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HomeMy WebLinkAbout0421ccCITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL - PRESENT: A Quorum was present. NOT PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: ABSENT: PRESIDING: Alderman Rainey Alderman Newman Alderman Jean -Baptiste Aldermen Feldman, Wynne Alderman Kent Mayor Morton April 21, 2003 Alderman Bernstein Alderman Moran Alderman Tisdahl The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton Monday, April 21, 2003, at 5:40 p.m. in the Aldermanic Library. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved that Council convene into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing matters related to litigation and closed session minutes pursuant to 5ILCS Section 120/2 (c) (11) and (21). Seconded by Alderman Tisdahl. (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 — Rainey, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Bernstein, Moran, Tisdahl. Voting nay — none. Motion carried 6-0 . At 6:36 p.m. Alderman Bernstein moved to reconvene into Open Session and recess. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Motion carried. No nays. Mayor Morton reconvened the City Council at 8:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. AGENDA ADDENDUM Mayor Morton introduced and administered the oath of office to students who participated in the 2003 McGaw YMCA City Youth in Government program: Margy Levinson, Mayor; Conor Desmond, 2nd Ward Alderman; Calvin Cheema, 3Cd Ward Alderman; Hecky Powell, 4't Ward Alderman; Isaac de Mill, 5th Ward Alderman; Kate Coney, 7th Ward Alderman; Meg Cooney, 9th Ward Alderman. Mayor Morton welcomed and introduced Maya Odim and Elise Goldin, News Press. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Morton announced that the Mayor's Summer Youth Job Fair would be Saturday, April 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for youth between 14 and 18 years of age regardless of economic circumstances. She encouraged employers who had not yet signed up to participate and welcomed contributions. COMMUNICATIONS: None CITIZEN COMMENT: Rhonda Present, 546 Michigan Ave., expressed confidence that Council would restore the weekday funding cut at South Boulevard beach and on behalf of hundreds of residents who spoke up about it she expressed appreciation to Alderman Wynne and other aldermen for reconsidering this decision. Ms. Present hoped that as a result of this process, they learned how valuable this asset is to the community; that beaches contribute to property values and are a potential revenue April 21, 2003 generator for the City. She stated beaches are valuable natural resources that citizens are entitled to. Bettv Ester, 1806 Grey Ave., spoke about Ordinance 43-0-03, which mentioned the Budget Committee. She was at the April 8 Council meeting and heard no mention of a Budget Committee meeting. Only because of the Daily Northwestern she knew this item would be on the agenda. It was not clear to her if 4% was going to be added to the tax levy. She thought the tax levy for this year was 7% and would it be 11 % next year? She asked how there could be meetings when they are not announced? She urged Council to table or vote "no" until proper meeting notice was given. Mimi Peterson, 748 Wesley Ave., spoke about Ordinance 43-0-03, which authorizes issuance of $12 million in bonds annually for five years, totaling $60 million; said this is a hardship to taxpayers who have not had an opportunity to adjust their budgets to the 7% property tax increase that is being implemented this year. The ink is barely dry on the new budget and they are considering a 20% increase solely for capital improvements. She asked how this would affect the regular budget process? Will taxpayers be expected to take another hit next March to cover the deficit in the General Fund? She stated this increase will have a dramatic effect on working people and their ability to continue to live here. She asked what consideration was given to the per capita increase in the debt service? As Mr. Stafford acknowledged, this is a large debt service for a community of this size. It seemed to her that just because the opportunity exists for the City to dramatically increase the amount of property tax supported bonds it can issue, did not make it a prudent financial decision. At the March 19 Budget Committee meeting aldermen requested further analysis and funding options for the CIP. At the April 14 Budget Committee meeting there were two aldermen present to discuss funding options recommended by Finance Director Bill Stafford. Since there was no quorum, she asked why was this to be marked introduced? It appeared this item was put on the agenda improperly. She asked that there be proper notification of public hearing to discuss increasing taxes annually by 4% and raising the debt service to more than $100 million. Roberta Hudson, 1941 Dewey Ave., was appalled to hear of increased taxes when property taxes burden senior citizens and others and are unjustified. Government of the people, by the people and for the people is apparently needed here. She