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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.08.20 ​REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER JAMES C. LYTLE COUNCIL CHAMBERS Monday, June 8th, 2020 Present: Alderman Fiske Alderman Revelle Alderman Braithwaite Alderman Rainey Alderman Wynne Alderman Fleming Alderman Wilson Alderman Suffredin Alderman Rue Simmons (9) Absent: Presiding: Mayor Stephen Hagerty Devon Reid City Clerk Motion to suspend the rules and allow the meeting to be held virtually Passed 9-0 Motion:​ Ald. Wilson Second:​ Ald. Wynne Mayor’s Public Announcements Mayor Hagerty Announcements: ●Statement on George Floyd ●Evanston Fight For Black Lives Members address City Council ●COVID-19 Update ●Proclamation: Pride Month ●Proclamation: Juneteenth Month Watch City Manager’s Public Announcements City Manager Erika Storlie gave an update on City Operations. Watch City Clerk’s Communications City Clerk Announcements: ●Acknowledged public comments he received from Evanston residents regarding the hiring process of the next City Manager ●Discussion on Policing and Race: Tuesday, June 16th starting at 6:00 p.m. ●FOIA Presentation Watch Public Comment Alex Morgan Asked City Council to move towards a public process regarding the hiring of the next City Manager Watch Leslie Shad Provided City Council with an update from Fund for Evanston Trees. She also voiced her support for the preservation of the Elm trees in Evanston. Watch Rick Marsh Shared his input for the process of the hiring of the next City Manager. He hopes the public input from the community is sought by the City Council in order to make it a fair and transparent process. Watch Betsy Wilson Thanked City Council for moving forward with a nation-wide search for the next City Manager. She said it’s important to consider applicants with different backgrounds given the current events. Thanked Mayor Hagerty for this commitment for police reform. Watch Matthew Mitchell Talked about the four recommendations made by Citizen Police Complaint Assessment Committee (CPCAC) to the City of Evanston on handling police complaints. Watch Jackson Paller Requested for the resolution to appoint Erika Storlie as the City Manager be removed from the agenda and hopes the public input from the residents will be at the forefront of the process in hiring the next City Manager. He hopes the City will take concrete steps in creating police reform in the city. Watch Kimberly Holmes-Ross Stated she will wait until after the next Rules Committee meeting to share her statement. Watch Sandy Wilson Voiced her appreciation for moving the discussion about the next City Manager to the Rules Committee. Watch Kiera Kelly Read her remarks on the public process regarding the search for the next City Manager and other matters. Watch Lori Keenan Shared her concerns over the City Manager search, FOIA, police reform and services to the community. Watch Virginia Mann Voiced her support in favor of the preservation of elm trees in Evanston. Watch Allie Harned Expressed her concerns about the City Council considering the resolution to appoint Erika Storlie as the next City Manager. She voiced her support along with other members of the community to make the search process for the next City Manager transparent public process. Watch Nic Davis Asked for a more open and transparent process in selecting the next City Manager. Encouraged City Council members to seek positive police reform change in Evanston. Watch Carlis B Sutton Thanked City Council for moving the discussion about the next City Manager over to the Rules Committee. He applauded the statements made by the organizers of the Evanston Fight For Black Lives Watch Mike Vasilko Believes Ordinance 18-O-20 would make it difficult for City Council to remove a City Manager and asked City Council to vote against it. Asked City Council to reconsider a more qualified company to reconstruct the gym floor at Fleetwood-Jourdain. Suggested amending Ordinance 25-O-20 to show the cost for trees needed to be replaced on private property. Lastly, he asked City Council to vote against the amended amusement tax. Watch Special Order of Business SP1. ​Approval of Evanston CARES Act Amendments to the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan, PY 2019 Action Plan, and Citizen Participation Plan City Council approved Evanston CARES Act Amendments to the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan, PY 2019 Action Plan and Citizen Participation Plan that incorporate CDBG-CV and ESG-CV funding from the CARES Act