Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02_27_06_ccCITY COUNCIL February 27, 2006 ROLL CALL - PRESENT: Alderman Wollin Alderman Holmes Alderman Jean-Baptiste Alderman Moran Alderman Wynne Alderman Tisdahl Alderman Bernstein Alderman Rainey A Quorum was present. Alderman Hansen ABSENT: None PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton on Monday, February 27, 2006, at 7:45 p.m. in the Aldermanic Library. Alderman Bernstein moved that Council convene into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing matters related to personnel and minutes pursuant to 5 Illinois Compiled Statues 1202 (c ) (1) and (21). Seconded by Alderman Holmes. 2. All meetings of public bodies shall be public meetings except for the following: (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 Section2.06. Roll Call. Voting aye – Aldermen Wollin, Jean-Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen. Voting nay – none. Motion carried. (9-0) At 8:25 p.m. Alderman Bernstein moved that Council reconvene into Open Session and recess. Motion carried. Mayor Morton reconvened the Council at 8:38 p.m. in the Council Chamber. ANNOUNCEMENTS: City Manager Julia Carroll announced that the North Shore Senior Center was celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Ms. Carroll noted that evening would be the last meeting attended by Finance Director Bill Stafford and thanked him for all he has contributed to the City over the past eight years. He will be missed by the Council, city manager and staff. Mayor Morton announced that the Civic Center building has been declared a National Landmark. Mayor Morton reported she had asked former fire chief Sanders Hicks to work with the Recreation Department on a celebration honoring Olympic Gold Medal speed skater Shani Davis. Banners are up at the Robert Crown Center where he started speed skating. City Clerk Mary Morris announced that early voting started that day at the City Clerk’s office and would continue through Thursday, March 16. Voters may vote early without giving a reason. However, state law requires that early voters display valid identification before voting such as a current driver’s license, a state-issued ID card or passport that has a photo. People who vote early at the City Clerk’s office will use an optical scan ballot. Voting hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturdays March 4 and 11. Ms. Morris reported that early voters may also vote at the Cook County Clerk’s office, 69 W. Washington, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays. Additionally, on March 4-6 and March 12-13, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, people may vote at the County office in downtown Chicago and at the Skokie office at 5600 Old Orchard Rd., in Room 149. If there are questions about the election, please call the City Clerk’s office at 847-866-2925. 2 February 27, 2006 CITIZEN COMMENT: Jan Weeks, 2040 Brown Ave., reported that disabled people as well as senior citizens use taxicab coupons. Complained that at St. Francis Hospital the free phone only calls Norshore Cab; reported that some taxi drivers want extra money if they have to put a manual wheelchair in the trunk and knew many disabled and senior citizens who have experienced problems. One driver threw a friend into the back seat of a taxi. In raising the fee, she suggested there be more egalitarianism among the companies. Whoever is in charge needs to tell the companies that drivers are not to ask for an extra dollar and a tip. She also noted that some drivers refuse to take the coupons. In response to Mayor Morton, she and others have complained to a representative of the ADA and called the taxi companies. Alderman Rainey recommended that Ms. Weeks be at the A&PW Committee meeting when they receive the report from the Taxi Advisory Board. CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Moran moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: Resolution 9-R-06 – Operating Budget FY 2006-07; Ordinance 29-O-06 – Special Assessment No. 1482; Ordinance 1-O-06 – Decrease Class C Liquor Licenses; Ordinance 2-O-06 – Increase Class C Liquor Licenses; Ordinance 39-O-06 – Processing and Handling Charge for Exempt Transactions; Ordinance 40-O-06 – Amend Building Permit Fee Ordinance; Ordinance 5-O-06 – Planned Development – Mather LifeWays; Ordinance 38-O-06 – Planned Development – Church Street Village LLC; and Ordinance 139-O-05 – Repeal of the Affordable Housing Demolition Tax Ordinance. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Roll call. Voting aye – Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean-Baptiste, Wynne. Voting nay – none. Motion carried (9-0). ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA * Resolution 10-R-06 – Capital Improvement Budget for Fiscal Year 2006-07 – Consideration of Resolution 10-R-06, which approves the Capital Improvement Budget for Fiscal Year 2006-07 in the amount of $28,646,090. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 13, 2006 and the Special City Council Meetings of February 4, 2006 and February 6, 2006. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: *Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston payroll for the periods through February 23, 2006 and City of Evanston bills for the period ending February 28, 2006, authorized and charged to the proper accounts: City of Evanston payroll (through 02/23/06) $2,185,776.40 City of Evanston bills (through 02/28/06) $1,595,094.64 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the purchase of property insurance from various insurance companies for the City of Evanston valued at $400,000,000, at a cost of $310,272 (including terrorism); excess general liability insurance coverage ($10,000,000 coverage in excess of $2,000,000) at a cost of $209,294; excess general liability insurance, $5,000,000 coverage in excess of $10,000,000, at a cost of $66,000; professional liability insurance (paramedics) at a cost of $13,997; fine arts/inland marine coverage at a cost of $13,496; crime and fidelity coverage (employee theft) at a cost of $12,849; excess Workers’ Compensation at a cost of $86,226. Total cost if $712,134. Funding provided by Insurance Fund. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of proposal from Flood Brothers (17 W 697 Butterfield Rd, Oakbrook Terrace) for condominium refuse services for a four (4) year period in the annual amount of $418,800. Funding provided by the General Fund * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) 3 February 27, 2006 * Approval of contract with Gewalt Hamilton & Associates Inc. (850 Forest Edge Dr., Vernon Hills) in the amount of $192,162.12 for 2006 additional sewer repairs and street resurfacing for design and construction engineering services. Funding provided by CIP funds. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 28-O-06 – Special Assessment No. 1480 – Alley Paving – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 28-O-06, by which City Council would the paving of the alley north of the CTA tracks, east of Wesley Ave. and south of Mulford St. * MARKED INTRODUCED – CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 30-O-06 – Special Assessment No. 1483 – Alley Paving – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 30-O-06, by which City Council would the paving of the alley north of Cleveland St. and east of Pitner Ave. * MARKED INTRODUCED – CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 21-O-06 – Increases Recycling Collection Service Charge – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 21-O-06, which amends Section 8-5-13 of the City Code to increase the recycling collection service charge from $2.86 to $3.72 per unit per month. * MARKED INTRODUCED – CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 8-O-06 – Sale of Surplus Property – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 8-O-06, introduced February 13, 2006, which recommends approval of various vehicles to be sold as surplus property at the Nationwide Auction Systems Classic Car auction in St. Louis. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 11-O-06 – Decrease the Number of Class C Liquor Licenses – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 11-O-06, introduced February 13, 2006, which amends Section 3-5-6 (C ) of the City Code to decrease the number of Class C liquor licenses from 22 to 21 by request of the liquor licensee of New Orleans Grill dba New Orleans Grill, 1601 Simpson St. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 13-O-06 – Increase the Number of Class H Liquor Licenses - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 13-O-06, introduced February 13, 2006, which amends Section 3-5-6 (H) of the City Code to increase the number of Class H liquor licenses from 1 to 2 due to the change in classification of Cost Plus Inc., dba World Market, 1725 Maple Ave. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 14-O-06 – Decrease the Number of Class G Liquor Licenses - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 14-O-06, introduced February 13, 2006, which amends Section 3-5-6 (G) of the City Code to decrease the number of Class G liquor licenses from 0 to 1 due to the change in classification of Cost Plus Inc., dba World Market, 1725 Maple Ave. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 22-O-06 – Increase the Senior Citizen Taxi Coupon Rate – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 22-O-06, introduced February 13, 2006, which increases the senior citizen taxi coupon rate from $2.00 to $2.50. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 23-O-06 – Increase the Cigarette Tax Rate – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 23-O- 06, introduced February 13, 2006, which increases the cigarette tax rate from $0.32 to $0.50 per pack. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 24-O-06 – Increase the Late Penalty for Various Parking Fines – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 24-O-06, introduced February 13, 2006, which increases the late penalty for various parking fines. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 25-O-06 – Loading Zone at 1813 Dempster St. – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 4 February 27, 2006 25-O-06, introduced February 13, 2006, which recommends approval of a loading zone at 1813 Dempster St., Pick-A-Cup Coffee Club. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 26-O-06 – City Code Wheel Tax – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 26-O-06, introduced February 13, 2006, which amends Title 10, Chapter 8, Section 10 of the City Code “Wheel Tax.” * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: * Ordinance 32-O-06 – Amend City Code to Create Chapter 23 in Title 4 “Energy Code” and Adopt the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code – Consideration of the staff recommendation to create a new Chapter 23 in Title 4 “Energy Code” and to adopt the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code by reference. * MARKED INTRODUCED – CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 16-O-06 – Special Use for Trade Contractor and Wholesale Goods Store at 1818 Dempster St. – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 16-O-06, introduced February 13, 2006, with a recommendation from the ZBA to approve a trade contractor and wholesale goods establishment, 1818 Dempster St. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 17-O-06 – Special Use for a Type 2 Restaurant – Al’s Italian Beef at 622 Davis St. – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 17-O-06, introduced February 13, 2006, with a recommendation from the ZBA to approve a Type 2 restaurant for Al’s Italian Beef, 622 Davis St. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 18-O-06 – Type 2 Restaurant at 1968 Dempster St. – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 18-O-06, introduced February 13, 2006, with a recommendation from the ZBA to approve a Type 2 restaurant for Panino’s Bar and Café, 1968 Dempster St. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 19-O-06 - Special Use for a Type 2 Restaurant – Froots Restaurant, 900 Chicago Ave. Consideration of proposed Ordinance 19-O-06, introduced February 13, 2006, with a recommendation from the ZBA to approve a Type 2 restaurant for Froots, 900 Chicago Ave. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 20-O-06 – Special Use for an Addition to a Retirement Home – Dobson Plaza, 120 Dodge Ave – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 20-O-06, introduced February 13, 2006, with a recommendation from the ZBA to approve an addition to the Dobson Plaza Retirement Home, 120 Dodge Ave. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 36-O-06 – Special Use for a Type 2 Restaurant – D.D. Dogs, 1625 Chicago Ave. – Consideration of a recommendation from the ZBA to approve a Special Use for a Type 2 restaurant, D.D. Dogs, 1625 Chicago Ave. * MARKED INTRODUCED – CONSENT AGENDA HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE * Approval of January 2006 Township Monthly Bills – Consideration of a recommendation to approve the Township bills, payroll and medical payments for the month of January 2006 in the amount of $86,277.72. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 14-R-06 – Endorsement of Illinois HB 4338 – Statewide Smoke-Free Legislation – Consideration of Resolution 14-R-06, whereby the City Council encourages the Illinois General Assembly to enact HB 4338 which would mandate smoke-free environments in all workplaces in Illinois. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) 5 February 27, 2006 * Ordinance 12-O-06 – Amends Title 8 of City Code – Declaration and Regulations Concerning Quarantine and Isolation Measures – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 12-O-06, introduced February 13, 2006, whereby the City Council would amend Title 8 of the City Code to clarify the authority of the Public Health Director to impose quarantine or isolation orders. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) OTHER COMMITTEES * Resolution 8-R-06 – Amendments to the City Council Rules – Consideration of Resolution 8-R-06, which amends existing Council Rules that will apply to the 77th Council of the City of Evanston. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 11-R-06 – Amends the City’s One-Year Action Plan and Approves 2006 HUD Entitlement Allocations – Consideration of Resolution 11-R-06, with a recommendation of the CDBG Committee to amend the City’s One-Year Action Plan for 2006-07 and approve the actual 2006 HUD Entitlement Allocations. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) AGENDA ADDENDUM * Approval of Contract with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) – Consideration of approval of the three-year collective bargaining agreement between the City of Evanston and AFSCME, Local 1891A, effective March 1, 2006 through February 28, 2009. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) APPOINTMENTS Mayor Morton asked that the following appointment be introduced: Donald N. Wilson Zoning Board of Appeals 1425 Main St. * INTRODUCED – CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Morton asked that the following appointments be confirmed: Jill Brazel Arts Council 1104 Asbury Ave. For term ending March 15, 2009 Michael Smith Energy Commission 540 Forest Ave. For term ending March 15, 2010 Alan R. Gitelson Human Relations Commission 2827 Harrison St. For term ending March 15, 2009 Marvin L. Green Human Relations Commission 815 Seward St. For term ending March 15, 2009 Cherylette Hilton Human Relations Commission 1721 Ashland Ave. For term ending March 15, 2009 6 February 27, 2006 Crawford Richmond Housing & Community Development Act Committee 1935 Dodge Ave. For term ending March 15, 2009 Mary Lou Smith Parking Committee 2545 Prospect Ave. For term ending March 15, 2009 Coleen E. Burrus Plan Commission 747 Dewey Ave. For term ending March 15, 2009 * APPROVED – CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Morton asked that the following reappointments be confirmed: Ruth Lipschutz Board of Ethics 223 Grey Ave For term ending March 15, 2009 Marie Figaro Taxicab Advisory Board 1123 Emerson St. For term ending March 15, 2009 Alan J. Miller Taxicab Advisory Board 151 Ashland Ave. For term ending March 15, 2009 * APPROVED – CONSENT AGENDA REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Ordinance 29-O-06 – Special Assessment No. 1482 – Alley Paving - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 29-O-06, by which City Council would authorize the paving of the alley north of Foster St. and east of Sherman Ave. Alderman Jean-Baptiste asked that this item be marked introduced. Alderman Wollin stated that she lives on that alley and, on the advice of her attorney, it was not only appropriate to vote on this matter but the responsible thing to do. Ordinance 1-O-06 – Amends 3-5-6 of City Code – Decrease in Class C Liquor Licenses – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 1-O-06, introduced January 9, 2006, which amends Section 3-5- 6(C ) of the City Code to decrease the number of Class C liquor licenses from 22 to 21 with the change of ownership for Va Pensiero, 1566 Oak Ave. Ordinance 2-O-06 – Amends 3-5-6 of City Code – Increase in Class C Liquor Licenses – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 2-O-06, introduced January 9, 2006,which amends Section 3-5- 6(C ) of the City Code to increase the number of Class C liquor licenses from 21 to 22 with the change of ownership for Va Pensiero, 1566 Oak Ave. 7 February 27, 2006 Alderman Jean-Baptiste reported these two items have been on the agenda for some time. Due to an ongoing real estate transaction, staff recommended removal from the agenda. Alderman Jean-Baptiste moved that Ordinances 1-O-06 and Ordinance 2-O-06 be removed from the agenda. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Motion carried unanimously.. Ordinance 39-O-06 – Amends Section 3-29-8-1 of City Code to Increase Processing and Handling Charge for Exempt Transactions – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 39-O-06, which amends Section 3-29-8-1 of the City Code, increasing the processing and handling charge for exempt transactions (real estate transfer tax). Alderman Jean-Baptiste asked that Ordinance 39-O-06 be marked introduced. Alderman Jean-Baptiste moved to Suspend the Rules to adopt an ordinance at the same meeting in which it was introduced. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Roll call. Voting aye – Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean-Baptiste, Wynne. Voting nay – none. Motion carried (9-0). Alderman Jean-Baptiste moved approval of Ordinance 39-O-06. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. At the last workshop Alderman Moran voted against this proposal related to a charge where certain transactions are exempt from the Real Estate Transfer Tax. Previously, exempt transactions did not pay the tax. Subsequently, Council enacted a $20 fee. This would raise that $20 fee to $100 and he objected because the fee would be increased five times. Roll call. Voting aye – Holmes, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean-Baptiste, Wynne. Voting nay – Bernstein, Moran. Motion carried (7-2). Ordinance 40-O-06 – Amends Ordinance 46-O-99 – Building Permit Fees – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 40-O-06, which amends Ordinance 46-O-99, Section IB, to modify the base building permit fee from $12/$1,000 worth of construction value to $15/$1,000 worth of construction value for projects more than $1 million in construction value. Alderman Jean-Baptiste asked that Ordinance 40-O-06 be marked introduced. Alderman Jean-Baptiste moved to Suspend the Rules to adopt an ordinance at the same meeting in which it was introduced. Seconded by Alderman Bernstein. Roll call. Voting aye – Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean-Baptiste, Wynne. Voting nay – none. Motion carried (9-0). Alderman Jean-Baptiste moved approval of Ordinance 40-O-06. Seconded by Alderman Rainey Alderman Moran said this ordinance was suggested about a week ago to increase the City’s revenues and was related to the base building permit fee that is charged when people build in Evanston. The current charge is $12 per $1,000 of construction value. This ordinance would increase the fee by 25% to$15 per $1,000 of construction value. His concern was reflected in earlier discussions about the new energy code. He had seen no analysis on the impact to investment on new real estate construction projects here; was