HomeMy WebLinkAbout09_13_04_ccCITY COUNCIL
ROLL CALL - PRESENT:
A Quorum was present.
NOT PRESENT AT
ROLL CALL:
ABSENT:
PRESIDING:
Alderman Tisdahl
Alderman Rainey
September 13, 2004
Alderman Feldman
Alderman Jean -Baptiste
Alderman Bernstein
Aldermen Newman, Wynne, Kent, Moran
None
Mayor Lorraine H. Morton
The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton Monday, September
13, 2004, at 5:17 p.m. in the Aldermanic Library. Alderman Rainey moved that Council convene into Closed Session
for the purpose of discussing matters related to personnel, real estate, litigation and closed session minutes pursuant to
5ILCS Section 120/2 (c) (1), (5), (6), (11) and (21). Seconded by Alderman Feldman.
(1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public
body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee to determine its validity.
(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.
(2 1) 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 — Tisdahl, Rainey, Feldman, Jean -Baptiste, Bernstein. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (5-0).
At 7:14 p.m. Alderman Wynne moved that Council reconvene into Open Session and recess. Seconded by Alderman
Newman. Motion carried unanimouslv.
Mayor Morton reconvened the City Council meeting at 8:54 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
City Clerk Mary Morris reminded people who want to vote in the November 2 General Election that Illinois voter
registration closes Tuesday, October 5. Voters who have changed their name or moved must re -register by October 5.
Residents can register at the City Clerk's office, 8:30-5:00 p.m. weekdays and Saturday mornings September 18, and 25
and October 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
For persons who will be out of Cook County on Election Day, applications to vote absentee by mail are available at the
City Clerk's office. Call 847-866-2925 to have an application sent. Cook County handles all overseas voting. Please call
312-603-0944 for information.
In -person absentee voting in the City Clerk's office starts Tuesday, October 12 and runs through Monday, November
1.
CITIZEN COMMENT:
Rav Gradv. President and CEO of Evanston Hospital, 2650 Ridge, stated they had an action plan to close the medical
September 13, 2004
waste incinerator that meets the governor's recommendations. The proposed ordinance is not necessary because they
are managing the process in the way the governor recommended. On August 16, the hospital volunteered to the
Neighborhood Liaison Committee to decommission the medical waste incinerator. The original plan called for shutting
the incinerator down on March 15, 2005, six months from the date the ordinance will take effect. That time would be
used to complete construction of additional loading docks to accommodate a refrigeration/storage unit with an estimated
volume of 280,000 bags of trash annually. The plan is comprehensive and addresses immediate concerns of stopping
burning of medical waste and allows them to manage the problems associated with this decision. They must train 4,000
employees, which is important because waste separation requires safe handling until it reaches its destination. It also
assures that the waste is properly disposed of for the long-term goal of the environment and the organization. This is
important because Evanston Hospital owns the waste long after it leaves the campus. The hospital bears the liability, not
the City or the community. The second challenge is the need to replace the redundant heat source in accordance with
the Illinois EPA, Illinois Department of Public Health and the safety needs of their patients. Their boiler doubles as a
heat source so modifications must be managed appropriately. The third challenge is the storage and segregation of waste
so as not to contaminate the patient care environment. Storage and segregation of the waste is important because it allows
them to manage the waste stream in a safe, sanitary manner. The fourth challenge is transportation of waste off -site. Their
plan allows them to manage this process that does not trade off one set of neighbors (in the immediate vicinity of the
hospital) for the interest of others in the community. Since the Human Services Committee meeting August 16, they have
not wavered in their commitment. They have completed waste audits to confirm the amount of waste they have to dispose
of by transportation. Employees have been advised of the training they will need. They have made arrangements with
a vendor to do the training. They have consulted with IEPA and IDPH on permits needed to modify the incinerator. They
have met with City staff on the assistance they will need to meet this deadline and have done everything reasonable to
decommission this incinerator. They have made the financial committments to go forward with this plan. Over the next
three years they will spend $525,000 on transportation of waste from three campuses ($325,000 for Evanston). They have
an agreement with Solid Waste Solutions at a cost of $50,000 to train employees. They estimate the cost of construction
of additional docks to be $1.5 million. They have agreed to spend $72,000 to replace the autoclave in their lab to assure
that test samples are disposed appropriately before they go into the waste stream. This is $2.5 million investment in doing
this the right way. What more can they do? They know they can retrofit the existing incinerator and stop burning by
December 31, which is 76 days from the date of the proposed ordinance would go into effect and 90 days earlier than
their original plan. They have signed a contract to transport this waste as of December 31, 2004. It will take them until
June 2005 to make all the structural adjustments and manage all the problems. They believe with this revised timetable
that they have made a reasonable effort to decommission the incinerator consistent with their liability to dispose of this
medical waste in a safe/sanitary manner that does not jeopardize the patient care environment.
J.P. Gallaher, Evanston Hospital administration, stated they have been asked if the incinerator can run on natural gas
and can they speed up the process to decommission it? They have tested the incinerator during the annual stack test for
considerable periods of time using natural gas and it can be done reliably. They consulted with the designer of the
incinerator on the best way to meet the heat requirements as well as provide overall support for the operation. To speed
things up they will make a minor modification to the incinerator that involves putting in a burner head to disconnect the
boiler function from the trash disposal function. That will allow them to rip out the incinerator as soon as feasible without
being dependent upon a heat source. They consulted both IEPA and IDPH, which confirmed that was a straightforward
process that they could review and approve in a short time. Prior to the governor's announcement, they indicated it would
be 30-60 days. If it is 24-48 hours, that significantly bumps up the time frame they have planned around. They have
looked at what they need to do logistically to support their operation to minimize the disruption that will occur once
nearly half of their waste needs to be hauled. They have identified some concessions from the City to help them move
forward and speed things up. Now they have three loading docks that support their function — all deliveries and hauling
items are handled by those three. One dock will be taken out of service immediately after the incinerator is shut down.
They ask the City to grandfather in the requirement that they need no more than three loading docks on a long-term basis.
They will need unlimited access to Girard St. (immediately west of the hospital) for vehicles, construction, loading and
unloading that will occur while they do construction. Dock hours historically have been 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. They want
expanded dock hours from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and for work hour concessions regarding getting construction done
during none main business hours, which means Saturdays and Sundays. They want to get a permanent solution in place
so that during peak periods they can truncate the period of time they are without loading docks when the incinerator is
not functioning. They are prepared to commit to getting this done by December 31. To the extent that the state agencies
can speed up their processes, they believe significant time could be taken off of that.
September 13, 2004
Derek Sunnle, 912 Hamlin St., chair Evanston Environment Board, said the board reviewed Ordinance 88-0-04 and
unanimously supported its adoption with a compliance date for decommissioning the incinerator set as soon as feasible
that is lawful, smart and environmentally responsible. The board recommended that the hospital stop operating the
incinerator in 2000 even though it was operating legally under a Title 5 permit and has supported that recommendation
since. They commend No Burn and the Sierra Club for their efforts to bring this issue to the Neighborhood Liaison
Committee and community. Without their hard work and compassion, it is unlikely that operation of the system would
end in the near future. They applaud Alderman Tisdahl and the Human Services Committee for addressing the issue so
quickly and prioritizing the reduction of hazardous air pollutants from both the local and global atmosphere. With that,
the board acknowledges that Evanston Hospital has logistical and permitting steps that it must take to shut the system
down. At their last meeting they did not have enough information to determine whether October 15 is a feasible deadline.
They echoed Dr. Peter Orris's presentation August 2 to Human Services Committee that the hospital take this opportunity
to plan for a responsible waste management alternatives rather than shipping the waste elsewhere to be incinerated.
Replacement of the autoclave system is excellent. They want to make sure the alternatives are environmentally
responsible. They know that to go forward they need to plan an auxiliary heat system rather than a band -aid system and
support the intent of the ordinance.
Clare Kellv Deleado. 823 Colfax St., was there with the hope to bring closure to medical waste incineration and to end
unnecessary air pollution particularly dangerous to the young and elderly. It was indisputable that they were dealing with
chemicals for which there is no safe level — chemicals that cause cancer, neurological disorders and other serious
illnesses. They know there are no safe levels for the mercury and dioxin the incinerator emits. The IEPA standards are
not health based. She stated there were many malfunctions in their annual emission reports that lead to some of these
pollutants. Frequently when the by-pass stack was used there were no emission controls. Her group urged Council to
stick to the October 15 deadline. She noted the hospital talked about compromise, but felt they are talking about further
delay. A year ago their group asked the hospital to close down the incinerator before summer when children play
outdoors. After that they moved the date to July 30, then to August 30 to close down before school began. Orrington
School is just a block downwind of the incinerator. Parents and the PTA were concerned and they hoped to start the year
by assuring people that they were no longer a block downwind of this threat. They then offered September 2 at the
August 2 meeting. They have compromised. She stated the hospital has claimed regulatory issues. Today Governor
Blagojevich came to Evanston, stood by citizens and instructed state agencies to make sure any needed permits are taken
care of by October 15. She spoke with the IEPA office and asked steps the hospital had taken to apply for permits. They
have had no contact with the hospital for six months. She was told there was no permit required to cease incineration.
She urged Council to pass the ordinance with the October 15 deadline.