to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. Funding sources are the City’s formula allocations of CDBG-CV in the amount of $1,080,243 and ESG-CV in the amount of $546,424.00, and $97,400.45 of unexpended 2019 CDBG entitlement funds for a total of $1,724,067.45. For Action Passed 9-0 Motion:​ Ald. Rainey Second:​ Ald. Rue Simmons Watch SP2. ​Resolution 52-R-20 Appointment of City Manager Mayor Hagerty recommends City Council adoption of Resolution 52-R20, appointing Erika Storlie to the position of City Manager to assume all roles and responsibilities. Motion to withdraw SP2. Resolution 52-R-20 Appointment of City Manager Motion:​ Ald. Wilson Second: ​Ald. Braithwaite For Introduction Moved to the Rules Committee SP3. ​Approval of Funding for the Dutch Elm Tree Injection Program Staff requests City Council discuss and provide direction regarding the funding of the Dutch Elm Disease Injection Program. Funding is provided from the General Fund, Forestry Division Budget (Account 100.40.4320.62497) and / or from interest earned in the Capital Improvement Fund. For Action Passed 6-3​ Alds. Braithwaite, Suffredin and Fleming voted “No” Motion:​ Ald. Fiske Second:​ Ald. Rainey Watch Consent Agenda CM1. ​Approval of the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of May 26, 2020 City Council approved the minutes of the Regular City Council meeting of May 26, 2020. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda Motion:​ Ald. Fleming Second:​ Ald. Rue Simmons Watch A1. ​Approval of the City of Evanston Payroll and Bills List City Council approved the City of Evanston Payroll for the period of May 11, 2020, through May 24, 2020, in the amount of $2,471,824.96, Bills List for June 09, 2020, in the amount of $6,547,120.34. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda A2. ​City of Evanston Emergency Food Pantry Update City Council accepted and placed on file the food pantry operations update. For Action: Accept and Place on File Approved on Consent Agenda A3. ​Approval of Authorization to Execute a Payment for the Month of April to Evanston Township High School for Providing Food Services to Assist Those Affected by School Closures Due to COVID-19 City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a payment of $193,170 to Evanston Township High School (ETHS), (1600 Dodge Ave, Evanston, IL 60201) for providing food services to assist those affected by school closures due to COVID-19. Funding for this program is from the City Manager's Emergency Operations Unit (Account 100.15.1520.65025). For Action Approved on Consent Agenda A4. ​Approval of Contract Award with Civiltech Engineering, Inc. for the Church Street Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements (RFQ 20-21) Staff recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Civiltech Engineering, Inc. (Two Pierce Place, Suite 1400, Itasca, IL 60143) for the Church Street Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements (RFQ 20-21) in the amount of $293,650.41. Funding is provided from the GO Bond Fund (Account 415.40.4120.62145 – 420004), which has an approved FY 2020 budget of $300,000 and a YTD balance of $300,000. For Action Passed 6-3​ Alds. Fiske, Braithwaite and Suffredin voted “No” Motion:​ Ald. Fleming Second:​ Ald. Rue Simmons Watch A5. ​Approval of a Contract Award with Carollo Engineers, Inc. for Hydraulic Modeling Services (RFP 20-32) City Council authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Carollo Engineers, Inc. (8600 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 900N, Chicago IL 60631) for Hydraulic Modeling Services (RFP 20-32) in the not-to-exceed amount of $50,000 per year for the next three years (2020, 2021, and 2022), with the option to extend the contract for a fourth year (2023). Funding is provided from the Water Fund (Account 510.40.4225.62185) which has an approved FY 2020 budget of $160,000 and a YTD balance of $110,500. Staff proposes to budget $50,000 for hydraulic modeling services in this same account in future years. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda A6. ​Approval of Contract Award with Schroeder and Schroeder Inc. for Special Assessment Alley Project (Bid 20-09) City Council authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Schroeder and Schroeder Inc. (7306 Central Park, Skokie, IL 60076) for the Special Assessment Alley Project (Bid 20-09) in the amount of $479,044.50. Funding is provided from the Capital Improvement Fund 2020 General Obligation Bonds in the amount of $239,522.25 and from the Special Assessment Fund in the amount of $239,522.25. A detailed summary is included in the memo below. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda A7. ​Approval of Funding for the Demolition of a Vacant, Structurally Unsafe Building at 2012 Maple Avenue Staff recommends City Council approval of funding for the demolition of a vacant, structurally unsafe residential structure located at 2012 Maple Avenue. The cost for the demolition will be is $40,300 which includes disconnection of the water and sewer services, demolition of structure, removal and backfill of the foundation and regrading of the site. The cost of the demolition will be paid for by grants provided by the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority. The funding source is the IL Vacant Expense Account, 100.24.2435.62469. For Action Failed in Committee A8. Approval of Entrepreneurship Emergency Assistance Grants City Council approved for financial assistance through the Entrepreneurship Support Program for the following applicants: ● Horizon Photography - $2,436.00 ● Career Catalyst - $2,500 ● Carrie Brown-LMT Massage Therapy - $2,305.38 ● SLK Salon - $2,500 ● La Cocinita - $2,500 ● Illinois Allergy and Asthma Specialists - $2,500 ● Good to Go Jamaican Restaurant - $2,500 ● Viet Nom Nom - $2,500 ● Avengerz Music Group, LLC - $1,000 ● Linmay Studio - $1,471.49 Staff recommends utilizing the Economic Development Entrepreneurship Support Fund (Account 100.15.5300.62664). The approved 2020 Fiscal Year Budget allocated $50,000 to this account. This request totals $22,212.87. To date, $0 has been spent. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda A9. ​Approval of Change Order #1 with SmithGroup, for the Shoreline Condition Assessment Engineering Services Agreement City Council authorized the City Manager execute Change Order #1 to an existing agreement with SmithGroup (35 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60601) for the Shoreline Condition Assessment Project in the amount of $26,000. This change order will increase the total contract amount from $74,500 to $100,500. Funding will be provided from the Capital Improvement Fund 2020 General Obligation Bonds Facilities Contingency Account (Account 415.40.4120.62145 - 520011). This line item has an approved FY 2020 budget of $600,000 and a YTD balance of $256,344. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda A10. ​Resolution 48-R-20, Terminating Limits on Third-Party Food Delivery Service Fees on July 13, 2020 City Council adopted Resolution 48-R-20, Terminating Limits on Third-Party Food Delivery Service Fees on July 13, 2020. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda A11. ​Resolution 49-R-20, Extending the Declared State of Emergency to July 13, 2020 Staff recommends City Council adoption of Resolution 49-R-20 extending the declared State of Emergency to July 13, 2020. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda A12. ​Resolution 51-R-20 Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Contract to Reconstruct the Fleetwood-Jourdain Gym Floor Without Utilizing a Public Bidding Process City Council adopted Resolution 51-R-20 authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Bodala, Inc. DBA Central Rug and Carpet (3006 Central Street, Evanston, Illinois, 60201) in the amount of $593,851 Motion:​ Ald. Fleming Second:​ Ald. Rainey Watch without utilizing a public bid process. Two-thirds (2/3) vote of the aldermen is required to approve this item. Funding is provided from the Capital Improvement Fund 2020, 2020 General Obligation Bonds (Account 415.40.4120.65515-619024), in the amount of $593,851. This item has an FY 2020 budget of $250,000. The remaining funding is from savings in other projects and facilities contingency. A detailed funding table is included in the information below. For Action Passed 9-0 A13. ​Ordinance 56-O-20 Amending City Code Section 10-11-5(D), Schedule V(D) “Four-Way Stops” to Include Four-Way Stops at Hastings Avenue and Colfax Street Staff recommends adopted Ordinance 56-O-20 by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-5(D), Schedule V(D) of the City Code to establish a 4-Way Stop Control at the intersection of Hastings Avenue & Colfax Street. Funding will be through the General FundTraffic Control Supplies (100.40.4520.65115), with a FY 2020 budget of $58,000 and remaining balance of $36,230. Motion to suspend the rules for Introduction and Action Passed 9-0 For Introduction and Action Passed 9-0 Motion:​ Ald. Fleming Second:​ Ald. Rainey Motion:​ Ald. Suffredin Second:​ Ald. Rue Simmons Watch A14. ​Ordinance 