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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01_12_04_ccCITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL - PRESENT: A Quorum was present. NOT PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: ABSENT: PRESIDING: Alderman Newman Alderman Jean -Baptiste Alderman Bernstein Aldermen Wynne, Kent, Rainey Alderman Feldman Mayor Lorraine H. Morton January 12, 2004 Alderman Moran Alderman Tisdahl The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton Monday, January 12, 2004, at 6:07 p.m. in the Aldermanic Library. Alderman Bernstein moved that Council convene into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing matters related to real estate and closed session minutes pursuant to 51LCS Section 120/2 (c) (5), (6), and (21). Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste. (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. (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 — Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Bernstein, Moran, Tisdahl. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (5-0). At 6:35 p.m. Alderman Bernstein moved to reconvene into Open Session and recess. Seconded by Alderman Jean - Baptiste. Motion carried. No nays. Mayor Morton reconvened the City Council at 9:06 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. Special recognition of Reverend John Norwood Police Chief Frank Kaminski stated they were honoring the Reverend John Norwood, who was retiring as senior police chaplain at the Evanston Police Department. Reverend Norwood has been pastor at Mt. Zion Baptist Church for the past 27 years and involved in the community in many ways. He has been instrumental at Family Focus and has a special love for young people and senior citizens. In June 2002 he received the National Jefferson Award in Washington, D.C. for his public service to this community. Reverend Norwood has served the Evanston Police Department for the past 20 years. In the 1980s he was part of a group that started the Police Department's Clergy Team. The purpose of that group was to meet regularly to look at issues and problems that confronted the police as well as their congregations. It was a way to open communications between both groups. In 1996 Reverend Norwood further developed this concept into a full police chaplain program for the Police Department and was named the first Senior Chaplain. Chaplains volunteer their time and resources to serve victims, residents and police officers and to offer comfort to families through counseling, food, shelter and outreach. It is valuable resource to the Police Department and helps them reach their goals. After 20 years, this organization is better because of his service. He is retiring for a well deserved rest and Rabbi Dov Klein will assume the role of Senior Chaplain. Reverend Norwood was honored at a ceremony at the Police Department that afternoon where he was presented with his retirement star. Rabbi Klein recognized fellow chaplains Reverend Kate Guistolise and Major Reverend Alberto Rapley. He noted a great sage once said, "that it was nice to be important but more important to be nice." Reverend Norwood personifies 2 January 12, 2004 nice, a man of integrity and someone they can truly rely on. He is a person any police officer can open up to for counsel, advice, guidance and direction. He volunteers his time and energy to be there for community members at a time of crisis; aids officers in a variety of ways and never asks for anything in return. He is a man with a mission, who sets goals and gets them accomplished. He never backs down from that which he knows is right, even though his position may be unpopular because he is a man of truth and a man of God. He recalled a homicide where a young man was shot and killed on a Saturday night. Reverend Norwood was called to the hospital where 70-80 friends of the victim came to see their friend one last time. They were upset and angry -- Reverend Norwood encouraged and comforted them. Rabbi Klein said that for the past 19 years he has worked with Reverend Norwood, who had been an unbelievable mentor to him. He taught him how to communicate with the community and police officers. He noted that Reverend Norwood's Southern Hospitality is legendary. During Police Appreciation Month they put on a dinner for officers/staff and there is always lots of food. Reverend Norwood is often asked where he bought the food and he always says he made it all. He said the best word to describe John Norwood, for which there is no translation, is "mensch" a gentleman, somebody who is kind to others and a real human being. He said his friendship and leadership would be missed. All wished him God's best in the coming years and an enjoyable retirement. He asked him not to be a stranger but to continue communication and friendships. Everyone appreciates all that he has done and thanked him. Mayor Morton spoke to Reverend Norwood recalling several accolades he has received. Since she has known him for a long time, she thought the community should know that he made contributions here that only the recipients of his generosity knew about. He has been a tremendous asset in this community. When people who had not lived particularly honorable lives died, he opened the doors to the church to them; recalled when he became a farmer and planted a garden beside the church. With all those in the private sector who have honored him, she was pleased that through the Evanston Police Department the City has an opportunity to honor him also. She said he was the man who was sent by the side of the road and watched the races of men go by and he said "I would not sit in the scorner's seat ... but let me live in my house by the side of the road and be a friend to man." Mayor Morton presented the Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Reverend John Norwood for over of 20 years of dedicated service, especially for developing and implementing Evanston's first Police Clergy Team. Reverend Norwood thanked all. When he came to Evanston there was an incident between a police officer and a young black boy and the officer used great restraint. He then met with Police Chief McCue and praised the officer for his patience and kindness in a situation that could have been explosive. Chief McCue thanked him for telling him about an officer who did what was right. Usually he heard what an officer did was wrong. When that occurred, Reverend Norwood knew he wanted to work with the Police Department, to do what he could. Today, as he leaves, he is gratified that Evanston has a police chief who put community policing into effect. He respects the officers and allows them to do their work. Chief Kaminski always gave his word and would never change. He (Reverend Norwood) inherited his stubbornness and his commitment and belief, if right stick to it. If one has a conviction there is a price to pay and pay it with a smile. He thanked Chief Kaminski for helping him to be steadfast in decision making. He stated he has appeared before the City Council many times, a great group that gives far more time than he does. He was proud that Evanston is one of the few certified police departments in the nation, which means they have undergone rigorous tests from national specialists. At the first national meeting they attended, they made changes that persons of ethnic origins and different races with different dietary habits had food to eat at the convention and signaled them as being part of the group. All chaplains are nationally certified. Rabbi Klein and he have taught chaplains at the international conference. They will celebrate Rabbi Klein's leadership for training and he asked for their support. He recalled that he introduced the first woman member of the Rotary Club, Diane Penney. At that time, it was not popular but it was the right thing to do. One of the first women on the chaplain team was Reverend Kate Guistolise. He felt that all of God's children ought to be able to exercise their gifts. They have a great chaplain in Ms. Guistolise. Both men and women serve on God's squad. He leaves knowing that, in the event of an accident or crisis, there is no religion where chaplains cannot get in touch with someone of that faith. He said wherever he hears a siren, sees an officer he will always think of the Council and Mr. Crum (one of the finest you can find anywhere). The choices they have made painted a picture in his heart and life. He'll pray for peace and joy for all, happiness and success and that they will be change agents wherever their presence is seen or love is felt. He thanked members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church for coming. January 12, 2004 Mr. Crum expressed special thanks to Reverend Norwood from the manager's staff for his extra help in the community and for being a friend. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Public Works Director David Jennings announced that due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, refuse and recycling pickups would be collected on different days. Recycling would be collected on regular pickup days Monday -Thursday. Refuse collection would be moved back and picked up Tuesday -Friday. Parks/Forestry & Recreation Director Doug Gaynor reminded residents that recycling of Christmas trees would continue through January 26; asked residents to place trees on the parkway, not wrapped and stripped of all decorations. Mayor Morton stated that aldermen have been going overboard to accommodate constituents who come to standing committees and want to speak. She said the Council has rules under which they operate and are duty-bound to follow them. One rule states: "Regular Council meetings shall commence at 8:30 p.m. unless otherwise provided in the posted City Council agenda." She wanted people to know that while the committee meetings are going on and holding the aldermen, there are others in the Council chamber waiting who have come for the 8:30 p.m. meeting and others at home are watching on cable TV. She wanted the community to know the rule and if there is anyway they can do anything they want to be fair to those who come to committee meetings and to the public. There are those who do not come to City Council because they stay home to watch it and if it does not come on when expected they have to question whether that is an injustice. She understood at the P&D Committee meeting that evening, the aldermen paced the meeting to deal with issues but because there was a heavy agenda, it took more time. She asked for the cooperation of all. D a ►]Tf i 111►1 [WI�1 ["L 3 City Clerk Mary Morris reported receiving Northwestern University's request for renewal of the Clean Air Act permit for its facility at 2020 Ridge Avenue from the Illinois EPA. People wanting more information may obtain copies of the draft permit and project summary at the Illinois EPA offices at 9511 Harrison St., Des Plaines, or by calling (847) 294- 4000. Comments must be postmarked by midnight January 17, 2004. Ms. Morris reported receiving in late December petitions signed by some 250 residents who oppose the planned development and unique use for 1314 Ridge Avenue. The petitions were forwarded to Community Development Director James Wolinski. City Clerk Morris announced that applications to vote absentee by mail in the March 16 Primary Election are available at the Clerk's office. Call (847) 866-2925 to have an application sent. The City Clerk's office will be open three Saturdays (January 31 and February 7 and 14) from 9:00 a.m. to noon to accommodate persons who have moved, changed their name since their last registration or who have never been registered. The last day to register for the upcoming Primary Election is Tuesday, February 17. CITIZEN COMMENT: Bettv Ester. 1806 Grey Ave., spoke about Ordinances 1-0-04, 2-0-04 and 3-0-04, which deal with the redevelopment project under the TIF at Howard Street. She asked that language be placed in the TIF ordinance that there be a set aside of 25% of residential units that are created within this TIF or any future TIF that is created for families and individuals who are at or below 60% of the area median income. She further requested that a trust fund be set up to assist residents in the form of a low income loan to be used by residents whose income is at or below 80% of the median income. By doing this they will be addressing affordable housing needs. This development is in a CDBG target area. This set -aside and trust fund would be a great benefit to those residents. She said it is the right thing to do. Larry Biondi, 2040 Brown Ave., a member of the Evanston Americans with Disabilities Act Advisory Committee and an Evanston resident with a disability, asked Council to grant $85,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding for the Accessibility Curb Ramp Program in Evanston. The CDBG funds that the committee approved for FY 2003 helped to improve the condition of curb cuts/sidewalks in Evanston. However, additional improvements to existing curb 4 January 12, 2004 cuts must be done. Several weeks ago, he broke his front right wheel fork trying to go up the northeast curb cut on McCormick/Emerson because it is deep. There are many more curb cuts like this in Evanston that need to be corrected. He has documented most of them and forwarded the list to Alisa Dean, Department of Health & Human Services. Mary Friedl. 1313 Cleveland St., agreed with Larry Biondi's comments. She thanked them for funds received last year. She said if there are no curb cuts, their only recourse is to go into the streets and that people don't realize how dangerous streets are. She stated these funds could save their lives. Mr. Crum said that curb cuts are important and appreciated the comments; stated that Public Works Director David Jennings reported they will spend $100,000 on curb/sidewalk cuts. Health & Human Services Director Jay Terry reported the new inclusion specialist came on board that day. CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Kent moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: Application for Appeal — 904 Hinman Ave., Ordinance 5-0-04 — Planned Development — 1100 Clark/1719 Ridge; Ordinance 7-0-04 — Zoning Map Amendment: Rezoning of Kendall College; Ordinance 110-0-03 — Vacant/Boarded Building Ordinance; and Ordinance 111-0-03 — Special Use for 3330 Central St. (Starbucks). Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Roll call. Voting aye — Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (8-0). * ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of December 15, 2003. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: * Approval, as recommended, of the City of Evanston payroll for the periods ending December 18, 2003 and December 31, 2003 the City of Evanston bills for the period ending January 13, 2004 that those be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston payroll (through 12/18/03) $2,261,857.00 City of Evanston payroll (through 12/31/03) $1,982,785.42 City of Evanston bills (through 1/13/04) $1,840,100.43 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the extension of the contract with Groot Recycling and Waste Services, Inc. for recycling services at an estimated cost of $53,296/month (adjusted annually by the CIP and monthly by the number of units served). APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid from SBC Data Comm for Cisco hardware, software and Smartnet for the City Fiber Optic Project at a cost of $360,613.37. (Funding: $179,10 from E-911 Fund; $181,513.37 from City Network Infrastructure of the CIP budget.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0). * Resolution 3-R-04 — Agreement with Uganda Children's Charitv Foundation — Consideration of proposed Resolution 3-R-04, which authorizes the City Manager to sign an agreement for $30,000 with the Uganda Children's Charity Foundation to provide concerts and programs for the City's 2004 Black History Celebration; and accepts donations from Fleetwood-Jourdain Art Guild and Advisory Board to help offset the cost. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) January 12, 2004 * Ordinance 6-0-04 — Sublease for Peter Jans Golf Course — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 6-0-04, which authorizes the City Manager to execute a sublease with the Evanston -Wilmette Golf Course Assn., Inc. for Peter Jans Golf Course. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: * Housine Rehabilitation Loan Guidelines — Consideration of a recommendation to amend the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Guidelines to include condominiums within the guidelines. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Reauest for Mavor's Special Housing Fundine — Consideration of a recommendation of the Housing Commission to approve a request for $28,000 from the Mayor's Special Housing Fund from the Evanston Housing Coalition for a construction loan to rehab a rental home in preparation for sale to an income -eligible household. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Ordinance 4-0-04 — Special Use — 824 Emerson Drive-Throueh — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 4-0-04, which approves a recommendation to grant a special use and major variation for a drive -through facility at 824 Emerson (First Bank of Evanston). * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA OTHER COMMITTEES: * Resolution 1-R-04 — Reallocation of Unspent CDBG Funds — Consideration of proposed Resolution 1-R-04, which amends the 1996, 1997, 2002 and 2003 Community Development Block Grant Programs and authorizes reallocation of unexpended funds from those program years. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Resolution 2-R-04 — Adopting the Citv's 2004-05 CDBG. HOME Investment Partnerships and Emergencv Shelter Grants Program Budgets — Consideration of proposed Resolution 2-R-04, which adopts the City's 2004-05 CDBG, HOME Investment Partnerships and Emergency Shelter Grants program budgets and approves the One -Year Action Plan for FY 2004-05. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Ordinance 1-0-04 — Tax Increment Redevelopment Plan & Proiect/Howard & Ridge — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 1-0-04, which approves a Tax Increment Redevelopment Plan & Redevelopment Project for the Howard & Ridge redevelopment area. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 2-0-04 — Designation Howard & Ridge Redevelopment Proiect Area a Redevelopment Proiect Area — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 2-0-04, which designates the Howard & Ridge redevelopment project area of Evanston as a Redevelopment Project Area pursuant to the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 3-0-04 — Adop_ tine Tax Increment Financing Allocation — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 3-0-04, which adopts tax increment allocation financing for the Howard & Ridge redevelopment project area. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton asked that the following appointments be introduced: William Siegfriedt Energy Commission 2415 Colfax St. James G. Woods Plan Commission January 12, 2004 2436 Central Park Ave. Alexander H. Perry Sign Review & Appeals Board 1461 Ashland Ave. Mayor Morton asked that the following reappointment be introduced: Lawrence Widmayer Plan Commission 2525 Wellington Ct. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: Mayor Morton asked that they convene as Township Trustees to vote on Township bills. Trustee Newman moved approval. Seconded by Trustee Wynne. * Approval of Township Bills — Consideration of a recommendation to approve the Township bills, payroll and medical payments for the month of December 2003 in the amount of $90,446.87. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: ADDlication for Anneal — 904 Hinman Ave. — Consideration of staff recommendation for the committee to hear the appeal by owner of 904 Hinman Ave., and then recommend to the Council acceptance or denial of the appeal, regarding placement of steel casement windows without Certificate of Appropriateness or building permit. Alderman Newman reported the committee recommended the City Council accept (hear) the appeal and asked that it be referred back to the committee. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried, no nays. Ordinance 5-0-04 — Planned Development — 1100 Clark/l719 Ridge — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 5-0-04, which approves the recommendation of the Plan Commission to adopt the planned development for the property at Clark/Ridge/Oak and an alley into a multi -family residential complex. Alderman Newman asked that this item be marked introduced and referred back to the committee. He reported a meeting would be held with Alderman Jean -Baptiste, neighbors and the developer to go over some fine points. Ordinance 7-0-04 — Zoning Map Amendment: Rezoning of Kendall College — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 7-0-04, which approves a recommendation of the Plan Commission to rezone the area bounded by Sherman, Lincoln, Orrington and Colfax from U1 to Rl. Alderman Newman reported the committee recommended introduction on a vote of 4-1. He asked that this item be marked introduced and referred back to the committee. Ordinance 110-0-03 — Vacant and Boarded Building Ordinance — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 110-0-03, introduced November 24, 2003, regarding vacant and boarded buildings. Alderman Newman reported that this item was held in committee. Ordinance 111-0-03 — SDecial Use for 3330 Central St. (Starbucks) — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 111-0-03, introduced December 15, 2003, which approves a recommendation of the ZBA January 12, 2004 to grant a special use for a Type 2 Restaurant with drive -through window (Starbucks) at 3330 Central. Alderman Newman moved approval of a substitute ordinance dated 1/12/04. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Roll call. Voting aye — Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (8-0). Alderman Newman announced a Special Planning & Development Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 20, at 7:30 p.m. He added that the Special City Council meeting about the Robert Crown Center for Wednesday, January 14 would not be held. CALL OF THE WARDS: 1" Ward. Alderman Newman paid respects to Fran Randall, who recently passed away; stated she was a strong advocate for the Levy Senior Center and worked with the committee that came up with the location and design. He was glad that she lived to see the center built. He reported over the past three weeks many people have told him how fabulous downtown Evanston is and that the City is headed in the right direction. He knows there is an important project on Sherman they hope to get underway soon, but even though there are some problems people notice how well they are doing. 2°d Ward. No report. 3rd Ward. Alderman Wynne announced that the Plan Commission would meet Wednesday evening to discuss the corner of Main/Chicago, where there is a moratorium, to try and improve what is there now. She urged all to attend. 41h Ward. Alderman Bernstein wished all a happy, healthy new year and asked that they reflect on the Christmas spirit and go forward with it throughout the year. He thanked Reverend Norwood for all his service to the City. He was proud to know him and call him a friend. He reported another chaplain, Father Oldershaw is recovering from surgery and wished him Godspeed. He reported a reference from the P&D Committee resiardine a notice reauirement for a buildine_ permit. Presently there is none. The committee wants an analvsis made when buildine permits are pulled. 5thWard. Alderman Kent urged people to attend the events that benefit the Uganda Children's Foundation in celebration of Black History month. He congratulated Reverend Norwood and praised Mayor Morton for her accolades. 6th Ward. Alderman Moran said the program involving the Uganda Children's Charity Foundation is a remarkable group known throughout the country that will have several programs in Evanston. They will have an event February 14, at 8:00 p.m. at ETHS. He encouraged all to attend. One of the points is wellness and to give consideration to the AIDS epidemic in Africa that Americans need to be concerned about. He thanked Terraco for their persistence at 3330 Central Street; noted they owned the lot for 2'h years with no return on their investment. There were some misgivings about Starbuck's in the beginning but many of the objections have been assuaged. For many who were skeptical in the past, he thought this would be a positive development. He thanked the P&D Committee for their fastidious attention to the proposed revisions to the bulk requirements for RI zoning in the 6th Ward; noted they had committed substantial time to this on December 15 and at a special meeting January 6, which was well attended with a fascinating discussion. He thanked the committee for setting another meeting on January 20 at 7:30 p.m. He said Council approved the fiber optic project that evening that could very well be completed by the end of the year and will return great benefits to the City and connect all City buildings. He thanked all who worked to make this happen and to colleagues and partners at Northwestern University. January 12, 2004 He thanked Reverend Norwood and congratulated him for his service. He admires him and found his remarks touching as well as those of others who spoke. 7th Ward. Alderman Tisdahl reported being in church on Sunday and the minister was talking about how all should treat one another and his shining example was the Collector's office in the Civic Center to buy a City sticker. 8th Ward. Alderman Rainey congratulated Reverend Norwood, a truly nice man. She said the death of Fran Randall was a great loss. Even when ill, she continued to raise funds for the Levy Senior Center. She thanked Sally Lufkin, Grants Administrator; Aldermen Jean -Baptiste; Bernstein; Kent and citizen members of the CDBG Committee for their hard work this year. She thought the allocations were thoughtful and, as usual, wished they had more money. To Larry Biondi, this year CDBG gave $80,000 and staff knows how to stretch that into $85,000. She said the Economic Development Committee and staff have been supportive of the Ridge/Howard TIF, which seemed to drag on longer than others. She wanted them to know how appreciated this TIF is. On Wednesday evening a huge project will come to the Plan Commission for the 400 block of Howard Street, which will be the first new major construction east of Ridge Avenue south of Oakton in 30-40 years. It will be a rental building and will require a planned unit development. The project is complex and she encouraged them to watch it carefully. She said it will be built on a vacant lot, so nobody will be displaced. She said the developer is fabulous and noted that more than 200 rental units would be added to the housing stock. She was excited about it and encouraged all to attend the Plan Commission meeting. 91h Ward. No report. There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn. The Council so moved at 10:14 p.m. Mary P. Morris, City Clerk A videotape recording of this meeting has been made Dart of the permanent record and is available in the Citv Clerk's office.