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HomeMy WebLinkAbout0609ccCITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL - PRESENT: A Quorum was present. NOT PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: ABSENT: PRESIDING: Alderman Wynne Alderman Bernstein Alderman Tisdahl Aldermen Jean -Baptiste, Kent, Moran None Mayor Morton June 9, 2003 Alderman Rainey Alderman Feldman Alderman Newman The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton Monday, June 9, 2003, at 5:08 p.m. in the Aldermanic Library. Alderman Tisdahl moved that Council convene into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing matters related to real estate, litigation and closed session minutes pursuant to 5ILCS Section 120/2 (c) (5), (6), (11) and (21). Seconded by Alderman Bernstein. (5) The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired. (6) The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body. (11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting. (21) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06. Roll call. Voting aye — Wynne, Bernstein, Tisdahl, Rainey, Feldman, Newman. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (6-0). At 6:46 p.m. Mayor Morton adjourned the Closed Session. Alderman Kent moved to reconvene into Open Session and recess. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Motion carried. No nays. Mayor Morton reconvened the City Council at 9:10 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Public Works Director David Jennings announced that the Illinois EPA, Partners for Clean Air and Chicago Clean Cities Coalition awarded Evanston a Green Fleet Award, which recognizes City's actions to enhance air quality due to reduced vehicle emissions. The City's level is a three star rating. The only higher rating was issued to the Navy at Great Lakes because they have 150 alternatively fueled vehicles. The three star rating recognizes the City's effort to use bio-diesel fuel, which produces less air pollution than regular diesel fuel, in all diesel vehicles. The City also has started adding natural compressed gas vehicles to its fleet and uses propane in some specialty vehicles. The City's most important effort was building a compressed natural gas fueling site (EVNOSKO) with NU and Skokie. He thanked Fleet Service Superintendent Cathy Radek for her efforts in this area. Facilities Management Director Max Rubin announced the Levy Senior Center was given the merit award for new construction in the suburbs from the Chicago Building Congress for distinctive and functional design, quality of construction, safety record on the project, impact on the surrounding area and community involvement. Mr. Jennings announced that the CTA service restructuring for Evanston, West Rogers Park and Skokie begins June 22. Brochures showing new routes were available at the meeting. June 9, 2003 City Manager Roger Crum announced that the Custer's Last Stand Festival of the Arts would be June 21-22, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; the Fountain Square Art Festival would be June 21-22, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Northwestern University's graduation ceremony would be Friday evening. Mayor Morton reported attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Denver and brought back caps for aldermen. Presentation Robert Crown Center and Ice Rink Complex — Evaluation of Existing Facility and Infrastructure Report Parks/Forestry & Recreation Director Doug Gaynor reported that Council appropriated money to evaluate the structure. A. Epstein and Sons, International was awarded the contract. Aldermen had received a copy of the report. A letter was included recommending this study be referred to the Human Services Committee and to possibly work with the Recreation Board to make a recommendation for the next step. Andrew Metter, architect, A. Epstein, gave an overview, noting the study was conducted with Environmental Systems Design (heating, mechanical, ventilating, electrical, air conditioning), Tom Smith Consulting (roofing), Brady Consulting (refrigeration ice rink) and A. Epstein doing structural, architectural and civil engineering work. The study was comprised of two phases: observation of existing conditions and recommendations. They studied architecture (condition of exterior walls, the site, every room with condition of finishes and building code analysis to see if this 27-year-old building conformed to today's codes). They examined engineering issues, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, roofing and refrigeration and came up with costs associated with observations and recommendations. They produced a project list for what was wrong with the building and how much money it would take to fix each problem. Site work was the first phase where they looked at curbs, paving, new lighting in the parking lot, a huge periodic flooding problem because the building is placed two feet below grade, the envelope of the building (fagade), condition of exterior brick, (tuck pointing has effervescence from skylight draining on it that has not operated properly for some time) and roofing. They looked at the building's interior: classroom spaces, multi -purpose room, craft room, game room and nursery, which were time weary and worn spaces generally with chipped flooring and ceiling stains due to leaks. They recommend the building be sprinklered. Architectural finishes would have to be replaced to accomplish mechanical work. They recommend spaces be repainted, door frames, doors and hardware be brought up to ADA standards. The kitchen needs new cabinetry, brought to ADA compliance and appliances replaced. The men's and women's locker rooms have worn benches, some showers don't work, plumbing fixtures are outdated and current ADA requirements are not met. They looked at offices. The concession stand is not ADA compliant and they recommend replacement. The entry vestibule was grouped with the lobby. The main lobby feature is a skylight over the atrium, which has been leaking for some years and they recommend replacement. The gymnasium has had leaks coming from the east parking lot. A floor drain overflows and is tied to the site issue. There is not enough detention area on the site, which is why the building floods. The gym floor has buckled over the years and a new one is recommended. He hoped flooding problems could be resolved by making a larger detention area for rainfall. The team rooms also need renovation. The large issue is the washrooms because they are shy on the number of fixtures required under current plumbing code for occupancy of the building. They recommend borrowing from interior spaces to enlarge the restrooms to provide the number of fixtures based upon a reasonable occupancy of the building. That would mean the grandstands are full with a thousand people or if not occupied, the rest of the building has 975-1,000 occupancy. On the main ice rink and studio rink they recommend reflective ceiling replacement, dasher board equipment and new skate tile floor throughout entire facility, painting and finishes. The main rink has an exiting problem and is not ADA compliant. On the north side there are two doors that exit to the soccer fields that are below grade with steps up to the exit. There would have to be a lot of work on the concrete to be ADA compliant. They would have to depress the exit and provide a ramp for accessibility. Some mechanical spaces need upgrading. About $1.5 million is needed for architectural projects. Mr. Metter stated an ADA accessibility study was performed. They looked at maneuverability in restrooms, plumbing fixture accessibility, thresholds and doors. The kitchen and classrooms were also involved. Civil engineering showed the need for a new detention area west of the building, which at maximum is about five feet deep. It would not interfere with any existing trees June 9, 2003 or ball fields. The water that is in the detention pond has to go somewhere. There is a deep sewer near Main Street that has a 48-foot drop and this facility could be connected to that. They cannot connect to the Main Street sewer because the elevation of the Main Street sewer is higher than the elevation of the site. The storm sewers that were put in are undersized (6-inch sewer) and are supposed to be 8-12 inch sewers. With that strategy they hope to accommodate a 100-year event. The parking lots would still be