concerned, without some analysis, what disincentive might be caused by this proposed change. Perhaps the market would absorb this fee and there will be no slowing of investments here. He noted this is a significant cost for large construction projects and could have a detrimental effect. Roll call. Voting aye – Bernstein, Holmes, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean-Baptiste, Wynne. Voting nay –Moran. Motion carried (8-1). PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: 8 February 27, 2006 Ordinance 5-O-06 – Planned Development – Mather LifeWays, 1615 Hinman Ave/422 Davis St – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 5-O-06, introduced February 13, 2006, with a Plan Commission recommendation to approve a planned development for Mather LifeWays, to construct in two phases, 245 independent living residences, plus 24 assisted-living and 40 long-term care residences, with underground parking for 249 vehicles. Alderman Rainey reported that this item was held until the March 13 meeting. Ordinance 38-O-06 – Planned Development - Church Street Village LLC, 1613 Church St. – Consideration of a recommendation from the Plan Commission to approve a planned development for Church Street Village LLC for map amendment and a planned development. The map amendment includes a change from I2 General Industrial District, to R5 General Residential District. The planned development includes 41 single-family attached dwelling units, approximately 84 off-street parking spaces and setbacks. Alderman Rainey reported that this item was held until the March 13 meeting because Council did not have the transcript from the February 8 meeting. Ordinance 139-O-05 – Amends the Affordable Housing Demolition Tax Ordinance – Consideration of proposed Ordinance 139-O-05, introduced December 12, 2005, which would amend the Affordable Housing Demolition Tax Ordinance, Section 4-20-3(D) – refund of demolition tax. Alderman Rainey moved approval of Ordinance 139-O-05. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Alderman Rainey reported corporation counsel advised there was a way to fix this ordinance. Alderman Moran moved that Ordinance 139-O-05 be referred back to the P&D Committee. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Resolution 9-R-06 – Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2006-07 – Approval of the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2006-07 in the amount of $181,711,265. Alderman Moran moved approval of Resolution 9-R-06. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Alderman Rainey reported a 2/24/06 memo from James Wolinski advising Council of projects not included in previous estimates of the construction value of those projects, so they could add $100,000 in revenue to the General Fund total. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Alderman Wollin reported calls from residents about projects that are not yet approved or with neighborhood opposition and hesitated to add more revenue since some projects were already “iffy.” Alderman Jean-Baptiste also had calls but thought it was legitimate to project the revenues they expect. They do this in many instances in the budget; and if they don’t receive the revenues, they can levy for more in December. Alderman Wynne also received many calls about 1515 Chicago and asked if it was included. Yes Mr. Wolinski quoted from budget memo 45 (2/7/06), which was the initial estimate on building construction: Mather, Phase 1, $50 million and he termed that a conservative figure. Due to delays cost of construction has gone up. Originally estimated at a construction value of $150 million and, if approved, it would be more like $200 million. 1515 Chicago is at $30 million; 1890 Maple, a proposed hotel is $10 million; Sienna, Phase 3 of a Roszak project is $15 million and has been approved. Three Crowns Park at $26 million is approved and in for building permits.1567 Maple is approved at $35 million. Addressing the 2/24/06 memo, he felt comfortable that Church Street Village would be approved in some shape or form. That is a $15 million construction value. He does not try to pre- suppose the Council but has to come up with estimates. Alderman Wynne asked when Mr. Wolinski anticipated receiving building permit fees, because the Mather is requesting a two year timeline for Phase 1. Mr. Wolinski said Mather planned to start Phase 1 in late 2006, if approved, and Phase 2 between 2009-10. Alderman Wynne understood that Mather asked for a time extension to get permit approvals. 