Matt Wvnia. 2343 Ridge Ave., M.D. infectious disease specialist with a degree in public health, said the September 9
issue of the New England Journal of Medicine included one of the largest studies ever on the effect of air pollution on
the lungs of children aged 10-18. The author, Dr. Pope, said various physiological and toxicogical findings suggest that
exposure to fine particulate matter (soot) may be an important public health concern. Such matter which can be breathed
deeply into the lungs include sulfates, nitrates, acids, metals and carbon particles with various chemicals absorbed onto
their surfaces. Furthermore fine particulate matter is ubiquitous because it is commonly derived from common
combustion such as the burning of bio-mass, is transported over large distances and readily penetrates indoors. Research
suggests a level of air pollution that is common in many urban and industrial environments is an important risk factor
for various adverse health effects in humans. Although many studies have focused on respiratory disease, substantial
and growing evidence indicates that soot is also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Short-term exposure exacerbates
pulmonary and vascular diseases and increases the risk of symptoms, the need for medical attention and death. Long
term, repeated exposure increases the cumulative risk of chronic pulmonary and cardiovascular disease and death. With
regard to the cumulative effects of the long-term repeated exposures, there is little evidence of a unique, well defined,
susceptible subgroup. The Children's Health Study reports this week that pollution related deficits in the development
of lung function occurs in boys and girls and children with and without asthma, smokers and non-smokers. These results
suggest that most children are susceptible to the chronic respiratory effects of breathing polluted air. The authors of the
current study also note that reduced lung function is a risk factor for complications and death during adulthood and
suggest that the effect of these pollution related deficits in lung function may also occur later in life. Studies have shown
that long-term, repeated exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk from death by cardiovascular
disease in broad based cohorts in adults. He said this is not a negligible issue. There are pregnant women in the
community, children with asthma and a large medical waste incinerator with a short stack emitting tons of pollutants
September 13, 2004
within blocks of a school. This needs to be closed in the next five weeks.
Gordon McGrew, 2505 Ridge Ave., member of the Neighborhood Liaison Committee; has attended the No Burn group
meetings. He was asked to review the materials provided by the hospital for the operation of the boiler systems of which
the incinerator is part. Based upon his review, he did not believe the output of this boiler was not needed in normal
operation and too small to suffice in a dire emergency. He viewed the materials with his wife, Julia Takarota, who is a
chemical engineer. During her career she has managed facilities maintenance for large chemical and pharmaceutical
manufacturing plants. She has had considerable experience supervising the installation and maintenance of industrial
boiler systems, including two occasions when emergency boiler replacement was necessary. He is a chemist by training
and comfortable with technical information. They reviewed the power house rounds that recorded the boiler activity at
the hospital last January and concluded they are probably short of power what the incinerator can make up if they lost
one of their 600 horsepower boilers. That problem is probably exacerbated by the addition of the Walgreen's building,
which was done without increasing boiler capacity. That evening they got some new information from the hospital. He
asked his wife about balancing legal and technical redundancy needs of the hospital in compliance with the proposed
ordinance. She felt the best choice was a rental boiler that could be installed in short order. An intemet search turned
up 50 companies that provide rental boilers. All have emergency service (if needed) but the hospital service situation
would allow them to install a rental boiler in the winter and run it through March, if necessary. A properly sized unit of
this sort would provide uninterrupted steam much better than the undersized incinerator with its expensive maintenance
requirement that it be down every six -eight weeks. The boiler rental companies provide engineering assistance as part
of their services. He asked his wife if she ever had any problem obtaining emergency permits. She was required to get
IEPA permits that were available within 24 hours. She felt it possible to get a fully operational boiler in 72-hours. The
hospital said they have a proposal to shut down the incinerator by December 31. He pointed out they don't need 200
horsepower of heat between now and December and the boiler could be shut down immediately. This is a lousy 200
horsepower boiler and replacing its output in under a month is not beyond the capability of 21s` Century engineering.
Use of a rental boiler would allow an immediate shutdown of the incinerator while allowing the hospital's legal
obligations to be met. When the hospital gets serious about complying with the ordinance, they may find even better
solutions. Perhaps what they propose is a better solution and possible from the standpoint of boiler output to meet the
deadline.
Louis Stern, 2716 Garrison Ave., appreciated Mr. Brady's and Mr. Gallagher's comments and their timeline was
commendable. He was proud to be an Evanstonian because of the people he has met in this process. He asked that they
not forget how they got there -- 2,000 signatures were collected in ten days with enough to go to the ballot but this was
faster. They chose the faster route because this is a public health matter and the concerns voiced by Matt Wynia. To say
that there is no need for an ordinance was for him to tell somebody else that he drives within the speed limits so there
is no need for traffic laws. He was sure Evanston Hospital would comply. Every other jurisdiction got it done with an
ordinance, as Chicago has done. When they first heard the timelines, several women went through thousands of pages
that were collected and the hospital gave them a timeline on June 15. There was no specificity to it and now there is. The
closing can be accomplished by October 15 and then no incinerator can pop up in Evanston. To comply by October 15,
they are not asking that everything be done, simply asking that the burning stops. It was wonderful to hear the hospital
is working on this, but does not mean there cannot be an ordinance. To shut down the incinerator requires no permit. This
is a great evening for Evanston because they are setting the path for 13 other communities who may not have the
resources Evanston has. Because of the work of Evanstonians, others will get their incinerators taken down.
Arthur Cohen, 222 Hartrey Ave., stated that Evanston Community Media Center is one of Evanston's best kept secrets.
As Evanston's only TV station, it is the voice of citizens. That voice tells all the state of life, religion and politics in
Evanston; is a meeting place of camaraderie and respect that promotes healthy discussions. August 7, "ECTV Zine," one
of many shows produced at ECMC, was at the Farmers' Market to learn its history, find its value and share with
Evanston residents. "ECTV Zine" aka ZTV, a TV magazine series by, for and about Evanston, is a producer's learning
lab for their user's group. On even months they shoot ZTV, on odd months they host workshops presented by
professionals in the TV industry. April 2004 was the second year of ZTV on the air. Until now all Zine shows were shot
primarily in ECMC studios. "Channel 6 Goes to Market," one of the most ambitious shows, was shot entirely on location.
The Farmers' Market showcases what makes Evanston the community all love. He thanked them for supporting ECMC,
without it they could not exist. Programs such as a visit to the Farmers' Market are an encouragement and a choice to
support the First Amendment (freedom of speech). He also thanked staff. Jean Speyer, Curtis Chandler and Donna
September 13, 2004
Stuckert. Producing "Channel 6 Goes to Market" was delightful on many levels and he hoped to continue it. It airs
Monday at 7:30 p.m. and Friday at 9:30 p.m. He presented a tape of it to Mayor Morton.
Bettv Ester, 1806 Grey Ave., said there were two critical issues that night, health and keeping their community. She
referred to Items (01) and (02), Resolution 47-R-04 and a recommendation to approve a contract with Kane McKenna
to conduct a TIF study in the 2nd and 5th wards. She passed out her comments made at a meeting August 6. She was told
there would be a proposal from Kane McKenna and Council has a letter dated August 19, 2004. There is no mention of
community feelings about this. They expressed at the Economic Development Committee that they would educate the
community about TIFs. They have had one meeting and will hold a second meeting September 17, at 1915 Church Street.
She spoke as a community person who has lived here a long time. She asked Council not to rush to do things in their
community and to hold this vote for two weeks so the community can get more information.
Sue Carlson, 2679 Stewart St., also spoke about items (01) and (02) and commended the Economic Development
Committee and the Evanston Community Development Corporation for bringing the idea of a TIF in this area at
Church/Dodge. Their plans have much to recommend them and this will be the first TIF that will focus on affordable
housing. She asked how this new TIF district would benefit existing residents and small businesses there? The drawback
to many TIFs is that new residents benefit as they move into affordable units, while existing residents find it nearly
impossible to tap into TIF money. That important issue should be included. Another is whether the Council would
recommend that there be provisions for a Community Oversight Committee, which is not a standard component in TIFs.
This is a residential and commercial district and long-term residents would like that included.
Junad Rizki. 2784 Sheridan Rd., spoke about injection of the elm trees; was not sure that Council wants to inject the
trees. A million dollar injection program translates to a 12% tax increase in one year and the add -on of the typical 6%
tax increase they have gotten over the past four or five years. Some Council members claim there will be no tax increase.
He read from the minutes of the August 16 A&PW Committee meeting. "Alderman Moran asked what Mr. Gaynor
meant by saying the first year taxes would have to be raised by almost 6%. Mr. Casey said, without identifying other
sources of revenue, taxes would have to meet the expense of the program." His view was that it was cheaper to inject
the trees at $300 per tree versus $3,000 to cut one down. Given the number of trees, it will cost over $10 million to cut
them all down. The City allocates only $500,000 to elm trees and currently spends another $500,000 to cut the elms
down. He stated that Council needed to move on this now rather than wait for a budget hearing. As all know, nothing
gets cut in the budget hearings, only increased. Given that Council does not want to raise taxes 20%, the trees may go.
The elm trees are under a more critical timeframe than anything else, because when they die they cannot be replaced.
