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HomeMy WebLinkAbout0310ccCITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL - PRESENT: A Quorum was present. NOT PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: ABSENT: PRESIDING: Alderman Moran Alderman Rainey Alderman Feldman Aldermen Kent, Wynne None Mayor Morton March 10, 2003 Alderman Newman Alderman Jean -Baptiste Alderman Bernstein The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton Monday, March 10, 2003, at 6:07 p.m. in the Aldermanic Library. Alderman Feldman moved that Council convene into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing matters related to litigation, insurance and closed session minutes pursuant to 5ILCS Section 120/2 (c) (2) (11) and (21). Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste. (2) Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. (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 Section2.06. Roll call. Voting aye —Moran, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Bernstein. Voting nay — none. Motion carried 6-0 . At 7:03 p.m. Alderman Feldman moved to reconvene into Open Session and recess. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Motion carried. No nays. Mayor Morton reconvened the City Council at 9:03 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: Appointment Confirmation for Alderman of the Seventh Ward: Elizabeth Tisdahl Mayor Morton asked City Council to confirm the appointment of Elizabeth Tisdahl to the office of Alderman of the 7th Ward. Alderman Moran moved approval. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Voice vote. Motion carried unanimouslv. Mayor Morton administered the Oath of Office to Ms. Tisdahl, offered congratulations and escorted her to her seat on the dais. Alderman Feldman, senior Council member, said Council members were delighted with her appointment, which seemed to be a natural fit and a wonderful addition to Council. He thanked Mayor Morton for choosing Ms. Tisdahl. He welcomed her to City Council and predicted Evanston citizens and 7 h Ward residents will benefit from Mrs. Tisdahl's wisdom, experience and energy. ANNOUNCEMENTS: March 10, 2003 Public Works Director David Jennings announced a CTA Community Meeting Wednesday, March 12, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting is to discuss restructuring of bus routes in Evanston and an opportunity for the community to express their opinions and views about the proposed restructuring. City Clerk Mary Morris announced that in -person absentee voting for the April 1, 2003 Consolidated Election had begun that day and would continue for the next three weeks in the City Clerk's office. The Clerk's office is open Monday -Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 9:00 a.m. to noon Saturdays March 15, 22 and 29 for absentee voting. CITIZEN COMMENT: Alice Kreiman, 2505 McCormick Blvd., spoke on behalf of Liz Tisdahl, who has befriended both emotionally and physically challenged people for the more than 30 years she has known her. She recalled they shared PTA special education advocacy groups for many years; met at King Lab School in the former Foster School, where Ms. Kreiman was the first PTA president and Ms. Tisdahl became the first PTA president when King Lab School moved to the former Skiles Middle School. They shared time together with their families and challenges in election campaigns. Ms. Tisdahl worked on Ms. Kreiman's campaign for District 65 school board in 1974 and supported her presidency of that board. Ms. Tisdahl ran for the District 202 board and Ms. Kreiman managed both campaigns. She stated that Ms. Tisdahl was a wonderful District 202 Board president and a tried and true community person. She fitted shoes on little feet at ESCA for many years; has been a baseball coach for as long as she as known her; has a family business and cares for a large family, yet is willing to work hard for Evanston. She said that Ms. Tisdahl is no one's person. She is an independent thinker and demonstrated talent for open mindedness. She will serve with vigor, integrity and intelligence. As a 7'' Ward resident, she was proud to call her, her own 7th Ward alderman and commended her to all without hesitation. Sandra Hill, 4 Martha Ln., a 7th Ward resident for more than 35 years and Ms. Tisdahl's neighbor supported her as alderman of the 7th Ward. She described Ms. Tisdahl as a "public servant personified" and applauded City Council for supporting her appointment. Tom Fi2el, 1303 Rosalie St., 7th Ward resident, commended the appointment of Ms. Tisdahl. His family has known her as a parent and friend for many years. He said Ms. Tisdahl had notable influence on his children and other children who have become responsible young adults due to her work on the 202 school board and community presence. He stated Ms. Tisdahl's abilities are prodigious. She has great talent and spirit and a sense of decency that all will feel. Marc Blumenthal, spoke on behalf of client Dr. Kishon Patel, current sublessee, owner/operator and franchisee of the existing Sherman Avenue Subway. When hired to represent Dr. Patel, he thought about competition from the proposed Subway two -three blocks from his establishment. After sitting through more than five hours of discussion at the ZBA and Plan Commission he changed his mind. Comments made by Alderman Feldman about the negative, cumulative effect in the area was pertinent and said it really was more