9 February 27, 2006 Ordinarily the timeline is one year to get permits. First Assistant Corporation Counsel Herb Hill stated Mather had asked for an extension of building permit issuance and building completion in the ordinance. If Mather does not come in, what does that do to permit estimates? Ms. Carroll said Mather had asked for more time and asked Mr. Hill if Mather had said they would not apply for a permit before February 28, 2007. Mr. Hill read the language in Ordinance 5-O-06 … “the one year period in which to receive a building permit is hereby extended for two years to allow for the staged development of the total project. If an application for a building permit is not filed with the city within two years following adoption of this ordinance, rather than one year, with respect to the north parcel improvements and within five years following adoption of this ordinance with respect to the southwest parcel improvements, then this ordinance shall expire.” Ms. Carroll said that was new information staff received this week after the budget discussion on 2/22/06. Mr. Wolinski said Mather wants to start in 2006. Alderman Wynne asked the construction value of 1515 Chicago? It’s $40 million, which is $480,000 and if it does not come through, she was concerned because these buildings arrived at the Plan Commission only now and they have based budget revenues on controversial projects; recalled that projects have been turned down. If two don’t happen they will have to revisit the levy. Alderman Rainey said every year they estimate revenue from building revenues and don’t know if some will come through; asked the track record in projecting? Council has always challenged the Community Development Director on building permit fees because he was conservative. Mr. Wolinski said his estimates are conservative and Council has raised them. For the current year they budgeted $3.1 million in base building permit fees and will bring in about that amount. The prior year was $1.9 million and came close to that. He remembered when more than $3 million came in on a projected $2.2 million. He pointed out these estimates did not include many other projects. In the 2/24 /06 memo, Church Street Village was not included at $15 million; Kendall College would be approved and is between $14-16 million; Housing Opportunity Development Corporation is $6 million; Carroll Place’s original design was deemed too tall, dense and massive and will be revised. The developer will come in with a downsized project. There are at least two projects on Central Street in the $10-15 million range. He tried to come up with estimates, has been conservative in the past, and did not want to put Council at risk of having to raise the levy. His estimates are based upon best estimates and past practice. Alderman Moran noted that some residents are not happy with some projects and their concern regarding the budget is that there is a presumption that the projects will be approved. This is what Council does every year and there is no presumption that any of the assumptions folded into the budget will lead to approval of any particular project. People have to understand developing a budget is not pure science, there is some art to it. Some may be approved and others go by the board, but they have to have something to develop projections. Mr. Wolinski has done this for a long time and has a good sense of what the projections are. When Council includes particular projects in budget projections, some may pass and some may not. People opposed to one project or another should be cheered, because basically they are spreading the risk. They calculated this revenue stream on a broad basis. Mr. Wolinski said there is also a NU research lab project of $40 million that is supposed to come in late fall and was not included. Alderman Jean-Baptiste thought they have done what Alderman Moran explained each year. He has never had any vote to approve/reject a project affected by these estimates. He suggested the media was somewhat irresponsible by taking all discussions and reducing that to “City Counting on Projects not yet approved.” It is important to tell the whole story and not just one aspect. Mr. Wolinski has just said he underestimated the Mather revenue. The safeguard is at the end of the year if they fall short, they can raise the levy. Adding $100,000 was significant and he supported it. Alderman Rainey asked if the Bristol project was included? No. That is a $50 million project that has been before the Plan Commission and the alley hearing will be next week. Some hot projects were not included. She thought there was a good chance that project would go before the end of 2006. Ms. Carroll advised Council that they needed to be careful and take into consideration all other revenue sources and, if they are on track, and not count on something until it came in. Alderman Rainey was not sure what was meant by amending the budget. Mr. Stafford said they have never amended the budget and can do so by majority vote. He reminded them that management has been active in keeping close tabs on the budget. That is why it has not had to be amended. 10 February 27, 2006 Alderman Rainey spoke in favor of adding a K-9 unit the Police Department; said they had before them a Police Dog Expense and Working Life of Initial Dog report with two scenarios. One was the cost of the dog if they used a current officer and did not add another officer; the second was to hire an additional officer. There are indications in the community that other revenue sources will assist with this proposal. She suggested not hiring a new officer for half the year, use somebody on staff, then add a new officer next year. $100,000 was added to revenues that they had not planned on. Council received a copy of a police report about someone stopped for an illegal turn during the day. They found two loaded guns and thousands in cash in the car. One would expect drugs were in that car and a dog was called in but no drugs were found. She thought Alderman Bernstein’s argument for having a dog for crowd control was one of the worst reasons and did not want any animal on the end of a leash controlling people. She wanted to relieve police officers of having to search somebody’s house when a dog could quickly sniff something out. She once went on a drug raid and saw what happens to a house and it is not a pretty sight. If they had a dog, it could go right to the drugs. She thought for a city of Evanston’s size with the issues they have, not to have a dog was wrong. She thought NU has numerous reasons to use a dog and could share with them. There was a letter of support from the Chief. Alderman Rainey moved that they include $29,000 funds for the use of K-9 patrol. Seconded by Alderman Wollin. Alderman Tisdahl read the Chief’s memo and noted that taking an officer for the K-9 unit leaves another area short. She supported the K-9 and hiring another officer. Ms. Carroll said if they don’t hire another officer, they would short change other areas of service and encouraged them to adopt the $57,000 cost. Alderman Rainey amended her motion to reflect $57,000. Mayor Morton recalled when they had a K-9 unit, a female officer, who is still on the force, handled the dog. Alderman Moran said the systemic budget shortfall is the 80% of the budget that goes for personnel. The proposal before them was vetted by finance, and budget groups have indicated that springing from a generous donation of $60,000 are expenditures of $1.2 million over 10 years of which$1,040,000 will be paid by taxpayers. This is a one-time $60,000 contribution. If somebody wanted to donate funds to sustain this program year after year he would say great; was sure the Chief would like another officer. This is the tail wagging the dog. No one came forward before last Wednesday saying that they must have a K-9 unit. Chief Kaminski has assured them that when police need a K-9 unit, they can get one from neighboring jurisdictions when needed. Were they going to ask citizens to pay for another position and have to hire another police officer? A case has not been made for a K-9 unit. IF NU wants to help pay for it that would be great. Alderman Jean-Baptiste asked what happened to the officer and could she resume her role as handler? Chief Kaminski stated that officer is now a shift commander on the day shift. In the early 1990s when they had a K-9 unit, it was cut from the budget. Mayor Morton asked why is there overtime? Chief Kaminski explained the officer would be deployed based upon need and called in. The officer does not work regular hours, instead works flexible hours. Even with a flexible shift allotment, the person can only work 40 hours a week. There will be raids and that is when they have overtime. In response to Alderman Bernstein, Chief Kaminski said efficiencies with a K-9 unit come with searching for drugs and other evidence. Dogs do better than humans. When police search a building during a raid, a dog searches with less disruption. There are many booby traps, so a dog makes it safer for officers. Alderman Bernstein supported having a K-9 and if they add personnel, add another police officer. He sensed the Chief was told to come in with a bare bones budget. The City is at full complement of officers, but can always use more officers. This came about due to a $60,000 donation and a vehicle and was a good idea. Mayor Morton asked what they were voting on? Ms. Carroll said they would vote on adding the program with a police officer for one-half year at a cost of $57,000, not counting the $60,000 donation so there is a net cost of $3,000. In subsequent years there would be fixed costs for the officer, supplies for the dog and fuel for the vehicle. Ms. Carroll said first-year training and equipment costs for the dog are $20,000. Mayor Morton asked what the dog handler does when not using the dog. They patrol the streets and respond to calls where the dog would be useful. Alderman Holmes was concerned that if things continue as they are financially, what kind of priority would they give to a K9 unit. Chief Kaminski was not sure if the budget would be cut, but they would have to prioritize. She asked if it would be a priority to protect the K-9 unit to safeguard their investment. The second-year costs are $72,500 so they would have to find $73,000 to continue the program. 