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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.29.19 ​REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER JAMES C. LYTLE COUNCIL CHAMBERS Tuesday, May 29th, 2019 Present: Alderman Fiske Alderman Rue Simmons Alderman Braithwaite Alderman Revelle Alderman Wynne Alderman Rainey Alderman Wilson Alderman Fleming (8) Absent: Alderman Suffredin (1) Presiding: Mayor Stephen Hagerty Devon Reid City Clerk Mayor’s Public Announcements Mayor Hagerty Announcements and 1 Proclamation: ●National Senior Health & Fitness Day - May 29, 2019 ●National CPR and AED Week – Presentation to Sarah Agnew ●Canal Shores Golf Course 100th Anniversary - May 28, 2019 ●100th Anniversary of Illinois Being the First State to Ratify the 19th ●Amendment - June 10, 2019 Mayor Hagerty presented Sarah Agnew two awards in recognition of her bravery for performing CPR on her father and ultimately saving his life. Watch City Manager’s Public Announcements Deputy City Manager Kimberly Richardson invited interim Health and Human Services Director, Ike Ogbo, to speak about the upcoming We’re Out Walking (WOW) Kick-Off event. Director of Parks & Recreation, Lawrence Hemingway, gave a presentation for the U.S. Lifesaving Presentation. Lastly, Chief Scott was invited to present the Fire Department promotions. Watch City Clerk’s Communications City Clerk Reid gave a statement related to Mayor Hagerty’s proposal to appoint 3 more Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officers. Watch Public Comment Harris Miller Asked City Council to opposed Resolution 57-R-19, designating additional Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officers. Said it’s Clerk Reid’s sole responsibility to maintain transparency. Also believes not allowing public comment during last weeks Robert Crown meeting could be a violation of the Open Meetings Act (OMA). Watch Mike Vasilko Requested City Council vote against Resolution 57-R-19. Said this resolution is not designed to help FOIA but to prevent the information the public is allowed to see. Stated the Clerk’s Office is doing a great job handling FOIA’s. Would like Clerk Reid to remain as the FOIA Officer for the City of Evanston. Claims this proposal is not a policy matter but a direct attack against the City Clerk. Watch Curtis Evans Voiced his support for Clerk Reid and his office to remain the FOIA Officer for the city. Watch James Engelman Asked if the picnic tables at city parks could be made wheelchair accessible. Watch Jackson Paller Spoke against Mayor Hagerty’s proposal to appoint additional Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officers. Said this proposal would damage public trust and looking at other municipalities which have multiple FOIA Officers is not a justification to appoint more officers here in the city. Watch Leila Raab Opposed Resolution 57-R-19, designating additional Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officers. Watch Vicky Pasenko Co-Founder and Co-President of the Evanston Animal Shelter Association. Talked about the impact her organization has on the community and its pets. Watch Elliot Zashin Opposed Resolution 57-R-19. Asked City Council to vote against the resolution or at the very least table the discussion until there can be a demonstration of the necessity of additional FOIA Officers. Watch Tina Stevenson Believes City Councils action to appoint additional FOIA Officers in an attempt to undermine the voters who elected Clerk Reid. Would like the of FOIA to be kept under Devon Reid. Watch Mary Rosinski She stated it is not democratic nor efficient in allowing the City Clerk to fulfill his responsibilities as an elected official. She also spoke about the finances of the Robert Crown project. Watch Robert Cruz Voiced his support for Clerk Reid. Watch Christopher Kruger Supported Clerk Reid’s decision to file a lawsuit against the City of Evanston. Said the proposed resolution is a dilution of the Clerk’s powers. Watch Patrick Keenan-Devlin Executive Director of the James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy who spoke about Resolution 68-R-18 and Ordinance 159-O-18. Watch Ray Friedman Opposed Resolution 57-R-19, designating additional Freedom of Watch Information Act (FOIA) Officers. Jillian Gilburne Intern of the Clerk’s Office who voiced her support for Clerk Reid. Does not support placing FOIA responsibilities in the hands of non-elected staff. Watch Rodney Greene Former City Clerk Greene stated it was never the City Clerk’s responsibility as FOIA Officer to redact or hold Police or Fire Department records. Suggested appointing an independent officer who is well versed in FOIA law. Watch Carl Klein Talked about the proposed text amendment to allow office uses and revised special conditions for office use in a residential district which will go before the Plan Commission. Watch Meg Welch Stated there was a petition with nearly 400 signatures that opposed the proposal to appoint additional Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officers. Asked City Council members to vote against Resolution 57-R-19 Watch Doreen Price Stated the City Council was looking to diffuse the powers of the City Clerk. Asked why there wasn’t a rush to replace the HHS Director. Asked about funds being placed into funding Robert Crown. Watch Yvi Russell Opposed Resolution 57-R-19, designating additional Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officers. Stated