roll-call votes at this meeting

• 407 W 109th St - Class 6(b) (O2023-0002991): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• Call for hearing(s) on status of reopening Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) 63rd and Racine Green Line station (R2023-0002886): Adopted 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• TIF-funded improvements at Mark Skinner Elementary Branch (O2023-0003006): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• Approval of Amendment No. 4 to Northwest Industrial Corridor Redevelopment TIF Area (O2023-0003017): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• Acquisition of property at S Burley Avenue from E 122nd Street to E 126th Pl; S Carondolet Ave from E 122nd St to E 126th Pl; and E 122nd St from South Ave O to S Caroldolet Ave and Norfolk Southern Railway Company grade crossing for roadway improvements associated with North Point Redevelopment Project (O2023-0001455): Passed 47 yea, 1 nay, 1 absent
• Issuance of multi-family loan and low-income housing tax credits for Island Terrace Apartment project (O2023-0003075): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• Amendment of Municipal Code Title 9 by adding new Chapter 9-116 entitled "Traffic Crash Review and Analysis" (SO2023-0001253): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• TIF-improvements Roald Amundsen High School (O2023-0003003): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• Tax-exempt bonds for Care Manor affordable rental redevelopment, 4531 - 4555 W Washington Blvdl (O2023-0003030): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• Designation of Amendment No. 4 regarding Tax Increment Allocation Financing for Northwest Industria (O2023-0003022): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• First Amendment retroactively renewing developer entry to 8840 S. Commercial Ave (O2023-0003032): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• Call for hearing(s) on initiatives for expansion of access to mental health services, including mental health centers and crisis response services (R2023-0002958): Adopted 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• Support of Class 6(b) Tax incentive for property at 1951 W Hastings St (O2023-0002225): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• 500 N LaSalle Dr - Class L (O2023-0002959): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Board of Education regarding tax increment financing (TIF) funds for new artificial turf sports field, rubber surface running track, LED tall pole lighting, and drainage infrastructure at Greater Lawndale High School and Technology High School, 3120 S Kostner Ave (O2023-0003005): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• Purchase from MWRD vacant for migrant housing (SO2023-0003069): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• Various Collective Bargaining Agreement Term Sheets (O2023-0003884): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• 925 Amendment of 2023 appropriations (SO2023-0002925): Passed 45 yea, 4 nay, 1 absent
• TIF improvements at Uplift Community High School, 900 W Wilson Ave (O2023-0003004): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• Adoption of Amendment No. 4 to expanded Northwest Industrial Corridor Redevelopment Project Area (O2023-0003025): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 9-68-033 by inserting new section designating Zone 74 nightlife tow area on Division St (O2023-0003479): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• Amendment of Municipal Code Chapters 13-72, 17-10, 17-13 and 17-17 regarding electric vehicle supply equipment (SO2023-0002910): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• Historical landmark fee waiver for property at 4543 S Ellis Ave (Or2023-0002956): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
• Historical landmark fee waiver for property at 1618 N Cleveland Ave (Or2023-0002921): Passed 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent

Documents

• Agenda