used for detention and flood, but won't go over the curb and into the building. He noted in the structural area, the east wall is bowing out and has a crack. The grandstand has settled somewhat. They recommend remediation structurally in terms of jacking up the grandstand, putting structural support underneath at the east end and tying to the wall so it won't settle anymore. Today's codes are much more stringent in terms of allowable loads on walls and snow loads on roofs. This building does not meet those codes. They recommend the walls be reinforced at 48 locations with columns inside the building anchored to the walls to give more stiffness against wind load and to make sure the snow load is accommodated. They recommend an extra stanchion where the low roof is then pops up for the ice rink where snow drifting occurs. Existing joists do not meet the structural criteria for snow drifting so they must be reinforced. On mechanical systems, they have five air handlers in the building. The 26-year old fans need to be replaced. The ventilation rates are not up to current code and need to be increased. Originally the building was designed as a constant volume system. Heating coils need to be replaced because they don't function properly. They are tied to a central temperature control system and are not zoned to give adequate variation to different spaces that need specific temperature controls. Replacement of the control system is recommended. They recommend consolidating 13 exhaust fans to 3-4, which would be more efficient and save money. Assessment on electrical showed the breaker boxes and distribution panels are in good condition and don't have to be replaced. The main cost on electrical is for upgraded lighting. The building is dark. They did a lighting study by going to each space and taking foot candle readings compared to recommended levels. Washrooms are small, inaccessible and don't have enough fixtures. To make them the appropriate size they will have to redo all plumbing. The piping is okay but has to be re -worked. Fire protection: the building is built of exposed steel. By today's code, one is not allowed to build a building of this size for this use with this type of construction. They go under the category "unlimited area." To build such a building it has to be sprinklered. Half of the building that has classrooms, offices and smaller spaces is sprinklered. The large assemblage spaces are not sprinklered and that has to be done. This includes the main rink, studio rink and grandstands. To do that they have to re -work the architectural finishes, get into the ceilings to do mechanical, fire protection work and new lighting. Replacement of all ceilings has been figured into the cost estimate. That also includes installation of a fire alarm system, strobe lights and pool stations, not now in the building. He reported that one area of the roof needs to be replaced immediately and three other areas could be patched. They recommend securing copings to parapets of the building. The western edge of the skylight is not secured to the roof deck and replacement of all skylights is recommended. The refrigeration system is in pretty good shape. There was no detection of loss of pressure, which means it is probably not leaking. There is a requirement now to have a gas detection system in the room where the refrigerant is kept. This is a life/safety issue. If the refrigerant leaks it becomes noxious and can be lethal to a human being. So the code requires an emergency ventilation system with emergency breathing apparatus, gas detection system and recommend that three compressors in there be replaced. They have been plugged many times and are inefficient. The refrigerator consultant stated about $18,000 annually could be saved with new compressors. Mr. Metter stated the items reviewed add up to about $5.1 million. There is an immediate needs category (five-year) and needs beyond in the ten-year category. The sub -category of ten-year needs is $700,000. They estimate if this amount was invested for close to $6 million, the building would have close to another 15-year life. They recommend that life/safety issues be done first, then site and the building envelope to make this facility waterproof so it cannot flood anymore, then move inside and renovate the interior. Their charge was to compare the renovation cost to reconstruction cost for a building with the same programs, same size building and same things in it. Their research showed a cost of about $13 million for a new building that would function for 25-30 years. They recommended the same floor plan except for the washrooms. Alderman Bernstein referred the study to the Human services Committee for analysis. COMMUNICATIONS: None CITIZEN COMMENT: June 9, 2003 Richard Marberrv. 2107 Lincoln St., Recreation Board member, said the board supported the reference to the Human Services Committee and looked forward to working with the committee and Council to come up with further recommendations. The board has made presentations to Council in the past concerning community needs and other aspects of recreational facilities here. They feel that some of this material may be helpful in determining how the City will move forward on all recreation issues as well as those at Robert Crown Center. He said the Board takes its commitment to meet the recreation needs of residents seriously and looked forward to implementing recommendations of this study to the extent that they can and to have additional recommendations and comments from citizens. Jeff Wilson. 2611 Thayer St., spoke about Ordinance 56-0-03, sponsored by Alderman Moran. His block has 13 houses on the south side. In the past three years two homes have been torn down and "trophy" homes built. They have one recent teardown with a hole in the ground and another under contract as a vacant lot. There was a house -doubling renovation in the last few years and one in process. Their street is being devastated, which he considered an emergency. He suggested they buy some time by supporting the proposed moratorium, look at current rules and the intent behind them. He stated if they looked at structures being built throughout Evanston, while they may be legal, he did not think they reflected the intent of the law; urged loopholes be looked at and closed. He reported that he and a neighbor, Sally, gathered 64 signatures on petitions supporting of the moratorium proposal and presented them to the P&D Committee. He said there is overwhelming support in their neighborhood for a "time out." Mike Cervantes. 2106 Ewing Ave., urged Council action as soon as possible on the proposed moratorium. On Ewing Avenue near Payne Street two large homes have replaced tear downs. On the street behind them there are two more. There are also two tear downs on Noyes Street on blocks north and west of them. He said urgency is evident. Once the permits have been granted it is too late. He strongly urged consideration of Alderman Moran's proposed moratorium. Celestine Van Dorn. 2524 Thayer St., said many have paid high taxes for many years and find it discouraging to see what is happening to their neighborhood. It is alarming to see ones neighborhood turned into a virtual construction site as will happen this summer. There are flooding problems and, as permeable land is taken out, flooding will increase. She invited the P&D Committee to visit her home because often people know things, but don't really grasp them. She said if they would come over during the summer, while a large addition is made to the east of her home, a probable teardown and home twice the size of the one there is going up if the buyer is able to fulfill his intentions. Meanwhile another will go up at the end of the block. These present a great burden to the neighborhood while the property they pay high taxes on is being degraded. When a large structure is built, it dwarfs others and deprives a sense of space. The structure looms above a charming, small house and seems to be doing something to the value of their homes. She hoped Council would consider this. James K. Genden. 