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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03_14_05_ccCITY COUNCIL March 14, 2005 ROLL CALL - PRESENT: Alderman Moran Alderman Newman Alderman Tisdahl Alderman Jean-Baptiste Alderman Rainey Alderman Wynne A Quorum was present. Alderman Bernstein ABSENT:Aldermen Kent and Feldman PRESIDING:Mayor Lorraine H. Morton The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton Monday, March 14, 2005, at 6:14 p.m. in the Aldermanic Library. Alderman Bernstein 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 Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Newman, Jean-Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay none. Motion carried (7-0). At 7:03 p.m. Alderman Bernstein moved that the Council reconvene into open session and recess. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Morton reconvened the City Council meeting at 9:22 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Mayor Morton Proclaimed March Purchasing Month City Clerk Mary Morris announced that in-person absentee voting began that day and would continue through Monday, April 4, at 5:00 p.m. Weekday voting hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and three Saturdays: March 19 and 26 and April 2, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. CITIZEN COMMENT: Lori Summers, 1830 Ridge Ave., spoke on the zoning text amendment Build to Lot Line. It wont de-canyonize the City, just make a slightly wider canyon and did not think this solution would lead to where they want to be. Instead of moving away from a strip mall like Dempster St. in Skokie, when this was re-instated, they should learn from precedent. She suggested they look at zoning that is more than a century old and requires buildings above a certain height to meet certain setbacks. They can open up the sky for people with backyards and pedestrians. Having a straight wall that goes up seven stories, three feet back from where it was going to be before, wont do what they say they want to do. Betty Ester, 1806 Grey Ave., applauded the City for the resolution opposing cutting of CDBG program funds by the 2 March 14, 2005 federal government. She noted this was the first year the City did not have a proclamation supporting fair housing because CDBG funds pay for part of the fair housing program. She asked if the City was stepping away from that or was it an oversight? She suggested that be issued to the community so that people know the City is for fair housing. She has posters from HUD that support fair housing; asked to be called for posters by organizations that support fair housing. Janet Sullivan, 1300 Rosalie St., spoke about Resolution 17-R-05 on behalf of youth; applauded the City Manager, Mayor, Human Relations Director Paula Haynes, Alderman Jean-Baptiste and others who have seen the needs of youth in the community and raised the importance of youth employment. She commended the recommendation to conduct a study of youth employment. However, she suggested they need to go beyond the study and act to expand youth employment. She pointed out that when 400-600 youth line up to get summer employment and only 100 can be employed, Evanston has a serious problem and should expand the Summer Youth Employment Program. She recommended Resolution 18-R-05, which will increase staffing for the program. She said the Human Relations Commission stands ready to help with the study and expansion of summer youth employment. She quoted from the Northeastern University Center of Labor Market Studies, which implies the serious nature of this situation. The employment rate for teenagers in June 2004 was the lowest in 56 years. Black teenagers were only half as likely as white teenagers to hold summer jobs. The study showed employment among white teenagers in 2004 fell to the lowest level ever recorded. One in every four adult black men, ages 20-64 did not work at all during 2003. Richard M. Lueptow, 2509 Prospect Ave. supported Ordinance 35-O-05, Special Assessment #1467 for alley paving near Prospect Ave. and Harrison St. As a circulator of a petition, he said many residents favor this. Ken Deans, 2513 Prospect Ave., also supported Ordinance 35-O-05 for alley paving. David Schoenfeld, 2039 Orrington Ave., stated he and Bob Atkins are two citizen members of the NU/Citizens Committee in the 1st Ward that was established by the Consent Decree that settled the lawsuit. He reported the committee met once on June 9, 2004. Citizens and City staff have tried to get another meeting since January, but are told persistently that NU is unavailable for meetings. The latest date NU told them they could meet was in late April. At this point, since they have been unable to set up a meeting, he and Bob Atkins sent a letter to NU to request a meeting. The Consent Decree requires quarterly meetings and, at the first meeting, participants agreed to meet quarterly. They also requested that they be notified by NU of any changes they intended to make. (Alderman Newman moved that Mr. Schoenfield be allowed two more minutes to speak. Seconded by Alderman Bernstein. Motion carried.) He said that he or Mr. Atkins would be happy to answer any questions about the status of this committee. He said it appears that anybody who thinks they are one committee away from a new era of communications and good feelings with the university is in for a rude awakening. The City must get cooperation back from the university. Mr. Atkins said that NUs position with City staff was that the university had nothing to report, which he found intolerable. Frances Seidman, 600-E South Blvd., attended many meetings of the Task Force on Affordable housing, a big investment of time and energy. Many contributed to these discussions to come up with the Inclusionary Housing Ordinances, which seem to be languishing somewhere because when they started they were already behind on the issue. She said a number of communities have used this approach and had a lot of housing built. She did not think it was the total answer, but until they resolve what was before them, they cannot look at other options that might be available. She urged these issues be put on the table and dealt with to see if they can make some progress in providing more affordable housing in Evanston. Junad Rizki, 2784 Sheridan Rd., received a letter from Ashraf Mangi, who was concerned that ECMC did not air the candidate debates often enough. It appeared he had a point. He noted the new City Manager has asked to do long-range planning, which he thought Council members supported. But the issue is with the Human Relations Commissions job program, which he has been critical of. He did not understand why they were expanding staff when they could use the money to hire more kids for jobs. He asked why the Youth Job Center did not hire the kids rather than expanding a staff position? The real issue is that the City is not supervising the kids and does not find constructive work for them. He could give a long list of things that kids could do here. Pat Feeney, 1238 Oak Ave., 10-year resident, was at the Reba Place meeting and a representative of St. Francis indicated that if somebody comes without insurance, that there are people to help. That was not her experience. She went in for 3 March 14, 2005 a surgical biopsy, told them 10 days in advance that she had no insurance, nobody contacted her. When she came to the hospital about five days later for a few tests, nobody contacted her. When she came in the morning for the biopsy procedure and had an I.V. in her arm, somebody from the business office came and asked how she was going to pay and said she could not have the procedure until they knew. She told them she would have the procedure and they would not stop her and they should speak with her doctor. That person left and another person came in, which she assumed was the first mans boss. She wanted people to know that they wo uld have denied her this surgery but her doctor intervened. In the end, she was covered by insurance, but she noticed an $18,000 difference between what she would have been charged as a private citizen and what she was charged as an insured patient. This was the charitable care that St. Francis offered. Dr. William Maloney, 355 Ridge Ave., emergency medicine physician at St. Francis Hospital has worked there since 