The measure was tabled but may be modified and brought before the council again at its next meeting.

"OK, if there's no support," Boria said, provoking laughter from the audience.

On Thursday, he vowed to continue working on the measure.

"I still believe it's good for the city," he said. "It will bring more business and investment and that will create more jobs in the city. At the end of the day English will always be the first official language."