1213 Noyes St., lives in the 7th Ward, which is affected directly by the moratorium. He suggested it be extended throughout the City. He stated there was a response in the newspaper by the architect who built the teardown adjacent to his property, which is 4,000 square feet on a standard size lot, 45 feet tall and within one square foot of the maximum footprint for the property. The architect's response was that for the American Dream anybody can do whatever they want on their property and asked why clients were put into the public spotlight when they did nothing illegal. He missed the point. What is being done at the teardown at 1210 Grant Street is legal. Within the context of the law, people are able to build properties that are totally disproportionate to the neighborhood and adversely affect their neighbors in terms of community aesthetics. It also impacts drainage, access to light and other factors essential to quality of life. There is a problem that needs to be addressed in the 6th Ward and throughout the community. He has heard interesting proposals on how this can be addressed and emphasized that this is urgent. Bettv Ester. 1806 Grey Ave., attended the P&D Committee meeting and heard the discussion about Ordinance 56-0-03. She was pleased that residents would get some relief. However, she was disappointed because in the 5th Ward the alderman has asked the same committee to draft an ordinance and it has failed to respond to him. He has asked that R5 and R4 in the 5th Ward be down zoned to an R3. Some 40-year residents built their homes to reflect R3. She was perplexed that when an alderman asked the P&D Committee to look at something and give a response, why do they have to wait for a neighborhood planning process, which is asking for a vision for the 5th Ward. He asked (alderman) but they did not receive. When does the 5th Ward get on the table before the committee? June 9, 2003 Harry Shubart. 1218 Elmwood Ave., spoke about the leaf blower ordinance that banned leaf blower use for most of the year. He noted that letters to local media complain that lawn maintenance outfits completely ignore the restrictions of the ordinance. He said they are heard loud and clear pretty much throughout the year. He said the terrible noise from shoulder mounted leaf blowers is 105 decibels, which according to the New York Times, is similar to standing next to a jet engine when an airplane takes off. This noise disturbs those in their homes during the day, pollutes the normal peaceful environment and drives people "nuts." Worse than that, according to research by University of Chicago and Northwestern University audiologists, leaf blower noise destroys the hearing of meagerly paid lawn care workers. This terrible noise is six inches from their ears. Lawn care workers have no choice but to accept permanent hearing loss if they want to continue eating and sending money back to families in Mexico. He suggested that lawn care companies be required by law to provide industrial type ear protectors to safeguard workers' hearing. He has seen City employees wearing ear protectors when they mow. He noted that Chief Kaminski has said police are not readily available to catch violators of this ordinance and sent warning letters, but the violations continue. He suggested the solution is to require licenses for all lawn maintenance companies doing business here. He was told the City could require such a license. He recalled joining the Navy in 1942 and working for General Motors testing diesel engines for six days a week 10 hours a day, which caused high frequency hearing loss. People who operate leaf blowers will lose all of their hearing. He called OSHA about this and was told they were not authorized to take action. He said it is terrible to destroy people's bodies and, for those who have to listen to this noise, he hoped they would consider strengthening the ordinance. Peegv Tarr. 907 Sherman Ave., noted the new CTA bus routes have no busses coming by the Civic Center, which seemed strange to her. She was shocked and disappointed when she learned from an Evanston Review article by Bob Seidenberg that the Human Services Committee, Aldermen Feldman, Newman and Jean -Baptiste, used a public meeting on June 2 to interrogate and reprimand Human Relations Executive Director Paula Haynes and Small Business Coordinator Lloyd Shepherd instead of doing so in Executive Session, where personnel matters are usually addressed. The focus of the committee's interrogation was a special April meeting convened by the Human Relations Commission to discuss Hecky Powell's inappropriate labeling of multiracial children as "mutts." She stated that Evanston's true colors are showing when it comes to the Hecky matter, which reminded her of a story by Langston Hughes called "Slave on the Block." It is in an anthology called, The Ways of White Folks, where white folks place black folks on a pedestal for reasons they have concocted to serve their own needs. The Review article states that "Evelyn Raden, former 4"' Ward alderman and a long-time Powell supporter, released to the committee an email from Lloyd Shepherd that went out on the eve of the Human Relations Commission special meeting comparing Powell as `probably the city's foremost civil rights activist in the early 1980s' to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, a black conservative." The article stated that Powell has apologized for the "mutt" comment, but neglected to point out that Powell had incorporated the term "mutt" into his restaurant menu and on T-shirts. This information was in an article by Karen Berkowitz on the same page. Mr. Seidenberg's article went on to say, "Shepherd was defeated in the school board race by candidates endorsed by Powell." She noted there is much to be said about how information is used. After reading this article, she looked at the names listed on the 10 h anniversary party invitation for the Forrest E. Powell Foundation (Hecky's father). Her statement was not anti -foundation. She read names on the honorary committee and the 101h Anniversary Committee. Gant Lu. 818 Noyes St., a Falun practitioner, called on Conan Miller to tell them more about Falun Gong. Mr. Miller spoke on behalf of all Falun Gong practitioners in Evanston while a group demonstrated five exercises and passed out information on the topic. Falun Dafa also known as Falun Gong is a self-improvement practice that includes meditative exercises and ancient teachings based upon truth, compassion and tolerance. It is practiced by about 100 million people in 60 countries and by a growing number of individuals here. Their group has given free classes in Evanston and many have benefited. He stated that many people who follow this have enjoyed improved mental health, peace of mind and less stress. He stated that Jian Zemin, President of China, is against anything that moves the hearts of Chinese people. A 1999 study done in China showed that more people practice Falun Gong than belong to the Communist party. Jian Zemin ordered persecution against the practice to eradicate it. To date, 722 practitioners have died and hundreds of thousands are held in labor camps. While Falun Gong is persecuted in its birthplace, their concern is that the Chinese embassy's release of anti-Falun Gong propaganda sent to U.S., state and local officials designed to hide the truth and condemn the practice. The Illinois legislature, Chicago City Council, Cook County Commissioners and two dozen Illinois cities have passed proclamations honoring Falun Gong and condemning its persecution. The largest congressional delegation to China, led by Donald Manzullo, presented a letter to Ran Zemin signed by Congresswoman Jan Shakowsky and other congressional members that asked Jian Zemin to release the jailed family members of U.S. residents and allow June 9, 2003 them to reunite in the USA. Congressman Manzullo represented two Illinois residents who have family members and friends held captive in China. Locally, persecution has affected a practitioner who works at NU, although a U.S. citizen, her blacklist status from the Chinese embassy denied her access to Iceland last year. Dr. Charles Li, an alumnus of the University of Illinois, was arrested on a visit to China and after a show trial was sentenced to three years in prison. He asked Council for a proclamation of support for Falun Gong. CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with the following exceptions: Special Event Policy, Instructions and Procedures; Ordinance 57-0-03 — Limiting the Number of Parking Permits to that of Legal Residents in a Dwelling Unit; Ordinance 50-0-03 — Loading Zone at 1300 Oak Ave.; Ordinance 56-0-03 — Establishing a Moratorium in the 6th Ward; and Ordinance 49-0-03 — Planned Development (603 Main St.). Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Roll call. Voting aye —Jean-Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Feldman, Newman. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0). * ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of May 19, 2003and the Special City Council Meeting of June 2, 2003. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: * Approval, as recommended, of the City of Evanston payroll for the periods ending May 22, 2003 and June 5, 2003 and the City of Evanston bills for the period ending June 10, 2003 and that they be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston payroll (through 05/22/03) $1,855,211.99 City of Evanston payroll (through 06/05/03) $1,959,981.65 City of Evanston bills (through 06/10/03) $2,631,494.35 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the sole source purchase from Hydro International of 45 vortex restrictors for the Long Range Sewer Improvement Program, at a cost of $40,275. (Funding is from Sewer Reserve Account.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid from S&K Masonry Restoration Inc., for masonry repairs of the 1949 Filter Gallery at the water treatment plant at a cost of $339,520. (Funding source is Water Bonds.) APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid from Open Kitchens for the Recreation Division's Summer Food Service Program, at a not -to -exceed cost of $81,732. (Funding is through a federal grant.) * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid from Robi Excavating, Inc. for the 2003 Alley Paving Program for the Engineering Division at a cost of $214,258.85 (Funding is through GO Bonds/CDBG Funds and special assessment process.) * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid from J.A. Johnson Paving Co. for the 2003 MFT resurfacing program of various streets at a cost of $849,789.25. (Funding is MFT funds.) * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) June 9, 2003 * Approval of the contract for professional services with Richard Devine for onsite professional supervision of the Sherman Plaza garage construction, for $100,000 annually plus expenses. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid from Municipal Emergency Services (MES) Global for a Fire Department Breathing Apparatus at a cost of $123,907.06. (Funding is through federal funds and the FY03 budget.) APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of Change Order #4 with DiPaolo Co. for Phase VI, Contract C for the Relief Sewer Project, increasing the Substantial Completion time by 12 calendar days to June 25, 2003 and Overall Completion time by 17 calendar days to October 29, 2003. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of Amendment #1 to the agreement for engineering services for the 480-Volt Substation Replacement Project at the Water Treatment Facility. Greeley & Hansen would provide construction engineering at a not -to -exceed cost of $32,900, raising the compensation ceiling to $80,200. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0). * Approval of Change Order #3 with Skender Construction Co. for the Fire Station #3 Project, in the amount of $4,711.27, increasing the contract from $2,389,880.46 to $2,394,591.73. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of Change Order #4 with Skender Construction Co. for the Fire Station #3 Project, for a credit of $3,110.31, decreasing the contract from $2,394,591.73 to $2,392,481.42. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) ■■■■■ * Approving a Concept Plan for Allev Paving — Consideration of a recommendation to approve a concept plan for paving an alley in the 2000 block of Sherman Avenue. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 33-R-03 — Authorizing an OSLAD Grant Application — Consideration of proposed Resolution 33-R-03, by which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to sign a resolution of authorization for an OSLAD Grant Application for renovation of Leahy Park. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 32-R-03 — Relating to Prevailing Wages for Public Works Proiects for 2003 — Consideration of proposed Resolution 32-R-03, which relates to the prevailing wages for Public Works Projects required by State statute. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 36-R-03 — Executing Rider No. 1 to Lease for 2022 Central St. — Consideration of proposed Resolution 36-R-03, by which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to execute Rider No. 1 to the lease for 2022 Central St., permitting Rebeccah Seeley d/b/a Perennials Inc. (current lessor) to assign the lease to Patio, Inc. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 34-0-03 — False Alarm Program Fee Increases — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 34-0-03, which would increase several false alarm fees and reduce the number of free false alarms in the False Alarm Program. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 55-0-03 — Easement Agreement for Oxford Bank & Trust (Roszak DeveloDment) — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 55-0-03, which would grant an easement agreement for subsurface sheeting with the Oxford Bank & Trust, 1572 Maple Ave. * MARKED INTRODUCED June 9, 2003 — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 51-0-03 — Sherman Plaza Allev Vacation — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 51-0- 03, introduced May 19, 2003, by which the City Council would vacate portions of the alleys north of Davis, east of Benson for the Sherman Plaza project. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA & ROLL CALL (9-0) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE * Sidewalk Cafe Permit — Tvpe 2 Restaurant (JK Sweets) - Consideration of a recommendation of the Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee to grant a Sidewalk Cafe Permit to JK Sweets, 720'V2 Clark St. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Sidewalk Cafe Permit — Type 2 Restaurant (Whole Foods) - Consideration of a recommendation of the Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee to grant a Sidewalk Cafe Permit to Whole Foods, 1640 Chicago Ave. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Reauest for Funding from Mavor's Special Housin-a Fund — Consideration of a recommendation of the Housing Commission to approve $1,170.82 from the Mayor's Special Housing Fund for technical assistance provided March 28, 2003 to the Westside Resident's Association regarding creation of a Community Land Trust. (This consultation, through the Institute for Community Economics, was not covered by a technical assistance grant from HUD, which will fund future consulting services.) APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 54-0-03 — Granting Evanston Landmark Status to Propertv at 3312 Dartmouth Pl. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 54-0-03, which approves a recommendation of the Preservation Commission to grant landmark status to 3312 Dartmouth Place. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEES: * ADDroval of Township Monthly Bills — Consideration of a recommendation to approve the Township bills, payroll and medical payments for the month of May 2003 in the amount of $110,466.31. APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Special Event — Evanston Fourth of Julv Celebration — Consideration of a request of the Fourth of July Association to approve the annual Fourth of July Celebration on July 4, 2003 and waive associated City costs. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * SDecial Event — Rotary International Annual Staff Picnic — Consideration of a request to hold the annual Rotary International Picnic in Centennial Park and Clark St. Beach on August 22, 2003 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * SDecial Event — Walk for HoDe — Consideration of a request to hold the City of Hope's annual Walk for Hope along the lakefront on Sunday, October 19, 2003, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * SDecial Event — CommUNITY Picnic — Consideration of a request to hold the annual CommUNITY Picnic in Ingraham Park on Sunday, August 31, 2003 from noon to 5:00 p.m. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * SDecial Event — Prelude to Bicentennial of Haiti's Independence — Consideration of a request to use James Park as the location for an annual special event, a Prelude to the Bicentennial of Haiti's June 9, 2003 Independence, to be held on July 4, from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. with speaker permit from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 34-R-03 — Aereement for Commission of a Sculpture. "Mtuk" for Lew Senior Center — Consideration of proposed Resolution 34-R-03, by which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Fred Nagelbach for commission of a sculpture for the Levy Senior Center for a not -to -exceed cost of $20,700. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 35-R-03 — Aereement for Commission of a Sculpture. "AcomucODia" for Lew Senior Center — Consideration of proposed Resolution 35-R-03, by which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Fred Nagelbach for commission of a sculpture for the Levy Senior Center for a not -to -exceed cost of $34,400. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 45-0-03 — ADDroval of Annual Budeet of Evanston Township for FY 2003/04 — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 45-0-03, whereas the Council, acting as Township Trustees, would approve the annual budget of the Township for April 1, 2003 through March 31, 2004, in the amount of $1,429,072.59. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 52-0-03 — Amendine the Citv Code to Permit Sale of Meat at Farmers' Market — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 52-0-03, which amends Chapter 25 of Title 3 of the City Code to permit the sale of meat at the Evanston Farmers' Market. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: ADDroval of Special Event Policv. Instructions and Procedures — Consideration of a recommendation to approve the proposed Evanston Special Event Policy, Instructions and Procedures. Under Point 2. (c) History of Lakefront Usage Alderman Moran indicated there was a change in language. The last sentence is deleted and changed to: "It is still the policy of the City of Evanston to maintain the number of special lakefront events and event days at the current level as indicated above." Alderman Moran moved approval of the amendment. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Moran noted much discussion about access to the lakefront and regulating what happens there. He was comfortable with the notion that the City should not adopt policies that would overwhelm the lakefront, its environment and people who occupy it. He said a policy with no limits would be a mistake. He is an advocate for a liberal approach to usage of the lakefront. He could not support setting a limitation to lakefront events with the current number. He was not looking to add events there but did not believe it good to arrest the number of events there regardless of what considerations may arise in the future, which this policy suggests will happen. He opposed the measure. Alderman Newman thanked Holly and David Reynolds, Tom O'Brien, Randy Zwick, Randy May, Ed Kismerski and others who attended many meetings on this, noting that lakefront residents have welcomed its use by Evanstonians and others. On any summer weekend people picnic, use the beaches, attend camps, sail, walk dogs on the dog beach and motor boaters use the boat ramp 15-18 hours daily. Every weekend during summer there is no parking on residential streets at the lakefront. He said in addition to all that goes on at the lakefront, the City sponsors special events. Lakefront residents say at some point they have to draw the line. This policy maintains the 20,000 people who come to the two-day Ethnic Arts Festival, maintains the 15-20,000 who attend the Lakeshore Arts Festival and maintains the 4"' of July celebration, where an estimated 15-20,000 people come for fireworks and fill every garage. Neighbors cooperate with 10 June 9, 2003 street closures near the lake on the night of July 4tb, a great event for Evanston that everybody loves. Residents say there must be a reasonable amount of control, which was passed at the Human Services Committee. Every special event at the lakefront will continue. He thought Council was reasonable and thanked all on the Human Services Committee for their patience. He called it a reasonable policy that protects neighborhoods. He pointed out the lakefront is also a place where people live, pay taxes, who realize the lake was there before they were and accept that they and friends cannot park on any weekend during the summer. Residents have expectations that when there are special events they will be handled the right way. There have been special events where people have not been allowed to get to their homes for hours and others where residents have had to listen to loud music continuously for six -seven hours. Reasonable limitations, controls and working with neighbors is what Evanston is about. He thanked staff for their work on this. Alderman Wynne supported the policy, noting people from the 3rd Ward worked on it as well and thought this was about "mission creep." Evanston has this marvelous asset that can be exhausted as well as the neighborhood that surrounds it. She thought this policy set reasonable limits and the possibility of enjoying the lakefront without having a festival going on. She felt that was a critical element to enjoying the park as well. People can go to the lakefront and enjoy the peace and quiet as well as the large festivals. It would be easy to add one (event) then another and, eventually, there is no "down" time. She thought it critical to have a policy in place to recognize an exhaustion point and that this resource is for the enjoyment by all to come and enjoy a quiet picnic. She knew neighbors worked hard on this, thanked the staff and Human Services Committee for support and urged approval. Voice vote, motion carried. Ordinance 57-0-03 — Limitine the Number of Parking Permits to that of Leeal Residents in a Dwelline Unit — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 57-0-03, which would issue parking permits only to the number of legal residents in dwelling units. Alderman Moran reported this item was held in committee until the July 14 meeting. Ordinance 50-0-03 — Loadine Zone at 1300 Oak Ave. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 50-0- 03, introduced May 19, 2003, which amends Section 10-11-7, Schedule VII(B) of the City Code to establish a loading zone at 1300 Oak Ave. Alderman Moran reported this item would be held at Council until the July 14 meeting. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance 56-0-03 — Establishing a Moratorium in the 6th Ward — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 56-0-03, which would establish a moratorium on issuance of building permits for construction of new single family residences in RI Districts in the 6th Ward. Alderman Bernstein reported the committee passed this unanimously and asked that this item be marked introduced. Alderman Kent thanked Betty Ester for her comments; said they missed an opportunity to link up some similar problems in different wards. He asked if there is a vision of Evanston? When items come in that can be linked to satisfy many people in different areas — did staff do that? When he hears people who live in affluent areas talk about homes that cost $200,000 more than homes in his area, those people come to the P&D Committee and talk about the same thing he has talked about. He recalled when legal counsel said they could not do a moratorium. But a way was found to do it. He said when the same people come forward from the areas that seem to be doing a step better than the areas suffering, citizens come and make the same comments: "trophy houses change the character of my neighborhood and burden it because they are built to the lot line, open space is lost, the neighborhood begins to disappear, sunlight is taken away, homes should be in the same character as others on the block and the neighborhood is being degraded by developers." He found it hard not to listen to them. His ward does not have an RI area and has more homes suitable for RI and R2. They are trying to get rid of R3s, R4s and R5s. They try to make people understand what the same problem is. To him it was frustrating because he saw no difference in what this ordinance asks for than what they have been talking about for 13-14 11 June 9, 2003 years in areas that have experienced a more severe cost, because residents there have not monitored changes as well as this group has. He saw