1990, when he finished training with the Emergency Medical Department. Currently, he is president of the medical staff and represents nearly 500 physicians who work at the hospital. When he finished his training at the hospital 15 years ago, he could go practically anyplace he chose. He chose Evanston because it is a wonderful community, moved here and took a position at the hospital. There were opportunities to treat a wide variety of cases at the hospital as well as treating those who were fortunate, not so fortunate and in-between. He is proud that the hospital keeps its doors open to treat anybody who walks in for care. He is not employed by the hospital, but by a physicians group that for 25 years has staffed the emergency department. They helped start the paramedic program at the hospital. This group convinced the hospital administration to go for the Level 1Trauma designation, the only one left in this area. This group also convinced the hospital to be the first certified chest pain center in the state. All these programs are expensive and provide an increased level of care for this community. Now a union has put a referendum on the ballot that the hospital should lose its tax-exempt status because it does not provide enough charity care. A knee jerk response to that is sure, if they are not providing enough charity care, they should pay more taxes. He said if the union is so concerned about the uninsured in this community, why they dont go after all th e hospitals here, the Chicagoland area or the nation? Why doesnt the union come up with programs to help the uninsured? Why doesnt the union petition the City Council to come up with funds to help treat the uninsured of Evanston? He said this is not about the charity care the hospital provides, but about the union trying to organize the employees of St. Francis/Resurrection Health Care. His physicians group provided $1.8 million in free care in one year. Extrapolated out to the entire medical staff would be about $10 million in free care and the hospital provides much more than that. He was concerned that if this were passed, cuts would be made. He would have to beg their CEO to keep important programs such as emergency medical care and the Level 1 Trauma center. Mary Ann Miller, 355 Ridge Ave., registered nurse and director of the Emergency Medical Services Program sponsored by St. Francis Hospital, has worked with this program since 1975. On June 30, 1975, by unanimous vote, the City Council of Evanston committed itself to a free hospital care program. In a letter to St. Francis Hospital CEO Sister Mary Elfreida, then Mayor Edgar Vanneman wrote, your assistance, guidance and support are greatly appreciated and I am confident the program will be a great benefit to the City of Evanston. St. Francis has done exactly that; has continued to subsidize a major portion of the education and most of the administration of the program since its designation. The Illinois Department of Public Health designated St. Francis as a resource hospital on April 25, 1974. Despite financial ups and downs, St. Francis has supported the free hospital program. She spoke against the referendum on the April 5 ballot, which challenges the commitment of St. Francis Hospitals expenditure of funds that benefit the community. She said it is clear the dedication this hospital has towards the needs of this community and others surrounding it, not only in charity care, but by extending itself into this community and surrounding communities to operate an emergency medical services network since 1974. She wanted to document the work of St. Francis Hospital. She has dedicated her career to free hospital care under its auspices and greatly appreciated the opportunity to see this work through, all because of the hospital and its mission and philosophy to support the Emergency Medical Services Program in the community. She asked them to be proud of the Evanston Fire Department because they do a superb job caring for Evanston citizens. Gary Mellman, administrator at the St. Francis Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 500 Asbury Ave., said that residents and employees asked him to speak about the upcoming election. They are a 124-bed skilled nursing facility in south Evanston with 90 residents who live there permanently and 25 who live there temporarily for short-term therapy. Residents reflect the wonderful diversity of Evanston -- 57% are Caucasian, 27% are African-American with Asian and Hispanic comprising the rest. Residents are elderly and anxious about everything. They are currently worried about how 4 March 14, 2005 local politics will affect their living situation. There are 105 employees, most of whom are full time and add to the diversity. At last count 17 different languages are spoken by the staff. Their mission is to serve the community by providing a great nursing home for patients of St. Francis Hospital and the City of Evanston. They accept all referrals from St. Francis Hospital including the poor, charity and uninsured. Most days they have 70 Public Aid residents or 60% of the facility. Additionally every day 5-10 residents are uninsured. There are only a handful of nursing homes in Evanston that take Public Aid patients. St. Francis is the only one that consistently accepts charity care. They are budgeted to lose $1 million this year because of uninsured residents and Public Aid pays $40 less per day per resident than the cost of the care. His staff asked him to express their astonishment about this attack on their reputation that appears in the language of the April 5 referendum. The staff takes great pride in serving the entire community, not just those with insurance or able to pay privately. They know the misleading allegations are being spread to further a personal agenda and have little to do with charity care. Residents and staff of St. Francis ask all to show support for the care and services they provide to many of the communitys poor and underserved by voting no on April 5. Thomas J. Chorba, 1107 Cleveland St., resident since 1974, said it was his privilege to be a student, resident and physician and attending surgeon at St. Francis Hospital, otherwise known as Cook County North since 1971. He is also an attending surgeon at the St. Francis Health Care Clinic on Clark St. and a founding member of the trauma program and of the ETHS Health Care Center. His experience with the Sisters of St. Francis and Sisters of Resurrection family is that there has been no change in his ability to bring patients in and care for them regardless of their ability to pay. The commitment of Resurrection Health Care and the $80 million they are spending to refurbish and keep the facility up is remarkable and has made his life easier. He was pleased to be a member of this group. He was trying not to be critical of this other group because they arent r eally local people. They are here for their own parochial advantage and wont be around to undo the mess they made by the time they are finished. He pointed out that nobody likes hospital bills. Until they take an approach similar to Canada, they will have difficulty because they expect people to take personal responsibility. At a recent medical conference he asked a Canadian what she thought about their health care system versus the United States. The answer floored him. She said that no one in Canada goes bankrupt because they are sick. Canadians may get delayed care or car e that is almost not available but nobody goes bankrupt. Unfortunately our society has not chosen to do that. Nobody there wants anybody to suffer because of inability to pay. Evelyn Kaehler, 409 Florence Ave., chose to live within walking distances of St. Francis Hospital when she moved here 25 years ago. Her family has used the hospital over the years and she loves it, therefore, troubled by recent allegations made against Resurrection Health Care, its parent corporation. Much has been said about the motives of AFSCME, the union that did the research for the referendum. It seemed, regardless of who initiated the referendum or who sponsors the group opposing it, the issue needs to be addressed on its own merits and by the appropriate agency. 