# Committee on Finance meeting, December 4, 2025

- When: Thu, Dec 4, 2025, 10:00 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: [Committee on Finance](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/finance)
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928482?video=1143223114
- Transcript: [full text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/1143223114.txt) (23,053 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 Committee on Finance heard public comment focused largely on proposed library staffing cuts, property taxes, and the 2026 budget, then approved its Rule 45 report. It recommended a $1 million settlement in Chané Flowers-James v. City of Chicago involving a Chicago Fire Department paramedic, with Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez recorded as no and Alderperson Nicholas Sposato recusing, and a $15,376,742.37 settlement in the Robert Smith Jr. wrongful conviction case. A proposed $1,962,000 class settlement over towing of vehicles with expired plates was held after members raised concerns that required pre-tow notices would lengthen removal of abandoned vehicles. The committee also advanced a Chicago Board of Education permit fee waiver ordinance, TIF-funded marquee signs at Langston Hughes and Marcus Garvey elementary schools, TIF funding for Mather Park and Jackie Robinson Park, the Enterprise Zone Two boundary expansion, small claims orders, and two charitable solicitation permits.

Topics: Legal settlements, Chicago Fire Department paramedic liability, Abandoned vehicle towing, Wrongful conviction settlement, CPS permit fee waivers, TIF funding for schools and parks, Enterprise Zone Two expansion, Library funding, Public comment

### Agenda items discussed

- [23:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=1426) Motion to allow members to participate remotely under Rule 59: passed
- [24:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=1479) Public comment: discussed
- [55:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=3323) Monthly Rule 45 report: passed
- [56:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=3363) Settlement: Chané Flowers-James v. City of Chicago, $1 million: passed
- [1:19:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=4741) Settlement: Santiago v. City of Chicago and Fitzgibbons v. City of Chicago, $1,962,000 class settlement over towing and disposal of vehicles: held
- [1:56:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=6969) Settlement: Robert Smith Jr. v. City of Chicago, $15,376,742.37: passed
- [2:08:10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=7690) Ordinance authorizing permit fee waivers for the Chicago Board of Education and its contractors: passed
- [2:20:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=8401) Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Board of Education for TIF funds for Langston Hughes Elementary marquee sign (21st Ward): passed
- [2:24:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=8694) Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Board of Education for TIF funds for Marcus Garvey Elementary marquee sign (21st Ward): passed
- [2:28:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=8909) Motion to allow Alderperson Byron Sigcho-López to participate remotely under Rule 59: passed
- [2:28:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=8935) Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District for Lincoln Avenue TIF funds for Mather Park improvements (40th Ward): passed
- [2:34:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=9262) Intergovernmental agreement with Chicago Park District for 105th/Vincennes TIF funds for Jackie Robinson Park (21st Ward): passed
- [2:39:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=9560) Ordinance amending Enterprise Zone Two to reflect expanded boundaries: passed
- [2:49:16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=10156) Orders authorizing and denying payment of various small claims: passed
- [2:49:51](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=10191) Charitable solicitation permits for the ACLU and the Nature Conservancy: passed
- [2:50:28](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=10228) Motion to adjourn: passed

