HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.09.20
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS
LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER
JAMES C. LYTLE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Monday, November 9th, 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
Mayor Hagerty called the Hearing for the Truth in Taxation for 2020 Tax Levy to order at
5:33 p.m.
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:
●Congratulated President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris on
their victory.
●COVID-19 Update
●Native American Heritage Month – November 2020
●Rotary Club of Evanston 100th Anniversary - November 19, 2020
Watch
City Manager Erika Storlie invited Edgar Cano and Johanna Nyden to give an update on the
Winter Preparedness campaign.
Watch
City Clerk gave a presentation on the Presidential Election results for the City of Evanston. Watch
Public Comment for the Truth and Taxation Hearing
Mayor Hagerty adjourned the Hearing on Truth in Taxation for 2020 Tax Levy at 5:57p.m.
Mike Vasilko Believes the notice of the public hearing was not noticed properly to
the public. Commended Ald. Suffredin for speaking against a tax
increase. Inquired why there is a proposed increase in taxes. He
listed what he believes were inconsistencies in the budget for
services and supplies.
Watch
Sean Peck-Collier He addressed his remarks towards the proposed police budget.
Inquired why there is an increase for vehicle repairs and rentals for
the police department if there's an expected decrease in staff. He
stated that crime is expected to decrease in Evanston and therefore it
would be ideal to consider reducing the proposed police budget even
further. She compared and contrasted the police budgets between
the City of Evanston and the City of Somerville, Massachusetts, to
express her concerns of how the budget could be reduced.
Watch
Jamie Robin-Collier Shared with City Council a document that compares the FY19
budgeted salaries in comparison to what was actually spent. She
recommends a similar amount allocated towards the 2021 budget to
help decrease the debt fund.
Watch
Betty Ester Inquiring why there continues to be funds allocated towards vacant
positions that haven’t been filled in over 2 years. Questioned why it’s
been proposed to eliminate the position within the police department
that’s responsible for updating the information on the police
dashboard.
Watch
Lori Keenan Encouraged City Council members to review the proposal by the
Evanston Fight for Black Lives group that details how the police
department budget could be reduced.
Watch
Public Comment
Eric Paset Voiced his support for the proposed rental assistance program for
tenants and small landlords.
Watch
Mike Vasilko Proposed for the City Council to consider reducing city staff to
balance the budget.
Watch
Carolyn Murray Requested remote services to be provided for candidates interested
in running for office in Evanston.
Watch
Betty Ester Voiced her support for the proposed rental assistance program for
tenants and small landlords.
Watch
Carolyn Laughlin Shared her suggestions for improving the police department Watch
Claire Waistell Opposed the rezoning of 1900 Sherman Ave Watch
Ray Friedman Shared his remarks related to 1900 Sherman, the budget, City
Manager and the letter placed in the media by Mayor Hagerty.
Watch
Mary Rosinski Inquired about taxes falling by 2 million dollars this year. Suggested
staff to include a YTD budget when putting forward a proposed
budget for the next calendar year.
Watch
Mollie Hartenstein Called for a reduction in the budget for the police department.
Announced an event hosted by Evanston Fight for Black Lives
Watch
Cecile McHugh Shared her remarks related to the proposed rezoning of 1900
Sherman Ave.
Watch
Sarah Bogan Believes no actions has been taken towards defunding the Evanston
Police Department.
Watch
Sean Peck-Collier Encouraged the city staff to incorporate a comprehensive
performance measurement into the proposed budget, similar to the
one produced during the 2019 budget process. Called for police
reform in Evanston.
Watch
Stephanie Mendoza Voiced her support for resolution 115-R-20 which aims to provide
financial relief to undocument residents.
Watch
Tina Paden Stated that the City would be able to meet it’s budget requirements if
it demanded Northwestern pay additional taxes on their properties
and emergency services they utilize. Shared her remarks of 1900
Sherman Ave. and snow removal services.
Watch
Kiera Kelly Requested that developers for 1900 Sherman Ave. return with a Watch
Special Order of Business
better proposal that reflects the zoning code and respects the
neighborhood.
Carlis B Sutton Shared his concerns over rental assistance programs being
underfunded for landlords and wants City Council to adequately fund
rental assistance programs. In addition he wants the paperwork
needed to apply for these assistance programs to be easily
accessible. He is against the 1900 Sherman Ave. development
project.