4,000 Evanston residents thought the same way, were not union members and signed petitions that got the referendum on the ballot. The suggestion by the opponents of the referendum that if it passes Resurrection will be forced to close the hospital or cut programs because of loss of its tax exemptions was even more troubling to her. It almost seemed an admission of guilt. If the audit finds nothing wrong, there will be no ill consequences for the hospital, so why object to the one course of action that will clear St. Francis of all suspicion. Defeating the referendum will not resolve the issue nor exonerate St. Francis and Resurrection. Defeating the referendum will tell charitable institutions that taxpayers are afraid to hold them accountable. This is an advisory referendum and will not force the hospital to pay property taxes and wont require the Cook County Assessor to do anything. Should the referendum pass, she hoped City Council would take the next step and ask the Assessors office to conduct an audit -- the only way to settle the question. It is a matter of justice to people who need charity care and accountability to Evanston taxpayers. She hoped it would clear the name of St. Francis Hospital. Joan Hinsdale, 3329 Hayes St., resident since 1976, asked nurses who work with her at the St. Francis Community Health Center (7464 N. Clark St.) to come forward to show support. She introduced Cecilia, Gema, Jacqueline, Joan, Ingrid, Lilia, Maria and Patricia. The eight decided to collaborate and write one letter. We do something special every day of the week. We are privileged to serve others in the name of St. Francis/Resurrection Health Care. We give nursing care to children, adults, and pregnant women. In many cases whole families are seen in the same day. Many of the patients have state funded insurance called Medicaid. There are those, however, who do not qualify for Medicaid. Those people are given a percentage of discount according to their income and family size. Most cases receive a 100% discount. We refer to this as charity care. Our health educator teaches a variety of classes for patient care, especially pre-natal and diabetic, all free of charge. Cecilia recently assumed responsibility for lead prevention and coordination of care for 5 March 14, 2005 elevated levels of lead in children. Lilia manages the operations and has a special interest in older adults. Joan works with babies, especially premature infants. Patty coordinates their vaccine program. Gema is learning all the roles of the clinic nurse and has expertise with cardiac patients. Ingrid works in all three clinics as well as Maria, their lead patient nurse care tech. We are bi-lingual. We give charity care with our hands every day. (Alderman Rainey moved the time to speak be extended. Seconded by Alderman Jean-Baptiste.) Maria came from Peru to join their staff many years ago and is in charge of their laboratory. We are eight young, strong, dedicated nurses and techs who want to be heard as givers of excellent, compassionate and affordable health care. Our patients give us greater rewards than most. They give us smiles, hugs, words of gratitude and most of all, they give us their trust in giving them competent patient care. Shannon Seiberling, 1632 Ashland Ave., 40-year resident asked Council if they dont think that a corporation that receives public funds should be audited by a public official once in a while, especially since Resurrection Health Care Corporation is protesting so hard against the referendum. Should they not at least wonder about that? Was it not a good idea to ask the assessor to look into it to assure taxpayers that tax dollars are well spent. Last summer her mother-in-law was in a local skilled nursing facility, which was meant to rehabilitate patients. While there, her care was paid for with tax dollars. The patient load dropped and they laid-off the best and most experienced nurse. Then the head nurse resigned saying that she was tired of fighting the corporation to get the staff she needed. That left only one nurse and a few aides. Her mother-in-law was in bed most of the time; had only minimal help with eating. If she had had the skilled care that taxpayers were paying for, she might be alive today. She asked wouldnt it be great if all nine Resurrection hospitals were really non-for profit entities like other non-profits that use all their income every year and whose CEOs make only $100,000 not a few million? All those millions could go into care to help the elderly walk again instead of wasting away in bed. All are concerned about the high cost of health care for everyone, not just for the poor and uninsured, and corporate hospitals making a profit put another layer of profiteering between people and their health care costs. She thanked those for voting yes on the referendum. Raymond Summers, 1920 Asbury Ave., president of AFSCME Local 1891 said it has been part of Evanston since 1968. More than half of the members live here, pay property taxes and are concerned that St. Francis/Resurrection Health Care meets legal standards, and if it does, there is nothing to fear from this referendum. However, it has threatened that if this referendum passes, it will cause cuts in services. That is a lie. This is the kind of corporate control fear tactic that Evanstonians have never stood for. As a long-time resident, he represents more than 400 City employees and will not stand for a corporation threatening the community to protect its own narrow, financial interest. He stated the corporation made $47 million last year in profit. The CEO made $2,376,000 and they expect more from their non-profits. He would be disappointed if any public official was against a full public investigation of this corporations behavior. Shannon Gilson, AFSCME, Council 31, Chicago, wanted to clear up several misrepresentations of facts. One is, if this advisory referendum passes, Evanston residents will no longer have access to the trauma center; St. Francis tax status will be removed and the hospital will close. She said these statements made by St. Francis/Resurrection Health Care officials are dangerous and misleading. Any productive public debate has to be about facts. This referendum urges the Cook County Assessor to review all of Resurrection Health Cares properties including St. Francis, if, and only if, the hospital does not meet the legal standards that qualify it for tax exemption status. She asked, as a matter of public policy, did they believe that organizations that dont comply with state law, should be awarded tens of millions of taxpayer dollars for services they fail to render? If Resurrection Health Care meets its legal standards and fulfills its charitable obligations, its exempt status is not in jeopardy. They have heard that there was $21 million in charity care given by Resurrection last year. This sounded too good to be true, which it is. She had a form that reported to the state that of the $21 million, $17 million was bad debt. Last year an article in Crain’s had an interview with the senior director for the Catholic Health Association where she discussed giving guidelines to Catholic Health Care Associations for charity care. The guidelines advised hospitals to put questionable spending to the last test before itemizing it as a community benefit. Marketing, routine services and bills that patients dont pa y, including bad debt dont count. (Alderman Rainey asked that time be extended to this speaker) She said they not only see Resurrection giving back less to the community but also overcharging the uninsured. According to Medicare cost reports, Resurrection Health Care charges uninsured 240% more than the cost of care, which is the worst record of any hospital in the state. In the past eight months, four lawsuits have been filed against Resurrections charity care, pricing and debt collection practices. Since Resurrection Health Care took over St. Francis Hospital, they have provided less care to the indigent. In recent years charity care has been cut in half and the number of uninsured patients has declined by one third while the number of collections and lawsuits has tripled. With much respect to the dedicated health care professionals who spoke and provide quality care, this is not about how 6 March 14, 2005 patients are treated inside the hospital, but how they are treated when they leave the hospital. Resurrection can afford to operate a trauma center and provide its fair share of