OFFICE OF THE MAYOR CITY OF CHICAGO
LORI E. LIGHTFOOT MAYOR
February 24, 2021
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
1 transmit herewith, together with the members of the City Council, a resolution thanking City employees for their diligent work in removing snow following the immense snowfall the City has experienced.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Members of the Chamber recognize and appreciate the significant commitment and dedication of the workers of the Departments of Streets and Sanitation; Transportation; Water Management, Aviation and Assets, Information and Servicesfortheir snow removal efforts over the last several weeks, as well as the workers of the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, Chicago Public Library and the Departments of Family and Support Services, Buildings, Fire and Police for their efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of residents during the extreme weather; and
WHEREAS, Since late January 2021, Chicago has experienced brutal winter weather, including an entire season's worth of snow in about three weeks and a prolonged cold snap with temperatures below freezing for roughly two weeks; and
WHEREAS, This is the snowiest three-week stretch the City has seen since January 1979, punctuated by a massive winter storm, which dumped up to an additional 18 inches of snow in some parts of the City and prompted Governor J. B. Pritzkerto issue a disaster proclamation; and
WHEREAS, As of February 16th, the City saw nine straight days of measurable snow, tying the record for consecutive days of measurable snow in the City; and
WHEREAS, Already, Chicago has recorded more than 46 inches of snow this season, more than it sees on average over an entire winter; and
WHEREAS, In response to the severe winter weather, City crews, under the leadership of Department of Streets and Sanitation Commissioner John Tully and Deputy Commissioner Cole Stallard, worked around the clock to remove snow for the residents of Chicago with approximately 500 snow vehicles; and
WHEREAS, The Department of Aviation similarly dedicated significant effort and resources to remove snow and ice from runways and airport property to support the continuity of commerce and safe air travel for passengers; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of the Office of Emergency Management and Communications Executive Director Richard Guidice and the Department of Family and Support Services Commissioner Lisa Morrison Butler, services to protect Chicago's most vulnerable residents from extreme cold and snow were delivered including meals, shelter beds, and warming centers at Community Service Centers, Chicago Public Library locations and police districts, as well as well-being checks conducted by community partners and the Chicago Police and Fire Departments; and
WHEREAS, In response to extreme temperatures and excessive snow, the Department of Buildings responded to 2,575 heat-related building complaints since the new year as well as 63 weather-related roof collapses; and
WHEREAS, The Department of Water Management worked to clear catch basins prior to the storm and responded to ruptured water mains and frozen water pipes resulting from extreme temperatures; and
WHEREAS, These City departments deserve recognition for their exemplary service and dedication to a swift response and recovery for the safety of the citizens of Chicago; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this twenty-fourth day of February, 2021, do hereby extend to the Departments of Streets and Sanitation; Transportation; Water Management; Aviation; Assets, Information and Services; Family and Support Services; Buildings, Fire and Police, as well as the Office of Emergency Management and Communications and the Chicago Public Library our heartfelt gratitude and thanks for their exceptional service to the people of Chicago.