a matter of what Sherman Avenue looks like. When he moved to Evanston in 1986, it was wonderful to walk down Sherman Avenue. He grew up in Forest Hills, NY, which has a quaint area and Sherman Avenue reminded him of that. Now Sherman Avenue has been referred to as a "food court." He suggested that Council stop proliferation of Type 2 uses. Another Subway is another Type 2 use and won't give any new service to the area since Dr. Patel's Subway has operated here for 15 years. He said the point is whether Council is interested in adding a greater problem. Last week's Evanston Review discussed a rodent problem. He lives in Skokie/Evanston, pays taxes here and does not believe tax money should go to clean up rodent problems. He suggested stopping proliferation of Type 2 restaurants is overdue. Adam Riff, 1920 Campus Dr., assignment editor at WNUR said with five newscasts/updates and staff of 40 people they bring local focus to radio news in Chicago and the North Shore with particular emphasis on Evanston. He reported this past year both news coverage and staff have grown in quality. With local school board elections coming up they will sponsor a community Town Hall meeting for both District 65 and District 202 school boards so that people can learn more about the candidates. Karen Chavers will serve as moderator at the meeting co -sponsored by the Evanston RoundTable and held Sunday, March 30 at 8:00 p.m. and aired live on WNUR 89.3 FM. He invited all to participate by coming to the meeting at Annie May Swift Hall 1920 Campus Dr., Northwestern University or by calling in questions. For further information visit www.wnur.org, which has an email address and telephone number. March 10, 2003 CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with the following exceptions: agreement with Evmark for maintenance of the Special Service Area No. 4 at cost of $43,368. Seconded by Alderman Bernstein. Roll call. Voting aye — Kent, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0). * ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 24, 2003 and the Special City Council Meeting of February 8, 2003. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: * Approval, as recommended, of the City of Evanston payroll for the period ending February 27, 2003 and the City of Evanston bills for the periods ending February 28, 2003 and March 10, 2003 and that they be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston payroll (through 02/27/03) $1,834,131.37 City of Evanston bills (through 02/28/03) $1,809,904.09 City of Evanston bills (through 03/10/03) $1,250,280.92 * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of RB Construction for the Dempster St. Beach office expansion project at a cost of $82,940. (Funding is 1999-00 and 2003-04 GO bonds.) * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of Sanchez Paving Co. for reconstruction of the Harbert Park bike path project at a cost of $105,000. (Funding is 1998-99 GO bonds, 00-01 CDBG and a State of Illinois grant.) APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the annual rental of a loader and excavator for sand removal at the Church St. boat ramp from Benchmark Construction Co. for the Recreation Division at a cost of $18,100. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the State of Illinois low bid from Landmark Ford for nine (9) police package Ford Crown Victoria sedans, manual and warranty for the Police Department at a cost of $208,401. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the contract with Marsh USA Inc. for insurance consulting services for the Sherman Plaza development. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) ■■■■■ * Resolution 10-R-03 — Save America's Treasures Grant ADDlication — Consideration of proposed Resolution 10-R-03, which authorizes the City Manager to sign a grant application for a Save America's Treasures Grant for renovation of the two fog signal buildings at the lighthouse. APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 27-0-03 — Increase in Class B 1 Liauor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance March 10, 2003 27-0-03, which increases Class B1 Liquor Licenses from 4 to 5 with the addition of Westwind Unlimited, dba Bill's Blues Club, 1029 Davis St. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 18-0-03 — Reveal of One-Wav Allev — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 18-0-03, introduced February 24, 2003, which amends Section 10-11-4, Schedule IV(B) of the City Code to remove the one-way east -only restriction on alley north of Howard St. from Barton to Asbury. ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 19-0-03 — Reveal of Loadine Zone — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 19-0-03, introduced February 24, 2003, which amends Section 10-11-7, Schedule VII(B) of the City Code to remove the loading zone on the east side of Elmwood south of Dempster St. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 20-0-03 — Passenger Loading Zone — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 20-0-03, introduced February 24, 2003, which amends Section 10-11-7, Schedule VII(B) of the City Code to establish a passenger loading zone on Noyes St. south side, Maple Ave. to first alley west, 7:30-9:00 a.m. and 4:30-6:00 p.m. on school days. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA & ROLL CALL (9-0) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: * ADnroval of Federal HOME Oneratine Grant — Consideration of a recommendation from the Housing Commission to provide $15,000 in Federal HOME Funds to Reba Place Development Corp. for operating assistance. * APPROVED —CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * ADnroval of Federal HOME Oneratine Grant — Consideration of a recommendation from the Housing Commission to provide $15,000 in Federal HOME Funds to the Housing Opportunity Development Corporation (formerly Interfaith) for operating assistance. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Plat of Resubdivision — Consideration of a recommendation of Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee to grant a plat of resubdivision of Lot 3 in Church/Maple Second Resubdivision into two vertical lots in the Church Street Plaza Zoning Lot A, plat titled "Optima Views Resubdivision." APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) Ordinance 21-0-03 — Special Use for 1729 Sherman Ave. (Tvve 2 Restaurant) — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 21-0-03, which approves a recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals to grant a special use for a Type 2 restaurant (Subway's) at 1729 Sherman Ave., subject to conditions. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA and referred back to committee. HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: * Approval of Township Bills — Consideration of a recommendation to approve the Township bills, payroll and medical payments for the month of February 2003 in the amount of $78,886.83. APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * ADDroval of 2003 Update to Recovery Action Program — Consideration of a recommendation to approve the annual Recovery Action Program (RAP) update in preparation for the 2003 UPARR grant proposal for Parks/Forestry & Recreation. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) March 10, 2003 * Special Event — Annual Arbor Dav Five Race — Consideration of a request to hold the Annual Arbor Day Five Race along the lakefront on April 13, 2003. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Special Event — North Shore Century Bike Ride — Consideration of a request to hold the Evanston Bicycle Club's North Shore Century Bike Ride at Dawes Park and the Lagoon Building on September 22, 2003. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Special Event — Rotary International Race for the Finish — Consideration of a request to hold the Rotary International Race for the Finish on June 8, 2003, from 8:00-9:30 a.m. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Special Event — American Cancer Societv Relav for Life — Consideration of a request to hold the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in James Park from 12:00 p.m. (noon) May 30 to 12:00 p.m. (noon) May 31, 2003. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Alderman Feldman moved approval of the agreement with Evmark for maintenance of Special Service Area No. 4 (Central Business District) at a cost of $43,368. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Alderman Newman asked for clarification on what would happen; noted the memo says the City is contracting for a third trash pickup every Saturday and Sunday, June through September. He asked whether that is all the City is doing and thought until problems are corrected, the extra trash pickups should last longer than June -September. Alderman Feldman said all requests for additional pickups were discussed in committee. Staff received instructions from the committee to prepare a program to deal with the issues raised and will return with costs. Aldermen Rainey and Jean - Baptiste noted the same problem occurs throughout business districts citywide and hoped the same attention would be paid to these areas as well as revitalization of enforcement procedures. It was noted that the most the City does is an occasional citing to enforce rules that the ZBA and Council established with many special uses and Type 2 restaurants. They want the revitalization to have "teeth" so it is really enforced. He learned the violation fine is $50, which seemed woefully inadequate. Alderman Newman pointed out the City had specifically budgeted $250,000 a year from the downtown TIF for services incidental to the TIF district; he said that money has been added to the General Fund and needs to be spent in downtown Evanston. A million to two million people have come to downtown in the last two years since the movie theaters opened. There was an understanding that all signed on for requisite services. He was not saying they should not have these services throughout the City. In downtown Evanston there is a special service district that Evmark manages into which all downtown business owners pay a special tax for marketing and trash removal services. He suggested that they might need to increase the amount downtown property owner's pay in this district and set up special districts in other business areas. He received numerous emails with pictures from one constituent about the condition of downtown Evanston. He stated if they continue to grant special use applications where restaurants can use plastic serveware and plates as opposed to Type 1 restaurants, they will have to find a way to correct the problem, which is well documented. He wants Evanston to be clean everywhere. He was speaking for the 1st Ward and what has happened in the last 18 months, which hurts the image of the City. He wants something specific from