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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.28.19 ​REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER JAMES C. LYTLE COUNCIL CHAMBERS Monday, October 28th, 2019 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 Mayor’s Public Announcements Mayor Hagerty had no announcements Watch City Manager’s Public Announcements City Manager Erika Storlie inquired if a quorum would be met for the scheduled November 11, 2019 City Council meeting. Watch City Clerk’s Communications City Clerk Reid reminded the public on how to register for City Council public comment. Watch TEFRA Hearing: Public Comment Ray Friedman Inquired about the purpose of a TEFRA hearing for the Chiaravalle Montessori school. Believes there wasn’t ample notice given to residents about the TEFRA hearing. Expressed his concerns over the rising bond debt. Asked City Council to vote against the bonds for Chiaravalle Montessori. Watch Mike Vasilko Questioned how Chiaravalle Montessori could obtain a loan from the City while the 5th Ward struggles to obtain funding by the City to place a school in its neighborhood. Watch TEFRA Hearing: A. Public Hearing: TEFRA Public Hearing – Chiaravalle Montessori School Bonds Watch Mayor Hagerty called for a motion to adjourn the public hearing. Ald. Braithwaite called for the motion, with Ald. Fleming seconding that motion. Mayor Hagerty called a voice vote and with a vote of 9-0 the motion carried. Mayor Hagerty called the adjournment of the TEFRA Hearing. Public Hearing: A. P​ublic Hearing: Proposed First Amendment Howard Ridge Tax Increment Finance District Watch Public Hearing: Public Comment Mike Vasilko Expressed his concerns over the use of TIF funds. Watch David Block Informed City Council of his ongoing commitment to providing affordable housing in partnership with CJE Senior Life. Watch Ray Friedman Shared his questions over the funding for TIF Districts. Watch Mayor Hagerty called for a motion to adjourn the public hearing. Ald. Fleming called for the motion, with Ald. Braithwaite seconding that motion. Mayor Hagerty called a voice vote and with a vote of 9-0 the motion carried. Mayor Hagerty called the adjournment of the public hearing. Public Hearing: Public Comment Ivy Russell Talked about park projects in the City of Evanston. Watch Ray Friedman Opposed a tax levy increase. Watch Mike Vasilko Requested an explanation for the total gross levy. Doesn’t believe there is a reason to increase the tax levy. Watch Public Hearing: A. ​Public Hearing: Truth in Taxation Hearing for 2019 Tax Levy For Discussion Watch Mayor Hagerty called for a motion to adjourn the public hearing. Ald. Braithwaite called for the motion, with Ald. Fleming seconding that motion. Mayor Hagerty called a voice vote and with a vote of 9-0 the motion carried. Mayor Hagerty called the adjournment of the public hearing. Public Comment Carrie Von Hoff Opposed the Northwestern University proposed zoning text amendment. Asked City Council to reject the proposal. Watch Margaret Forst Opposed the Northwestern University proposed zoning text amendment. Said the financial benefit to the City will be small, while the erosion of the quality of the community will be large. Watch Jill Greer Opposed the Northwestern University proposed zoning text amendment. She doesn’t believe enough evidence was presented on behalf of Northwestern to show the impact their proposed amendment would have on the neighborhood. Watch Joe Doherty Chief Legal, Legislative Officer for the Illinois Self Storage Association who explained why the self-storage tax would be harmful to residents and businesses of Evanston. Watch Harris Miller Requested to have all firms interviewed for the City Manager search. Asked City Council to oppose the Northwestern University proposed zoning text amendment. Questioned how the proposed increase in paid parking on Sherman Ave would affect the residents. Watch David Staub Spoke on behalf of the Central Street Neighbors Association who opposed the NU text amendment due to the lack of proof given by Northwestern and the duplicitous interpretation for the definition of a text amendment. Watch Kathleen Quinn Opposed the Northwestern University proposed zoning text amendment. Believes Northwestern is not being held to the same standards as Evanston residents. Stated the traffic congestion impacts access to the hospital and other important locations. Watch Ted Pickus Opposed the Northwestern University proposed zoning text amendment. Said the process has not met the standards set by City Council. The burden of proof lies with the University who has failed to provide