CHICAGO — Newly inaugurated Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has presided over his first Chicago City Council meeting Wednesday; a meeting which had a packed agenda.

In addition to officially organizing the councils many committees, to include chairperson appointments, a discussion took place on a $51 million aid package to assist migrants being moved into the city. If approved at a special meeting next week, the money will be used for staffing shelters, providing meals, and supporting the migrants in other ways such as with legal assistance.

There were some protests and discontent from some veteran aldermen over the committee chairmanships.

“Many of my colleagues speak to the need for transparency and collaboration,” 15th Ward Ald. Raymond Lopez said.

Johnson’s selections for committee chairmanships included a record six Latinos, drawing considerable support in this new-look council.

New 40th Ward Ald. Andre Vasquez pointed to the failures of the past.

“There were committees that didn’t even meet at all and had budgets and didn’t get the work done,” Vasquez said.

But Chicago’s new mayor also reached out to incumbent aldermen, like 38th Ward Ald. Nicholas Spotsato.

“I very much appreciate you picking me to be a part of your leadership team,” he said.

Long-time West Side Ald. Walter Burnett was appointed vice mayor.