Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09_27_04_ccCITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL - PRESENT: A Quorum was present. NOT PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: ABSENT: PRESIDING: Alderman Rainey Alderman Feldman Aldermen Moran and Wynne Aldermen Bernstein and Kent Mayor Lorraine H. Morton September 27, 2004 Alderman Newman Alderman Jean -Baptiste Alderman Tisdahl The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton Monday, September 27, 2004, at 5:13 p.m. in the Aldermanic Library. Alderman Tisdahl moved that Council convene into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing matters related to personnel, real estate, and litigation and closed session minutes pursuant to 51LCS Section 120/2 (c) (1), (5), (6), (11) and (21). Seconded by Alderman Rainey. (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. (21) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06. Roll call. Voting aye — Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, and Tisdahl. Voting nay — none Motion carried (5-0). At 6:43 p.m. Alderman Tisdahl moved that Council reconvene into Open Session and recess. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Motion carried unanimouslv. Mayor Morton reconvened the City Council meeting at 8:48 p.m. in the Council Chamber. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Health & Human Services Director Jay Terry and Police Chief Kaminski thanked the many businesses, organizations and individuals who contributed to the success of the August community picnic. Chief Kaminski reported the Kiwanis Club of Evanston was a new partner for the picnic with the Police Department and Human Relations Commission. He presented partnership awards to Scott Huff, President and Paul Schmidt who coordinated the picnic. Parks/Forestry and Recreation Director Doug Gaynor invited all to participate in Arts Week in Evanston October 2-10. Fire Chief Alan Berkowsky announced Fire Prevention Week October 3 - 9 which comemerates the great Chicago fire of October 8, 1871. He urged residents to put smoke detectors in their homes and asked all with smoke detectors to check batteries to make sure they work. Mayor Morton read a letter from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency about a national register nomination and preliminary hearing for the Oakton Historic District roughly bounded by Oakton, Howard, Ridge and Asbury requesting comment by November 8, 2004. The district concerns homes that were built from 1913 and 1940. September 27, 2004 Mayor Morton reported attending a meeting of the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council in Highland Park, which is part of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency that processes nominations for the national register. After she left the meeting, the Council voted to recommend the Georgian be named to the national register of historic buildings. Mayor Morton was invited to attend by the Mather Foundation. She sent correspondence to each alderman asking them to attend. Alderman Newman said they were told that the Council comments on these nominations. It was not clear who was to respond. He asked the City Manager's office to clarify. They need a process so that if some part of the city is being nominated at the federal/state level they know who should respond. Mayor Morton recommended they look carefully at the preservation ordinance to come up with guidelines. She made a reference to the P&D Committee to look into the preservation ordinance, how it is implemented, the role of Citv Council with local, state and national oreanizations, and the role of the Preservation Commission. Mayor Morton announced a Special City Council meeting for consideration of personnel on Saturday October 2 from 8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. They will begin at 8:30 a.m. with an executive session. City Clerk Mary Morris reminded people who want to vote in the November 2 General Election that Illinois voter registration closes Tuesday, October 5. Residents who have changed their name or moved must re -register by October 5 and can register at the City Clerk's office, 8:30-5:00 p.m. weekdays and Saturday, October 2, 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 or get an application from the Cook County Clerk's website, www.voterinfonet.com. Cook County handles all overseas voting. To obtain an absentee ballot go to absenteeballot@cookcountygov.com. In -person absentee voting in the City Clerk's office starts Tuesday, October 12 through Monday, November 1, with 9 a.m. to 12:00 noon hours on Saturdays October 16, 23 and 30. CITIZEN COMMENT: Madelvn Ducre. 