CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- At least some members of the Chicago City Council will meet in person Wednesday for the first time in more than a year.
There will be special precautions at City Hall to reduce the risk of anyone contracting or spreading COVID-19, including, temperature and symptom screening checks at the entrance; six-foot seating separations and a face mask requirement; and, limits on attendance in the Council Chamber to aldermen and staff essential to conducting the meeting.
The third floor gallery will be open for public participation, and people who wish to speak during the public comment period will be selected at random.
But, Mayor Lightfoot said the aldermen have the option of returning for a somewhat more normal monthly meeting, though some may continue to participate via Zoom, if they wish.
"I don't know what the actual final number would be. I think people have a lot of processing for themselves to go through, but as you know, vaccine was offered to all aldermen, alder staff, clerk's office, people on the second floor. It's time to come back in person," Lightfoot said.
She said the Illinois legislature is back in session, so she and the City Council can figure things out too.
"The legislature which had not convened for quite a long time, they are figuring it out. It is time for us to come back, and I have heard that from a lot of aldermen for quite some time. I am looking forward to being back in Council Chamber on Wednesday," Lightfoot said.
But, it’s not normal yet. Committee meetings will continue to be virtual, at least for a while.
All meetings will continue to be streamed live on the City Clerk’s website. Anyone who would like to provide public comment remotely can call (312) 744-6800 between 24 and 48 hours before the meeting. Those who wish to provide a written public comment can submit written comments, not to exceed two pages, to public_comments@cityofchicago.org.
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