HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1999Minutes DRAFT -NOT ARI!ROVED
HUMAN SERVICES CON111 IITTEE
Tuesday, January 26, 1999
Civic Center - Room 2404
7:00 P.M.
ALDERMEN PRESENT: Aldermen Feldman. Kent. Moran. Newman. Rainey
STAFF PRESENT: Kathleen Brenniman, Doug Gaynor. Chief Kaminski. Max Rubin, Neal Ney,
Stan Janusz. Bill Andrews, Harvey Saver, Vanessa Bums, CarU Bush, Ray
Postw•eiler, Commander Schroeder. Sergeant Cabanski. Sylvester Hilliard, Vallry
W idan. Jay Terry, Audrey Trotsky
OTHERS PRESENT: Richard hiarberry, Recreation Board; Michele Rowe-Sheilds_ Hal Stewart,
Broke Marler. William Rattner. Hugh Temple, Anne Reams. Arts Council;
Alexander Brown, Evanston/ Skokie Valley Senior Services; Lonnie Wiebe,
Mary Gavin, Mental Health Board; Mike DeVaul, YMCA; Nicki Pearson,
Mimi Petersen
PRESIDING: Alderman Newman
1. CALL TO ORDER
Alderman Newman called the meeting to order at 7:17 p.m.
IL APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 16, AND DECEMBER 7, I998 MINUTES
The minutes of tbg Ngvemher 2, and December 7. 199$ meetings were unanimously annroved. with
corrections (3-0).
111. DISCUSSION OF UTILIZATION OF EVANSTON ARTS CENTER SPACE
Michelle Rowe -Shields. Director, introduced Board members, Anne Reams. President, Hal Stuart, Brooke
hlarler. Hugh Semple and William Rattner. Alderman Newman noted at one of the Executi%e Sessions staff
presented to the entire Council an issue related to the use of the coach house at the arts Center. Nis. Rowe -
Shields contacted Alderman Nc%%Tnan about the issue requesting a hearing for the Arts Center Board to express
their needs and interest in the space to the Council.
Ms. Rowe -Shields said they appreciate the opportunity to present their proposal to the Human Services
Committee. The :arts Center «ishes to lease the coach house beginning with the currently vacant apartment and
garage space as they need to expand their Youth Fine Arts Program. They believe their lease at the coach house
would be of substantial benefit to the Evanston community. The coach house and garage are the perfect and
obvious location for them to expand their youth program as it is on the property and the apartment would add
two additional rooms f'or them to use in addition to the main house. Their Youth Fine Arts Program is at
capacity and over subscribed. They currently serve $50 Evanston youths and families and have a waiting list
of 200 livanston youths who the% cannot accommodate and does not even account for hundred• of kids who
can't even get on the waiting list. They are still receiving daily phone calls for summer prograrr-s they cannot
offer because they do not have the space. They also want to increase their community outreach programs and
currently after free art programming at Family Focus and more importantly now provide free art enstruction to
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all twelve public elemeittarn-schools in their after school child care program. In mco_t case. the E'vanssston Publtc
Schools can only provide 45 minutes a week of art classes. Act teachers in our schonls revos-17c a -id support
their art programming effort and have requested that they expand their efforts as e%idencod t~% a rtmition Ms -
Rowe -Shields submitted to the Committee by District 65 art teachers stating. "%\'e the under -signed : I teachers
in District 65 %%ish to go on record as endorsing the use of the coach house adjacent to the Art Center for after
school, Saturday. and summer art programs for Evanston youth. We have b,- n inr;%ressed %%-,h the Evanston
Art Center's programs to students in our district and welcome an expansion oC this Cffc rt " Ms. Rcr." e-Shields
asked that this petition signed by 14 teachers to be put on record. They're valued in the %:k1aimuruty for the
exceptional art classes they provide. They offer a youth program that is alreaa\ recognVed its excellence
which received the Mayor's Award for the Arts in 1996. and the head of their Fine Youth Arts Fen+ L=L Barbara
Blades. received the Arts and Youth award sponsored by the Evanston Arts Council in IUU' Trey have a
professional faculty who have experience in developing exceptional arts curriculum v6th inn,.,,.-nm%e Evanston
students. Evanston citizens have demonstrated a need for more art programming and the-, have the desire to
fill that need and you have the ability to help them do this by letting them rent the coach hous;:. In particular
the two rooms would allo«- them to provide specialized more extensive summer programming for talented and
interested students and expand their classes and outreach throughout the year. They can serve an additional 300
Evanston youth and families to begin with and eventually with both apartments this number would be
signifcantfy higher. The coach house is public property and currently the Ecology Center is using its attached
greenhouse. They believe the coach house would better serve the Evanston community as a pub,'icly used space
as opposed to any other public entity and the Arts Center is the most logical tenant. They ingest and manage
the property and the adjacent lot for example parking is at a premium on the property and it would be unwise
to lease the property to any enrit that would require additional parking. in fact it .vould help the parking to lease
the space to them. Their staff could use the additional spaces and thereby relic% a the congestion in parking lots.
They're %%illing to pay a fair rent for the apartment and garage and know they were rented to Fred Yoder for
$1.100 a month. Their needs are very little and they- can do miracles on a shoestring and in all U-clihood could
use the space as is. There may be some ADA consideration and believe , as you do, it is v important to
address this issue which is a hard question. They found a way to make: accommodation in their current program.
why would this be any different. They provide accessibility to those who need it for classes at the Noyes
Cultural Arts Center and the main building by rescheduling a class to a room that is accessible. whenever
possible. They hire sign language translators for the hearing impaired v hene%er necessan- and provide
information on sister institutions in Evanston that offer comparable classes and pay the cost of class, if it is
higher. The main building's first floor has been made handicapped accessible in a co operati%e effort .with the
City %\ ith a financial contribution from the Arts Center. The coach house in its entire[% would allo%% us to offer
classes on a lover level that %%ould be accessible. Final]y, we believe we're the tenant by choice, %%e've been
good tenants and have made man% improvements in the main house over the% years. most recentl% upgrading
and replacing the electrical s% stem and providing ne%v landscaping. The coach house is their only option to
expand and is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It's the only building on the property available to lease. We
have no %%here else to go to expand our Youth Fine Arts Program to keep it ccritralir_ed. The proximity of
ceramics. photography and print making equipment. kilns. dark room. etc.. t., important to us because these
activities borer an intrinsic component to the classes we ot7e:r for our youths and trens In addition v c need the
proximit of -art Center staff hecauce youth programs require more monitoring. Our %%aiting list tells us the
demand is there and all .%e ask t'rom %ou is the opportunity and a chance to meet the needs and better !>erve our
Evanston %ouths and families. Thank you.
Hal Stuart. First Vice president of the Board, commented that the Evanston Arts Center is going to be 70 years
cold this %car. For these 70 %tars the, ha%e provided a broad array of educational prograts. youth programs,
and communit% outreach pro_rams. They bctie%e there is a need and a de -sire. particularf% in the youth
programs for the young people in Evanston reaching to all the communities in Evanston and they are in a
position to expand the set ice the% provide and do an even better job then they have throughout their 70 years.
All they need is the space. The% %%ould like to thank you once again for giving them this public hearing.
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Mr. Gaynor noted that several months ago the death of the tz-sident created the vacancy. tile apartment was
deteriorated and staff needed to see what they needed to be do_ fir. Gaynor and Mr. Rubin, Director Facilities
Management_ went to look at the apartment and in their opinion determined it would prrb;►bly W—.e About
S50.000 to bring it up to not only a liveable, usable. condition but at the same time preserve the pc=nises. If
it goes untouched or just is barely attended to it .will continue to deteriorate. In addition, if it is used other than
for a residence it will require ADA accessibility for .which at the minimum would he a litl regardless of
accommodations of the facility's use to public. When the issue was brought to Council the decision was
because .we do not have the funding it would make the most sense to rehabilitate and rent out the fscility.
llderinair .t foram entered the meeting at this point (7: 30 p. m. i
Alderman Feldman asked if the Arts Council was involved in any of Mr. Gaynor's thinking regrding the
tenancy. Mr. Gavilor said Ms. Aiello .was contacted and had discussions with the Ara Center, but he and Mr.
Rubin did not. Nis. Aiello conveyed to them that the Arts Center %%ished to develop or use the facilitti- for youth
programs. Alderman Feldman asked .what the cost .would be to make the facility ADA accessible with a lift as
an elevator. Mr. Ga}-nor responded a lift is used at Fleetwood lourdain and they are currently using a lift at the
Noyes Center he % as not sure .what the cost of the lift .was but thought around 517.000. Alderman Feldman said
the Arts Center .would require the same S50,000 investment to make it habitable plus the additional amount for
the lift. His question .vas what is it going to cost the City and what amount is so prohibiting it would prevent
us from alIov ing the Arts Center to use it for the benefit of the citizens of this community. If it is an astonishing
amount of money considering the City's budget position he can understand we cannot do that but he is trying
to get a handle on .what it will cost us to negotiate an occupancy by the Arts Center that would satisfy them and
meet the needs of the co nmunity.
Alderman Ne..man recalled at the Executive Session of Council we were told that the upstairs use was going
to be incompatible with the downstairs tenant. At the time he was not aware that the downstairs tenant was a
City employee. He is no%v aware this is a City employee who he has a lot of respect for. Now that he has more
information about the issue he feels it more important for the Arts Center to have this coach house than to have
a City employee live there regardless of his respect for this employee. He would like to see the staff sit down
%%ith the .Arts Center to give them even opportunity to make a serious proposal for this space. go over the needs
and work it out financially. This %%ill then come back to us .whether they are .willing to in.est the money
perhaps on the ADA issues and how %%e can recoup it to enable us to make an informed decision. He does not
feel tilt%- had all the facts the wa. it .was presented to the Council as to who .wanted this. .what it was going to
cost. %%hat our responsibilities .%ere to the tenant. Better decisions are made when.%c have more of the facts.
Alderman `'e:.man realized the Arts Center's space is tight. but they have fabulous programs going on and
deserve an opportunity to make their case which he is not sure they have had.
Alderman Feldman said the case made h% the ;art Center that they have an opportunity to expand someplace
immediate[% adiacent has siunincant benefits to it. This is a last chance for them as they have no other place
to co. I le %%ould like to sec us mo%c a few steps back and alloy. for the fact that there are competing interests.
obligations and expenses to the City. but this Committee should he informed of all the facts information as well
as the Council. to know what reasonable choices we have. tier. Gaynor responded that is perfectly acceptable
but will say that all the issues %were put on the table about occupancy, residency. mixed uses, etc., all information
.vas shared at the time of the Executi%e Session. it was his understanding this .vas discussed ewer the phone
%%ith vls. Aiello %lr. Gaynor %%anted to he very clear that the% are very much in support ofv hat the Art Center
does for this communit% and there is absolutely not any part of the issue regarding .what the Art Center does.
This was strict!% a dollars and cents issue of recapturing an investment. Alderman Feldman said that criteria
will be presented here and %%c ..-ill share in those values and .%bile he would like to support the Art Center, he
expects a meanin_olil and si<anificant bargaining session regarding the obligations and %%hat kind of
responsibilitx they assume.
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IF
Alderman Rainev asked for some idea of what the 550,000 mpresents, maintenance. cosinctic, structural, etc.
Mr. Gaynor said he hoped it would not be structural. we have th-,t check,.} the mx)l; but ha%e checked the walls,
ceiling. floors. all plumbinwkitchen fixtures. It has been deteriorating wid there is a great a deal of rot going
on in the wood. %indows, etc. Alderman Rainey asked if «as dry rot. to -.%hick Mr. Gaynor responded dry rot
would mean a lot of money but if it is rotted from winter condensation that would take less of an investment.
Alderman Rainey asked if there was any evidence of needing a roof, to %%hick Mr. Oa%nor responded there was
no evidence from the ceiling that there were leaks. Alderman Rainey said that this then %%ould slmpl% be a gut
rehab basically for classrooms. This kind of use would be a ditterent scope as opposed to a tenant and would
not need a kitchen or basement. so perhaps the S50.000 %%ould be used dittercntl%. Also. it' %%% are just
discussing the money issue there could be a work session between the Art Center staff. 41r. Ga,. nor's staff and
Mr. Rubin's staff to determine the cost of doing everything necessary to make that a public space including
ADA accessibility. She thinks that the Art Center should absolutely be the number one tenant in line for this
space. however. the City does not have the money to invest in this project and she hears from the Art Center that
they are %%illine to participate. Maybe we can split it down the middle. we can do the interior and thev can take
responsibility for all the ADA accessibility not knowing how much money they have but lets say if they have
the money it could be done that way. We would have to spend money to rent to a residential tenant and she
does not think the Arts Center should be given much of a break in terms of rent as they should have to pay us
whatever we present it for on the market. However, she suspects this is not the only issue, there is another issue
having to do with compatibility of a residential tenant and thinks it matters who it is. This committee has an
obligation to discuss that in public and she would like to know what those issues are. There are also issues
pertaining to whether the An Center conduct children's art classes late into the night. what would be the hours.
,NIs. Rowe -Shields said the after school child program is 4:30 to 5:45 and Saturday mornings. in summer there
are morning and afternoon classes. Alderman Rainey asked what are the compatible issues. Mr. Gaynor said
they are nothing more than %%hat they have with our zoning restrictions. Regarding the resident there, as far as
he is concerned agrees that it does not matter who the resident is. and is not sure how long their lease is.
Alderman Rainey noted the lease has just been renewed for a year but the resident has been there a long time
and she is very much opposed under any circumstances to terminating that lease. %fr. Gaynor said there is a
mixed use of an activity level of ten or lifteen %oaths that would be in that facility with a tenant also living there
and whatever time of day does not know what type of conflict there is. He is not suggesting there is a conflict
but is suggesting there is a resident and its a difTerent type of use than in the apartment we are discussing. The
position we tcw)k was clearl% determined as one that was not monetary but there is a mixed use and if were to
try to preserze the facility then we would try to recapture that investment by the rent. Alderman Rainey said
this community would never make a decision not to preserte. «e've made that decision but don't know how
we're going to eo about linancing it as we %%ould never let that property deteriorate to the point .%here it has to
be demolished.
Alderman Rainey asked ho%% much money the .art Center has. Ms. Rowe -Shields said they %sere prepared to
pay fair market .clue and certainly it they ha%e the coach house the% ►►ould invest as they did in the main house
after the year lease. Alderman Rainey said this can be looked at as a year lease but her recollection is this tenant
has been there more than ten scars, this is their home. Mr. Gaynor said he ,%ould happy to do a thinough.
comprehenst,e study and get back to this commnimee in a relati%cls short time it) identttN all the issues. Part of
that would be to sit down and talk about it with the designees from the Arts Center. Alderman Rainey said one
thine the Arts Center can be assured, until this discussion takes place. nobody else %%ould get the coach house.
At this time %fr. Rubin. Director of" facilities Management. entered the meeting and noted the problem with
the space is that it has been untouched by human hands mix the past twenv% sears. The walls wo-old have to be
totally repaired. il'not tear them do%%n. the plumbing has to be tutted, the entire kitchen area needs to redone.
the floors hate to bL redone. Last weekend the roof was leaking from this apartment into the other apartment.
this r(x)t*was done about ten or twelve years a,o and should not have leaked. but there are copper gutters that
nornmall\ are not done at the same time the roof is done. Our reason lilt sa.im-, S50,000 is if an•.one is to live
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or work there. it ..ill require a great deal of work and he would like to see the Cry get big rent for this space.
Mr. Term commented that Ms. Rowe -Shields said they currend% meet certain accessibility guidelines b? having
classes off site. but if we are converting a private building into public use that building has to be accicssible.
Therefore, the full .FDA accessibilit. «ill ha.e to be done sir Rubin said then: has not been an estL ate for
an elevator or chair lift. the ADA ma\ not e% en accept the chair lift. A lift canr,,:,t be put on a stairca-.4e that is
too narrow. the Mire Department measures these areas ihese tiLures can all be broucht back to the committee.
Alderman Raine\ felt this is a .cr-, real issue Ms Ro\ke-Shields said toda.• they checked with the Unit
Department of lustice and there is an elevator c\emrti(,n for private non-profit entities used. Mr. Term called
attention to the :act this is a Citn of Evanston buwldinu -•hither or not we lease it to the Arts Center the City is
obligated to comply with the Municipal AAA Requirements .alderman Feldman added the Arts Centcr has to
understand and this committee has to undersuutd that as there are certain things tha: have to be done irrertardless.
His question is z.hat do we have in mind for this place particularly relating to g,,-�ttinQ big rent for it.
Alderman Nev.-man commented we own public buildings so there can be public uses and if there is not any
public use for the building we then tr% to recoup our investment by going to some other use. Mr. Gaynor said
to a certain extent we agree %with that but from their paint of vie%% «ould like to --e more outreach by the Arts
Center to take more out to the community rather than the community have to come to the Arts Center. He
knows there is an outreach program in place now and one of the things he has been trying to do "ith our own
program at tioy es and the Ecology Center. is to take programs to the communit •. His primary view is to put
more activities at Crown or Fleetwood Jourdain and maximize the classes we ha-, e available. He understands
the convenience of haying all of the equipment at the Arts Center but thinks there is an opportunity to do a
combination of both. Alderman Feldman agreed with what Mr. Gaynor said that this could be a part of the
arrangentent.'negotiations as these are values the City holds which are not totally antithetically to the values of
the Art Center.
Brooke Mader. Arts Center Board member, wanted to add that they have an extensive outreach program that
goes into ever% single grade school in Evanston and gives free after school art classes. This is something that
they raised money to pay for and comes out of their contributions. if you are suggesting we are not doing an
outreach program. Mr. Gaynor responded ifone heard .what he had said it was to increase the outreach. Ms.
Marler said theN \%ould like to increase the programs that they can otter to the :ids on their waiting list. I Ir.
Gaynor apologized if offense \,.as taken as no offense was intended he asked o l% to increase the efforts, you
have so man} people on the: %%aiting list he would like to increase the opportLnity in the outreach program.
Alderman Rainy thought ti\e should remember as ue sit here talking about the t,.%,) groups coming together and
making arrangements for settling the money and getting this place habitable. v tether for a private tenant or
otherwise. Si0.000 is large amount and we cannot talk one sway at our Saturday Budget meetings and talk
another %%av here because \%c like the idea of what the opportunity is when discussing money. We should not
Let o\eris enthusiastic about having this money available tomorroee. II might not be such an gas,. thing and
there are nrany competing interests. It %%ould be her position if an\ tenant gets th:s space this group should get
it %%hen %%e ha%e the money a,.aifahle and they're ready to m ork out a deal. This is not something, that will take
place tonwrro%% because she finds herself sae inL lets Let the move\ and tis this place up and make e,.erybode
happy and moe e on with it. Alderman Newman added. in regard to Saturday rnorning discussions. he agreed
.with Alderman Rainey and thinks where %%e now stand the staff was going to ask us to fund S50.000.vorth of
improvements out ofour Capital Budget so ue can rent the space. If the Arts Center %%ants this space and need
he \%ants to hear %%hat the% are \%illing to contribute «hick he will not kno.,6 unless there is some type of
discussion that goeN on %\here the Arts Center can be informed. Alderman Rainy% agreed that is aft true but she
\.ants us to he cautious. alderman Nev.-man said perhaps the Arts Center .,.ill make us an offer we cannot
refuse. he hopes they do. and if'the\ don't ae will have to think about the cost benefits of'what they want.
Alderman Rainev asked fora motion to an on record that the Arts Center is the number one nrnsnect fQr
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that sgace. Alderman Newman seconded the motion. He thought it was the sense of the committee that
the Arts Center is the tenant of choice. In the next thirty days he would like to see the appropria a staff get
together with the people from the Arts Center to discuss what it will cost who will pay what to get the propert}'
in good public use. He feels public properties should be used for public purposes and does not know what this
will cost but it should at least be explored to find out whether it can economically work considering our budget
situation. hlr. Rubin added the issue is if we go for a design to remodel for the arts Center not for residential
use there are certain things that will change, i.e. the bathroom 3esign changes. the kitchen may disappear
entirely, changes which will alter the numbers. Alderman Newnan agreed that all these issues need to be
discussed and brought back to our Nlarch meeting to Iet us know v.-here you're at.
Mr. Rattner, Arts Council, commented as the unofficial scorer %would like to have the Arts Center give this
committee a save for today and thanked the committee for keeping this issue alive. It has been very gratifying
that without any preliminary studying you have hit upon all the high points and we will work with it. If you
own the building something has to be put into it. if you're not goL-ie to tear it down. The likelihood of getting
some money back from the institution that will run classes and can even do some fund raising for this purpose
seems to be a lot higher than renting it to Mr. Jones.
Alderman NewTnan thanked the Arts Center members for their a.rrendance and presentation.
IV. RECREATION BOARD
Richard Marberry. Recreation Board President, spoke on behalf of the board. They have been following the
City 's discussions concerning the Recycling Center in the James Park area in the newspaper and now have
realized and knoty that you've come to some conclusions that facilin is no longer going to be used for recycling.
They have come before this committee before concerning on.c of their primary objectives of putting a
recreational facility in the southeast Evanston area as a result of the Attitude and Interest Survey done a few
years ago they have been trying to add gym space and other facilin space in the City at their existing facilities
which has been frustrating because of the lack of space and lack of site, and feel because the Recycling Center
is now going to be "in the market" for a type of facility they think they can provide a good benefit for and would
like to come back to the committee within a couple of months to rn,.ake a formal proposal about what they would
intend to do.
Alderman Feldman said he would be very interested and asked ;f the Recreation Board has looked at it and
come to some kind of conclusion that its a viable use for) our pu_}oses. Mr. Marberry responded. no. at this
point they do not have anything specific in mind and have not don_c any specific studies on changes that might
be necessary to the facility itself because they do not know what the specific use m+ould be. Thee were hoping
to create a multi use space which would be one of their main objectives because that would give the highest and
most efficient use and cannot Ove any answer beyond that at this point.
Alderman Newman noted at the time the Recycling Center was Dealt with he €h<..ught we were going to have
some conttnunit% meetings to discuss possible: reuse: of that buil-fing. lie %ioulpersonall% like to see sonic
meetings take place in the event we do decide to go that route. %%."e could somehow- incorporate this into what
we're doing at James Park with the 51,000.000 we are about to wend rehabin+, it. He would like whoever has
ideas for that building put them on the table and then have somcbody make: a d -cision as to ho%v the building
will he used. Mr. Gaynor recalled that during the discussion bs Council. •%Ith regards to what might happen
it'recycling was to be dime: by someone other than the City. Council took the position that there would be public
hearings other than on clean up. 1%lr. Gaynor noted when the rec,. clingy: program ends the facility will need to
he cleaned up or it would be a health hazard. Then over a period of time it was Council's decision to have some
public meetings and he %%ould ask the question if its the Council : esire to conduct those meetin_ or would you
want the City Manager's office or another department to conduct those as public meetings. Alderman `e%%Tnan
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responded he ads sure there would be different opinions but he would just like to see somebody- conduct thetas.
Alderman Feldman thought before having public meetings it is essential that we know what the building is
capable of becoming in terms of a public use and what you would recommend. Mr. Gaynor said tf-..ut without
going into a vex• elaborate procedure he is sure we could take the dimensions of the facility and rzwk—c therm
available through sonic public means for anyone that would consider it, whether for not -for -prow or City -
programs. to have an opportunity to come up with a proposal that would fit within the walls of zrc building.
The Recreation Board has not gone in to look at the building but staff was asked to look at it and the,. reel with
the right conversion it would bean outstanding field house that could accomodate three or four sports basketball,
indoor soccer. indoor lacrosse. and a variety of activities. It could almost be looked at as a small Unia:d Center
because you could move in and out doors as it has that kind of flexibility and has the high ceilings. But. as
indicated there is a variety of other uses that people may have ideas for.