this proposal will further diminish the democratic rights of transparency for residents of the city. Watch Carlis Sutton Requested City Council to vote against Resolution 57-R-19. Is open to exploring possibilities that seek to resolve inefficiency of response time relating to FOIA. Questioned the benefit of designating additional FOIA Officers. Voiced his support for the Fleetwood-Jourdain interior renovations and implored City Council members to employ local minority contractors to lead the renovations. Lastly, he voiced his support for Resolution 68-R-18. Watch Nancy Sreenan Asked City Council to vote against Resolution 57-R-19. Said the proposed resolution is an abuse of power and erosion of democracy. Stated that the city continues to remain secretive on issues that concern residents such as Robert Crown, Harley Clarke, and Albion tower. Sought to understand the rush for approval of the resolution and lack of public discussion. Watch Albert Gibbs Stated he was never treated respectfully throughout his entire life at Robert Crown. Said he was called a derogatory name as a child when he would compete for the city at Robert Crown. Believes the city is manipulating the African-American youth and others into Watch believing the city is all for inclusion for the community. Lastly, he described the difficult process he faced when trying to obtain police records through the FOIA process. Bobby Burns Inquired about who would benefit from the proposal to appoint additional Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officers. During his time as interim Deputy City Clerk, Mr. Burns stated he spoke with several individuals who said Evanston was the best place to submit FOIA requests because of the progressive feature that places an elected, independent office as the sole FOIA office. When the decision to consider if this proposal is in the best interest of the public, he asked the City Council to use the activist, journalist, and individuals who have exposed wrongdoing by public bodies as the witnesses. He is troubled to see there is the potential of removing the FOIA office as the inspector of records and along with it, the trust between residents and City Council. He still has not heard a valid argument on how the proposal would make Evanston better. Watch Special Order of Business (SP1) ​Approving Designation of Additional Freedom of Information Act Officers Resolution 57-R-19, Appointing Additional Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officers is submitted for consideration and approval. For Action Passed 5-3 ​ Ald. Rue Simmons, Rainey and Fleming voted “No” Motion: Ald. Wilson Watch Consent Agenda (M1) ​Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of May 13, 2019 For Action Approved on Consent Agenda Motion: Ald. Rue Simmons Watch (A1) ​Payroll – April 29, 2019 through May 12, 2019 $ 2,708,964.68 For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A2)​ Bills List – May 29, 2019 $ 4,115,497.64 For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A3) Contract Award with Culy Contracting, LLC for the 2019 Structure Lining Bid City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a contract for the 2019 Structure Lining (Bid No. 19-15) with Culy Contracting, LLC (5 Industrial Park Drive, P.O. Box 29, Winchester, IN 47394) in the amount of $100,420. Funding for this project is from the Sewer Fund (Account 515.40.4535.62461- 419005), which has an FY 2019 budget of $165,000 for this work, all of which is remaining. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A4) ​Contract Award with J.A. Johnson Paving Company for the 2019 Motor Fuel Tax Street Resurfacing Project City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a contract for the 2019 Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Street Resurfacing Project (Bid No. 19-24) with J.A. Johnson Paving Company (1025 E. Addison Court, Arlington Heights, IL 60005) in the amount of $1,005,700. Funding will be provided from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund (Account 200.26.5100.65515 – 418002), which has a total FY 2019 budget allocation for this project of $1,206,000, all of which is remaining. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A5) ​Contract Extension with Corrective Asphalt Materials for Reclamite Pavement Sealing City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a one-year contract extension for Reclamite pavement sealing with Corrective Asphalt Materials (43W630 Wheeler Road, Sugar Grove, IL 60554) in the amount of $50,000. This contract award is part of a bid led by the Municipal Partnering Initiative (MPI). Funding for this work will be from the Capital Improvement Program Fund (Account 415.40.4119.65515-419010), which is budgeted for $100,000 and has a current unencumbered balance of $50,000. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A6) ​Contract Award with W Construction, Inc. for Fleetwood-Jourdain Interior Renovation City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a contract for the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center Interior Renovation (RFP 19-13) with W Construction, Inc. (655 Paxton Place, Carol Stream, IL 60188) in the amount of $585,000. Funding is available in the amount of $440,000 from 2019 General Obligation Bonds and $145,000 from Good Neighbor Funds. A detailed project funding breakdown is included in the corresponding transmittal memo. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A7) ​Construction Bid Award with Hacienda Landscaping, Inc. for the Garden Park and Playground Renovations City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a contract for the Garden Park and Playground Renovation Project with Hacienda Landscaping Inc. (17840 Grove Road, Minooka, IL 60447) in the amount of $463,637. Funding will be provided from Capital Improvements Fund 2019 General Obligation Bonds (Account 415.40.4119.65515.518002). This project was budgeted at $500,000 in FY 2019, all of which is remaining. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A8) ​Purchase of Robert Crown Community Center, Ice Complex and Library General Purpose Furniture from Forward Space City Council approved office, library, and general purpose furniture purchases for the Robert Crown Community Center, Ice Complex and Library from Forward Space (1142 N. North Branch Street, Chicago, IL 60642) in the amount of $408,072.85. Funding for this purchase will be provided from Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2019 General Obligation Bonds (Account 416.40.4160.65515 – 616017). The current Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FFE) budget for this project is $910,000, all of which is remaining. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A9) ​Purchase of Robert Crown Community Center, Ice Complex and Library Pre-School Furniture from Forward Space City Council approved preschool furniture purchases for the Robert Crown Community Center, Ice Complex and Library from Lakeshore Learning (2695 E. Dominguez Street, Carson, CA 90895) in the amount of $40,454.46. Funding for this purchase will be provided from Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2019 General Obligation Bonds (Account 416.40.4160.65515 – 616017). The current Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FFE) budget for this project is $910,000, all of which is remaining. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A10) ​Contract Award with Blessing Hancock for the Robert Crown Community Center, Ice Complex and Library Public Art City Council approved a public art contract for the Robert Crown Community Center, Ice Complex and Library with Blessing Hancock (4340 79th Avenue NW, Olympia, WA 98502) in the amount of $325,000. Funding for this purchase will be provided from Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2019 General Obligation Bonds (Account 416.40.4160.65515 – 616017). The current public art budget for this project is $335,000. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A11) ​Sole-source Agreement with Elcast Lighting for Street Light Fixture Repairs City Council authorized the City Manager to approve an agreement for the sole-source repair of: 164 – Tallmadge Induction lighting units; and 57 – Induction Davit fixtures with Elcast Lighting (815 S. Kay Avenue, Addison, IL, 60101) in the amount of $42,424. Funding for this purchase will come from the Capital Improvement Program 2019 General Obligation Bond (Account 415.40.4119.65515-419022), which has a FY 2019 budget of $210,000 for lighting and pavement marking projects. The remaining balance in the account is $129,000. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A12) ​Approval of Great Merchant Grant Program Financial Assistance to the Noyes and West Village Business Districts City Council approved to provide financial assistance through the Great Merchants Grant Program, for an amount not to exceed $10,940. The Noyes Business District will receive $10,000 and the West Village Business Association will receive $940. Staff recommends utilizing the Economic Development Business District Improvement Program (Account 100.21.5300.65522). The approved 2019 Fiscal Year Budget allocated $150,000 to this account. To date, $93,411.05 has been spent from this account, leaving $56,588.95 available for expenditure. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A13) ​Approval of Funding for 12-month Period for Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau (CNSCVB) City Council authorized funding for Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau (CNSCVB) in the amount of $83,609 for a period commencing July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. Funding will be provided from the Economic Development Partnership Account (Account 100.21.5300.62659). The City Council approved $147,000 in the 2019 budget with a commitment of $50,000 to Downtown Evanston for maintenance contract reimbursements. To date, $12,500 has been distributed, leaving a balance of $134,500. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A14) ​Resolution 55-R-19, Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for Highway Safety Improvement Program Grant Funds City Council adopted Resolution 55-R-19 authorizing the City Manager to apply for Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Grant Funds from Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for intersection improvements at Ridge & Oakton, Ridge & Main, Ridge & Greenleaf, Ridge & Dempster, Ridge & Lake, Ridge & Davis and Ridge & Church. The estimated total design and construction cost of the Ridge Avenue Intersection Improvements Project is $860,000, of which $700,000 would be funded by HSIP Grant funds and the remaining $160,000 from the City. The City portion is funded from the Ridge Avenue signal study (Account 415.40.4119.62145 – 419008) which has a total FY 2019 Budget of $175,000. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A15) ​Resolution 54-R-19, Appointing a Director and Alternate Director to the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County City Council adopted Resolution 54-R-19 appointing Mayor Hagerty as Director on the Board of Directors of the Solid Waste Agency of North Cook County and City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz as the Alternate Director. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A16) ​Ordinance 37-O-19, Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Sale Contract for City Owned Real Property located at 1824 Emerson Street City Council adopted Ordinance 37-O-19, authorizing the City Manager to execute a sales contract for City-owned real property located at 1824 Emerson Street to Evanston Township High School District No. 202 (“ETHS”) for affordable housing. A two-thirds majority is required for adoption of this ordinance. For Introduction Approved on Consent Agenda (A17) ​Ordinance 48-O-19, Amending the City Code to Establish a 4-Way Stop Control at the Intersection of Brown Avenue and Noyes Street City Council adopted Ordinance 48-O-19 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 Brown Avenue and Noyes Street. Funding will be through the General Fund-Traffic Control Supplies (Account 100.40.4520.65115), with a budget of $58,000 for FY 2019. For Introduction Approved on Consent Agenda (A18) ​Ordinance 42-O-19, Authorization to Enter into a Real Estate Contract for Sale of City-Owned Real Property at 2222 Oakton Street to Clark Street Real Estate, LLC Staff recommends City Council adoption of Ordinance 42-O-19, “Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Real Estate Contract with Clark Street Real Estate, LLC for the Sale of City-Owned Real Property Located at 2222 Oakton Street.” A two-thirds majority of City Council is required to adopt the ordinance. Motion to hold the item until the June 10 City Council meeting. For Action Held until June 10 City Council meeting Motion: Ald. Rue Simmons Motion: Ald. Rue Simmons Watch (A19) ​Ordinance 53-O-19, Amending City Code to Modify the No Parking Restrictions on Howard Street from Chicago Avenue to Ridge Avenue City Council adopted Ordinance 53-O-19, amending Subsection KK of Title 10, Chapter 11, Schedule 9 “Parking Prohibited at Certain Times” changing the time of day when parking is prohibited. This ordinance will change the restriction against parking on Howard Street from Chicago Avenue to Ridge Avenue from midnight to 3 a.m. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (O1) ​Resolution 52-R-19, Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Grant Agreement with the Evanston Animal Shelter Association to Fund Operations City Council adopted Resolution 52-R-19 authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with the Evanston Animal Shelter Association to fund operations by providing a $100,000 grant and supplies reimbursement for the period of June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2019. Funding will be provided from the City’s Animal Control budget (Account 100.22.2280.62272) with a budget of $100,000, all of which is remaining. For Action Passed 8-0 Watch (O2) ​Resolution 68-R-18, In Support of Employing Administrative Adjudication as an Alternative to the Criminal Justice System for Juveniles, and Ordinance 159-O-18, Amending Portions of the City Code Incorporating Restorative Justice Practices for Minors City Council adopted Resolution 68-R-18, In Support of Employing Administrative Adjudication as an Alternative to the Criminal Justice System for Juveniles, and Ordinance 159-O18, Amending Portions of the City Code Incorporating Restorative Justice Practices for Minors. For Action Passed 8-0 Watch Call of the Wards Ward 1: 1st Ward meeting on June 4 at Fountain Square beginning at 7 p.m. Watch Ward 2: Shared his remarks regarding the Robert Crown meeting held last week. Said it was unfortunate to see a lack of civility during the meeting. Offered an apology to Madeline Ducree and others who felt their concerns weren’t being heard. Said it was difficult to maintain order during the meeting while several members of the public were shouting. Thanked and acknowledged the individuals who donate towards different city projects. Watch Ward 3: No Report Watch Ward 4: No Report Watch Ward 5: Shared her condolences to the family of Pauletta Kennedy-Moody. Ald. Rue Simmons called for all resources available to prevent gun crime. Asked residents with information about gun crimes to contact the police. There will be a reception for all 5th Ward graduates on June 12 at 7 p.m. in Room G300 at the Civic Center. Made a referral to the Equity and Empowerment Commission on a local reparations policy. Watch Ward 6: No Report Watch Ward 7: Shared her congratulated Canal Shores Golf Course on their 100th Anniversary Watch Ward 8: Made a referral to the Planning and Development Committee regarding inclusionary housing ordinance. Also congratulated all the firefighters promoted at the City Council meeting. Watch Ward 9: Made a referral to Human Services Committee regarding the healthy workplace process. Watch Adjournment Mayor Hagerty called a voice vote to adjourn the City Council meeting, and by unanimous vote the meeting was adjourned. Ald. Wilson led City Council into Executive Session. A roll call vote was taken and by a unanimous vote (8-0) City Council recessed into Executive Session.