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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCMinutes110518 ​​SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER JAMES C. LYTLE COUNCIL CHAMBERS Monday, November 5th, 2018 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 thanked the 4th grade class of Dewey Elementary School and 1st grade class of Oakton Elementary School for taking a field trip to City Hall to learn about local government. Watch City Manager’s Public Announcements City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz had no announcements Watch City Clerk’s Communications City Clerk Reid reminded residents of the November 6, 2018 Election. Also shared Early Voting numbers for Evanston. Lyft and Uber will provide free rides to election polls. Watch Public Comment Michael Vasilko Opposed any of the levies, taxes, fees and fines proposed by City Council and City Staff. Wanted to know who is challenging spending $3,000 for food and vaccines for the animal shelter. Talked about the organizational chart not representing the current view of the city. Questioned why the City Clerk’s Office budget was slashed 50 percent compared to other departments who only saw a budget cut of 5 percent. Mr. Vasilko believes the City Council is picking on the Clerk’s Office. Asked why the Library Director’s contract isn't being renegotiated. Wanted reassurance from City Council that a final vote will be brought back for discussing relating to Harley Clarke. Watch Toni Rey Thanked City Council and staff for improving the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. Watch Meg Krulee On behalf of the District 65 teachers union, she expressed their opposition of the closing of Fire Station #4 or reduction of emergency response vehicles. Stated it would put the lives of the students in danger. Also is opposed of any budget cuts that would negatively impact Evanston students and residents. Watch Ray Friedman Shared some suggestions about the budget. Talked about creating a budget process committee that would have decision making impact Watch on the budget. Asked that staff create a page/website where residents can have their questions answered by City Council. Suggested that there be a flat 2-5 percent across the board on the proposed budget cuts. Eric Paset Owner of Northshore Apartments and Condos that believes that taxes must be raised in order to keep services.Stated that landlords such as himself are forced to raise rent when property taxes go up. This has created less affordable housing in Evanston. Believes that in order to keep taxes low some services must be eliminated in order to prevent residents from leaving Evanston. Watch Doreen Price Talked about equity and references a few new articles that spoke about cities that speak about tackling the issue of equity. Watch Jessica Sales Thanked City Council members who have voiced their support for the Mental Health Board. Made a proposition to ensure grant writing is being continued for the Health Department. Believed that a 5-10 percent cut to the Health and HUman Services Department would give the department ample time to regroup and find a solution to keep their services. Watch Jason Hays Expressed his anger towards the City Manager for continuing to propose slashing the Fire Department. Believes that cuts to social services will put a strain on the Fire Department staff and resources. Stated that the department cannot continue to serve the public and respond to the over 10,000 calls a year with a 20% reduction. Watch Juan’s Rizki Stated that the mismanagement of fund for projects and legal problems account for the deficit in the budget. Suggested there would be a 30-50 percent tax increase in the following years. Mr. Rizki expressed his doubts for the new Chief of Police, stating that City Manager Bobkiewicz hires under qualified people in his department that report to him.Thinks it’s unnecessary for Directors to have a car allowance. Watch Mary Rosinski Stated that volunteers who are experts in the preservation of the Harley Clarke mansion could bring revenue for the city if given the chance to run the mansion. Said it would be a huge mistake to close down Fire Station #4. Asked City Council to not close the fire station. Watch Special Order of Business (SP1) ​​Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Workshop No formal action will be taken regarding the FY 2019 Budget. Budget documents are available here: www.cityofevanston.org/city-budget/. For Discussion Motion: Ald. Rainey Watch Call of the Wards Ward 1: Thanked the staff for all of their hard work. Also shared her concern over comments being made by residents about city staff and their work. Wants everyone to work together. Watch Ward 2: Wanted to share his thoughts on comments made towards city staff. Believes that disparaging remarks are not appropriate towards staff and hopes the public keeps that in mind when making public comments Watch Ward 3: Thanked staff for all of their hard work Watch Ward 4: Thanked the city staff for their hard work and commitment to the city Watch Ward 5: No Report Watch Ward 6: No Report Watch Ward 7: No Report Watch Ward 8: Suggested that Mayor Hagerty control the tone of public comment 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.