Alderman Rainey asked if the Recreation Beard discussed this to any great extent. if there was am. reference
to this discussion in their minutes. and leas the Council received those minutes. fir. Nlarberry did nag know if
the minutes from last Thursday's Board meeting were received when this was specifically discussed foe the first
time. Alderman Rainey asked precisely what Mr. \tarberry was telling this committee to which tier_ h9arbemy
responded that the Recreation Board wants to come and make a formal presentation and his prescstce this
evening was just to make the committee aware of what they are doing but they have not discussed ►-hat they
want to do internally. They set up a special subcommittee at the last Board meeting that will meet with the
Recreation Department staff and by the time they get on the Human Services agenda, hopefully in N rch, will
have a full report for the committee. Alderman Rainey commented then is this just to announce that the
Recreation Board will soon have an announcement. She hoped that if the Recreation Board is going to come
to this committee with a proposal that the Recycling Center serve as a south Evanston Recreation Center that
you give her a call so she can participate in the discussion as that is not exactly the south Evanston location.
Mr. Marberr said he would be happy to contact her but cannot imagine that coming into their discussions
because that is a totally separate and priority item of the Recreation Board. Alderman Rainey noted this was
mentioned in Mr. Itfarberr•'s presentation. 1v1r. Marberry said he did mention it as they had a discussion about
southeast Evanston's Recreation Center before the Board prior to Christmas when a thorough presentation was
made. but that is still a priority. This is something else in response to the Attitude and Interest Survey which
was for additional gym space for the City as well as a recreation center. The two have a nexus but not
specificall%. Mr. %larberry thanked the committee for this time allotted him.
Alderman Neuman commented some meetings will be scheduled about the use of that buildinz a: er some
potentials are developed. The Recreation Board wants to put this on the table possibly for a field house. Mr.
Gaynor said the Recreation Board swill be one of a number oforeanizat ions submitting proposals. .-alderman
Rainey announced there is no money in the City's Capital Plan to do this. Mr. Gaynor asked if it was the
committee's desire to hay e the stall'begin a process of public hearings.
Alderman Raine% called a paint oforder. this committee has an extraordinary agenda and this item is no place
on our agenda She %kondered why ue are spending time on an item not on the agenda. Alderman Newman
noted a request was made by the Recreation Board for this short presentation. He thanked Mr. Marberry for
his attendance-
V. CONSIDERATION OF DISPOSITION OF CITIZEN COMPLAINTS AGAINST
POLICE OFFICERS
Alderman Neuman called for questions regarding the complaints. Alderman Moran had a question regarding
the first complaint situation at a gas station. There was a question of prior incident with this person who
apparently had some traliic related citations and was discussed in the second encounter. The officers rioted that
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the person had not remedied some earlier problems that were the subject of the original citations and therefore
their interests. Sergeant Cabanski said the original incident prior to this was with the tinting of windorws.
There being no further questions or discussion. Alderman Newman moved acceptance of both complaints.
Motion seconded by Alderman Moran. unanimously passed (4-0),
Alderman Rainey asked Chief Kaminski if complaints have gone down_ Chief Kaminski responded. yes, just
yesterday they completed the Annual Report and did not have time to submit it for the meeting packet copies
ot'which were distributed to the committee. Presently there are no pending complaints, last year there were ten
complaints. This report is only on citizen complaints not crime statistics.
Alderman Rainey commented on a wonderful letter of commendation from an outsider congratulating the
department on the investigation that developed in a sentencing and that was a complainant that came before this
committee regarding an insurance fraud.
Alderman Newman thanked Chief Kaminski and Sergeant Cabanski.
VI. LIBRARY BOARD
The Library Board was not listed on this evening's agenda but there was a Council request for this to be added
to the agenda. Mr. Nev, Library Director and Cheryl Wollin, Board member were in attendance. Alderman
Newman noted there was a purchase on the Monday, January 25, 1999. Cite Council agenda that initiated a
number of questions from members of the Council. At that time there was not any member of the staff present
address these questions. Mr. tiey «•fished to apologize for not being in attendance last night and explained that
he returned from a short vacation that afternoon came to the A and P W meting and then eery unwisely decided
to leave after that meetine. He is sorry he did not attend the Council meeting to answer City Council's
questions. Mr. Nev distributed copies of the RFP which also served as the Brant application for this particular
grant. He noted that paces 5 and 6 described the scope of the study and what questions were asked to be
reviewed as the question of branches was a secondary consideration in the study but something that was
included. Mr. New• also distributed copies of the Board's policy on branch services.
Alderman Feldman commented if the material Nlr. Ney distributed had been available at last night's Council
meeting it %would have illuminated a lot of information regarding the purchase. The way it was described was
not the way the RFP indicates not only in terms of priorities but in terms of proportion which was one of the
major questions that came up at last night.
,4Iderman Kent entered the ineetinz at this point (8:30 p.nt.l.
Alderman Newman said his problem is that Council is being told by the City's Finance Director that only
S3.500.000 can be spent on the total capital needs of the City and we have to reduce what w-e can spend on
everything because currentl% the City has $63.000.000 in outstanding debts. Out of' that S63.000.000.
S22,000.000 is for the libran . We are currently S2.000,000 short in terms of balancing the General Fund %which
necessitated an 8.61•a proposal for a real estate tart increase by the City `tanager's office. It is difficult for him
to understand that in the late 70's or early 80's we had a branch on the west side of Evanston and the Library
Board decided to close it. We then built the library which started out at S 10.000.000 and turned to be a
S2 ,000.000 building. In 100i his first meeting as a member of the Council %was with your predecessor the
Director of the I_ibrary and three members of the Board who wanted him to commit to agreeing to close down
the branches because of where the main library was located. When he saw this study he did not know it is a
grant application that says to look at four things. one of which is whether we need a branch on the west side of
Evanston, Vic kno%%s that the libmr% people work very hard and wants to help out in terms of getting books and
HSC Minutes 1,16199 - Page S.
q
materials, but cannot understand why we would be studying building a branch oil the west aide of Evanston.
with public money. when we closed the library there and this C it% is stntggling to hilance its hudsmi. We have
no money for parks. streets, cutting trees, and a long Iist of str ices and one of the masons we do not have any
money is because of the heavy investment made in the library, a librar% e%ervonc is proud of We do not have
the financial capabilit} and will not have it in the near future sr %ylt% art Lx-,king to find out %%t geed a new
Iibrar• with no money to build it.
Nis. Wollin responded, in all due respective did not say we were building a west side branch but want to survey
the needs of this communit% especiall% those of moderate and low incomes to sec %%hat librar\ serices we are
not currently providing in these areas that may prevent people tmm feeling .�•m li�rtable in the main library or
any of the other libraries. We get anecdotal comments from citizens all the time but don't ha%c the staff or
expertise to scientifically analyze those random comments and that is \%hat this grant is for. We applied for
every grant we could because Nve know as well as anyone how tight money is in the City and Feel we're in a spot
to seek grants from outside sources including the Illinois State Library. We have received several other grants
that have always been to the benefit of the library. This grant was to accomplish a task that we didn't feel we
were staffed nor equipped to do. to find out where there are needs in the community that %% are not meeting.
We want everybody to feel comfortable if they want our services and this does not mean building a building.
it may mean offering services in a recreational building, doing story hours in homes. or all kinds of things that
we haven't yet pursued that we need to and part of the Library Board Strategic Plan was to pursue other ways
of delivering librar}service. We promise nothing, we seek answers. She does not think its any secret that the
south branch is inadequate in many ways especially for the handicapped. We have been very open about the
fact that there are serious restraints in that building. We are a%%= of the financial problems and have operated
within our budget and ha%e raised additional funds from private sources to provide for tuts and research
materials for the iibrar. This is just another way of trying to find out ho%%' we can do better.
Alderman Newman commented, for his clarification. then the Library Board has no plans, intentions or desires
whatsoever to even consider building a west branch library. tics. Wollin responded we are a realistic Libran
Board but we would like to reach the west side better and provide better serice, but feels comfortable saving,
no. she does not think the Library Board feels that way.
Alderman Feldman noted that the RFP states"* ... by not limiting the need for branch library facilities this report
should address three speci tic areas of concern about such facility and also says. " is there a need for a branch
library in l:yanston's historicall% black community. Would a west branch %%ith a collection strove in African
American historical and literar- materials be attractive to African American residents from other neighborhoods
of the community. \\'hat impact would the operation of a branch library in this area have on that." In regard
to what alderman Newman is saving if the question is are all branches necessary one could prise the question
is the south branch necessary. is there a need for one on Central Street as well. it was also not understood that
the grant requirement necessitated %our dealing with the minority community. we did not know whether that
was one of the assumptions that had to be dealt with or whether it had to do with an•thirn-, at all We did not
e%en know whether or not gnu could have gotten a grant application for that tame amount of mane; being spent
fOr collections and books. as no one was there to answer these [questions. You can >c'z the mountain of
uncertain[%. doubt, and confusion and if he were to establish a priority on the basis of what is articulated here
not on the basis of what its. Wollin has indicated he would have come to the conclusion that is clearly on the
mind of the Libran- Board.
Mr. `e% noted this grant had its origins in a fairly odd way as they were approached by the Illinois State Library
offering to find a needs assessment whether a west branch was needed. His response was he %vas not interested
in spending anybod%'s money to get a yes or no answer to that single question. tic was interested in a much
broader stud, that would look at how the library serves the needs of F%anston low and moderate income
population. There have been a number of proposals to various elements of the communit about the west
HSC Minutes 1 26:99 - Page 9.
branch, the south branch, the possibility of putting a branch in the proposed recreation center. He wanted io
look at all that as fair anecdotal evidence has been given to him that he does not know tthether or not it is true
that children from the Foster Reading Center do not come downtown, that nobody from the Clyde Callan area
comes downtown and he does not want to make policy on the basis of this kind of hearsay. he wants to know
what the answers to those questions are before he proposes to the Library Board that the\ do anything. The
reason that west branch is as prominent as it is in there is that is the origin of the proposs: He does not think
it is as self evident as people were saying last night that west branch would necessarily be a rood thing. to which
Alderman Newman interjected that nobody said that last night. Mr. N_y said the cow-entional wisdom on
branches is that they should be at the minimum a mile and a half to three miles from each ether and from the
main library and they should be located in a substantial retail business district. That immediately creates
problems for what we are discussing in terms of establishing a viable branch location. That is the minimum but
the conventional wisdom of late is there is some other thinking on these matters. Part of what we want to do
here is to get another set of eyes to look at these problems.
Alderman Feldman thought it vital for all of us to understand what is the current amount of library use of
Evanston low and moderate income population and if there are there are any impediments that wve create either
accidentally or systematically that prevent minorities or low and moderate income people from using libraries.
What prevents the use. whether it has to do with community values, distance, income, etc.. is vital for you to
know. He does not think it is vital for you to know whether or not we need a branch library.
Alderman rent also had some understanding of how grants are put together and accepts what has been told as
to how this came about. As he reads this. regardless ofwho is doing the study and their asking the questions
to be researched on the need for a branch library in an area which has no school, which has no strong economic
base, in his opinion is an area has that been stripped of a lot of the years. When he looks back to 1975 and 1981
when he was still in high school, the problem could have been satisfied then and is not attributed to you but the
other Library Board and that Council. The answer never was to pull the library out. How in the world do low
to moderate income people, and he would be forward and say black individuals than white individuals in
Evanston. use the library differently. He gets somewhat offended at that almost the same way he gets offended
when he looks around in the School District and there is one group talking about good black parenting and
another group talking about good Hispanic parenting. what happened to good parenting or child rearing. Last
night was just the meat in the proposal which is why he asked some of the questions. One of the reasons it was
accepted is because Evanston does have a sizeable black population.
Ms. Wollin said not necessarily all ofour lots and moderate income users are black. The group they are tying
to reach is those ytho are not the traditional library users. Mr. Ney said the question there is because they have
had people tell them that it was inappropriate to look at the: use of the west branch because black residents use
the library difTerently than white residents. He does not know or believe that, he believes that education level
alone is the single factor that determines the level it is used and that is counteracted by basically upper mobility.
People hate said this is w ht this should not have been done but lie wants to get real answers rather than guessing
at some of these things. Aldettnan Kent said lie also y%ants real ans\%ers and as he said Iast night if it was
S35,000 of our none% there is nu teat he t\uuld vote tilt it as he does not se— hot. an%body on the I.ibrar% Board
could hc-nestlt sit there and say that all of the bullets last night aren't going to come back with strong
recommendations that you hate to do something and thinks that those are things that can be studied by the
excellent library staff tee have. Alderman Kent was told their staff does not have time to do that to which he
responded. he is not sa\ ing that you do or don't, because he does not know that. %%hat he is saying is that if you
look o%cr all the ev ents you hate %%cicoming Eyanstonians you might be able to get some clue that those events
are not attracting di flerent ethnicities in the Cite of Evanston. I le recalls one summer a very nice a country band
came in and yyas wonderful for people that love country music. Its wonderful for people that have time to take
their kids to the library and listen to the music but \that about hlariachi bands. what about blues bands, what
about some: of the other bands that are easy to look into that you haven't done. Maybe he's wrons,. maybe it has
HSC Minutes 1,26,99- Page 10.
been done, maybe he hasn't heard about it. Many of the things he hcars about going on at the library he does
not hear because there arc flyers distributes in his community but becau_sc hc's a school teacher. I le thinks you
do a wonderful job getting to the schools and trying to get kids the libran c-ards-. Have %%e ever tv.11owed up to
see if we're doing something besides handing thent out libran cards %%hen the% can't get to the library. Maybe
it has something to do with the hours you close because the hard workin.:g, ko« income parents he knows are
usually working two jobs. they can't make it there before ou close up. Rt is rn*t questioning all of the things
you have on the study but there is a certain amount that is just common sense any: thinks a c20,000.000 library
should be reflective of this community and its diversity. He does not ha%e a probGem %% there not being a west
branch libran as long as his constituents can get the same thing when they _ti, downtown %%rich he believes they
should be able to get. How do they go downtown differently than anvbljd\ eis` in Evanston is something he
does not understand. We talk about the shortage of collections but a lot of the people complain to him that
when they do go downtown to the library we're short on collections that are offered and the books aren't very
new and things of that nature. Maybe they should be talking to you as there many different opinions coming
out, you get some, and every Alderman on this committee gets some. I would think you would want to tie all
of that together before you put out a study that is going to come back in fug or of some of this.
Ms. Wollin responded that they do not know what the results will show. The library is open until 9:00 p.m.
Monday through Thursday. Alderman Kent said when he has school conferences 9:00 means nothing to him
as he is often in school until 10:00 or 10:30 p.m. and starts early in the me-rning before school begins. Why.
because that is when parents can make it in. When the study says you need to expand the hours, or do this or
that, what mechanism is there going to be for the Library Board to do that. Ms. Wollin responded all of that ►will
be considered in the budgetary results. As you know opening the library more hours is going to cost more
monev and we are very' aware of what our budgetary constraints are. W c cannot keep the library open until
1 1:00 p.m, as we do not have the monev to do that. In fact when discussin-, budget freezes hours was one wav
of cutting budget. but it is not one the Library Board supports. We look at e%ernlhing when we are trying to
balance our budget and provide new materials. The strategic plan was done b% the library staff, administration.
and Librnr. Board to look at the kinds of outreach we need to do in the cortmurity. W'e can always do more,
which is %%hat we would like to do. On Family Night we had 600 kids and parents who came from a total cross
section of Evanston. every possible ethnic group was represented. It was a wonderful experience. it was free.
the libran %%as open on a Friday night when it is usually not open. Those things cost money to do and luckily
the FriendN of the Library supported us with the funds to be able to do that. We do not have an enormous.
positive response from families throughout town. We are thing to reach out and make things available.
Mr. Nev ,aid we do use distribution to District 65 as our primary means of reaching families and most of the
programs they do are for children. We have done a wide variety of multi cultural programing including a
Caribbean Music program on their 125th anniversary celebration, on Dr. Kings birthday they slid two
performances of stories in black tradition and had 175 people attend those vAo performances and the audience
reflected a poster tier diversity. I le believes there is a lot more that can be done and theN are moving in the right
direction. Likewise %%ilh collections. the% check collections even year io make sure they are buying the
appropriate materials and generalIy have .almost everything on the list alread% at that point.
:Alderman bent noted the stud}' will come back to us and as you say you do not kno%% what %Sill be on the study.
but he «ould be hard pressed to believe that all the bullets showed Council %ill not come back positive in some
wav that the libran should move forward on. You are then depending on the stud% to to to put something in
action to deal with those recommendations at that time. Mr. Ney said the} are en[enng a neu strategic planning
cycle and this could hasical1% coincide %%ith that. They will be gathering data and e:t their report in no later than
JanUan• of 2000 and that point will be drafting the plan for the next live years. Also. theN are negotiated the cost
of this do%%n with the consultant from their initially proposed rate. One of [ ;e rea_k ns they «ere able to do that
was the% ,%ant to do the stud% because their has been little work of this nature done. Most of the library
literature .seals «ith outreach efforts to minority communities and there has been yen little research done in
H5C `tinutes 1 1`26 99 - Page 11.
terms of what works. what do people want. what are people looking for. Thew people are interested in doing
it because they think they're going to be on the cutting edge in terms of doing this kind of study.
Alderman Moran thought that is why we should do this and be thankful to the library for seeking the grant
funds. Alderman Kent made a most eloquent statement for syhy we should do this and interprets his rermarks
as challenging our community to make sure that its library system is adequately addressing the nee& of all
people in the City including lose and moderate income people. As Alderman Moran interprets the grant pr,-�'posal
and the award our acquisition of this study is to do just that which is good. In terms of the mountain of
uncertainty last night, this was on a Consent Agenda and there was no uncertatnn or any inquiry . Three of the
Alderman on this committee were also on that committee. and as he recalls there was not a single question about
this. Maybe Mr. Ney's departure was premature but it -.us his assessment the consensus was that a good thing
had arisen from the treatment of the item at the A & P W meeting. It would has been difficult to realize as that
mcetine that there were serious problems with it. Beyond that this discussion -Maas about a,.vest side librar, and
whether or not we can afford to build one now. Let's not ask the question as to whether it might be a good idea
to have one which he thinks is a wrong way to approach things from a public policy standpoint. There are
several aspects coming to fore with that and certainly haying the capital resources to make it a reality Maybe
something that won't be here this budget year or next year. but maybe in five. seven. or ten years we would
like to make it a goal or if someone is really passionate about it they would like to say in twenty-five yea-^s we
will have a library on the west side. Sometime we will have a library on the Myest side if in fact the answer to
the question should sve have a library on the -vest side is yes. Until you get the answer to that question A-e're
not exploring what we're doing from a policy standpoint as a City. If sse ask the question and it comes back
yes. we need a library there and we recognize that we can't build one next scar or in two or five years that we
see in our Capital Improvement Plan. do you just stop. He does not knoss how others feel but from his, yawn
perspective it is important for us as a City and government policy makers to vision on some of these things_ The
reality may not be present today but some other time somebody needs to ask the question before good things
can happen. He welcomes the inquiry and thinks this is part of what we should be doing and is not restricting
that to this issue as there may a lot of things our community should be thinking about. At some point our reach
may be exceeding our grasp so that at some point when we are in a position to make things happen we will have
developed an approach. outlook, and objectives to get us to where we want to go. finless we continue to make
these inquiries through this study he does not know how we can hope to des elop those visions.
Alderman ties -man said -Me base a lundamental disagreement as the Nlayor is telling us she is going to veto the
City %lanager's budget -%Ith other members of tite Council constantly telling us how real estate taxes are ]titling
this community . Yet %%e still have other members of the Council telling ,%e :ease to continue to hase 'Irge
spending appetites and -Me have to pursue all types of things. In his opinion the Library Board and Director are
doing a great job and he respects the fact that they want to provide better sen ice for low and moderate income
people but his problem is %%e're all part of a community that currently has very high taxes and one of the things
our Director of facilities tells us is %%e have too many buildinus that means toilets to clean and roofs to repair.
From his paint of t iev he %%ould rather be helping the: library deal ssith same of the concerns about the
collection I le fundantentali, disagrees m ith his colleague that this is a question that lie ~%ants the answer w in
the next ten or titteen %cars What he %%ants i. u, %%ork yMith the library Board to make the best library po5.:ble.
lfwe Lot the anss%er to this Study the State of Illinois is paving for. not with our property tax dollars but maybe
with our income tar dollars. and sse got a resounding yes. does not see in the foreseeable future nor does he
think it would be fair to the Park; Department. to the Streets Department and all others haying needs for us to
pursue another capital need for the library -Mien the libran got 522.000.000 out of $63.000.000 that we have
already spent and %%e --ill pa%inL those Oran bonds for the next seventeen %tar, its. Wollin said maybe s%e
need a study to say %%e can't do [Iris nor even need it. it is not the kind of sen ice the -vest side needs we should
then have statistics to sa% that. The point Alderman \eyM-man was trying to make is ue,• are going in t%%-o
different directions as t%\() different ships to the night but Mse need to be on the same page from a policy
standpoint. If -se have eytra mane- his goal is to Mvork on the collection libran and if that includes improving
HSC Minutes 1/1-6199 - Page 12-
the collection for low and moderate income people and people who do not speak English that caul be -pen top of
the agenda. He would like to see us work together to see what wr can do with limited funds in ttu; ms of the
needs identified.
%Ir. Net- said he had grown accustomed to being complimented on %N hat a good Job the% Liu of &Kplaining
themselves and feels very badly he did a bad job explaining himself this unic. 1 le actuallt mused the: •question
of the City's capital commitment to the library and %%hether it could ptossibh make sense to increase L-b that was
one of the policy considerations the consultants have to take into r�•nsitlrr;uion.
Alderman Feldman recalled what his. Wollin alluded to that if we ha,. a limited resources a question chat must
be asked is hot- can we use the same resources to better serve all parts of our community. If duat means
s-,%itching locations or eliminating branches or changing our system. that is what we have to do. There is a way
to attempt to solve problems without increasing your budget or your expenditures. If the library, is looking for
better ways he can only support that.
Alderman Kent asked when is the study taking place. Nfr. Ney responded the dates given in the RFP are
because when they did it they did not know for sure that the State would fund it. What is given is a rime table
by which they have to start and finish the contract that the State is drawing up to begin in Apra) and be
completed by January of2000. Alderman Kent asked if the library is privy of the type of tools or mechanisms
that dill be used to gather the information. ivir. Ney said they will be using graphic mapping, a telephone survey
tith special door to door work in the areas that they get four telephone response. eight focus groups, peer
libraries where thev «ill identity communities of comparable demographics and incomes and looking at what
to do differently and hoe% «e compare. The survey and focus groups are the key pieces in terms of gathering
data. Alderman Kent asked if this is mentioned any%, here as an objective in the proposed budget. Nfr. Ney said
it is not listed as an objective, at the time they were writing the budget he did not know this was going to be
funded. Nis. Wollin said they will be sending this committee a communication on all the items that iaere in the
budget but we not going to advocate knowing what a dire situation you are in as there are some very cost
effective items that the libran• is hoping to do next year that we are holding. .alderman Kent did not think that
there was one person on the Council that said this was a bad idea. All agreed that this was something that ant•
effective libran• is going to do or should be doing. accessing the community that its in. He strongly believes
that am libran regardless of the cost should reflect its community and he as well as everyone on the Council
v,dl be «itching this as he is still concerned about the Fifth Ward community and other low income residents.