convincing evidence for their case. Asked City Council to vote against the proposed text amendment. Watch Virgina Mann Expressed her disappointment in the Plan Commission for not following standards set in the City Code, the Planning & Development for ignoring zoning laws and City Council members who failed to hear different parties affected by the proposed Northwestern text amendment. Watch Jackie Prince Questioned why money is being provided to capital improvement projects and others, while Fleetwood-Jourdain continues to operate with little improvement or renovations. Watch Lynn Bednar Opposed the Northwestern University proposed zoning text amendment. She is a business owner who attests to the negative impact Northwestern games have on local businesses. Watch Laurie McFarlane Talked about the precedence of approving the NU text amendment would have with other organizations in Evanston. Watch Mark Simon Spoke on the application for appeal to install solar panels on the roof of the property located at 1040 Hinman Ave. Watch Mary Rosinski Opposed the Northwestern University proposed zoning text amendment. Watch Ken Proskie Talked about parking congestion during Northwestern events at the Welsh-Ryan Arena. Watch Doreen Price Voiced her concerns over zoning regulations and its effect on equity. Watch Mary Therese Staub Shared a recent experience attending a Northwestern vs. Iowa game. Said there was no parking left in the neighborhood an hour prior to the game commencing. She is concerned over the lack of law enforcement patrolling the area during the game. Asked City Council to request a traffic study for the area surrounding the stadium. Watch Carl Klein Opposed the Northwestern University proposed zoning text amendment. Watch Mike Vasilko Opposed the Northwestern University proposed zoning text amendment. Said Northwestern didn’t meet the requirements of proof for a text amendment. Watch Richard Katz Opposed the Northwestern University proposed zoning text amendment. Wants City Council to recognize the judicial and legislative precedence which gives the City the right to determine the character of its neighborhood. Watch Ray Friedman Talked about the proposed Northwestern zoning text amendment. Said Northwestern didn’t meet any of the requirements needed to request a change in zoning. Watch Ivy Russell Opposed the Northwestern University proposed zoning text amendment. She stated that she has collected over 800 signatures from residents and 60 signatures from businesses surrounding the Welsh-Ryan Arena who oppose the proposed zoning text amendment. Watch Misty Witenberg Shared her views and opinion for freedom of speech. Watch Special Order of Business Application for Appeal to the City Council of Preservation Commission Decision Denying Certificate of Appropriateness for 1040 Hinman Avenue to Install 18 Solar Panels on the Roof City Council accepted the application for appeal. If a motion is made and adopted, the City Council shall affirm, modify or reverse the decision of the Preservation Commission within forty-five (45) days. If no motion to accept the application for appeal is made, the decision of the Commission shall be final. For Action Passed 7-2​ Ald. Suffredin and Fiske voted “No” Motion: Ald. Wilson Watch FY 2020-21 Proposed Budget Discussion Staff recommends continued discussion of the FY 2020-21 Proposed Budget. For Discussion Item Held until November 11 City Council meeting Watch Consent Agenda City Council Minutes of September 30, 2019 and October 14, 2019 For Action Approved on Consent Agenda Watch City of Evanston Payroll and Bills City Council approved the City of Evanston Payroll and Bills List. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda Contract Award with GovHR USA for City Manager Executive Recruitment City Council approved the Interim City Manager to enter into a contract with GovHR USA (630 Dundee Road, Northbrook IL 60062) for the executive recruitment for the City of Evanston's next City Manager in the amount of $23,500. One-third of the recruitment fee is due upon the acceptance of the proposal, one-third is due when a list of candidates is forwarded to the City for consideration, and the remaining one-third is due when the recruitment is completed (in 2020). Funding will be from the Human Resources - Recruitment Fund (Account 100.19.1929.62512), with a remaining balance is $15,529. For Action Defeated in Committee First Amendment Howard Ridge Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District Summary Pursuant to Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act - 65 ILCS 5/11-74.4.1, the City of Evanston is required to convene a public hearing