1929 Foster St., stated that problems of police brutality, discrimination and harassment, and police officer attitudes and behavior toward the minority community continue to exist. She said that when complaints are voiced, police officers are not disciplined. She attended a recent Human Relations Commission meeting where citizen's complaints about police were discussed. She told that committee that people are afraid to complain about the police department; young people are being harassed and older people don't complain because they feel they won't be heard. She stated that citizen complaints should be acknowledged. She wanted the Human Services Committee to explore creating a Citizen Review Board, a neutral group. In San Francisco since they formed such a group, many complaints came in. When she complained at the Police Department she was well treated. She thought some people are intimidated by the Police Department. She asked that this be looked into so incidents don't happen here or escalate. Bettv Ester, 1806 Grey Ave., attended the budget hearing for fiscal year 2005-06 that evening and was happy to see no water rate increase was proposed and the last sewer rate increase of 5% is scheduled for March 2005 and that in 2013 they will retire the sewer tax they are paying now. Shabnum Sanahvi, 1000 Lake Shore Blvd., heard the discussion about spending $900 to send an Evanston employee to Leadership Evanston. She is on the steering committee of Leadership Evanston and Chairman of the Program Committee. As a resident she values civic participation; did not think they could put a price on civic participation and leadership skills people gain in this program. Founded in 1992 by the Evanston Community Foundation, Leadership Evanston is one of more than 900 community development programs in the United States. It is part of a national movement to strengthen local communities from the ground up through all kinds of civic participation. Nearly 300 alumni have benefited from participating here and given back to the community. She said that City employees gain benefits. A broad range of issues is covered which strengthens the employees understanding of their role in this community and they become acquainted with a wide range of people who are impacting this community. She urged Council to continue to keep the City and employees active and involved in the Leadership Evanston program. Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: Bills through 9/14/04 in the September 27, 2004 amount of 3,251.33; Ordinance 95-0-04 — Increase in Class N Liquor Licenses; Ordinance 94-0-04 — Zoning Map Amendment National Louis University Property; Plat of Subdivision — Sherman Plaza; Plat of Re -subdivision — 715 Sheridan; Ordinance 100-0-04 — Approval of the Fourth amendment to the Redevelopment Agreement with Sherman Plaza Venture, LLC. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Roll call. Voting aye — Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Moran and Tisdahl. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (7-0). * ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 13, 2004. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: *Approval, as recommended, of the City of Evanston payroll for the period through September 23, 2004 and City of Evanston bills for the period ending September 28, 2004 authorized and charged to the proper accounts: City of Evanston payroll $2,036,491.91 City of Evanston bills $5,077,156.01 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0). * Approval of lowest responsible and responsive bid of Sound Incorporated for the Telephone System upgrade at a cost of $32,417.15. Funded in the CIP Fund. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Approval of lowest responsible and responsive bid of Capital Cement, Inc., for the Home Depot Alley Paving Program at a cost of $983,268.00. Funded through the Home Depot Alley Area Neighborhood Fund, GO Bond Funds, CDBG Funds and by Homeowners through the Special Assessment process. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Approval of Request for Qualifications for Topographic Services (Surveying) from Postl Yore & Associates at a cost of $51,928.00. Funded in the CIP Fund. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) *Approval of Change Order #1 to the contract with Glenbrook Excavating & Concrete Inc., for the Orrington/Noyes Junction Box relief sewer project. This is a final change order and reduces the contract amount by $50,828.72. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Approval of Change Order #2 to the contract with Glenbrook Excavating & Concrete Inc., for the Phase VIII — Contract B relief sewer project. This is a final change order and reduces the contract amount $35,670.23. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Approval of Change Order #1 to the contract with Clauss Brothers Inc., for the Eggleston Park Redevelopment Project, increasing the project cost by $25,337.00 from $458,140.00 to $483,477.00. Funded in the CIP fund. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Approval of amendment #1 to the agreement with MWH Americas, Inc., for providing engineering services during three relief sewer projects. This amendment will increase the compensation ceiling by $10,488. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) ■ ■ ■ ■ * Resolution 45-R-04 — Authorizing the Citv Manager to sign an agreement for Asbury Avenue Bridge, Phase II — Consideration of resolution 45-R-04, authorizing the City Manager to sign the Asbury Avenue Bridge Phase II Design Engineering Services Supplemental Agreement. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Resolution 51-R-04 — Authorizing the Citv Manager to Sign an Agreement for McCormick Boulevard, Phase II — Consideration of Resolution 51-R-04, authorizing the City Manager to sign the September 27, 2004 McCormick Blvd., Phase II Design Engineering Services Supplemental Agreement. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Ordinance 96-0-04 — Increase in Class C Liauor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 96-0-04, amending Section 3-5-6 (C ) increasing the number of Class C Licenses by one from 20 to 21 for New Orleans Grill, at 1601 Simpson St. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 97-0-04 — Three-wav stop at Central Park Avenue and Thayer Street — Consideration of Ordinance 97-0-04 by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-5, Schedule V ( C) of the City Code to establish a three-way stop sign at Central Park Avenue and Thayer Street. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 98-0-04 — Decrease in Class B Liauor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 98-0-04, which amends Section 3-5-6 (B) decreasing the number of Class B Liquor Licenses from 12 to 11 to reflect the closing of Cabo Grill restaurant at 1571 Sherman Avenue. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 99-0-04 — Decrease in Class B Liquor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 98-0-04, which amends Section 3-5-6 (B) decreasing the number of Class B Liquor Licenses from 11 to 10 to reflect the closing of Bombay Garden restaurant at 626 Church Street. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 91-0-04 - Declaring City Property as Surplus - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 91- 0-04, introduced September 13, 2004, which declares various vehicles and equipment as surplus so they may be publicly offered at the Lake County auction on October 2, 2004. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Ordinance 92-0-04 - Parking Prohibited at anytime on the east side of Asbury Ave. from Howard to Dobson streets - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 92-0-04, introduced September 13, 2004, 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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Ordinance 93-0-04 - Parking Prohibited anytime on the north side of Greenleaf St. between 2001 and 2007 Greenleaf St. driveways - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 93-0-04, introduced September 13, 2004, 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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: * Ordinance 90-0-04 - Grants Variation for 525 Sherman Ave. (width and location of parking space) - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 90-0-04, introduced September 13, 2004, 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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) HUMAN SERVICES: * ADoroval of August 2004 Township Monthly Bills — Consideration of a recommendation to approve the Township bills, payroll and medical payments for the month of August 2004 in the amount of $89,732.43. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Resolution 50-R-04 — Authorizing the City Manager to sign an Intergovernmental Mutual Aid Agreement — Consideration of Resolution 50-R-04, approving a recommendation for the City Manager to sign an Intergovernmental Mutual Aid Agreement for the Illinois Public Health Mutual Aid System. September 27, 2004 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) OTHER COMMITTEES: ADDointment of Interim Citv Manager - Consideration of the appointment of Judith Aiello as the Interim City Manager until a new city manager is hired. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton asked the following reappointments be introduced: Kevin C. Miller Board of Ethics 2419 Lincoln Street Mary O. Bruglieri Preservation Commission 1304 Wesley Avenue * INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved approval of City of Evanston bills through September 14, 2004 in the amount of $3,251.33. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Alderman Rainey opposed payment of $900 to Leadership Evanston; did not think they knew that the City has already spent tens of thousands of dollars on this 20-year employee for training and leadership skills; noted many staff and aldermen volunteer time as a resource to Leadership Evanston. The program is ideal for young families and new residents. She asked Leadership Evanston to provide several scholarships to staff; noted police officers work in shifts and this program is offered during the day and asked if the City was paying the officer's salary while in this program. The committee has agreed to discuss the policy and she urged colleagues to vote against this. Alderman Newman said Evanston Leadership is a great organization. The issue is whether a 20-year veteran of the police department should be sent to this program because training funds are precious. Training employees to have expertise in their area is important. Many people have attended this program but it is almost impossible to know whether it was effective. He suggested they send police to evidence seminar and other technical training to develop more expertise. Alderman Feldman said the issue was framed that Council would issue a directive to staff regarding Leadership Evanston. The debate has nothing to do with Leadership Evanston. The issue of Leadership Evanston has been discussed many times and it was time to resolve it. The program has produced people who are deeply involved in the community and served Evanston well. He suggested this be an agenda item. His approval for withdrawal of funds from Leadership Evanston is contingent on those funds going to the police department for training. If Council decides not to fund Leadership Evanston, in these times, police could use additional training help. He said the choice is a new priority. Transfer that money into a pre -designed program to help officers deal with