Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.05.19 (Special) ​SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER JAMES C. LYTLE COUNCIL CHAMBERS Monday, August 5th, 2019 Present: Alderman Fiske Alderman Rue Simmons Alderman Braithwaite Alderman Rainey Alderman Wynne Alderman Fleming Alderman Wilson Alderman Suffredin (8) Absent: Alderman Revelle (1) Presiding: Mayor Pro tem Peter Braithwaite Devon Reid City Clerk Mayor’s Public Announcements Mayor Hagerty Pro tem Peter Braithwaite had no announcements Watch City Manager’s Public Announcements City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz invited a representative from Interfaith Action of Evanston to give a presentation on “The Community Discovery Project” Watch City Clerk’s Communications City Clerk gave a tutorial on how to sign up for public comment on the city website. Watch Public Comment Misty Witenberg Shared her remarks on the unhealthy work environment complaint against Clerk Reid and the request for an investigation submitted by Mayor Hagerty to Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart. Watch Michael Vasilko Talked about the 2019 Mid-year budget update for the City of Evanston. He asked for more information regarding the awarded contracts for programs at the Robert Crown and Chandler-Newberger Centers. Lastly, he shared his remarks on agenda items A16, A22 and A29. Watch Betty Bogg Executive Director for Connections for the Homeless who spoke about the 2019 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) and City’s TenantBased Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program. Watch Meg Welch Talked about the resolution to censure City Clerk Reid and the unhealthy work environment complaints filed against Clerk Reid by City staff. Claims the process was not an independent investigation. Watch Tina Paden Thanked City staff for helping her come to an agreement with Connections for the Homeless. Said she is open to working with Connections for the Homeless in the future. Watch Becky Biller Provided feedback and edits for Ordinance 79-O-19 which would held create a “Citizen Police Review Commission”. Some of her suggestions include restricting immediate family of elected officials or City staff from service on the Commission, free discussion of matters that fall under the Open Meetings Act (OMA) and having the role of the EPD member be to explain policy and procedures. Watch Jackson Paller Spoke about Ordinance 82-O-19, Major Adjustment to a Planned Development, 1815 Oak Avenue. Said it is unacceptable to require Annual Median Income (AMI) to be at 80%. Said the developer is barely in compliance with IHO by offering two affordable housing units. Watch Doreen Price Wants the City to hire a grant writer to help locate grants that could help residents. Asked City Council to table the Equity & Empowerment Commission Status Report. Also spoke on agenda items A32 and A33. Watch Julie Matthei Co-owner and Co-founder of Hewn Bakery who wanted to provide background to Resolution 82-R-19. She added that if they are granted the 6b Status, they will continue to bring significant sales tax to Evanston and continue to employ local residents. Watch Kam Meuser Voiced his support for Resolution 82-R-19. Said designating 6b Status is necessary to make a small business grow and be a viable part of the community. Watch Matt Wexler Voiced his support in favor of Hewn Bakery to be granted 6b Status. Watch Karen Courtright Askd City Council to hold a discussion relating to the practices and procedures of the Evanston Police Department with regard to the behavior of police officers when children are present. Also shared her remarks on Ordinance 79-O-19. Watch Ray Friedman Said the criminal investigation requested by the Mayor wouldn’t resolved the issues in Evanston. Suggested having open conversations with residents to resolve the issues. Lastly, he spoke about the HOW project on Dempster Street and Pitner Ave Watch Annie Speicher Voiced her support for Hewn Bakery. Believes the bakery is an exemplary business in the community because the owners go above and beyond their responsibility as business owners and offer their workers fair wages and health benefits. Asked City Council to approve their request to be granted 6b Status in order to bring tax revenue and more job opportunities to the community. Watch Paul Gillen Voiced his support for Hewn Bakery. Watch Albert Gibbs Stated that residents of Evanston are not receiving answers to their questions relating to a variety of issues. Said residents are not given consideration for the use of the new Robert Crown Center. Watch Consent Agenda (M1)​ Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of July 15, 2019 and July 22, 2019 For Action Held at the request of the City Clerk Motion: Ald. Rainey Watch (A5) ​Contract Award with Federal Signal Corporation for the Emergency Siren System City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a contract for the Emergency Siren System (RFP 19-33) with Federal Signal Corporation (2645 Federal