charity care to needy patients. Saying that the areas only trauma center will close is an irresponsible scare tactic. By law Evanston residents must have access to a Level 1 Trauma Center. If St. Francis is unable to maintain its Level 1 status, another hospital would be designated. Their goal is not to strip Resurrection of its tax status, but to be accountable for its actions and conform to legal standards. More than 110 Cook County political and community leaders have called on Resurrection to reform its charity care practices and provide more care. She asked why Resurrection has been so unwilling to address community concerns for over a year and why has it gone to such great lengths to prevent Evanston residents from voting on an advisory referendum that would solely urge independent review of its charitable practices? James G. Staples, 586 Ingleside Park, requested that the City Council communicate its views to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on the question of construction jutting out into the lake. Early in 2004 residents with riparian property at 2715 Sheridan Road proposed construction of two piers made of rocks extending out 135-feet into the lake. Neighborhood meetings were held; objections were voiced and proponents of the project withdrew it. Proponents then came back with another proposal in December. There are two piers jutting out 135-feet made of boulders weighing between one and five tons. The piers could be as high as 10-1/2 feet or as low as 6-feet and are permanent structures. Many dont think that is the way they want the lakefront to go. At last count, a large number of people had filed objections with Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Sierra Club, Lake Michigan Federation, Lighthouse Park District, MWRD of greater Chicago, Ingleside Park Club (homeowners) and many other concerned Evanston and Chicago citizens, not all riparian owners. He noted the law sets up a procedure whereby if somebody wants to build in Lake Michigan they have to get a permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and, after that, must go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for its approval. The reason Illinois DNR is involved is that they own the lake bottom up to the high water mark. A public comment period was set and expired in February 2005. No decision has been rendered. The Army Corps of Engineers public comment period expired a few days ago which raises the issue whether if they took a position they would be timely. The answer is yes. He spoke that afternoon with DNR and earlier with the Corps who said they would do whatever the DNR recommended. The deciding body is the Illinois DNR and told him they would consider anything that comes in until the day they issue their decision. The objections are pretty obvious. There is the safety issue and the physical aspects of the project. All know there is a downward drift in sand on the western shore of Lake Michigan. When something juts out 135 feet into the lake, sand is scoured from behind it with consequent erosion of the lakeshore south of the flow of sand. There is a matter of public access and some of the beach may not be suitable for young children. He has tried to find a specific policy on the lakefront. This is not a spat between neighbors, but one of public policy that affects the entire City because residents from all over Evanston go to the beach. When they go to the beach, did they want to worry that there is a steep drop-off because the sand has been scoured away and when they look north see a large pile of rocks. Or do they wish to see Evanstons gorgeous lakefront as it exists today? He presented a draft resolution, for distribution by the clerk, and a description of the area showing the piers. He did not believe the City has a legal right to stop riparian owners from doing what they want; asked that the City puts its moral imprimatur on preservation of the lakefront as th ey know it because it is one of Evanstons great assets. Alderman Wynne asked the City Manager and staff to look over the materials and bring back a recommendation to City Council. Mr. Staples appreciated her referral and said that prompt action was needed. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: Authorization of the City Manager to hire a facilitator to conduct a Strategic Planning Process. City Manager Julia Carroll explained she had put this item on the agenda to hire a facilitator for strategic planning purposes. In a memo she laid out the reasons why this planning is necessary and wanted Councils approval to move forward. She believed a facilitator was needed to conduct the process and wished to send out an RFP. Alderman Rainey was concerned about having this was on the agenda because she did not think the Council had gotten into the details of the process. By hiring a facilitator they were agreeing to the process. She was upset that the Rules Committee was cancelled so this could not be discussed; hoped in the future these matters would be discussed before being brought to Council. Alderman Jean-Baptiste asked for an explanation of the process. Alderman Rainey said the Council had not reached a conclusion on having a strategic planning process and, while she supported it, Council should have some input. Ms. 7 March 14, 2005 Carroll was looking at a process where a facilitator was hired, so somebody would be solicited through an RFP. A ballpark cost is $35-45,000. She envisioned a process to work with elected officials to define a vision, mission and values for the whole City and a community input process as well. Also the senior staff would bring ideas to the table as part of an overall plan for the City; that would be directors and herself. Her idea was to have the facilitator work with both groups and ultimately bring them together for one plan to deal with the large policy issues facing the City. There are a number of them. All know there are limited resources to deal with those things. She hoped to achieve some priority setting and some things that they need to achieve as a city that they cannot do unless they all come together. Alderman Rainey noted this was a purchase and all purchases go through the A&PW Committee and since this could not have been dealt with by the Rules Committee she thought this circumvented the system which is important. Ms. Carroll was not circumventing, but trying to get permission to prepare an RFP and that purchase would go through the A&PW Committee. She did not want to go through that unless Council agreed that strategic planning is important. Alderman Newman had no problem with this being on the agenda and suggested they discuss strategic planning; heard it as an opportunity to focus on what they need to do as a City. Alderman Moran endorsed the proposal enthusiastically. Citizens have admonished him to engage in pro-active work, develop a strategic plan and some long-term objectives and pursue them. Alderman Tisdahl favored this planning. Alderman Jean-Baptiste was for strategic planning suggested it was important to look at prior plans and the top ten priorities set a few years ago. It was important to see where they have been to see where they need to go. He wanted this to go through the A&PW Committee so they could see who bid and approve the purchase. Alderman Wynne favored strategic planning; said Council has recognized they are weak in that area and need to address this. If they hire someone, she wanted not only ideas for strategic planning and thinking, but also ways to maintain discipline among themselves to stay on course of a strategic plan. It takes more than vision. She thought they become distracted by what comes before them. Alderman Rainey asked who would not be for strategic planning? What they saw was her frustration with not being able to have committee meetings in the past few months due to lack of quorums which happened that evening at the A&PW Committee meeting where there was no quorum. Alderman Rainey moved approval. Seconded by Alderman Jean-Baptiste.Voice vote. Motion carried. No nays. Resolution 16-R-05 - Opposing any Reduction of Community Development Block Grant Program Funding by the Federal Government - Consideration of Resolution 16-R-05, which opposes any reduction of CDBG program funding by the federal government. Alderman Moran moved approval. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Motion carried. No nays. CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Moran moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: Purchase of 14 police vehicles from Currie Motors; Contract extension with Super Trucking to provide sand/stone and for hauling/disposal of debris; Ordinance 10-O-05 - Zoning Planned Development - 1228 Emerson St.; Ordinance 9-O-05 - Zoning Map Amendment Rezone to B1 the current B2 area along Central St. (bet ween Marcy & Bennett); Ordinance 33-O-05 - Addition to the Retirement Community at 2320 Pioneer Rd.; Resolution 13-R-05 - Honorary Street Sign Name; Ordinance 13-O-05 - Zoning Text Amendment and Resolution 18-R-05 - Amending FY 2005-06 Budget. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Roll call. Voting aye Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Newman, J ean-Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay none. Motion carried (7-0). * ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 28, 2005. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) *Approval, as recommended, of the City of Evanston payroll for the period through March 10, 2005 and City of Evanston bills for the period ending March 15, 2005, authorized and charged to the proper accounts: City of Evanston payroll (through 03/10/05) $1,982,237.25 City of Evanston bills (through 03/15/05) $2,679,357.83 8 March 14, 2005 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Approval of 2005 Special Events Calendar. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (7-0) * Approval of lowest responsive and responsible bid from Clauss Brothers, Inc. for Levinson Tot Lot renovations in the amount of $151,413. (Funded by 1999-2000 and 2004-2005 G.O. Bonds.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Approval of lowest responsive and responsible bid from G.T. Mechanical for supply and installation of equipment for the Backup Data Center in the amount of $93,500. (Funded by CIP Funds and the Emergency Telephone System Fund.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Approval of contract with Great Lakes Soil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. for material testing services in the amount of $85,000. (Funded by Motor Fuel Tax Funds and G.O. Bonds.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Approval of a sole-source contract for audit services. (Funded in the FY 2005-06 operating budget of the Accounting Division.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Approval of contract with Sport Endeavors Inc. to manage the City of Evanstons volleyball program. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Approval of contract amendment with T.Y. Lin International for Crawford Ave./Gross Point Rd./Central St. engineering services in the amount of $17,100. (Funded by G.O. Bonds and the CIP Fund.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Approval of contract amendment #1 with Wolff Clements & Associates for professional services for Lovelace Park redevelopment in the amount of $16,170. (Funded by 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06 G.O. Bonds.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (7-0) ■ ■ ■ ■ * Ordinance 7-O-05 - Easement Agreement - Caisson Bells and Canopy with Sherman Partners, LLC - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 7-O-05, which authorizes the City Manager to execute an easement agreement for subsurface caisson bells and a canopy with Sherman Plaza Partners, LLC, for Sherman Plaza. * MARKED INTRODUCED CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Moran moved that the Rules be Suspended in order to adopt Ordinance 7-O-05, which was introduced that evening. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Moran moved approval. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Roll call. Voting aye Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Newman, Jean-Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay none. Motion carried (7-0). * Ordinance 8-O-05 - Easement Agreement - Temporary Tower Crane with Sherman Partners, LLC - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 8-O-05, which authorizes the City Manager to execute an easement agreement for a temporary tower crane easement with Sherman Plaza Partners, LLC, for Sherman Plaza. * MARKED INTRODUCED CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Moran moved that the Rules be Suspended in order to adopt Ordinance 8-O-05, which was introduced that evening. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Moran moved approval of Ordinance 8-O-05. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Roll call. Voting aye Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Newman, Jean-Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay none. Motion carried (7-0). 9 March 14, 2005 * Ordinance 34-O-05 - Special Assessment #1458: Alley Paving - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 34-O-05, which authorizes the paving of an alley located north of Noyes St. and east of Green Bay Rd. * MARKED INTRODUCED CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 35-O-05 - Special Assessment #1467: Alley Paving - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 35-O-05, which authorizes the paving of an alley located north of Harrison St. and east of Prospect Ave. * MARKED INTRODUCED CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 37-O-05 - Special Assessment #1471: Alley Paving - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 37-O-05, which authorizes the paving of an alley located north of Emerson St. and east of Wesley Ave. * MARKED INTRODUCED CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 38-O-05 - Special Assessment #1473: Alley Paving - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 38-O-05, which authorizes the paving of an alley located north of Grant St. and east of Central Park Ave. * MARKED INTRODUCED CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 39-O-05 - Special Assessment #1478: Alley Paving - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 39-O-05, which authorizes the paving of an alley located north of Harrison St. and east of Elm Ave. * MARKED INTRODUCED CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 24-O-05 - Easement Agreement - 1100 Clark St/1719 Ridge Ave - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 24-O-05, introduced February 28, 2005, which authorizes the City Manager to execute an easement agreement with TR Sienna Partners for foundation and earth retention on the public right-of-way adjacent to 1100 Clark St. and 1719 Ridge Ave. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Ordinance 25-O-05 - Easement Agreement - 819-823 Foster St. Consideration of proposed Ordinance 25-O-05, introduced February 28, 2005, which authorizes the City Manager to execute an easement agreement for a water main installation on the public-right-of-way for 819-823 Foster St. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: * Ordinance 40-O-05 - Special Use Request for a Convenience Store at 555 Howard St. - Consideration of Ordinance 40-O-05, the findings and recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals to grant a Special Use for a convenience store at 555 Howard St. * MARKED INTRODUCED CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 43-O-05 - Establishing a Moratorium on the Issuance of Building Permits - Consideration of Ordinance 43-O-05, which would establish a moratorium on building permits for 90 days on that portion of Central St. between Bennett/Marcy. * MARKED INTRODUCED CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Moran moved that the Rules be Suspended in order to adopt Ordinance 43-O-05, which was introduced that evening. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Moran moved approval of Ordinance 43-O-05, Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Roll call. Voting aye Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Newman, Jean-Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay none. Motion carried (7-0). HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: * Approval of February 2005 Township Monthly Bills - Consideration of a recommendation to approve the Township bills, payroll and medical payments for the month of February 2005 in the amount of $87,854.04. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) 10 March 14, 2005 * Ordinance 32-O-05 -Amending City Code Pertaining to Park Regulations - Consideration of Ordinance 32-O-05, which amends Title 7, Chapters 9, 10 and 11 of the City Code and adds a section pertaining to park permits. * MARKED INTRODUCED CONSENT AGENDA * Resolution 17-R-05 - Amending the 2005-06 Fiscal Year Budget - Consideration of Resolution 17- R-05, which would increase the FY 2005-06 budget by $33,000 to fund an assessment of services provided to youth in the City of Evanston. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) (lst Assistant Corporation Counsel Herb Hill explained that this item requires a 2/3 vote of the sitting Corporate Authorities for approval, 7 votes out of 10, so the Mayor is required to vote on that item.) APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton asked the following reappointment be introduced: Marvin D. Juliar Economic Development Committee 425 Grove St. * INTRODUCED CONSENT AGENDA REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Alderman Jean-Baptiste moved approval of the purchase of fourteen (14) police vehicles, using the Northwest Municipal Conference bid, from Currie Motors, in the amount of $319,421. (Funded in the Fleet Services Fund, Capital Outlay Account.) Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Alderman Jean-Baptiste said the issue of vehicles with 40,000 miles on them was raised in committee and asked for a written explanation why they are being replaced. Ms. Carroll told him the items could be held and clarified he was looking at units #26, #28, #13 and #14. She asked for the bid amount if the four cars were removed from this purchase, so it could be brought back later. Alderman Rainey stated all know these are police vehicles and she does not want a police officer racing to a crime scene in a vehicle that is in disrepair. They were told in committee that the vehicles with 40,000-plus miles have a variety of other issues. She urged Council to use care before holding up purchase of police vehicles. Alderman Jean-Baptiste was fearful that their concern about this purchase may be seen as not caring about safety and care of citizens. Alderman Rainey said she was tired of having her integrity attached by Alderman Jean- Baptiste. She had said that they needed to be careful because they dont have technical expertise. Alderman Jean-Baptiste did not oppose purchase of these vehicles or making sure they have the best technology. He asked for an explanation of what is wrong with these vehicles; did not get enough information to understand why they were being replaced, with such low mileage, versus vehicles with 90,000 or 100,000 miles. Ms. Carroll confirmed that there was no deadline that would expire on this purchase. If ten were approved and they came back with an explanation on the four that would not matter. Fleet Services Superintendent Catherine Radek said that all could be held, but would delay delivery in the summer. Ms. Radek says that patrol cars are more critical when they go over 100,000 miles. Ms. Carroll recommended they purchase ten and bring back the other four with an explanation at the next meeting. Alderman Bernstein asked why the four needed to be replaced, so maybe they dont need to be held? Ms. Radek said each vehicle is evaluated annually and, police vehicles in particular, because they have different service uses. Four of the vehicles are in the Patrol Division and are operated 24-hours a day year-around. They typically go between 32-25,000 miles a year. By the time they go out of service in July they have about 100,000 miles. Vehicles #13 and #14 are in the Traffic Division and dont travel as many miles but spend a lot of time idling due to the type of use. They handle accidents, sit for long periods and monitor peoples speed, so they are running constantly but dont travel many miles. The other factor in all City vehicles is it takes them a long time to get to high mileage because the City is only eight square miles. To get a car up to 100,000 miles would take 20 years in many cases. That is what they see in 11 March 14, 2005 the reports. Mileage is one factor in replacing vehicles. They have a three-year warranty on engines and transmissions. Their experience has been when the warranty expires on vehicles that run frequently in the Traffic Division, they get stuck replacing engines that cost $5,600. Resale value on a three-four year car is about $6,500. If they have to replace an engine or transmission after the warranty expires, they wont recoup the resale value. The other factor in police vehicles is there is a lot of in and out, so the seats take a terrible beating. The officers do not abuse the cars. Police officer weapons wear holes in the backs of seats. Officers are careful, but a seat replacement costs around $500. All of these factors, plus undercarriage problems of rust, contribute to the total cost of repair balanced with what they can obtain at re-sale. Many vehicles used in criminal investigations and juvenile are on eight to ten year replacement schedule. Alderman Newman asked if she was saying that engines go when cars idle a lot. Ms. Radek said they have had some history and she tracks those that are more susceptible with higher engine hours. These are 2001 vehicles with 40,000 miles. Alderman Newman clarified that just the two vehicles in traffic are replaced every three years. The other two, the supervisors vehicle and the abandoned car vehicle, are on a six- year replacement schedule. Alderman Jean-Baptiste appreciated her explanation, but what wanted more specific information because he is accountable to citizens who ask why they are replacing vehicles with 40,000 miles. He wanted to know, specifically, what is wrong with the car; asked that the four items be held. Alderman Jean-Baptiste said to Alderman Rainey if she perceived disrespect from what he said, that he respected her. If she could forgive him, he asked to be forgiven. He, like all the others, was trying to deal with the issues and if somebody offended him, he would try to work things out. Alderman Bernstein said when the analysis is done, if they put a new engine in a vehicle they could put it to a different use. He spoke from experience. He asked Ms. Radek to consider modification of the use because a new vehicle costs so much money. Alderman Moran moved approval of the purchase of ten police vehicles at a price not to exceed $250,000. Seconded by Alderman Tisdahl. Roll call. Voting aye Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Newman, Jean-Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay none. Motion carried (7-0). Alderman Jean-Baptiste moved approval of the contract extension with Super Trucking, Inc. to provide sand and stone, and for debris hauling and disposal for the period March 1, 2005 through February 28, 2006, in an amount not to exceed $200,600. (Funded in the Water, Sewer and Streets divisions annual operating budgets.) Seconded by Alderman Moran. Alderman Rainey studied this information and experience with this company was around $140-150,000 annually and each year $175,000 was budgeted. This year $200,600 was budgeted and did not make sense. She spoke with staff who agreed that this could be reduced to $175,000 and asked to amend this purchase by reducing it $25,000 to $175,000. Roll call. Voting aye Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Newman, Jean-Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay none. Motion carried (7-0). PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance 10-O-05 - Zoning Planned Development - 1228 Emerson St. - Consideration of the findings and report of the Plan Commission to rezone to R5 from O1 and grant a planned development for 50 condos with 87 parking spaces at a height limited to the R5 maximum of 50 feet or 5 stories. Alderman Tisdahl reported that this item was held in committee and will be addressed at a Special Planning & Development Committee meeting on Monday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. Ordinance 9-O-05 - Zoning Map Amendment Rezone to B1 Current B2 Area Along Central St. between Marcy and Bennett (west most B2 area) - Consideration of the findings and report of the Plan Commission regarding amending the zoning map to rezone to B1 Business from the current B2 Business District area along Central St. roughly between Marcy and Bennett avenues (west most B2 12 March 14, 2005 area on Central). Alderman Tisdahl moved that Ordinance 9-O-05 be tabled. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried. No nays. Ordinance 33-O-05 - Planned Development for an Addition to the Retirement Community at 2320 Pioneer Rd. - Consideration of Ordinance 33-O-05, the findings and recommendation of the Plan Commission to grant a Planned Development for an addition to the retirement community at 2320 Pioneer Rd. Alderman Tisdahl reported that this item was held in committee until the special Planning & Development Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, March 21, at 9:00 p.m. Resolution 13-R-05 - Honorary Street Sign Name - F red Austins Route 21, USPS - Consideration of Resolution 13-R-05, which designates the portion of Chicago Ave. between Davis and Church streets with the Honorary Name, Fred Austins Route 21, USPS. Alderman Tisdahl moved approval of Resolution 13-R-05. Seconded by Alderman Newman. Alderman Newman said that Fred Austin died recently and he expressed condolences to his family. Mimi Katz and others went to the Citizens Advisory Committee on Public Place Names and asked that Mr. Austins name appear on Chicago Avenue between Davis and Church streets. He met Fred Austin in 1991 when he showed him around the North Shore Hotel and introduced him to people. He was a mail carrier that everybody loved because he did acts of kindness almost every day that he worked. Many residents around the 1st Ward knew him. He used to look forward to campaigns because he would see Fred Austin more often and last saw him two weeks before he died. He was shocked to learn of his death. If there was anybody that typifies the decent and kind spirit of people who live in Evanston, it was Fred Austin. He was proud to sponsor his name going up on Chicago Ave. People of the 1st Ward will long remember him. Voice vote. Motion carried. No nays. Ordinance 13-O-05 - Zoning Text Amendment Build to Lot Line - Consideration of the findings and Plan Commission report regarding amending the Zoning Ordinance build-to-lot-line provisions for B1, B2, B3, D2, D3 and D4 Business and Downtown districts, introduced February 28, 2005. Alderman Tisdahl moved approval of Ordinance 13-O-05 Seconded by Alderman Moran. Alderman Jean-Baptiste reviewed the minutes of the discussion but they seemed not to have qualitatively changed what existed before. Alderman Wynne indicated that some seemingly small changes have a significant impact. He wanted a sense of the significance of the three feet. Alderman Wynne said a critical issue they have found in B and D districts is that buildings built in the past were not necessarily built to the height limitations and now buildings not only are built to the height limitations but that developers also request allowances beyond that. Additionally, the City had this build to lot line provision that was designed to create a street frontage of retail spaces. They have found this rule so strict that they have buildings coming straight down to the sidewalk with no ability of the buildings architect to design an interesting entrance or some kind of setback. There are examples of this on Chicago Avenue where there are cliff-like walls. In many places around Evanston there are fairly narrow or cluttered sidewalks. The addition of three feet means they can have a street tree or two people or somebody with a stroller can pass. They also can create a landscape buffer. She noted a citizen commented that this does not give them open sky. This is not a tool that gives them open sky but improves the pedestrian experience. When they require build to lot line, they get a monotonous cliff-like look. So this is one step towards creating better pedestrian feel and greater ability to create more interesting building design at street level and a landscape buffer. She urged support. Alderman Moran said there was another aspect to this. The setback is mandated at three feet, but there is a possibility of the setback being greater than three feet. In areas where sidewalks are narrow, the build to lot line results in difficulty for two people to pass each other. Three feet may seem small but it can make a difference. Alderman Bernstein agreed 13 March 14, 2005 with the comments and noted three feet is a minimum. The young woman who addressed them is correct, but hopefully a creative architect can design some texture and this will help. Alderman Jean-Baptiste thought that the ability to go beyond the three feet would make a difference. Roll call. Voting aye Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Newman, Jean-Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay none. Motion carried (7-0). HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: Resolution 18-R-05 - Amending the 2005-06 Fiscal Year Budget - Consideration of Resolution 18-R- 05, which would increase the FY 2005-06 budget by $33,000 to fund increased staffing for the Mayors Summer Youth Employment Program. Alderman Jean-Baptiste reported that this item was held in committee and that the City Manager is looking into ways to strengthen this program. CALL OF THE WARDS: 5thWard. No report. 6th Ward. Alderman Moran stated that evening they established a moratorium in the west Central B2 district. The Zoning Committee of the Plan Commission has begun to discuss potential modifications of zoning in that area consistent with good practices. He made a reference to the Plan Commission to direct them to undertake an examination of the setting on that stretch of Central Street and to return to Council within 90 days with recommendations regarding potential changes in zoning. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Motion carried. No nays. 7th Ward. No report. 8th Ward. Alderman Rainey noted one speaker talked about the delay in the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance at the P&D Committee. She was proud to say that in the 8th Ward, inclusionary zoning was not needed. All that is needed for affordable housing is money, not an ordinance. This Council voted $600,000 to Reba Place Fellowship, which has found its way into the 8th Ward where they have purchased a building at 602 Mulford St. and will provide the kind of affordable housing needed here condominium ownership costing around $100,000 for a two-bedroom unit. They also purchased a building on the 700 block of Dobson St., which will provide six additional units of affordable housing. 9th Ward. No report. 1st Ward. Alderman Newman pointed out that the Evanston Police Department put out a press release that the crime rate index had decreased by 56% over the last seven years with the lowest rate in four decades in 2004. He recalled meeting with representatives of NU that used the term crime wav e last year. He said the reason for such a good year is the Citys strong commitment to public safety over the past ten years. He congratulated Chief Kaminski for his good work. When he came onto Council 14 years ago there was much talk about crime. When they talk about it occasionally, it is usually due to severe circumstances. Keeping the crime index down is the key to everything they do. If they want to have development, businesses must feel it is safe to invest here. He thought that has been achieved and the investment made was well worth it. He recognized they are in election season and that some elected officials and others running for office like to blame Council members for ruining the relationship with Northwestern University. He had the issue of settling the lawsuit with NU (which was brought by NU) and the only lawsuit in which the Citys legal fees were paid by the university, so it had to be a weak suit to have the fees paid. They talked with Judge Mikva about the need to interact with the university on land issues in advance of action. The City bargained for it and got an agreement that they would have a committee, talk and try to resolve issues along the west side of Sheridan Road. Two residents volunteered to serve on the committee and he volunteered his time. They were to meet quarterly but cannot get the university to comply. That was an important provision to the City. Perhaps, people think because there is going to be an election that somehow committee members will be chosen by somebody else. It seemed to him that if they