City Council meeting, October 4, 2023

When: Wed, Oct 4, 2023, 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/870787030
Transcript: full text (36,708 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.

At this City Council meeting, the chair allowed the Workforce Development committee chair to defer and publish the One Fair Wage ordinance (SO2023-0002995), which had not been posted 48 hours in advance; an appeal of that ruling failed 30 to 15 as read aloud, and members debated Open Meetings Act concerns and a special meeting set for Friday, October 6, which was approved after a motion to table it failed. The Council heard public comment and adopted resolutions on Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with many members sharing personal experiences, and honored tailor Frank Harris, engineer Smita Shah and One Hope United. Committee reports were approved, including a finance ordinance on automated speed and traffic enforcement (46 to 0 as read aloud) and a federal loan item for lead service line replacement after debate over minority contractor participation; an Englewood TIF item was deferred and published. The meeting closed with a state-required public hearing on the Bring Chicago Home real estate transfer tax proposal, with speakers both for and against; no vote was taken on it.

Topics: One Fair Wage ordinance, Open Meetings Act and council rules, Domestic violence awareness, Breast cancer awareness, Lead service line replacement, Minority contractor participation, Bring Chicago Home transfer tax, Homelessness, CTA accountability hearings, Honorary resolutions

Agenda items discussed

23:18 Workforce Development report: defer and publish of One Fair Wage ordinance on tipped minimum wage; appeal of chair's Rule 3 ruling (SO2023-0002995): deferred
31:49 Ordinance setting next meeting for Friday, October 6, 2023; motion to table it: passed
50:53 Public comment: discussed
1:19:30 Resolution commemorating Domestic Violence Awareness Month: passed
1:42:33 Resolution recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month: passed
2:13:34 Resolution honoring retiring tailor Frank Harris: passed
2:23:33 Resolution honoring Smita Shah on her firm's 25th anniversary: passed
2:31:55 Resolution recognizing One Hope United Day: passed
2:43:34 Finance: ordinance aligning code with state law on automated speed and traffic enforcement citations: passed
2:46:51 Finance: authority to execute federal EPA loan documents for lead service line replacement: passed
3:01:09 Finance: TIF redevelopment agreement at 1022 West 63rd Street (16th Ward); motion to hold, then deferred and published: deferred
3:13:27 Budget and Government Operations committee report: passed
3:14:37 Economic, Capital and Technology Development report: SSA appointments, Class 6(b) incentives and SSA levies: passed
3:18:42 Expanding the Gender-Based Violence Task Force from 17 to 21 members (O2023-0001249): passed
3:19:50 Working group for recommendations on provision of mental health services (O2023-0004179): passed
3:21:11 License and Consumer Protection report: liquor moratoriums, pedicab restrictions, shared housing restrictions: passed
3:25:19 Transportation report: order calling for quarterly CTA hearings: passed
3:28:08 Substitute ordinance on regulation of public bookcases: deferred
3:30:48 Joint Environmental Protection and Health committee subject matter hearing on cumulative impact assessment: discussed
3:44:05 Public hearing on Bring Chicago Home real estate transfer tax referendum and ordinance: discussed