Nick Bilandic, 2756 Garrison Ave., came at the invitation of Alderman Jean -Baptiste. He stated the 1989 Evanston
Hospital incinerator installation was a secondary use followed by an upgrade in 1998 not consistent with going away
from incineration, which gave the hospital's opposition an easy target. The protest signs and the reach toward the
executive branch of Illinois government is more than a grassroots effort. Children with signs are unpersuasive. Council
must consider a voluntary incinerator shutdown a victory for all. One speaker said that Chicago has an ordinance
prohibiting hospital incineration --a misnomer. Chicago's ordinance involving incinerators was introduced to shut down
all municipal waste incinerators. Other incinerators were de -commissioned voluntarily and most have complied, though
not all Chicago hospitals have complied. No state statute requires hospitals to de -commission incinerators. To assess the
Evanston Hospital risk and reliability requires comprehensive study and remedial documents prepared under direct
supervision of practicing professionals with contractor input following federal/state guidelines and workable solutions
and a timetable will emerge. The subcommittee's nebulous timetable gave rise to newspaper columns, editorials, citizens'
letters and a reported inability of the hospital to perform. This could lead to litigation, an unnecessary burden. Both local
papers suggested provision for a reasonable timetable. A member of the Evanston Hospital Liaison Committee, he urged
continued work in harmony with the hospital. All heard the hours requested. People who live near the hospital want their
quality of living the same as everyone else. That means work starts at 7:00 a.m. and stops at 6:00 p.m. Most contractors
use flex time working 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. weekdays. The 7`h Ward alderman would object to a daughter/granddaughter
living near the hospital if a reasonable workable timetable were not possible. The Liaison Committee is the right choice
to work with the hospital to promote safer non -incineration technologies for the earliest possible timetable. They aim
to encourage Evanston Hospital to be good for Evanston while endorsing an open neighbor policy.
Eliezer Mareolis, 822 Colfax St., lives 400 yards from Evanston Hospital. He came with the naive belief that a
stakeholder could speak on a matter of great personal conscience and health. A 22-year resident, he has paid a great
September 13, 2004
amount of property taxes; sent his children to public schools and served as vice president of the Evanston Neighborhood
Conference. He practices as a licensed Illinois clinical psychologist and was there as a social scientist. For the past 26
years he has studied the depth of people's psychological involvement with medical culture and institutions. He said they
have come to a woeful pass and honored all in the difficulty of the situation they find themselves in. Anyone who has
lived here has had the milestone experience of a birth, death, and acute care at the emergency room or someone who had
treatment that saved his/her life. Almost without exception, all have experienced the hospital as an irreplaceable part of
existence here. It is a woeful thing that Council faces a vote against that institution. They must differentiate the clinical
mission of the hospital, those who provide caring, competent treatment from the hospital's business management team.
At a March hospital community liaison meeting, Mr. Grady said something they can all believe. He wanted more time
before closing the burn operation to amortize his equipment. He did not think that situation would change nor the
financial imperative of a corporate organization.
Pam Laukin, 839 Lincoln St., spoke as a parent, long-time resident and one of hundreds of real estate brokers here.
Brokers are concerned about the negative impact the incinerator has on property values. They see potential buyers
dismiss Evanston as a residential option and are turned off by Evanston Hospital's response to the problem. They see
current homeowners leaving Evanston for the same reason. She said that property values are affected the longer it takes
to stop the incinerator, and the larger the impact and people's fears increase. It is not just an Evanston problem because
as the wind blows it goes to other communities. She hoped they choose to close the incinerator on October 15.
CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*)
Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: City of Evanston bills;
Ordinance 76-0-04 - Motorized/Motor-Assisted Vehicles; appeal of Preservation Commission decision on 1501 Hinman;
Ordinance 88-0-04 - amend City Code to Prohibit Incinerators; Resolution 47-R-04 - authorize feasibility study for
proposed west side TIF; and Recommendation to approve contract with Kane McKenna for TIF study. Seconded by
Alderman Wynne. Roll call. Voting aye —Tisdahl, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent
Moran. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0).
* ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA
MINUTES:
* Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of August 16, 2004 and the Special City Council Meeting
of September 1, 2004. * 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 August 26, 2004 and September
9, 2004 and City of Evanston bills for the period ending September 14, 2004 authorized and charged to the proper
accounts:
City of Evanston payroll (through 8/26/04) $2,158,285.40
City of Evanston payroll (through 9/09/04) $1,998,671.20
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0).
* Approval of the emergency purchase of a vehicle for the Evanston Police Department at a cost of $22,570. (Funded
in the Fleet Services Capital Outlay Budget.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-
0)
* Approval of proposal to provide excess worker's compensation coverage at a cost of $80,004. (Funded in Insurance
Fund). * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of proposal to provide a Retail Analysis of Downtown at a cost not to exceed $47,000. (Funded in Downtown
TIF Fund.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
September 13, 2004
* Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid from R. Rudnick & Company for Municipal Service Center
parking deck repairs at a cost of $165,712. (Funded in the CIP and Parking Funds.) * APPROVED - CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of Change Order #1 for the Leahy Park Redevelopment Project for an increase of $9,120 to Pedersen
Construction, increasing the total contract amount from $513,180 to $522,300. (Funded in CIP and an OSLAD grant.)
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of Change Order #2 professional services contract revision for the Leahy Park Redevelopment Project for
an increase of $1,957.50 to pre -qualified landscape architect JJR's contract, increasing the total contract amount from
$32,911 to $34,868.50. (Funded by GO bonds and an OSLAD grant.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION
AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Resolution 40-R-04 - Authorizes the Citv Manager to sign an agreement for the McGrath fence
donation - Consideration of Resolution 40-R-04, which authorizes the City Manager to sign an
agreement with William and Mary Ann McGrath for donation of an ornamental fence at the Lee Street
Beach breakwall. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Resolution 46-R-04 - Adopting the National Incident Management Svstem (NIMS) - Consideration
of Resolution 46-R-04, which adopts the National Incident Management System for emergency
responses. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Resolution 48-R-04 - Release of Deed Restriction at 1100 Clark St./1719 Ridge Ave. -
Consideration of proposed Resolution 48-R-04, which releases a Deed Restriction for a pedestrian
crossing over the 1700 block of Oak Ave. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND
ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Ordinance 91-0-04 - Declaring Citv Propertv as Surplus - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 91-
0-04, which declares various vehicles and equipment as surplus so they may be publicly offered at
the Lake County auction on October 2, 2004. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 92-0-04 - Amends Section 10-11-8. Sched. VIII(A) - Parking Prohibited at All Time on
the east side of Asbury Ave. from Howard to Dobson streets - Consideration of proposed Ordinance
92-0-04, which amends Section 10-11-8, Schedule VIII(A) of the City Code for No Parking at
Anytime on the east side of Asbury Ave. from Howard to Dobson streets. * MARKED
INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 93-0-04 - Amends Section 10-11-8. Sched. VIII(A) - Parking Prohibited at All Times
on the north side of Greenleaf St. between 2001 and 2007 Greenleaf St. driveways - Consideration of
proposed Ordinance 93-0-04, which amends Section 10-11-8, Schedule VIII(A) of the City Code for
No Parking at Anytime on Greenleaf St. between 2001 and 2007 Greenleaf driveways. * MARKED
INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 86-0-04 - Amending Section 7-2-9 - Regulating Parkwav Use on Central St. for the e
of July Parade - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 86-0-04, introduced August 16, 2004, which
amends Section 7-2-9 of the City Code regulating parkway use on Central Street for the 4th of July
parade. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Ordinance 89-0-04 - Amending 3-5-6(D) to Decrease the Number of Class D Liquor Licenses -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 89-0-04, introduced August 16, 2004, which amends 3-5-6(D)
to decrease the number of Class D liquor licenses from 25 to 24 due to the closing of Blue Sapphire,
1709 Benson Ave. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA & ROLL CALL (9-0)
September 13, 2004
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT:
* Ordinance 90-0-04 - Grants Variation for 525 Sherman Ave. (width and location of Darkin2 mace)
- Consideration of proposed Ordinance 90-0-04, which approves a recommendation of the ZBA to
grant a variance allowing a 6.9' wide parking space in the front yard at 525 Sherman Ave. * MARKED
INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES
HUMAN SERVICES:
* Ordinance 88-0-04 - Amends Section 4-10-3 (B) to Prohibit Incinerators - Consideration of
proposed Ordinance 88-0-04, introduced August 16, 2004, which amends Section 4-10-3 (B) of the
City Code prohibiting the operation of hospital/medical/infectious waste incinerators.
Alderman Tisdahl moved approval of Ordinance 88-0-04. Seconded by Alderman Feldman.
Alderman Tisdahl congratulated Clare Delgado on the Governor's pledge to help with regulatory agencies and
congratulated Evanston Hospital for beating the Governor to the punch by voluntarily agreeing to close their incinerator,
which the Governor has asked other hospitals to do. She thanked Evanston Hospital because she has requested a great
deal since March when she first called and asked them to close the incinerator. Their responses have been speedy,
thorough and most helpful. There has not been a concern about money. The hospital will save money by using another
method of medical waste disposal. She spoke with County Commissioner Larry Suffredin and State Senator Jeff
Schoenberg and there still are real regulatory issues. It was true they could close the incinerator immediately without
a problem with IEPA. But if they follow the requirements of the IDPH for boiler redundancy, then they have permitting
problems. For this reason, if this ordinance is passed with the October 15 deadline, she asked Council to instruct Interim
City Manager Aiello to write the Governor and tell him that Evanston welcomes his help and that he do the following:
overnight permit approval to the hospital and that the IDPH rules on boiler redundancy be waived. If they require the
hospital to meet this October 15 deadline and they want this to be more than a symbolic ordinance, and then they must
help make it happen. If they don't help the hospital and they don't get regulatory relief, it will not happen on October
15. She thanked Mr. Suffredin and Mr. Schoenberg for passing along that message.
Alderman Feldman thought her suggestion good and hoped the City would contact the Governor's office to ask for
immediate regulatory relief. A press release from the Governor said he called on 11 Illinois hospitals with medical waste
incinerators to shut them down voluntarily and immediately. He asked the IEPA to work with these hospitals on
immediate alternatives that they can take to stop burning medical waste on -site. By passing an ordinance with an October
15 deadline, the hospital will need regulatory relief.
