There were multiple topics on the agenda. A number of council votes Thursday were in approval of proposed plans and ordinances.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke Thursday evening after the meeting ended.
City Council talks CPD settlement, dogs in restaurants, CFD contract
New alderman sworn in
It is the "Chicago Way." Walter "Red" Burnett was sworn in as Chicago City Council's newest city council member. He was chosen by Mayor Johnson to replace his father, Walter Burnett Jr., who recently retired as alderman of the 27th Ward.
Burnett's father served as City Council's Zoning Committee chairman and Johnson's vice mayor. The mayor's plan to reshuffle powerful committee assignments fell apart Thursday with both the Black and Latino Caucuses not accepting the mayor's choices.
"I think this is just another example on why we should be dong our own reorganization, why we need to be picking our own chairman instead of being dictated by the administration," 9th Ward Ald. Anthony Beale said.
The collapse of the mayor's plan caused the Thursday's regular City Council meeting to start several hours late, and there were many topics on the table to discuss.
CPD misconduct settlements
The City Council Finance Committee unanimously approved a $90 million settlement for the 176 civil rights violations cases involving former disgraced Chicago Police Sergeant Ronald Watts.
The proposed settlement went before the full council Thursday, where it was able to get enough votes for final approval.
Watts was convicted and sentenced for shaking down residents in the Ida B. Wells Public Housing Complex.
An attorney representing the more than 100 victims in the settlement writing on their behalf, "Nothing can undo the harm that Watts caused, but at least everyone will be able to put this behind them."
Dogs in restaurants ordinance not discussed
North Side 43rd Ward Alderman Timmy Knudsen proposed an ordinance to council Thursday that would allow restaurants to decide whether or not they want to allow dogs inside.
Right now, dogs are allowed at some outdoor cafes. Restaurants are only accepting service animals inside.
Restaurants that choose to allow dogs would have to have signage and keep dogs away from areas where food is prepared. Dogs also have to be on leashes and their owners have proof that their pet is vaccinated against rabies.
The council did not take up the topic during Thursday's meeting, but Knudsen said he opens the ordinance can clear council next month.
"Restaurants, should they decide to be a dog-friendly establishment, they sign up for an additional set of rules," Knudsen said. "They sign up for additional safety and sanitation rules that heighten the standard of cleanliness...but they also have flexibility to add more rules on their own. Maybe they only want three dogs in the business at a time. They can do that.
Obama Center affordable housing proposal
A Council Committee is taking steps to ensure residents are not priced out of neighborhoods near the Obama Presidential Center.
An amendment to the South Shore Housing Opportunity Ordinance would reserve land and money for affordable housing, offering displaced residents a right to return.
Some spoke out against the proposed amendment that goes before the council Thursday.
"Ordinance without amendment or allowing the community members to see it and discuss it and amend it, it risks undermining the catalytic investments already underway," South Shore resident Lashawn Brown said.
"Ultimately we believe that this work and this ordinance is about opportunity," Dixon Romero of Southside Together & CBA Coalition.
The council voted to approve housing proposals during Thursday's meeting.
Chicago firefighters' contract
Council members were expected to approve a Chicago firefighters union contract during the meeting.
This comes after the city was in the middle of a four-year standoff with Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2.
More agenda items approveed
The full council was also set to consider rezoning for "The 78" development, including a new stadium for the Chicago Fire soccer team.
The plan was approved.
The council voted on so-called "granny flats." Those are additional units like coach houses or basement apartments.
Some council members want to allow them in all Chicago neighborhoods, but others say their wards are over populated.
A compromise reached allows council members to opt into the program. It was approved by the council in a vote Thursday.
One item was that was passed Thursday was a resolution for a symbolic apology to Black Chicagoans for the historical injustices of slavery. Four alders voted against it.