Mell, 75, says stories published earlier this month of his pending retirement have been fabricated. He is the second-longest serving member of the city council, holding his seat as the 33rd ward alderman for 38 years.
Mell says he has no reasons or desire to retire.
"When I decide or if I decide to retire, I will come before you and I'll make that statement. That statement is for me to be made - not by somebody to be speculating to be made," Mell said.
Mell is the father- in-law of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who is serving a prison sentence for corruption.