Interim City Manager Judith Aiello said the weekend packet contained the revised ordinance, which contained the
October 15 deadline, because the prior ordinance did not have the date.
Alderman Feldman moved to substitute the ordinance with the October 15 date. Seconded by Alderman Bernstein.
Motion carried unanimouslv.
Alderman Newman was not as charitable toward the hospital as was Alderman Tisdahl. He thought they got the City
into a big mess and primarily were motivated by combining by incinerator with their energy program. The public
relations on this has been a disaster for the community. He does not know what to believe; heard Mr. Grady say that
evening that they were supporting the Governor. The hospital was here six weeks ago claiming they could not close until
March, now are down to December. He said they should be held to the October 15 deadline and expects they will get
help. Aldermen were told all the problems were at the state level, which is a long process. This situation has gone on
too long. They were told they don't need an ordinance but one is needed. The process is a credit to the community and
one that citizens have asked for. Every time citizens asked for faster results it has moved in that direction and they were
closer to cleaner air in the community. He did not favor granting all the favors the hospital asked for that evening. He
supported the hospital applying for relief and, if they want to close down Girard St., there is a process to do that. The
September 13, 2004
City has to know what the neighborhood thinks about working extended hours on -site. On grandfathering, they need to
apply like anyone else. They need to apply for extended working hours, street closures and docking because they are
not above the law. He thought it was time for Evanston Hospital to put the community's interests first. He alleged a letter
by Mr. Grady several weeks ago distorted the issue of what went on at the hospital building. It claimed they were paying
for the construction of the garage, which is untrue. They pay permit fees for maintenance of the garage: $700-800,000
a year. They left the impression that they paid for parking spaces, which is untrue. He did not know what to believe from
the hospital. The fact that anybody thinks it is dangerous to live near the hospital is not the fault of the City but of the
hospital. They need to be held to the October 15 deadline and need an ordinance. The hospital did not move until they
were forced to move. He supports the work done by the ward alderman but they need to continue to move forward.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste congratulated Alderman Tisdahl, No Burn and the hospital. He would not be so critical of the
hospital's engagement in this. The history of their work on the incinerator shows they made some moves years ago to
modify the incinerator to ensure compliance. They were out of compliance on many occasions but the No Burn group
sharpened the issue and brought it before the hospital and Council. He thought the hospital realized that they had to
respond and it had been a partner. They will close the incinerator on October 15 whether they perceive the hospital as
an adversary or a partner. Community sentiment is to close. He does not share the view that the hospital has been totally
intransigent in the process. They sought to work as a partner and have to take into account their area. The City should
facilitate the process as much as it can. He supported the ordinance and hoped they can move forward. The No Burn
group has called off the kids around the hospital, an important community institution that all support. The struggle of
opposites moved this forward. He thanked Clare Delgado for her steadfast leadership and the education they brought.
Alderman Moran offered congratulations to all involved in the process to date. The people most anxious to see the
incinerator shut down have been an ardent and persuasive group. Many have heard and responded. Their work has been
positive and constructive and they should be pleased with what they have accomplished. He thought without their
advocacy, that, perhaps the hospital would not have been brought to the viewpoint that the incinerator should be shut
down and alternative arrangements made. He also congratulated the hospital for hearing the sentiment of the community
and responding. His experience with the hospital is that they are good on their ward and he accepted their prior
representations that they would voluntarily shut down the incinerator system by March 2005. He applauded their
indications that evening that they can voluntarily shut down the incinerator by December and looked forward to the shut
down even though there has been no specific evidence of any specific public health impact due to the incinerator. As
the No Burn group emphasized, any additional risk to the community is of concern, which he shared. The cessation of
the incinerator will remove one more piece of potential pollution and be a positive for the City.
Prior to their arrival that evening a significant victory was won for the community. The argument whether it happens
by October 15, December or March, should be framed in relation to the wise and prudent de -commissioning of the
system and arrangement for alternative systems. Evanston Hospital is an important institution here, notwithstanding the
concern that its practices may somehow have reduced values. He knows that over many years, the hospital's presence
here and that of St. Francis Hospital have been strong magnets to Evanston. Any family that wants to locate here can
look to the fact that Evanston has two outstanding health care institutions, which several speakers referred to as having
strong attachments to people's lives and families.
He stated they need to de -commission this system responsibly because there are complicated aspects to doing this. They
need to provide opportunities to the hospital, not for a quick band aid fix or to respond to political needs, but to respond
in a way where over the long-term, not only is there cessation of the incinerator, but adoption of new procedures for
waste elimination and reduction. Hauling should be examined as well and this is a perfect time to do that. He suggested
they needed to focus on a broad picture in that regard.
Mr. Supple called for a lawful, smart, and environmentally responsible cessation of this operation and suggested Council
also look for that. The hospital has said repeatedly that it expected to voluntarily cease this operation by March and it
may happen earlier. He expects the hospital to meet that commitment. If the hospital can accomplish it in December or
by October 15 and if it can be done safely and responsibly, he welcomed that improvement. He thought that Council has
a responsibility to take a balanced approach to this. These systems are interconnecting. The quality and value of the
health care services that are provided by Evanston Hospital are a result of many different components in that operation
and this is one of them. Evanston needs to know that all the regulatory authorities including IEPA, but most particularly
10 September 13, 2004
the Illinois Department of Public Health, are satisfied that the hospital de -commissioning of this system and the
alternative arrangements that must be made to safely and responsibly operate will be done in a thoughtful fashion.
He understood the advocacy that this must be done by October 15. His question was: can it be done by October 15 in
a way in which the termination is safe? The hospital says that is a difficulty for them. He was not there to interpose his
personal view on whether it can be done in that timeframe. He is not qualified to make that call. Others are including
the regulatory agencies. He was not confident that the Evanston City Council should come in front of the review and
approvals that will be needed from the various state agencies that have regulatory responsibility as well as the hard
working input of Evanston Northwestern Healthcare. He asked that this ordinance not be passed mandating closure on
October 15. He asked that the hospital administration and the community advocates who are responsible for this
important moment to continue to work together to ensure that this is done in a responsible way whenever it happens. If
it is not achieved in a conscientious way, he thought the values contained in the ordinance could be sacrificed. They are
all concerned about public health and environment. Part of that health involves the activities at Evanston Hospital and
they need to make sure that environment is safe, secure and handled appropriately. His respectful suggestion to the
Council is not to mandate an October 15 cessation and that it give every encouragement to the hospital and the citizen
advocacy group to continue to work together to ensure that the hospital meets all of its commitments in a swift and
responsible fashion and that all elements of the community are addressed fairly and safely.
Alderman Bernstein noted that the hospital has been operating within the law. There may be a perception that is not the
case. His perception was that the law that they have operated under is not strong enough and should be changed. A
statement made earlier about failure to file documents was remedied. He believed there is a problem and it may not be
physical health. The New England Journal of Medicine alluded to one possible health risk. He spent time at the hospital
with a toxicologist who informed him that there is no problem with toxic waste based on state standards. The real
problem involves emotional health. With signs all over the community, perception is reality in this case. People, whether
truthfully or not, believe emissions coming from this incinerator are doing damage to them. He has been made aware
of what dioxin and mercury does. He recalled a similar discussion years ago on plastic fencing and about what the
construction and destruction of plastics does to the environment. All they are asking is to stop the burning by October
15. Every four to six weeks the hospital shuts down this boiler for maintenance. During that time, they use whatever
methods are available to them. He agreed that there are logistical problems because of the configuration of the loading
dock, which is small, and they will have to address those concerns. To the extent possible, he wants the City to facilitate
the process. He wants Governor Blagojevich to eliminate any impediments so they achieve a common end. He thought
the hospital has undertaken its responsibility by announcing they want to close the incinerator sooner rather than later.
He loves Evanston and thanked all who fought the battles. He is with those who ask to stop the burning October 15.
Alderman Tisdahl reported she voted against the ordinance at the Human Services Committee and the reason was that
she did not want to put Evanston Hospital in a position where it had to disobey the City's ordinance or those of the IEPA
and IDPH. Since the Governor came to town and has said that regulatory issues will not preclude closing the incinerator
on October 15, she said the No Burn group had taken her reason away. Therefore she supported the October 15 closing.
Alderman Feldman said the reason Evanston Hospital must abide by the October 15 deadline is they are dealing with
danger and possible effects on people's lives. He hears toxicologists on both sides. He won't accept any responsibility
for a single day when there is a possibility of children and the elderly being affected. It is important that they forget about
all the things they have no control over and remember the one thing that they can do is to make sure that hospital ceases
incineration by October 15. They have heard about people being frightened. He could not recall an issue where people
felt unsafe in their own homes, so much so that some were thinking of leaving the community. That is an intolerable
situation that has to end sooner rather than later. The timetable cannot be what is good for the hospital. He wished they
were both intertwined but are not so they have to come down on the side of safety and protection. That is what the
citizens came for and what Council should provide. He was delighted to see support for the October 15 deadline.
