HomeMy WebLinkAbout060-R-19 Authorizing CM to Amend Lease Agrmnt w MWRD Permit Alcohol Sale Consumption Concerts Festivals on Golf Course Consent Permit Northwestern Football Parking Tailgating Events 2019 Season Issue Payment MWRD for Alleged Unauthorized Uses6/5/2019
60-R-19
A RESOLUTION
Authorizing the City Manager to Amend the Lease Agreement with the
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago to Permit
Alcohol Sale and Consumption and to Permit Concerts and Festivals
on the Golf Course Property, Consent to a Permit for Northwestern
Football Parking and Tailgating Events for the 2019 season, and Issue
Payment to MWRD for Alleged Unauthorized Uses
WHEREAS, since 1919, the City of Evanston leases certain real property
along the North Shore Channel from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of
Greater Chicago ("MWRD"), for public recreational uses including several public parks,
bike paths, a public golf course, and other similar activities (the "Lease"); and
WHEREAS, since 1919, the City has sublet a portion of the leased
property to an entity to operate a public golf course (the "Subject Property"), of which 11
holes are in Evanston and 7 holes are located in Wilmette, and the current entity
operating the course is Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association dlbla Canal Shores
(the "Sublease"); and
WHEREAS, for 100 years, the Subject Property is utilized by many
members of the North Shore area for a variety of recreational uses that include and not
limited to: cross-country skiing, running, bird watching, cycling, and golf; and
WHEREAS, Canal Shores is a valuable community partner in the City of
Evanston, and a good steward of the open space property enjoyed by many people
over the years; and
WHEREAS, the operation of a public golf course is difficult with a short
season and limited volunteer time and resources, therefore the golf operation revenue
was supplemented to include parking and tailgating agreements with Northwestern and
Canal Shores hosted two concerts in 2018 called "Out -of -Space", both of these
supplemental uses were deemed by MWRD to be unauthorized and MWRD seeks
repayment for these uses; and
WHEREAS, MWRD states that the Illinois Liquor Control Act, 235 ILCS
516-15, prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol on MWRD property, absent a
granted exception by the MWRD Board; and
WHEREAS, the City of Evanston finds that it is in the best interests of its
residents to address the deficiences in the Lease and current operations and to seek an
amendment to the Lease,
NOW BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THAT:
actions:
SECTION 1: The City Manager is authorized to proceed with the following
a. Request an amendment to the Lease with MWRD to permit the City to
host concerts and festivals on the Subject Property; and
b. Request an amendment to the Lease for the sale and consumption of
alcohol on the Subject Property in connection with golf course operations
and associated events, concerts, and festivals; and
c. Issue a lump sum payment to MWRD of $77,510.25, upon receipt of a
contribution of $10,000 from Northwestern University; and
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d. Enter into a loan agreement with the Evanston Wilmette Golf Course
Association for repayment of half of the funds paid by City of Evanston
($33,755) over a 7-year period, annual payments to commence on
January 1, 2020; and
e. Work with the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services to
formalize terms for a forgivable loan with Canal Shores providing in -kind
services for Evanston residents, for a value of at least $33,755. The
services will include: instruction of golf lessons to qualified low-income
children who are also residents and employment opportunities with the
Mayor's Summer Youth Program for the next 5 years.
f. Provide consent to the MWRD permit to Northwestern University for the
parking and tailgating activities on the Subject Property during the 2019
football season home games.
g. If the MWRD Board grants the Lease Amendment to permit concerts and
festivals, the City Manager or his designee is authorized to host the
concert series entitled Out -of -Space from August 8 - 11kh as a City of
Evanston event at the Subject Property and promoted by SPACE.
SECTION 2: The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to
negotiate any additional conditions as he may determine to be in the best interests
of the City and in a form acceptable to the Corporation Counsel.
SECTION 3: That this Resolution 60-R-19 shall be in full force and effect
from and after its passage and approval in the manner provided by law.
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Stephen H. agey , M
Attest: Approved as to form:
Devon Reid, City Clerk Michelle L. Masoncup, Co oration Counsel
Adopted: JL•v--R- 10 , 2019
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