staff that includes May and October. Alderman Jean -Baptiste stated the committee asked staff to take a broad look at the City and do whatever is necessary to take care of the problem. Alderman Feldman related during committee discussion that Assistant City Manager Judith Aiello reported staff will hire an NU student to cite businesses for violations. Alderman Kent asked if Alderman Feldman was talking about a job opportunity? Alderman Feldman said he misspoke, it is a City intern. Alderman Kent said if they are going to cite March 10, 2003 garbage he thought that a perfect job for somebody looking for an opportunity to work without the credentials of a NU student. Alderman Feldman suggested Alderman Kent mention this to staff. Roll call. Voting aye —Kent, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0). CALL OF THE WARDS: 5th Ward. Alderman Kent welcomed Liz Tisdahl and looked forward to serving and working with her. He made a reference to the P&D Committee to look at the Citv's demolition Drocess on erantine Dermits "as of rieht." He stated they have to do something in certain neighborhoods to slow the process of knocking down houses because a certain entity owns the property. He was a firm believer when the community has seen troubled times, if that area is going to be developed, the best people to develop it are those who live there. He said that outsiders come and go, put down their vision for what they want to see there because they have the money and the residents don't see anything that they want except another dream that silently floats away. If the 5"' Ward is going to survive, it will have to stop that. In the future, the 5th Ward will ask for support of Council and he did not think they had asked with all the tools in place to let Council know where they are going and that can only be developed over time. He said Church/Dodge did not get the way it is over the past few years but over a long period of time and it will take time to get "legs" under it. The same was true for housing. The Westside Residents Association has worked hard. It was one thing to fight for something and get it and another thing to fight for what one wants and get nothing. He commended all that continue to come to their meetings because sometimes it is easier to quit or move. He said there are many reasons people are saying that but wanted Council to know that is what they are dealing with. He noted the Westside Association has tried to bring a school back into the 5th Ward because everything they have has been stripped out. The Association has also worked on the museum and he hoped to report on that soon. They have also been working on a housing proposal because if the 5th Ward is going to be stabilized, jobs created and affordable housing built, the 5t' Ward will have to do it. He asked that the Westside Residents Association be put on the Housing Commission agenda for the March meeting to discuss that proposal. Alderman Kent said at the Rules Committee that evening Alderman Rainey said if asked to serve on the Flood & Pollution Control Commission she would run. He has not run from it, a small commission, without a lot drama and found it a wonderful place to discuss what is happening with the long-term sewer project. He reported there would again be a paid training program for Evanston residents leading to a union card. People who want to work should call Rich Figurelli or Lloyd Shepherd to be put on the list. 61h Ward. Alderman Moran urged people to attend the 7:00 p.m. Wednesday CTA presentation about proposed bus routes that will impact Evanston, noting that public transportation is an important subject. He and Alderman Kent speculated on what Alderman Engelman was doing this evening and hoped he was getting some rest and was missed. Conversely, he said it was a happy event that Liz Tisdahl was there; he has known her and her family for a long time and knew that she would be a good alderman for the 7th Ward and the City. He welcomed her and looked forward to working with her. 71h Ward. Alderman Tisdahl thanked Mayor Morton; was honored by the appointment and delighted with the Mayor's confidence in her. She thanked each alderman for his/her vote and confidence. On behalf of 7tb Ward residents, whom she was honored to represent, she thanked Steve Engelman for all of his years representing the 7th Ward. He did a terrific job and was known as independent, bright and hard working. His good sense of humor made it easier to work with him and all appreciated the years that he represented them. grh Ward. Alderman Rainey welcomed Ms. Tisdahl. She said the only reason she did not want to serve on the Flood & Pollution Control Commission was that it was too hard and overwhelming. She announced Thursday, March 13, she and Alderman Feldman would host a meeting at St. Francis Hospital for neighbors about current and future construction projects. That same evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Police Outpost, 633 Howard Street, there is a meeting for the Clyde/Brummel/Custer neighbors regarding a major sewer project plus an update on the Clyde/Brummel Park renovation. She urged neighbors to come and ask questions. March 10, 2003 91h Ward. Alderman Feldman said during the A&PW Committee report, in addition to approving a liquor license for Westwind dba Bill's Blue Club, the committee requested that staff prepare an ordinance that would create a new classification of liquor license for a live