Roll call. Voting aye — Tisdahl, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent. Voting nay — Moran.
Motion carried (8-1).
ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS
11 September 13, 2004
Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved approval of City of Evanston bills through 9/14/04 for $3,731,344.21. Seconded by
Alderman Feldman.
He explained at the A&PW Committee meeting an issue was raised on a $2,351.33 bill for carpeting installed at 601
Brummel. They did not believe the amount was spent to put carpeting in that trailer. It was deducted from the bills list.
Alderman Rainey said she voted against the bills list in committee noting on page 3an expenditure of $900 for
Leadership Evanston. She has consistently opposed spending taxpayer money to send City employees to Leadership
Evanston and would make an exception if this was a newly arrived Assistant to the City Manager. But this tuition is for
a 20-year employee and a waste of taxpayer money to send such an employee to Leadership Evanston. If an employee
has not gotten leadership skills in 20 years and knowledge of the community, she did not think they should go to
Leadership Evanston. She thought this employee could teach many of them leadership skills and how to go about getting
things done here. She described this employee as savvy; planned to vote no and others should too.
Alderman Rainey moved to exclude payment of $900 tuition to Leadership Evanston from the bills list. Seconded by
Alderman Newman.
Alderman Newman did not know who the employee was, but with limited funds for training and what they are facing
in the Police Department, spending money on this was wrong. Training funds are precious. He has attended Leadership
Evanston meetings and it is a well meaning discussion group that does a fine job but it is not professional training for
employees. He urged them not to confuse this with the organization. When they send somebody to training in the City
it has to further their professional abilities. People should be trained on evidence gathering, how to deal with violence
and community policing. This is not an area of expertise for the police. People will vote for this because they like
Evanston Leadership. It is wrong for the City Manager's office and Chief Kaminski to approve this because the City does
not have this kind of money. He urged that they train City employees in what they need to know how to do. This bill
should be rejected and was not legitimate training.
Alderman Feldman has some concerns too, but noted this person has attended the class and the City has agreed to pay
the tuition and owes the money. That does not speak to deciding to spend money that way. This has come up many times
on Council and they have never made any policy statement indicating to the City Manager that it stop. He was willing
to institute a policy that the City does not pay for tuition to Leadership Evanston. It was not Leadership Evanston's fault.
They should approve the $900 and not do it again.
Ms. Aiello stated they could have a resolution and, as mentioned in the A&PW Committee, there was a request to
provide information to the committee about this program and the benefits staff has received from it. Then they can vote
it up or down. Ms. Aiello indicated staff would come back in two or four weeks with information about Leadership
Evanston.
Alderman Moran thanked Alderman Feldman for reminding Council that this money is owed. He said Leadership
Evanston is a tremendous program that brings together people who work in all sectors of the City, commercial, not -for -
profit organizations, religious community, others and the City. It is good to talk about the nuts and bolts of doing jobs.
There is a need within the City to learn about other aspects of the City and regardless of the City component, there is
always a need for leadership. People can always do better. This is lifelong learning and should be promoted. It would
be ghastly that leadership training in an Evanston organization that does a great job is not valued and that the City should
not send anybody to this program. It would be an interesting commentary in and of itself.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste suggested they approve payment of the bill and engage in a policy discussion of whether they
believe continuing education and training is important. He thought two or three people went to this program every year.
The Director of Human Resources indicated that members of the Police Department take advantage of this. In this case
it is a sergeant. In terms of developing the leadership core of the police, it is important to have experience outside of their
direct experience. People's knowledge base is primarily from experiences that are shared by others. Leadership in the
Police Department needs to be broad based and to have exposure to all sectors of the community and people police
officers don't come into contact with. Mostly police officers do enforcement and come into contact with people who are
creating problems. He thought they could learn something and as they move up in the ranks, the investment of $1,800-
12 September 13, 2004
$2,700 could provide that kind of worthwhile training. They need to pay the bill and go to a different stage for
consideration of the value of this training program.
Alderman Rainey said they were selling this employee short, who probably knows every bank president in town. She
asked if this person has graduated from the course? Ms. Aiello understood the employee is in the program that starts in
the fall. Alderman Rainey suggested that Leadership Evanston should give City employees a break. Any taxpayer who
wants to go has to pay his/her own tuition. She thought City employees are of a quality that they should not be required
to get grade school leadership training. This is not professional leadership training but is really an overview of the City
and wonderful for new residents. She suggested the money be prorated and asked for a report on what has been spent.
Mayor Morton pointed out that some businesses pay tuition for their employees to attend Leadership Evanston and in
some communities, training such as Leadership Evanston, is paid for by businesses.
Alderman Newman suggested this matter be held over because nobody wants the police officer to pay for this personally.
It is possible he started already. His view is that staff likes to send people to this. He would rather have police officers
get training sessions on how to treat people who are arrested and how to write reports. This is about the City investing
its funds properly for training. Alderman Newman moved to hold this matter over for the A&PW Committee and at the
next meeting have a resolution to either fund this kind of training or not. Seconded by Alderman Bernstein. At the
request of two aldermen this item was held over. (The amount of the bills list with both deductions was $3,730,444.21.)
Roll call. Voting aye —Tisdahl, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent Moran. Voting nay
— none. Motion carried (9-0).
Ordinance 76-0-04 - Amending Section 10-1-9-6 Reeardin2 Certain Motorized and Motor- Assisted
Vehicles - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 76-0-04, which amends Section 10-1-9-6 of the City
Code prohibiting the operation of motorized or motor -assisted skateboards and scooters.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved approval. Seconded Alderman Moran. Ms. Aiello explained they needed to make a
motion for a substitute ordinance included in their packets. Alderman Moran moved approval of the substitute ordinance.
Seconded by Alderman Wynne.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved an amendment on page 3, item (C ) 4 under exceptions. It reads, " Any vehicle authorized
by the City to participate in a City -Authorized parade." The concern was that statement could mean that any vehicle that
ever participated in a City authorized parade could run around town without limitation. They substituted, "Any vehicle
authorized by the City to participate in a City authorized parade, while participating in said parade."
Alderman Kent said if someone was stopped there was a possible $25-$750 fine, but nothing about confiscation of the
vehicle. Years ago when youth rode mini bikes, those were taken by police. He said they need to get the mini rockets
off the streets. Alderman Kent moved to add confiscation of the motorized vehicle. Seconded by Alderman Wynne.
Assistant Corporation Counsel Ellen Szymanski prepared this ordinance based upon ordinances from other communities.
She recalled one ordinance had confiscation of the offending motorized vehicle but that would happen only after the
offender had more than one violation. At no time was that remedy sought by the Police Department. She suggested that
the Law Department needed to check case law to determine whether, under these circumstances, impoundment would
be authorized legally. If so, would they want that on the basis of a first offense or graduated in severity? Alderman Kent
thought three violations were too many. He has seen youth riding on mini rockets that look like motorcycles on Emerson,
Dodge and bike paths, which is dangerous to other drivers and pedestrians. Alderman Kent withdrew the motion.
Voice vote on the amendment, motion carried, no nays.
Roll call. Voting aye —Tisdahl, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent Moran. Voting nay
— none. Motion carried (9-0).
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT:
1501 Hinman - Anneal of the Preservation Commission Decision - Consideration of the Raymond
13
September 13, 2004
Park Building Corporation Application for an appeal of the Preservation Commission's denial of a
certificate of appropriateness for window replacements.
Alderman Wynne moved to remove this item from the agenda. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Motion carried, no nays.
Alderman Wynne reported this item concerned a decision by the Preservation Commission to deny a Certificate of
Appropriateness for window replacements in the Raymond Park building at Hinman/Grove. At committee meeting this
was discussed and the committee was determined to be the final hearing authority. Corporation Counsel advised the
committee that they had the option on whether to send this to Council or holding in the committee for final authority.
Since this was deemed not a significant matter, they decided to make the committee the final authority. Their decision
was to reject the recommendation of the Preservation Commission denying the Certificate of Appropriateness for this
building. They supported the applicant, the Raymond Park Condominium Association in their move to replace windows.
They have about 145 windows and about 60% of the windows in the 77-year history of the building have been replaced
with a wide assortment and type of aluminum clad windows. They decided to standardize and have a particular type of
window that everybody would use. 38 window replacements have taken place, then they discovered they needed the
certificate from the Preservation Commission. The commission determined that these windows were not appropriate and
that they needed to be of wood and asked that 17 of the windows already installed be removed. At the committee
meeting, the committee determined that although the commission may have been appropriately applying preservation
standards, there is an appeal process to the committee. The committee determined this was an overly strict construction
of the Preservation Ordinance and that common sense should prevail; that the 38 windows should remain and the new
standard windows were acceptable. The plan of the condominium association to replace the windows was appropriate.
They also discussed developing standards, so the P&D Committee has some understanding of when it would be
appropriate to send these issues to the Council. Their general rule is when it is a significant issue it is sent to Council.
Alderman Wynne moved that under Items for Future Consideration, Ordinance 65-0-04, Zoning Planned Development:
801 Chicago/525 Kedzie be removed from the agenda. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried. No nays.
OTHER COMMITTEES:
Resolution 47-R-04 - Authorizing a Feasibilitv Studv Concerning a Proposed West Evanston Tax
Increment Financine District - Consideration of Resolution 47-R-04, to approve the recommendation
of the Economic Development Committee, to authorize a feasibility study concerning a proposed Tax
Increment Financing District designed to stimulate redevelopment within the City of Evanston.