for the proposed First Amendment to the Howard Ridge TIF District prior to consideration of adoption of the ordinances designating the expansion of the TIF district. For Action: Accept and Place on File Approved on Consent Agenda Approval of Sole-Source Agreement with Altorfer Power Systems to Provide Repairs to High Lift #4 Natural Gas Engine City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a sole-source agreement with Altorfer Power Systems (615 W. Lake Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126) for the period of November 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 to provide High Lift #4 Engine Repair in the not-to exceed amount of $105,375. Funding is provided by the Pumping Division Other Equipment Maintenance Business Unit (Account 510.40.4210.62245), which has an approved FY 2019 budget of $113,075 and a YTD balance of $113,075. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda Resolution 96-R-19 Accepting Grant Awards to fund a Congregate Senior Meal Program at the Levy Senior Center and FleetwoodJourdain Community Center City Council adopted Resolution 96-R-19 authorizing the City Manager to sign notification of grant awards to fund and operate a congregate senior meal program at the Levy Senior Center and Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center. Funding for this program is budgeted in various line items in the Fleetwood-Jourdain Business Unit 100.30.3040 and Levy Center Business Unit 100.30.3055. Overall budgeted expenses for the 2019-2020 program including staff salaries, Social Security, Medicare, advertising, program supplies and food costs are projected at $91,298. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda Resolution 97-R-19 Appointing a Director and Alternative Director to the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County City Council adopted Resolution 97-R-19 appointing a Director and an Alternate Director to the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda Resolution 116-R-19, Accepting a Grant Award for the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program City Council adopted Resolution 116-R-19 authorizing the City Manager to sign notification of grant awards to fund and operate the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program for the City of Evanston. This is a reimbursement program in which the total amount of reimbursement the City will receive is solely dependent upon the amount of funding utilized from the program budget. The overall program has a budget of $177,225 in BU 100.30.3055 which covers all operational expenses. The maximum reimbursement amount by AgeOptions is $54,623 for the period October 1, 2019 – September 30, 2020. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda Resolution 117-R-19, Intergovernmental Agreement with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to provide Greater Cost Coverage for Ground Emergency Medical Transportation Provided to Beneficiaries of Illinois Medicaid Plans and other Similar State Administered Medical Programs City Council adopted Resolution 117-R-19, “Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services." This intergovernmental agreement outlines compensation to the City for services provided by the Evanston Fire Department to individuals eligible for benefits under the Illinois Medicaid plans and other similar state administered medical programs. Participation in the intergovernmental agreement is expected to provide greater cost coverage for ambulance services provided to beneficiaries of state administered medical programs. To be eligible for increased payments, this intergovernmental agreement must be executed by November 1, 2020. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda Ordinance 144-O-19, Approving and Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of Not-to-Exceed of Series 2019A and Series 2019B (Chiaravalle Montessori School) of the City of Evanston, Illinois; Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of a Bond, Loan Agreement and Other Documents Related Thereto; Authorizing the Sale of Said Bonds to Fifth Third Bank, N.A.; and Approving Related TEFRA hearing (Chiaravalle Conduit Financing) City Council adopted Ordinance 144-O-19, Approving and Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of Not to Exceed $3,925,000 Aggregate Principal Amount of Revenue Bonds, Series 2019A (Chiaravalle Montessori School) and $3,735,000 Aggregate Principal Amount of Revenue Bonds, Series 2019B (Chiaravalle Montessori School) of the City of Evanston, Illinois, For the Benefit of Chiaravalle Montessori School; Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of