venue only without the requirement that food be served. It would be live music, dance, stand-up comedy but differentiating itself from occasional live music and recorded music. Alderman Feldman made a reference to the P&D Committee to consider a moratorium on Tvae 2 restaurants on Sherman Avenue until the Citv can develop a rational policv that responds to what the Citv envisions for Sherman Avenue. He did not think the City ever envisioned Sherman Avenue filled with Type 2 restaurants. This was not in the comprehensive plan for the City and never part of any discussion regarding the vision they have for, perhaps, the most important street in the City for retail -- a street that will only become more important. He thought they have operated poorly and neglected the stewardship of Sherman Avenue and allowed it to become something that does not do credit to the City nor does it stimulate any kind of change or attract quality tenants -- the kind of tenants the Sherman Plaza development will bring. He urged the committee seriously consider this; hoped they don't add to the process of destruction of Sherman Avenue by approving any other Type 2 restaurant there that does not fit into a well considered policy. 1" Ward. Alderman Newman reported the Rules Committee met that evening and discussed the appointment process to the Economic Development Committee and issues about appointment of new aldermen. He wished to meet to clarify the rules on Wednesday, March 19 at 6:00 p.m. before the Budget Committee meets. He announced the March 26 Parking Committee was cancelled; reported the committee received the Central Street Parking Study and the initial report was interesting on all types of parking issues. They found the author of the study, who has been appointed to a directorship in Pennsylvania, to be knowledgeable about parking issues throughout the City. It was suggested when they discuss the recommendations that it be done on a Saturday in May when all can attend. He noted that Kendall College is on the border of the I" and 7th wards and probably affects the I" Ward more than the 7th Ward, although actually is in the 7th Ward. He attended a neighborhood meeting in which Kendall College officials talked about a new addition to their campus. Since they produce a lot of food at the Culinary School they need to find places for the food. He said they seemed open to the following reference, which he discussed with them. He made a reference to the Human Services Committee that thev do a reach -out to senior citizens at the Lew Center. Primm Towers. Noves Court. Georgian and the Mather. Kendall indicated a willineness to have a low-cost Droeram. He was excited about this because the new administration is community -minded. He did not discuss parking issues that would affect the 7th Ward because the new alderman was not on board. He also discussed with Kendall, the possibility of having some summer vouth Droaram participants learn a marketable skill or lain interest in that institution, which he referred to the Human Services Committee. He thanked staff for their response to directing traffic using the second exit at the Maple Avenue garage over the weekend. He noted Chili's and Baja Fresh restaurants were successful and great additions. Alderman Newman noted the Flood & Pollution Control Commission handles $160 million in public works projects, probably more than any other committee. Alderman Newman welcomed Liz Tisdahl to Council and complimented Mayor Morton on her fine and thoughtful appointment. He thought Ms. Tisdahl would bring experience to Council that is needed; a perspective on school issues and that all can benefit from a different perspective. He felt good about the future of Evanston, which he believes is a great city. After 12 years, he thinks about what the Council will be like in the future. With Alderman Jean -Baptiste and now Ms. Tisdahl coming on board, he feels positive about the future. He said that Alderman Tisdahl is now part of a democratic body where all feel passion about the issues. He wished good luck to Alderman Engelman in future endeavors, noting as he left that he spoke about the passion burning out for him. Speaking for himself, Alderman Newman said his passion continues to burn strongly. He said every night they are here they have opportunities and at her first meeting they spent a lot of time talking about garbage. Everything they do touches aspects of people's lives. Any chance they get to make somebody's life better is something that he has found a privilege to be part of. When they March 10, 2003 are there they try to do what is best and sometimes disagree passionately and that Council is really about how strongly and passionately they feel about the issues. Everyday that he is there new issues and new challenges pop up. Now they have the Civic Center and what they will do with that. A few years ago it was the Research Park, which was stalled. The change on Maple Avenue was from a desolate, empty street to one with activity 24-hours a day. He thought that happened due to Council members supporting something new going forward there. It was a challenge and something they can all be proud of. He looked forward to working with Ms. Tisdahl and knew she would do a great job. 7th Ward residents were lucky to have a talented new representative and he wished her the best of luck. 2°d Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste welcomed Ms. Tisdahl and noted she