Alderman Feldman moved approval. Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste.
Alderman Kent said to spend $52,000 on this project was irresponsible because more planning was needed. The
Economic Development Committee has not had a significant number of 5th ward residents come and say they want this.
He was not against this project and would vote for a TIF at Church/Dodge when he can believe that people in the 5`'
ward will benefit from it. He saw no benefits for 5th ward residents. He noted there seems to be a lot of agreement, but,
perhaps he was out of touch. He thought that ECDC, Delores Holmes and those involved have done a wonderful job of
going through ideas. He was not interested in a study that tells him a TIF can be done there, when, the meat to him, is
do the people who live there benefit. He knows people who want to start businesses and cannot go downtown, so those
who cannot afford to start a business due to costs, or who are just hanging on, they are being squeezed out because there
is no place for them to go. The City has put a lot of money downtown, on Howard Street and Main Street which was
wonderful. There is only one small section left and he thought they had to be careful with it. If that area is developed,
he wants to be sure residents there benefit. The ideas that have come in are great but this plan is not ready. He doesn't
know what the map stands for. Several properties were snatched up. He suggested taking property purchased by the
person on that board and develop it into something that will benefit people who live there. He said people don't buy
property, then ask the City to develop it. That is the continuation of pulling the wool over resident's eyes. He does not
who is pushing this, but what he saw was not ready for his "yes" vote because he is not sure this is helping the residents.
In response to Mayor Morton, Ms. Aiello explained the feasibility study is the first step in the process. The study looks
at the designated area, assesses all properties, all characteristics that make up requirements for designation of a TIF. That
14 September 13, 2004
is the data collection phase. Once that is under way, there is no obligation to proceed with the TIF. It means the City
thinks there are characteristics in that area that may qualify for a TIF. To take it further, one needs to assess all of the
conditions that would contribute to qualifications for a TIF. During the process there is opportunity for more public input,
actual planning and designation of boundaries. This would go to the Economic Development Committee and then to
City Council. Mayor Morton asked who would evaluate the results. Staff would do assessments, then discuss at the
Economic Development Committee, then it would go to the Joint Review Board (all taxing bodies.) They discuss the
data and qualifications and make a recommendation to Council if this area qualifies for a TIF district.
Alderman Newman said the City is not spending money on these other TIF districts but using the increment to improve
the area. Present taxpayers are not putting money in. He explained they are doing the same TIF process the City always
does; going to Kane/McKenna to do a feasibility study. Kane/McKenna has done great work for the City but they won't
get the study they need. Kane/McKenna will tell them it is feasible in terms of qualifying. But they won't give an
extensive study on where the economic engine from the TIF will come from. When he reads the materials on the TIF,
there are a thousand ways to spend money but no way to generate it. That was troublesome and different than what has
been done before. He did not understand the mapping and how the areas are zoned. He asked if the houses on Dodge
were in it. They are not. When a TIF process is done there is a lot of apprehension because when a TIF is created, they
are saying they don't like what is there now and want to do something different. Generally that is what they are doing.
He looked on the list of property owners and saw Sam Johnson, Bishop Wilson, and Daniel Cheifitz. He said that Daniel
Cheifitz was one of the principals of the Evanston New Alliance and ran an advertisement with the headline "Think
Evanston Sucks." A resident tracked down this organization, found that they went to all the newspapers, put up cash at
the end of the campaign and ran ads that were an embarrassment to the community. The people that funded this
organization were father/son, Daniel and Gabriel Cheifitz. He saw that they are one of four principal landowners in this
area and asked if Council wants to do business with them. They have to have their antennas up and he does not want
them to benefit from City action. On the boundaries he noted Mason Park is there and perhaps it would be improved.
Then there is the stadium at the high school. One of the things they try to do in a TIF district is to maximize the
increment so it can be spent on something. He said the goals are overly ambitious. They are going to have an incubator.
Hundreds of thousands was spent on an incubator in the Research Park. Incubators are expensive. He said they need to
find a potential an economic engine in this district. They cannot pay for all of this with a three-story building at
Church/Dodge. This TIF district is almost symbolic of the lack of understanding about TIF districts. He stated it has
to be approached in a different way. They need boundaries that won't scare people and that make sense in terms of the
money they can raise. What they will get from Kane/McKenna is that it is feasible and spend $52,000. The ideas that
are needed to make it work — is there an economic engine potential? Where will it be located? Does zoning have to be
changed? He would not change the zoning and increase the value of the property for people who put out ads like the
Cheifitz ad. He was not going to help make these people rich. He suggested when the City gets involved with landlords
that they have the highest moral standards so they can be trusted. He saw a problem here and they need to solve the
problem and the study they need is what makes sense for the boundaries is the amount of money that can be raised plus
appropriate and realistic goals. All think TIF districts are pots of gold but there are restrictions on how money is spent.
Realistic goals are needed, an economic engine and to try and create more increment. It is hard to do in single family
residential. He did not mean to be negative and respects the fact that people want change. He said it cannot be the Ron
Kysiak TIF -- the same old stuff he does. They need new thinking, creativity and to educate the public and do things
differently. He supported Alderman Kent. He asked what appropriate goals are?. What is the zoning? Will they fund the
high school stadium? He did not think they could do this at the Economic Development Committee. He asked for an
explanation of the boundaries. There was no intent to redevelop Mason Park. A different kind of study is needed than
the Kane/McKenna study. There are many problems here. People will say that Alderman Kent is against development
and nothing could be more unfair. He wants to go forward with a TIF district there and get private industry interested.
Alderman Rainey tended to disagree with Alderman Newman that if this was given to Kane/McKenna a TIF comes out
of it. When she looks at this request, she does not think about a project they have been presented with. That is separate
from this request to have Kane/McKenna determine whether an area qualifies for a TIF. The project they were shown
was somebody's fantasy but she does not relate that to this request. She did not know if all of it would qualify for a TIF.
She stated that such a study is very helpful because every property owner is identified. There is comparison of the
neighborhoods on assessed value is invaluable; every pin number is identified; the use and condition of all properties;
zoning districts and it is invaluable information whether a TIF is developed or not. The study takes six -eight months at
15 September 13, 2004
least. It is a tedious, time consuming process. Just because a group identifies an area as a TIF has no meaning as to the
outcome. She encouraged them to support the study because the information can be used to great advantage. It raises
attention to the outside world about this area and up to Council as to whether they want to identify part or all as a TIF.
Alderman Feldman found the most disturbing aspect was the idea, that others said they needed this and that. He could
not argue with the need. He began to wonder if this would ever satisfy that need. He thought the aspirations of a
community may not be solved by a TIF. In looking at the boundaries, what if there is a significant number of people in
the 5d' ward that want property north of Church Street in the TIF. That would change the whole dynamic. In looking to
see if a TIF is feasible, they are looking at boundaries. All the emphasis will be on these specific boundaries. He recalled
that certain representatives of certain sections of the community said they had a grander notion of what this TIF should
be. The presenters of the TIF were asked to go back and settle that issue to see if consensus could be reached. He sees
that has never happened. He always thought the City wanted to change the character of Church/Dodge so that whatever
was put in would be of service. Church/Dodge has been a generator of anti social behavior such as drug dealing and
violence for a long time which does no good to anybody who lives there. He thought cessation of that kind of behavior
would have a good effect upon the neighborhood. He does not see institutional changes. He did not understand what
would be "in there" that would help the neighborhood unless it was so large that many people in the 5d' Ward would have
the option of moving from their homes into new, better affordable homes. To the extent that would restrict people, not
everybody in the ward would benefit. He always has thought this was elusive and even the most ardent supporters agree
that this is not easy thing to accomplish. It will require new thinking, creativity and they don't know where the money
is coming from. Yet they already have people who know where money will be spent. He heard that people within the
district won't have to pay taxes any longer. If they had a building generating $30 million a year that is a possibility. The
issue is where is this coming from and where is it going. He thought a period of public education about what TIFs can
and cannot do was important. He confirmed that the Economic Development Committee heard only one present in
opposition. It is important to create a venue so that people can come and participate. Maybe they will find out that the
aspirations of that community that a TIF won't work or find another way to do it. They have never been able to get a
group of people to agree as to what should be there; never been able to get institutional support for growth, development
and change in that area. What he saw seemed to have both of them — a general consensus about a framework and interest
on the part of economic institutions, i.e., government and schools. What was not said is there is a great division. So they
are faced with the idea of spending money on a TIF that may/may not have any relation to what the community wants.
If they are building something people don't want, why are they doing it? It does not make money. The only justification
for this is improvement of people's lives economically and in their neighborhood. He has begun to be concerned that
it is not where they should be before they go ahead. Two things are important in a TIF — whether the area is eligible and
whether it is feasible. The feasibility of a TIF takes into account the economic engine. hi all other TIFs, the initial energy
towards it was an identified economic engine with the hope that would be an incentive for others.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste was getting more concerned about commitment to this project. When he was a new member of
Council, Council had a strategic planning meeting and Church/Dodge was at the top of the list of goals. He asked how
much energy have they devoted to that? They speak of creativity and when something is put on the table it is not creative
enough, doesn't answer all the questions and does not go far enough then in the process of study. Staff has raised the
questions in order to fulfill their mission and obligation. There are those who raise the question as to who is behind this.
This process started some time ago. Those who raise questions have been well informed; have had the opportunity to
be at every meeting and to reshape the agenda. He has raised this argument before - the issue of plausible deniability.