55-O-20, Amending the Amusement Tax City Council adopted Ordinance 55-O-20 amending the Amusement Tax to include online streaming services and to increase the amusement tax on venues with capacity over 1500 audience members. Amusement Tax revenue is deposited to the City's General Fund. Motion to amend the Ordinance and remove Section 3-2-17-1 Subsection A & D. Passed 8-1​ Ald. Wilson voted “No” For Action Passed 6-3​ Alds. Rue Simmons, Suffredin and Fleming voted “No” Motion:​ Ald. Fleming Second:​ Ald. Wynne Motion:​ Ald. Wynne Second:​ Ald. Rainey Watch P1. ​Ordinance 35-O-20, Amending Title 6, Ground Floor Uses in the D2 District Staff recommends that the Planning & Development Committee table Ordinance 35-O-20 due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and economic uncertainty over the retail market and the inability to hold inperson meetings with key stakeholders. Previously the Plan Commission and staff recommended amending the Zoning Ordinance to modify currently permitted ground-floor uses including Offices and Financial Institutions to special uses in order to encourage active ground-floor uses that promote pedestrian activity and an economically vibrant downtown corridor in the D2 Downtown Retail Core District. For Introduction Item tabled in Committee until November 9, 2020 Watch P2. ​Ordinances 58-O-20 and 59-O-20 Authorizing Text Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding the Classification of Minor and Major Variations and Residential Care Homes City Council approved Ordinance 58-O-20 authorizing City-initiated Text Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, Title 6 of the City Code, to Chapter 3 (Implementation and Administration) regarding the classification and administration of Minor and Major Variations and Ordinance 59-O-20 authorizing revisions to Chapter 4 (General Provisions) regarding Residential Care Homes and Transitional Treatment Facilities in the R4a, General Residential Zoning District. For Introduction Approved on Consent Agenda P3. ​Ordinance 60-O-20, Granting a Special Use for a Type 2 Restaurant, Happy Lemon, in the D4 Downtown Transition District, at 1607 Chicago Ave. City Council adopted Ordinance 60-O-20 granting special use approval for a Type 2 Restaurant, Happy Lemon, in the D4 Downtown Transition District. The applicant has complied with all zoning requirements and meets all of the Standards for a special use for this district. For Introduction Approved on Consent Agenda P4. ​Ordinance 61-O-20, Granting a Special Use for Commercial Indoor Recreation, Total Sona Fitness, in the C2 Commercial District and oCSC Central Street Overlay District, at 2678 Green Bay Rd. City Council adopted Ord. 61-O-20 granting special use approval for Commercial Indoor Recreation, Total Sona Fitness, in the C2 Commercial District and oCSC Central Street Overlay District. The applicant has complied with all zoning requirements and meets all of the Standards for a special use for this district. For Introduction Approved on Consent Agenda P5. ​Ordinance 62-O-20 Granting a Special Use for a Detached Single Family Dwelling in the B1 Business District at 1717 Simpson St. City Council adopted Ordinance 62-O-20 granting Special Use approval to allow the expansion of an existing Detached Single Family Dwelling in the B1 Business District, at 1717 Simpson Street. The applicant has complied with all zoning requirements and meets all of the Standards for Special Use in this district. For Introduction Approved on Consent Agenda P6. ​Ordinance 63-O-20 Granting a Special Use for a Type 2 Restaurant, 4 Suns Fresh Juice in the C1 Commercial District at 1906 Main St. City Council adopted Ord. 63-O-20 granting a Special Use for a Type 2 Restaurant, 4 Suns Fresh Juice, in the C1 Commercial District at 1906 Main St. The applicant has complied with all zoning requirements and meets all of the Standards for a special use in this district. For Introduction Approved on Consent Agenda P7. ​Ordinance 25-O-20, Amending Title 7, Chapter 8, Section 8 “Tree Preservation” City Council accepted and placed on filed Ordinance 25-O-20 amending the Tree Preservation Ordinance (7-8-8). There is no ability to implement and administer the revised Tree Preservation Ordinance due to the City's recent reduction in staffing in the Public Works Agency (PWA). If there is interest in further changes to the Tree Preservation Ordinance that do not require additional staffing, such as updates to tree species, fee structures, and other administrative details, staff can return to City Council with a Motion:​ Ald. Fiske Second:​ Ald. Wilson Watch revised Ordinance for consideration. For Action: Accept and Place on File Approved to Accept and Place on File 9-0 R1. ​Ordinance 18-O-20, Amending Title 1, Chapter 8, "City Manager" At the direction of Rules Committee, staff recommends City Council adoption of Ordinance 18-O-20, Amending Title 1, Chapter 8 “City Manager.” For Introduction Passed 7-2 ​ Ald. Suffredin and Fleming voted “No” Motion: ​Ald. Rainey Second:​ Ald. Rue Simmons Watch Call of the Wards Ward 1: Expressed her commitment in making positive change by bringing groups of different backgrounds together, but it can’t be done by suppressing certain groups. She shared her experience of marching alongside Dr. King on the Open Housing March. Asked for a fair and equitable process on how we treat residents and conduct city business. Thanked Jessica Feldman, a member of the Evanston League of Women Voters for all her years of service during her time in Evanston. Watch Ward 2: Praised the organizers of Evanston Fight For Black Lives for setting the tone of the sentiment being shared in Evanston. Encouraged everyone to go out to vote during the election. Acknowledged Omar Brown, Rev. Nabors, Jude Law and all other organizers who spoke at the rally in Logan Square. Said there are members of the faith, education and business community ready to discuss reparations. There will be a Ward meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2020 which will focus on the selection of the new City Manager. Made a referral to Chief Cook to provide best practices on recording during police encounters. Watch Ward 3: Thanked the members of the Evanston Fight For Black Lives for speaking with the City Council. Also thanked Rev. Nabors and all the other organizers that attended the rally at Fountain Square. Offered her condolences to the family of Jessica Feldman. Watch Ward 4: Thanked everyone for sharing their input on the City Manager search. Thanked the members of the Evanston Fight For Black Lives for organizing the march. Praised the work done by Jessica Feldman in promoting democracy here in Evanston. Watch Asked for members of the City Council to consider a resolution rethinking the Electoral Collage. Ward 5: Thanked the members of the Evanston Fight For Black Lives and their leadership in organizing the event. She shared her praise for Carla Cooper-Dudley, Director of Primm Towers and Blake Manner for keeping senior residents safe from COVID-19. Made a referral to the Arts Committee to place on a future agenda an item to erect an art installation to uplift the African-American community and naming it “Blacks Life Matter”. Made a referral to the Health Department to look at racism as a public health crisis. Request to appoint a member of the community with a criminal-justice background, the Citizens Network of Protection and a leader from Evanston Own It to the Police Review Board. Invited the public to join the conversation on reparations in Evanston. Watch Ward 6: No Report Watch Ward 7: Thanked the members of the Evanston Fight For Black Lives for speaking with the City Council. Expressed her condolences over the passing of Jessica Feldman, a member of the Evanston League of Women Voters. Watch Ward 8: Encouraged everyone to read the article in Chicago Magazine which highlights the road to reparations led by Ald. Rue Simmons. Thanked the members of the Evanston Fight For Black Lives for speaking with the City Council. Praised the great work being done by Interim City Manager Erika Storlie, and asked residents to be respectful in their remarks made towards her. Watch Ward 9: Applauded the efforts of Carla Cooper-Dudley, Director of Primm Towers and Blake Manner for keeping senior residents safe from COVID-19. Thanked Pastor Daniel Ruin of the Grace Lutheran Church for all his years of service in the community. Would like to see people who have not served in any Boards & Commissions to serve on the Police Review Board. Encouraged the organizers of the Evanston Fight For Black Lives to continue to participate and ask the people they know to participate in civic engagement. Watch Adjournment Ald. Wilson led City Council into Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(a) to discuss agenda items regarding litigation and minutes. These agenda item are permitted subject to be considered in Executive Session and are an enumerated exception under the Open Meetings Act with the exception being 5 ILCS 120/2(a)(c)(1)(11). A roll call vote was taken and by a vote of 9-0 City Council recessed into Executive Session.