reached an agreement and were going to exercise good 14 March 14, 2005 faith, they would act in good faith. Council members cannot be blamed for that. People want to meet with the university to know what is going on. When people say that the university cannot develop its land west of Sheridan Road that is not true. There is a special use process for many things NU does, but NU has to interact with the public, like the hospitals and developers do. People came regarding Three Crowns that evening, which has been meeting for a year trying to get its project through. That is what developers do and NU is a developer. There is nothing wrong with neighbors meeting with developers and projects have actually been improved when they have interacted. NUs Transportation building is one example. He knows it is convenient for some elected officials to blame others for what goes on. When the lawsuit was settled, the City did it in good faith and expected the NU/Citizens Committee to meet. He spoke about civility and considers when a person makes a charge, they do so when the person charged is present. For the past eight years he has served as chairman of the Parking Committee, which is open to all. There is no member of the public or Council who cannot put something on the agenda simply by calling David Jennings. While chairman, he has not eliminated anything from the agenda. A charge was made, while he was not present, that he was bottling up the Central Street Parking Study, which was unfair and false. That Central Street study was good and the committee went over it. Unfortunately the consultant moved to Pennsylvania. To charge that this study was held up and put blame on somebody else was the least civil thing anybody could do and wont be criticized by those who preach civility. He found it ironic that all parking issues are brought before the A&PW Committee, so the Council member who made this charge is on that committee and chose not to put it on the agenda. 2nd Ward. Alderman Jean-Baptiste wanted all to know that they have radio Evanston 1650 on the AM dial for all emergency notices. He hoped the City could use this station to provide information about things that are going on in Evanston; hoped that aldermen and staff could go on the air and share information with the public. He announced on March 23, the City will sponsor a job fair in collaboration with the ONeil Construction Company. The announcement said that those who come must bring rØsumØs. Blue-collar workers for the most part dont have rØsumØs and he hoped help would be available to help applicants write one. He hoped employers would take applications for jobs. Individuals that dont belong to a union would not be hired. He understood that if somebody is hired, the union will take them, but that may only be applicable to the laborers unions. The other question is, are there jobs? He understood this was a pre-qualification fair; hoped they were not creating illusions for people, but are negotiating hard with the developer to make sure jobs are available. He asked to be kept posted on getting Evanston residents hired. He too received a letter from Ashraf Mangi that indicated the debates are not being aired often. As a candidate he was interested in having the debates shown. Channel 16 is the government channel, so they should be able to suggest that discussions among the candidates be aired more than once every two weeks and asked that be looked into. He noted that NU is a significant institution here and people engage in criticism and raise the issue of whether NU should pay its fair share and its accountability to citizens. Yet when they raise criticism of Resurrection Health Care, there is the cry that they are contributing to the destruction of that institution. He suggested that criticism is a healthy process of assessment and analysis; has had personal experience with both St. Francis and Evanston Hospital; has a young cousin with mental health problems who has had to be admitted to St. Francis on an emergency basis and was told to take him to Chicago Read (Mental Health Center). He was not suggesting it was not doing its job overall, but if there are criticisms and questions, those should be addressed. He supported St. Francis/Resurrection Health Care and also the right of people to raise criticism to have a referendum on whether the hospital is doing its job. 3rd Ward. Alderman Wynne made a reference to the Plan Commission regarding C1a zoning district when they just addressed the build to lot line issue in the B and D Dist ricts. C1a has the same problem and she was sorry the Plan Commission did not look at that. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Motion carried. No nays. She congratulated the Lincoln School Chess Team and the ETHS Chess Team on winning state championships. She announced a 3rd Ward Town Hall meeting Saturday March 19, from 10-11:30 a.m., at Lincoln School, 910 Forest. 4th Ward. Alderman Bernstein made a reference to the Plan Commission to address issues with respect to R5 zones that abut R1 zones in order to modify the density of one for the benefit of the other. 15 March 14, 2005 He has noticed recently that contractors own the streets. One example is the development on the northwest corner of Chicago at Main, which for the last three weeks has had bags over parking meters to the exclusion of all parking and reduced traffic to one lane. He also sees trucks consistently parked illegally without tickets. When he wants to do business with a particular merchant, there is no place to park. He thought it was incumbent upon them to make sure contractors remember who is in the community. It is difficult for a merchant to make money when people cannot access a store. The same situation exists with the Sherman Plaza development. There are too many trucks and contractors trucks. He made a reference to the Parking Committee about this situation. Alderman Newman asked the City Manager if the contractor who has a crane in the middle of the street has to pay the City? Alderman Bernstein said when the crane is operating there is no traffic. Community Development Director James Wolinski reported that crane has a permit from the City Traffic Engineer to operate for 30 days. Alderman Newman asked that the ordinance be enforced strictly. He said there are businesses across the street that are substantially affected and people cannot park to get to those establishments. Alderman Bernstein suggested an alternative would be to compensate for loss of revenue, specifically Avenue Hair Stylists and Cross Rhodes Restaurant. Only pedestrians can access those businesses. He has called Mr. Wolinski about the trucks carrying pre-cast concrete that were lined up at meters from Dempster to Main without paying, preventing others from parking and taking money from the Citys pockets. Alderman Bernstein noted earlier that evening they discussed payments in lieu of taxes. He encouraged Ms. Carroll to look into every method by which they can expand the Citys revenue base equitably. He suggested a fire service fee and to get revenue from groups that impact the City. They had Three Crowns Park before them, which proposed to more than double the size of its facility and is a non-tax paying entity. Clearly it will impact the infrastructure and police and fire services. Alderman Bernstein has often talked of his frustration with non-profit institutions. There was an advisory referendum some years past urging NU to pay its fair share, which is on the shelf. He supported the advisory referendum concerning St. Francis Hospital. He said the only way to satisfy peoples curiosity is to address the issue. He guessed the $43 million in charity was for all of Resurrection Health Care. He hoped St. Francis did its part. He said that anybody who seeks to do business in Evanston should pay its fair share. He asked Ms. Carroll to look at all methods by which the revenue stream could equitably be increased. City Manager Carroll asked Council members to please call her anytime they have a concern about cranes or parking and not wait until a City Council meeting. There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Morton adjourned the meeting at 11:57 p.m. Mary P. Morris, City Clerk A videotape recording of this meeting has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the City Clerks office.