Signal Drive, University Park, IL) in the amount of $187,508. Funding will be provided from the Capital Improvement Fund 2019 General Obligation Bonds. This item was budgeted at $175,000, all of which is remaining. Additional funding is available from savings in other projects. A detailed breakdown is included in the corresponding transmittal memorandum. For Action Passed 8-0 Motion: Peter Braithwaite Watch (A6) ​Replacement of One Public Works Agency Hook Truck Vehicle City Council approved the purchase of one (1) hook lift truck with a dump body and spreader body for daily use by the Public Works Agency for forestry and snow operations. The replacement vehicle will be purchased from JX Peterbilt (42400 Old Hwy 41, Wadsworth, IL 60083) in the amount of $251,290 through the Sourcewell joint purchasing contract. Funding for this vehicle will be from the Equipment Replacement Fund (Account 601.19.7780.65550) with a budget of $1,622,977. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A7) ​Contract Award with We Got Game, LLC for the Evanston Athletics Program at the Robert Crown and Chandler-Newberger Centers City Council authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with We Got Game, LLC (3553 W. Peterson Ave #106, Chicago, IL 60659) for the City of Evanston Athletics Programs run at Robert Crown and Chandler-Newberger Centers. The contract is for three (3) years with a mutual option to renew for two (2) additional one (1) year options. The contract period will run from January 6, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Revenue from program registrations are deposited into General Fund Accounts 100.30.3035.53565 and 100.30.3030.53565 and instruction expenses are paid from 100.30.3035.62505 and 100.30.3030.62505. Compensation for the vendor varies based on the type of program and number of weeks the camps/programs operate and will work within the fee structure already in place by the City and is based on the percentages of resident rate revenues collected from program registrations. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A8) ​Contract Award with Robothink, LLC for the Evanston Robotics and Coding Camp at the Chandler-Newberger Center City Council authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Robothink, LLC (37 Sherwood Terrace, Ste 123, Lake Bluff, IL 60046) for the City of Evanston Robotics and Coding Camps at the ChandlerNewberger Center. The contract is for three (3) years with a mutual option to renew for two (2) additional one (1) year options. The contract period will run from January 6, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Revenue from program registrations are deposited into General Fund Chandler Account 100.30.3035.53565 and instruction expenses are paid from Account 100.30.3035.62505. Compensation from the vendor is based on the percentages of resident rate revenues collected from program registrations. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A9) ​Approval of Special Event Request, The Main-Dempster Mile’s Last Days of Summer Concert City Council approved a special event request from The Main-Dempster Mile to block Sherman Avenue from Dempster Street to Greenwood Avenue, to hold a summer concert and street fair on Friday, August 23, 2019 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., contingent upon compliance of all requirements as set forth by the Special Event Policy & Guidelines. Costs for City services provided for events require a 100% reimbursement from the sponsoring organization or event coordinator. These fees are waived for City events and City co-sponsored events. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A10) ​Sole-Source Agreement for Cisco SmartNet Software Support City Council approved the purchase of CiscoSmartNet annual licenses and software from CDW (120 S. Riverside, Chicago, IL 60606) in the amount of $33,842.58. This agreement provides support for the City’s essential computer networking system and covers the period September 15, 2019 through September 15, 2020. CDW is the current State Bid Contract Provider for these services as of July 2019 and the renewal price represents a reduction of 29% from last year’s cost of $47,509. Funding is provided by the IT Division, Computer Licensing and Support Fund (Account 100.19.1932.62340), which has an approved FY 2019 budget of $550,000 and a YTD balance of $84,236.41. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A11) ​Entrepreneurship Support Program Application City Council approved financial assistance through the Entrepreneurship Support Program in the total amount of $3,160 for the following applicants: Charrisse Roberson, Gettwisted Designs - $2,160 and Rachel Holmes, Confidence Now Consulting - $1,000. Staff recommends utilizing the Economic Development Entrepreneurship Support Fund (Account 100.21.5300.62664). The approved 2019 Fiscal Year Budget allocated $50,000 to this account. To date, $4,449.42 has been spent, leaving a remaining balance of $45,505.58. For Action Passed 7-1-0​ Ald. Rue Simmons abstained Motion: Peter Braithwaite Watch (A12) ​Evanston Great Merchant Grant City Council approved financial assistance through the Great Merchant Grant for an amount not to exceed $250 to the Howard Street Business Association. Staff recommends utilizing the Economic Development Business District Improvement Program (Account 100.21.5300.65522). The approved 2018 Fiscal Year Budget allocated $150,000 to this account. To date, $37,995.47 has been spent from this account, leaving $112,004.53 available for expenditure. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A14) ​Resolution 83-R-19, Authorizing the City Manager to Pay Bills, Fund Payroll and Pay City Credit Card Invoices for the Period of July 23, 2019 through August 30, 2019 City Council adopted Resolution 83-R-19, authorizing the City Manager to pay bills, fund payroll and pay City credit card Invoices for the period of July 23, 2019 through August 30, 2019. For Action Passed 8-0 Motion: Peter Braithwaite Watch (A15) ​Resolution 85-R-19, Northwestern University Easement Agreement for Sheridan Road Utility Crossing at Emerson Street City Council adopted Resolution 85-R-19 authorizing the City Manager to execute an easement agreement with Northwestern University (NU) for a utility easement on Sheridan Road and in the alley north of Clark Street east of Chicago Avenue. The easement would allow NU to install a chilled water piping system. The easement would be granted for a 30-year period. No City funding is required for this easement. Northwestern University will fund the project and will be assessed a one-time easement fee of $121,951.21. For Action Passed 8-0 Motion: Peter Braithwaite Watch (A16) ​Resolution 84-R-19, Amending City Council Rules to Address the Number of Votes Necessary to Pass an Ordinance City staff recommends City Council adoption of Resolution 84-R-19, amending City Council Rule 20, “Ordinances,” to state that an ordinance is approved if passed by a majority of alderman present. For Action Failed 0-8 Motion: Peter Braithwaite Watch (A17) ​Ordinance 78-O-19, Amending Portions of the City Code to Set Rates for Football Parking City Council adopted Ordinance 78-O-19, amending portions of the City Code to set rates for football parking. The amendment will waive parking fees in Lot 54 on dates of Northwestern University football games for Evanston registered vehicles that have a paid Wheel Tax. Vehicles not registered in Evanston will be considered Non-Evanston resident and will be charged $20 - $40 per parking space on a first come first served basis, based on demand for the game. Specific rates for each game will be determined ahead of time and posted on the City’s website and in the parking lot. For Introduction Approved on Consent Agenda (A18) ​Ordinance 80-O-19, Amending Sections of the City Code to Allow Parking on Portions of Pitner Avenue Alderman City Council adopted Ordinance 86-O-19, amending sections of the City Code to allow parking on a portion of Pitner Avenue. The Ordinance will allow for two hour parking on the east side of Pitner Avenue from Cleveland Street south to the alley from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Motion to suspend the rules for Introduction and Action Passed 8-0 For Introduction and Action Passed 8-0 Motion: Ald. Fleming Motion: Ald. Fleming Watch (A20) ​Ordinance 80-O-19, Sale of Surplus Property Fleet Vehicles City Council adopted Ordinance 80-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 Tuesday, August 13, 2019 or any other subsequent America’s Online Auction. The City has determined these vehicles are no longer necessary, practical, or economical, nor in the best interest of the City, to retain ownership. These vehicles are deemed surplus as they were replaced by new vehicles being put into service or are vehicles that were taken out of service for safety reasons with the intention of eventual replacement. The City Manager requests suspension of the rules for Introduction and Action at the August 5, 2019 Special City Council Meeting. For Introduction and Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A21) ​Ordinance 81-O-19, Granting a Special Use Permit for Commercial Indoor Recreation Facility at 2510 Green Bay Road City Council adopted Ordinance 81-O-19 granting special use approval for a Commercial Indoor Recreation Facility, Lock Chicago, in the B1a Business District and oCSC Central Street Overlay District. The applicant has complied with all zoning requirements and meets all of the standards for a special use for this district. Ald. Revelle requested suspension of the rules for Introduction and Action at the August 5, 2019 Special City Council Meeting. For Introduction and Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A23) ​Ordinance 76-O-19, Amending Various Sections of City Code Section 3-4-6 (“the Evanston Liquor Code”) City Council adopted Ordinance 76-O-19, amending various sections of City Code Section 3-4-6 (“the Evanston Liquor Code”) by (1) updating the definitions of “combination restaurant/package store” and University Area; (2) adding the definition of a “commercial recreation facility;” (3) changing the location restriction and fee associated with a Class V License; (4) amending the Class W license to permit alcohol sale at outdoor recreational facilities; and (5) removing the Class X license as the same activities are now included in the definition of a commercial recreation facility. For Action Passed 8-0 Motion: Peter Braithwaite Watch (A24) ​Ordinance 63-O-19, Amending Various Portions of the City of Evanston Zoning Ordinance to Update the Definition of Craft Alcohol Production Facility City Council adopted Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment to revise language in the definition of Craft Alcohol Production Facilities. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A25) ​2019 Emergency Solutions Grant Allocations City Council approved the 2019 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) allocations totaling $151,731: $138,497 to two social services agencies (Connections for the Homeless and the YWCA Evanston/North Shore) that provide housing and services for individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and $11,380 to the City of Evanston for grant administration. Funding source is the City’s 2019 Emergency Solutions Grant entitlement allocation in the amount of $151,731 from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development; with individual account numbers for external agencies funded and City administrative costs. For Action Approved on Consent Agenda (A28) ​Review of Police Complaints by the Citizen Police Advisory Committee City Council accepted and placed on file the Review of Police Complaints by the Citizen Police Advisory Committee. For Action: Accept and Place on File Passed 8-0 Motion: Ald. Fleming Watch (A30) ​Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program Report City Council accepted and placed on file the City’s TenantBased Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program, administered by Connections for the Homeless. Funding is from the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (Account 240.21.5430.65535). For Action: Accept and Place on File Passed 8-0 Motion: Peter Braithwaite Watch (A31) ​Death Notification Process of the Human Services Advocates City Council accepted and placed on file the death notification process of the Human Services Advocates. For Action: Accept and Place on File Passed 8-0 Referred to The Human Services Committee Motion: Peter Braithwaite Watch Items for Consideration (A1) ​Social Services Review Recommendation City Council approved the following recommendations: 1) Resident-focused intake process; 2) Community Engagement; 3) Prioritize Mental Health Board and CDBG Public Services Funding to External Partners; 4) Health and Human Services Department Realignment. Motion to Accept and Place on File Passed 8-0 For Action Item Accepted and Placed on File Motion: Peter Braithwaite Motion: Ald. Rainey Watch (A2) ​2019 Mid-year Budget Update City Council accepted and placed on file the 2019 Midyear Budget Update. For Action: Accept and Place on File Passed 8-0 Watch (A3) ​2019-2020 Mid-year City Council Goals Update City Council accepted and placed on file the 2019-2020 City Council Goals update. For Action: Accept and Place on File Passed 8-0 Motion: Ald. Wilson Watch (A4) ​Contract Award with Bodala, LLC for Fleetwood-Jourdain Interior Renovations City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a contract for the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center Interior Renovation (RFP 19-13) with Bodala, LLC dba Central Rug and Carpet (3006 Central Street, Evanston, IL) in the amount of $599,000. Funding is available in the amount of $440,000 from Good Neighbor Funds and $160,000 from the 2019 General Obligation Bond. A detailed breakdown is included in the corresponding transmittal memorandum. For Action Passed 8-0 Motion: Ald. Rue Simmons Watch (A13) ​Resolution 82-R-19, Endorsing the Application of Oxcart, LLC Motion: Ald. Watch (dba Hewn) to the Cook County Assessor for Class 6b Status Designation for Commercial Development of the Vacant Property Located at 1731 Central Street City Council adopted Resolution 82-R-19, “Endorsing the Application of Oxcart, LLC (dba Hewn) to the Cook County Assessor for Class 6b Status Designation for Commercial Development of the Vacant Property Located at 1731 Central Street, Evanston, Illinois.” Motion to insert text amendment after Section 2 as Section 3, then change Section 3 to Section 4 and Section 3(2) as Section 5. Passed 8-0 For Action Passed 7-1​ Ald. Fiske voted “No” Suffredin Motion: Ald. Wilson Watch (A19) ​Ordinance 79-O-19, Creating Title 2, Chapter 15 of the Evanston City Code Forming a “Citizen Police Review Commission” Staff recommends City Council adoption of Ordinance 79-O-19, creating Title 2, Chapter 15 of the Evanston City Code Forming a “Citizen Police Review Commission.” Motion to refer the item back to the Human Services Committee Passed 8-0 For Introduction Item