the situations they are confronting now. Alderman Moran described Leadership Evanston as a program that brings together city staff and people from the entire community such as non -for -profits, religious organizations, banks, businesses and human service agencies for a year- long program. He has participated numerous times and considers it an excellent program. It was ironic to him that, in these times, there would be fault finding regarding a police officer engaged in leadership training. It was unfortunate that there are headlines about things going on here which can best be addressed through reference to leadership training and gaining a broad based understanding of the various components in the community and how they relate to each other. September 27, 2004 He noted there is already a pre -designed program. If the claim of scarcity of training funds should preclude them from leadership training, he did not think money would be saved by designing a new program. There are some 300 people who have gone through this program who network and know each other. They are the growing wave of leaders. The notion that any employee should not attend a program like this was lost on him. He has practiced law for 31 years and every day expects to become a better lawyer. Any person can always say they can be better. This program helps people get better at their jobs but does not mean they aren't good now. Division/Department heads select staff to attend this program. He urged the bill be paid and that the City continue to participate in Leadership Evanston. $900 was a small price to pay for the benefits derived and he urged future support for the program. Alderman Wynne also had participated in Leadership Evanston every year since being on Council. She thought the program provides invaluable service to the community. She sees 3rd ward residents who participated really contributing to the improvement of Evanston and helping her do her job as alderman. She urged payment of the bill; noted these programs are in the federal government, military and corporations. Networks are created because sooner or later these people need to have these connections. She thought it appropriate for staff to participate at whatever level they are at and Evanston is lucky to have this program. She questioned using all funds for the police department because there are needs in other departments for leadership training. Alderman Tisdahl urged the bill be paid because the individual has signed up for the program. She said is up to the police chief to decide what classes officers should attend. Leadership Evanston is valuable. Alderman Newman said any connection between leadership Evanston and recent headlines was not relevant. Alderman Feldman said the officer has attended at least three meetings and they won't renege on the payment. Roll call. Voting aye — Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Moran, Tisdahl. Voting nay — Rainey. Motion carried, ( Ordinance 95-0-04 — Increase in Class N Liauor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 95- 0-04, amending section 3-5-6(N) which increases the number of Class N Licenses by one from 5 to 6 for Food 4 Less, at 2400 Main Street. Alderman Jean -Baptiste asked that Ordinance 95-0-04 be marked introduced. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved that the rules be suspended in order to adopt an ordinance introduced that evening. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Motion carried. No nays. Roll call. Voting aye — Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Moran and Tisdahl. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (7-0). PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance 94-0-04 — Zonine MaD Amendment, National Louis Universitv Prooertv — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 94-0-04, to approve a recommendation from the Plan Commission to rezone the National Louis University property at Ridge and Isabella to the RI single-family district from the U1 University housing district. Alderman Wynne asked that Ordinance 94-0-04 be marked introduced and referred back to committee solely for findings. Plat of Subdivision — Sherman Plaza — Consideration of recommendations from the Site Plan and Appearance Review Committee to approve a plat of subdivision for the property at 1620 Sherman Avenue for the Sherman Plaza Development. Alderman Wynne moved approval of the Plat of Subdivision for Sherman Plaza subject to the Terms of the Redevelopment Agreement by which the City shall execute the Plat of Subdivision contemporaneous with the Swap Closing. The committee felt it important that they have in writing the fact that the subdivision was not going to take place until the land swap had taken place. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Motion carried. No nays. September 27, 2004 Plat of Re -subdivision — 715 Sheridan — Consideration of recommendations from the Site Plan and Appearance Review Committee and the Preservation Commission to approve a plat of re -subdivision for the property at 715 Sheridan. Alderman Wynne reported this was held in committee pending findings. Alderman Wynne announced an October 11 Public Hearing to permit an exception for a public use for the homeless shelter. OTHER COMMITTEES: Ordinance 100-0-04 — ADDroval of the Fourth Amendment to the Redevelopment Agreement with Sherman Plaza Venture. LLC — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 100-0-04, authorizes the City Manager to execute the Fourth Amendment to the Redevelopment Agreement with Sherman Plaza Venture, LLC. Alderman Feldman asked that Ordinance 100-0-04 be marked introduced. Alderman Feldman moved suspension of the rules in order to adopt an ordinance that was introduced that evening. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Feldman moved approval. Seconded by Alderman Tisdahl Alderman Newman commented that the ability to get this project going and the Sherman garage built is critical to downtown Evanston. Time is of the essence. He respects the development group. Not getting the garage open after closing it and delays means that every month that goes by they don't have needed parking. The developers have to get this project going. Roll call. Voting aye — Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Moran and Tisdahl. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (7-0). CALL OF THE WARDS: 81h Ward. No report. 91h Ward. Alderman Feldman reported the new Food 4 Less with its wide aisles and high ceilings is a great addition to Evanston. He said that recently some neighbors felt there were problems with St. Francis Hospital, which were being solved. St. Francis has always been a credit to the community. He noted the contribution of Home Depot to the City and neighborhood fund, which was negotiated when Home Depot came to Evanston. Significant amounts of funds have been contributed for playgrounds for schools, lighting, plantings and paving of eight alleys, combined with City and CDBG funds that will make a difference in the lives of people who live there. Construction will start in October. Combining resources of businesses with the will and resources of the City to do something is a "win win" for everybody. He thanked Home Depot, the CDBG Committee and the City. Vt Ward. Alderman Newman reiterated that Leadership Evanston has a great program. He passed out photographs showing what happens during move -in and move -out weeks at Northwestern University. The photographs showed garbage in Philbrick Park, on public streets and alleys. He thanked staff for the six month budget report. He noted many taxes that support the City show little growth. The state September 27, 2004 income tax alone in the last few years has been down $1 million. While the City has flat revenues, projected increases are $3.9 million. He said this is a tremendous challenge and the City is not loaded with money. They will have to have growth in taxes or reduction in spending. 2"d Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste said that many people have called his office about the tragedy in Haiti and asked how they can help. In Gonaives, Haiti some 2,000 people were declared dead from hurricane Jeanne. Haiti has undergone a major deforestation and reforestation has not kept pace so when there is a flood, without tree roots to hold back the soil, they have mudslides and water flow. Those who want to help can contact the Project Haitian Relief Fund at PO Box 5089, Evanston, IL 60204. A check or money order can is at Citibank. Non-perishable items can be contributed to the Haitian -American Immigrant Association, 7101 N. Glenwood, Chicago. Rainbow Operation Push at 50th and Drexel has also accepts non-perishable items or call him at 847 424-0400. 3'd Ward. No report. 4th Ward. No report. SthWard. No report. 61h Ward. Alderman Moran made a reference to the Plannine & Develooment Committee to work on the development of a plat of re -subdivision ordinance. He understood that there is no provision in the City code that specifically addresses when a particular property can be re -subdivided or subdivided that is appropriate, consistent with the Comprehensive General Plan and community standards. There are such ordinances in other municipalities and states where certain criteria were adopted so that staff and others who are asked to re -subdivide are guided by these criteria. He noted a great attribute of Evanston is homes on large residential lots sprinkled throughout the City and there is beginning to be a serious incursion on those lots. He has an affinity for the beauty of homes on these lots. He suggested they need to pay more attention to what opportunities they have to control these re -subdivisions. Recently one happened was in the 6`h ward to a large beautiful old home on a large lot. When the request for re -subdivision came through, he was told by the legal department that without any criteria in the code that would allow them to address whether that re -subdivision was appropriate they had no discretion. He asked for consideration of that which could be adopted in the future. Alderman Newman said in the 1st ward with preservation districts they cannot subdivide without Council approval. 7th Ward. Alderman Tisdahl reported at the P&D Committee there was discussion with Fire Chief Berkowsky about the possibility of a sprinkler ordinance. That will be discussed again and she wanted the community to be aware of it and particularly students. Mayor Morton had a packet from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency which would be duplicated and distributed to Council members. There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Morton adjourned the meeting at 10:29 p.m Mary P. Morris, City Clerk A videotape recording of this meetine has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the Citv Clerk's office.