He called this nonsense. There has been enough opportunity to be involved and to exercise leadership to do all that
needed to be done with credible people engaging in the process over a long period of time. He was talking about those
who committed time and effort in the community. The 5d' and 2nd wards don't belong to certain individuals and that is
the mistake some make on this Council. They plow ahead and later say it was a great thing to be done in spite of
opposition. They want maximum consensus, yet when it is done, and somebody's term has ended, they can see that
downtown Evanston has been well developed. Those who come back to Evanston after years of absence ask what
happened to this part of town? The City's money belongs to all and they need to exercise leadership. If they make
Church/Dodge a priority, it has to be taken on. It is not just Church/Dodge but is characterized that way because the
groups come together to talk about doing something. It goes as far south as Dempster.
Dempster from Dodge to the entryway to Evanston, there is an auto repair shop, a gas station that wants to be open 24-
hours a day despite police calls, a vacant piece of land across the street from the media center, two car washes a block
16 September 13, 2004
apart, the U-Haul, and the headquarters of fast food on the corners of Dempster/Dodge. Some have a different vision
of what is to be done there. On Dodge going north to Church, there is a towing company, across the street an auto body
repair shop, and by the high school across the street there is an old railroad track owned by Manchester that does nothing.
At Dodge/Church he recalled the history has not always been bad. Once there was the House of Blackness, a book store
that brought in authors such as Lerone Bennett, editor of Ebony. People came and gave lectures and brought culture to
the community. They used to have a community center there that now sits empty for years waiting to be developed into
a museum. What are they going to do about that? There is vacant lot at Darrow/Church that's been a dirty site and then
Hines Lumber. Those who talk ed about a TIF discussed the possibility that something could be done there that would
better serve the community. West on Church there are stores that are vacant, the ComEd transformer that is a health
hazard to the community that nobody has touched. Before going west, he asked what about the Onyx Waste dump that
stinks and creates rodents. He asked does not that side of the community deserve their energy to do something. They
need to step up to their leadership and have a responsible group of people who have taken the lead and have presented
an opening to participate in the process. There will be others that will oppose and will come back with the request for
more and more planning ad infinitum. If people want answers the should raise questions. Get people involved in doing
the research. That is what is needed. He urged them not to vacillate and go backwards. Suddenly some say they can't
spend $52,000 on this. To date how much has been spent on the so called symbolic Church/Dodge? This is the time to
step up. Some incredible people have put this before them. If it turns out that is what is needed, he urged them not to
discourage their consultant with talk that there is no economic engine, so if he finds nothing, they walk away and do
nothing. Those who oppose this ought to engage in discussion, come to meetings, raise their issues, and shape the
discussion. The meetings are open and held monthly at 4:00 p.m. on the last Tuesday at 1519 Church Street.
He reads it differently that the notion that changing what is there in the area means not liking what is there. If one sees
what is there as not good enough, they may be putting down the community. They are elected to represent people and
provide direction. As a representative of the community one has to reflect on what is needed and provide leadership.
They have to take the risk that it is not popular. They cannot advocate new direction for that area and do nothing. He
urged them not to be naysayers who sit by the way and think they have provided leadership to the most needed sector
of town. They have done nothing because the people would not allow them to do anything. They needed to pass this
that evening, let the study be done with any other study that needs to be done because this area cries out for relief. The
Church/Dodge symbolic notion is something they need to put aside because it is a foreboding thing they cannot touch.
It must be touched in the general sense
Alderman Jean -Baptiste did not care about Daniel Cheifitz or who owns what.. It has nothing to do with anything. That
will not stand in the way. He did not need Mr. Cheifitz support and did not know him. He urged they not let Mr. Cheifitz
keep them from developing that area. Whether one thinks the idea for this TIF comes from Ron Kysiak, as if those who
have participated in the process have no ideas, and led them by the nose. He did not think that was so. They pulled
resources from whatever color to help guide them. In this context Ron Kysiak made good suggestions. He believed those
who engaged in the discussion were capable of determining whether he was misleading them or had some ulterior
motive. They looked at the research, analysis, and made suggestions. He urged exercise of leadership and to be creative
as to how this is implemented in the future and move forward.
Alderman Rainey said the issue before them was whether they should conduct a feasibility study to see whether a certain
area qualifies for a TIF and whether they should hire Kane/McKenna to do it. She recommended they do both. She sees
Kane/McKenna as an neutral party who will generate factual data. These two components are not part of what they've
heard that evening. People interpret what they see. Nobody knows the base value of this area. She thought they would
be surprised at some of these sections. She thought, perhaps, Dempster/Dodge won't qualify and could be wrong. They
will learn ownership information and values that will let them have all the discussions all have talked about, information
they don't have now. She thought it was $52,000 due to the large area, which requires generating so much data.
Bob Rychlicki, Kane/McKenna, explained the $52,000 has two components. The first part is the eligibility study which
would be a factual examination and review of the parcels in the area. That estimate is $10-15,000. If at the end of the
study they find that the area or part of it don't qualify the City would have to decide whether to go to the next step which
is actual preparation of the TIF plan and the public process which is by far the most expensive part of the process.
Alderman Rainey stated that the information she spoke about would cost about $15,000. Kane/McKenna charge as they
17 September 13, 2004
complete the task. She said this could be approved and Kane/McKenna could start generating the data. Then they could
take a step back and see what they have. It can be discussed and decided whether to move forward. The cost will not
exceed $52,000. The initial step gives them factual information that will allow them to go forward. They are not saying
they approve of any project. They are saying with this information they can stop the speculation.
Alderman Kent reiterated they are not ready for a TIF because there was no plan. In regard to the $52,000 he suggested
they go to Assistant Director for Planning, Dennis Marino and ask him to pull out the studies that planning has done.
He said this is not new. He said it always turns out to benefit somebody else rather than the people who live there now.
He said they could find out how much money was spent there. This Council will do what it wants to do. Church/Dodge
is looked at as this aesthetically pitiful area that they are willing to put anything there so people that can come back after
many years can say that it looks good. He does not care how well it looks. He cares about that whatever is developed
there that has had an impact on the people who live there. Nobody said anything about consensus. Church/Dodge is the
largest business district and it matters whose hands they put money into. Some of the people involved don't have any
intention of bettering the lives of 5t' ward residents. He planned to vote no on the map. He said it makes no sense to go
forward with the study when they have not pulled information from other groups. He asked about doing some people
connecting. Alderman Feldman said only one person at the Economic Development Committee opposed this. He was
not pushing for or against it. He was pushing for whatever development comes there to benefit the people that live there.
If they want put condominiums there, he can tell the community that they are going to change the look of Church/Dodge
and they won't be able to go in there. If they cannot have creativity in a small business district, where can they. The
problem has been keeping everybody on the same page and the benefits going to surrounding people first. Do they want
to create a business district that has nothing to do with the people who live there, cannot get a job there, cannot afford
to shop there, or if they have more money find the merchandise is undesirable. He wants to be real about this. For him
to represent the people he does that have been working and fighting, he has to see the benefits before he will sign off
on it. If it is not done in three years perhaps it has to take more time. If they vote to put something there that residents
don't want, then they do it because they want to do it, not because they care about the citizens. He said this is not Howard
Street or downtown Evanston. He asked why they cannot understand this is a different creature and should be handled
differently. He said they can get people with no ulterior motive involved that live in the area that want to see something
happen go along with the project, ideas and the vision. Everybody wants a better quality of life and if presented to people
he did not think they would have a back lash. But there is a back lash. Because every time somebody has come there
they have changed the bricks and mortar but the people there do not fit into the project. It is happening more and more.
Beautiful dreams without a definite plan to let people know how they fit in is abstract. He was not fighting this plan and
would not approve it until this has answered the question many before him have wanted answered. Maybe it is
unattainable. If he thought it would be fair to bring 30-40 people to the Economic Development Committee and steer
them to be against this project, he would not be standing there and would not have been honest when he spoke with Mrs.
Holmes. He has not steered people for or against this. When not enough people are involved they have to go another way.
Alderman Tisdahl commented that when the high school called leaders together it would have been helpful to have the
information that will be available from this study and could be helpful to help the people in the area.
Alderman Newman said they were telling the consultant, Kane/McKenna to come back with the right answer. He said
they have to stop denigrating doing development in the downtown that sounds like nothing was being done on the west
side. That was not true. He said across the street from the fast food restaurants the City invested in Dempster/Dodge.
Food 4 Less opened up. The downtown that is being denigrated provides the tax base to do some of these things. Money
has been spent on parks and the canal. To imply that the downtown is favored was not true. The implication of these
remarks is that Council does not care about the west side was unfair. He read in the paper that this project would have
equitable development. Alderman Newman said he was in about 100 meetings that Alderman Jean -Baptiste was not at
about the west side over 15 years. He recalled ECMC and how much money was poured into it and they are still cleaning
up the mess. It was an idea that was supported which was wrong. Alderman Rainey did a TIF district and said she did
not want affordable housing. She understood they can only ask a developer in a TIF district to do so much. What they
have is to spend the money. They should spend the $52,000 because Church/Dodge was on their list of priorities. The
west side has not been neglected. Every person ought to be thankful that downtown Evanston is prospering right now
because it lowers their tax bill and improves the value of homes and makes the town stronger. The goals are set up and
this is a political deal. They have on the list to create affordable housing, alternative opportunities for job training and
programs to develop a method to identify and nurture small business development (incubator). Everything is on the list.
18 September 13, 2004
He has voted for more money for the west side than he could ever imagine. To say they only favor the downtown is
wrong and implies they don't look at every part equally. He said the problem with the study is that it is disjointed and
people with no experience with TIFs. He does not want Kane/McKenna to be scared to tell them this does not have an
economic engine; the goals put forward are too broad and don't generate tax revenue. People don't understand TIFs.
People think that an idea on the table will solve all the problems on the west side. Unrealistic expectations are being
generated and he did not see an economic engine. It is not at Church/Dodge. He said there was much misleading going
on that evening. It was in the category of they better do it. They rejected putting in Boston Chicken in the downtown
because it was a bad idea. Council voted for the museum — is it staying or going? It was on the list of items and he has
a problem with the landowners and how they do business.
Alderman Rainey suggested they do the first part of the study and did not think they could know what the economic
engine will be until they know the base value of the district, which they don't know. It would take a big engine to
generate any increment. She did not understand why they cannot separate the issues. She did not agree that money has
not been spent on the west side and didn't know if they have not allowed the citizens to speak. She urged they get
something substantial that they can talk about; an opportunity to obtain valuable data. If they already have the
information, tell them, they don't want to pay for it again. Assistant Planning Director Dennis Marino stated the kind
of information that would be collected in the proposed study is not information they have collected before. There was
a reference made that many studies have been done in the neighborhood planning process. Those have been north of
Church Street and have not included this kind of detailed real estate tax base study which is a good part of this.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste said he wants the museum. Four years ago Council said Church/Dodge was a priority and have
done nothing about it. Facts tell the truth. They were talking about improving neighborhoods and about the fact that
people have been engaged in a process. He asked that they respect the process. The Economic Development Committee
recommends a study and are at this point. Consensus is not needed. He wanted to move forward with everybody. How
they make this relevant to the community is by engaging in the process. A person cannot represent the views they stand
for unless they speak to it in the process. He was opposed to reducing the amount allocated for the study.
Alderman Feldman said his vacillation had to do with warning signs that he has seen and with solving problems. It was
hard for him to discern legitimacy of viewpoint when he respects both sides. How do they get there and include as many
people as possible. The downtown had nothing to do with consensus and had nothing to do with this. They were creating
an economic engine and lots of people wanted to spend lots of money in that area. The justification of this is improving
the lives of people in the neighborhood. What they created downtown was a money machine that is spread all over the
City, especially to the school districts. The issues were different. A great deal of money was spent on relocation to make
sure people were treated fairly. It had nothing with Church/Dodge and did not deal with re-creating conditions of a
neighborhood and how people live. He was willing to support this because it represented hope. It did not mean
suspension of judgment. When he began to look at what was written and hearing people, he cautioned, the higher the
aspiration and to solve all social ills with this proposal, threatens the very the idea of it. They have struggled with this
and a lot of other problems. There is still crime in south Evanston. Does that mean they don't care? Because Onyx Waste
is there does that mean nobody cares? He recalled when Onyx threatened to leave and the City begged them not to leave
because they did not want to lose jobs which is another consideration. Somebody suggested a community board, which
is illegal. Can not the City Council make a decision without a community board he asked? The stewardship of that money
has to be decided upon by a group of people? If this works, then they all have to work together. In the downtown they
had glitches and criticism and times they thought it would never happen. There was no unanimity there. It was not easy
and was not a choice that they were spending it there as opposed to somewhere else. He supported full funding on this.
He thought a lot of work had to be done in the meantime to figure out what they hope to get.
Alderman Bernstein supported the feasibility study. He thought the people that Alderman Kent was trying to save are
people who are already priced out of the market. He looks upon the effort as a controlled burn to see if something can
be generated from this area to save it from creeping gentrification that will take over. He thought the information that
would be gathered is important.
Alderman Newman said voicing concerns was part of the process. He disagreed with Alderman Rainey about the report
19 September 13, 2004
from Kane/McKenna. One of the ills they will cure are the fast food restaurants. They have plenty of increment. Based
on the zoning how will they increase the increment? The problem with the study is that it is technical. He wants them
to look at what is going on at Ben & Jerry's which was another idea.
Alderman Kent said the only way to go was to get out and engage the community. Those who meet monthly and half
of them don't live in the 5th Ward cannot speak for residents. He was not signing off on anything until proven to him that
cannot say they are going to move because they don't like it. That is garbage. There is no reason a plan cannot be put
in place. He did not know who was driving this but did not think it was worth $52,000. He said they have dropped the
ball on affordable housing in certain areas and keeping low-income people here. Nobody wants to talk about the seven
properties that were grabbed. ECDC and the Economic Development Committee need to be accountable and they will
be sued if they bring garbage that is not representative of the community. This is the only place in Evanston where people
on the bottom can live here. There is nothing in this plan to help these individuals to stay here. Not everybody in the 5th
Ward is leaving. When they talked about the downtown there was no consensus. They tried to create a mechanism for
people on the outskirts to share their dollars downtown. If they like what is being done on Ashland he urged them to fmd
out how many low or average income folks are there. When the information comes back will the ideas change.
Roll call. Voting aye — Tisdahl, Rainey, Feldman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Moran. Voting nay — none Newman,
Kent. Motion carried (7-2).
Recommendation to Annrove a Contract with Kane McKenna Associates to conduct the Tax
Increment Financine Studv - Consideration of a recommendation to approve a contract with Kane
McKenna Associates to conduct a feasibility study of the proposed West Evanston TIF in an amount
no to exceed $52,500. (Funding is the Economic Development Fund.)
Alderman Feldman moved approval. Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste.
Roll call. Voting aye — Tisdahl, Rainey, Feldman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Moran. Voting nay — none Newman,
Kent. Motion carried (7-2).
CALL OF THE WARDS:
71h Ward. No report.
8th Ward. Alderman Rainey announced that a CD Committee meeting would be held September 21 at 7:30 p.m.
She made a reference to the A&PW Committee to amend the curfew ordinance to rea_uire 14-vear old vouth to be home
by 11:00 D.m. on weekend days.
She reported that police reported at 11:30 p.m. Friday night that 200-300 youth, some very young, left an apartment
building a 120 Callan where the largest apartment is a two -bedroom. They rampaged through the south end of the 81'
Ward and destroyed a couple of cars and a motorcycle. The only thing police could do was to issue a "C" ticket to the
person in the apartment. She said there is something wrong in a community where parents allow 12, 13, 14 year olds to
roam the city streets at 11:00 p.m., midnight and as late as 3:00 a.m. She was not sure they were aware of gooning, which
is going on in Rogers Park where groups of young teens crowd an object or person with the intent to create damage and
violence. She fears they are seeing that spillover in the south Evanston. The police simply move them along as opposed
to being able to take them to the police station and have their parents come and get them.
She reported she and Mayor Morton were at the Levy Center where the Rothschild Foundation funded the creation of
beautiful mosaics on the raised planters.
9th Ward. No report.
1st Ward. Alderman Newman thanked Chief Kaminski for all the activity on the problems at Northwestern University
20 September 13, 2004
and did not want him to be accused of favoring that area.
Several weeks ago a robbery at Ben & Jerry's was done by a former assistant manager. Many questions on Ben & Jerry's
have come to him. It was another idea that defies the marketplace. It was a well meaning, great idea to get some people
working. He asked if it is working? If they find it is working, he will congratulate them. He made a reference to the CD
Committee to report to the Council what is eoine on. that it is in eood financial health. and that the lofty coals are beine
accomplished with that investment. Sometimes ideas don't work. There is only so much that government can do and it
is the hardest thing for public office holders to accept. It is the marketplace and private enterprise that decide in the long
run whether a certain area will be developed. The reason they have been successful in various areas is that the private
marketplace has been interested in certain properties and put their money up. The more requirements that are put on
private enterprise, such as affordable housing, job programs and incubators, the less interested they are. He said the study
should have been changed. They have wasted a lot of money on the west side and half of the people won't read the study.
Alderman Rainey stated he would get monthly and quarterly reports to CD Committee from Ben & Jerry's in the next
packet. Ben & Jerry's were told that CD Committee would not fund them in the future.
2"d Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste said that Alderman Newman has provided excellent leadership but perhaps he missed
the opportunity to amend the study to do some different things. He admitted that he shouted Alderman Newman down.
When they worked on the NU committee, he supported Alderman Newman. As a parent of a NU student, he received
a letter from the university about many things that he wanted to accomplish: increased police, cars and other good things
that he advocated. The fact that Alderman Newman has been such a good leader does not mean he is perfect. It means
the nine are to reach out to different ideas and experiences and bring that to the Council. He said that Alderman
Newman's insight and knowledge of TIFs were much greater than his and he asked him to help him and advocate for
modification. He needs Alderman Newman's creativity and everybody to move forward. There are many more problems
to address. He expects to get his positive input to move the process forward so they can do the best they can do.
3'd Ward. No report.
4th Ward. Alderman Bernstein announced there would be a Civic Center Committee sometime during October.
He announced this is Prostate Cancer Awareness month. Monday, September 27 in the Church Street area there will be
free PSA exams from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. which can save a life.
5t"Ward. No report.
6th Ward. No report.
There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Morton adjourned the meeting at 1:30 a.m.
Mary P. Morris, City Clerk
A videotape recordin¢ of this meetin¢ has been made Dart of the permanent record and is available in the Citv Clerk's office.