A concern ofhis is «hether some of these recommendations you are going to be willing. or at the tirre be able
to _o to hat for. XVhen the study comes hack and if there is a recommendation that says a library is ,�tiarranted
on the west side of Evanston. he thinks a lot of people will want you to carry the torch for that and you are up
against the wall if you cannot. If \ou just nod your head one a%a% or the other Ire does not find that as a
commitment. to him this is we got the S35.000 now lets see what comes back and we're not going to guarantee
ant thing is going to happen we just want to see hot• to could he doing better.
Alderman `etman thought the ans«er to this is that the library. among other services. needs to yr_ue to the
coinmunn\ that ►%e're part of the conimunit\ and this communitn needs to expend a certain aniou�. of funds
to ha-,e the beast services and to he able to deli%er the kinds of'sernices �%e need to do. He Could :�opc that
during this budget process some of us will have to do some voting for a property tax increase and ti•.,_ reason
he %%ill vote for it is because he wants to have first rate services and rants to be able to do some of L-ings you
«ant to do at the libran . There needs to be some public support for paying for these ser, ices and nobody is
cciming out to ask to raise anybody's taxes and nobody is saying these are the services ►\e cant to otter to the
communit\ and we can't 00'er right now because the City is so short of funds. He would hope; ►.e can work
together to convince the community that .ye need to do certain things that Could probably include a rr ;asonable
property tax increase. That is just his personal opinion.
HSC ,Ntinutes 1.2699 -fie 13.
Ms. Wollin said she is working on the Long Term Financial Planning Committee and they are well avLare that
there are some serious long term financing problems in the City and thinks the entire community knows.
Alderman Newman was not sure the entire community knows. Alderman Newman thanked Nlr. Ney and Ns.
Wollin attending on such short notice.
Alrlernion Felclman left the meeting ut 9:1 _ p. m.
Alrlerntan .\'ewman cull Jnr a break at 9:1 ' p.m, The meeting resumed at 9:2j p.nt.
VII. UPDATE ON SENIOR CENTER DEVELOPMENT
Mr. Gaynor stated there has been no further contact nor has there been any change. tilr. Terry said the original
expectation was that they would make a full report at the February I ;th Human Services Committee meeting
on the state of their necotiations. \l'e asked them if there w-as a chance to expedite and move it up but trey said
it was impossible. Alderman Nc%%Tnan requested a written proposal from the YMCA and the Mather that deals
with what the services and fee structure will be. which will be shared with the people at the Levy Center and
any other interested parties. There is too much anxiety at the Levy Center not to be able to give thorn some
details of what we plan on listening to. Mr. Gaynor noted to the best of his knowledge none of that has been
finalized. They are still in the beginning stage of putting information together and negotiating. Alderman
Newman would like to remind and communicate to people that the City Council has an obligation to the people
at the Levy Center and we need to resolve this issue as quickly as possible to understand what our own
responsibilities arc. Something in «citing is needed and we will spend a considerable amount of time on this
at the February I5th. HSC meeting.
Vill. APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 1998, TO«1SHIP MONTHLI' BILLS
AND
IX. DISCUSSION WITH TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR CONCERNING GENERAL
ASSISTANCE MEDICAL EXPENSES
Alderman Newman would like it to be known that the new Township Executive Director. Sylvester Hilliard.
left the Human Services Committee meeting at 9:15 p.m. because. he %%ould suppose, this item was not
considered at the beginning of the meeting and apologized for having it so late on the agenda. The January 4.
1999. 1 luman Services Committee meetina %%as canceled due to the snow storm. His policy. while he is chair.
is to try to get as many citizens out as quickly as possible and it was a difficult order tonight. He happens to
believe that people who are on the City or Township payroll should wait and be willing to stand in line with the
rest of the communit% to talk to the elected Council. These comments are his own and he would like them to
be explicitly recorded in the minutes. The Township bills were on the agenda for approval and Alderman
Newman. himself. had no interest of appro%ing them himself and did not know ifother Council members do.
There is no one in attendance to ans,-%er questions and he is aware that .-Alderman Rainey has a number of
questions. This is his first interaction with the new Township Executive Director and he walked out of this
meeting.
Alderman Rainey said her questions pertaining to previous bills were answered but she had questions regarding
the December. 1998 bills. Not all of her questions v+err answered. There was a memo from the Township
lxecutive Director saving somethinu, alone the lines that he did not feel her questions should be discussed in
public u-hich she thou6t xNas rather inappropriate and sent back a note saying that it should be explained to
him how public bodies %%ork. On numerous occasions she has asked that the Township be present for
discussion. the% are a public taxing body. we are Trustees. She thought it interesting that they refuse to
participate. In %ie%% of the.'re not brine in attendance.�e should not decide their issue until after we deal with
the people a ho had the cottrtesN to sta, at the meetine .
HSC Minutes f /216r99 - Page 14.
It w-as the committe 's decision to hold the Towitsltip bills .tnd not consider !lien[ for arproval at this meeting.
X. CONS[ UEWIL.TiON OF WILDLIFE NVORKINC GROU11" RF(Y1.%1N1FNDA1'1C)r`
Mr. Terry introduced the Wildlife Task Force rneniNn—, in :attendance. Vanes_:i l uTli's, St.-M 1=-.:-_Sz, Carla
Busch. Ra► Posmciler. Commander !ohn Schroeder. Doug Ga--nor. [till Andrvws and himself
Alderm.n Moran moved to adont the recomirndations. Alderman R- e% secondrti the motion to be
able to discuss the recommendations.
Alderman Raine% brought up the Sunda% Tribune article about the State authorizing the increas_Ad killing of
racoons and would like to know the impact that ruling has on our community. She asked Nfr •kztdrew•s to
comment on and explain this article. -%,Ir. Andrews said that beginning in Februan• when we trap wildlife we
can take only them out into the hack % and to let them go. If we do anything more than that we hate to destroy
them for which there is an inexpensive «•ay and expensive that it can be done. Alderman Rainey asked if there
is a humane way and a less humane -a%. Mr. Andrews said one wav would be to find a veterinarian that would
take in a racoon and hold him to inject him «•hick is impossible to get. The State allows us to shoot the racoon.
Alderman Rainey asked if this will be done on sight in front of the homeov.mer. to which fir. Andrews
responded they only shoot skunks on site because of their spraying and the transporting problem. They take the
racoons back to the shelter because there could be problems due to the use of firearms and worrving about
ricocheting bullets. although he has nee er had a problem with this. but if we increase this four or fir. a fold there
may be problems. Alderman Raine% asked if they would be shot outside or inside the animal shelter. to which
Mr. Andrews responded. outside. behind the shelter property which is not in his recommendations because that
came out before the new State rulinu. Prier to State rulins- it was mandated for skunks to be destroyed and it was
also recommended that all other nuisance wildlife be destroyed and left up to the community as to their choice.
It is now mandated for the racoons. not possums or squirtt:ls. even though we had that option. He is sure that
it would be upsetting to a lot of citizens to see that we've been destroying the wildlife . Alderman Rainey
thought this is the kind of issue that creates so much emotion and really isn*t a fiscal issue as it is not that
expensive to kill a raccoon. She thinks this is a classic issue that should go to a community referendum. then
the citizens can decide how they would like to deal with this. Mr. Andrews added whether it would be the Cite
or someone else who destroi. ed the racoons. which :alderman Rainey did not think that was the issue. the issue
would be should wildlife captured in the City of Es anston he euthanized or killed. Mr. Andrews said that
would then rnean we would not assist the citizens with %%ildlife because we are mandated to destros the moons.
Alderman `loran asked to clarify his motion. There are six strategies tOr control that are discussed in Mr.
Terry's memo. The first strategy Public Information Suggests putting together a brochure that could be used
to educated the public on nusiance animals. how to deal with them and -what can bc` done with them. The first
aspect cal' his motion would be we authorize the Wildlife Croup to proceed with plans to develo- that public
information campaign. The ,econd strateu% is Ground Feetling Ordinance ►%here the suggestrnn to devise
an ordinance that would prohibil exce;si%e ground feeding within the Cit\ and the sense of his n ,ion would
he to g11e direction to prepare an ordinance similar it) the Skokie ordinance that has been fairl" efr_ctV.e. The
breakthrough in VewlDiffirenl Sanitation Equipment strategy does not look like we ha-,e an immediate
breakthrough but it is indicated that there might be some possibilities in the future as we get to,W-ds the end
ofourcurrent contract on the trash container situation we now have. Pan ol'his motion would be to encourage
the staff to examine all those possibilities as we go for%%ard in time. For the next stratea. Trapping Program
in Parrs there is a no recommendation made by public health and safet% concems which he thinks is sensible
and it would he the sense ofltis motion not to do trapping in the parks. Evpand Euthanasia is the ne-xa strategy
and states. "the working group recommends that animal control personnel be gi%en fecal direction ro eutmnize
nusiance wildlife %%hic:h the-, belie%e are contributing to a serious problem." It would be the sense o hi_s motion
to authorize staffIo eo in that direction.
HSC ,Minutes 126 09 - Nge 15.
Aldemian Newman referred to the New Different Sanitation Equipment strategy and thought the deui=.%ion to go
to the large plastic garbage cans presented an unintended consequence, which might be unique :., F-wa nston as
he is sure at the time the Public Wori-s Director was getting the best advise on the state of the ar; in --imitation.
In his Ward the cartage cans are a failure, and he also knows this to be true in other Wards, '111:is pits us in a
bad position as we aggra%ate our residents in the sense that they are supposed to cooperate » ith ::s inn garbage
pick-up and the% sec their oarba+ae cans eaten up by the squirrels with garbage all over their bpi. yards and
alleys where there are skunks. racoons. possums and squirrels. He is glad to see we are at the end contract
but %%c need to ligure out ho%% %%e as the City can assist our residents and not be the priman feeding
for this t% ��f wtl.ilit�. This is a ma or priority as it is more important to have garbage cans th= _: a secure.
As he recalls the metal garbage cats of the 60's were secure and nothing got into them as long as the top was
properly. securely put on. What we have now is not working, even though it might be good for pick up.
his. Burns commented that in 1988 and SQ when the City of Evanston began looking into garbage t1wre were
not man% manufacturers tit' 90 gallon automatic cans because most sanitation departments did not have
automatic cap machines. That is not the case today, there are at least six vendors using different kinds of
materials and both she and Mr. Edwards have been in contact with diffferent vendors looking into different
kinds of equipment. One of the things she has done since the five and half months that she has been with the
City is insisted on a guarantee so that the number that we are replacing because of holes she is making the
manufacturer send to us. Now when people call they are getting new garbage cans rather than repairing them
but that only deals %%ith the short tenet problem. Another thing they're going to try to do, which she atlas trying
to get on a trial basis. was to get some of the vendors to give us garbage cans that ace could use in particular
neighborhoods that had a lot of squirrels and racoons to see whether they %could hold up under those conditions.
No%% we're going to have to par for them but her intention would be to give a year or two of sen�ice to see
whether the various garbage cans %%ill hold up. in relation to wildlife ground feeding there are some people who
are: encouraging some of that activity. As you probably have noticed in the Highlights we keep on putting things
in that work and it is our intention to take the opportunity to do a brochure in March that will give all the
information in terms of the proper way to dispose of refuse and the rules and regulations and things of that
nature.
Alderman tic%%man said he appreciates the ground feeding but if the purpose of the ground feeding ordinance
is to limit food supply. our garbage cans provide an unlimited food supply. Fie appreciates the fact of your
trying to figure something out but some of us .ifnot all of us. %mould be %en interested in updates on how that
is coating along. Ms. Bums added this takes resources away from streets and sanitation and people %%ho do that
could be doing some other work. One of her coals for 1999 is to get some trial garbage cans out and se` if they
%%ill hold up.
Alderman Raine% asked it any of the original damage on some of the garbage cans came as a result of the
equipment. Ms. Burns did not believe so but thought because of the lack of number of %endors when =4omatic
sanitation trucks originally tame in there was not much competition and the% could do whatever the,. -•+anted
to with %en limited abilit% for municipalities. ,-Alderman Rainey said she %vas gin the Council and thi: committee
%%hen the ,%%itclt %%a� made and ,er% clear]% remembers that all Count: it mccnbers argued and %.�r. ver%
concerned about materials being impervious to wildlife. We were absolutely assured by the Public Works
Director, the Sanitation Department, the vendor, even body. She asked Ms. Burns if she is saying that oae7 time
we ha%•en't required the vendors to live up the guarantee. Ms. Burns ans,%cred. no. but when she found out
about this problem she %%anted to know ho%% many garbage cans were being requested to be fixed or replaced.
What the mechanic %%as doing uas replacing them and getting a small amount from the manufacturer. 'When
she found the cans were guaranteed and there were two years left on the contract she thought why not give
residents nc%% cans that maN he %%ill hold up for that time period. That is when we started getting de
livered the
number that were needed to give to our residents. At the present %ve are not repairing, but replacing. .alderman
Rainey asked how %tie were repairing the cans. its. Bums the% were taking pieces of cans apart, putting different
HSC Minutes 1r26 94 - �6 — ,r,
covers on. She does not think those %gill held up as %yell ws, the new cans •.>ltich is th-t Tvason she is requesting
new cans. Aldennan Rainex asked ►%hat the cost would K- of replacing cell the rumm, Cans with r:ev% cans. Ms.
Burns said the garKAge cams are atxiut S-R) or $50 each and we would need 18.000 cues. lnterestin,;ly we have
only started btr� ing the yard cans. Rent %%hick she• is not Sure is the rinse vendor or an.•ther \ettdior. s*td she has
not mceiyed nears\ as manx complaints wganiing the kiitle rent things that go into it, the ► and ►►ante so far has
held up as she h L< T�..t seen a lot of holes m those :Mderman ltaine► cotnntented %are waste cam Zlt not have
food in them se, the squirrels are not eattttg tltrouglt those erns. MS Burns said she ►►ill keep the committee
apprised of the alw—natives we ha►e the next a year and half'and gi\e us an opportunit} to check these cans
before contracting \\ith a vendor. Aldernan Ne►kntan added this is a dctiision that ►\e will all ha%e to work
together on and find out as much as we can about them K-fore making a decision to :guy.
Alderman Kent inquired regarding absentee landlords when tenants do not properly dEsTose of the garbage and
wondered it this has been looked at from a health point of view as "ell as becoming more aggressive towards
that landlord as «ell as the tenant. Nis. Bums responded they do the enforcement of the rules about safety and
health very aggressively regarding garbage. She has discussed this %ith fir. Janusz and \fr. Wolinski to try to
figure out ways to v ork together to try to enforce some of the rules already on the books. The number of
garbage cans in some places do not fit and we are trying to work on the possibility of increasing the number
of cans for people «fio want an additional garbage can. her. Terry commented that an open dumpster that is part
of a regular scavenger pick up may not necessarily be a health hazard per se but certainly is an open opportunity
for all sorts of ►t-ildlife. Mr. Andre-ws added even though people put garbage in the dumpsters racoons and
possums get up there and fall in for -.hich he has had numerous calls to take them out of there as the dumpsters
are not secure.
Alderman Kent said he is a%%are that Mr. Janusz and Iv1r. Woiinski are concerned with the garbage issue but he
is not talking about that and would accept that in some places where the garbage was disposed of properly but
is talking about the _garbage can with the lid closed and bags of garbage surrounding it. He thinks the Wildlife
Task Force should think about «hat we can do about this, if anything. to preach a more aggressive disposal of
trash. lie is not only referring to racoons but rats and if use cannot get to the tenant we have to get to the
landlord as this is unacceptable for this to remain week after week until something can be done through the
books. Mr. Janusz said anyplace garbage is not in the container they cite them and work together with the
Sanitation Department to try to get this cleaned up. tits. Burns said unfortunately even though they are cited
b► the time it goes through the process its easier for streets and sanitation to just pick it up which does not make
it %er,. efficient for them.
Alderman N'ew roan asked if the euthanasia «ill be done by an ordinance. yir. Andre%%s responded if we're only
discussing racoons euthanasia or belm-aeuressive against squirrels and possums. Alderman Moran cited from
the repon. "The working group recommends that animal control personnel be given local direction to euthanize
nuisance N%Iidiite ►thigh the,. behe%e are contributing to a serious problem." Nir. Ten said the determination
of tilt: fask Force ►%as the statutor} authority alread% existed and v as based on a perception of the issue's
controversial nature locally it %%asn't done. It is not a question of an ordinance but is a policy direction.
'Me subject of feral cats arose and Nlr Andrews said they loan traps to citizens who have them on their property
to catch them and determine how wild they are. There is an organization that pays for all tests so there is no
expense to the City and sometimes these cats are rehabilitated but the majority of them are put to sleep. The
only harm possums Rio is if►ou don't treat your la%,,-n for scrubs the% dig may up your la►yn in the fall looking
for grubs. The, -'re more of a nuisance as they don't cam rabbis or other diseases. thz+ hill mice and rats. and
their nature is to pick up and dispose of dead animals. They do not attack people. cmly hiss and drool. As far
as his in%ol%ement of doing a%%a% ►%ith certain wildlife it «ould just be with racoons. Skunks are already being
done a%�as. ►sith. -
HSC ]Minutes 1,:5 99 - Page 17.
1�tr. Terry brought up a subject that should directly get addressed, the issue of garbage disposal in the parks
system as those are cans without lids. Mr. Gaynor said there are somewhere in the area of 500, 55 gallon drums
in the parks system through the City. They are now investigating «hat type of cans might replace the 55 gallon
drums. The equipment they now have to empty the cans, the Broyhill, is deceased due to use and age. It is a
unique hydraulic system that breaks down often. They're trying to find a container with a lid that can be emptied
fairly easy and not have to buy expensive equipment to empty.
Alderman Moran said it strikes him that the reason %%-e're addressing stopping this wildlife damage is in many
instances is vern severe and difficult to deal with. We've been discussing controlling skunks and racoons, the
possums are good. and then there are the squirrels_ Mr. Andrews said the problem he has with squirrels is
presently they wori, wildlife with the traps, they come out and trap and relocate everything but squirrels. They
leave the squirrels up to the citizens to relocate. For the amount of squirrels that have to be caught he would
have to have another vehicle and another animal warden. which is not feasible. If you take a squirrel from an
area f'or about two and half to three miles, from one end of town to the other, maybe the squirrel will find
another tree and build a nest and do the same thing to another house. His recommendation as far as squirrels
is that we assist the citizens with loaning them traps but have a pri-:tie company pick them up directly from the
citizens and dispose of them we then would not be involved in the d:<aposal and would not have as many citizens
upset that we're disposing the squirrels like the racoons. Alderman Rainey asked how many squirrels people
trap and call you about in a year. Mr. Andrews's estimate on the squirrels because he goes by what people tell
him, is there are about 450 in homes being relocated. Also, there are 150 to 160 racoons, 150 to I65 possums.
skunks are not counted but he would estimate 75. Alderman Rainer asked if the citizen will pay for the squirrel
removal and was told. yes they would. She asked why a citizen could not directly call that service without the
City being invoked. \ Ir. Andrew s said the average cost for one of these companies to come out and set up the
trap would be S85.00. Then evert time they conic out to pick up an animal the cost is S50.00, which would be
total of$ 115.00 for one squirrel. Whereas we would charge the citizen $10.00 as we always have for a month's
rental to set up the trap, they would then pity the company S35.00 to pickup the animal. Alderman Newman
noted that people should be clearly told the cost of somebody coming out. Nlr. Andrews added he will still use
his equipment to make it easier for citizens and keep their cost down. «'e will continue to loan traps to senior
citizens and handicapped citizens and to low income people at no charge, as these are their exceptions to the
rules. \Ve could also supplement the S35.00 trap pick up fee for those that cannot al'ford that. Alderman
Newman said he would like to set that as part of the motion. Alderman Rainey said she would like to see that
substituted for the original euthanasia recommendation.
Alderman Neiman recalled alderman Moran's motion to adont the recommendations substituting the
nrieinal euthanasia recommendation with the recommendation that the Animal Warden will continue
to luun Irttns to residents [fora 10.00 feel and give them th n t'o to have a nriyate company nick un
the animal to he relocated or destr9yed. which would he at a reduced cost to the resident.- Motion
seconded by Alderman Raines, unanimously annroyed (4-11).
Mr. Andrews %kan€ed to add he also sees wildlife attracted to the garages that are in need of repair. ea., es in bad
condition. �%ood riles'IIaCkCd Ur. mcrerox%Ii Iand scapino. etc. all smiting conditions for wildlife. Alderman
Newman mentioned the C'it% is doing a CD program on garages and this should be communicated to the housing
inspectors. Mr. Andrews said lie Mould like to see ail departments get involved in this and when something like
this is noticed it should not be turned over to property but everybody should pitch and go after the problem.
Alderman `cowman suggested that »ould be a great meeting for the City Manager to put together and apply to
Cit% employees tti pitch in «hen the% see graffiti. a building or house that should be inspected, etc_ Everyone
here is in favor (if maximum communication, there should be staffcoordination in the different departments.
police, tire, sanitation, parks, etc.
Alderman Newman thanked the \Vildlilc Task Force members for attending and putting these recommendations
HSC Minutes 112699 - Page B.
together. He felt this is a good start and thinks the garbage cans is a major part of this in the residential and
park areas.
XI. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 117-0-98 AMENDING CHAPTER 19 OE TITLE 8 OF
THE EVANSTON C1 n' CODE REGULATING RESIDENTIAL CARE HO.NfES
Alderman Moran made a to ndont Ordinance 117-0-98. which would revoke the old ordinance. Netman
a' s conded the motion. .alderman Newman thoup-ht this %would be difficult to do as we leave some
comments but not having a copy of the old ordinance does not retail what .vas revoked in the 53 pastes.
Ms. Brenniman explained the committee received the cover memo from Mr. Tern. the amended ordinance
attached to her analysis of the old ordinance. how she came to amend it. and an analysis of a Naperr•ille case.
in December of I 995, she tivrote an extensive analysis of the whole issue of regulation of group homes and broke
it down into areas that are problematic as far as reeulation and case law distancing requirements. safety
requirements. residential selection criteria staffing. variation procedure 'public stigmatization. She went
through the ordinance revised it and divided it into several sections. One deals ►pith Regulation of Facilities for
the Elderly that is covered through the Long Term Care Ordinance and covers pages 124 through 1 32 of the
ordinance. The first part of the ordinance deals with definitions and there are regulations that she included in
the amended ordinance which include requirements for licensure. application requirements, standards and
regulations. application review of issuance of a license denial, all included in the first several pages of the
ordinance. Some of the requirements were retained and those that case taw indicated were inappropriate were
deleted. 'there are two other major sections of the ordinance, one dealing with Regulations for Facilities for
,Mentally ill. and the other Regulations for Facilities for Developmentally Disabled. Each of these two
regulations are se% era] pages in length and are almost identical. as these are the areas which are extremely
problematic under the ordinance.
Regarding the Napetl•ille case, even though it is a trial Court opinion and was not appealed, was extremely
problematic because it deals with safety regulations. One of the first things she wrote prior to the Naperville
case indicated some regulation of safety requirements such as a sprinkler system. an alarm system. etc.. would
be appropriate, but reaccented that after the Naperville case because she was very concerned about it. Her
concern %%ith the Naperville case was they should have built in even -thing as most municipalities have all kinds
of regulations. The% have a system set up xtihere if facility came in and applied for a license and there were
certain regulations in the ordinance that they disagreed with they could go to a revie,.ti board and could get some
or all of them waived In this case Naperville waived almost all the restrictions except for a sprinkler system.
The Court said that regulation requirements on the sprinkler system be installed in that home %%here the
violations «ere because it was not necessary for individuals living in the home to have that safety requirement.
Another thing extremely problematic with the case law is that time again the Courts are seeing the regulations
should he accommodating to the individuals in the home which is %ery difficult due to populations changing.