referred back to Human Services Committee Motion: Ald. Fleming (A22) ​Ordinance 82-O-19, Major Adjustment to a Planned Development, 1815 Oak Avenue Plan Commission and Staff recommend adoption of Ordinance 82-O-19 for approval of a Major Adjustment to a Planned Development originally approved by ordinance 47-O-16. The adjustment includes an increase in FAR to 4.47 (originally approved at 4.35 and subsequently reduced via a Minor Adjustment to 3.97 in 2017), an increase in parking spaces from 67 to 70 (including 2 compact spaces), an increased side yard setback (south) from 4 feet to 5 feet, and a reduction of dwelling units from 102 to 43 (for a reduced total of 161 units/rooms from 163), eliminating the site development allowance for maximum number of dwelling units. Ald. Braithwaite requested suspension of the rules for Introduction and Action at the August 5, 2019 Special City Council Meeting. For Introduction and Action Passed 8-0 Motion: Peter Braithwaite Watch (A26) ​Equity & Empowerment Commission Status Report City Council accepted and placed on file this update report based on public comment and priorities identified at its subcommittee meetings and July 18, 2019 Commission meeting regarding policies and actions to begin to remedy the City’s role in historical and institutional racism and discrimination. For Action: Accept and Place on File Passed 8-0 Motion: Peter Braithwaite Watch (A27) City Council Agenda Management Process Update City Council accepted and placed on file the City Council agenda management process update. For Action: Accept and Place on File Passed 8-0 Watch (A29) ​2019 Mental Health Board Report and 2020 Update Staff recommends the City Council accept and place on file the 2019 Mental Health Board (MHB) funding and changes in the MHB funding process for 2020. Motion to refer the item back to The Human Services Committee Approved 8-0 For Action: Accept and Place on File Item referred to The Human Services Committee Motion: Ald. Wilson Watch (A32) ​Diversity and Inclusion Policy for City Boards, Committees and Commissions Staff seeks direction from City Council regarding the development of a diversity and inclusion policy for City Boards, Commissions and Committees. Motion to refer the item back to The Human Services Committee Approved 8-0 For Discussion Item referred to The Human Services Committee Motion: Ald. Wilson (A33) ​Healthy Work Environment Complaint Discussion Ald. Fleming has requested information about the complaint process for employee complaints, including Healthy Work Environment (HWE) complaints. Motion to refer the item back to the Human Services Committee Passed 8-0 For Discussion Referred to Human Services Committee Motion: Ald. Wilson (APP1) ​Plan Commission - John Hewko John Hewko is the General Secretary and CEO of Rotary International, a global network of 1.2 million people working to solve world problems. During his time at Rotary, John has worked to better integrate the organization into the Evanston community, opening up Rotary facilities for community events and increasing staff participation in local projects and services. Prior to Rotary, John worked as an international partner for Baker & McKenzie, one of the world’s largest law firms. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Western Reserve Academy and the Ukrainian Catholic University. John holds a B.A. from Hamilton College, a Master’s degree from Oxford University, and a J.D. from Harvard University. For Action Passed 8-0 Motion: Ald. Wilson Watch Call of the Wards Ward 1: Referral to the Parking and Transportation Committee to look at bicycle riding on city sidewalks. Watch Ward 2: Thanked City Manager Bobkiewicz and staff for the Independence Day Celebration at James Park. 2nd Ward will participate in National Night Out with a Starlight Movie, Avengers Infinity War, on Tuesday, August 6. Watch Ward 3: No Report Watch Ward 4: Ward meeting on Tuesday, August 6 at 7:00 p.m. at the Evanston Public Library. Community meeting to hear about two proposed projects: An office building at 601 Davis St. and Northlight Theatre at 1012-1018 Church St. Watch Ward 5: National Night Out at Twiggs Park. Evanston Remembrance Reunion Picnic on Saturday, August 10, 2019. On August 18, 2019 there will be a street naming ceremony for Tina Lifford from the series Queen Sugar. Watch Ward 6: No Report Watch Ward 7: No Report Watch Ward 8: Residents will meet at Howard & Custer to meet with local business owners on Howard St. Congratulated City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz on his 10th Anniversary with the City of Evanston. Watch Ward 9: Residents will meet at Kamen West Park on National Night Out to enjoy food trucks and games. Made a referral to Planning & Development to review Ordinance 23-O-14 to update the language. Made another referral to the Human Services Committee for any case management services offered by the city for people looking for housing. Watch Adjournment Mayor Pro tem Peter Braithwaite 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.