a Bond and Loan Agreement and Other Documents Related Thereto; Authorizing the Sale of Said Bonds to Fifth Third Bank, N.A.; and Approving Related Matters Thereto. The City will not incur a liability to repay this debt in the event of a default by Chiaravalle Montessori School. For Introduction Passed 6-3​ Ald. Fleming, Suffredin, Rue Simmons voted “No” Watch Ordinance 20-O-19, Amending Title 1, Chapter 10 "City of Evanston Code of Ethics and Board of Ethics" City Council adopted Ordinance 20-O-19 Amending City Code Title 1, Chapter 10 "City of Evanston Code of Ethics and Board of Ethics" and the Board of Ethics Rules. Motion to change the training period from 30-days to 90-days and to amend 1-10-4 Subsection B to include a clause to require the disclosure of an abstention Passed 9-0 For Introduction Passed 9-0 Motion: Ald. Wilson Watch Ordinance 98-O-19, Amending City Code Title 3, Chapter 31 Regarding the Regulation of Collection Boxes City Council adopted 98-O-19 “Amending Chapter 31 to Title 3 of the Evanston City Code Regulating Collection Boxes,” which provides clearer guidance as to size and location restrictions of collection boxes, as well as explicitly empowering the Director of the Health and Human Services Department to make administrative decision in conformance with the Code for regulation of collection boxes. For Introduction Approved on Consent Agenda Ordinance 129-O-19, Amending City Code Section 1-17-1 “Purchases of Goods and Services” City Council adopted Ordinance 129-O-19, amending City Code Section 1-17-1 “Purchases of Goods and Services.” This ordinance will allow for the current purchasing limit threshold requiring City Council approval to be raised from $20,000 to $25,000. For Introduction Approved on Consent Agenda Ordinance 124-O-19, Sale of Surplus Property Fleet Vehicles City Council adopted Ordinance 124-O-19, directing the City Manager to offer the sale of vehicles owned by the City through public auction at the Northwest Municipal Vehicle Auction being sponsored by America’s Auto Auctions on or around Tuesday, November 12, 2019. These vehicles have been determined to be surplus as a result of new vehicle replacements being placed into service or vehicles that had to be taken out of service for safety reasons with the intention of eventual replacement. The Interim City Manager requests suspension of the rules for Introduction and Action at the October 28, 2019 City Council Meeting. For Introduction and Action Approved on Consent Agenda Ordinance 92-O-19, Amending Portions of City Code Title 10, to Permit E-Bikes and Implement Requirements for Bike Share Companies Operating in Evanston City Council adopted Ordinance 92-O-19, amending portions of City Code Title 10, to permit low speed electric bicycles (e-bikes). Concurrently staff recommends further amending portions of City Code Title 10 to implement requirements for bike share companies operating bicycles, including e-bikes, in Evanston. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda Ordinance 96-O-19 Amending the City Code Section 4-2-2 to update Gender Neutral Restroom Requirements City Council approved Ordinance 96-O-19 Amending City Code Section 4-2-2 to update Gender Neutral Restroom Requirements. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda Ordinance 100-O-19, Authorizing the City to Borrow Funds from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Water Pollution Control Loan Program City Council authorized the City to borrow funds from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Water Pollution Control Loan Program for the construction of the Large Diameter Sewer Rehabilitation - Greenleaf. This ordinance authorizes the City to borrow up to $1,700,000. The debt service will be paid from the Sewer Fund. A copy of the long-term sewer fund analysis is attached that includes this loan and the debt service for repayment. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda Ordinance 112-O-19, Amending Title 10, Chapter 11, Section 12, Schedule XII(B) “Parking Zones” Adding Paid Parking to Greenwood Street between Chicago Avenue and Sherman Avenue City Council adopted Ordinance 112-O-19, amending City Code Section 10-11-12 XII(B) “Parking Zones”, which will convert Greenwood Street from Chicago Avenue to Sherman Avenue to a paid parking zone. For Action Passed 6-3 ​ Ald. Fleming, Suffredin and Rue Simmons voted No Watch Ordinance 113-O-19, Amending Title 10, Chapter 11, Section 12, Schedule XII(B), Adding Paid Parking to South Boulevard from Chicago Avenue East to Driveway of 516 South Boulevard City Council adopted Ordinance Ordinance 113-O-19 amending City Code Section 10-11-12 