Alderpersons who spoke

Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson): Read Council rules and argued that the defer-and-publish process complied with them, urging colleagues to reread the rules. (42:32); Spoke about his late mother's work as a rape victim advocate and the killing of Karina Gonzalez and her daughter near his home. (1:32:35)
Brendan Reilly (alderperson): Raised a point of order that an item not on the day's agenda should not be deferred and published, calling the chair out of order and citing the 48-hour posting rule. (23:53); Said the issue was parliamentary procedure and transparency, warned of precedent, and said he would reintroduce an ordinance creating an office of legislative counsel. (40:15)
Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Asked for clarification of what yes and no votes meant on the appeal of the chair's ruling. (26:47); Opposed holding a special meeting Friday and asked to wait until the November meeting, citing a long-scheduled appointment. (34:28)
Anthony Beale (alderperson): Opposed bringing the Council back Friday for one item, calling it a waste of taxpayer time and money. (32:15); Described Frank Harris completing tailoring work for him within an hour and congratulated him on retirement. (2:17:31)
Raymond A. Lopez (alderperson): Argued the item was not properly noticed and that deferring and publishing it risked Open Meetings Act issues with the Attorney General's office. (33:07); Moved to lay the ordinance setting the Friday meeting on the table. (44:02); Said water department contracts exclude minority- and women-owned businesses and should be broken into zones to hire residents of affected neighborhoods, while saying he would vote yes. (2:51:46)
Carlos Ramírez-Rosa (alderperson): Explained that the One Fair Wage ordinance was not posted on time due to a clerk's office error and said the Council should return Friday to pass it. (35:30)
Byron Sigcho-López (alderperson): Said residents expect the Council to act for working people and criticized objections about inconvenience. (37:42); Cited the killing of Karina Gonzalez and called for the same support for Bring Chicago Home and Treatment Not Trauma to help domestic violence victims. (1:30:31)
Daniel La Spata (alderperson): Thanked domestic violence advocates and said he was discouraged by the slow pace of spending the city's gender-based violence investment. (1:19:49); Deferred and published the substitute ordinance on public bookcases. (3:28:08)
Emma Mitts (alderperson): Said domestic violence tops police commanders' lists of incidents and called for a citywide campaign on the issue. (1:21:56)
Ruth Cruz (alderperson): Addressed survivors of domestic violence and urged people not to give up on those trying to leave abusive relationships. (1:23:55); Shared finding a lump at age 35 and urged regular screening regardless of age. (1:58:18)
Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Spoke about children witnessing domestic violence and the effects of corporal punishment. (1:25:39); Disclosed his own cancer diagnosis and urged the city to consider regulating cancer-causing chemicals in food and products. (1:54:59); Welcomed passage of an order calling for quarterly CTA board hearings, citing safety and reliability concerns. (3:25:32)
Scott Waguespack (alderperson): Supported both resolutions, recognized former gender-based violence director Darcy Flynn, and cited his opposition to the Garda contract over human trafficking concerns. (1:27:39)
Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Thanked domestic violence service providers, noting the difficulty of discussing the issue in Asian American communities. (1:37:59); Shared her own breast cancer surgery and stressed screening access for uninsured and underinsured women. (1:48:31); Co-sponsored the Smita Shah resolution, calling her a role model for Asian American women. (2:25:55)
Michelle A. Harris (alderperson): Shared her breast cancer diagnosis and family history and challenged women to get regular mammograms. (1:43:50)
Derrick G. Curtis (alderperson): Said his mother died of breast cancer at 31 and supported the resolution. (1:50:35)
Jessica L. Fuentes (alderperson): Recognized two friends fighting cancer and called for investment in screening and prevention programs. (1:51:46)
Pat Dowell (alderperson): Shared that she is a breast cancer survivor since 2007 and urged monthly self-exams between mammograms. (2:02:25); Introduced a resolution honoring tailor Frank Harris on his retirement after nearly five decades. (2:13:34); Presented the Finance Committee report, including the automated speed enforcement ordinance and lead service line loan. (2:43:34)
Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Noted high breast cancer rates on the West Side and a 20-year life expectancy gap between neighborhoods. (2:04:26); Thanked Frank Harris for his work on the West Side. (2:15:55); Said the federal loan is separate from the contracts and that minority participation terms had been improved since July, asking Moore to reconsider his vote. (2:49:30)
Desmon C. Yancy (alderperson): Named family members who survived breast cancer and noted the impact on Black and brown women. (2:08:13)
Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Commended Frank Harris for his work and the jobs he provided. (2:16:42); Praised Smita Shah's work on the Plan Commission and for equity. (2:28:41); Said lead pipe removal is a public health priority and described efforts to smaller job packages and mentoring to bring in more minority contractors. (2:54:43)
William E. Hall (alderperson): Thanked Frank Harris, recalling being tailored by him as a preacher and before inauguration. (2:18:38)
David H. Moore (alderperson): Recalled Reverend Clay Evans sending deacons to Frank Harris and hoped his store would continue. (2:19:11); Said he was denied remote access to the committee, and voted no on the lead pipe item citing only $9 million of $527 million in contracts for African American firms. (2:47:22); Said West Englewood is overlooked and moved to hold the 63rd Street TIF item pending information from the planning department. (3:01:35)
Monique L. Scott (alderperson): Recalled her father taking her to Frank Harris's shop and thanked him. (2:20:42)
Brian Hopkins (alderperson): Introduced a resolution honoring Smita Shah, founder of an engineering and construction management firm, on its 25th anniversary. (2:23:33)
William Conway (alderperson): Thanked Smita Shah for her community leadership and mentorship. (2:27:17)
Samantha Nugent (alderperson): Supported the resolution, citing Smita Shah's infrastructure and sister cities work. (2:28:01)
Matthew J. O'Shea (alderperson): Praised Smita Shah's philanthropic work including Special Olympics programs. (2:30:05)
Lamont J. Robinson (alderperson): Introduced a resolution recognizing One Hope United's 128 years of foster care and adoption services. (2:32:14)
Gilbert Villegas (alderperson): Presented the Economic, Capital and Technology Development report and held a Class 6(b) item due to a transmittal error. (3:14:37)
Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez (alderperson): Reported Health and Human Relations items including expanding the gender-based violence task force and a mental health services working group. (3:18:31)
Debra L. Silverstein (alderperson): Reported License Committee items on liquor moratoriums, pedicabs in the Third Ward and shared housing restrictions, with booting items held. (3:21:11)
Maria E. Hadden (alderperson): Reported that the joint committee held a subject matter hearing on a cumulative impact assessment with no votes taken. (3:30:48); Explained that state law requires a public hearing on the Bring Chicago Home referendum and transfer tax changes to raise revenue for homelessness, with no vote that day. (3:44:05); Thanked speakers and said further briefings and a Rules Committee hearing would follow. (4:31:16)