Iler recommendation is it ou %pant to have am kind of strenuth to that requirement you are gaing to have to
set up some kind of restrictions to that ordinance whereby the Property Standards Revie%% Board would make
them responsible for looking at th{)se requirements as to whether or not the% are appropriate for that particular
group to he in the home.
Alderman Neti%man inquired regarding distancing requirements to %%hich Ms. Brenniman responded that we had
a 900 foot requirement which she discussed in detail in a memo in I(45. (Copies of that will be Liven to the
committee. l The Courts upheld 1000 feet %%as unconstitutional. also 1500 and 2500 fret .vas invalidated. When
this particular ordinance %%as revised this particular issue was looked at by a consultant and it %vas his
recommendation that we go %%ith 900 feet. The only case she could find that validated more than 900 feet was
a Lase called Famil,- Stele for 1300 feet «-here there were some rather unusual circumstances. and she would
not he comfortable recommending that.
HSC Minutes 1 /26,99 -Page 19.
Alderman Moran asked for clarification and suggested an amendment to his mention. In Standards and
Regulations 8-19-3. (A), on page 4, "Category. 1, shall not exceed fifteen (1 5) unrelated persons, etclusive of
staff" , and asked if that should be eight (8). to which Ms. Brenniman agreed. Alderman an \loran s;tid that some
time ago he very closely read Nls. Brenniman's memo on case law and spacing requirements. Frocri his own
perspective he thinks it is a mistake: for us to try towrite in a safety requirement and them is a distinct possibility
for someone to challenge us on a spacing requirement may succeed because there ar;• several cases \,vbere 1000
feet has been invalidated as that ruling was an equal protection violation. if you accept the legal percept that
a 1000 feet is an Nual protection violation, just as an example this proposed ordnance says isn'i an equal
protection violation. he thinks flirts with contempt with respect to the general underlying prcQzpt where
somebody would say 1000 feet is an equal protection violation. This would be imposing a rest fiction on
someone with a disability that cannot be imposed on someone who doesn't have a disability. lie reads these
cases as the problem that the Courts have is with a spacing requirement and the extend of the spacing
requirement is almost irrelevant.
Alderman Newman said this debate took place in April of 1993. and the reason for the 900 feet is because its
in our Zoning Ordinance for which we had extensive legal advise not only from Mr_ Siegel but also from our
S500.000 consultant. If an argument is to be made that the 900 is inappropriate it would argue against our
Evanston Zoning Ordinance and if the issue is to be pursued we need cases since 1993, as that is a very
important point in the ordinance. Alderman Newman asked Nis. Brenniman for a synopsis of cases before and
since 1993,
Alderman Rainey asked %what in reality would be the advantage of a 900 foot distance requirement as opposed
to no distance requirement. This would mean is if you had a facility of this kind on your block there could not
be another one for six houses down the street. She could see there being a difference between 2000 feet and
3500 feet but there seems to be no difference if there is a facility of this kind every 900 feet or if there ,.were two
in a row. Alderman Newman did not agree as on his block there are several group homes and thinks a lot of
thought was given to this in the Zoning Ordinance and this ordinance should be consistent with the Zoning
Ordinance. Alderman Rainey agreed that the ordinances should be consistent but feels 900 feet is a short
distance. Alderman Newman said if there is a block that has three group homes in a rows there were would be
huge response from the neighborhood that would present concerns needing to be addressed. Alderman Rainey
thought anybody %%ho is responsible for the real estate development of group homes would be irresponsible to
do that as the idea is to spread them throughout the community.
Alderman Kent recalled the first incident he was involved in wwhen %%e %%ere up to 23(0 feet but suddenly came
down to 900. With three group homes in one block there would be an outcry from the neighborhood. but you
could have three group homes in an area %%here the real estate values are depreciating and there will not be a
huge outcn and the next thing you have will be a totally different community. 1 lis personal feeling is he wishes
it could be more than 900 feet as 900 feet would still allo%% for a block to become saturated.
Mimi f elersmi. 1•e s:dent, commented that %what :Alderman Rainey said makes a lot of �cnse but today -.we could
ha%e more than orx group honic located in a neighborhood closer than 900 t'cct .%hicli happens based on
definition of taniil% B% the definition in this ordinance Residential Group Categor. 1. the%• are there simply -
because of the definition in our Zoning Ordinance. In other words there are no controls 1Z)r the protection of the
character of the neighborhood because currently its %er}- comfortable for other organisations to purchase multi
unit buildings and start a group residential facility without hawing to be licensed. Alderman Rainey, thought Nts.
Peterson %%as right and said %%e would all be surprised if a census %%as taken ofewery d, on%,n in this community
as we would find a lot more group homes than we know about. She has found se%eral in her Ward that nobody
has ever called a group home but that is exactly what they are. Alderman Ne%%man said real estate values are
not going to ha%e to %%ore} about ha% ing a distance requirement because the economy of a S300.000. S6,00,000
or S700.000 house %►ill prohibit this whereas in other parts of the community which ha%e portions of their real
HSC Minutes U26,99 - Page 20.
estate below 5100.000 as in the 5th Ward. a distancing give some t.i+c of K-1Jam-t_ tuderm=
Rainey said she thought she was not malting herself clear, she un fehtands the issue of the desire for d'
her point was to argue the 900 feet is a waste of time trvausc lkO feet isn't that far a dtstance. kldCrn=
Navman said this point is well taken but lets look at the cases to zoe mvhere %%e %.:ant to N- Tine on+im diz-
is on the table chances the current ordinance fn%n1 2-;00 to ON feet
Lowrie Wiehe..I Mental Health Board »remher. %wanted to may she not %%ant three residential hoini s on her
block but then in her experience people %%ith mental illness don't %van: to live ►tith sr%eral group homey on their
block either and neither do the not -for -profit organizations that art �ielping these rveo +le with Nss,ihle fi«ng
circurnstances. 1f%ve can assume that the people with mental illness said the people %%ho are helping cite..-m base
the same desires that we do for our community. she believes that the law is hased on that wssumpacm that the
needs and the desires are comparable to people in general then she thinks we lea%e out the distance and operate
on the assumption that the all want the best possible community. fr fact it doesn't always work- our that %"y
but perhaps we would be better off rather than attempting to enforc: space requirements to drew urn the best
possible ordinance that makes for the best possible community which she thinks %►e'rr very close to ac:hiv. ing.
Mr. Terry brought up the yen• practical effect of the timing and hov, we've gotten to this pointr rhe; existing
ordinance on the books was passed in I985 for reasons which he doe--, not know as he was not with rf-r City at
the time, but from 1989 to 1998 no one ever applied for a group home license or ordinance. By tee• time he
started with the City. in 1989, the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1989 had been passed and the
CIt1'5Iegal staff had been advising us that there were concerns %%ith that ordinance. There is no application
form that exists or ever has been relative to this ordinance The situation Alderman Rainey described relating
to group living arrangements throughout the City is prmhably an unintended consequence of this --rdinance
Ila%ing been passed because virtually every group that %%ants to estaNl:sh a living arrangement designs n around
the language:. Therefore, %%e do not officially have any group home,; nor do we ha%e any kno%%led:pr of their
pre-sence in terms of %%hat is in the community because they have ma4e sure they do not fall under the o: disance.
Over these years this has meandered through our system and there has been a reluctance to pass a new orrdinance
in theoretical so we address it in temis of if there is a real project. A year or so ago there was a real flurry
because %ke thought Anniexter uas coming in on Brown Avenue. Similarly Reba has asked staff how they can
appl\ under the terms of this ordinance and was put on the agenda for January -I. 1999. because Reba was very
real but now, their project is experiencing some sort of delay. For thf past ten years legal staff has ,advised us
our existing ordinance is not appropriate, thiretare, administrati%eP. ue have never developed an apr+lication
process liar it and are not likel\ to do that until %%e ha%e an ordinance :ne Legal Department says is appropriate.
Alderman Moran asked Nis. Brenniman about Standards and Rcuulations, section If, "Whenever residents are
present. at least one qualitied stat't person shall he present in the R:sidential Care lfonae at all tirnvs.' Ms.
Brenniman said she put that in because she tried to be as restrictive as possible which was difficult. T'Ne Kings
1_a%% is mixed on supen ish+n at ;taut. 'Tllcre are some cases that hag a :n\ alidated pro% isions that requir-- specific
star responsihiIitie>. :Alderman Moran believed there ha%e been challenges that succeeded. M,, Brenniman
said of all the cases she deall %%ith some are directl% in our jurisdic:inn and some are not as the m=dator%
authorm is nlul:h Allure; c►}ncern to her than the persuasion authorit% :alderman Moran recalled in cent. of the
f,O. t1.E, residences there is not al%%ays a supervisor present but three are counselors who % isit pen,Ddlcally.
Itthat is the case and %tie ►►ere tie pass the ordinance in this form. that home would be in violation. to w:7ich \is.
Brenniman said unless %%e make a provision. Alderman Ne%%man asked ti-1s. Brenniman liar case taw as it
applies to tilts.
Alderman Moran called attention it, C'ontidentiaht% and said he found a 66% things a bit troublesc>me as it
hasically sa% s if someone' ittlornts there is a problem %%ith a home. theta under certain circumstance th,q person
can then maintain an anon% mews posture in relation to their complain: as described one of the circuristartces
%%here the% %%ould lest the anon%nait% %%oul►f be if the In\estigation results in a judicial precedinz. Their
HSC Minutes 1 '26.99 -fie 21.
complaint raight also result in an administrative proceeding for the City, but it would seem to him if we are,
going to operate on judicial proceeding indicating the inability to retain confidentiality it should be true for
administrative proceeding. If someone is going register a complaint against a home that they sap- is violating
our ordinance, which they may or may not be. and there is going to be some sort of legal proceeding somebody
has to respond to that complaint. He thinks the person complaining should be confronted and, under those
circumstances confidentiality would be inappropriate. He also has a problem with the statern n4 -...or unless
disclosure is essential to the investigation, in which case the complainant shall be given the opportunity to
withdraw the complaint before disclosure". It this is a valid complaint and an investigator is sene to the home
and finds violations to the ordinance in that home, somebody then says something should be done: about this.
as he reads this ordinance then somebody would say that person would loose their confidentiality because of
having to go to the next step to institute legal proceeding in which case this provision would allow- that person
to withdraw their complaint. We then would have a situation where we have a home that may be 4iolating the
ordinance which we should be concerned about, but the person is withdrawing the complaint. At that point this
is a public concern that should not be driven by whether or not that person chooses to persist in then complaint,
Ms. Brenniman understood what Alderman Moran was saying but said it is possible that the City could go
forward in that situation if they had evidence independent of the complainant. Depending on the ci_rrumstanees
you may be able to go forward with your case without the complainant. Alderman Moran said that might be
alright except if the independent prosecution were predicated somehow on the complainant it then becomes
problematic.
Alderman Rainey said it would depend on the type of complaint, if it was a complaint regarding a --zolation of
the City Ordinance it then comes before administrative adjudication an inspector could go out and be the
complainant. if the complaint is abuse at the home and an investigator goes out and sees that this is the case
then is no need for a complaint witness. This works the same way for many of the complainants within the
Police Department,
Alderman NewTnan thought the issues raised by Alderman Moran warrants further discussion. Additional case
law information has been requested for the February 15th meeting to include supervisory issues, the 900 foot
distancing requirement. and confidentiality dealing with administrative proceeding so the accused can confront
the accuser.
ADJOUR`tiiM
The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Audre% Trutsli% Department of FOKIth and I luman Services
HSC Minutes 12&'99- Page 22.
Minutes
HUMAN SERVICES CO�INIITTEE
February 15. 1999
Civic Center - Room 2402
5:30 P.LN1.
ALDERMEN PRF .NT: Aldermen Feldman. Kent. Newman.
STAFF PRES.S�N7': Judith Aiello. C.Louise Brown, Harvey Saver, Nancy Flowers, Lois Miller.
Jonathan Glus. Jay Terry, Audrey Trotsky
OTHERS PRESENT: Bob Nottenburg. Claude Metzler, Ruth Gockel. Commission on Aging.
Lonnie Wiebe, Susan Stroh, Dr. Louis Rowitz, dental Health Board; Betty
Payne. Sylvester Hilliard. Evanston Township. David Myers, Center for
Public Ministry: Sandra Stumme, Metropolitan Family Services; Helen
McCarthy, Childcare Network; Cleo Alexander, Performing Arts
Committee; Alexander Brown, Evanston/Skokie Valley Senior Services:
Dorothy Lloyd -Still. Housing Options; Victoria Kalish, NAMI-CCNS; Ted
Otto. Joseph Haughney. Donald Smith. Julie Lomas, Carol Sussenback.
Mather Foundation; Tonv Lee. YMCA; Dave Benni. King Home. Jennifer
Peterson. St. Francis Rehabilitation; Harr}, Benford, Edurado Schoua.
Gunnar Forrest. Frances Randall, Marjorie June, Marian Ware, Fran Tenison.
Jane Cherg. J. Lerman, Bob Thompson. Jean Levy London, Levy Center
PRESIDING: Alderman Rainey
1. CALL TO ORDER
Alderman Rainey called the meeting to order at 5:38 p.m.
11. APPROVAL OF DECE.MBER 1998 .k D JANUARY 1999 TOWNSHIP MONTHLY BILLS
AldRriDan Moran moved for approval of the December 1998 Township monthly bills as presentee!,_
.tcondcd by Alderman Feldman.Motion unanimously annroved (5-0).
Alderman Feldman moved for annroval of the .1 nnuary 1999 To%vnshin monthly hills as presented.
seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion unanimously annroved (5-0),
III. DISCUSSION WITH TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR REGARDING TOWNSHIP
MEDICAL EXPENSES
Alderman Rainey was interested in knowing whether we are dealing with clients writh chronic conditions
such as hypertension or diabetes. or clients with acute conditions such as injury. bad nutrition. etc. Ms.
Payne responded that over the past four year they have enjoyed a low client base due to clients having left
the rolls and are now seeing some clients coming back with chronic conditions. i.e. cancer, or AlDs. Thee
don't have a lot of that but even %er% fe« clients in that category can make their bills escalate. Last year the
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medical bills in budget were underestimated based on the projection of A.tt had happened in the past four
years. However. without notice things changed.
Alderman Rainey asked if there ha,; been any analysis whether or not it %ti,nGld make sense for :dose who are
relatively healthy to be considered for some type of medical plan in deferer:ce to paying their bills. `is.
Payne said this is something the• have approached in the past but there no HMO or insurance company
that is willing to insure people %%ith alcoholic conditions in the stages the. are in. They are participating in
the Access to Care: Program and have been inviting clients to come in to :.ke them aware of This program
where the% can get sonic medical assistance. They encouraged them to sign up for that program prior to
going to the doctor or to call them to find out what kind of benefits are a.: =1abl. to them under :heat program.
Alderman Rainey inquired what this program was about. Mr. Hilliard r-t-Tonded. one or the do% nfalls of
Access to Care to the client is the small co -payment of S5. S6 or maybe S I S and for those in the program
who are veterans asking them to get whatever medical care they need from the GA Program. Also a lot of
the clients are not able to get generic prescriptions as the doctors mcor:.-ne-rd they get the original more
costh, medication. For people %kith hypertension, high blood pressure. AIDS_ heart problems. rheumatory
arthritis. etc., this becomes very expensive.
Alderman Feldman wondered about the arrangements concerning payment of pharmaceutical bills and asked
if they are filled by Evanston Hospital. Mr. Hilliard said they have sever...] pharmacies that patients can go
to, places that have agreed to accept Public Aid. We use Walgreens and Osco in Evanston. We may get a
bill for $260. if Public Aid says we pay only $55 that's all we pay for that medication. Alderman Feldman
asked if what he sees on the bill payment list is the already discounted prict or if this is full price. inhere is
the discount. his. Payne responded they cannot say every prescription that is filled is going to get a discount,
those listed will show what the regular price is and next to it is what we pay- 'fir Hilliard added Public Aid
put out a listing for Medicaid prescriptions and the stores they deal with have accepted whatever the Public
Aid statement will pay.
IV. TO«'VSHIP COMPUTER NEEDS
Mr. Hilliard noted a proposal »vas submitted to get ready for the Y?K con--err.on. For the past five or six
years they have dealt with Wards Technology which changed to SQL. 1n the 1a-tuary 4. 1999 memorandum
submitted to this committee two options were described. The option the% --co nmend using; v ould be the
second option. The first option is the system they currently have which is aLadated and no longer in the
market. No one is programming or designing this product for that particular m.:-.rket. Specifically the cost
factor and their recommendation is that Option 1I is the one they will go with_ it is urgent that this be done
as quickly as possible because Wards wants this to be done by the first week of %larch or at the latest the I Sth
of %larch, otherwise the% cannot guarantee when they will be able to come in for this conversion of the Y'K
compliance.
:alderman Feldman moved to annrnve the Townshin nronosed Y2K comnuter needs. seconded by
Alderman Kent. Motion unanimously nursed (5-01,
Alderman Rainey thanked NIs. Pay ne and Mr. Hilliard for their attendance. Ms_ Payne wished to thank the
committee for approving the To«-nship's Y?K computer needs. .
V. PERFORMING ARTS CENTER STATUS REPORT
Cleo Alexander, said the Volunteer Performing Arts Committee has been meeting on this subject for a couple
HSC Min utes 2J t 5.99 - Page 2.
of years. Her comiittee asks the I lur,ian `er\ ices Committee liar a 00 ►:a\ emenst►\n before making a
recommendation 'Though the% ha\ a not mceik cd new\ plwts first l3arry F lb►tsani thew ha\-r concluded a one
story complex ott Lot 14 is going to be much too expensike, ]'hey ha%c th-c-mforr tume-d their ancrition to
the Varsity 1-he,urt ;end as2ked I Ioliibav l and R,,x t to tit, some preliminary stt)Jlcs tier these on that site. The
cost of repo\ ation. not including purchase costs or other costs, \would be SZ_500.000. phis wou�d include
375 main stage seals and a Ioo sett black box. It \would be unfair to call this a resttu-ati►ln or renovation of
the Varsity because it would be \wildly expensike to tr\ ,uid sa\c what thew call "plaster dust*' it terms of
decorations. Thc\ never actualk reccik cd guidance on a site from any one ,u-d therefore can't :ell � site and
a vision to a sunder withow ;onie understanding of kkllerc tis going to b% _nd \\hat its gong to do there.
Consequently their fundr-aiaing et3iuts h.ts been \ery uninfIat►%l trial 1xilloons : ,nd an anvel has not f.1J n from
the sky- \with interests of funding for a Performing Arts Center for the Cit\ t•: E\ anston. The\ has c done a
great deal of talking without an\one stepping for\\ard, due to there not boing anything speciEz to step
forward to\kards unless it is the general concept of hawing a l'erfomting :arts Center. The committee is very
sensitive to the financial issues currently facing the City -%hicli is one of the reasons they stopped thinking
about a major center on Lot 13 as it seemed to be very expensive, They feel the most responsible thing for
them to do. which they have no clue whether or not they can do this. is raise the S4,500.000 and in addition
raise an endok\-ment to guarantee that this would never be a drain on the City. To raise S6,0(Xi.000 or
$7.000.000 \would be an extremely difficult project as they are now also faced with the public policy issue
as to whether or not this is something the City should do, wants to do, would tell them to go do, in terms of
taking on the Iongterm ramifications which will be great. They have just learned this evening that one of
their potential tenants, Chicago Children's Theater, have gone out of business which is not an uncommon
scenario for theater companies. As a City they would be faced having to underwrite and bail out the
operating expenses. Even if they raised the money and could figure out a way of running the center after they
build it to keep it going through rentals. there is no guarantee these tenants are going to survive.
Alderman Feldman asked %Is, Alexander if she was suggesting that the: committee is proposing they might
raise S4.500.000 plus an endowment. Ms. Alexander responded the committee is not saving that, what they
are saying is in an ideal world to guarantee fiscal responsibility for the project that is what they should do.
It is highly unlikely that thew will be able to raise more than S4.500.000 and it is stretched that the\ will be
able to do that. Alderman Feldman said in the report to the Council tic was under the impression the\ have
some figures as to what the cost to purchase parts of that property would be. Ms. Aiello said thew do not
know as they do not have (tic Varsity to the second level and probably if we .were to purchase it the purchase
price \would iNc provided in closed session. Alderman Feldman asked if most of the discussions has been as
a rental tenant. Ms. Aiello said the discussion has been what is the cast to renovate or to build and when
this was presented earlier it was just a renovation cost without the cost of acquisition and possible
environmental aides. The S4.500.000 is just a renovation of the upper area not the entire building and only
a portion of the ground Ic\el retail. :alderman Rainey asked about the S5,755.000 (Exhibit B) cost. Nis,
Aiello said that \was the entire building cost. Alderman Feldman commented it is known how the
aspirations of the communit\ are regarding this particular issue as it is one of the most sought aster and
desirable elements of the entertainment complex and was based on some kind of misunderstanding o] \what
the actual costs would be both on the part of the original sponsors as well the City. The theater people
thought we could come through \with a complex for much less money. From the beginning one of the
essential goals was if we did build this complex we \\anted one that was self sustaining and was not going
to be a burden on the taxpayers. We did not want this competing with the library or children's programs, or
parks, or police, etc. It k\as his feeling, it had a lot of Council support. that while the Council would spend
money to help Let it built we did not want to assume responsibility for it and thinks this was communicated
to the people in the arts community as well. The picture now presented to us is about initial costs, the vast
amount money you are required to raise, plus the increasing demands on what the Council might be e%en able
H5C Minutes 2115M - Pare 3.
to consider doing at the outset. What you are realistically describing is a very uncertain climate even after
it is built as to what our potential liability might be as this is a eery risky enterprise for you to into and for
us. if we're going to be partial sponsors unless we can come up with some dramatic turn of event that
would allo%v us to build something at a reasonable price. He kno%ks how disappointed you and some other
people might be but the very people that are aspiring about this. that thought about it and have struggled hard
to make it should be the ones that would say we tried very hard but its not in the cards now. Rather than just
remain silent he ,yould hope %our articulation about this in the community is well heard.
GIs. Aiello said part of what we're asking is to try to get a realization that getting close to what «e thought
we could raise was the potential of going out and seeing ifthere is a different attitude in the private sector
of fundraising. We «ould like to have that time to again look at these numbers to go back to the route that
we started to see how willing they are to take a Took that kind of facility. :Alderman Feldman agreed that
this should be played out and not aborted. Nls.:Aiello thought bringing the arts community together one more
time to see if there is an opportunity as there may be a new facility in fact a different kind of donor that may
give renovation to us. Maybe %ve will find those that were not interested in having a nc%ti building might have
an interest in the old Varsity.
Alderman Rainey noted the issue being dealt with the is the extension of 90 days. Nfs.:Aiello added one of
the issues is the 90 days the other is the group telling you that Lot 18 is not working out. AIderman Rainey
asked Ivis. Alexander if in going to another concept will you be more inclusive and perhaps appeal to a
broader group of donors. At the vm, outset we heard that you were not looking for the small S5.000 and
S 10.000 donors. Maybe we are the point were we're looking for the S50 donor as she understands when one
needs to raise S8.000.000 you need to look for those. Nis. Alexander responded they do not intend to be
exclusive. The committee members are John Engman the Chair. Lorelic McClure. Mary Roulean. John
Wertymer. and Cleo .Alexander. They have been meeting over the course of a couple of years on this topic
but have not been riven direction in terms ofa site. They were initially given directions for Lot 18, second
floor. then chanted to Lot 18. first floor, then changed to finding another place. We have been taking ad
hoc directions in terms of this issue always mindful of the fact that we want to pay our own way. We ha%e
not hired a final architectural plan which involves spending money and have tried not to spend hardly any
money. Alderman Rainey asked if the fundraising consultant is still on board. Ms. Alexander said his
contract is over and he owes them a case statement but could not write it because he did not have a site
described.