11 February 27, 2006 Alderman Moran was not sure he was tracking because in the 2/24/06 memo, he said the officer cannot be assigned to a patrol shift because the officer needs to work a flexible schedule. He tried to reconcile that to the statement that the officer would be assigned to a regular patrol. Chief Kaminski explained that each shift has a number of officers. This officer would not be assigned to complement a shift, but would overlap a shift and guessed it would be 8 to 4 or 6 to 2. Due to those hours, the officer cannot be assigned to a shift and must be flexible to move around. Alderman Rainey recalled the previous K-9 dog was injured and not replaced, resulting in an opportunity not to spend. The dog fell two stories through a false ceiling in a search. She thought there was no insurance to replace the dog, which they will have this time. She noted that if it had been a person searching, that could have been a cop. In response to Alderman Jean-Baptiste, Chief Kaminski said they have 20-30 raids a year, which are based upon performance and what is found. When the dog is not on a raid, the dog and handler would be in a marked vehicle and patrol the streets. The dog could also do robbery and burglary alarm calls and other things. The K-9 also would be used at Northwestern University or at agencies that Evanston helped out with a K-9. Alderman Jean-Baptiste asked if the City would ask NU to help fund this? Chief Kaminski would ask at the direction of the city manager. Alderman Wollin stated that since 9/11 security is more important to everyone. When going downtown the first day after 9/11, she remembered seeing dogs on all the CTA trains. She strongly supported this; said the community will be better off with this capability available and hoped the community supports it. The public relations is always good and police dogs are wonderful to bring to community events. Roll call. Voting aye – Bernstein, Holmes, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Wynne. Voting nay –Moran, Jean-Baptiste. Motion carried (7-2). Alderman Moran moved to approve amendments to Resolution 9-R-06. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Motion carried unanimously. The tax levy increase is 2.92%. Vote on the amended budget. Roll call. Voting aye – Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean- Baptiste, Wynne. Voting nay – none. Motion carried (9-0). CALL OF THE WARDS: 4th Ward. Alderman Bernstein announced a Civic Center Committee meeting the next evening at 7:30, said the City was made better by Bill Stafford’s contributions. 5th Ward. No report. 6th Ward. Alderman Moran thanked Bill Stafford for all his help; was a delight to work with and had added value to the work of the City Council and citizens of this community. He wished him the best of luck. 7th Ward. Alderman Tisdahl predicted Bill Stafford would do great things at the high school and for school finances throughout the State of Illinois. He will be missed. 8th Ward. Alderman Rainey wished Bill Stafford good luck and said he would be even more help at the high school. 9th Ward. Alderman Hansen reported attending a chamber speed networking event recently at Prairie Moon of the Young Professionals of Evanston. There were 62 people present of various ages who were energized. The goal of this new group is to get younger people more involved with community and government. She reported that the compost behind the Recycling Center in James Park had become quite smelly recently. Residents are invited to a neighborhood information meeting at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Levy Center. The Streets & Sanitation Division, Illinois EPA and SWANNC representatives will be present. She thanked Bill Stafford and wished him well. 1st Ward. Alderman Wollin reported hearing Alan Alson speak at a recent League of Women Voters luncheon. She recognized that Bill Stafford would continue to live in the 1st Ward, appreciated all of his hard work and wished him well. She reported the Mayor’s State of the City speech at the recent Chamber of Commerce meeting was wonderfully given and received. The Mayor discussed where the City is going and the fact that there is a vision for what they want to 12 February 27, 2006 accomplish. She thanked Mayor Morton, especially for the two arts award winners, the Music Institute of Chicago and Susan Manning, who is working to bring revitalization of the arts in Evanston. 2nd Ward. Alderman Jean-Baptiste said that Council needed a report on the vocational training program at the high school from Bill Stafford. He found that the 1968 high school championship football team was honored. He was on the last state soccer championship team and nobody called him so Bill Stafford is his connection there. 3rd Ward. Alderman Wynne congratulated Susan Manning, a neighbor, on her arts award; said she is a fine contributor to the community and her husband Doug Doetsch is a Plan Commissioner. She announced Wednesday, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. there would be discussion of the Chicago Avenue Streetscape plan in the Parasol Room of the Civic Center. She thanked Bill Stafford; had learned much about the budget and would miss his extraordinary level of professionalism. Many don’t know him and the impact on their lives due to his financial leadership. She looked forward to him being at ETHS because she has class of 2011 and 2015 coming up; thanked him and wished him good luck. Mayor Morton stated that Bill Stafford has been a great community person; was active in working with the Little League. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn and the Council so moved at 10:25 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 Clerk’s office.