this as an opportunity to bring it all together. He was not blaming staff. He felt this was the same problem they have experienced in the 5th Ward and other wards. He predicted it will be heard again and again. He noted the P&D Committee dealt with the 603 Main project and people said, " we want our sunlight. The building is too high. It changes the character of the neighborhood." This is happening whether the house costs $500-600,000 or $120-130,000. It is the idea that when he walks out of his house that he is in the same area that he bought his house in. At the committee it was mentioned, what does this do to R1 districts throughout Evanston? What does it do for other areas that are as dense? People who purchase the houses are the same wherever they go -- people who want the same quality of life. Somehow this is not being transmitted to everybody. There are areas more valued more than others. He used to think they had to bring residents here, create and sign petitions to know what residents want, which he has done. Going along and getting along does not get him what he wants. As a resident and alderman who lives in a certain area, he thought all needed to be on one page. When Alderman Moran first brought this up, he recognized they were talking about different priced homes, more land, bigger homes, maybe an upscale neighborhood. But in the end they want the same things. They need to get staff, residents and aldermen on the same page because they are missing a beat. This is an opportunity that could have worked for the entire City and worked for the 6th Ward. Alderman Newman proposed two amendments: that this ordinance apply to the 5th Ward and possibly other wards and to consider binding appearance review, because under that ordinance (which is before the committee) there is a proposal to stop building trophy homes by having binding appearance review on new single-family homes and two -flats. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. He thought Section 2 would need to be changed; that binding appearance review is being considered by Council, which would allow Council to review new construction on one and two flats. Binding appearance review will apply throughout the City. Nobody says in proposing this that they are adopting binding appearance review but are considering it. While they consider it, it is a basis to include the 5th Ward, is fair and ought to be done because Alderman Kent has tried to get to problems in the 5th Ward that are a little different than the 6th Ward because of different zoning. Mayor Morton asked for clarification of the amendment. Alderman Newman said the amendment is to include a moratorium in RI and to make the ordinance applicable to new construction of single family and two -flats in the 5th and 6th wards. Mayor Morton called attention to a map showing new construction and new/teardown construction throughout the City that shows only one new construction in both 5th and 2nd wards, 9th Ward two, 8th and 15t wards none, 3rd Ward three. She did not think this had to be passed immediately. As a resident of the 5th Ward, she thought many would have something to say about this since there did not seem to be a problem. She said there has only been one new structure built in the 5th Ward since 1997. She urged that people be given a chance to speak about this. There was discussion between Alderman Kent and Mayor Morton about what was happening in the 5th Ward. Alderman Newman said they were only introducing the ordinance that evening. At the next meeting, those who oppose it can come forward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste sought clarification. He thought Alderman Kent was criticizing the process and the need for one standard in approaching proposals brought forward by aldermen; that Alderman Kent was talking about changes in the 5th Ward in terms of introducing three, four and five flat buildings. He did not think Alderman Kent was calling for a moratorium on single-family homes and asked Alderman Kent what he was seeking. City Manager Crum explained that the proposed moratorium was written specifically for RI in the 6th Ward and has specific reasons this will be looked at for a 90-day period. Alderman Kent's problem was recognized but there was no way to tie the two together easily. The problems are somewhat different as to how to address them. They have a specific ordinance requested by Alderman Moran on this agenda to RI in the 6th Ward versus a heartfelt concern by Alderman Kent, which has different issues and has to have a different basis for a moratorium. Alderman Bernstein asked why staff has not addressed Alderman Kent's requests. Mr. Crum stated this request has been on the P&D Committee agenda awaiting action. Alderman Moran specifically asked to have an ordinance placed on the agenda and helped write the language. 12 June 9, 2003 Alderman Tisdahl understood Alderman Newman's motion, but did not understand why binding appearance review appeared with teardowns in the 6d' Ward; agreed with Alderman Kent's concerns but did not believe this could possibly address binding appearance review and concerns over construction in the 5t' Ward. For those reasons she was opposed. Alderman Rainey said because they are confused and have not dealt with the 5"' Ward was why Council rules state that when an ordinance is introduced, discussion on that ordinance take place at the following meeting. The reason for that is so that people who have changes or need to meet with their constituents can do so. Alderman Newman can write up amendments and present them. Now was not the time to take a zoning issue and re -work the ordinance. She thought there is a way to include Alderman's Kent concerns in this ordinance. In a moratorium it is proper to include the prospect of binding appearance review. A moratorium is a condition that is set so that something can be fixed or legislation worked on. Alderman Moran stated this ordinance needed to pass that evening because they have an emergency in the 6th Ward. For the last ten days they have worked on this document and he wanted a vote on it that evening. Alderman Kent's issues need to be addressed, but are not contained in this proposed ordinance. That did not mean this ordinance was any better or worse than any other ordinance that Alderman Kent, with staff and the P&D Committee, could develop and propose. He was prepared to deal with that as it comes forward. He pointed out the ordinance was deliberately tightly drawn because it represents a problem shown on the map aldermen were given. Alderman Moran intended to ask Council to suspend the rules so they could vote on the ordinance that evening. He reported there are blocks that literally are getting ready to be transformed. He has said this for months and, originally, it was not his desire to ask for a moratorium. In the last three weeks he became convinced, for reasons expressed by residents, about the battles that are going to be lost unless Council takes action now. He had no opposition to any other proposal coming forward for due deliberation and will be present at all meetings and give his best effort to give a right vote. He is sympathetic to situations that are attempting to be addressed by this ordinance. Some of the concerns are not about rich neighborhoods, but about people who have small cottages, farmhouse style homes or bungalows who don't want to be overwhelmed by homes that look like the emperor moved onto the block. It is "modesty" not "majesty" that is driving this. He said the specific action in this ordinance will help save blocks in areas of the 6"' Ward and was asking for help. Alderman Feldman suggested they needed to pass this ordinance and to set a high priority action to tailor an ordinance to deal with the 5'h Ward in consultation with the P&D Committee and Alderman Kent, which should be done in the next two weeks and presented at the next meeting for action. Alderman Newman said at the P&D Committee he wanted to add consideration of binding appearance review because a developer who wants to buy a house will have to go through a process in which neighbors are notified and can participate. Alderman Newman asked Alderman Kent if he could withdraw the 5th Ward portion? He agreed and Alderman Newman withdrew it but did not withdraw under Section 2 that the moratorium would be in place while they consider, in addition to counting floor area under the roof