Alderman Kent thought when Mr. Feldstein was there one of the items he mentioned was in the course of
going out and looking for contributions he found not having a site was a problem and there were some people
that really liked the idea of wine into the Varsity while the major idea was for a brand new site. :Are we no«
saying the brand neNk site is out and lets look a the Varsity, it sounded to him that you said we now hat e a
channel for focus in which We can go back and talk to some of the groups %ye Started \\ ith and tell %%hat %%e
now have and .\hat ue no\\ can do. This could have been dune all along except you did not kno« the
boundaries of,,,hat %ou thought vcou could raise. Ms. Aiello said the first estimate they got for the second
floor of Lot 18 was approximatcl S13.000.000. The second for just the performing arts program staying
Ievel on Lot 18 was approximate) S10.000.000. Then Mr. Feldstein said we could raise about S4,000.000
including the S 1.000.000 from the State. We then asked Mr. Elbasani what vie could build for S4.500.000
he laid out a single stony on Lot 18 that did not meet the program statement. The Performing Arts people
said that was not responsible becausc without the program statement they could not lease space out to meet
their operations and maintenance not to be a burden on the Cit, . She thought they have been responsible
in not burdening the City. Based upon some of the comments of some merchant: to look at the Varsity and
the common activity issue. we looked at the «hole: building «high came up to another $8.000.000 or
HSC Minutes 2/15;99 - Page a.
S10.000.000. We looked at the second floor because ue thought we could use the program sraicment on
the second le%el chile still maintaining ground level retail and at this point might giN e the so oru3 level one
last shot to see if there is life left in it. alderman Kent said he looked at this as always theeng ` Whittling=
down process. He had asked Mr. Feldstein if he would be going Kick to those .ether donirrs t. lhm , them what
we ha%e and %%hat wz can do. At that time his ans►%er w;ts she was not sure as fir did not kw%,. bred on the
fact we did not Mow what ,%e were going to do. At least ', c nu%,� ha%c an idea to try it) doo something m6th.
Alderman Moran was very discouraged by this report beca:�se if the committtti adopts the action rut on the
table here he is certain the project is dead. When the Heal proposal first came to us the Performing Arts
Center was not part of it and there was an overw-helming expression of intet:st and enthusra_sm on the part
of the populous that came and talked to us about having a Performing arts Center. In his Nrception up to
that point there was much more support for having a Performing Arts Center than any of the other things in
the original proposal. 1Vhere this went wTong was the return of the cost estimates on the Mond story build
out of the Performing arts Center, which according to Mr. Hill's engineering consulting group that
developed that cost estimate came in at S14.000,000, which of course was like a bomb exploding in the
room. The architect for Mr. Hill said he considered this to be bloated. In the original discussion he had %%ith
him it appeared that bloated was directed at the type of construction that was inherent in that S 13,000,000
to S 14.000.000 estimate. It was later said to us that the figure .vas so bloated because it ,%as to be built on
the second floor of the structure as opposed to the first floor. fle: was never satisfied that there was a
differentiation bet%cen %hat was bloated in terms of the cost estimate and what was inherent in the second
floor construction proposal. He still has not seen an altemative ground floor proposal consistent with the
program statement. The proposal lie recalls is the one Ms. Aiello mentioned that came in at S 10.000.000 and
was not consistent w ith the program statement. Ms. Aiello said the single stony was not with the program
statement but what could be built for $4.500.000. Alderman Moran does not know whether Mr. Hill or his
colleagues have decided that the financing of the overall projects might be better if other uses were brought
to bear on Lot 18 aside from the Performing Arts Center, but if they were to decide that it would be a bites
away front building a Performing Arts Center and perhaps substitute other uses on Lot 18. This brings him
back to the beginning with the expression of this community that there be a Performing Arts Center as part
of that de% elopment and it be on Lot 18 or some other location within the triangle. Nlr. Feldstein made it
%env clear to us that the ability to raise significant dollars in this regard would be driven to a large extent b-,
the aura of new construction establishment of a new significant Performing Arts facility within town. The
gradual scaling back we have heard about the Varsity alternative suggests that is a dead issue. The
S.1,500.000 %ou are now bringing to us would not include an% o►%nership rights to the building and we would
be looking at a situation where we theoretically would be spending $4,500,000 in a facility that was not ours
and could not possibly hope to lock in or control over the course of time which from a fundraising standpoint
would be the kiss of death.
Alderman \ct%Tnan thought there were certain aldermen who from the beginning never liked :he flill project
and want to play a blame game. Speaking for himselfthe funding! ofany Performing Art Center has al%ays
been tied to the ability of the community to find funding for it. What is problematic about the Varsity site
is it is outside the TIF district and our Debt Service Fund that funds everything in the C its . We are having
a lot of trouble being able to raise the amount of debt we borrow on the general part of the Cif, because we
took on the library project and the sewer project. 'rhe first consideration of going; over to the Varsity is
whether or not the Council would he willing to expand the TIF district for the Research Park or another TIF
district to include the Varsity. He very much appreciates eery committee member's time and effort put into
this. Since starting the Hill project and the rest of the Re arch Park we have always been chasing good
ideas and sometimes the dust has to settle before you know what sou can or cannot do. Therefore. he would
say to this committee the 90 day extension is not enough time and thinks we need to gi%c you more time.
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Most of the members of the committee hair always %%=ted to commit if we had some extra TIF district
funds to pet this done. We are not building t-be hotel or the other office buildings and in order to pay for all
the parking which is fundamental to succeeding here you have to have enough money in the TIF district.
Let's see what happens this summer %kith these various components -where the Hill project is and when Ae
arrive at that point we can see the TIF district will have to finance the parking in the Research Park and at
Sherman Street and what if anything would be left over to see what type of commitment we can make. if
there are funds available many members of thw Council would strongly support this project but it will depend
of these various components.
Alderman Rainey added, in this case time can be very helpful and your best friend. S1any of us on the
Council have indicated we wanted to match groat, anything possible to get this going. One of her concems.
while she knows you are in the embryonic stage of fundraising, is there is no public a%vareness of your
efforts. She thinks the time has come to get rbe public support and make people aware the Performing ruts
Center is going to be driven by public suppom Ms Alexander asked when they do go for fundraising where
will they say this center is going to be. Alderman Rainey responded we are giving you at least 90 days and
imagines this will take much longer then that. Ms. Alexander said their responsible answer to «-here it is
going to be. would be, we are not exactly store.
A motion was made by Atderman Feld 2n to extend the Perfo mft Arts f'amtnittee an additiQJW
minimum of 90 days for fundraising efforts. motion seconded hv Alderman Newman. ;lotion
unanimousiv annroved (E=QJ
VI. SENIOR CENTER DEVELOPMENT STATUS REPORT
Ms. Aiello reported since the last update there have been a number of potential opportunities explored. One
of the opportunities staff looked into was between the Mather Foundation and the YMCA. We have
indicated there is still the opportunity to build on Parcel 18 besides opportunities to develop other locations
within that area that might be available and or in conjunction \6th other institutions that might want to joint
venture a senior center with us.
Tony Lee. Executive Director of the YhiCA. and Ted Otto. Mather Foundation, introduced themselves. Mr.
Lee \%fished to say they spent a lot of time together looking into the possibility involving two organizations
and belie\ es each of them brings strength to a joint project to serve the City and senior population well in
the community but they have good and bad news tonight. Mr. Otto has been designated the speaker on behalf
of the YMCA and the Mather Foundation.
.Mr, Otto said there was a series of mane meetings in Novemberwith hlr. Lee. tier. Crum.:41s. Aiello. fir.
Terry and Mr. Gaynor. They had high hopes that a union could be formed that would be helpful without
having to take land off the tax rolls, and the Y with its warm and cool water swimming pools, fitness
equipment. under utilized daytime space. seemed to make a lot of sense. Through these meetings they
discovered there is a larger issue they cannot get around. They looked at four different architectural
renderings and probable should have seen from the beginning that it is not a verb' large site. it currently has
156 parking spaces and anything they would build out reduces the number of parking spaces. The -lather
Foundation's conclusion is that a senior center is composed primarily of people who drive and a minimum
of 101) spaces are needed for a good active center which that site will not support and we are beginning to
look for alternative sites. "Their commitment is to look for ways of serving the seniors in Evanston and their
mission is to promote the well being of seniors in their community.
HSC Minutes 2/15/99 - Page 6.
The Mather Foundation began in the lU 1%0's as in Orgaru.atlull to scr►c older ►\-omen at a time t%t= there
were not many options for ►►omen be-cawlc tiler ►►as no :.wlal security or lvnswn plans th,►t co►rmf wives.
In 1952 ►vhen the Mather was built they ►►rrti still exclusi►rly A►r ►►omen but m 1081) w; situations changed
the)- also opened for men. Their Elkus 11:1s K-CII ►► 1.11 d\.VS It NAC to MUM .1 :.'%mllulnit► '►ithin facilities.
The)- have come to realize :IboUt `)?°n .1i the people don't mo►e into tacillues. Ilo« do you build a
coItlmunit' and stop the greatest attrition occurring among seniors. isolation and deprrss icn, h�>« do yoz'u
enhance life and increase their well being. We believe that the ans►►er Is in serving in communiucs and
therefore their focus is on Evanston. Thc) already ha► e three housing probe is in Evanston and their focus
is on a senior center and coordinating home services or ►►hatevcr it takes to seme seniors
Ms. Aiello commented that at this point, we ha►e the lark, tint dradlittc ►►ith the Hill Conlpan}. one option
is to continue with a single story- building south ol'Church Street on Panel 15. The Mather Foundation is
looking for a site and tiirre might be the opportunity for a joint project with them. Another option might be
other developments thal are going on in the area if there is some ground level retail space within the
development that might give us an opportunity to do a larger development on Parcel 18 which would enhance
the TIF area. We would like to discuss some direction from the committee as to where you %%= us to focus
in the next couple of weeks.
Alderman Rainey's feeling at this time is the way she felt when talks began about a new library' which slowly
but surely became obvious that the Council had to get more involved. It was the Council who drove thpe
decisions to go from trying to live at the current library while it was being torn down and rebuilt_ to
relocating to a temporary location to the people who made the decision to keep the library at the current level
and to seek out space ourselves for the temporary location. She thinks it might be time for this committer
and the Council to get more involved in the whole issue of what will happen to the Lc%ti Center. where is
the Levy Center going to be, is there an interim location, and where will it be. She wanted the committee
to consider the possibility of -forming a subcommittee for the purpose of dealing with these issues.
Alderman Feldman recalled the committee Alderman Rainey mentioned worked very ►►ell and was. a very
significant Council presence. Alderman Rainey added it was considered a blue ribbon `Ia►oral committee
called The N layor's Special Committee on the Library. Alderman Feldman noted it cut through a lot of red
tape, solved many problems and made major decisions after a lot of research, study and analysis.
Alderman Newman agreed ►► ith the Chair but thought the staff has been very busy with numerous issues.
When we were first Approached by the Y and the Mather Foundation there were three principals ►ve wanted
to pursue: I ) if they were able to present a building which was accessible to the poorer people in town which
meant fees had to be very lo►►: ' f the sen•ices we currently offer would improve: 3) save the City substantial
sums of money in the construction and operation. We then would seriously be willing to listen. We're now
getting caught as we made the decision to move it and this is a community driven decision. If there are
people out there including the Mather interested in partnerships he thinks it is something �t c ha►e to resole
within the next 30 days ►►hether or not ►►e're going the partnership route. If ►►e are not ►►e then have to get
busy to bu► the alternative site in a quality building in the Research Park area. He see: the Levy Center
somewhere in the triangle or the border of triangle and this should be quickly pursued.
At this point in the meeting Alderman Rainey called on people who wished to speak on this iszzue.
Jack Lerman. Lety Center instructor, said he has a solution to have the Mather Foundation negotiate with
die City and keep Lot 18. For the past year and half he has watched these negotiation and promises mate.
promises kept. and all of a sudden promises reneged ►vh;ch -,vas very disturbing. A most disturbing thine
HSC Minutes 2't5 IN - Page a_
was very recently %,hen one of the workmen in the City gang up it, him and askctid him what hr thLQda about
the destruction of the Levy Center taking place in June. We get little tidbits and rumors coming frorn City
HAIL He talked to Mr. Otto and Nfr. Smith and got more information farm them then he c%rr ,-cn f vmt he
City as to what w-as going on. He thought it would be help.`ul it'Mr. C runt. Ms. Aiello. and crenctnc would
please give them morn information no matter how little it is. AIdernian Rainey told Mr. Lerman he knows
twice as much as she knows which is -why we need to get involved and know what is going on nd. cL ive a
decision. Mr. Lerman remembered, regarding Lot I8, you promised the first Moor and both mana_=s Ear the
different developers m ere keen on the most prominent place in the triangle for the Le%z, Center and even -one
was sold on it. Then all of a sudden nothing and we find this out. A lot of us are interested in u6frx the
Mather Foundation has offered but we're aiming a cannon on these two guys because nobody else carve up
anything. Now we know what is going on from this meeting and hopefully other meetings will help tis with
this. There is a solid majority that hav; not been heard and are very much interested in having a pl=c. There
is a community in the Levu Center that nobody understands unless they are seniors. He wished mcTe p=ple
would come see what is going on there.
Alderman Rainey commented that hopefully if the N(avor is willing to take this on to appoint a special
committee. all meetings would be open except if they had to do with purchasing a lot, and there %%l uxd be
more meetings than once or twice a month. Alderman Feldman said he felt very much the way .alderman
Rainey does in the sense things are moving so quickly and there are so many problems to be solved_ '4�`hile
he understands tier. Lerman's need for communication it seems very difficult to say one thine today ,. hen
tomorrow it changes so quickly. What you should want to know is what you're finding out here and now
that a lot of us see problems that have not been resolved and the situation changes every day. As you can
tell no decisions have been made and in an understanding of that Alderman Rainey is trying to create Gome
kind of an institution that can get through that and perhaps solve some of these problems and put them on
a more cohesive, solid ground.
Edwardo Schua, Lev), Center Member. does not know of any member cif the Levy Center who is not
disturbed, upset and resentful about the recent turn of events. When the Research Park was planned we n ere
reassured again, and again that the new- Levy Center would be built since the Levy Center was slated for
demolition. Then came the Evanston Development Park and even the most sceptics members of the Lets•
Center heaved a sigh of relief when the City Council approved of the Hill plan in which the Levy Center
would be built on Church Street which is now in limbo. You are note going to consider a project r:.-)m
another t Undation and what does that mean for the Levy Center with its 700 members, a very %iL.ant
institution with multiple activities and a dedicated staff. Does that mean extinction" You have heard fnom
the Mather Foundation a brief report. «'e do known one thing. they have not found a site to build on which
brings him to the second pledge which was the Levy Center would not be demolished until a new facility -.-vas
built. As he understands it. the Levy Center is to be demolished in June or July. What then happens to the
Levy Center and its members, will they be left twisting and turning in the wind. or are you going w hc:nor
the pledge to build a new Levy Center according to the Hill plan on Church Street. This is what we A-arn to
know. Thank vou.
Alderman Rainer thanked Mr. Schua and said what is so frustrating is she did not think there were ansm ers
to those questions.
Gunnar Forrest, Lett• Center member. said as far as sights are concerned he thought Lot 18 is a supe-ior
one and Las Palmas plot is also a very good one. It is very important that Joe Levy. Jr.. Jean London and
the Leer Foundation stay active in participating in the development of the new senior center. After all Joc
Levy. Sr. was the person that financed. built and presented the original senior center to the City. Anol-her
HSC Minutes 2/15/99 - Pane S.
concern he has is that we should somehow ticable to carry the pros iit statl'along with us ►►here ever we go.
They are realh skitted, relate yer% ►wll to the 111embets anti lie would ►er% much hat: it, lose 03=. He is
very concerned alori:i with Mr. Schua that wr arr cut lklow. We ►%err pronitscd that a senior renter of'O.W
square feet. superior to the one %%e had. was going to he t►silt lx�ti►ir the l�nscrit cetlter was dem���ished and
thinks in some form the Cite and ptx►rrs that be should honer that. I he ,emor center is a home :: Aar from
home for a lot of po,,plc. we're like a family and don't .►ant to tic tut lok _ Titania . ou.
Alderman Raine} a:.,ked %fr, Forrest if an interim site was found. at least as appropriate as the :emporary
library site was, if ••he did something similar as was done for the librar} so you would never be -without a
place, if it was in the downtown area. then how terrible would that be if the t uildine of the new Le\N" Center
in the triangle were tcuinb on at that time. Mr. Forrest responded a tenipor; r} site is not the ideal situation
but is a situation the j could handle if its an adequate site, to which Alderman Raine} said it would Ne as close
to the real thing as pr, y,ibic, but interim is interim. Alderman Neuiiian thinks a lot of people here have been
trying to figure out the Levy Center situation and have been doing the best tine} can. Right now the mo sites
discussed are along Church Street. but he would remind sonic people here tonight that during our discussions
on the project when it was first cons--mplated putting the senior center on the first floor on Lot 18. mane
seniors came to say, they did not like that site either. The Council was doing the best they could to get it on
Lot 18 and during the process heard from many of the seniors that you had to walk around Lot IS because
there wasn't enough parking and now you're here saying Lot 18 is a great place. We're between a rock and
a hard place trying to keep people on the site when a very tine organization like the Mather Foundation tells
us they are going to build a building in town whether ,%-e build our or not. Its prudent for us to listen. which
is all we're doing now, and we all have to try to come up with the best solution. Right now it looks like
we're on Church Street. Alderman Rainey added if this committee appoints a subcommittee, it is absolutely
certain that several Levy members ,sill he on that committee. This way there will be a constant line of
communication which is what we both want Mr. Forrest said he did not mean to say that Lot 18 w as the ideal
situation as they have downgraded their expectations and understands it is better for the City to have it as a
tax baring location but in contrast to that maybe the new location would be taken away from the tax roles.
Bob Thompson, iLejy Center inember. said il'a committee is appointed. he is not a fan of committees. He
would hope there would be some expeditious manner on which this is done and hopes you're not planning
to say, we' l l find an im.erim site and then stall this oft' and play games. the Mather a ill play games w ith the
Performing :arts Center and maybe %xe'11 never get this thing built. Ile hopes we do not fall into a trap such
as that. Appoint the committee, good and go from there. I -le appreciates that. Thank you.
Alderman Rainey did not think this needs to be said especially to this audience, as there is no intention of
doing what fir. Thompson's suggestion was. She asked the committee how the% -.anted to proceed and
asked if matters should be taken into our hands and appoint a subcommittee. Alderman Raine} called for
a Inotion w that effect.
Alderman FeldMan moved thtlt the Human Services Committcma0noint a Lei•)• Center subcommittee.
seconded by Alderman Nei* man.
Suggestions for setting: up the committee were members from the Le,. • Ad,. isory Board. Human Services
Committee members. (Alderman Feldman and Alderman Newman), Commission on Aging members. staff
representing the Recreation Board. and Human Services. Also a representative from the City Manaeer's
office. Alderman Nev -man said lie supports the concept of the subcommittee and «ill leave it to the Chair
to select members but it should not be of such size making it impossible to schedule meetings. .alderman
HSC !Minutes 2/ 15.99 - Paze 9.
Rainey said she %%ill mcet .with Mr. Terry this %%rrk and ;et notrc-e-s out rrgirdinz the configuration of the
committee and recc%mmendations for meettncs. dates Wz•d an agcn iA for the nem fc%v weeks,
Alargert- June. Le%i• Ce►rrerAdi-isorr Board member.:o-nmented that all of the cans ersation so fa- about
the YMCA and Mather Foundation iount senturr has .'.salt %%ith br.cks and mortWr. but she is •en much
interested in hearing a representative e�ft:.� orzanirst:.- rat}, atxut :heir concept of programming and their
commitment to fun iing the necessan per.lnal to cam on such a pre -tram. Shti dtvs not know if this is the
appropriate time fir that, to %%high Alderman Raine. did not think a was but said she .could have thought
by now the Levy Center :advisor Board %%ould have ter% rtcd them to come and present a program. That is
a big issue that we have discussed sesera,l times. Alderrr= Feldman agreed and said that .was one of the
primary focuses that %whatever program is adopted it s%ould bt an rmpro-,cment o%re stilts[ we have now. He
knows a lot of people are Kapp} now but there are azl%ances and changes in senior recreation that %%e want
to adopt and include that %%ould enhance this for all 7f u.% and unlc-is .we would have a program offering
wider. varied and more exceptional features we would not he asynciaird .with the Mather, which seas one of
the reasons they might conic and join us to enable to us to do that.
Alderman Newman thought during this process we .%ill learn fmm the %father as well as the Mather will
learn from us. Learning from us means trying to deliver the type of program the people at the Levy Center
want. We %sill also hear from the Mathcr on what.we are not doing that mavbe.%-e should be doing. We both
have expertise in certain issues that will be shared with each other and in turn .%ill be shared with you.
V. MENTAL HEALTH BOARD Ci ILDRE 'S PROCRA.MS
Susan Stroh, Mental Health Board member. stated that fast fall the Mental Health Board was very concerned
when then heard the outpatient serviccs of Rice Childrens' }ionic would no longer be continued past
February. They held community meetings to find out the nature of pressing issues that the Mental Health
Board would want to address and services for children %%erg high among them. it %vas one of the Board's
priorities and also of great concern given the excellent see ices we received from Rice. As an anecdote she
mentioned from her position as a psychologist at Evanston High School she was al%%a% s relieved %%hen she
opened a file and say%- a child had been ser,iced by ECDC I Early Childhood Development Center) as she
knew they had gotten i nod service early on. They pride themselves and did well in ;en-ing the poorest and
the neediest families. This %%as an area ofconcern the `%fental l lealth Board wanted it, make plans for given
thev would no longer be delivering wen ices. nice %%as a hail million dollar institution and we could not
duplicate that .with our budget. Nevertheless, when %ve held our community meetings and developed
priorities and set aside a certain amount of our budget to provide for senices fir children at risk. Agencies
were alerted that they would be taking proposals to sec: ho%% they might want to handle this need specified
by the Mental Health Board. It is very minimal compared to what FCD(' had as their total budget but
$26.000 was allocated uo be set aside for this service. The Depariment of dental I fealth also respected their
insight to lieu.% it) alltkate services and the% contacted \Ir. Sa. er because thc. had pro% tded S22,000 to ECDC
and were interested to know %%hat our thoughts Were for allocating that State money. The klental Health
Board received ovo proposals and felt the collaborati%e proposal by the Metropolitan Family Services and
the Childcare Net.%ork was the one they thought was most willing in addressing these needs.
Alderman Neuman had two concerns, one if it is correct that Rice had served children in day care centers
and children outside of day care centers he is a bit concerned %%•hat type of outreach efforts there .will be for
those outside of da% care centers. I [is other concern is that Metropolitan Family Services and ChildCare
Network are the best organizations imaginable for doing social service, ho%%e%cr• the higher any one
organization gets with any amount of Citv money is a concern because We get more dependent on certain
HSC Minutes 2115/99 -Page 10.
organizations. Also, in his opinion once an organization gets into the• hundmis of thousand: of dollars
category. which he sees possibly happening down the road, its much more susceptible it) cuts. bui he is sure
they will do a great job.
Lonnie 11 i'ebe, Mental Health Board member. commented that she %vas also sure the,. will do a great job.
but it is only 526.000 which does not cover the entire age span of children that Rice .vas covering because
we do not have the funds to do so. Alderman Newman asked µhat psychiatrists charge per hour. Nis.
,McCarthy responded the psycho -educational services they intend to contract for charge S50.')G an hour.