recommended a citizens' watchdog committee to demand accountability and detail of all City expenditures, a bimonthly report, written justification of all major expenditures prior to the event; an open bidding method to select contractors and vendors based on qualifications, technical ability, past performance, background of principal people and their ethical standards prior to judgment on all projects. Regarding special interests and well being of the general public, pay more attention to less important projects while the most critical ones go begging. An example is the Levy Center, which has sacred cow status, while social and economic needs of the community cry for help. Children who are uneducated cannot get a school to properly educate them. A property tax increase should never be considered except in an extreme case of a city's impending bankruptcy. When a city government is allowed to raise its tax base by property tax supported increases, this crutch will used in future monetary decisions. A city's fiscal activities must be under the control of taxpayers. The City's shortfall is due to unanticipated events and should correct its budgetary responsibilities by future fiscal constraints. The need to raise the property tax is tantamount to admission of fiscal mismanagement by City staff. Property taxes are a burden on the property owner and a tax increase adds to that burden and minorities suffer the most. Many years of increased taxes could have been used to update property, send a child to college or pay medical bills. She suggested Council not consider an increase until there is fiscal responsibility by the City administration. Elsie W. Liddell, 1920 Foster St., said senior citizens who are homeowners, living on limited incomes can look upon the Budget Committee with jaundiced eyes. She asked where the money is supposed to come from? As she read through some of the minutes, she noted some want to build a new City Hall. She recommended staying where they are until things lighten up, so that all could live a little. They are being given the option of suffering through another tax increase in Evanston. She urged them not to allow that to happen. City Manager Roger Crum stated the Budget Committee meeting was properly announced, despite the lack of a quorum. Therefore, there was no official meeting and the agenda item was based upon the request of an alderman, as permitted by City Council rules. He stated this item alone would not increase property taxes. This year's levy has been approved and this item is within that levy amount. This is not in addition to the tax levy approved in this year's budget process. This ordinance is for introduction that evening and, due to the timeliness of the bond market, it was essential that they not delay because market rates will increase shortly. They have planned for a bond increase for this year. At the next Council meeting there would be a full presentation on what this is about and how it fits into the long-range April 21, 2003 recommendation that they look at an annual debt service that may increase each year. Alderman Newman said speakers referred to a recommendation that Option 01 be adopted by City Council. Option 01 is $12 million in bonds issued annually for five years and $8 million annually thereafter. He suggested if they were asking for action for one year, which needed to be clarified because it seemed that Option 01 was being requested. Mr. Crum said that was correct; the only item before them was this year's action in context of a long-term policy change -- that policy on total debt be changed and a five-year plan. Whether Council wishes to adopt the whole plan or just adopt this year's bond issue and discuss the other in the future was Council's decision. Alderman Newman asked what the City needed to go out for immediately? Mr. Crum stated $12 million for the CIP. Finance Director Bill Stafford explained they were recommending a $12 million issue. There are sufficient funds in this year's levy, which was passed as part of this year's budget. The reason they are able to issue more is because of refinancing. Prior to this they could have issued about $8 million. Due to refinancing and lower interest rates, they can issue $12 million. Alderman Newman asked, in the budget just passed, was $600,000 allocated for debt service from property tax funds and confirmed the $600,000 planned for would not go up. There is no change financially in what Council did and they can bond for more. Alderman Rainey explained they can do this because of refunding bonds. Mr. Stafford used the analogy of homeowner's refinancing mortgages at lower interest rates. In January the City refinanced bonds at 7% down to 4%. Those savings are used to bond for a greater amount at the same tax levy so dollars are leveraged further. Alderman Jean -Baptiste asked is there an increase in the amount of property tax taxpayers will pay? Mr. Stafford explained that the only increase in the property tax is the increase that Council approved for the overall budget. Mr. Stafford explained they developed two options on what the plan could