with the ceiling 7-1/2 feet as defined in the Zoning Ordinance and add " binding appearance review." Alderman Kent agreed the ordinance was crafted for the 6th Ward and recalled their discussions have been about the City and areas that need some help. When he spoke of a citywide vision, instead of going through what is best for the 61h Ward, he suggested there are similar problems throughout Evanston. Perhaps they could have done a citywide moratorium. They don't do a moratorium because they have the answer, but because they are scared when they walk out the door they won't be in the same community when they return. Many residents have said that. The 51h Ward has said they have an emergency, so why the extra hurdles for the same problems? He asserted this is the same problem. Whether a new house or a house with something added to it, it changes the neighborhood. He said it does not matter where one lives. If they were not aware of what developers are doing to the 5t' Ward — there are residents in the 5th Ward who have lived there 40-60 years and raised generations of kids. A person does not have to be a "rocket scientist" to walk down the street and see that they don't have a community anymore. Nobody can tell him that they don't know where the foreclosures are happening. People are losing their homes to back taxes. What keeps coming back is that this is about blocks being transformed. If a block is about to be transformed whether or not in an affluent area it is about a character change of the neighborhood. He said the map proves nothing. He urged them to put the homes owned by developers and rented to non-Evanstonians on the map and they would see similar numbers. He emphasized it was the same problem 13 June 9, 2003 on a different scale. When people come to them, there has to be a mechanism for all to be on the same page. He predicted the 5th Ward would need a moratorium and agreed this ordinance should be passed that evening. Voice vote on the amendment. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Moran moved to Suspend the Rules to adopt an ordinance at the meeting in which it was introduced. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Moran moved approval of Ordinance 56-0-03 as amended. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Alderman Newman congratulated 6th Ward residents for pushing for this ordinance that evening. What neighbors said is that development of properties they do not own cannot be left solely to the owner. The neighborhood is affected by the new structures that are being built and should have a say. In the 1st Ward about 10-15 people created the Northeast Historic District. That ordinance is under attack by Northwestern University. In the future, the University wants to knock down 14 homes in the 15t Ward along Sheridan Road that will radically change that neighborhood. Every step of the way neighbors in the 1st Ward have asked Alderman Moran for support for that historic district. He urged Alderman Moran to see what neighbors did in the 1st Ward. He stated they have foresight because they love the architecture of homes there and determination because they worked thousands of hours to get the ordinance passed. They stood up with Council against a powerful institution and have reached out to Alderman Moran for help. He hoped Alderman Moran would rethink that position because homes in the 6th Ward are no more important than the 14 homes owned by the University in the I't Ward. If those homes are torn down, the character of the 1st Ward changes forever. Traffic and classrooms that will go in will affect parking. People in the 1" Ward have fought for that ordinance and he sees people in the 6th Ward are fighting for this one, which he will support. The community deserves to be able to weigh in when there is a threat and has a right to preserve the values that are great about Evanston. He supported the ordinance because he supported the right of people to have input into how the future of the community will look. Homes and architecture are among the reasons people live here, pay high taxes and are part of the quality of life. He looked forward to Alderman Moran's support in the future for people in the I" Ward. Roll call. Voting aye — Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Feldman, Newman. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0). Alderman Feldman made a reference to the P&D Committee to craft an ordinance with in_nut from Alderman Kent to be on the next meetine's aeenda. Ordinance 49-0-03 — Planned Development — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 49-0-03, introduced May 19, 2003, which approves a recommendation of the Plan Commission to allow construction of a 7-story, 77 dwelling unit, mixed use, residential/commercial building at 603 Main St./900 Chicago Ave. Alderman Bernstein reported this item was held in committee until the June 23 meeting. Alderman Bernstein reported the P&D Committee needs to resolve some issues on which there have been lengthy discussions. He asked Community Development Director James Wolinski to ask committee members to give dates when they can schedule several special meetings. HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: Alderman Newman reported at the Human Services Committee there was a discussion with the chairman of the Human Relations Commission about a meeting called by the commission. The purpose of that discussion was to make sure that actions of the commission were taken in a fair manner with fair notice to all affected parties. He thought it was a fair and open discussion. Public actions by various staff members were discussed. CALL OF THE WARDS: 14 June 9, 2003 2°d Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste referred to an Evanston Review article by Bob Seidenberg that depicted his role at a Human Services Committee meeting in which he advocated a position to admonish the chairman and executive director of the Human Relations Commission and the role they played in calling a meeting. Although he supported the agenda item that called for discussion of the process by which the Human Relations Commission mediates issues between parties, he found himself in opposition to what objectively had become a tool for Hecky Powell to get at his enemies. He did not advocate against the director, the Human Relations Commission or the department although he had some criticism. He wanted to make sure personnel issues were addressed in executive session as opposed to lashing out and raising criticism beyond the process. Mr. Powell was at the meeting. The meeting focused on how the director and commission chairman conducted themselves. The quotes attributed to Alderman Jean -Baptiste were reiterated to the director and chairman that "you had never held this kind of meeting before and you have taken a position that was wrong." He was summing up to close the flood gate that seemed to have opened up attacks of these people. Alderman Jean -Baptiste stated that Mr. Seidenberg knew his role and did not understand why he wrote it as he did. He congratulated Reverend Curry, who has started to build a Coalition for a Better Evanston, by calling people together to address citizen apathy and the need to collaborate to impact the direction various communities are going. He appreciated the initiative because spiritual leaders have a lot to contribute. He noted it is summer so young people are hanging out. He appreciated that the Canal Park Neighbors, Dewey/Darrow Neighbors, Darrow Block Association, West Crown Park Neighbors, Crown Park East Neighbors, Greenwood/Brown Neighbors, King Lab Neighbors and others have taken initiatives in their neighborhoods to address community issues to pre-empt what they see coming so their neighborhoods are not de -stabilized. The Dewey/Darrow Neighbors have asked to get banners posted along Dodge from Lake Street to Main Street. East and West Crown Park Neighbors are included in discussions with the plans. New banners will be put up in the next few months. He thanked the Economic Development Committee for contributing to the cost of the banners. He attended a meeting called by Outreach Specialist Aracely Canchola of activists from the Latino community. Many expressed an interest in local government, want to participate and be involved. He said while there may seem to be a separation from Northwestern University, things happen on campus that impact many people. Recently, he heard from students that racial slurs were painted on a door of one of the dorms and some citizens have expressed a desire to make a statement in support of NU students and let them know the community is in their corner. Alderman Newman was also interested in addressing students' concerns regarding this. He noted in the Falun Gong presentation they made a statement that many practitioners were incarcerated in China, which is bad. The United States has the highest rate of incarceration of any other country with the highest percentage being African -Americans. He urged they look internally to clean up their own country. 