AIderman Newman was very concerned about all mental health and purchase srryiczs programs in general.
Since this program is just beginning asked if they can get some description what exactl% happened µith the
families that partake in this program over the next year. cases µ-ithoui any names to know the total number
of families and get some type ofyieµ point. It need not be more than one paragraph. to understand the actual
results of each of the families. Alderman Rainey added since there will only be eight or nine children and
it might be easier to do.
Nlr. Saver said there is a summary report that got omitted from the committee packet hick is a companion
to the proposal. It is the same services that were prescribed in the packet but in addition includes the budget
that projects for psych -educational services to consider 20 children to this particular program and the
projection of Metropolitan family Sen•ices will be an additional 15 based upon the averages and costs they
have broken out. The total number of children recommended to be ser-ed to the State will be 35 and they
will make the decision.
Alderman Rainey asked what then is meant by the statement of page 6. "The funds would make it possible
to provide service for 8 to 9 additional children that are specifically of the preschool age group", is that going
to say in addition to all the other children that is provided any service for. ifs. Stumme said that is for the
children that have very serious mental health problems and take a lot more time and money and is not for the
$26,000 but for the other state funds. Mr. Saver said the RFP was written up with the idea that these two pots
of money %%ere contained in this and one or the other or perhaps both may not be approved. At this point the
recommendation of the $26.000 City funds is viewed separately and µ•ill go to the office of dental Health
netµork manager for a decision.
:Alderman Feldman vias interested a sense of ►what is meant by the target population and asked if that is the
severel-. disturbed children, problem children. or children at risk. also. once a child is in this program
would the% be in for a long time. Ms. 11cCarthy said the portion the City would be funding is for high risk
children in these child care programs that are first identified by teachers as having behavioral problems. With
a relatively small amount ofintervention we would definitely see some progress on the part of the children
especially because one of the plans is that the parents. at that time. are alread% connecting with the child care
program and might be more willing, to present a case manager for additional service We're talking about
an a%erage of S600.00 per child %%hick is not major intervention. The State Mental licalth money %would then
be for children with more serious problems and needing longer and more intense intervention. Alderman
Feldman titias also interested in making sure that a lot of the day care centers provide diversity in the service
population so at the end of the year we can look back and truly sa,- the children needing the service did
represent a diverse population from all aspects ofthe community. He thought it is important that if the day
care centers themsel, es didn't provide that we did have the kind of outreach necessary to insure that ,quality.
Alderman Feldman asked if the S26.000 appropriated for this represents the amount left over from the agency
that closed and was informed that the Mental Health Board set priorities on allocations decided to spend that
amount because them were other obligations and priorities.
HSC Minutes 2/ 1 Sr99 - Pasr 11.
Alderman Rainey asked if the day care centers listed in the proposal .sere chosen specifically because the
%wre known to have children who could benefit from these funds. were they chosen geographically. or fag
other reasons. Her second question vas if we have severely disturbed children main streamed in our regula.:
daily da% care centers how difficult must that be for people who we constantly hear are not that well trained
or paid to conduct a reasonable semblance of day care for those children that are not disturbed. Mr. Save:
responded to the second question. that is one of the things that Rice had been experiencing in the work thes
did with day care centers. They had quite a bit of involvement in a number of centers working ►ith kids wirl-
verb severe disturbances. Consultation was provided by the consent staff working in the center with the child
as well for assessment and doing some play, therapy or treatment. tits. !VcCarthy said there are some kids
having severe problems but there is a larger number of kids that may offer some real challenges for the
teachers but who do not have a "labeling disorder". There are kids that can't stay in the environment of a
child care proerarn and often lia%c been able to place them in a home day care setting where there is a
smaller setting and part of the da% they are in the school district special program. Ms. Stumme said the one%
time these children that have serious problems begin to surface is when they begin to use resources in the
community otherwise they have been at home and have not been identified. They many come into day care
but they may have to be moved to another setting.
Ms. Wiebe said when the dental Health Board was prioritizing its needs in allocating funds one of the issues
they were concerned about was allocating these limited funds to the younger children and emphasized the
youngest possible children of day care w•as the direction. but that left a group of a little older children from
6 to 7 year olds, in District 65 that here not covered.
Alderman Rainev nett the motion on the floor to accent tits Mentsl Health lrZaard Childrrn'S Nras'ratn
for 'Metrnpnlit;tn Fatnih Services and Childcare Network, L11otion seconded by ilderman Feldman.
Alderman rent thought he heard a statement to the effect that dealing with kids in a classroom that were not
able to stay in a preschool. Ile does not know what that means and .Nants to know what it means when the
teacher calls you up. If you're going to get to the children with severe problems what criteria do you look
at to make sure you're talking about a child that has a severe problem. When discussing at risk kids if they
are trul% at risk nine times out of ten they have at risk parents. What tie in do you have with this because
it sounds as ifonce the teacher sa%s this child has a problem if --ke're able to we're going to put a social
worker or counselor o%er there t«r the social effect. then what is the bridge end with the parents. Ms.
1tilcCarthy said first of all before an,. services could be provided for the child outside normal child care
services there would have to be a parents consultation and an agreement of consent by the parent. The coal
is to get the family involved in the beginning with what the teacher's observations are and seeing whether
the parents have observed any of these problems and the social worker's common definition of the problem.
If the parent says the child is tine at home then obviously there is a lot to be worked on. In answer to the
question are there kids who are really disturbed. in her statement that sometimes kids cannot stay in a child
care program she is talking about aver- small number. In the course of a near there «ere not more than half
a dozen children referred. She thinks the centers do an amazing job with the kids. Alderman Kent asked
if all those children %vere referred because of behavior problems or were they deeper problems. ifs.
McCarthy said it is very variable. The first thing that a teacher is able to do is serve that child is in a group
siuds-. Some children would be difficult to studv because they have difficulty being in a group study as it
may or may, not be a behavior problem. The first step is either our social workers and the early childhood
special educational person. or a team will go and spend time in the classroom to observe what is going on
with the teacher and the child. The first level of intervention is to see whether this is more of a classroom
situation. maybe ifthe classroom \%as organized differently or that child wen: sexed in a little different way
in that classroom the child would be able to function better. Secondly, the approach would be to determine
HSC Minutes ?' 1S/99 - Page 12.
whether there are issues in the litnail%. and almost thtrdly k»►ui.i tv ifthe child had to he sent teTr additional
evaluation or diagnosis. We're looking at clatssrvorn ov iriontttent lint, fitntily :ituattion s.NzJncL there
looking; at the child.
Alderman Newman %%anted to clariii with Mr. Yem lf'hc %%ouild t:tllo%% up on this bein%:.t ne%% :c,�zrarn to
to see how the ultimate process comes out.
Alderman Rginn called for a vote of the motion on the noor to recouitnen n ro.;&J of this
Wenditure, rrtvtian unanimnusl►- passed (,i-ll),
VII. MENTAL HEALTH BOARD FUNDING OF EVA\STOti HOSPITAL
As Chair Alderman Ratnry \ranted to take liberty to make a brief statement concerning this. She did not
think any members of the Council have any interest in cutting mental health funding. Furthermore, if there
is an agreement with Evanston I lospital she could not agree more with the fax she received this afternoon
from Ms. Wiebe and along with others thinks any agreement stiith Evanston Ilospital has to be etched in
stone. As stated in GIs. Wiebe's memo has to be incorporated into any agreement we make them wherein
it is set forth what has to happen and how it has to dcdicate itself to the same people that we were serving
the very same way. If we accept the negotiated agreement between the City Manager and the hospital many
of us feel it has to be in v-riting and anything short of that would be inadequate. She will never understand
how the S20.000 parkins agreement slipped in there.
Alderman Feldman agreed with Alderman Rainey's assessment and thanked the Mental Health Board for
calling our attention to the question of reducing ,Nlental Health Board funds that are available for mental
health needs of the community. He recommended this committee suggest to the Council instead of
reducing: S75,000 from the Mental Health Board budget- we reduce the budget only S 18.000, leaving S= 7.000
of the General Fund which in the dental Health Board budget over what would have been deducted_
Evanston Hospital would take over the program subject to a written agreement about all of the -alues.
caveats. and concems we have rezardine its operation, the population sen ed. the level of support it gets and
the kind of fees charted on a sliding scale that is appropriate it, what .ye have had in the past and that none
of the values of the program be compromised in any rya% Just because they're taking over. The Human
Services Department will monitor that program ariJ the con.:itions uc ha%e established %%ith the only
difference that instead of the City of Evanston's budget being reduced by the full $75.000 only S 18.004) %, ill
come out and the remainder would remain in the Mental Health Board budget. Another concern is that
during the next year when the dental Health Board decides to use that money, that they come before this
committee with a %err %%ell thought out program telling us all about it and sharing some of the values
incorporated in that. WhateN er %%a% you chose to use this %%e want to make sure we at least has a are
opportunity to listen to %ou tell us its a serious need and in %our best judgement the w-ay this money could
be best spent to meet the needs o the community for v hateser population %ou decide to ser%a %%ith the kind
ofoutcome «e hope and you aspire to.
Alderman `e�Nman «ished to follow up on a statement made in ,ls. Wlebe's memo that the amount of funds
Evanston commits to helping: the mentally ill are willfully inadequate. He does not doubt the accuracy of
that statement. howe%cr, he would like to have a comparison on what we spend a year on mental health Xyith
the following municipalities, Glenview, Wilmette. Skokie, Oak Park. Arlington Heights. \apen ille.
Rockford. and any others you may cant to include. He would like to see on a relative basis hoes inadequate
we actually are in terms of what we spend. \Ve need to know it we are Mow or above compared to other
communities. lie totally supports Alderman Feldman and the explanation here like many budget proposals
HSC Minutes Jt S 44 - Page 13_
that have been coming up is we haven't had the time to follow through on all of them. Trying to gct a private
hospital to pick up the tab and maintain the service is what we're trying to do. Nis. Wiebe said she Wo would
like to know how we compare w ith other communities but wanted to add that these other eotnmuri ties do
not have a Mental Health Board and does not know what we \\ill be comparing.
Mr. Tern said the oniv note lie ,.anted ttv interject is this changes the circumstances under whieih hr engaged
in the negotiations with Mr. Grad} and he cannot guarantee that the hospital will commit. The hospital is
under the impression that they were participating in allowing for S75.000 in hudget relief v+hieh Was a
r otiyating factor in their entering into the agreement. if that circumstance is novv changing he has no idea
,.%hether that will change their feelings about it.
.alderman Rainey stated if we do not aet all the information we can't make this decision. This is another case
of where a little tidbit was left out which as soon as it was said put an entirely different light on the situation
which gives her some concerts. Her only concern before %vas they would not follow our rules, which we may
be able to make them do.
.alderman Feldman noted the motivation for this was not only based on community needs but af.s� on an
estimate of what he perceived as an obligation of the hospital considering its financial strength and whether
or not %e needed it. The worst message a hospital could give is that your aspirations are static. theirs aren't.
Alderman Rainey said theirs were not and she is inclined to place more credence towards that comment
because along with it comes a reduction in their S20.000 parking requirement which she would never have
thought would enter into negotiations regarding mental health treatments and she is not sure we know how
that was meant. We will proceed that we do not know that and it does not make any difference to us.
Alderman Feldman recommended this committee Suggest to the City Council that instead of a S75.000
cut to the Mental Health Board budget. it he an SI8.000 cut, that will jVj,.,e S;7,900 its the Mental
Health Board hudW. and we enter into a written agreement with Evanston Hosnjta) incortaor4lin
these values. Alderman Newman seconded the motion. Motion unanimoasly vassed (5-0).
VIlI. 11cKiNNES' ENIERGE`CY SHELTER GRANT FUNDING
Mr Terry noted a memo was included in the packet that we received a $7.000 funding reduction in
McKinney funds from our current level of S91.000 to the level of S84.000. He is proposing that of the
agencies we fund. two receive the same level of funding they received last year and two not receive any funds
for the next fiscal year.
.alderman ?Newman made a motion to as unrove Ntn Trrrv's recommendation, AldcrrU" Feldman
seconded the motion.
:alderman Newman thought these two organizations not only perform very good services especially the
Comer for Public \linistry. but because they serve a more regional population as opposed to serving just
Fv anston he thinks the appropriate funding is Federal funds for their project. I le agrees with the
recommendation focused with the two agencies that serve the widest range of people and until we can :et
another organization that can add to that network they're the one, that should receive this funding intended
for these types of Orgattizatioas. He likes the w•av this is being done and would like to continue with
developing that pattern this year.
,A11derman Rainev called for a vote of Alderman Newman's motion, motion unanimously nassed (5-ft
14SC Minutes?115/44 - Page 14.
IX. HOMELESS CONTINUUM OF CARE DEVELOPMENT
Alderman Rainey commented that fir. Terry met with Housing Options and w-as informed they have been
granted renewal of their funding. Alderman ties+man asked if this could be held on-er until the next Human
Services Committee meeting due to the time constraints. Mr. Terry said this item zould be carried over until
the next Human Services Committee meeting but HUD funding applications will begin within the next fe%
weeks and agencies in the area have 90 days to submit proposals. If we are going to do a local Continuum
of Care we will have to begin working on it and the issue of whether or not to renuumce funding for Evanston
and let the agencies go in with Chicago or Cook County which is a policy question. He is not recommending
that at this time but Mould like some feed back from this committee. Alderman R.Taney said to elaborate on
that what is the other areas that HUD %vants to become involved in homeless efforts, in Evanston which is the
whole concept of transitional housing and permanent shelter. It is an issue that is also a policy question
having to do with whether or not we should continue %ith it. Alderman Moran a::so added what can HUD
do for us on some of these issues because they do not understand the commitmeaa that add to these issues.
We have looked for people to my to help us on a regional basis to do this. We aexd to have HUD involve
other communities in this because for a long time Evanston has been on the tint line on these issues.
Alderman Rainey added not only in the homeless area but also in housing issu s involving HUD. She
recommended setting a lobbyist to pull together a meeting with our Congressmt= and some people from
HUD's regional office. Alderman Ne\ man would also like to include our Senaror in this meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
, , a��4 Audrey Tro y. Department Fealth & Human Services
HSC Minutes 7115/99 - Page 15.
DRAFT - NOT APPROVED
CITY COUNCIL
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
March 1, 1999
Civic Center - Room 2402
7:30 P.,%1.
MEMBERS PRESUM Aldermen Kent. Feldman. Moran. and Newman
NIENIJERS ABSENT: Alderman Rainey
STAFF PRESENT: Kathleen Brenniman. Harvey Saver. Jav Term•, Audrev Trotsky
OTHERS PRESET_ Larry Gavin. Alice Kreiman. Housing Options; Darid Myers, CP.%l;
Lonnie %Viebe, ylichael Kerns. Mental Health Board: Ham Benford. Levy Center:
Anna Baskerville, Resident
PRESIDING: Alderman Newman
1. CALL TO ORDER
In the absence of Alderman Rainey. Alderman Newman called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.
H. APPROVAL OF �II`UTES OF JANUARY 26, AND FEBRUARY I5, 1999
The minutes of the January 26—and Februna 15, 1999 meetings were unanimonsly approved, without
correction.5 (4-0t
Ill. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 1999, TOwNSHIP MONTHLY BILLS
Alderman Feldman moved for annroval of the February 1999. Township month x bills as presented.
seconded hw Alderman Kent. Motion unanimmuly approved f4-01.
IN% CONS[ DERATION OF ROTARY FOUNDATION ANNUAL PICNIC
Alderman Kent moved for approval of the Rotary Foundation annual picnic. seconded Alderman
Feldman, Motion unanimously annroved (4-0),
,alderman Nex%man requested to ha%e the Parks Department staffizi%; a count ofhot% mart% Special Events or Walks
that take place on the lakefront are hein_a appro%ed each %car. I -le v-ould like to he able to keep track of these events
and would like this to be passed alone and shared «ith Da%e Jennings.
V. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 117-0-98 AMENDING CHAPTER 19 OF TITLE 8
OF THE EVANSTO` CITY CODE REGARDING RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES
N1s. Brenniman noted that the ordinance was discussed at a previous meeting and some issues were raised b%
:alderman \Iorran relating to the distance. which .ere addressed in her memo the committee. in addition she received
a letter from several providers. Lam Gavin. is present this evening representing Housing Options and has spoken
several times on issues raised by them. Nis. Brenniman thought the best approach ►could be to respond to Housing
HSC Minutes 3A 99 - Page 1.
Options issues so that any changes in the ordinance can be ►iirzcte<i and brought ha.k to the nest l:i,lman Services
Committee (HSC) meeting or put on the Council agenda.
Alderman %loran understood in the ►cake of the last HSC rnevzinc there ►►ere=peritic gtiest10r.1 in -elation to the
ordinance. His suggestion would be to go through each of the points in N Is B-,: nnintan's memo. d-t:cuss them in
that order and if need be make motions or suagest modifications klerwx-� \e►►mmn sate unless there is an
objection he ►►ould agree ►► ith that and suggested starting ►► tch the Distance Requirement
Alderman Moran said as he read GIs. Brenniman's memo on the distance Requirement and also read the various
providers' comments in relation to the cases under the Fair Housing Amendnten:s Act he thinks to some degree they
are in agreement in the sense that Ms. Brenniman has told us that there has been no judicial dec_sion that has
invalidated a 1)00 foot distance requirement between homes. Apparentl! the ca_<i�,s that ha► e been refer-ed to us have
invalidated a number of distance requirements down to the apparent largest in►alidated distance requirement of
I.000 feet. He ►►ould suggest the committee consider ►,�hether a distance requirement of an► :imension is
appropriate. We might vote that a 900 foot distance requirement should be incorporated in the ordinance but if our
only basis is that particular distance requirement has not been ruled unconstituticnal b► a court that is a shake basis
for making that vote. His understanding of the judicial rendering on this situation is the distance requirements are
inconsistent with the Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1985. If in fact the basic thrust of those decisions is the
distance requirements are inconsistent because they seek to categorize in some special way people who are operating
under a mental handicap then ►►e should not incorporate a distance requirement in our new ordinance. It is difficult
for him to reconcile a judicial disposition that says 1.000 feet is invalid and the;. sa► ►se as a community are going
to make a decision that ►►ill drop it down 100 feet and if it is ever challenged ►%e hope it ►►ill be upheld. The basic
question of the application of the ordinance is whether distancing requirements are a fair treatment for those
operating ►►ith a mental disabilit%. The courts have spoken to that Issue any ha►e generally invalidated these
distancing requirements. One case was referred as upholding a 1.350 foot distance requirement- but the memo we
received from the dental Health .association. Housing Options and Annexter Center suggested that was a highly
unusual situation under the facts where there were about thirteen homes in a derv- small area and the particular
petition ►vas to add another three or four of this nature. Clearly the situation tha: was presented in the court under
those circumstances ►►as unusual to sa► the least and certainly does not bear an; relationship to ►ghat is going on
nor does it bear an► relationship to �yhat is going on in our town. ,alderman Moran made a m9tion to t1S
committee hased nn those considerations that ice remove the nronoced distance renuirement of 900 feet from
fhe new rtrnnosed ordinance.
Alderman Ne►►man ►►fished to other a point of information to the commiuee betorz callin�a for a second to .alderman
Moran's motion. that the 901) foot distance requirement ►►as extensi,�el► debated at the time of the adoption of the
1993 Zoning_ Ordinance and ►►hither or not a chan�_e is made in this ordinance in order to change the Zoning
Ordinance it ►►ould have to be done through the Planning Commission and Council. Alderman Ne►vman called for
a second to Aldennan \Ioran': rri iron. \ot hearing a second to this motion Alderman `e►►man called for any other
motions in re__.erds to Distancin; RCLIuirements. there ►►ere none.
:Alderman `t t►man called l'ir o)nimitree cc�rttitlettES on Stafftine!p . Alderman ` o.-r in noted that in the Bangerter ►.
Orem C'it► Corp. IUth Circuit Decision of 199-5. the thrust of this decision ►%as in order to comply ►►ith the Fair
Housing Amendments ACt auL',tions regarding staftint! ha►e to be closel► fashioned to relate to the particular
circumstances of the residents of the homes in question. The pro%ision that is cr.irrend% proposed in the revised
ordinance is not tailored to Elie particular circumstances of the residents of homes ►►ithin Evanston and has blanket
.ipplicahilit% rcquirin_ 3-4 hour pr..ence ofcounselors in the horns! It �kould appear to hint that is inconsistent ►►ith
the Fair I -lousing :Amendments Act and is inconsistent in Consideration of' the Ban__,erter loth Circuit decision.
:Alderman Moran made a motion to remote the srrSin ►►ithin the protiose :emended ordinance that requires
24 hour sunervision regardless of circumstances and suhstipjte that ►r ith the recommendation made by the
nroviders that states. **If a nualificd nhvsician or psychiatrist dererminc c theta particular resident's
HSC Minutes 3 1 99 -Page ?.
disgbilily issuch that he or she requires 24 hout3j=n-ision. tl-tn the Re<idlenjial C11[c I omot shall a
qualified staff ner5r n nresent ►►•hene►•er such resident is nresent in the hunk..•
Alderman Newman called for a second to Alderman %foran's motion. ther:..as no second to this motion.
:alderman Nlor-an asked to make a concluding comment with respect to this particular issue that the inclusion of this
issue is inconsistent s.ith the Federal ordinance question and %►ill open tt: up to being an in%alid m—update.
Alderman Feldman recommended if this is annronriate ►►e follo%% the ri�comntendation of Corporation
Counsel and made a motion that,_, A letter for each resident from :t aunlified nh%'sician oLnc%chiatrist must
he filed with the Director indicating whether thgt resident shalLhave a qualified staff person nressilt
whenever such resident is nresent in the home. Such letters must he tiled annually with the license renewal.
This exemption does not annh- to residents under t e . ae of 18." alderman \e►► man seconded the mo inn.
.-alderman \eetiman •,►anted it on record that the memorandum from the Corporation Counsel office specifically
states it is their fecal opinion that the language proposed by .alderman Feldman does meet legal and constitutional
requirements. M . Brenniman aLreed and further addressed Section 819.7 of the Ordinance. the Waiver Section.
She specifically put this pro, ision in based on research as this is one of the most important pro%isions in the
ordinance because the court has consistently said that blanket provisions without any kind of flexibility are subject
to being determined that they are in % iolation of the Fair Housing :amendments Act. If certain provisions are built
into the ordinance that help to deal with that. such as the Waiver Provision. you then have that flexibility. in a
situation «here there is a home that .%ants to Let a waiver from one of the pro:.sions such as staffin_. etc., under
this section the•• %%ould appl% for a ,-►aiyer and it %%ould then be Mr. Teen's responsibility to determine whether it
is a practical impossibilizN or a hardship. or %%hether it is an accommodation tha: should be made. in so doing it is
crucial lie take the information presenters to him by the providers as to the nature of the people in the home. That
changes often with people coming in out of the homes and their abilities chance. which is what happened in
\aper%ille %%hen the case %%as lost on the sprinkler system because at that time the individuals in that home were
capable of functioning �%ithout the sprinkler system. Alderman Newman asked xiien Mr. Terry issues a waiver.
under the waiver portion_ is that waiver for a year or indefiniteh.. 4ts. Brenniman responded that would be for the
period of time those 'tndi% ideals +yottld be in the home. Alderman Newman assumed there is a process for obtaining
a %%ritten tkai,-zr and asked how that %%orks. GIs. Brenniman said the ordinance indicates that the licensee may seek
relief from the Fro%t�ton b% requesting. in ►�riting. a «giver to v hich Mr. Tern -.%ould have 30 da%s to respond to.
in %%ritinu.
