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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10_11_04_ccCITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL - PRESENT: A Quorum was present. NOT PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: ABSENT: PRESIDING: Alderman Feldman Alderman Wynne October 11, 2004 Alderman Bernstein Alderman Tisdahl Alderman Rainey Aldermen Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Kent and Moran None Mayor Lorraine H. Morton The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton Monday, October 11, 2004, at 6:04 p.m. in the Aldermanic Library. Alderman Feldman 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 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 — Feldman, Wynne, Bernstein, Tisdahl, Rainey. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (5-0). At 7:10 p.m. Alderman Rainey moved that Council reconvene into Open Session. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Roll call. Voting aye — Feldman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey. Voting nay — none. Motion carried. (7-0) Mayor Morton referred to her October 11 memo in which she agreed verbatim with the salary recommendations from the Compensation Committee and recommended that medical benefits for elected officials be $45 monthly for single coverage and $95 a month for family coverage, which takes into account an increase in medical insurance cost after January 1. Human Resource Director Judith Witt explained that the lowest paid non -union employees currently pay $30 monthly for single coverage and $85 month for family coverage. Alderman Rainey also worked on this and her proposal was almost exactly what the Mayor had come up with. She looked at percent of salary that department heads pay and the percentage the lowest paid employees pay for health insurance. Currently department heads pay 1-2% of their salary for medical benefits and the lowest paid employees pay 34%. Alderman Feldman said this recommendation flies in the face of the Compensation Committee. It recommended that alderman pay a much greater portion of the medical insurance costs and was the reason for the raise. A good portion of aldermen would take a cut in salary to pay for family coverage recommended by the committee. Mayor Morton reported that she would not be present at the next meeting and wanted people to be aware of her recommendation. At 7:17 p.m. Mayor Morton recessed the meeting. October H , 2004 Mayor Morton reconvened the City Council meeting at 9:14 p.m. in the Council Chamber. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Health & Human Services Director Jay Terry reported that the City was notified last week that one half of the nation's flu vaccine supply will not be available. The Evanston Health Department currently has no adult flu vaccine. All previously scheduled adult flu shots clinics have been cancelled. Last year the Evanston Health Department administered 2,000 flu shots. The federal government has asked all that have some flu vaccine to participate in voluntary rationing with flu shots going to those under two years of age, over age 65 or those with serious chronic health problems. The department has a limited supply of pediatric flu vaccine. A final clinic for young children will be held October 13. The supply of flu vaccine here is very low. Many previously scheduled flu vaccine clinics in drugstores have been cancelled. Dominick's will continue to have limited availability at some previously advertised clinics only for the priority age groups and only on a first come, first served basis. He advised residents to phone the day before any advertised flu shot clinic to confirm that it will take place. About half of the flu vaccine remains undelivered to the United States. What is unknown is whether the federal government will step in to re -direct any undelivered inventory. The Evanston Health Department is on a number of waiting lists. If a person is not in one of the priority age groups, it is highly unlikely that he or she will get a flu shot this year. For people over 65 and parents of a young child, it will be a challenge requiring patience and persistence. The most current and accurate information will be provided on the City's website. He urged everybody to follow good health practices including washing hands, getting plenty of rest and eating a good diet. If a person gets sick, stay home and not spread illness to other people. City Clerk Mary Morris reminded people who will be out of Cook County on Election Day (November 2), that they may vote absentee either by mail or in -person. In -person absentee voting starts tomorrow in the City Clerk's office and continues through November 1, weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the next three Saturdays — October 16, 23 and 30, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Voters who want to vote October 12 should call 847-866-2025 to make sure that voting materials have arrived. Applications for voting absentee by mail are available in the City Clerk's office. Call to obtain one or download an application from the Cook County Clerk's election website www.voterinfonet.com. CITIZEN COMMENT: Mimi Peterson, 1008 Ashland Ave., stated she and Virginia Mann launched To Rescue Evanston Elms (TREE) because they wanted to save Evanston's elm trees -- a living heritage. Evanston trees on McCormick Blvd. (Emerson to Green Bay) are unique to any other stretch of the street. She was pleased the number of trees to be removed has been reduced from 51 to 41. But was still concerned about mature trees in the Object Free Zone, super elevation area and the stand alone elm at the northeast corner of Bridge that would be better suited to an injection in the spring. The only reason it will be removed is because it is in the way of the new right angle turn. They appreciate public meetings and that staff has been responsive, but some answers have only provoked more questions. Why is the City doing the project? Why do they have to cut down trees to reduce the number of lanes? Why do they have to reduce the number of lanes when it seems that will increase traffic? Facts from staff do not support accidents at a high level. Why do they need to remove trees and install a wider median strip and wider right turn onto Green Bay Rd.? Why do they need to remove trees to install drain tile at the other end of McCormick? They recognize capital needs are high and funding is scarce. They are concerned about applying for funds and then figuring out how those will be used instead of the other way around. They know that removal of these trees will eliminate the canopy along McCormick where the elms were the vision of the canal plan of 1917. They will fight to save them from development and Dutch elm disease. TREE believes that trees provide a living link to the past and she read several sentences from the 1917 plan. She said TREE does not want to stop the project and wants it repaired. Virginia Mann, 3004 Normandy Pl., said she heard a lot of spin about this project that evening. They were going to cut down 41 trees not 51 and talked about widening the road six inches on both sides. When they talk of cutting down 41 trees from Green Bay Rd. to Emerson St. the character of that stretch of road will be changed. A large number of residents came that evening objecting to changing the character of McCormick Blvd. By cutting down 11 elm trees there, 20% of the elms are gone. She asked Council to do what people here want. Staff talked about holding public hearings October 11, 2004 and various communications, but the people there received information that was different than what was put out by the City. She stated they should give people a chance to respond. People want the character of Evanston, property values and the trees protected. She urged engineers to figure out how to build a road that is not too close to the trees so they can enjoy the vision of their forefathers and leave something to the future generations. Trees have a life span of 300 years. Some of these trees are 100 years old. Junad Rizki, 2784 Sheridan Rd., said he has been concerned about trees for some time. There was a lot of information and his concern was that more trees might be damaged when they do this project. He did not trust staff to protect the trees. He wanted a final count of how many trees would be cut down. He said they get too much information over time and thought the public is being misled on the high cost of the Civic Center. Robert Crown Center is falling down and needs to be rebuilt. Just this week $1 million is needed for the library because they did not get the project right ten years ago. The information about that does not make sense. A million dollars is being spent for two parks near his neighborhood and he watches contractors run over tree roots, then mound dirt around one of the trees and cover the roots. Parks/Forestry & Recreation does these projects. He saw a contractor doing work for the City with 20-feet of steel passing over cars. He asked if the City is watching these things? He suggested that Council ask questions and talk to staff. Kathi Grant, 706 Roslyn Tr., spoke about the zoning around National -Louis University. If not given single-family use, a multi -family project would change the neighborhood and the quality of life there. It would be adverse to traffic, which is bad now at rush hours and it is almost impossible to cross Sheridan Rd. then and hoped they would consider that. Ruth Laskv, 716 Roslyn Tr., a long-time resident, explained that the National Louis University property formerly was Rl. Neighbors acknowledged National College when it built a dorm. The college has been a good neighbor. It was an Evanston family that donated the funds to change the name to National -Louis. The college ran into debt and it is unfair for a developer to use the neighborhood for personal profit. Enid Shapiro, 2815 Sheridan Rd., lives directly across from Baker Residence hall, the property in question; stated that the zoning needs to go back to Rl, since all homes there are single family, which is compatible with the neighborhood's essential character. Anything other than R1 is inappropriate for this parcel. She assumed that developers would jump at the chance to get their hands on the property and they must be sure that what goes is compatible with surrounding properties. Traffic and congestion have increased in the 15 years she has lived there and a higher density development would add to the traffic problems. Entering and exiting driveways along the street can be hazardous. Evanston now has booming commercial districts but at the same time they need to maintain the integrity of residential neighborhoods. She urged approval of the change to Rl and asked neighbors to stand to show their support. Susan Wishnick, 811 Roslyn Pl., was concerned about the level of traffic in the neighborhood and what would happen if anything other than single-family homes were built on the National -Louis property from the perspective of a parent of three young children. She crosses Sheridan Rd. daily with her children to go to school, the train and the park. It is truly hazardous to cross Sheridan at rush hours. As a homeowner, she has great difficulty turning from Roslyn Pl. onto Sheridan Rd. at rush hour, where traffic often backs up from Isabella to the Baha'i Temple. There was concern expressed at the Plan Commission about National -Louis University if changes were made to the zoning. She urged Council to look at the public statements made by National -Louis University. Their property is outmoded and too expensive to renovate. They are not interested in staying and it is a good reason to go ahead and rezone the property Rl. Maureen McGrath, 1904A Lincoln St., attended the A&PW Committee meeting earlier and heard the presentation about McCormick Blvd. She got the feeling that they were too late; that this was discussed years ago and they should have been here then. She hoped it was not too late. She gave credit to TREE for making people aware of the elm trees. She had some questions; funds that come from IDOT have strings to which the City must conform to get the $4 million to redo the road. She said they need to look more closely at the strings and what would be nice to have. They need to give consideration to the increase in traffic but asked why the street needs to be narrowed to two lanes at this time? Why are two lanes being removed? She did not understand that. Safety was mentioned concerning the schools at the Grant/Prairie intersection. She lives there and thought it had to do with disregard for the traffic. Police are stationed there and pull over many people. She suggested that more crossing guards be added. Brian Utlev, 2152 Brown Ave., intersects at McCormick Blvd; said local residents have not been given a full hearing October 11, 2004 at the table. Institutions such as the Ladd Arboretum and the schools have had input. His concern was for the appearance of McCormick, which he thought would be dramatically and irreversibly changed. Once the trees are gone they won't be back; thought it was wonderful they would replace three trees for one lost. He has lived there 36 years and has seen many trees cut down without being replaced. Each remaining elm and other trees are precious. He asked them to reconsider the project as proposed. Alma Woods, 1432 Noyes St., 30-year resident, drives on Green Bay Rd. daily. She has gotten different answers for widening McCormick. Safety for school children, failed roadway, drainage system and traffic safety were all reasons mentioned. She thought a few more crossing guards could be added to increase safety for school children rather than spending so much on the roadway. Perhaps a sidewalk in the arboretum and even a pedestrian bridge could be erected for school children. She suggested strong sanctions for children who jaywalk. She could not argue about the re - engineering of this road and thought it had to be done. She has never seen a traffic jam on McCormick. However, if the configuration is changed from four lanes to two lanes, maybe there will be congestion. She was not sure of the purpose of the median strip that she thought would collect plastic bags and dead squirrels and, because it will not be cleaned, will look ugly and not useful. She did not see why they could not keep the same width and repaint the traffic lanes. It seemed to her that the project is the way it is because the money is available. This is state/federal money and both are financed by those present. This is not somebody else's money but their money. Donna Bvme, 1928 Noyes St., did not know about any of the other meetings; felt she had learned a lot. What she was hearing is these decisions are generated to fulfill a $4 million budget allotted. She did not understand why they are fixing something that is not broken. Concerning drainage, she suggested the road be narrowed six inches on each side. Make the embankment further into the road away from the trees. Narrow the road and repave it. If the community grows in 20- 30 years, then widen the road. She said there is too much traffic and what they are doing is making McCormick look like Skokie or Howard St. One reason she bought her house is that Evanston is distinctly different than other communities. The canopy of trees is beautiful despite what she has to hear, and the unending construction in one little spot. She, too, is concerned about safety; has children and suggested there are other ways to provide safety. She complained it took a lot of time to get a stoplight at Bridge/McCormick, when residents could hear accidents from their windows. She suggested there was another way to take care of drainage, paving and children's safety. Sheila Culkin, 1912 Lincoln St., drives on McCormick daily and has never seen a problem with traffic. After the presentation she could not understand why the City is considering widening the boulevard when they want to save trees and have cut so many trees down. Why are they considering widening the road six inches on either side if the lanes are being reduced? That was not clear. She did not know why there would be a median. She said to fix the drainage problem and did not see why they had to widen the street to do that. She is new to this and the explanation was not clear to her. She urged Council to reconsider widening the street. CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: authority to purchase right- of-way from MWRD for McCormick Blvd. reconstruction project; Ordinance 96-0-04 - Increase in Class C Liquor Licenses; Ordinance 94-0-04 — Zoning Map Amendment National -Louis University Property; Plat of Re -subdivision — 715 Sheridan; and Ordinance 103-0-04 — Increasing Compensation of the Mayor. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Roll call. Voting aye — Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0). * ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 27, 2004. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: October l 1, 2004 *Approval, as recommended, of the City of Evanston payroll for the period through October 07, 2004 and City of Evanston bills for the period ending October 12, 2004 authorized and charged to the proper accounts: City of Evanston payroll (through 10/07/04) $2,046,371.52 City of Evanston bills (through 10/12/04) $1,515,551.75 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the purchase of two (2) ambulances from Foster Coach Sales Inc., at a cost of $316,986.96. (Funded in the Fleet Services Capital Outlay budget.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of Request for Qualifications for Topographic Services (surveying the City). * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsible and responsive bid of G.F. Connelly for three (3) replacement boilers at Fleetwood- Jourdain. (Funded in the CDBG.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) *Approval of Change Order #1 for Wheelchair Lift Replacement at Noyes Cultural Arts Center and Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center with an additional cost of $1,991 to DME Access, increasing the total contract amount from $20,800 to $22,791. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of Change Order #10 for Fire Station #3 for a credit of $2,701.25 from Skender Construction Company, decreasing the total contract amount from $2,428,702.93 to $,426,001.68. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) ■ ■ ■ * Traffic Calmine: Sneed Bumps - Bradlev Place - Consideration of a recommendation to place speed bumps on the 2400 block of Bradley Pl. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Traffic Calmine: Sneed Bumps - Main Street - Consideration of a recommendation to place speed bumps on the 1300 block of Main St. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 52-R-04 — Authorizine the Citv Manaeer to sign an agreement for Asbury Avenue Bridge, Phase II — Consideration of resolution 52-R-04, authorizing the Interim City Manager to sign the Asbury Ave. reconstruction project. (Tri-party agreement with CTA & IDOT) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 53-R-04 - Debt Service Tax Abatement Resolution - Consideration of proposed Resolution 53-R-04, which abates debt service property tax on bond issued by the City in 1992. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 54-R-04 through 55-R-04 - Debt Service Tax Abatement Resolutions - Consideration of proposed Resolutions 54-R-04 and 55-R-04, which abate debt service property tax on bonds issued by the City in 1994. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 56-R-04 - Debt Service Tax Abatement Resolution - Consideration of proposed Resolution 56-R-04, which abates debt service property tax on bonds issued by the City in 1995. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 57-R-04 - Debt Service Tax Abatement Resolution - Consideration of proposed Resolution 57-R-04, which abates debt service property tax on bonds issued by the City in 1996. * October H , 2004 APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 58-R-04 - Debt Service Tax Abatement Resolution - Consideration of proposed Resolution 58-R-04, which abates debt service property tax on bonds issued by the City in 1997. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 59-R-04 - Debt Service Tax Abatement Resolution - Consideration of proposed Resolution 59-R-04, which abates debt service property tax on bonds issued by the City in 1998. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 60-R-04 - Debt Service Tax Abatement Resolution - Consideration of proposed Resolution 60-R-04, which abates debt service property tax on bonds issued by the City in 1999. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 61-R-04 - Debt Service Tax Abatement Resolution - Consideration of proposed Resolution 61-R-04, which abates debt service property tax on bonds issued by the City in 2000. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 62-R-04 - Debt Service Tax Abatement Resolution - Consideration of proposed Resolution 62-R-04, which abates debt service property tax on Series 2002A and 2002B bonds issued by the City in 2002. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 63-R-04 - Debt Service Tax Abatement Resolution - Consideration of proposed Resolution 63-R-04, which abates debt service property tax on Series 2002C bonds issued by the City in 2002. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 64-R-04 - Debt Service Tax Abatement Resolution - Consideration of proposed Resolution 64-R-04, which abates debt service property tax on bonds issued by the City in 2003. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 65-R-04 - Debt Service Tax Abatement Resolution - Consideration of proposed Resolution 65-R-04, which abates debt service property tax on bonds issued by the City in 2004. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 97-0-04 — Three-wav stop at Central Park Avenue and Thaver Street — Consideration of Ordinance 97-0-04, introduced September 27, 2004, 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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 98-0-04 — Decrease in Class B Liauor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 98-0-04, introduced September 27, 2004, 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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 99-0-04 — Decrease in Class B Liauor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 98-0-04, introduced September 27, 2004, 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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: * Exemption from Special Use Provisions for Homeless Shelter - Consideration of a request from the October 11, 2004 Connections for the Homeless that City Council renew the one-year exemption of Ordinance 49-0-86 from special use provision of Zoning Ordinance. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 101-0-04 - Special Use (Tvne 2 Restaurant) for 1611 Sherman Ave. - Consideration of a recommendation from the ZBA to grant a Special Use for a Type 2 Restaurant, Cold Stone Creamery, at 1611 Sherman Ave. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA HUMAN SERVICES: * Resolution 66-R-04 - Authoritv to Execute a Lease Aereement with Next Theatre Co. - Consideration of proposed Resolution 66-R-04, which authorizes the Interim City Manager to execute a lease agreement with Next Theatre Company for use of the Noyes Cultural Arts Center Theatre. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * ADDroval of September 2004 Township Monthlv Bills — Consideration of a recommendation to approve the Township bills, payroll and medical payments for the month of September 2004 in the amount of $77,841.22. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) OTHER COMMITTEES: * Ordinance 102-0-04 - Increasing Compensation of Aldermen - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 102-0-04, which amends the salary levels of the Aldermen. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 104-0-04 - Increasing Compensation of Citv Clerk - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 104-0-04, which amends the salary level of the City Clerk. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 105-0-04 - Increasiniz Compensation of the Township Supervisor - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 105-0-04, which amends the salary level of the Township Supervisor. MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 106-0-04 - Increasine Compensation of the Townshia Assessor - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 106-0-04, which amends the salary of the Township Assessor. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton asked the following reappointments be introduced: Gloria Bernard Commission on Aging 1206 Dewey Ave. Martin P. Norkett Economic Development Committee 2430 Ridgeway Ave. * INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Morton asked the following reappointments be confirmed: Kevin C. Miller Board of Ethics 2419 Lincoln Street For term ending October 15, 2007 October H , 2004 Mary O. Bruglieri Preservation Commission 1304 Wesley Avenue For term ending October 15, 2007 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved approval of authority to purchase right-of-way from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) for the McCormick Blvd. reconstruction project. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Alderman Newman confirmed that the City is getting $4 million to do this project. He asked how many public meetings have been held over the time period. Public Works Director David Jennings said the process started in 1998 (an exhibit in the packet lists every meeting). The second page shows the public hearings and meetings with other stakeholders. In response to Alderman Newman, Mr. Jennings stated notice was published in the Evanston Review in the notice section and in the same publication as an invitation for people to come. Mr. Jennings thought some notices were sent to individuals. Alderman Newman was bothered by the fact that among the press, government and community there was a complete communication breakdown. Alderman Newman asked if drainage could be reconfigured so that fewer trees would be lost? Mr. Jennings stated no elm trees are coming out due to drainage. Alderman Newman asked if any part of the project could be reconfigured to remove fewer elms? Yes. Mr. Jennings said in the update to the committee, the document specifies 41 trees for removal and a list of the types and sizes of trees. That evening before the committee, he stated they would explore other means to reduce that number. There are 11 elms adjacent to the road scheduled to come down and 53 currently align McCormick. Alderman Newman asked if they were under time constraints to lose the $4 million? Mr. Jennings said the project is 70% federal, 15% state and 15% local funds. The state, as part of the jurisdictional transfer, has agreed to fund the City's share, so it is really 70% federal, 30% state and 0% City. Alderman Newman asked at what point in time are they at risk to lose this funding? Mr. Jennings said the last piece of the project is on the agenda, the right-of-way purchase. If the City gets authority to buy these three small parcels, they will move ahead with the project. Alderman Newman said there is a concern in the community as to whether they are taking the right course to take down a number of trees. How much time does the City have to investigate taking down fewer trees without jeopardizing the $4 million? Mr. Jennings explained the project is scheduled to be let in January by the state. It will not come back to the City. A vote to approve the land purchases means the project will happen. Mr. Jennings said the tree issue continues on into the construction. Alderman Newman asked when they have to approve this? He suggested holding it for two weeks or a month. Mr. Jennings said they would have a final number during construction. Mr. Jennings said the City would continue to try to reduce tree removals into the construction phase. Alderman Newman asked what work could be done to give a more definitive answer on the number of elm trees that will have to come down. Mr. Jennings said he would have to check and see how much time they have. At some point, the right-of-way has to be certified to the state. Alderman Newman said if they approve this tonight, Council is through with the project and will be out. He wanted the best answer they could come up with and said that staff had done a good job. He thought the need for street improvements here was around $150-200 million, so getting the $4 million is critical to the City. Whatever has happened here, some people don't understand lanes, some disagree about traffic but there is a concern about saving the elms so he would like residents to have an answer. Mr. Jennings was comfortable stating that the plan includes removal of 41 trees. Staff has walked this site trying to identify specific trees that they can save as they move through the process. The construction plan shows 41 trees for removal. Staff thinks they can do better — with six or eight trees they can take a different approach and leave them in place. Some trees they marked for removal was due to adding dirt around the base of the tree. Experience tells them when they add this level of dirt and disturb the tree that it will not live, so they are marked for removal. That is happening due to raising a curb near the tree. They can think about it differently, if it is not in the object free zone, which they have to keep clear, they will say it is okay and leave it in place. Mr. Jennings said four elms are in the object free zone; one at Bridge/McCormick, which is a conflict with a curb/sidewalk and traffic signal. An intersection improvement at Prairie/McCormick has four elms. Two elms are in an area where they will cut around the tree, which will expose the roots. Of the eleven elms, three are in good condition, five in fair condition and three in poor condition. The question is with trees in poor condition, how much should they do to save such a tree? The elm at Bridge/McCormick is in poor condition. The tree looks good from a distance, but has a base wound and decay. October 11, 2004 Alderman Newman clarified that the answers would not be significantly different in 30 days if they did more work. Mr. Jennings said they identified trees they have changed their philosophy on. Instead of saying it will die, they will give it a chance. Alderman Kent said the tree people have been concerned about this and it ties in with what is happening all around them. The fabric and character of Evanston is being stretched to where some residents don't realize this is Evanston anymore because they cannot afford to live here any longer. If they cannot keep the trees, that is the last bastion of character. He sympathized with residents who were present. He said 11 trees were too many to be removed. McCormick is a beautiful area. He has not noticed traffic problems that would require the loss of so many trees. He knew how long it took to get a traffic light at Bridge St. He suggested additional crossing guards at Bridge and Green Bay Rd. He said that kids come over the bridge and will take the path of least resistance because they try to shorten their trip. He doesn't buy the safety angle. He could not vote for this that evening because if they took some time, they could come back with a different answer. He recalled what Alderman Korshak told him years ago -- what you keep out of the community is important. Alderman Tisdahl said she had been over this with David Jennings, Paul D'Agostino and Sat Nagar tree by tree by tree. Trees were identified that day that they hoped could be saved. She was hopeful the six trees they saw could be saved, but did not think they could have a definitive answer in two to four weeks. In response to Alderman Kent, she pointed out the kids who go to Haven are bright and know the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. As soon as they see Haven (Middle School) they don't go to Green Bay Rd. to cross, they just cross the street. This plan gives them a crosswalk right there and a crossing guard. It slows traffic on McCormick and will make it safer for kids going to Haven and Kingsley schools. She said this was not a done deal and remains a major concern of Council. They will do everything they can to save every tree that can be saved. She noted that property taxes here are a major concern and the City cannot afford to lose $4 million. McCormick needs to be fixed and Council is trying to cut $3.5 million from the budget to pay for the elm tree injection program. If they take these 11 elms, of which several are in poor condition and put $4 million at risk, that does not add up and also puts the elm injection program at risk because there is only so much money. They cannot keep adding to the property tax because nobody will be able to afford to live in this beautiful area that she enjoys. For those reasons and safety, she pledged to do everything possible to identify trees that can be saved. Alderman Jean -Baptiste noted in the packet that this project has been supported by Council since 1998. At the A&PW Committee they had a great slide presentation. He suggested that presentation be made at Council and that they take the next two weeks to come back with more information about what could be saved. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved to hold this over. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. At the reauest of two aldermen this item was held. In response to Alderman Feldman, Mr. Jennings explained the number of trees removed from each of the alternates does not include things in the next paragraph. Any trees removed due to drainage were not included. That was because in Phase 1, the drainage was not designed. They knew it had to be improved, but did not put it in until they developed the construction plans. There was no way to know the removal number. Of the twelve trees, eight belong to the MWRD and are down the bank on the other side of the fence. They get 36 good trees for those in the arboretum. The study in Phase 1 was to look at tree loss on McCormick and did not include intersection re -alignment, drainage and a right turn lane. When they add up what is not there, there are 27 trees added to three, which gives them 30 trees. Obviously 30 is not 41, so where did the others come from? They come from trying to think ahead and asking what can be done with this road in the future. Part of what drove this design was to re -stripe four 10-foot lanes should they ever be needed. Could they build three 12-foot lanes and get that approved. Yes. They talked about what would happen if traffic volume grow more than anticipated. They wanted the option to go back to four 10-foot lanes if needed. The design they started with included both premises: four 10-foot lanes and a three -lane cross section. Alderman Feldman asked why they could not go to four 10-foot lanes now? Mr. Jennings said because the traffic volumes can be supported in a three lane cross section. Mr. Jennings said federal money cannot be used to build four 10-foot lanes. Alderman Feldman noted that was one of the strings and the alternative chosen gives the most flexibility. Alderman Jean -Baptiste said in the meantime some can visit the site with staff. He noted the memo indicated they needed to own those parcels so the proposal that goes forward in January shows the City owns the land if they vote in two weeks. Mr. Jennings said they must certify the right-of-way and go before the MWRD board with the offer to buy the land. He would not go much longer than two weeks. 10 October 11, 2004 Alderman Rainey said visiting the site with staff takes about one-two hours to see what staff proposes. Suggestions were welcomed along the way. She said there are some trees that cannot be saved. Many of the 40 cannot be seen from McCormick. Those are weed trees over the bank beyond the fence by the water. One of the trees with the largest circumference would go because it is next to a beaver dam. She did not think they could see any difference looking down McCormick. Mr. Jennings assured them that certain trees will be saved. She thought if they went and looked, their opinion about this project would change. Alderman Tisdahl noted that trees that have ribbons on them are not indicative of what trees will be removed. Ordinance 96-0-04 - Increase in Class C Liquor Licenses - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 96- 0-04, introduced September 27, 2004, which amends Section 3-5-6(C) increasing the number of Class C liquor licenses by one from 20 to 21, with the opening of New Orleans Grill, 1601 Simpson St. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved approval. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Alderman Kent asked that this be held over until the October 25 City Council meeting. Seconded by Alderman Newman. At the reauest of two aldermen this item was held over. Alderman Newman asked if Harza was discussed at the A&PW Committee meeting? No He asked staff to find out when in 1995 the former Public Works Director made the recommendation to keep Harza and when the former Public Works Director went to work for Harza. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance 94-0-04 — Zoning Man Amendment, National -Louis Universitv Property — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 94-0-04, introduced September 27, 2004, to approve a recommendation from the Plan Commission to rezone the National -Louis University property at Ridge and Isabella to the Rl single-family district from the U1 University housing district. Alderman Wynne moved approval. Seconded by Alderman Tisdahl. Alderman Wynne asked that the findings be read into the record and moved approval of the findings. Seconded by Alderman Tisdahl. Assistant Corporation Counsel Ellen Szymanski directed them to page 2, Ordinance 95-0-04, Section 3 of Section 6-3-4- 5 of the Zoning Ordinance. Paragraph (A) The Plan further lists as a Policy/Action under this goal: "Monitor institutional development and evolution using land use regulations to guide effects and limit negative impacts on the surrounding community and adjoining land uses." Under the Comprehensive Plan Objective "maintain the appealing character of Evanston's neighborhoods while guiding their change," the Plan lists as a Policy/Action: "Preserve neighborhood character while supporting redevelopment efforts that add to neighborhood desirability. Encourage creative adaptive reuse of properties available for redevelopment using zoning standards and the Site Plan and Appearance Review process to protect historic character. Encourage new developments to complement existing street and sidewalk pattern." The Plan includes as a Policy/Action: "Minimize the adverse effects of such circumstances as traffic and parking congestion or incompatible hours of operation as part of City technical assistance or zoning/site plan review of businesses and institutions proposing expansion or relocation to sites adjacent to residential areas." The R1 zoning is consistent with the foregoing in that it will encourage the building of new single-family homes in a neighborhood where such homes are the predominant use. Greater density than that permitted in the RI district, or by institutional uses of greater density than the existing use, would increase traffic flow at a major intersection and on neighboring local streets, add to the number of parked cars, increase noise and pollution, and detract from the ambiance of existing single-family residential uses. No additions were made to paragraphs (B) and (C). Paragraph (D) Added language is: "Parking and traffic circulation would be adversely affected by more intense residential development or by institutional development other than the existing use." 11 October 11, 2004 Alderman Kent suggested voting to make this property Rl removes all possibility of creativity to anyone who comes into this property. When he speaks about housing affordability he is speaking of people who are just barely holding on. When others speak of affordability that could go into this R1 area, they are speaking of somebody with a good salary and well established. There will be three or four houses for $1 million or more. Perhaps that is not expensive for that area. For the Evanston he knows that eliminates more than half of the residents they should be thinking about. They speak about doing this inclusively until they talk about this area being surrounded by Rl. He has no Rl district in his area and many constituents cannot move to an Rl district. They need to talk more about affordability for starter families and keeping people here. The only way to do that is not necessarily with a single family home. He said that is a copout and is building walls around the community so economically diverse people cannot enter. He thought Evanston was better than that. There is little land to choose from. People are being pushed out of Evanston. Not long ago an alderman from the north was concerned because homes were being torn down and "McMansions" built costing millions. He thought there was concern about that and this is no different. When somebody redevelops property make it affordable for someone who lives here. He was talking about having compassion and reaching out to the rest of Evanston. Prices will dictate it won't be for residents. If it were an R3 it will be a luxury townhouse and fit into this area. There is no room for people who are middle class and poor to live in Evanston. Alderman Tisdahl stated Evanston has not adopted an affordable housing policy. They asked that this small land parcel (3/4 acre) that used to be Rl be returned to R1, which is part of this community and a good zoning tool. To ask an area where four houses can be built to solve the affordable housing dilemma is unfair and unrealistic. The area is too small. If they are going to reach out they will adopt an affordable housing policy that is appropriate and realistic for the community. She supported Rl. Alderman Newman noted that this area was originally in the Northeast Historic District and its purpose was to promote single-family homes. They don't need an affordable housing policy to create it and have to do it on a project basis. He agreed with Alderman Kent about "McMansions" and has concerns about single-family homes in the 5`h Ward, which are at -risk because they are in higher density zoning districts that encourage property consolidation. He disagreed with Alderman Kent on this due to the size of the land parcel. His argument was better taken on the Kendall College property, a site of more than three acres. Neighbors there also want Rl. Townhouses don't come in until R4. One part of the equation that does not fit is the marketplace. In a way, it is the same thing going on with the proposed 51' Ward TIF. The marketplace determines everything. Government has a limited ability to affect the marketplace. There is a lot of retail on the west side that is not moving. Can the government create economic incentives to change the view of the marketplace and the amount of dollars the west side will produce in retail? In the area they are talking about, any housing built will be quite expensive. Problems of the middle class cannot be solved with this parcel. Whatever is done there is due to size and Wilmette has already zoned their parcel Rl. If it were changed to R4 and townhouses built, they would sell for $600-800,000. Even if they brought in all kinds of government money, housing there would still be high cost. The marketplace will not build affordable housing here. He thought they have worked hard to maintain the character of Evanston. It was a reason why they did not build the marina and took action on Ridge regarding traffic signals. There has been change in downtown. At the District 65 site there was more potential for affordable housing than at this site and some potential at the Kendall site, but neighbors want single-family homes. Compromises are being discussed. He agreed that more affordable housing is needed. The affordable housing advocates want up -zoning (increased density), which Alderman Kent has opposed. Alderman Kent has raised legitimate points. Alderman Jean -Baptiste asked for clarification of the parcel being too small. Were they discussing areas that are excluded from building affordable housing? Alderman Kent was not for pursing a policy of zoning to preserve high -end housing. People spoke about traffic, the impact of institutions but he did not hear they wanted to maintain high -end housing. Alderman Kent seemed to support opening up the possibility of developers coming and attracting a diverse market, such as school teachers and police officers, those who may not be able to afford a million dollar home. The discussion is aimed at preserving a certain level of high -end quality housing and they are saying what belongs in that area. The market would not allow anything different and the policy has to be consistent with the market. Alderman Bernstein said there are no areas here that are precluded from affordable housing but they have to be realistic about property values, which vary depending on the area. This area is choice with high land values, especially since Wilmette has already zoned their six acres Rl while Evanston's portion is 7/10t' of an acre. To provide affordability on this site, they would have to build a high rise. This Council would never approve a high rise in this residential area. For a developer to cover cost of land acquisition and bring the price points down, they would have to increase density and 12 October 11, 2004 height. He would not vote for that. If they want to build tall, go downtown and leave neighborhoods alone. They have to be realistic about the constraints on this parcel. If they believe in the concept of affordable housing, they (as government officials) have to gather funds so they can purchase land and buy down the cost as they have done in the 2°d and 5th wards. The government subsidizes to get equalization of values. Alderman Bernstein suggested the people Alderman Kent wants to protect were already priced out of the market. Developers want to maximize profits. If they want to subsidize a developer they could probably do that, but he did not know whether it would be affordable to 80% of moderate -income people. It could be affordable to middle income people. The question becomes should they benefit the middle class or the lower income people? He would like to see a true integration in Evanston. There have always been areas here that create diversity and they hope not to lose diversity. This parcel cannot be bought on the cheap. If they up -zone to R7, they would go to a heights of 85-feet. He did not think anybody wanted to build to that height in a neighborhood; want to maintain the character of Evanston's neighborhoods. He knows what Alderman Kent was talking about. There are no free rides, unless they are willing to subsidize the developer, as they have in some instances. This land has a higher value. The housing that was subsidized that sold for $175,000 is not affordable to a lot of residents here. Alderman Tisdahl said there is no area where affordable housing is not welcome here. In this area, if the City had the funds in the budget, they could subsidize the cost of land enough to build a house for $175,000 and she and the neighbors would be happy. The size of this land parcel impacts the economics of it. Nor do they have a policy that tells a developer who buys that land that they must put 10-20% into an affordable housing pot. RI is the appropriate zoning for this parcel. Alderman Newman said some say there is a policy of not having affordable housing, which does not take into consideration the backgrounds of aldermen who support Rl. A better place to talk about affordable housing is the Kendall College site. In the 0 Ward there is a significant amount of affordable housing. He supported the project at 319 Dempster, which is low-income housing because there were millions of federal/state money available for that project. He also has 1900 Sherman, which is low-income senior housing funded by federal/state money as well as Noyes Court. They cannot use HOME or CDBG funds. If they want to do it, they can go to the property tax, bond for it and buy the land. Because the cost of land is so expensive, they get little bang for their buck. They will end up with fewer affordable units at a higher cost. There would be the consequence of a property tax increase. His position is there is no amount of government spending that can change marketplace forces. For 20 years before the 1990s, they tried to redevelop the downtown. There was no interest. The City put in millions, NU put $4 million in a loan and they had a TIF. Three buildings were built and the rest of it laid vacant for years. Nothing was built from 1991 to 1998. Rl is appropriate zoning. He did not think there was anybody who did not want affordable housing throughout the community. Alderman Kent used the term affordable housing in reference to professional people who work in Evanston who cannot afford to live here. He thought there must be some way to make housing available that costs $225,00-350,000. Currently when they go to R1 those people are out. He knows they have never touched the poor and the middle class to some extent. Land is precious here. He asked is $175,000 affordable housing? The $175,000 house was put on a vacant lot. He was not for building up and believes in neighborhood fabric and character. Roll call. Voting aye — Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey. Voting nay — Kent. Motion carried (8-1). Plat of Re -subdivision — 715 Sheridan — Consideration of recommendations from the Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee and the Preservation Commission to approve a plat of re -subdivision for the property at 715 Sheridan. Alderman Wynne moved approval of this item subject to findings. Seconded by Alderman Bernstein. Ms. Szymanski stated that a Plat of Re -Subdivision is a ministerial act. All City departments have signed off on this. This property is in a landmark district, which implicates the Preservation Commission. The standards were not approved by the Preservation Commission. Staff prepared findings that were approved by the P&D Committee. She directed Council to the packet and read into the record the applicable section 2-9-12 (B) The first standard is: "The design of the subdivision, resubdivision or consolidation shall: (a) Preserve, adaptively use, or otherwise protect the landmark, or area, 13 October 11, 2004 property, structure, site or object in the district; The property owner proposes to split her property into two lots, one 90- feet wide lot for the existing structure and one 35-foot wide lot to be used for another single-family detached residence." The 90-foot wide lot size is compatible to the size and mass of the existing residential structure and is in keeping with surrounding residential structures. The proposed subdivision preserves the existing landmark structure and as its lot size will be visually compatible with neighboring properties, the proposed subdivision does not adversely affect the Lakeshore Historic District. The existing landmark at 715 Sheridan will be minimally affected by the subdivision, and it will retain its access to the lake and its view of the water. (b) Provide the location and design of new structures and objects that are visually compatible with the landmark or areas, properties, structures, sites and objects in the district; The Preservation Commission will review the demolition of the existing garage and construction of the new detached single-family residence in accordance with the standards of construction in Section 2-9-9 (B) and 2-9-9 (D) of the Preservation Ordinance, thereby providing assurance that the new structure will meet the location and design requirements of 2-9-12 (B). (c) Not result in blocking or otherwise obstructing, as viewed from a public street or public way, the critical features of the landmark or area, property, structure, site or object in the district. The view of the landmark structure from Sheridan Road will not be blocked or obstructed. The new structure will be set back 210 feet from the front yard properly line and located to the east of the landmark house. The structure on the proposed new lot does not block the view of the landmark structure from the street or the public way. In addition, the new house would be a full story lower than the sidewalk level along Sheridan Road. (d) Preserve and protect the critical features of the streetscape associated with the landmark, or area, property, structure, site or object in the district: The proposed subdivision preserves the existing front yard property line setback of the landmark structure, and maintains the one driveway to service the existing landmark structure and the new house. The view of the landmark structure from Sheridan Road will not be blocked or obstructed. The new structure will be setback 210 feet from the front yard property line and located to the east of the landmark house. The new structure on the proposed new lot does not block the view of the landmark structure from the street or the public way. In addition, the new structure would be a full story lower than the sidewalk level along Sheridan Road. (e) Not adversely affect traffic patterns, Municipal services, adjacent property values, or the general harmony of the District. The one existing driveway will remain as the access for the existing landmark house, and will serve the new house as well. Minimal additional traffic will be generated by the construction of the new house. Both the existing landmark on a smaller lot and the proposed house on a new lot will be provided with adequate Municipal services. Property values of adjacent properties will be maintained or enhanced by the construction of a new structure which would not adversely affect the general harmony of the Lakeshore Historic District in terms of open green space and density. 2. Alteration, construction, demolition and relocation shall be consistent with the Preservation Ordinance Section 2-9-9." Roll call. Voting aye — Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Tisdahl, Rainey. Voting nay — Moran. Motion carried (8-1). OTHER COMMITTEES: Ordinance 103-0-04 - Increasing Compensation of the Mavor - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 103-0-04, which amends the salary level of the Mayor. Alderman Feldman moved introduction. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Alderman Newman pointed out in Robert's Rule of Order the general rule that is not covered in Council's Rules is that the presiding officer shall not participate in deliberations and, if the presiding officer wishes to, he or she must give up the chair. He stated that the process for determining compensation for elected officials is broken. No elected official should suggest appointment of someone to the Compensation Committee who is a friend or close political ally. If they 14 October 11, 2004 want a fair and legitimate process on pay increases, no elected official should suggest a member of such a committee. He asserted the one with the most interest is the Mayor and he never has seen so many communications from the Mayor in 11 years. He has heard that the Mayor plans to run again. He claimed that people don't run for Mayor here because it is too expensive. In many communities they don't have an elected mayor but simply rotate the chair and ribbon cutting duties of the mayor. He could not see why the mayor should be paid more than other elected officials. He stated that Council members do more work than the mayor. He noted in many communities, the mayor is the liquor commissioner. This Council has debated on how effective that commission is. They need a fair and legitimate process for determining compensation. The total increase reaches $50,000 annually. Council has learned in the city manager search that the City will have to pay substantially more to the next city manager. They already know that the budget is $34 million short and may have to raise taxes or cut some where. Elected officials have benefited from health insurance coverage through the years. He suggested a Blue Ribbon Committee be set up that is completely independent. He thought the Council should acknowledge this was not an independent committee. If they raise salaries it should be based on their own reasons. He did not think any of the ordinances should be introduced and the Mayor's salary should be the same as aldermen. Alderman Tisdahl said when the Compensation Committee was created, she suggested former Alderman Engelman because she thought he was qualified. He did not serve to enhance her salary. She agreed that the committee had no way to know about hiring a City Manager's and the salary. She knows no one who works harder than the Mayor and hoped, as she grows older, that she has her energy level. Alderman Jean -Baptiste suggested he should know the background of the aldermen and mayor but heard an underlying attack of corruption. All aldermen were asked to suggest somebody from their ward to serve on this committee. He asked every alderman if they were asked to suggest a name. He suggested Hollis Settles, who attends many Council meetings. Alderman Jean -Baptiste is paid $10,000 annually for his aldermanic work plus medical coverage, for which he pays about $37.50 a month. The committee came back with a recommendation that he pay 100% of the medical premium coverage, which is very high with a proposed salary of $15,000, so his salary would actually go down. Hollis Settles did not get the message to carry Alderman Jean-Baptiste's water and did not know what he was to do. He noted that all try to serve their wards and the City to the best of their ability. Some aldermen have done more, some less. The office is important to respect and honor because they have individuals who give more than they receive. They go to neighborhood meetings, committee meetings, meet with developers and are engaged. Money does not make up for the work they do. His ward is highly diverse racially, economically and ethnically. He has a conflict between youth and the older residents. Alderman Rainey has wrestled the 8t' Ward, which was out of control in great part, to try to turn it around and be a positive section of town. She must be very busy all the time. Here the money paid does not fully compensate aldermen for their time. In Chicago aldermen have paid staff and receive almost $100,000 annually. The office of Mayor is an important office for the whole City and they need to hold it up and preserve it. The Mayor represents the face of Evanston, should be honored and is in every milieu. When a group recommended that the Council be cut from 18 to 9, that was to save money and did not make sense. When they argue over money and corruption, this sum is not significant in a budget of $130 million. They are talking about $50,000 a year. He hoped Council would do what they had to do and that they don't engage in low down and dirty tactics. Alderman Feldman said nobody on Council was paying attention to recommendation of the Compensation Committee. Council should decide what is appropriate. The argument is that this is a small portion of the budget, but they don't have $50,000. The other evening they debated about $900 for training. Council may decide the raises are okay, but they cannot say the raises are insignificant. The question was could they afford to gives raises in these economic times? The aldermanic positions never have paid what they are worth. His criteria on giving raises is whether they can afford them. Alderman Rainey said that Alderman Feldman made a misleading comment. Every single penny spent needs to be discussed whether $900 or $9 million. That $900 was for a worthless program. No one ever objected to spending money for going to conferences. While unfortunate to bring up, that debate had to do with wasting money. If they were concerned about wasting money, they should do more evaluation. The next time they discuss waste, she proposed $1 million a year is wasted at the Township. If they cannot pay alderman a decent salary, that is an embarrassment. Alderman Newman did not think Evanston was like Chicago. There is a higher standard in serving the public interest on letting contracts, etc. It was terrible to compare Evanston to Chicago. He again reiterated that no elected official 15 October 11, 2004 should have suggested someone to serve on the Compensation Committee and he did not single out the Mayor. Those who rejected the invitation made the right decision. He thought that by Alderman Jean-Baptiste's remarks, he wanted a raise. He agreed with the results that Alderman Rainey has brought to the 8t' Ward. He noted that $50,000 is equivalent to another police officer and they have not raised the number of sworn officers in some time due to budgetary pressures. The choice is raise the aldermanic salary or protect the citizens. If they wanted a truly independent committee, none of them should have suggested someone to serve. He disagreed with Alderman Tisdahl that Steve Engelman was independent and said he is a political person. He discussed criticizing officer holders and that it was not denigrating the office. He thought the Mayor was a strong person and their equal. He has to handle criticism. A former township official took a shot at him in a letter and had every right to do it. He asked why people who hold public office could not be criticized? He claimed he was trying to build up the office. He has a right to criticize a process that he thought was wrong. In his opinion, the appointment of the committee was wrong. He thought that people who suggested appointees acted in good faith and those who agreed to be on the Compensation Committee were fine people. Alderman Jean -Baptiste said that he spoke about himself and how he felt. He talked about all the elected positions. Alderman Newman is a great leader and needed. He did not want anybody to think he suggested somebody who was there to get him a raise. The committee was independent and did not think they could give alderman a significant raise but that they give some back on medical insurance. Alderman Newman would not harm Evanston because he has given so much. He asked if they really had a broken process. If so, where is the proof? He understood there were some concerns He suggested that several months ago they could have discussed this and had a different process. The discussion was not about two aldermen or the mayor but about all of them. The message that should go out was the process was fair and some aldermen did not suggest appointees. Good upstanding citizens carried out this assignment and worked hard. He mentioned Chicago because Evanston alderman put in a lot of time to serve the community. People should not conclude this committee was set up to fill their pockets. He urged they put the best interests of the City forward. The ordinance was marked introduced. Mayor Morton stated that members of the Compensation Committee were recommended by Council members and the Township Assessor, Township Supervisor and the City Clerk also. In the past, City Council mandated that there be a Compensation Committee. Perhaps in the future, they may want to rescind this. She thought its members had worked hard on their recommendation except in the area of other benefits. What she has suggested to the Council was reasonable for the Council and the community. CALL OF THE WARDS: 91h Ward. No report. lst Ward. Alderman Newman reported plenty of activity in the area of NU. The university had officers on the street, yet there continues to be noise and garbage on the streets and neighbors call him about problems. He suggested the university put more resources into their police department. The NU police chief told him they would hire additional personnel and he appreciated that effort. He spoke about the debate on the marina at the Human Services Committee and noted that Alderman Moran had a strong belief that $11 million was available from the federal government. If they studied it, the money would come. He suggested that process was broken. They did not have the press digging out the facts. Before the meeting they found out that federal money was not coming, so people got the wrong impression from the newspaper. Congresswoman Schakowsky's office should have been contacted. Part of the problem is they are not proactive to get it right. Federal money is not available. Alderman Moran has led efforts to down zone in his ward and support development in other parts of town that impact neighborhoods. Regarding the Compensation Committee, he would prefer to change the ordinance. People on the committee were fine, hard working, upstanding people and well intended, just the wrong people. He was sure some felt some pressure from elected officials. Again, he urged that the committee be independent. He alleged that the City Clerk and Township Assessor had lobbied for an increase in compensation. 16 2°d Ward. No report. 3rd Ward. No report. October 1 l , 2004 41h Ward. Alderman Bernstein made a reference to the P&D Committee that the homeless shelter expands the review to every five vears instead of every vear. Seconded by Alderman Kent. 51hWard. Alderman Kent did not speak on compensation. He knows Mr. Settles and former Alderman Engelman, who served on the committee. He voted "no" because the job was not created to pay them for what they do, but for public service. He said lots of work has been done on disorderly houses. He referred to a party house that is usually in an apartment. Adults are out and liquor is served at times. Sometimes there are 75-100 kids. When there is a disturbance, the kids are kicked out into the streets. He has spoken to the Police Department about this. In other areas, a large group of kids gathers and attacks somebody who happens to be on the streets. It is called wilding. He said these parties rotate around so when police arrive, it takes them a while to find the place they came from. 6th Ward. No report. 71h Ward. Alderman Tisdahl thanked Donna Stuckert for doing an excellent job of getting information on the McCormick Blvd. project on the web. 8th Ward. Alderman Rainey reported that a meeting was held October 21 to discuss renovation of the Levinson Tot Lot. That evening the Oakton Historic District was referred to Preservation Commission. She hoped it would be well publicized so the community could attend. There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Morton adjourned the meeting at 12:33 a.m. Mary P. Morris, City Clerk A videotape recordin¢ of this meetin¢ has been made hart of the permanent record and is available in the Citv Clerk's office.