3rd Ward. No report. 4th Ward. Alderman Bernstein invited all to a meeting of the Inclusionary Zoning Task Force on June 26. The Task Force will come together to particularize tools to address such problems as affordable housing. He wanted aldermen's input to ascertain if they have a reasonable chance of passing. He reported a Civic Center Committee meeting at which Martin Stern, U.S. Equities, gave a report in which the information is proprietary in nature. He said the restoration cost of the current Civic Center versus the cost of new construction is $3.5 million greater to restore the Civic Center, exclusive of land acquisition cost to build a new Civic Center. Elliott Dudnick, architect and staff at UIC, gave the Civic Center and grounds as a class assignment to architecture students and explained the problems the City was having. Many students presented plans to keep it and to build a new facility. The committee asked them to re-create the presentation for broadcast on cable TV so citizens can see what was proposed. He thanked Council for voting for the resolution to repeal the USA Patriot Act. He read newspapers to see what people "report" he said, not necessarily what he said. He intended to write a letter to the editor because in a recent issue it appeared his position was reversed regarding a discussion at the Human Services 15 June 9, 2003 Committee meeting where different quotes of a five-minute conversation appeared in one sentence. This related to Housing Options for the Mentally Ill and whether to change the ordinance on residential care homes. He supports what Housing Options does; would like property to stay on the tax rolls but understands there are tradeoffs for everything. He congratulated the Evanston Township High School girls' track team that won the state championship. He attended the losing soccer game with New Trier; recalled when his children were younger the pleasure it was to be among Evanstonians who were cheering. He thought urban people miss the camaraderie surrounding athletic teams that exists in rural areas and encouraged residents to attend local sporting events. He congratulated the clergymen team that held a recognition ceremony recently and thanked them for what they do for the Evanston Police Department. Alderman Bernstein said school is out. Students are out and about and he urged them to be careful. He expressed fond farewell and thanks to long-time employee Jo Ann Minear, who recently retired from the Zoning Division. Mayor Morton asked for a written report on the Civic Center Committee meeting. Alderman Bernstein said it was coming. 5th Ward. Alderman Kent also congratulated Jo Ann Minear. He planned to email the City Manager with the names of senior citizens who are concerned about the lack of public transportation coming west of Emerson Street. He has told constituents that this is an experiment and hoped it would be honored. He said it is necessary to let the CTA know that some parts of the plan have to change. He stated that ETHS has a plan to develop a new habitat behind the football field, which will be beautiful when it is finished. When ETHS came with the plan, because of security and lighting, he thought they were standing back from putting in a pond. He said it only takes two -inches of water for a child to drown. He asked that the superintendent be contacted to find out if they are going ahead with the pond. Many people are worried about mosquitoes. If they build the pond they need to let people know that they don't have to worry. He noted kids sneak through the fence and play. Mayor Morton asked if anything had been done about Pace and CTA getting together? Mr. Crum said there is a written proposal for a study by Pace with four communities and CTA involvement. The City has responded with comments recommending they be more inclusive. Mr. Crum stated the study had not been awarded as of that date. 6th Ward. No report. 7th Ward. Alderman Tisdahl said the 7th Ward was still waiting for Nicor's response as to when they are going to do landscaping. People are concerned that sod may be laid while they are on vacation and if the sod is not watered it will die. They would like a more specific date than within the next 60 days. 8th Ward. Alderman Rainey reminded the P&D Committee that they had promised to deal with boardups, which is critical. Alderman Rainey announced a hearing on June 11 at 1:00 p.m. at the Civic Center where a shopkeeper, who sells cigarettes to minors, will be before an Administrative Adjudication hearing officer. She said this store is a magnet for other negative activities and appreciated any community group that could come to the hearing to show support. This is a prosperous store that sells to minors and it is the third offence. Alderman Rainey reported that last Wednesday around 5:00 p.m. she was sweeping the sidewalk and planting flowers at the Police Outpost at 633 Howard Street, when in the 700 block of Howard Street there was a shooting. It was one gang of thugs shooting at another gang of thugs at rush hour. Busses were loaded with commuters, kids coming from school and a woman in the parking lot of the cleaners sitting in her van had a bullet go through the window with glass going into her eye. She has said that thugs shooting guns will affect everybody here. The prior evening around 11:00 16 June 9, 2003 p.m. at 1000 Austin Street a man was shot who ended up on the lawn of 1000 Hull Terrace where he was picked up. Something has to be done. It is one thing to say they need programs for ex -offenders, but ex -offenders need to start behaving themselves. They are not wanted in the 8t' Ward and neither are guns. Evanston needs to rise up. There are too many guns. She is fed up and not going to take it anymore. 9"' Ward. No report. 1" Ward. Alderman Newman spoke about an ordinance on the A&PW Committee's agenda concerning the number of residential parking permits sold per household, which only affects wards with residential districts. This ordinance came about due to meetings. 5th Ward residents want this ordinance the most on Hamlin, Simpson, Gaffield. On Simpson there is a 12-unit building that was intended for 12 families, but no longer houses families. If there were 12 families, there would be 24 cars if every unit had two cars. This building has no parking. A study was done of this building. On Orrington they found 40 cars with legal permits and there are probably 50-60 cars. When this building was later inspected (building owner owns the Carlson Building) it had up to seven people living in one unit when the City Code only allows three. The owner has since cleaned that up, which Alderman Newman appreciated. The reason they have only three unrelated persons who can live together is that when you get six and seven in a unit, they may bring in six - eight cars. Streets in the lst and 5 h wards cannot handle 40-50 cars from the Simpson building using the streets as a parking lot. They propose an ordinance with a maximum of three unrelated persons and to sell only three permits to that household. People breaking the law should not be rewarded with parking spaces on the streets. He will address that at the A&PW Committee. He was sorry to miss the opening of the new Borders store and was glad for their success. He will miss the next meeting. His daughter Jessica, age 6, asked if Mickey Mouse is real or is it somebody in that suit? The answer was that they would have to go to Disney World to get the answer. He asked, as a courtesy, that a few matters be held until he returns. There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn. The Council so moved at 12:03 a.m. Mary P. Morris, City Clerk A videotape recording of this meeting has been made Dart of the permanent record and is available in the Citv Clerk's office.