HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.23.20
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS
LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER
JAMES C. LYTLE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Monday, November 23rd, 2020
Devon Reid
City Clerk
Present:
Absent:
Presiding: Mayor Stephen Hagerty
Alderman Fiske Alderman Revelle
Alderman Braithwaite Alderman Rainey
Alderman Wynne Alderman Fleming
Alderman Wilson Alderman Suffredin
Alderman Rue Simmons (9)
Mayor’s Public Announcements
City Manager’s Public Announcements
City Clerk’s Communications
Public Comment
Motion to suspend the rules and allow the meeting to be held virtually
Passed 9-0
Motion: Ald.
Wilson
Second: Ald.
Wynne
Mayor Hagerty Announcements and 1 Proclamation:
●COVID-19 Update
●Interfaith Action Thanksgiving Service
Watch
City Manager Erika Storlie had no announcements Watch
City Clerk Reid gave an update on the list of candidates who filed for the 2021 Municipal
Election.
Watch
Jacqueline M Eddy Voiced her support for the development at 1900 Sherman Ave
because it’s innovative and created.
Watch
Bonnie Wilson Voiced her support for the development at 1900 Sherman Ave. Watch
John Moore Believes the proposal for 1900 Sherman Ave is not suitable for the
community because of inequity and asked City Council to reject the
proposal. Said the proposal has grown exponentially in size from
when it was first proposed and it isn't desirable for livability for the
community.
Watch
Eric Paset Asked for the City Manager or a member of the City Council to reach
out to him directly in order to discuss ideas he has that could help
save small businesses in Evanston.
Watch
Polly Kuehl Voiced her support for the development at 1900 Sherman Ave. Watch
Elliot Zashin Opposed the development at 1900 Sherman Ave for it’s many
problematic aspects. Said the process failed to give the public a
meaningful opportunity to evaluate the project and provide useful
feedback. There are fewer affordable housing units being offered
than initially proposed. Claimed that many of the technical aspects of
the contract need further review before the City and residents
understand the terms of the contract. Asked the City Council to either
table the proposal or send it back to the Planning and Development
Committee in order to create a proposal that better serves the
residents of Evanston.
Watch
Cecile McHugh Opposed the development at 1900 Sherman Ave. Said the residents
of the area where not given the opportunity to provide feedback or
ask questions regarding the proposed development. She described
the many changes the development went through from the initial
proposal up until the final version being presented tonight. Requested
that the proposal be sent back to the community for further input.
Watch
Claire Waistell Opposed the development at 1900 Sherman Ave. Said the AMI
percentage is missing from the proposal and implored City Council to
renegotiation the proposal.
Watch
Darlene Cannon Stated the residents living at the Perlman apartments face numerous
challenges which include congested parking, lack of notice on the
development at 1900 Sherman and no priority for relocation at the
new building once it’s completed. Claimed residents of the Perlamn
apartments are in fear of voicing their concerns about the
development over the possibility of being threatened with eviction.
Watch
Tina Foster Asked the City Council to vote against the Housing Authority of Cook
County (HAAC) proposal because it does not adequately address the
needs of the current and vulnerable residents. Said the apartments
are not affordable for those on low, or fixed income.
Watch
Bruce Enenbach Voiced his opposition to the development at 1900 Sherman Ave. He
listed many of the changes that were made from the original
proposal. Doesn’t believe tax dollars should be used to support a
luxury housing development. Called for the project to be rejected as it
is currently proposed.
Watch
Sandy Wilson Asked City Council to vote against the development proposal at 1900
Sherman Ave. Inquired why the Housing Authority of Cook County
(HAAC) couldn’t secure tax credit for the development in comparison
to similar developments in Evanston.
Watch
Mary Rosinski Shared her concerns over the development at 1900 Sherman Ave. Watch
Clare Kelly Stated the 1900 Sherman development has too many stories which
will destroy the residential theme of the area. Believes the residents
of the area should be afforded a meeting to express their concerns.
Asked to revert to the original 80 unit proposal which would provide
more affordable housing units. Voiced her concerns over the due
process of the development.
Watch
Diane Goldring Opposed the development at 1900 Sherman Ave. She believes the
proposal should be considered an entirely new project because it’s
not what was originally proposed. Said it doesn’t meet the standards
of missing middle housing.