be for the next five years; suggested they look at it like the Capital Improvement Plan. Due to a combination of capital and insurance needs, they are projecting what they think will take place. All they will pass is one year's commitment. This year they are passing $12 million for one year within budget. Next year, the reason they have the option to do this again for another $12 million, is they would need a 4% increase on that portion of the property tax which is 1/3 of the City's property tax. Council would have to vote on that next year. They are saying this is the plan, however, the Council is not committed, similar to the CIP, to four years, but will take it one year at a time. What was provided in the options is where the future might go. That will depend upon future events relative to legal cases and capital improvement needs. Alderman Rainey stated there is another school of thought among Evanston taxpayers; revenue generated from refunding could be saved instead of being spent. CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with the following exceptions: Special Event — Laps for Leukemia and Ordinance 43-0-03 — Providing for the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Roll call. Voting aye — Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Moran, Tisdahl. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (8-0). * ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of April 8, 2003 and the Special City Council Meeting of March 31, 2003. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: * Approval, as recommended, of the City of Evanston payroll for the period ending April 10, 2003 and the City of Evanston bills for the period ending April 21, 2003 and that they be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, April 21, 2003 summarized as follows: City of Evanston payroll (through 03/10/03) $1,877,872.48 City of Evanston bills (through 04/21/03) $3,134,499.37 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the State of Illinois low bid from Bob Ridings, Inc. for one Ford F350 4x4 pickup with plow and spreader for $40,577, including delivery and 5-year/75,000-mile warranty for the Parking Division. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the State of Illinois low bid from Morrow Brothers Ford, Inc. for three Ford F350 4x4 dump truck vehicles (two with plows) for $115,415, including delivery and 6-year/60,000-mile warranty for Parks/Forestry & Recreation. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the sole -source purchase of consulting services from MKM Consulting to complete implementation of the financial software system at a cost of $330,000. (Funding is included in the software implementation budget and has been funded through the CIP.) * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of DNB for the FY 2003 Replacement of Sewer Structures and Water Main Improvement Program at a cost of $621,281. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of Schroeder & Schroeder for the 50150 Sidewalk & Curb Replacement Program at a cost of $59,750. (Funding source is GO Bonds.) * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) AGENDA ADDENDUM * Approval of the State of Illinois low bid from Bob Ridings, Inc. for one 2003 Ford F350 4x4 pickup with plow for $34,552, including delivery and 5-year/75,000-mile warranty for Public Works. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) ■■■■■ * SDecial Event — Music Institute ODenine Nieht Celebration — Consideration of a request of the Music Institute to hold an opening night gala celebration on May 16, 2003, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in Raymond Park, to include closure of Grove St. between Chicago and Hinman Avenues. APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * SDecial Event — Central St. Arts & Crafts Fair and Sidewalk Sale — Consideration of a request to hold the annual Central Street Arts & Crafts Fair and Sidewalk Sale on July 12-13, 2003. APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Resolution 23-R-03 — Lease with League of Women Voters — Consideration of proposed Resolution 23-R-03, authorizing the City Manager to sign a lease with the League of Women Voters for Room 1002 of the Civic Center. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Resolution 21-R-03 — Agreement with Chicago Public Radio WBEZ — Consideration of proposed Resolution 21-R-03, which authorizes the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Chicago Public Radio 91.5 for promotional sponsorship (for Lakeshore and Ethnic Art festivals and Arts Week Evanston), valued at approximately $14,400. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Resolution 24-R-03 — Agreement with Chicago Tribune — Consideration of proposed Resolution 24- R-03, which authorizes the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Chicago Tribune for April 21, 2003 promotional sponsorship (for Lakeshore and Ethnic Art festivals, Starlight Concerts and Arts Week Evanston), valued at approximately $31,948. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Resolution 25-R-03 — 2003 Motor Fuel Tax Resurfacine Proeram — Consideration of proposed Resolution 25-R-03, which appropriates $1,200,000 of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for resurfacing portions of 12 Evanston streets. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Ordinance 44-0-03 — Amending Ordinance 102-0-01 — Increasine Trial Period for Private Immobilization of Vehicles in Central Business District — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 44-0- 03, which extends the trial period for private immobilization of vehicles (booting) in Central Business District to April 1, 2004. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Feldman moved to Suspend the Rules to adopt an ordinance at the meeting in which it was introduced. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Feldman moved approval. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Alderman Jean -Baptiste clarified that currently the only private booting contract downtown is with Burger King. Roll call. Voting aye — Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Moran, Tisdahl. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (8-0). * Ordinance 42-0-03 — Declaring City Property as Surplus — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 42-0-03, which declares various items of City property as surplus so that six vehicles, a motorcycle and other items can be publicly offered for sale at the May 17, 2003 Grant Township public auction. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 33-0-03 — Increase in Class B Liauor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 33-0-03, introduced April 8, 2003, which increases Class B liquor licenses from 9 to 10 with the addition of M.N. Corporation, dba Bombay Garden, 626 Church St. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Ordinance 35-0-03 — Decrease in Class B Liauor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 35-0-03, introduced April 8, 2003, which decreases Class B liquor licenses from 10 to 9 with the reclassification of Four Corners, dba Prairie Moon, 1502 Sherman Ave. (see below). * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Ordinance 36-0-03 — Increase in Class B 1 Liauor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 36-0-03, introduced April 8, 2003, which increases Class B1 liquor licenses from 5 to 6 with the reclassification of Four Corners, dba Prairie Moon, 1502 Sherman Ave. (see above). * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Ordinance 37-0-03 — Decrease in Class B 1 Liauor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 37-0-03, introduced April 8, 2003, which decreases Class B1 liquor licenses from 6 to 5 with the sale of Nevins, LLC, dba Tommy Nevin's Pub, 1450 Sherman Ave. (see below). * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Ordinance 38-0-03 — Increase in Class B 1 Liauor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 38-0-03, introduced April 8, 2003, which increases Class B1 liquor licenses from 5 to 6 with the purchase of Nevin's Business, LLC, also dba Tommy Nevin's Pub, 1450 Sherman Ave. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA & ROLL CALL (8-0) April 21, 2003 AGENDA ADDENDUM * Street Closure for Bie 10 Conference Tennis Tournament — Consideration of a request that the City Council approve closure of Dartmouth Pl. between Sheridan Rd. and the first alley to the west for the Big 10 Conference Tennis Tournament held at Northwestern University from Wednesday, April 23 through Sunday, April 27. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE * ADDroval of EmDlover-Assisted Housine Program — Consideration of a recommendation to approve a pilot Employer -Assisted Housing Program for five grants of $5,000 per household for financial assistance and as an incentive to City of Evanston employees with household incomes at or less than 80% of median to purchase Evanston homes. In addition, $6,500 would provide home purchase education and program administration. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Sidewalk Cafe Permit — Tvne 2 Restaurant (Cafe Express) — Consideration of a recommendation of the Site Plan and Appearance Review Committee to grant a Sidewalk Cafe Permit for Cafe Express, 500 Main St. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Resolution 22-R-03 — Reserving Tax Exemnt 2003 Bond Volume Cap — Consideration of proposed Resolution 22-R-03, reserving the tax exempt 2003 Bond Volume Cap of $5,567,925 for use by the City of Evanston in support of affordable housing, economic development and residential mortgage financing programs. * APPROVED —CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Ordinance 30-0-03 — Special Use for 1741 Sherman Ave. (Tvne 2 Restaurant) — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 30-0-03, introduced April 8, 2003, a recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals to grant a special use for a Type 2 restaurant (Gary Poppins) at 1741 Sherman Ave. ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (8-0) HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: * ADDroval of Township Bills — Consideration of a recommendation to approve the Township bills, payroll and medical payments for the month of March 2003 in the amount of $103,488.98. APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * ADDroval of Funding for South Blvd. Beach — Consideration of a proposal to transfer $8,000 from the Operating Contingency fund and add $4,000 in associated revenues for opening South Blvd. Beach swim area Mondays through Fridays. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Emergencv Shelter Grant Funding for FY 2004 — Consideration of a recommendation that the City award $82,000 in federal Emergency Shelter Grant Funds to three local agencies (Connections for the Homeless $66,000,Youth Job Center $10,000, Evanston Ecumenical Action Council $6,000) serving the homeless. * APPROVED —CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * 2003-04 Cultural Fund Grant Program Award Recommendations — Consideration of a recommendation to approve the proposed 2003-04 Cultural Fund Grant Program Awards totaling $37,000. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Ordinance 41-0-03 — Amending the Citv Code Defining Northwestern Universitv Camnus Police Authoritv — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 41-0-03, which amends Section 9-3-3 of the City Code defining Northwestern University campus police authority. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA April 21, 2003 APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton asked for introduction of the following appointment: Schona Buranda Human Relations Commission 705 Reba Pl. Mayor Morton asked for introduction of the following reappointment: Kenneth Rodgers Plan Commission 612 Mulford St. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Alderman Wynne reported a lengthy discussion about binding appearance review. At a prior meeting with Corporation Counsel Jack Siegel present, there was much discussion about how to implement a valid form of binding appearance review. One recommendation was to establish a threshold above which all development would be planned unit development and below that all development would go through binding appearance review but not as elaborate as planned unit development. The Site Plan Committee met and discussed this concept and made recommendations. They also discussed teardowns, which are occurring in many wards. The discussion was how to address teardowns, whether through the Zoning Ordinance or within the binding appearance review process. There was recognition of urgency in dealing with tear downs and staff was asked to return with information on ways to make changes to correct problems in the current Zoning Ordinance regarding height of new residential property and how that is calculated and other problems. They will continue discussion of binding appearance review. They suspended discussion on board -ups and demolition until the next meeting when Alderman Kent could be present. HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: Special Event: Laps for Leukemia — Consideration of a request to allow the Leukemia Research Foundation to hold a "Laps for Leukemia" walkathon fundraiser in James Park on Friday, June 6 from 5:30-9:00 p.m. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved approval. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Alderman Rainey was pleased that special events are being scheduled for James Park but noted this event will have 400- 500 people on a Friday evening with loudspeakers from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. JRC is across the street and has Friday evening services. She was concerned about noise from the outset to the end on the loudspeaker request, which is 10:00 p.m. She asked that everything be done to eliminate use of loudspeakers during JRC services; to end speaker use by 9:00 p.m. and notify neighbors by flyer (especially on Dodge Avenue and immediately south of James Park) of this event. She found it hard to gauge where the event would take place but it looked like west in the park. She asked how aldermen can find out about upcoming events in advance? Parks/Forestry & Recreation Director Doug Gaynor stated up until now there has not been management of special events. Staff has been working on a plan for special events. One piece is that requests for special events, such as lakefront events or those with more than 250 people, which must come before City Council. At the end of April, the City will publish a special events calendar for the remainder of the year. Most special events, to date, start in May. In the future during March there will be a review of all special event requests. Events with more than 100 persons at the lakefront or 250 persons at any other one event, will come to City Council for approval. He said they propose bringing a list of all special April 21, 2003 events for approval/disapproval, then will publish a special event calendar for the summer months. Alderman Rainey noticed this application was received March 17 and asked if there are guidelines about when requests are to be made? Mr. Gaynor stated the proposed policy is that all special event requests must be received by February 28. He thought it an advantage to sponsoring organizations to know early on whether they have approval. Mr. Crum added the intent is to share the preliminary request list with City Council before formal action is taken. Alderman Rainey asked to amend the request to operate loudspeakers until 9:00 p.m. and that the neighborhood be notified of this event by flyers. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Voice vote. Motion carried. No nays. Voice vote. Motion carried. No nays. OTHER COMMITTEES: Ordinance 43-0-03 — Providine for the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds — Consideration of approved Ordinance 43-0-03, which provides for the issuance of $12 million in G.O. Bonds for the FY 2004 and 2005 CIP programs. Alderman Moran asked that Ordinance 43-0-03 be marked introduced. Alderman Newman wanted to be clear on what was in because the attached memo had a recommendation to adopt Option 01, which is $12 million annually for five years and $8 million annually thereafter. He understood they were introducing one $12 million issue and not the recommendation of Option 01 in the memo. Alderman Newman wanted in the record his response to commentary made earlier that evening about increasing taxes and another part that implied that the Finance Director and financial management was way overboard. The idea proposed by Mr. Stafford and Mr. Crum is excellent and in the best interests of the City and is sound financial management. He respected the fact that they came forward and are planning for the long-term needs of the City. CALL OF THE WARDS: gtn Ward. No report. 9t" Ward. No report. I't Ward. Alderman Newman thanked Sol Chapin, Police Chief, Northwestern University and others for their efforts in preventing a neighborhood a disturbance on Gaffield last weekend. Alderman Newman made a reference to the Human Services Committee to review the mediation process for community disputes that are handled by the Human Relations Commission. He reported that on April 17, baseball season opened at James Park with a thousands kids there at least two evenings a week playing baseball. He said the City's investment in James Park is a huge asset for the City and is much appreciated by parents who have their children in Little League baseball. He credited Mark Metz and Ray Boyer, who have advocated for Little League baseball. He also gave credit to Doug Gaynor for helping that vision come to fruition. He thought the moral is when there is an asset like James Park, that dollars have to be invested; suggested that Evanston could become a regional center for baseball because of the wonderful facilities. He thanked community organizations and staff for all their efforts and Council members for their support. 2"d Ward. No report. 3'd Ward. Alderman Wynne thanked Council members and the Human Services Committee, which supported the opening of South Boulevard beach weekdays for the summer. She thanked the community who brought the true numbers to light, the issue of property values and why people live in the area and the value of a quiet beach, although numbers April 21, 2003 show it is growing by 1,000 users each year. She was glad it will be open and that residents will be able to enjoy it. She agreed that James Park is wonderful and heard wonderful comments from parents she was with recently at the park. Alderman Wynne reported a recommendation from the Site Plan Committee was to start studying implementation of impact fees for developers here. She noted the City ends up with torn up alleys, sidewalks that aren't quite right and streets that are patched. She urged this be addressed quickly and asked that this be put on the P&D Committee agenda for study. 4th Ward. Alderman Bernstein announced the Wednesday, April 23 Civic Center Committee meeting was cancelled and would be rescheduled. He sent condolences to Harvey Mader and family on the passing of Norma Mader. The memorial service will be Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at Lake Street Church. 5th Ward. No report. 6th Ward. Alderman Moran announced cancellation of the Emergency 9-1-1 meeting on Thursday April 24. Alderman Moran noted that the tear down phenomenon is at full throttle in the 6th Ward. He stated that relief is needed immediately and that they are losing the battle. He spent time with staff and management recently making inquiries about this problem. His concern is they aren't anywhere on this and did not think affirmative work was being done. He emphasized that work needs to be done quickly. He related that there are blocks in the 6th Ward where cyclone fences are around another house. On Thayer, Noyes and several pockets, teardowns are accelerating. He has a large file on this and was looking for relief from the P&D Committee. 7th Ward. Alderman Tisdahl announced a Rules Committee meeting was rescheduled from May 5 to May 12; stated the 7th Ward wanted to invite Nicor back to repair damaee from the work thev did. There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn. The Council so moved at 9:47 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.