Alderman Moran referred w the treatment in the comments on the Bangerter :a_,e and asked Ms. Brenniman vyhat
ordinance is being referred to. Nis. Brenniman answered that is Evanston's 1 I7-p-98 proposed ordinance. Ms.
Brenniman commented %%hen she received the comments from the pro%iders on the Bangerter case she went back
to 1995 %%hen she %%rote her original opinion and reviewed that case to make sure she was on point ►%ith this and
indicated an accurate Sttriinian of «hat the case does in her memo. Alderman %foran said he «as not sa%ing
an%thing to the contrarn but is train- to %%ea%e the mo together In the comrr:_nts received that the Court held a
�taltin!c rCLIuiremem. he s<�ume; thi< +\as a __24 hour staftin�_ rejairement \Is Brenniman said the pr,,tiision in the
li.rngcrter Za ioitir ;upon ision on the premises and there %%.i> no 'Aatker or f]exibiltt% rc_ardless of
the individuals to that home. The court did not hold it %%as unconstitutional. .%= the► held «as that there %►as not
enoueh inlorination and it ►%as sent back to the trial court to ha%e more facts pr,_,-_.nted, :alderman Moran assumed
it commented on the point that it .►isn't tailored to the particularized concerns of individual residents. tits.
Brenniman said the court did comment that they had some concerns about this kind of' restriction that had no
i]exibilit%. AldLrnion \Ioran noted .in% special reLltrrrenicnis placed on hotta:.n_ tier the handicapped needs to be
haled on concerrs fur the protection of the disabled themsel%zs or the communit\ must be individualized to the
needy or ahtlittcs of the p,trttcular kinds ofde%clopments ot'.le\elopnient disahilities. his. Brenniman said her
contention is that is %g hat our Waj� er Provision pro% ides tier. Alderman Moran's concern w ith respect to this
particular su_,__.>tion re,, i!,iori. i-, it �%e gel %%Itll that suguestion k%e are essential:, raising the prima tacte q',�stion
HSC Minutes : 1 99 - ?a,e 3.
that there has to be a presentation of evidence to the effect that individual residents do not need the N supervision
of mental health professional which he does not think is consistent «ith the ordinance. The ordinamcc presumes
that those who are operating under mental disabilities are not supposed to be special cases that haves To be proved
first to be okay before it is alright to operate legally under a licensing ordinance. The suggestion nov. before the
committee is every %-ear a letter. for etier%- resident. from a qualified ph%sician or ps%chiatrist must b-- tendered to
the Director of the Department of Human Services saying oil the residents do not require'-1 hour supervisi,,Dn which
is inconsistent «ith the thrust of the act. The correct %a:- to approach this is the %%ay suggested b} the c.,mments
is if we gained some «riaen indication from a qualified physician or psychiatrist there is this need for 2-4 hour
supervision that then is a need particularized to that reside-t or residents and is perfectly alright for u:s through this
licensing ordinance to impose that requirement. At that point we are protecting those residents and aLw protecting
the community.
To claritx the position of the staff .alderman Neuman said this proposed language when read together %ith the
Waiver Provision creates enough flexibility for the rule to pass the legal requirements. Alderman Feldman said he
does not loot: at this as an imposition to deter and indicate a freedom from. its a letter that would indicate whether
or not that actually demonstrates our interests in the «elfam of each individual if in fact there is such a need and
a declaration of that need then «e knots what must be done.
There being no further discussion on the issue alderman \ewman recalled Alderman Feldman's nWiinn
tondo nt the cans a e . nd incorporate it into the language recommended by the Cnr3oration Counsel. oil
ange 2 of the February'_a. 1999 memo. into thr ordinance. NfotiorLassed 3 aves (Feldman. Kent- die nI IL
n:tt bN1nran).
,alderman 1e%knian ~%anted included as part of the record that he places confidence in the Director of Human
Services to seriousl% consider waiver provisions and when appropriate to grant them. Another point he would like
to make is that this particular provision %vould not just apply to xell run croup homes but also importantly for those
potentiall} not so «ell run.
,alderman Newman asked for a motion to include the language "living in a Residential Care HQme". Mot't�
pnanimousls_nassed (4-01.
:Alderman `<«man mated tin to Issuance ajLicenses, The providers indicate this section does not contain a time
ithin %%hick the Director must act and suggest that a 34-day requirement be included in the Ordinance. Corporation
COLUISel does not recommend that approach. Under case la:,, an agenc,- issuing a license is required to issue the
license forthi%ith upon compliance �%ith all the appropriate requirements. This section is consistent with law and
no changes are recommended. Alderman Nex%man asked ifthere is a motion to make any changes under Issi:.-anec
of Licenses.
Alderman Moran made a motion that Section 8-19-4-2 contain a time limitation that the Qirector must act
and that time limitation hr ZO-dn%s.
Aldennan `e%,timan called f'or a second to alderman Moran's motion. there was no second to the motion. Alderman
Moran commented that his concern. %%ith respect to this particular aspect of the ordinance, is there is the potential
%whuut an% particular direction to act %%ithin a gi,en period of time that delas could be employed to frustrate the
other%%ise la%%661 eliurts under the Licensing Ordinance and esientially frustrate the efforts to obtain these licenses
in a regular orderk t:tNhiun. I le is familiar a ith an-, number of statutur% licensing-, circumstances local. state_ and
federal that require action on the part of the licensing aLenct •%ithin a specified period of time. in fact many of
those ordinaries indicate if a decision is trot issued %tiithin the appropriate directed time period the license %%III be
considered to date issue in the absence of such action. Clearly the efforts in that regard are to suggest that
red_ ilators need to take on the respunsibilit% of __i,,ink a full and fair review of the particular application fora license
HSC Minutes 3,1,99 - Pagge4,
but they should not be able to frustrate the efforts of those applying by dela%ing or holding to or di%�=ine time and
energies in other directions and not grranting it What he is sugocsting is %% tth the o-d:t\ or sonic =naunt of time
there %till be direction for action.
Alderman Newman «anted to point Out to the committer' that there is no moz oii oo the floor :11. e=ian Feldman
said %%bile he has s\ mpath-, %%ith the :oncern of Aldernian Moran he is not read\ to indicate that is a :problem that
has to be dealt with at this time. If it e%.r conics to .i paint %%here that is the ;ase he th:nks the Citt -iculd have to
deal \vith it and at that time chanze the ordinanc:. As i. cur:entlt stands he :s pertectl% cornfortabtc _~at the kind
of bill that might result from the excesses of a regulator is not present nor v,-JI it he Alderman Nc,, --•tan said he
has great confidence in Mr. Terry and Mr. Saver and any attempt by a staff :member to frustrate th-1 -nient of this
ordinance b% not giving a fair approval process to applicants «ill not be acce. fed h\ Cit\ Council Cr,rd faith has
been the practice of the staff and he does not expect an%thing other\\ise. If somebod% brines an ex:t :.p!e of a lack
of good taste by the staff it will be dealt with accordinglt . They %%ill deal \\ tt:t this in a time}. manic- and do the
best they can. }to\%ever man% people «: have in the department at a time. T'-e -,I SE of :his ct►ntmittee :s to be fair
ith the applications and deal %%ith them in a timely manner.
Mr. Terry- wanted to comment with regard to one of the points on issuance of License raised in the providers' letter.
The comment related to apotential hold up of a land sale contract and he wanted to make it clear that we do not
license at that stage in any of the other licensing the City does whether it is restaurants. nursing homes. or child
residential care homes. We are not ready to issue licenses until we have an actual physical structure and know what
and %who is in that building. Therefore. the notion that someone would apply for a license at the point in which
they're just purchasing }and is not the appropriate point for applying for a license.
:alderman Moran responded that Mr. Tem knots the licensing ordinance much better than he. but he is aware of
any number of licensing application situations that don't require that the applicant at the point of application
necessarily o\%ns the property or hate a completed lease. In fact the Cio gets applications from an, number of
people %who indicate an intent to go forward should they obtain \whatever form of relief they need. They are
basically asking if they have permission to do this and if they do twill move forward on the purchase. Mr. Terry
said that is true for zoning but does not believe it is true for licensine. Alderman %,loran said that may be and maybe
is something %te need to think about. He just %wanted to make it clear that nothina he has said %%as meant to express
a lack ofconfidence in our staff and in point of fact he n;:%er gels a direLtion to take action %%ith respect to
application is necessaril► directed at bureaucratic inaction. it might just be sating, '. ou need its process these
applications and get an ans%%er out in 11) dal s. There is a broader dimension to that and he has e%ert confidence
that Mr. Tem %will do his nomtal Brea; itvh on this. The point of the of hat in,-, a time limit is to make
char to ever%body there needs to be action. not that there is any lack of confidence he has for staff. .alderman
\e%%ntan noted that %%as the %%a% it sounded but %till note the correction for the record. He thinks our comments
have been made clear about promptly going for%%ard %%ith these license applications.
Inspections %%as the next iteni for discuNsions and Alderman \e%%man noted In the: ordinance there is an annual right
to inspect. He asked for an% motion :,► amend an%thing dealim, %%ith Inspections Alderman Moran haU a question
for CIS. l3rctuiiniatt the comment, rccet%ed Ind the question ol'some Federal court decisi.tins that hate
been rendered %there there hat e been regular %%arrant requirements of scrutinized inspections that sometimes have
been thro%%n out. In reference to a further obser%ation b% the court that the normal %%arrant requirement for
inspections might apply .%onders hot\ closet %%e can rectit: those decisions %%here in this instance the proposal
and the ordinance calls for routine inspections \t ithoui regard to apical %\arrant requirements and other prohibitions
aQainst theta urges yip. }ircnninian maid Alderman %loran %%as referring to the Carmcrra decision that sags. " if
there is a pro►%ision for right o(entr% t'or inspection and the outner ol'the property refuses to let indit iduals came
on the property to stake that inspection the rented% fOr the municipalit% i; not to g1► to court and get an order
ordering the entn but to _go into court and request an dminisirati%e Search Warrant tier the purpose of determining
%\hether the premises art in compliance .. ['hat is %\hat Carmerra has to sat and that is ho%% the right elf privacy is
HSC Minutes s 1 99 - Pa--c 5.
dealt tisith. It is a mechanism b< <•-ich you Let onto the premises and not just an autv,iiatic right .,Ls im this situation.
She has spoken to Mr. Ga\ in :`tom:t this and has sonic language tic would like t�,• ha%c includrLi. the} have no
problem \\ith this right of entn «ti ision for initial and annual InsFcc ilmis and :tilt a complaint hasi: , to determine
compliance \\ith applicable re-qi:ir_enents and standards %hich mould t-c the pt1TPO!-c ear (hose rose:t:;elions . The
license \\Quid be issued initiall-. c- Lhis and the antivai license \\Ou:d hr rene\\ed. \I.iernlan \1.\run thoueht that
tiitL'l7: 1�e a ,!thud fe�Vltltit�n ��: :' l? Nis, oill\ other :0n1Il1ctlt ctlnsi;tcnt \\tth the C ani-zmi deli ision \\t'iuld seem e':en
niorC so, that the necessit\ for she':: n to the requirements Llt the :t.':',,n Utton in relaE,,.on to in-, asicins (if privacy is
important because in this si uaticn sometimes «hen people are Contronted \\Eth the tL�rec lit tliv state feet ,for
%xhate\er reason the necessit•• to concede the point of their priyac\ \►hell in tact \\e :no\\ that Is nor necessary'. at
least under certain circumstances. 1:: this situation \here potentiall% tier person is confronted %%ith tiler force of the
state is the person \\ho might Iry operating with some sort of mental handicap be ex. en mare oyen\htrlmine than it
nil ht be for sonic a\ erage citizens and thus the need for sonic protecElon in relation to Prix ac\ entranc:e relight come
to pla...
AldermMoran mosed that the n.irticular section in relation to inspections he consiscem. t «ith Ms.
Brenniman's recomtnrndatinn fofor Section 8-19-4-9 Right of Entry that currently reads. `•.any ft)older of any'
(ic nsc or applicant for license shall he decried to hays riven consent to am' authorized 9fiicer. tvmnlovee. or
agent of the City or anti' other licensing agent to enter and inspect the home. refusal to prevent vych entry or
vpecfion shall constitute grounds for denial or rc%-ocatinnjf _alicense." The nee+ language tsould read,
o.' holder of a license or applicant (jL)jcense shall be deemed to have Qivgn cnp5evgt to an-2 authorized
officer. emnlovec, or auRnt of the City or arc\ other licensing went to enter and insnect the rnome for the
initial and annual inspection and on a complaint basis to determine compliiance \,,ith annlie:able license
renuirementc and standard%." alderman Feldman seconded the motion. %lotion unanimously nacsed (4-01.
In reference to Co►ji-dentiath)- A:derman Moran noted in the current proposed section 3-19-:-2..7 appears the
complaint tendered b% someone can be niade anon\ mows unless the\ consent to their identit} bc,_ng revealed.
Ob,. (ously (lie serious question raised b% a complaint could very well be the revocation of the license �k1dcrmnrk
Moran moved that the nronosed section he modified such that a complainant not be allowed to make a
c1) 1:tin : nonym9usk \\ith the onl\- condition being they consent to it.
\jet licirin-, all\ second 10 :;le nip`'.on Alderman Nr\\inan asked for titrthcr discussion on the C,.-,n:,Jenriallty
pro\ Edon. Not hearing_ and he \\antc.i zo set the record clear that this portion ofthe ordinance «ill be 1pplied to the
Staff Just as all (ether ordinances \~:rL' \\e do not specifically require a name and %%ould like to furrier place on
record that in other cases \\e specifically not get complaints because people are -en rel-_�,tant to file
cumplaints it tile\ gill heconle 111\02\ed in some argument \\ith their neighbor. This is somethine m,:-mbers of the
Council are faced \\ith all the tinic and is consistent \\ith eery ordinance in the Cit\ reprdine to cep -,plaints that
no name is required. 'rhe question raised by Alderman Nloran on that point is if a complaint is tenderer: b\ a person
t�uttildt C'it\ Lniplw.cc acne, and a:, :IdinlnWrati, e proceeding is inslituted to rc%oke the license tF,c question in
Ill., nund \\geoid then If he the pci->or, •rho tendered the:onlplaint i, the pcnon and perhap, the aril\ pe�-o n. %%ho can
pnel.lde c\idence that \\hold i c the o1'tile license re\(lcation «ill the license run ocation �zn t ard cn the
ha,l, tt all Jntttl\nI0U� O)Illp+.ilnt t .;trepan I eldnlan ,aid ahsollltel\ not All Ill. I� reyutred Is an '. re:;lt�n. 1t
nothing is found there \\ould he nothing, that could be complained about. The cit., is alerted to \4t.-t somebod\
ohscr%e; as a possihie \ iolarion ot .
an ordinance and it is up to the Cil\ tee check it out. It is tip 1,- the City to
establish it, o\\li e\idence and 11',.\1- require that \\e \\on't feet that kind of community alert. We are a I I a%%are and
understand (he possihilit\ of \ indicti\ complaints llhich is \\h\ it neakes it \ery clear that it has to est, Ilish its o\\n
c\ Idence and \.11idalc \\elate\ cr \\.Is tlle.11lt
:\1(iernian \e\\man atikcd \l, l3rcrininian to \erlf\ \\here there is some t\pe of administratt\e preceLting that \\as
based Lull% on the Lit a prome citizen not a niember of the C tt\ staff. Would not the defendant lease the
ri_aht of ,tune t\ pe of disco\ cr\ to _et the name. Mr. Drenninian responded. absolutely. also in a situation \\here
HSC Minutes _- i 99 - Pace b,
there is an anonvrrtous complainant. if our staff hoes out and finds there is some basis for the comnplaint and the
problem cannot be solved, it would then have to go to a hearing. A decision would then have to he made by the
attorney handling the case. probably Ms. Brenniman. whether or not we would have a case %ithout the• -camp Iainant.
if. at that point. the complainant is not willing to come forward %ve have no hearing. If the complainant is willing
to come forward the respondent's identity would then be known because they have to testify. Aldeman Newman
added. essentiall, -he gist of this decision is if Somebody complains and the staff goes out to 1--heck out the
complaint and the complain is valid something is "I.-ne. there is no need to identif, the complainarn
Alderman Moran called attention to the potential dae process difficulty where then: are some statL::torY schemes
in the State of IIlinos where you do not have a witness present to be found guilty of a statutory violation. This is
a situation that womes him %vhere \\e might license evocation proceeding and somebody comes in and says they
have a complaint and will not tell who gay a them ch.-complaint. .mother importara point is if sorr:,eone makes a
complaint regarding a licensing ordinance and that person is the only person who ob-serves the event that would be
the Subject of the complaint. for example somebQdy looking through a tvindo-,% and sees physical abuse that
manifested itself th ouLh that observation. %%e as a municipality need to be cons erred about whether proper
operations or intprop`r operations are being pursued. t-Nr abusi\ a conditions might exist in any given [34cnsed home.
If a person makes that complaint on an anon\ mows I- sis the question raised is there is no independ=t evidence to
prove that difficult,, If the person does not have to identifv who they are we then would assume the complaint was
assumably well fou:.ded and \would then be operating the situation where we have a licensed facility in town where
there is at least one instance of an abusive practice that has manifested itself and we now have no ability to proceed
with respect to the ::censee on that situation because we have no where to go. which is a serious problem. its.
Brenniman added sometimes that happens.
There being no motion relating to Confidentiality, the next item for discussion was Waivers. Alderman Newman
noted staff is recomr;ending keeping the language "practical impossibility or extreme hardship". Ms. Brenniman
recommended in a421tion to that including some ]ancuaee that deals with making: a reasonable accommodation
based on the individuals present in a home and is working with Mr. Gavin on that language. Ms. Bmnniman will
brine the recommended additional language on Waivers back to the committee.
There being no motion relating to Waivers, the next item for discussion was Fines. Alderman Newman called for
am motion ret_ardirtz, Fines
Alderrnan Moran sa:,.: -.s ith respect to Fines the commentaries have provided it is conceivable under the Licensing
Ordinance there mi_ht be small technical violations in%olyed. In certain instances licensed homes would be operated
b% non -tar -profit or�!anization that t}picalI• have to struggle to come forward with enough money to make their
i7lid nets from %ear tip -ear. alderman Moran mode a motion to allow a revision with the mipitnum fine of S25.
In the instance where there is an erceeding,SQiail technical violation due to naoer �rnrk or a0methinz nod
inherent in the basic cafe operation of the honie, %%c nrovide the court or adiudirator whn addrimses the issue,
the option of imnosink a smaller fine than S25.
:\Iderman \c«mar :tlninienlcd that ha%ing a broad .,,perience o%er the last seen ~ears being on the Council and
seeing ho%. intreyueral% %%e _get am lines out of the courts. the k%hole idea that this provision is somehow going to
ad%erselN atlect an,. ncvt-lbr-profit is inconsistent «ith even thing that has gone can in his seven years Lin the Council.
He ►►ould rather maintain the S 100 and S500 kno«ing use ne%cr +got the tines. It sounds tough in the cNrdinance but
there are all t pes ut.9ue process abilities on the part of the pro% ider at the court le -,el to make argurr-cnts over the
•lie of lines .uid ni,' hat in; the lines Ile thinks IT .N important that %%e send the message that its not the good
prm iders that %%e are addressing, but the not so _good providers. Ile k�ould be %er% reluctant to support anything less
than this helatise he -010%%s .is a practical etl'ect the courts do not pay ,ins attention to k%hat is in our c-dinanee nor
dues he belie, c that aw. pro% ider M ill be abused b� this Cit in the amount of fines asked for especia-rly those who
are attempting to aid -,nd pro%ide housing for people v.ith special needs. Further. it is the poor operatars he would
HSC Minutes = P99 • Page 7.
like to have the ability- to be able to go after and wants to have a broader abiliz. fvr the stall' to go ater. We have
had some poor providers «ho required us to spend a considerable amount of staff time ind legal expenses, and
through these fines we can recoup some money. He, therefore, feels very stn ngh aboout leaving the language in_
In the housing area one can araue that we should have received much greater to the Second Municipal District
unfortunately for the some of the slums being allowed to continue to go on :or %car,. As an ordinance this is a
symbolic message that «e are not __oing to tolerate people not compl%ing at:h :I c appropriate housing standards
We have in this community.
Alderman Newman called for a second to Alderman Moran's motion. No: hearinc a second. he asked ,Ms.
Brenniman how long it will take to have a completed version of this ordinance brought back to the Human Services
Committee. Ms. Brenniman said she could have it by the April committee meeting.
Alderman Newman thanked GIs. Brenniman for all her work on this ordinance and also thanked Housing Options
for their comments and all the their.york to make the Corporation Counsel's office aware of various issues. "Vts.
Brenniman also wished to thank Housing Options for the important information they provided.
VI. SENIOR CENTER SUBCOMMITTEE
Alderman Newman noted a communication was sent to the committee that there «ill be a meeting March loth, and
asked for comments relating to that communication. Alderman Moran commented that in looking at the suggestion
for the make up of the committee he does not have a problem with the four indicated members, Alderman Feldman.
Alderman Rainey. Alderman Ne,.tirnan and Joseph Lev%. being members of the committee. With respect to the three
remaining categories of membership «here there is one member of the Lev\ Center Advison. Committee. one
member of Evanston Commission on .aging. two representatives of the Le,.,. Center. he would like to suggest to
the committee that it might be appropriate to make the modification to that lineup that there be two members each
not just for the general Le\ membership but also the Advisory Committee and the Commission on Aging.
Alderman Newman's concern regarding the subcommittee is he would like people other than Aldermen on the
committee but is not sure the rules on the Sub -committee of a Standing Committees allow for citizens to be
appointed. He would %%ant to proceed b% letting the committee go on as it stands and tool: at whether the rules are
permissible that citizens are alto%%ed on a Sub -committee of a Standing Committee and we should meet in this
format. Ile ktw,.,.s there haz beer; _,rent concern expressed tonight adhering_ stric:h to our roles.
Not kno,.ting the particular pro%i5:on of our rules alderman Moran is sure that this committee wants this sub-
conlmittee ho%%e%er it is called or .iesignated to happen. It strikes him that this issue is at such a strategic and
significant point because it has the greatest impact on our senior citizens and people «ho have historically used and
may in the tuture use the Le%,. Center. %%e would %%ant the maximum contribution of our constituencies that would
be most concerned about it. In his mind that constituency is the members of these particular groups and we would
be doing credit to the acknox%led�crnent of that fact to have two members of each of those groups be part of the sub-
comill l ttee.
Alderman Feldman .lid there .ire members ot' the AJ% isor-, Committee on ,,�e Huh -committee. Joseph Le%% and
another member. There are mo members of the general membership «hich leases only one difference the
Commission on Aging and the,. ha %e not indicated am desire to increase that. It is very difficult to sav .%hat is the
Optimum as %ke could cuncei%abl% sa,. ,.%e should ha,.e tour. six. eight. or more. He has no idea how to arrive at
one onh in the sense that this represents an attempt to make the committee the size that %%ould be able to function
ettecti%cl% and ,till hate ,.er% str,n_ participation oil the part ofth0se groups and is %er% comfortable with the
current sire ofthe _group
Alderman Dent said the selection ut C011unittee members are tine %%Ith him but he %could hope that %%e continue to
look at the Le,. y Center as part elf a _gander. larger. picture "ith the idea that .%hen this center is located we are not
HSC Minutes : 1 99 - Page 3.
going to have the same number of membership and would hope that this committee tries to get the rraesxage out to
Primm Towers residents and all the senior groups that meet at Croon. Fleetwood. etc.. to spice up tic interest. Iet
people knots what we're doing and come join in and become involved. Alderman Newman said Aiderman Kent
was exactly on the point. he had a meeting at the Georgian with at least 90 people and there was on]y one person
who was a member of the Ley% Center. which is a concern. He believes the spirit of the sub-comminre c•iIl be that
people who attend .gill be given every opportunity possible to participate and part of the problem -Aith setting up
a committee is the more people involved the more difficult to schedule meetings.