XII(B) “Parking Zones” adding paid parking South Boulevard from Chicago Avenue east to the driveway of 516 South Boulevard (approximately 4-5 spaces). For Action Passed 6-3 ​ Ald. Fleming, Suffredin and Rue Simmons voted No Watch Ordinance 116-O-19, Amending Title 10, Chapter 11, Section 12, Schedule XII(A) “Parking Zones” Adding Paid Parking to Sherman Avenue City Council adopted Ordinance 116-O-19, amending City Code Section 10-11-12 XII(A) “Parking Zones” to add paid parking on Sherman Avenue from the alley north of Main Street to the alley south of Washington Street. For Action Passed 6-3 ​ Ald. Fleming, Suffredin and Rue Simmons voted No Watch Ordinance 135-O-19, Amending Portions of the Zoning Ordinance Related to Permitted Uses within the U2 Zoning District City Council approved a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to revise language regarding permitted uses in the U2 University Athletic Facilities District. For Introduction Passed 6-3​ Ald. Suffredin, Ald. Revelle and Ald. Wynne voted No Motion: Ald. Rue Simmons Watch Watch Ordinance 127-O-19, Map Amendment to Rezone 951-1125 Howard St. from C1 Commercial to B2 Business City Council adopted Ordinance 127- O-19 granting a map amendment to rezone the properties located at 951-1125 Howard St. from the current C1 Commercial District to the B2 Business District. The request meets the standards for a map amendment. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda Ordinance 126-O-19 Allowing Cannabis Dispensaries in Certain Zoning Districts City Council adopted Ordinance 126- O-19 - Allowing Cannabis Dispensaries in Certain Zoning Districts. This ordinance will update the Zoning Ordinance to create a definition for a cannabis dispensary business, establish applicable general provisions for cannabis dispensaries, including a 1500-foot separation requirement between dispensaries and a 750-foot separation requirement from schools, and amend the special uses in the Business, Commercial, Downtown, Research Park, and Special Purpose and Overlay zoning districts. Motion to amend Section 2 to prohibit B1 District and eliminate Section 11 Passed 9-0 For Action Passed 9-0 Motion: Ald. Fiske Watch Ordinance 79-O-19, Creating Title 2, Chapter 15 of the Evanston City Code Forming a “Citizen Police Review Commission” City Council adopted Ordinance 79-O-19, Creating Title 2, Chapter 15 of the Evanston City Code Forming a “Citizen Police Review Commission.” For Introduction Passed 7-2​ Ald. Rue Simmons and Ald. Fleming voted No Motion: Ald. Fiske Watch Watch Resolution 99-R-19, Amendment of Council Rule 18.6 - Motion to Table an Item City Council adopted Resolution 99- R-19, which amends City Council Rule 18.6 regarding tabling an item. Motion to add language that reads “the matter may be tabled to a later point in the same meeting or to a specific subsequent regular Council meeting or until the occurrence of a specific event” Failed 9-0 For Action Passed 9-0 Motion: Ald. Revelle Motion: Ald. Revelle Watch Watch For Reappointment to: Utilities Commission - David Everhart Utilities Commission - Jonathan Nieuwsma Utilities Commission - Eric Rosenberg For Action Approved on Consent Agenda For Appointment to: Arts Council - Chantal Healey Chantal Healey, an attorney and nonprofit leader, has spent much of her career focused on making art accessible to everyone. She most recently served as the Executive Director of the Open Studio Project, an Evanston nonprofit dedicated to bringing the creative process to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and to empower people to turn to art for personal growth. Chantal also helped found and served as the Board President and Executive Director of Cocodaco Dance Chicago, a contemporary dance company, where she was instrumental in providing dance classes to those without access. Through her work with nonprofits and as an attorney, Chantal has significant experience harnessing resources to advance community goals and affect change. She holds a bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctorate from Boston College. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda Call of the Wards Ward 1: No Report Watch Ward 2: Wants to vote at the upcoming meeting to place Ald. Fiske as Chair of the Animal Welfare Board. Watch Ward 3: No Report Watch Ward 4: Joint meeting with 1st Ward at the Evanston Public Library on October 29 at 7:00 p.m. Watch Ward 5: No Report Watch Ward 6: No Report Watch Ward 7: No Report Watch Ward 8: No Report Watch Ward 9: No Report Watch Adjournment Mayor Hagerty called a voice vote to adjourn the City Council meeting, and by unanimous vote the meeting was adjourned.