Watch
Trish Stieglitz Opposed increasing the library budget after they have closed down
two library branches and services. She’s interested to hear a
discussion related to the police budget. Doesn’t want property taxes
increased and suggested the City lay off staff and decrease payroll.
Inquired why there are no impact fees for large developers.
Watch
SP1. Ordinance 110-O-20, Approving the 2021 Fiscal Year Budget of
the City of Evanston
City Council approved for introduction Ordinance 110-O-20 adopting the
2021 Budget for the City of Evanston in the total amount of $297,246,100
and discussion of the 2021 Budget.
For Introduction
Approved 6-3 Ald. Braithwaite, Rue Simmons and Suffredin vote “No”
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Wynne
Watch
SP2. Resolutions 98-R-20 through 112-R-20, Abating Taxes Levied for
the Year 2020
City Council adopted Resolutions 98-R-20 through 112-R-20 by the City
Council, abating in the amount of $3,676,094 property taxes levied for the
year 2020 to pay principal and interest on general obligation corporate
purpose bonds. These resolutions can be introduced in one motion as
stated above and approved through a single roll call vote.
For Action
Approved 9-0
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Wynne
Watch
SP3. 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 approved for introduction 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 totaling $35,970,143 as
extended (including 3% loss factor). This represents an increase of 3.2%
over the 2019 levy of $34,851,018 as extended.
For Introduction
Approved 6-3 Ald. Rue Simmons, Suffredin and Fleming vote “No”
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Wynne
Watch
SP4. 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 approved for introduction 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 Introduction
Approved 9-0
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Wynne
Watch
SP5. 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 approved for introduction Tax Levy Ordinance 114-O20, 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 Introduction
Approved 9-0
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Braithwaite
Watch
SP6. 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 approved for introduction 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 Introduction
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Braithwaite
Watch
Approved 9-0
SP7. 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 approved for introduction 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).
For Introduction
Approved 9-0
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Braithwaite
Watch
SP8. 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 approved for introduction 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 Introduction
Approved 9-0
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Rue Simmons
Watch
SP9. 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 approved for introduction 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 Introduction
Approved 9-0
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Fiske
Watch
SP10. Approval of $80,000 of CDBG-CV funding to Provide Food for
Homeless Persons Residing in Non-Congregate Shelter to Protect
from COVID-19
City Council approved $80,000 in CDBG-CV funding for Connections for
the Homeless for Homeless Shelter Operations, specifically to provide
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Rue Simmons
Watch
three meals per day for homeless persons in the Margarita Inn.
Connections has contracted with the Margarita Inn for 60 rooms to provide
24/7 non-congregate shelter to protect vulnerable residents from
COVID-19. 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 who have been impacted by the coronavirus.
$626,496 is budgeted for Public Services including homeless shelter
operations and food assistance. Approval of $80,000 for homeless shelter
operations/food will leave $546,496 to be allocated to eligible Public
Services activities in this category.
For Action
Approved 9-0
SP11. Approval of Prioritization Methodology for CDBG-CV-Funded
Rent Assistance Program to Address Renters at Highest Risk of
Eviction and Small Landlords
City Council approved the proposed rent assistance prioritization system
for Evanston residents with 2019 incomes at or below 80% of the area
median income (AMI) adjusted for household size and who have lost
income due to COVID-19, as required by CARES Act funding. The scoring
system uses the Urban Institute’s Emergency Rental Assistance Priority
Index that examines neighborhood conditions and demographics, and
incorporates instability risk factors before the pandemic as well as the
pandemic’s economic impacts by census tract, based on the prevalence of
low-income renters who are at highest risk of experiencing housing
instability and homelessness. It also prioritizes assistance for tenants of
small “Mom and Pop” Evanston landlords who are at highest risk of
foreclosure or being unable to pay property taxes due to reduced rental
income.Funding source is from the City’s CDBG-CV grant of $1,586,370
from the CARES Act to prevent, prepare for and respond to the
coronavirus; (Account number 215.21.5226.65538). $500,000 is allocated
in the City’s CARES Act Amendment to its 2019 Action Plan for rent
assistance.