### Alderpersons who spoke

- [Pat Dowell](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/3) (chair): Responded to Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez that in each paramedic case before the committee the employee violated department orders, and said calling it a cottage industry is a generalization. ([1:04:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=3885)); Said the towing settlement would be held to clarify what changes could address members' concerns. ([1:53:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=6838)); Asked how the special prosecutor in the Smith case was selected. ([2:07:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=7632))
- [Nicholas Sposato](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/38) (alderperson): Said he would recuse himself and asked whether the paramedic was suspended. ([59:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=3574)); Explained that the first unit was an advanced life support fire rig whose supervisor is not a paramedic, before an ambulance arrived. ([1:10:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=4227)); Said abandoned vehicle complaints typically take three weeks to a month before a tow under the current process. ([1:42:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=6179))
- [Derrick G. Curtis](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/18) (alderperson): Asked whether the paramedic was required to undergo retraining before returning to service. ([1:01:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=3665)); Agreed with Alderperson Jason C. Ervin that the abandoned vehicle ordinance may need amendment to avoid harm to communities. ([1:41:35](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=6095))
- [Raymond A. Lopez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/15) (alderperson): Asked how many Fire Department paramedic settlements came before the committee this year and suggested lawsuits are shifting from CPD to CFD. ([1:01:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=3696)); Said such settlements send the message that the city does not support first responders acting in good faith and asked to be recorded as no. ([1:02:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=3769)); Asked who represented the city and the plaintiff in the Flowers-James case. ([1:17:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=4666))
- [Jason C. Ervin](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/28) (alderperson): Asked whether the paramedic was licensed at the time and what supervisory accountability exists. ([1:05:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=3921)); Supported the settlement but said supervisors must be held accountable for their subordinates. ([1:07:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=4069)); Asked how the towing settlement would change the seven-day sticker process for vehicles with expired plates. ([1:30:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=5426))
- [Daniel La Spata](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/1) (alderperson): Expressed condolences to the plaintiff, saying no amount of money makes up for the loss of a child. ([1:09:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=4170)); Asked whether the court would rule on class certification before the towing settlement returns to committee. ([1:55:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=6903)); Supported the Langston Hughes marquee and asked whether it could be built by year end. ([2:23:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=8622))
- [Jeanette B. Taylor](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/20) (alderperson): Asked whether firefighters on rigs perform the same work as paramedics. ([1:12:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=4362)); Said settlements rarely come with retraining or recourse, that money cannot replace a lost child, and asked whether the paramedic was retrained. ([1:13:44](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=4424))
- [Marty Quinn](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/13) (alderperson): Asked how the city would defend the Flowers-James case at trial. ([1:15:51](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=4551)); Asked about former Lieutenant Philip Klein's role in taking the Smith confession. ([2:05:07](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=7507))
- [Brian Hopkins](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/2) (alderperson): Asked about the city's motions to dismiss the towing cases and the judges' reasoning. ([1:28:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=5322))
- [Nicole T. Lee](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/11) (alderperson): Asked the anticipated class size and the city's total exposure in the towing settlement. ([1:34:16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=5656))
- [Monique L. Scott](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/24) (alderperson): Questioned paying incentive awards and $395,000 in attorney's fees to plaintiffs whose vehicles were towed under existing rules. ([1:36:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=5779))
- [Gregory I. Mitchell](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/7) (alderperson): Added that abandoned cars sit on streets and vacant lots for long periods in some neighborhoods and said the operational impact is significant. ([1:38:28](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=5908))
- [Debra L. Silverstein](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/50) (alderperson): Confirmed the new towing process would take 15 to 17 days and said longer waits, restarting if a car is moved, would frustrate constituents. ([1:51:07](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=6667))
- [William Conway](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/34) (alderperson): Confirmed it was the Office of the Special Prosecutor that did not object to Smith's certificate of innocence. ([2:06:43](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=7603)); Asked whether the CPS fee waiver is perpetual or time-limited. ([2:18:51](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=8331))
- [Gilbert Villegas](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/36) (alderperson): Asked why contractors installing fiber optic on behalf of CPS under a federal grant are charged fees not covered by the waiver. ([2:09:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=7796)); Asked for a hearing on fee waivers for fiber optic infrastructure to leverage grants. ([2:13:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=8026)); Requested the list of roughly 200 CPS projects covered by the waiver. ([2:19:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=8362))
- [Brendan Reilly](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/42) (alderperson): Disputed that the CPS fee waiver has no fiscal impact on the city, citing the budget deficit and CPS's accountability for its own budget, and asked how the figure was projected. ([2:15:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=8112))
- [David H. Moore](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/17) (alderperson): Asked the estimated total cost of the waived fees for CPS projects. ([2:18:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=8306))
- [Ronnie L. Mosley](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/21) (alderperson): Supported digital marquee signs at two 21st Ward schools to give real-time updates to families without burdening educators. ([2:22:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=8553)); Supported TIF funding to upgrade Jackie Robinson Park to match the new state-funded field house and its youth baseball program. ([2:38:10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=9490))
- [Andre Vasquez Jr.](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/40) (alderperson): Supported the Mather Park improvements, noting the Lincoln Avenue TIF was extended for such investments and that he wants basketball rims restored. ([2:32:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=9135))
- [Michael D. Rodriguez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/22) (alderperson): Said expanding Enterprise Zone Two will spur development in disinvested areas, including a grocery store, childcare and affordable housing at the former Leclaire Courts. ([2:46:43](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=10003))

### Exchanges between members

- [1:04:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=3885) The chair responded to Alderperson Raymond A. Lopez that the paramedic cases involved violations of department orders and called his characterization a generalization.
- [1:09:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=4170) Alderperson Daniel La Spata affirmed the chair's remarks about the settlement.
- [1:10:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=4213) The chair thanked Alderperson Daniel La Spata for the compassion he showed the plaintiff.
- [1:13:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=4380) Alderperson Jeanette B. Taylor directed her question about firefighter rigs to Alderperson Nicholas Sposato.
- [1:13:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=4412) The chair told Alderperson Jeanette B. Taylor that Alderperson Nicholas Sposato was recused and could not answer.
- [1:38:28](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=5908) Alderperson Gregory I. Mitchell added context to Alderperson Monique L. Scott point about long-abandoned vehicles.
- [1:41:43](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=6103) Alderperson Derrick G. Curtis said he agrees with Alderperson Jason C. Ervin that the towing ordinance may need to be amended.
- [2:18:07](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=8287) The chair called Alderperson Brendan Reilly point about fee waivers a fair point.
- [2:22:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=8550) The chair invited Alderperson Ronnie L. Mosley to speak on the school marquee item.
- [2:32:04](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=9124) The chair turned the Mather Park item over to Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr..
- [2:37:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=9473) The chair congratulated Alderperson Ronnie L. Mosley on the state grant for Jackie Robinson Park.
- [2:46:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=9998) The chair gave Alderperson Michael D. Rodriguez the floor on the enterprise zone item.
- [2:46:43](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7?t=10003) Alderperson Michael D. Rodriguez thanked the chair.

## Documents

- [Agenda](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/5282d69d-c8a7-4d9b-af42-241d140761e6.pdf)
- [Agenda](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/82f392c6-3717-42bf-9783-6a9c153fd6df.pdf)
- [Summary](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/9a0bd055-4bbc-443a-b5d0-8f9f20a1ca20.pdf)
- [Summary](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/b91d0ad0-4c96-4559-b1ee-4b337fa31b9d.pdf)
- [Notice](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/28cce194-aec4-f011-bbd2-001dd81024b7.pdf)

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/E94B026B-AEC4-F011-BBD2-001DD81024B7 · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt