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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03_22_04_ccCITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL - PRESENT: A Quorum was present. ABSENT: PRESIDING: Alderman Moran Alderman Tisdahl Alderman Rainey Alderman Feldman None Mayor Lorraine H. Morton March 22, 2004 Alderman Newman Alderman Jean -Baptiste Alderman Wynne Alderman Bernstein Alderman Kent The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton Monday, March 22, 2004, at 6:17 p.m. in the Aldermanic Library. Alderman Bernstein moved that Council convene into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing matters related to litigation, personnel and closed session minutes pursuant to 5ILCS Section 120/2 (c) (1) and (21). Seconded by Alderman Feldman. (1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee to determine its validity. (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 — Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0). At 7:05 p.m. Mayor Morton adjourned the closed session. Mayor Morton reconvened the City Council meeting at 8:45 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. ANNOUNCEMENTS: City Manager Roger Crum announced that yard waste pickups would resume Monday, March 29 and that street cleaning would begin April 1. Mayor Morton proclaimed April 2004 National Child Abuse Prevention Month Presentation General Obligation Bonds Finance Director Bill Stafford announced John Peterson from Legg Mason was present to answer questions. Bond Ordinance 39-0-04 calls for issuance of $24 million in bonds with $13.5 million for capital improvements and $12 million for refinancing part of the 1997 bonds. They will do part because those coupons that are the highest give the City the threshold which is 3% savings on the par value, which allows them to refund those bonds. The sale is negotiated and the bonds are fixed rate. He said the interest rate market is incredibly low, so it is an advantageous time for the City to issue bonds. There will be $4 million for CIP projects for fiscal 2004-05. Last year $2.5 million was issued for the $6.5 million. There is another $1.5 million for special assessments — alleys. $3 million for the Sewer Fund for contract 9B. $1 million for CIP sewer projects and $4 million for CIP water projects. This also relates to the Insurance Fund. They will use balances of funds the City already has for CIP, replace those funds with CIP dollars and move those into the Insurance Fund. $4 million will be moved from the Sewer Fund and Water Fund. The $8 million could all be used if needed for the Insurance Fund. This will not affect any sewer or water rates and takes advantage of cash balances in those funds. On the 1997 refunding of about $12 million, the benchmark they have used gets at least 3% of the par value savings and he believes they will achieve that. The number is about 4%, which would give a savings of at least $400,000. That number will be reported at the next Council meeting. Resolution 15-R-04 is a budget policy that would increase the City's self-imposed debt limit from $85 million to $90 million. Last year they voted to increase the debt level from March 22, 2004 $75 million to $85 million. Aldermen requested more information at the A&PW Committee meeting and how Evanston compares to other cities. Staff believes the City is in good shape and this will not affect the City's bond Aaa rating. They believe this is a natural effect of doing more capital improvements. They plan to sell the bonds after April 13 and go to the market in mid -April. This sale will be coordinated through Legg Mason as the last three bond sales have been. The funding for the bonds was included in the debt service portion of the tax levy, which was approved by Council and within the guidelines of the approved budget. COMMUNICATIONS: City Clerk Mary Morris announced that the next City Council meeting would be three weeks from tomorrow, Tuesday, April 13, and that it would be preceded by the Annual Town Meeting. Township Supervisor Patricia Vance has provided a 2003-2004 Treasurer's Report on the Township and it is available in the City Clerk's office. CITIZEN COMMENT: Junad Rizki, 2784 Sheridan Rd., found it interesting that the City would take money from the Water Fund and use it for something else instead of reducing the water rate for taxpayers. He recalled someone wanted to debate the repair or replacement of the Civic Center. He had obtained documents about the Civic Center and found something he has said all along. A consultant suggested possibly privatizing the Health Department, that maybe it is not a Civic Center use. He also suggested there were too many receptionist type employees in the building. Removing the Health Department from the Civic Center eliminates almost one-third of the space. He found it interesting that Council wanted to debate the public on these issues. He wanted to debate but was not sure Council wanted to give the public correct information. He noted discussions about Robert Crown Center for over a year mentioned that the building was unsound structurally. He said there never was a report that said the center was falling down. He found in a report on Robert Crown there were a few hundred thousand dollars in structural problems to the building, yet some want to replace it at a cost of $10-15 million. He wanted to know how they could have an honest debate when they are not dealing with facts. He suggested there was a lot of politics here that is not in the public interest. Janet Otwell. 2750 Hurd Ave., represented the Evanston League of Women Voters, which proposed establishing a citizens' advisory committee for the process of hiring a new City manager. The League has long supported the City - Manager form of government and citizen participation in the process of government. The League feels that a citizen perspective would be valuable in interviewing the final candidates for the job. A broad -based citizen group could meet and discuss Evanston's community values and vision and prospective candidates could get a sense of important issues and the fabric of Evanston. The advisory group would be comprised of people from various groups such as neighborhood organizations, businesses, the education community, not -for -profits, library and the arts community. Mimi Peterson, 748 Wesley Ave., said that Evanston property owners have suffered through property taxes increases annually since 1998. Last year's increase of 6.5% raised a theoretical property owner's $8,000 tax bill by slightly less than $100. This translates to an increase of $700 or 26.44% over the past five years and she was referring only to the City's portion of the tax bill. In 2003, Council increased the City's debt limit to $85 million and that had a direct impact on the deficit this year, hence a 4% increase in debt service. At the time she asked how that would affect the deficit this year. Last year she was strongly opposed to issuing $60 million in bonds over five years: $12 million for the first five years and $8 million thereafter due to the increased debt which was proposed to be raised to $100 million. She was concerned that Resolution 15-R-04, to increase the debt limit, has not been discussed publicly and suggested it be held over. Ordinance 39-0-04 recommends $12 million be issued in bonds with an additional $1.5 million for special assessments and alleys. She stated this would be a hardship for taxpayers who have not had the opportunity to adjust their budgets from the 6.85% increase of which 4% was for servicing the debt last year for this year. Last year, as this year, staff can say that was included in the budget they just passed. Last year she asked how this would affect the regular budget process and was answered by the 4% increase in debt service portion of the levy. The problem is that taxpayers take a hit with an increase in the General Fund and debt service. What consideration has been given to the per capita increase in debt that is now over $1,400 per person? It seemed to her that just because the opportunity exists for the City to increase the amount of property tax supported bonds it can issue, does not make that a prudent financial decision. While some residents may be at a high wealth level, many thousands have a low or moderate income and increased taxes due to the debt service may have serious consequences for residents who want to remain in Evanston. Council minutes March 22, 2004 of April 21 and May 7, 2003, indicate that staff said this was a one-time increase and the concern of citizens was unfounded and misinformed. She stated the truth is this is second of many years of issuing the amount of bonded indebtedness. The action taken last year and this has set them on an irrevocable course for future years and will commit them to borrowing. At this point they have already sealed the deal and taxpayers have to pay. The mechanism used last year and proposed again this year is to swap monies in funds with cash balances to move money into the Insurance Fund. She understood staff is still trying to avoid judgment bonds. There has been no truth in budgeting; no discussion among Council members about the increase of the debt limit and that it could have an opposite and adverse effect on the City's Aaa bond rating. While Moody's does not like to see large amounts of legal liability, they cannot ignore the amount of debt the City has incurred over the past three years. The country is in an economic down turn with no guarantee that revenues will rise substantially to offset the rising expenditures. She noted no discussion in the Budget Committee or elsewhere about the 4% debt service levy to continue the strategy of issuing $12 million annually which carries with it an annual increase in debt service of 4%. Can they expect next year to see the debt limit raised to $100 million. She asked that there be a public hearing on the issue of increasing property taxes by another 4% and raising the debt service by another $10 million. CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: Resolution 15-R-04 — Amending the City of Evanston Budget Policy; Ordinance 40-0-04 — Special Use for 2401 Brummel Pl. (Religious Institution); and Ordinance; 23-0-04 — Special Use for 1168 Dodge Ave. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Roll call. Voting aye — Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0). * ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 8, 2004. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: * Approval, as recommended, of the City of Evanston payroll for the period ending March 11, 2004 and the City of Evanston bills for the period ending March 23, 2004 that those be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston payroll (through 3/11/04) $1,883,041.46 City of Evanston bills (through 3/23/04) $3,765,663.36 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of Becker Arena Products, Inc. for an ice resurfacing machine for Robert Crown Center at a cost of $68,150, including two-year warranty and delivery. (Funded through Fleet Services Capital Outlay account.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the State of Illinois low bid of Bob Ridings, Inc. for two 2004 Dodge Dakota pickup trucks for Public Works in the amount of $40,894, including delivery, service manual and seven-year warranty. (Funded through Fleet Services Capital Outlay account.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the State of Illinois low bid of Dennison Corp. for a total of six Ford one -ton pickup and dump trucks and one half -ton dump trucks (two for Public Works, four for Parks/Forestry & Recreation) in the amount of $244,869.10, including delivery and seven-year/60,000-mile warranty (on the two pickup trucks). (Funded through Fleet Services Capital Outlay account.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) March 22, 2004 * Approval of the State of Illinois low bid of Bob Ridings, Inc. for one 2004 Ford F250 utility body pickup truck for Facilities Management in the amount of $34,929, including delivery, and five-year/75,000-mile warranty. (Funded through Fleet Services Capital Outlay account.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the Northwest Municipal Conference low bid of Currie Motors for 16 police package 2004 Ford Crown Victoria sedan vehicles, including warranty and delivery, at a cost of $381,915. (Funded through Fleet Services Capital Outlay account.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the rental (with option to buy) of one 40-ton per hour snow melter from SES Inc. at a cost of $15,000/month with four month minimum for use next winter. (Funding is Snow & Ice Removal Account in General Fund.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the annual rental of a loader and excavator for sand removal at the Church Street boat ramp from Steve's Equipment Service, the second lowest responsive and responsible bidder, for the Recreation Division at a cost of $18,462. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of Change Order #1 for EJ Equipment Inc. in the amount of $7,529, for various modifications to the Vac -Con Model V2111LHAE/1300 and International 7400 Cab -Chassis, a sewer cleaning truck for the Sewer Division. (Funded through Fleet Services Capital Outlay account.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of Change Order #1 for DiPaolo Co., for Phase X, Contract A, Relief Sewer Project, increasing the cost by $86,423, from $9,960,000 to $10,046,423, and extending the contract by 14 calendar days. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of Change Order #5 for DiPaolo Co., for Phase VI, Contract C, Relief Sewer Project, decreasing the cost by $316,953.19, from $5,354,547.92 to $5,037,594.73, and extending the contract by 124 calendar days. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of Change Order #1 for Glenbrook Excavating & Concrete Inc., for Phase VIII, Contract B, Relief Sewer Project. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of Contract Extension #1 to Super Trucking Inc. for a contract extension with minimal price increases for debris removal for the Water & Sewer and Streets divisions. (Funded in the Water & Sewer and Street divisions operating budgets.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) ■ ■ ■ ■ * Ordinance 39-0-04 — Providing for the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 39-0-04, which provides for the issuance of its annual CIP bond issue, Series 2004, consisting of $13.5 million in CIP funds and $12 million in bonds to refund Series 1997 bonds. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Rainey moved to Suspend the Rules to adopt Ordinances 32-0-04, 33-0-04 and 34-0-04 at the meeting in which they were introduced. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Rainey moved approval of the three referenced ordinances. Seconded by Alderman Moran. * Ordinance 32-0-04 — Special Assessment #1468 — Allev Paving North of Livingston St.. East of Woodbine Ave. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 32-0-04, introduced March 22, 2004, which authorizes the paving of the alley north of Livingston St., east of Woodbine Ave., through the Special Assessment process. Roll call. Voting aye — Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0). March 22, 2004 * Ordinance 33-0-04 — Snecial Assessment #1472 — Allev Paving North of Greenleaf St.. East of Dodge Ave. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 33-0-04, introduced March 22, 2004, which authorizes the paving of the alley north of Greenleaf St., east of Dodge Ave., through the Special Assessment process. Roll call. Voting aye — Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0). * Ordinance 34-0-04 — Special Assessment #1475 — Allev Paving North of Main St.. East of McDaniel Ave. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 34-0-04, introduced March 22, 2004which authorizes the paving of the alley north of Main St., east of McDaniel Ave., through the Special Assessment process. Roll call. Voting aye — Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0). * Ordinance 43-0-04 — Decrease in Class C Liauor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 43-0-04, which decreases Class C liquor licenses from 20 to 19 per the sale of Jacky's Bistro by Jacky's Bistro Inc., 2545 Prairie Ave. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 44-0-04 — Increase in Class C Liauor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 44-0-04, which increases Class C liquor licenses from 19 to 20 per the purchase of Jacky's Bistro by Bistro Enterprises, Inc., 2545 Prairie Ave. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 42-0-04 — Increase in Class D Liquor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 42-0-04, which increases Class D liquor licenses from 25 to 26 with the addition of Aladdin's Eatery, 622 Davis St. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 26-0-04 — Special Assessment #1464 — Allev Paving North of Pavne St.. East of Lawndale Ave. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 26-0-04, introduced March 8, 2004, which authorizes the paving of the alley north of Payne St., east of Lawndale Ave. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 30-0-04 — Special Assessment #1465 — Allev Paving North of Keenev St., East of Michigan Ave. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 30-0-04, introduced March 8, 2004, which authorizes the paving of the alley north of Keeney St., east of Michigan Ave. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 31-0-04 — Snecial Assessment #1466 — Allev Paving North of Dempster St.. East of Dodge Ave. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 31-0-04, introduced March 8, 2004, which authorizes the paving of the alley north of Dempster St., east of Dodge Ave. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 35-0-04 — Four-Wav Stop Signs — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 35-0-04, introduced March 8, 2004, which amends Section 10-11-5, Schedule V(D) of the City Code to add a four-way stop at Judson/Greenwood and a four-way stop at Judson/Greenleaf. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 38-0-04 — Declaring Citv Property as Surplus — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 38-0-04, introduced March 8, 2004, which declares miscellaneous items, including a circulating large parts washer, modular computer system and miscellaneous vehicle parts as surplus property to be sold at the Fox Lake auction on April 3, 2004. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA & ROLL CALL (9-0) March 22, 2004 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: * Reauest for HOME Funds — Consideration of a request for HOME funds from Econ Housing Group to reduce the purchase price of three new construction townhouses for sale to households under 80% of median income. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 41-0-04 — Zonine Text Amendment — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 41-0-04, which approves a recommendation of the Plan Commission for a Zoning Text Amendment, 01, Office District Uses. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton asked that the following appointment be confirmed: Samuel Thomas Human Relations Commission 803 Dodge Ave. For term ending April 1, 2007 * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Resolution 15-R-04 — Amending the Citv of Evanston Budget Policv — Consideration of proposed Resolution 15-R-04, which amends the City of Evanston Budget Policy to change the debt service limit from $85 million to $90 million. Alderman Rainey moved approval. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Alderman Rainey requested a response to citizen comments; reported a long discussion in committee and asked the effect the debt service will have on the City's bond rating. They also spoke with John Peterson about the impact of judgment bonds versus GO bonds on debt service and financial implications for future bond issues. While $90 million is the limit, she noted the actual amount is $87 million. Mr. Stafford stated staff does not believe this will affect the City's bond rating. He pointed out Evanston is a home rule community so there is no legal limit on the amount of debt that the City can issue. Moody's, however, wants to be sure this is monitored and they are aware of it. Moody's likes that Evanston has a debt policy and when the City issues bonds that they have to go back to the City Council and talk about the issues. What is the right amount of debt was asked. In his estimation, they could maintain Aaa rating and go to $120-150 million. What Moody's wants to know is if the City is supporting that with a steady flow of dollars and that City operations are solid relative to fund reserves and balanced budgets. He said the City has decent reserves and a balanced budget. Other communities have higher debt limits than Evanston, which is above the median and one reason is that Evanston is a mature community. Schaumberg has a similar population. The difference is that Schaumberg is new and everything there was built more recently while Evanston has more infrastructure that has to be maintained. Alderman Feldman asked why the City borrows and stated that the citizen implied there is no reason for the City to borrow other than to pay debt service already established. Mr. Stafford answered that the reason to borrow is to provide for capital projects, deal with the insurance issue, which must be funded, and to take advantage of the market and do some refunding. From a strategic viewpoint, the concern is about judgment bonds, which are required to charge 6%. The City can borrow in this market for a lot less and wants to take advantage of that. In addition, judgment bonds have a deleterious effect upon future bond issues. When he was finance director in Streamwood in 1979, they had to issue $6.5 million in judgment bonds for illegal sewer hookups where they had to provide 3,000 sump pumps for houses. The next year when he went out for capital improvements March 22, 2004 on a modest budget of $1.6 million, they had to do disclosures never done before and had to take that to the market and buy bond insurance to make sure they could market their bonds. The City's strategy is to avoid that and this plan allows the City to do that. The plan allows Evanston to keep its Aaa rating, maintain financial status and address some pressing issues. He said, while a 4% increase is significant, they don't want taxpayers to bear too large a burden and this is a relatively modest way to financially address some of the Insurance Fund issues. Mr. Crum stated the City has had an excellent policy and having a written policy is important to bond rating agencies and to sell bonds. One thing not allowed by staff and Council is debt for operations of the City. He recalled it was shaded somewhat eight years ago on several items but they have been rigid the past five years and these are truly capital items. The City only goes into debt for as long as that item is an asset. For example, police vehicles do not go to seven to ten year debt and are paid for as they go. He said they have a good record of keeping to the policy and that is the reason they are able to come forward with new debt because they know exactly where it goes. Judgment bonds would be the same as debt but with a higher interest rate that would require a property tax increase. Roll call. Voting aye — Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0). PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance 40-0-04 — Special Use for 2401 Brummel Place (Religious Institution) — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 40-0-04, which grants a special use for 2401 Brummel Pl. (former Shure property) for a Religious Institution to Vineyard Christian Fellowship. Alderman Kent reported the ward alderman and representatives from the religious institution were present. Alderman Rainey brought up neighborhood concerns, which the Vineyard had begun to address. They made amendments that the project include landscape screening on the parking lot's eastern boundary; maintenance of existing plants and enhancing aspects of the area that has not been kept up since Shure Bros left. A landscaping plan is being developed. There is an amendment for the religious institution to use temporary horses to prohibit church traffic from traveling eastbound and letting out into the neighborhood and includes use of a traffic officer during any service. There were difficulties with the parking lot, which is in Skokie on MRWD land. The Legal Department will report on what can be enforced in that lot. Alderman Rainey advocated that it be resurfaced. The Vineyard will return with a plan for the parking lot. Alderman Kent asked that this item be marked introduced and referred back to the committee. Ordinance 23-0-04 — Special Use for 1168 Dodge Ave. (Tvpe 2 Restaurant) — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 23-0-04, introduced February 9, 2004, which approves a recommendation of the ZBA to grant a special use for a Type 2 restaurant (Gold Coast Dogs) at 1168 Dodge Ave. Alderman Kent asked that this item be removed from the table and withdrawn. Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste. Alderman Kent announced a Special Planning & Development Committee meeting about inclusionary housing scheduled for Monday, March 29 had been cancelled and rescheduled for Monday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m. CALL OF THE WARDS: 6th Ward. Alderman Moran thanked the League of Women Voters for suggesting a citizens committee to assist the City Council in seeking a new city manager. He endorsed the suggestion and said that the Council had not worked out a full procedure in how they will go forward. Alderman Moran made a reference to the Planning & Development Committee to give consideration to establishing_ a tear down fee of $5,000 per single-familv house per tear down, to be paid into an affordable housing fund. March 22, 2004 nth Ward. No report. 81h Ward. Alderman Rainey spoke about Sam Thomas, who was confirmed to serve on the Human Relations Commission; regretted that he did not live in the 8th Ward; said he has only missed a few meetings of Brummel Park Neighbors in five years. She stated he is a perfect recommendation; thought he would bring a lot to the commission; noted his devotion to the neighborhood where his building is located and the south end of town. He screens tenants carefully. She said he is a great guy and offered congratulations. 9th Ward. No report. V Ward. Alderman Newman made a reference to the Planning & Develo_nment Committee to establish a green s_nace fee that is modeled after the Chicago ordinance in regard to development. He offered congratulations to Jeanne Cleveland Bernstein and Steve Bernstein for her great victory last week. He welcomed citizen comments on the amount of debt service; asked what happens when streets, alleys and fire houses are not repaired. They are accused of mismanagement because there are alleys with potholes, unattractive fire houses, out-of-date computer systems and streets are hard to drive on. Years ago Council had a choice on the number of fire stations and could have had just three, which would have increased response time for citizens in need of emergency vehicles. Council chose to have better service; spent $3 million on a new fire house so that firefighters can live with dignity. They could have spent less and had a second or third rate fire station, but instead chose something that is a credit to the community. For years, the amount spent on capital improvements has been substantially below what was needed. The City spent $3.5 million annually for years with a population of 73,000, which included the park system and library as part of city government. People can always say, don't spend the money, then some ask why the City has a second-rate library instead of a great one and why the city has a park system that is not ADA accessible. Some say don't fix the sewer system, have water backing up into the streets and sewers blowing up. Then people will say they are bad managers because they did not fix the sewers. He said Wilmette has spent $30 million on new buildings; built a new swimming pool outside the 6th Ward; built a new senior center and had a referendum to build the Mallincrodt Center. Skokie took out $45-50 million in bonds in the mid 1990s for their park system. Evanston has kept the spending down to what is reasonable. Now the City has a serious number of judgments against full-time personnel. It is unfortunate that the City has been sued. When there is a judgment, it has to be paid. Somebody can say they don't want to pay it and don't raise taxes to pay it or say the quality of life should suffer substantially because there are those judgments. He found they are damned if they do and damned if they don't. Over the past seven -eight years they have tried to meet their obligation to provide a high quality of life for residents. He did not think anybody could argue with any of the expenditures in the capital budget. They are necessary and important and have to be paid. Nobody wants to raise taxes. He stated there is a major landowner who owns property in the 2200 block of Ridge. He said this owner is not cooperating with the Police Department and he planned to announce his name every week that he is here. He has heard good things about him from some members of Council. The City needs cooperation from property owners. 2°d Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste asked for Council support. He recalled last year when they needed to address cleanliness downtown, a task force was set up to rectify the problem. He stated that Dodge, Emerson, Asbury, Main, Dempster and Howard streets remain filthy. He did not know whether it has always been that way or there is a shortage of people to clean the streets, but they need to look at the current street cleaning plan to see if it is meeting needs. Some streets are cleaned twice a week and may not need it. He thought in the 6th Ward residents asked to have streets cleaned once a week instead of twice a week due to the noise. He suggested they look at what is done to keep the streets clean, come back and put together a plan to meet current needs. He suggested a task force be empowered to address the matter. Mayor Morton thought he had made the point to the city manager. She noted they have Evmark and downtown businesses pay extra to keep the downtown clean and administration comes to the city manager. Alderman Jean -Baptiste noted that last year staff mobilized and the downtown was cleaned. He agreed that more attention was needed downtown but other parts of the City need cleaning and there has been no movement. Alderman Jean -Baptiste made a reference to the Administration & Public Works Committee to take un street cleaning at the next meeting. He hoped to have a report then. March 22, 2004 3rd Ward. No report. 4th Ward. Alderman Bernstein reminded all that with warmer weather young people are out on bicycles, skateboards, scooters and skates and to be cautious and watch out for them. He announced the Civic Center Committee would meet on March 31 at 5:00 p.m. He also noted the Human Services meeting on April 12 when they will address the Clean Air Act. He reminded people who have data or written information to submit it to the committee as quickly as they can. He wished a happy Passover and Easter to those who observe. He called attention to a recent cover of the Evanston Review which pictured presidential candidate John Kerry holding the baby grand daughter of Alderman Rainey. He thanked all who supported Jeanne Cleveland Bernstein, who was victorious in the democratic primary for judge and, with no opposition from a republican candidate, it is likely she will be elected in the November General Election. He thanked citizens who supported good candidates and noted how fortunate Evanston is to have all office holders as residents. SthWard. Alderman Kent endorsed Alderman Jean-Baptiste's comments about the need for cleaner streets; said that ETHS contributes largely to litter; suggested that Emerson, Dodge and Church streets are overused and help is needed. He asked when they would have access to dumpsters. He recalled they used to have access to a garbage truck that went through 5th Ward alleys and picked up trash from winter. He requested access and a volunteer would drive the truck on a Saturday, which could be included in the report. He said they must do something to get rid of litter even though there are more fancy cans. He said the litter problem is overwhelming up and down Dodge Ave. and Emerson St. Alderman Kent hoped to see the summer plan from the Police Department and plans for the bike patrol and officers in foot patrol areas. At a time when crime is going down, it is an opportunity for the police to become more visible. Alderman Kent congratulated to Jeanne Bernstein. Mayor Morton thanked the League of Women Voters for suggesting an advisory committee. She understood the mission and asked that the league members be thanked. Alderman Rainey said on finding a new manager, that Council has done research on search firms. One issue that came up with four large communities was that many applicants for city manager positions prefer to keep their candidacy confidential because their communities are not aware they are looking for other work. She suggested they have to be very careful until they are at a point where they can communicate with candidates to see if they are willing to go public. Mayor Morton thanked her for her comments and thought the wishes of applicants would be honored and the league would not want those violated. Alderman Wynne thanked the American Cancer Society for providing daffodils for the aldermen. There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Morton adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m. Mary P. Morris, City Clerk A videotape recordin¢ of this meetin¢ has been made nart of the permanent record and is available in the Citv Clerk's office.