For Action
Approved 9-0
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Braithwaite
Watch
Consent Agenda
M1. Approval of the minutes of the Special Meeting of October 19,
2020 and Regular Meeting of October 26,2020
City Council approved the minutes of October 19, 2020 and October 26,
2020
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
A1. Approval of the City of Evanston Payroll, Bills, and Credit Card
Activity
City Council approved the City of Evanston Payroll for the period of
October 12, 2020, through October 25, 2020, in the amount of
$2,700,530.28 Bills List for November 10, 2020, in the amount of
$4,346,714.13 and credit card activity for the period ending August 26,
2020, in the amount of $180,447.52.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
A2. Approval of BMO Harris Amazon Credit Card Activity
City Council approved the City of Evanston’s BMO Harris Amazon Credit
Card Activity for the period ending August 26, 2020, in the amount of
$12,419.55.
For Action
Approved 8-1-0 Ald. Suffredin abstained
Motion: Ald.
Rue Simmons
Secons: Ald.
Wynne
Watch
A3. Holiday Parking
City Council approved changes to parking for the holiday season,
November 16, 2020 through January 3, 2021 in an effort to assist local
businesses during the COVID 19 pandemic. This includes vouchers for 2
hour free parking to be handed out by local businesses, 15 minute free
parking for customers that are picking up a pre-order, and extending the
maximum time limits for on-street/surface lot parking. In addition, parking
will remain free for on-street/surface lots all day Sunday and the first hour
in the parking garages.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
A4. Resolution 96-R-20, Extending the State of Emergency To
December 14, 2020
City Council adopted Resolution 96-R-20, extending the state of
emergency until December 14, 2020.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
A5. Resolution 92-R-20, Amending the Plan of Operation and
Governance for the City of Evanston Electricity Aggregation Program
City Council adopted Resolution 92-R-20, Amending the Plan of Operation
and Governance for the City of Evanston Electricity Aggregation Program.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
A6. Resolution 100-R-20, Authorizing the City Manager to Submit up
to Four Individual Grant Applications for Federal Funding through
the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant Program
City Council adopted Resolution 100-R-20, authorizing the City Manager
to submit up to four individual grant applications for federal funding
through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant
Program (BRIC) to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
for improvements along the lakefront.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
A7. Ordinance 107-O-20, Amending City Code Section 10-8-3 to
Revise Wheel Tax Late Fees
City Council adopted Ordinance 107-O-20, amending City Code Section
10-8-3 to revise wheel tax late fees to $25.
For Introduction
Approved on Consent Agenda
A8. 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 Introduction
Approved on Consent Agenda
A9. 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 Introduction
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 Introduction
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 for introduction Ordinance 101-O-20 Amending
Ordinance 136-O-18 Regarding the City of Evanston Permit Fee Schedule
to add a Recording Fee.
For Introduction
Approved on Consent Agenda
P3. Resolution 73-R-20, Approving a Plat of Subdivision for 2404
Ridge Avenue
Staff recommends adoption of Resolution 73-R-20 approving a
resubdivision of 2404 Ridge Avenue subject to conditions of approval
requiring a 6-foot dedication of land for alley widening, a view easement
for the existing landmarked house, disconnection of utility services, and
capping and sealing of a well. This item was held at the September 14,
2020, Planning and Development Committee meeting and then tabled to
November 9, 2020, at its September 29, 2020 meeting.
For Action
Failed in Committee
P4. 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
short loading berth depth of 25-feet where a minimum of 35-feet is
required.
For Introduction
Approved 8-1-0 Ald. Fiske abstained
Motion: Ald.
Wynne
Second: Ald.