Watch
Mike Vasilko Talked about the budget deficit and a staff reduction memo that was
set to be presented by the City Manager.
Watch
Patricia A. Efiom On behalf of Evanston Own It she spoke on the development at 1900
Sherman Ave. She called for the City Council to prioritize affordability
and racial equity by voting in favor of the proposal.
Watch
Mary Beth Roth Shared her thanks and appreciation to all the City staff that made the
produce mobile a success.
Watch
Jamie Collier Requested that any action for raising the property tax levy be
postponed until the next City Council meeting and allow staff the
opportunity to present solutions to balance the budget.
Watch
James Young Advocated for a zero percent increase in property taxes. Said this
could be done by looking carefully at the reserves held by the City.
Watch
Shawn Iles Talked about the Evanston Public Library tax levy. Listed some of the
programs for 2021 that will highlight the library’s continued
commitment to equity.
Watch
amy morton Stated that two of her proposals that sought tents to be placed at her
restaurants were rejected by the City without any communication
from the City. Expressed her disappointment with the lack of support
being given by the City.
Watch
Jon Duncan He spoke on the legal issues raised by public speakers about the
1900 Sherman Ave. development.
Watch
Trisha Connolly Shared her concerns about the 1900 Sherman Ave development
project. Asked for City Council to direct the Housing Authority of Cook
County (HAAC) to provide data that supports their claims.
Watch
Sarah Bogan Believes the proposed budget doesn't do enough to decrease funding
for the police department. Hopes the City Council can make a
stronger commitment to decrease police funding during the next
Watch
Special Order of Business
budget discussion.
Gabe Karsh Stated that the actions of the police department continues to
disproportionately continue to affect the Afrinca-American community.
He went on to speak about the incident involving the police
department and protesters on Halloween night. Asked for the police
department budget to be further reduced and commit more resources
to police alternatives.
Watch
Abigail Aziza Stone Voiced her support for the development at 1900 Sherman Ave. Watch
Sue Loellbach Voiced her support for the development at 1900 Sherman Ave. Said
that most of the concerns that were raised can be addressed with
complete information and good planning process.
Watch
Kiera Kelley Asked City Council to continue its consideration of the proposed
ordinance regarding the zoning of the Sherman Ave property until the
Housing Authority of Cook County (HAAC) provides additional
information regarding the ownership structure and all other relevant
information.
Watch
SP1. Ordinance 110-O-20, Approving the 2021 Fiscal Year Budget of
the City of Evanston
City Council adopted Ordinance 110-O-20 adopting the 2021
Budget for the City of Evanston in the amount of $296,146,104.
Motion to reduce the 2021 fleet budget by $400,000.00 and bond
$500,000.00 of the remaining budget.
Passed 9-0
Motion to not have a tax increase for Police and Fire pension
payments for 2020
Failed 5-4
Alds. Rue Simmons, Suffredin, Rainey and Fleming voted “Yes”
Motion to move $500K from the reserve fund to the general fund
Passed 5-4 Alds.Wynne, Wilson, Revelle and Fiske voted “No”
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Braithwaite
Motion: Ald.
Braithwaite
Second: Ald.
Wilson
Motion: Ald.
Fleming
Second: Ald.
Rue Simmons
Motion: Ald.
Fleming
Second: Ald.
Rue Simmons
Watch
Motion to recess until 9:50 p.m.
Passed 9-0
Motion to resume the City Council meeting
Passed 9-0
Motion to approve the budget as amended in the amount of
$296,146,104
Failed 5 4 Alds. Wynne, Wilson, Revelle and Rainey voted
“Yes”
Motion to reconsider the budget for discussion
Passed 6-3 Ald. Rue Simmons, Suffredin and Fleming voted “No”
Motion to approve the budget as amended in the amount of
$296,146,104
Passed 5-4
Ald. Braithwaite, Rue Simmons, Suffredin and Fleming vote “No”
For Action
Approved as amended in the amount of $296,146,104
Motion: Ald.
Braithwaite
Second: Ald.
Wynne
Motion: Ald.
Braithwaite
Second: Ald.
Wilson
Motion: Ald.
Fiske
Second: Ald.
Braithwaite
Motion: Ald.
Wynne
Second: Ald.