Exchanges between members

33:07 Lopez said he agreed with Beale that the Council did not need to meet Friday.
33:26 Lopez echoed Reilly's point that the item was not properly noticed.
34:33 Sposato said he agreed with the two preceding colleagues about waiting for the next meeting.
41:38 Reilly said Lopez made articulate points about staying within the Council's procedures.
42:50 Rodriguez responded to the appeal of the chair's ruling by reading the rules and saying they had been followed.
1:33:47 Rodriguez said he was glad his colleague raised the case of Karina Gonzalez.
1:48:31 Lee said she shares Harris's survivor experience and that Harris supported her during her diagnosis.
1:59:31 Cruz said she accepts Harris's challenge to get a mammogram.
2:04:26 Ervin responded to Dowell's remarks, saying there are no weak women in the body.
2:06:35 Ervin said he was glad to hear Harris's remarks about holding others' hands through treatment.
2:25:55 Lee said she would not repeat what Hopkins said and added her support for the Smita Shah resolution.
2:27:28 Conway added his thanks after remarks by Hopkins and Lee.
2:49:30 Ervin responded to Moore's concerns about the lead pipe contracts and asked him to reconsider his vote.
2:51:54 Lopez joined Moore in calling for more intentional minority participation in water department contracts.
2:54:47 Burnett commended Finance Chair Pat Dowell for holding the lead pipe item over concerns about minority participation.
3:04:41 Ervin moved to table Moore's motion to hold the 63rd Street TIF item.
3:10:07 Lopez joined Moore in deferring and publishing the TIF item.
3:25:32 Vasquez thanked Transportation Chair Gregory I. Mitchell for advancing the CTA hearings order.
4:32:24 Moore said Hadden's remarks answered his question about Bring Chicago Home.

Roll-call votes at this meeting

Call for Chicago institutions of higher learning to establish department or office to aggressively work to increase Black student recruitment, enrollment and scholarship opportunities (R2023-0002940): Adopted 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 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 various streets (O2023-0004047): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of previously passed ordinance to designate new areas of 29th Precinct of 23rd Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units and vacation rentals (O2023-0003851): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 2-8 by deleting and replacing Section 2-8-080 requiring Committee on Transportation and Public Way to hold quarterly hearing concerning Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) service levels, operations, and security (SO2023-0004078): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Expansion of mental health resources (O2023-0004179): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
WIFIA Bond Ordinance Amendment of Authorized Officers (O2023-0002765): Passed 48 yea, 1 nay, 1 absent
Lift Liquor Moratorium Belmont from Rockwell to California (O2023-0003086): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-025 by restricting additional late hour liquor licenses within 2nd Ward (O2023-0003484): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 4003-4057 S Normal Street/432-458 W 41st St (O2023-0002944): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Designation of 7th Precinct of 23rd Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units and vacation rentals (O2023-0003848): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of previously passed ordinance to designate new areas of 28th Precinct of 23rd Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units and vacation rentals (O2023-0003849): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of previously passed ordinance to designate new areas of 31st Precinct of 23rd Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units and vacation rentals (O2023-0003853): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Support of Class 6(b) tax incentive for property at 3340 N Kedzie Ave (O2023-0004181): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment to Redevelopment Agreement for Englewood Connect LLC replacing with new Agreement & scope (O2023-0004444): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of previously passed ordinance to designate new areas of 30th Precinct of 23rd Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units and vacation rentals (O2023-0003852): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
IGA with CPS for improvements and repairs McCutcheon Elementary School with TIF funds (O2023-0004449): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-023 (42.605) to allow additional package goods licenses on portion(s) of N State St for one year (O2023-0004227): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 2-4-120 regarding membership of Gender-Based Violence Task Force (O2023-0001249): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Imani Village Senior Resident Second Amendment to Agreement (O2023-0004450): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022(35.19) to allow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of W Armitage Ave (O2023-0004217): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Reappointment SSA No. 18, North Halsted Commission Elizabeth B. Fuld (A2023-0004207): Approved 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Muni Code Amend 9-101-020, 9-102-020 comport state law - speeding (O2023-0004288): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 4-60-022 (2.203) to disallow additional alcoholic liquor licenses on portion(s) of N Wells St (O2023-0003482): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Sections 4-60-022 (35.108) and 4-60-023 (35.106 and 35.107) to disallow additional alcoholic liquor and package goods licenses on portion(s) of N Milwaukee Ave (O2023-0004083): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of previously passed ordinance to designate new areas of 32nd Precinct of 23rd Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units and vacation rentals (O2023-0003854): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Municipal Code Section 9-48-045 by prohibiting operation of pedicabs on public ways in area bounded by E Roosevelt Rd, S Indiana Ave, W 18th St and S Columbus Dr. (O2023-0004067): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Grant (NOF) with Ogden Washtenaw JV LLC (O2023-0004454): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Amendment of previously passed ordinance to designate new areas of 33rd Precinct of 23rd Ward as Restricted Residential Zone prohibiting additional shared housing units and vacation rentals (O2023-0003856): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent
Fund 925 Amendment regarding Departments of: Public Health, Police, and Business Affairs (SO2023-0004144): Passed 49 yea, 0 nay, 1 absent