Rue Simmons
Watch
P5. Resolution 87-R-20, Approving a Plat of Resubdivision for 1605-
1631 Chicago Avenue Plan Commission and
City Council adopted Resolution 87-R-20 for approval of a two-lot
Subdivision at 1605-1631 Chicago Avenue.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
P6. Ordinance 98-O-20, Approving a Major Adjustment to a Planned
Development at 1605-1631 Chicago Avenue
City Council adopted Ordinance 98-O-20 granting a Major Adjustment to a
Planned Developmentoriginally approved by Ordinance 86-O-13. The
adjustment includes an increased Floor Area Ratio (FAR) from 3.15 to 4.2,
increased number of parking spaces from 32 (23 on-site, 9 leased) to 38
(all leased off-site), and decrease the total number of units from 205 to
186 (including 65 dwelling units). No new site development allowance will
be needed.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
ED1. Request for Funding for the 2020 Great Merchants Grant
Program
City Council approved to provide financial assistance totaling $5,948
through the Great Merchants Grant Program to the following Evanston
affinity group and business district: Evanston Made - $1,260; and Central
Street Business Association - $4,688. Staff recommends utilizing the
Economic Development Business District Improvement Program (Account
100.15.5300.65522). The balance as of October 23, 2020, is $89,792.58.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
HS1. Resolution 90-R-20, Designating the Portion of Church Street
between Darrow Avenue and Dodge Avenue with the Honorary Street
Name Sign, “Clifford James Wilson Way”
City Council adopted Resolution 90-R-20, naming the portion of Church
Street between Darrow Avenue and Dodge Avenue with the Honorary
Street Name Sign, “Clifford James Wilson Way.” Three street signs are
made for the honoree. One sign is installed at each end of the designated
one block area and the third sign is given to the honoree. The approximate
total cost to create all three signs is $200. Funds for the honorary street
name sign program is budgeted in the Public Works Agency, Public
Service Bureau - Traffic Operations' materials fund (Account
100.40.4520.65115) which has a fiscal year 2020 budget of $58,000 and a
year to date balance of $8,000.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
HS2. Resolution 115-R-20, Authorizing the City Manager to Create a
Community Member Relief Fund to Provide Emergency Relief to
Undocumented Evanston Residents
City Council adopted Resolution 115-R-20 authorizing the City Manager to
create a Community Member Relief Fund to provide emergency relief to
undocumented Evanston residents. Funding will be from the Human
Services Fund (Account 176. 24.2445.62490) and community donations.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
R1. Ordinance 100-O-20; Amending City Code Section 2-3-2 to
Reduce the Number of Members on the Commission on Aging
City Council adopted Ordinance 100-O-20, amending City Code Section
2-3-2 to reduce the number of members on the Commission of Aging from
fifteen to nine.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
R2. Ordinance 102-O-20; Amending Portions of the City Code
Codifying the Reparations Committee
City Council adopted Ordinance 102- O-20 amending portions of the City
Code codifying the Reparations Committee.
For Action
Approved 9-0
Motion: Ald.
Rue Simmons
Second: Ald.
Braithwaite
Watch
R3. Ordinance 103-O-20, Setting Compensation for Members of the
Evanston City Council
City Council recommends adoption of Ordinance 103-O-20, setting
compensation for the Evanston City Council.
Motion to hold agenda item until the next City Council meeting
For Action
Agenda item held until the November 23, 2020 City Council meeting.
Motion: Ald.
Rue Simmons
Second: Ald.
Braithwaite
Motion: Ald.
Rainey
Second: Ald.
Rue Simmons
Watch
Call of the Wards
R4. Ordinance 104-O-20, Setting Compensation for the City Clerk
City Council adopted Ordinance 104-O-20, setting the compensation for
the City Clerk.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
R5. Ordinance 105-O-20, Setting Compensation for the Mayor
City Council adopted Ordinance 105-O-20, setting the compensation for
the Mayor.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
Ward
1:
Made a suggestion to consider implementing breaks during long City Council
meetings.
Watch
Ward
2:
Expressed her condolences to the Murphy family. Shared his sentiments on the
election of the first, African-Amerian U.S. Vice President. Joint 2nd, 5th and 6th
Ward meeting on Wednesday, November 11 at 7 p.m.
Watch
Ward
3:
Shared her sentiments on the United States Presidential election. Watch
Ward
4:
Thanked everyone who attended the joint meeting with the1st Ward. Encouraged
residents to track budget updates on the city website.
Watch
Ward
5:
Expressed her condolences to the Murphy and Bost families. Joint 2nd, 5th and
6th Ward meeting on Wednesday, November 11 at 7 p.m.
Watch
Ward
6:
Joint 2nd, 5th and 6th Ward meeting on Wednesday, November 11 at 7 p.m. Watch
Ward
7:
Shared her sentiments on the United States Presidential election. Watch
Ward
8:
Expressed her condolences to the Murphy and Bost families. Thanked the
Democratic Party of Evanston for their canvassing efforts.
Watch
Adjournment
Ald. Wilson led City Council into Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(a) to discuss an
agenda item regarding litigation and minutes. These agenda items 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)(11)(21). A roll call vote was taken and by a vote
of 9-0 City Council recessed into Executive Session.
Ward
9:
Expressed her condolences to the Murphy family. There will be a Ward meeting on
Saturday, November 14 at 10 a.m.
Watch