Revelle
SP2. Ordinance 112-O-20, Levying Taxes in the City of Evanston for
the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2021 and Ending December 31,
2021
City Council adopted Tax Levy Ordinance 112-O-20, which levies
the annual property tax for General Operations, Human Services Fund,
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), Police and Fire Pension
Funds, and the Solid Waste Fund.
Motion to amend the amount the total amount to $34,269,112
Passed 9-0
For Action
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Wilson
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Revelle
Watch
Approved 8-1 as amended Ald. Fleming voted “No”
SP3. Ordinance 113-O-20, Levying Taxes for the General Assistance
Fund for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2021 and Ending
December 31, 2021
City Council adopted Tax Levy Ordinance 113-O-20, which levies
the annual property tax for General Assistance in the amount of
$1,340,206 as extended (including 3% loss factor). This represents an
increase of 20.4% over the 2019 levy of $1,113,402 as extended.
For Action
Approved 9-0
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Rue Simmons
Watch
SP4. Ordinance 114-O-20, Levying Taxes for the Library Fund for the
Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2021 and Ending December 31, 2021
City Council adopted Tax Levy Ordinance 114-O-20,
which levies the annual property tax for the Evanston Public Library in
the amount of $7,476,289 as extended (including 3% loss factor). This
represents no increase over the 2019 levy.
For Action
Approved 9-0
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Fiske
Watch
SP5. Ordinance 115-O-20, Levying Taxes for the Special Service Area
No. 6 for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2021 and Ending
December 31, 2021
City Council adopted Tax Levy Ordinance 115-O-20, which levies
the annual property tax for Special Service Area #6 in the amount of
$221,000 ($227,835 as extended including a loss factor of 3%). This
represents no increase over the 2019 Levy as extended.
For Action
Approved 9-0
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Revelle
Watch
SP6. Ordinance 116-O-20, Levying Taxes for the Special Service Area
No. 7 for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2021 and Ending
December 31, 2021
City Council adopted Tax Levy Ordinance 116-O-20, which levies
the annual property tax for Special Service Area #7 in the amount of
$154,800 ($159,444 as extended including loss factor of 3%). This
represents no increase over the 2019 Levy of $154,800 ($159,444 as
extended).
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Rue Simmons
Watch
For Action
Approved 9-0
SP7. Ordinance 117-O-20, Levying Taxes for the Special Service Area
No. 8 for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2021 and Ending
December 31, 2021
City Council adopted Tax Levy Ordinance 117-O-20, which levies
the annual property tax for Special Service Area #8 in the amount of
$60,200 ($62,006 as extended including loss factor of 3%). This
represents a no increase over the 2019 Levy of $60,200 ($62,006 as
extended).
For Action
Approved 9-0
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Rue Simmons
Watch
SP8. Ordinance 118-O-20, Levying Taxes for the Special Service Area
No. 9 for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2021 and Ending
December 31, 2021
City Council adopted Tax Levy Ordinance 118-O-20, which levies
the annual property tax for Special Service Area #9 in the amount of
$592,665 ($610,995 as extended including loss factor of 3%). This
represents a no increase over the 2019 Levy of $592,665 ($610,995 as
extended).
For Action
Approved 9-0
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Fiske
Watch
SP9. Resolution 120-R-20, Authorizing the City Manager to Sign the
Memorandum of Understanding with Cook County to House City
City Council adopted Resolution 120-R-20,
authorizing the City Manager to sign the memorandum of understanding
with Cook County to house City staff and Evanston residents during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
For Action
Approved 9-0
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Wynne
Watch
SP10. Approval of CDBG-CV Funding to Address Food Insecurity
CityCouncil approved CDBG-CV funding of up to $150,000 to Curt's Cafe
to address food insecurity related to the COVID-19 pandemic, up to
$120,000 to procure food and up to $30,000 for labor and delivery costs.
This will provide approximately 1,500 boxes of food, each of which will
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Wynne
Watch
Consent Agenda
feed a family of four. Food boxes will be distributed via pop-up pantries
in high need neighborhoods, estimated at 500 boxes per month for three
months. The City received $1,586,370 in CARES Act CDBG-CV funding
in two allocations to address the needs of homeless and unstably
housed families and individuals and other impacts of the coronavirus.
$626,496 is budgeted for Public Services including food assistance.
Approval of $150,000 for food assistance will leave $396,496 to be
allocated to eligible Public Services activities.
For Action
Approved 9-0
A1. Approval of the City of Evanston Payroll, and Bills
City Council approved the City of Evanston Payroll for the period of
October 26, 2020, through November 8, 2020, in the amount of
$2,717,869.90 Bills List for November 24, 2020, in the amount of
$4,149,455.66.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
A2. Contracts for 2020-2021 Snow Tow Program
City Council authorized the Interim City Manager to execute contract(s) for
Snow Towing Services in an amount not to exceed $60,000. Funding for
snow towing contractors is provided by the Snow and Ice Control General
Fund Account (100.40.4550.62451). A list of various towing companies is
attached.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
A3. Approval of Change Order No. 1 with Skyrim Studio, Inc. for the
public art contract at the Robert Crown Community Center and
Library
City Council authorized the City Manager to approve Change Order No. 1
with Skyrim Studio, Inc. (4340 79th Avenue NW, Olympia, WA 98502) for
the public art contract at the Robert Crown Community Center and Library.
This change order will increase the contract period by 272 calendar days
but does not increase the existing contract price.Funding is from the
Crown Construction Fund (Account 416.40.4160.65515 – 616017).
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
A4. Purchase of Twenty (20) Vehicles and one (1) Stationary
Vehicular Lift for Various Departments
City Council approved the purchase of twenty (20) vehicles for various
departments. Purchases include one (1) vehicle for the Parks and
Recreation Department; seven (7) vehicles for the Public Works Agency;
seven (7) vehicles for the Police Department; one (1) vehicle for the Fire
Department; four (4) vehicles for the Administrative Services Department;
and one (1) stationary vehicular lift for the Administrative Services
Department - Fleet Division. Funding for the purchase of twenty (20)
vehicles and one (1) stationary lift in the total amount of $1,441,500 will
come from the 2021 Equipment Replacement - Automotive Equipment
Fund (Account 601.19.7780.65550), with a Proposed 2021 FY budget of
$2,000,000. In addition, funding for $279,957.39 (Vehicle 721) will be from
the Solid Waste Fund (Account 520.40.4310.65550) with a proposed 2021
FY budget of $440,000.00.
Motion to remove 1 bus and 9 explorer vehicles
Passed 9-0
For Action
Approved 9-0 as amended
Motion: Ald.
Rue Simmons
Second: Ald.
Wilson
Motion: Ald.
Wilson
Second: Ald.
Wynne
Watch
A5. Resolution 113-R-20, Authorizing the City Manager to Sign the
First Amendment to the Passport Labs, Inc. Parking Agreement
City Council adopted Resolution 113-R-20, authorizing the City Manager
to sign the First Amendment to the Passport Labs, Inc. Parking
Agreement. The agreement allows the City to use Passport’s services and
technology to facilitate mobile pay services from other companies such as
Google. Funding will be from the Parking Enforcement and Ticketing Fund
(Account 100.19.1941.62509) with a FY20 budget of $335,000 and a YTD
balance of $112,416.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
A6. Resolution 118-R-20, Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Motion: Ald. Watch
Professional Services Agreement for Actionable Pricing for Electric
Energy Supply
City Council adopted Resolution 118-R-20, Authorizing the City Manager
to enter into a Professional Services Agreement for Actionable Pricing for
Electric Energy Supply for ninetythree (93) City electric accounts.
For Action
Approved 9-0
Rue Simmons
Second: Ald.
Wynne
A7. Resolution 119-R-20, Establishing Limits on Third-Party Food
Delivery Service Fees
City Council adopted Resolution 119-R-20, establishing limits on
third-party food delivery service fees.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
A8 Ordinance 99-O-20, Amending the City Code to Change the Title
of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department to the
Parks and Recreation Department
City Council adopted Ordinance 99-O-20 Amending the City Code to
Change the Title of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Department to the Parks and Recreation Department.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
A9. Ordinance 107-O-20, Amending the Wheel Tax Late Fee
City Council adopted Ordinance 107-O-20, amending City Code Section
10-8-3 to revise wheel tax late fees to $25.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
A10. Ordinance 111-O-20, Amending City Code Section 8-4-11 to
Revise Sanitation Service Charges
City Council adopted Ordinance 111-O-20, Amending City Code Section
8-4-11 to Revise Sanitation Service Charges.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
P1. Ordinance 35-O-20, Amending Title 6, Ground Floor Uses in the
D2 District
Staff recommends that the Planning & Development Committee deny
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, however, given the continuing
uncertainty staff wishes to bring this issue back at some time in the future.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
P2. Ordinance 101-O-20, Amending Ordinance 136-O-18 Regarding
the City of Evanston Permit Fee Schedule
City Council approved Ordinance 101-O-20, Amending Ordinance
136-O-18 Regarding the City of Evanston Permit Fee Schedule to add a
Recording Fee.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
P3. Ordinance 109-O-20, Amending the Zoning Map to Rezone 1900
Sherman Avenue From the R6 General Residential District to the C1a
Commercial Mixed Use District and Granting A Special Use Permit
for A Planned Development at 1900 Sherman Avenue
City Council approved the map amendment and offers no
recommendation on the planned development, while staff recommends
approval of Ordinance 109-O-20 to construct a 16-story 168-unit
residential building with 37 subterranean on-site parking spaces while
retaining the existing 11-story 100-unit building. The applicant requests a
Map Amendment to rezone the property from the R6 General Residential
to the C1a Commercial Zoning District and a Special Use Permit to allow
Multi-Family Dwelling units in the C1a District. The applicant seeks site
development allowances for 1) a building height of 172-feet, 8-inches to
top of roof where 67-feet is allowed and 97-feet may be requested as a
maximum site development allowance; 2) a net increase of 15 parking
spaces where an additional 96 spaces are required with an Inclusionary
Housing Ordinance bonus; 3) a total of 268 dwelling units, where a
maximum of 196 units are allowed with an Inclusionary Housing
Ordinance bonus; 4) one loading berth where two are required, and 5) a
Motion: Ald.
Wynne
Second: Ald.
Rainey
Watch
short loading berth depth of 25-feet where a minimum of 35-feet is
required.
For Action
Approved 8-1-0 Ald. Fiske abstained
ED1. Extending payment deferrals on Economic Development loans
and leases for up to six months
City Council approved to extend payment deferrals on certain Economic
Development loans and leases for up to an additional six months.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
R1. Ordinance 103-O-20, Setting Compensation for Members of the
Evanston City Council
City Council adopted Ordinance 103-O-20, setting compensation for the
Evanston City Council. This Ordinance was held for Action at the
November 9, 2020 meeting to the November 23, 2020 meeting.
Amended to allow single healthcare coverage recipients to select to
receive a cash amount equal to the City’s premium cost for their
single PPO Option
Passed 8-1 Ald. Suffredin voted “No”
For Action
Approved 9-0 as amended
Motion: Ald.
Rue Simmons
Second: Ald.
Rainey
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Rue Simmons
Watch
A1. Approval of Northwestern University/City Committee
Appointment
City Council approved the appointment of Julie Johnson to the
Northwestern University/City Committee.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
Call of the Wards
Adjournment
Mayor Hagerty called for a motion to adjourn the City Council meeting. Ald. Rainey made the
motion; Ald. Braithwaite seconded. A roll call vote was taken and by unanimous vote the
meeting was adjourned.
Ward
1:
Ward meeting on Tuesday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m. Watch
Ward
2:
Encouraged residents to celebrate the holidays with immediate families only in
order to combat the COVIS-19 pandemic. There will be a Ward meeting on
December 10, 2020.
Watch
Ward
3:
Encouraged residents to celebrate the holidays with immediate families only in
order to combat the COVIS-19 pandemic. There will be Zoom office hours
announced in the upcoming e-newsletter.
Watch
Ward
4:
Optimistic about having a future discussion during the course of the year about the
city budget focused on policy.
Watch
Ward
5:
Thanked the youth that attended their first NLC City Summit, as well as the city
staff and community leaders that made the opportunity possible. Encouraged
everyone to be safe during the holidays.
Watch
Ward
6:
No Report Watch
Ward
7:
Ward meeting on Wednesday December 2, at 7:00 p.m. Watch
Ward
8:
Thanked city staff for all of their hard work and efforts. Wished everyone a safe
and happy holidays.
Watch
Ward
9:
Encouraged residents who are feeling troubled during these uncertain times to
reach out to the City’s 311 phone line to seek services and resources.
Watch