is now the freshman alderman. He recalled his first day on Council, when zoning changes were made to set up more fast food restaurants at Dempster/Dodge, and Alderman Feldman said they were making that intersection the "fast food capital of the world." That area has KFC, Burger King, McDonald's, Quiznos, Dunkin' Donuts and more. The community has called for assistance because these entities have not been good citizens. Garbage is everywhere. Zoning Administrator Arthur Alterson has written letters to the Type 2 restaurants to comply with requirements. He suggested they have to constantly monitor fast food restaurants because neighborhoods can deteriorate. Many ETHS students pass through that area. He has called attention to Emerson St. and to Church/Dodge and the importance of considering development for the entire City and all citizens having the right to the best services the City offers. He reported the M/W/EBE policy that underlies that committee is being examined by department heads. They are looking to bring a new proposal to the Human Services Committee. Work is going on to try to achieve objectives articulated by various Council members to try and employ residents as much as possible, increase training opportunities and to develop better business capacity for local businesses so they can compete. He urged citizens to stay vigilant about the school board elections because a lot is on the line. He thought people have become tolerant of the achievement gap. People don't cry out and demand change. He urged paying attention to the candidates and those willing to challenge the status quo. He urged 2nd Ward citizens to attend the CTA meeting on March 12. The CTA has said ridership in his neighborhood is about five persons per hour. People who live on Main, Fowler, Emerson and Dodge will be impacted by the proposed changes. It was important to come out and make their voices heard. Speaking to 2nd Ward constituents he said that residents have organized their neighborhoods to identify common concerns and to maintain stability. He urged them to meet and identify priorities to go through the summer. He noted that evening the Rules Committee met to determine what committee responsibilities a new alderman should assume. A particular focus was the Economic Development Committee because an existing alderman wanted to serve on that committee; he suggested expanding the membership. 3'd Ward. Alderman Wynne reported a public meeting about the 603 Main building two weeks ago. A second meeting is scheduled Tuesday, March 18 at Lincoln School. People will receive flyers about the meeting. She welcomed Alderman Tisdahl to Council, looked forward to working with her and was pleased to have someone with school board experience on Council. 4th Ward. Alderman Bernstein thanked Mayor Morton for appointing Elizabeth Tisdahl, an outstanding choice. He said that Alderman Tisdahl was extending herself by performing the same services for constituents and the City that she performed as a school board member and in her general life. He welcomed her; said they were blessed to have her with them and looked forward to working with her. Alderman Bernstein spoke about the March 12 CTA meeting. He said the CTA is talking about changing routes and cutting bus service here, which will impact many people in the community. He urged all to attend, express their views and indicate how they will be impacted. He called on all to participate in the school board elections April 1; noted the WNUR 89.3 FM broadcast on Sunday, March 10, 2003 March 30. He said the combined school districts expend 67¢ out of every property tax dollar so there is an economic and quality of life impact by those who serve on the school boards. He urged people to be informed about candidates and put the best people on the boards. Alderman Bernstein congratulated Gus Giordano Dance Center for 40 years on Davis St., an institution with international acclaim. He thanked the Human Relations Commission for holding a meeting on the USA PATRIOT Act legislation passed five days after 9/11, which according to many was passed hastily. A second Patriot Act is being considered and some legislators are hoping to roll back the existing one. He found the meeting reminiscent of the 1960s with wonderful energy and the drawback was a realization that all these people were frightened about the potential loss of civil rights that this legislation may have. He said Council had reached out by passing a resolution against going to war in Iraq and the reality of that is some dissidents against the war are being treated with some impunity. He is seeing things happen that he does not like. Evanston is an island and America is in trouble now. Citizens have to rise up and make sure that all are vigilant and that destiny is controlled in a way that citizens can control. Congresswoman Schakowsky was one of the votes against the PATRIOT Act and is endeavoring to find others who agree that the ends are not justified by the means. He said we have to remain America, a democracy that we are purportedly putting onto the rest of the world. He urged they practice what they preach. He announced a Human Relations Commission meeting March 26 in the Council Chamber where there will be a discussion of enacting a resolution to repeal the USA PATRIOT Act. There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn. The Council so moved at 10:23 p.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.