.41 Ihis point I8 4.Y p.m.1 .4Iderman Feldman left ri.-c meeting
Alderman Moran recalled in the late 1930's when he ..-as on the Recreation Board they were working on a program
statement for a new Lei y Center. There was a special sub -committee with representatives from the Levy Center
Advisory Committee. Commission on .aging. and Levy general membership. An interesting aspect of the
discussions that sire.% tip around that particular issue is that tine round one particular member might hs.c a viewpoint
that would be very strong and sometimes consistent with the general outlook of that particular group yr one member
might have an opinion 180 degrees away from the ether committee members. He would be a bit concreted havinsi
one member from each group as only one person may bring one particular view to the issue that may or may not
be representative of the overall vies of the group. Having one other person might induce a helpful ba3ance in terms
of discussion. Alderman Newman believed that if the Commission on Aging .vanted to commun:catc with this
committee they could automatically get on the agenda and we will do the best we can to be inclusive. He does not
see any problem if the% <.ant to send two people. they would be allowed to fully participate.
(flan Moran made a motion that there he 1~•o members from the Le•v Center dc1 . isorti Committee and
.o fr m the Commission on AQ_Lag on the enmmittce, Alderman Newman caned for a second to Alderman
Nforan's motion. not hearing a second the communication will be accepted as written.
VII. HOMELESS CONTINUUM OF CARE
A memo from Mr. Terri was sent to the committee informing them that it does not appear any Human Services
Committee action is necessat at this time. Nlr. Terry said he was just today informed by Nis. Dorothy Lloyd -Still
she reeei%ed notice that the HE'D 5upernofa is out and available giving us 90 days to get a Continuum of Care to
HUD. This will come belbre the Housing Commission and the Human Services Committee before the end of the
90 day period. Mr. Teem will keep the committee informed of this status. .alderman Newman was happy to learn
%fr. I-c.rry has been mectinL with of ers rcuarding this and looks fnn%ard to regal• in, this intormatian for the Ma%
Human Ser. ices Committee meeting. ~
'III. TOWNSHIP BUDGET SCHEDULE REVIEW
I'hc budget dies not rcytttre final appro-,al until June 0th and will be taken up at the April meeting.
I\. F1 TL RE AGENDA ITEMS
1pril agenda will include.
Tow nship Budget
Group I tome Ordinance
1 pdate on I` %anston Art Center
HSC Minutes ; 1 99 - Pane 9-
Pending References status:
Establishing a Afarina: Alderman Newman asked if there is going to be a position of the staff on
establishing a marina and asked if Mr. Gaynor would respond to that in writing to dispose of the reference.
Amendments to the Long Term Care Ordinance: Alderman Pcldman ►►•anted to begin working on this
because the budget change has been made in that program. hir. Terry said it would be a while before that
will be ready to come before the Human Services Committee.
Police Officer Vacancies: Alderman Newman asked Mr. Tern if he could confer with Alderman Rainey
regarding that reference.
Emergency Assistance Services: Could that be targeted sometime in June.
Evanston Hospital.tfental Health Services: The purpose of this reference was to keep track of what was
going on with Evanston Hospital. Request for a report on what is happening regarding the decisions made
reladve to the budget on that.
Mr. Terry added we will also be considering amending the food licenses in April.
Alderman Ne%timan asked about meeting with the various Boards and Commissions for future meetings.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted.
Audre% Trotsky.. Department of alth & Human Services
HSC Minutes 3,1:99 - Page 10.
DRAFT - NOT APPROVED
CITY COtTN,'CIL
HUMAN SER'%7CES CONWITTEE
.April 1". 1999
Civic Center - Council Chambers
6:00 P.I.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Aldermen Kent. Moran. Newman- and Rainey
MEMBERS ABSENT: Alderman Feldman
STAFF PRESENT: Kathleen Brenniman. Max Rubin. Doug Gaynor, Jim Wolinski. Judy Aiello. Paula
Haynes. Jay Terry. Audrey Trotsky
OTHERS PRESENT: Larry Gain, Housing Options; Alexander Brown, Evanston/Skokie Valley Senior
Services; Bob Nottenburg. Commission on Aging; Michelle Rowe- Shields. Ann
Reems, Hal Stewart. Alice Kreiman, William Rattner, Joseph Behels, Mimi Van Styk.
Lucille Krasnow, HughTemple, Evanston Art Center
Public Hearing Sign -In Sheets Attached
PRESipIN ,: Alderman Rainey
I. CALL TO ORDER
Alderman Rainey called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. and announced at this time there will be a regular Human
Services Committee meeting and at 8:00 p.m. a Public Hearing will be held on the reuse of the Recycling Center.
IL APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 1. 1999
The minutes of the March 1. 1999 meek were uttnimously apprgved. without corrections (4&
Ill. APPROVAL OF MARCH 1999, TOWNSHIP MO`THL1' BILLS
111-17 1! 1_ 1 "Tt MIWI I ETI I mwwj! 11 UYNTMEOU4 HT&I : l M ' 1' 1' 1 1/ 1 1 i 11 in Me, i
126374111
Alderman Rainey questioned the new TriTel Service expenditure. his. Payne responded that was for an upgraded
telephone s} stem and electrical lines as the telephone is partially related to the computer Y2K conversion. The
s%-stem ►►ould have had to he upgraded regardless of the Y2K conversion. After checking into other companies the%
selected this company that has worked closely in doing their computer conversion_
Alderman Rainey asked if the S100 contribution to the Freedom Fund NAACP is an ongoing monthly expense.
Ms. Payne responded. no, that was for an ad in their paper for their annual May dinner.
Alderman Rainey inquired regarding the insignificant amount of money ($24.00) for New Trier Township legal and
was curious as to what generated the expense on Page 1 of the Accounts Payable Aging Report. leis. Patine %%as not
sure vas that amount was for and will look it up.
Alderman Rainey gilled for annrm•al of tllgBarch 1999 Township Monthly Billa. motion_ ananimousir
A.nnroved (4
HSC Minutas411-99 plize i.
IN TOWNSHIP BUDGET REVIEW FOR YEAR ENDING ,MARCII :1, 2000
Several pages of corrections for this budget were distributed to the committee by \ 1s. Payne.
Alderman Rainey entertained a[notion to nlare this budget on the floq_r for discussion. Alderman Newman
seconded the motion.
Alderman Moran inquired regarding (Page 8, G.A. Summary) the Actual Propert. lax Ley\ fk..,r. this year of
S61 1.273 and the Proposed for the coming year of 5668.750, which comes to a 9110 increase. He had questions on
some line items relating to those figures. The Transfer From Town Fund last year..aa budgeted for S500.000 and
the result of the -ear was under S350.000, approximately 70% of the budgeted amount. For this vear there is
S600.000 proposed. which .would be a substantial increase of approximately 70° o. Ms. Payne tho,ight that was
raised was because of their computer conversion in anticipation of needing additional funds to cover =cpenditures
for the conversion. The bottom line of their budget is approximately 559.000 more than last N car and this .will
offset some..here in the line items where there .were negatives for this year. Alderman Nloran asked what the
computer conversion is estimated to cost. Ms. Payne responded if she recalls correctly the amoti= was about
562.000.
Alderman Moran .wanted to know what caused the 290/a increase to General Assistance Overhezu last year's
Actual was S248.659 and this year the budgeted figure is $329.608. Ms. Payne ans\%ered they would have to go
through the line items to determine what increased and what decreased as this was not due to only one item but an
accumulation of the negatives throughout the various line items.
Alderman Moran referred to Page 9. conected figures, wherein the actual was 5131.595 and the Budgeted amount
was S 180.000. the Proposed for 1999-2000 is again S 180.000. Nis. Payne responded the average number of clients
this year teas 90.10. The reason for the difference is they are budgeting for 100 clients as she does not think it is
prudent to budget for 90. 10 as the increase is only 9 people. The Rent figure represents the rent to clients, they pay
S 150 per month to each client and have budgeted this for 100 clients. The same figures hold true for Personal
Expenses. The number budgeted has remained the same for the past 3 years. Alderman .Moran then asked if going
from 90 to I t}r7 clients. v ould increase the :actual amount S 14,000 or S 15,000. its. Payne said the actual here is
because they did not have 90 clients all year long, they had an average of 90 clients making the Actual fluctuate.
Thee are in ing to build in additional 10 clients. ,-alderman Moran said he was mere],, asking if your budgeting for
90 and then budgeting to 100 would be an increase of I i°.o. I Is. Payne did not calculate this in penxnraues. but
took S 1;0 times 1 o clients times 1: months to arri% e at her dollar amount. Alderman Moran noted that I I 10 of
S 131.000 would be an additional S 15,000 for a figure of S 146,000 and he would assume that if your are referring
to an average ov er the course of the last year of 90 clients looking for.%ard to an average: over the course of the next
year of 100 clients there would be an I I ° o increase totaling S 146,000 rather than S 180.000. !its. Payne said the total
amount paid to each client would have to be taken into consideration.
Alderman Nc%%man pointed out if we ..-ant to discuss what amount and number of clients we should beget for and
the philosoph% it behind fie %%ould consider that total1% reasonable. Should they budget for 80. 90. 110. 120, or 130.
is the actual issue, not the math. Alderman Moran noted the math is important. why would it be SIS 0.000 rather
than 5146.000. %fr. Hilliard said Alderman Moran was taking I I % of S 131.000 but this was not ca:culated that
.�a% . «'hat the. are saying is they •• it l have 100 clients at S 150 per client for 12 months which «ou ,d be S 1.800
times 100 clients totaling $180.000, just for the rent. , Alderman Rainey asked what is the total 'Housing and
Personal Grant and was inlormed it was 5334.00. to which Alderman Rainey noted that in itself .imes 100 is
S314.000. Alderman Moran said this year there %%as an average of 90 clients fora total of S 131.000. Ms. Payne
said the% budgeted 5180.000. some months in this -,car there were 75. 80. or 95 clients and therefor: the actual
is going to be less because the%' did not have 90 clients across the board for 12 months. Ifthey budget: �nased on the
S 131.000 Actual for this year they could very easily come up a large negative because they could go 1;1j, 100. 105.
HSC Minutes a; ',I299 Pave 2.
throughout the entire 12 month period and come out s:7ort. l hrrrlore. [hey just tudgeted for 10 Merits flier the
amount they averaged this year. :alderman \loran said under these circumstimees they have I I I., resnre clients and
35% more dollars. Ms. Payne responded that could very wc1l be but her figures am based an per-=ntares.
Alderman Rainey thought a ntemo is needed to explain this. mathematically Alderman Moran iti carrot but the
justification of this needs to he s«n on paper. Ms. Payne noted it is onl% 100 clients and the nur -vrs c:an be put
on paper indicating 12% in percentages, yet is still onl,. 10 people. Alderman Newman said the t:,sue of whether
or not the budget should call for and plan for 100 clients is a legitimate issue but we have to lc*-,k at cirC history
behind this. At one time. in the 1980's, we had 270 to 320 people in Evanston on General Assistance. For several
years w•e have been bringing the total number of projected clients down lower and lower. lust a fe« yea: s ago the
number was 150 clients. We are now in an up economy, on the wa% to Welfare Reform. and do not know -.ghat will
happen after the 5 years. The issue is how many people a year should we plan for. not only in the goof times but
also in bad times, and 100 is a very conservative figure considering we have had years with 320. We should be
planning for the worst not the best, if we do not we'll be left with a deficit. He thought the memo shy.-uld historicall%
go back for the past 10 years. show what the number of clients have been each year and how �.ou reduced the
number budgeted for. He cannot imagine going lower than 100 as we will find we're about as log. as we can go.
Alderman Rainey added she would like to have included in the memo when was the last time the grant was changed.
Ms. Payne said -it has changed once within the past 8 nears since she has been there and went from S314.00 to
S334.00.
Alderman Rainey commented that she has no information regarding what is happening in the Work Opportunity
Program. how does it currently work, how many people are involved, what is it accomplishing. when is in the
program, etc, Ms. Payne said thev have eliminated one staff person in the budget and by doing so ha%e redistributed
the work between the staff they have. They can get detailed information in regards to what is going with this
program. Alderman Rainey also requested, information on the clerical trainer, an explanation of the placement
contract, and the Access to Care Program. Ms. Payne responded the placement contract is the Youth lob Center
Program, ifthey place one of our clients on a job we pay them a certain amount. Mr. Hilliard responded the access
to Care Program is a contact we have with them for our clients who can go with them for a nominal fee S5.00 co -
payment to receive a different kind of health care. This is not an HNIO. 8 years ago CEDA with some other
community pulled together this program and from the time we started with Access to Care to date u.e hawe n,.er 556
people in the program. Aidernian Rainey asked for a shun wrinen explanation of the Access to Care Program. She
also requested to include in the Work Opportunity Program information some numbers, i.e., how many people are
in the program. Also. a little more information about the new Emergency Food Pantry. `[s. Payne said it has not
been put into place but is just an idea. The reason for the very small dollar amount is they do not kno,-+ how it
.would work and hope that it will be successful for General Assistance clients and we %would be able to move the
funding over to the Town fund and open it up to anyone in Evanston. However, as long as it is in the General
Assistance Fund they cannot do that. Nlr. Hilliard, who has worked with this before, has been contactintr some of
the major food chains and is familiar with the procedure for such a program. We have to submit all the paperwork
to he approved for this program by the Chicago Food Depository. Alderman Rainey asked if this is the �:srne kind
of program that Reverend Summers is running the Food Aid Center of Evanston. GIs. Payne uz5 not at, are of
Reverend Summers' program and said they %will contact him to see if this is something that is being duplicated.
Aldemian Rainey asked if the Mayor has the authority to veto a Township budget. Ms. Payne did not know but said
they were submitting a budget with a 30116 increase of S59.000. and for the last four years their budgets ha\ a been
under 5`6.
Aldemtan Moran asked when developing the memo. explanations be included regarding the increase of 11 ° o over
the Director's salary and the 13 to 14% increase of the Manager of Accounting. Payroll and Medical salar . \Is.
Payne commented that their budget is not on a calendar year therefore it appears that some people are getting a much
larger increase than they actually are because they are receiving the salary from the prior year. Based on their hire
HSC Minutes 4,12 99 Page I
date they not only budget for their increase for the coming year but the increase thxty did not receisc because of
being on a calendar year. In regards to the Director after a six month period he is entitled to a review plus an
increase provided he performs well there is a cost of living increase of 3%. plus a merat increase on his anniversary
date. Alderman Moran said he --ould appreciate the background on these explari Lions in the memorandum in
respect to both the Director and the Manager of Accounting.
Alderman Moran's next question pertained to Printing and Duplicating. last year's Actual budget was S3.188.00
and this year is budgeted for $18.(k)0 an increase of 6004o. Nlr. Hilliard responded that amount is to cover the
quarterly newsletter the Township %gill be publishing that »ill be sent to all Evanston residents. Alderman Moran
asked what purpose that will serve. Ms. Payne responded it «ill let people in the community know 6+hat is going
on at the Township and other social agencies within the community can give them information about v.-hat is going
on with them. This is a good idea and is not uncommon for a Township to do. She does not know wh.. they should
not start to try to do this as communication is vital. Alderman Moran asked if it cr°could be possible to target the
Township clients. Ms. Payne said they meet with clients on a monthly basis and the information they are tr% ing to
get out is not necessarily information only for clients as they want the entire community to know what thev are
doing.
Alderman Newman appreciates wanting to communicate to the entire community what a governmental unit is doing
and agrees it is good to do that. However. we publish the Highlights part of the Arts and Recreation magazine at
a very large expense to the City and if the Township wanted to have some space in Highlights he could not see any
reason why that could not be done. He is not sure how much we would want to advertise about this great grant
program going on at the Township. There is a great referral systern for people in need to find out about this and is
not sure what can be accomplished by sending out a City%vide newsletter but is willing to hear more about. all
the information we have about this is two lines in the budget. if you wish to make a case for a newsletter he is very
open to listening but would like to hear why we cannot incorporate information about the To%Nmship in the
Highlights. The City uses the Highlights as their newsletter in an attempt to consere funds because everyone gets
the ?tits and Recreation magazine and our information is included in there. He would like to hear why or whether
that is workable. Ms. Payne responded they have never been contacted if there is anything we wanted to include
in that publication and never kne,.v who to contact if they wanted to put something to there. Alderman Newman
said to consider this a contact if you want to put things in the High1l hts. There is no reason -we cannot include a
few extra pages to accommodate the Township. This should definitely be looked into because it is sent to the entire
community. Mr. Hilliard did not want anyone to think this .would be a want ad to increase the General Assistance
program. this will be about taxes. the :assessor's office. and other programs we are rb-�tng. All Townships publish
a newsletter. it is an amenable way for us to get information out. People pass by Dodge and ,Main and wonder what
is going on here. Alderman Ne�%man agreed with Mr. Hilliard but in a coterminous To.+reship we are different than
Niles which is made up of Skokie. Morton Grove and others. He would like to see this looked into. Alderman
Rainey added to shoot for something higher than the Township letters that come in their packets because Lhey are
of ven poor quality. If you want your own newsletter it could be put inside the Arts and Recreation magazine.
;Alderman Rainey thought there should be much mon: discussion about the Food Panto and asked if the Township
would have to rent additional space tier that program. its. Pa% ne said there has been a ne%% configuration of space
to accommodate the new, computers and now they have the needed space for this program. Alderman Raine% asked
if the S20.000 budgeted amount was for the reorganization to which Nls. Payne said they hoped the} could do this
without using any or all of that amount. Alderman Rainey asked Ms. Payne if she +ould attend the next Human
Sen-ices Committee meeting to discuss the information requested and thanked both Ms. Payne and Mr. Hilliard for
their attendance.
V1. STATUS REPORT ON EVANSTON ART CENTER COACH HOUSE APARTMENT
'fir. Rubin reported his memo gave Facility Management's, the Fire Departments. and the architect's views.
I-lo%%ever this is looked at money needs to spent to make it habitable. This can continue as an apartment and the
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City can continue to collect rent as it has for the past 20 plus years, or as requested can be converted ry classroom
space to extend the Evanston Aft Center programs giving them 600 square feet ofclassroom opportunity, They have
presented their estimate for the costs of doing an apartment and classroom space. Certain changes take place in
the program of the building itself for classroom space, mainly fire separation alarm system, secondary egress.
emergency and exit lighting, sprinkler system, and having two instead of one bathroom. Air conditioning is needed
for both. Any or all items can be taken out and the space can be abandoned without spending any mnncy, he does
not have money for either conversion in his budget. This is not budgeted in the Capital Improvement Prugram {CIP}
but CIP does have some money for remodeling the downstairs apartment bathroom and kitchen. ;ie is mercly
presenting the facts for your decision of what is to be done with the space. ,
Alirlrrlle Rowe -Shields, Director ojtlte EvanstonArt Center, introduced attending Board of Trustees and Off icers.
President, Ann Reems; President Elect Hal Steward; Vice President Bill Rattner; Truutees Mimi Van Styk. Lucille
K.msnow. Jerry Hausman. Hugh Temple, Joe Bellies. and Alice Kreiman. They appmziate the opportLzuty to again
come before the Human Services Committee and thanked Mr. Rubin for his efforts ar�3 help and meeting moth their
Board of Trustees last month. During the last two months they have learned a tot and would Iike to remind you
where they have come from. At the January Human Services Committee meeting the Evanston Art Ce: to proposed
leasing the coach house beginning with a vacant apartment on the second floor and garage space to expand their
Youth Fine Arts Programs for talented and interested youth. At that time they believed they could serve an
additional 350 Evanston children and families. The minutes of that meeting include Aiderrran Rainey's
encouraging statement which Alderman Newman seconded, that the Evanston Art Center be considered as the
number one prospect for that space. Having Mr. Rubin and their own architect and Board of Trustee. Joe Baileys.
review the facility and determine the improvements needed for their educational use has been a %esy beneficial
process. What they are now asking you to consider is leasing the entire building to them. They believe they can
serve up to 400 to 300 more Evanston youth and families if they lease the whole building. Our re%ised proposal
should require less of a financial outlay from the City to renovate the space as will dome clear in a fei% moments.
We also knew that this proposal can't happen right away as a tenant is living there. She will now turn this over to
Joe Behles to address a process they went through to address educational use of the building and ho%% they came
to their revised proposal.
,Vr. Behies introduced himself and stated this building would become a building of c o different uses a residentia;
and a classroom use. Traditionally they put people that need to get out on the ground floor and people that need
to be limited in number or a less dense use on top. We learned in working with Mr. Rubin and Mr. Kell, of the Fire
Department. they would basically obliterate this poor building if they took the small second floor apartment and
tried to make it a classroom. 17hey would have to find a way to put a second exit in :he building. there is oral-, one
stairway up now as would be expected of a little apartment. They spent a fair amount of time looking around the
apartment and Ivlr. Rubin's staff did a few studies and found they would have to spend so much move,, and space
to create an exit it would be counter productive. He may be the guilty party in say ing what should happen is little
kids should be on the ground floor where there are doors and exits all around and a couple of people like the An
Center staff should move up to the top floor for offices. He thinks the garage is by far is the best space for the An
Center. We have a building built of extremely high quality, made of a solid concrew floor structure ,Ir the secon",
floor. The ceiling, walls, boor, and back wall of this garage are completely made of concrete are fireproof ar..',
would meet the most stringent requirements about fire separation today just as the% are, and is one beg open space.
bigger effectively or as big as the top unit. He mentioned to Ms. Rowe -Shields wh, don't we try to put the three
cars outside effectively not indoor parking and gain one complete studio space for the Youth Fine :arts Program or
some: of the expansion of Art Center studios in the building to make more room for the kids. What w e ha% e come
to is a realization that due to the backwardness of putting children on a second level the building sin es a much
better use %� hen both the apartment and the garage is rented to one group for use as ground floor studios. and the
upstairs. which he would call incidental, as an office for a couple of the Art Center staff. In fairness to Mr. Rubin
they have not worked through any details which is premature to do so, but when reading through the code and Lakin,
a common sense to look at it, it is a much more straightforvard use of the building from a code and lire 5:fety point
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orview. This is an awkward situation because the space that makes most sense right now is not ayairLtble, but from
a long term perspective makes more sense than their original thought which %%-as putting the cla:mroom on the
second floor.
Alderman Moran remarked, as you know we had two long term tenants in that building. wine of there is now gone
-which precipitated this situation. You are now saving you want the entire building plus the gar -we. There is
definitely a sentiment that suggests because this is.a publicly owned building devoting it to public purpose to a
degree makes sense, but -ve do have a precedent in Evanston of having publicly owned buildings char. are rented to
private entities and'or persons. We have had numerous discussions about those situations as to whednier or not they
make sense depending upon the particular circumstance they sometimes become rather controversial. He has a
particular concern that -we do have a lone term tenant in that building you are talking about completet-v taking over.
Obviously with this secondary proposal we would be talking about dislodging that tenant. He has 3 generalized
concern as he knows that person has lived there for a lone time and is concerned about dislodging this tenant. His
second observation goes right to the heart of what Mr. Behles is saying which is this tenant is on the first floor, the
former tenant was on the second floor, and we were discussing some further public space on the second floor. His
concern was that orientation may not be the correct orientation to have someone living on the first floor and try to
develop a public space with children's activities above that person which might impose some hardship on the person
living below besides being difficult regarding ingress, egress, safety considerations. etc. He wondered if there
would be a possibility of perhaps refurbishing the second floor so the long term tenant could continue to live in the
building under reasonable circumstances and refurbish the first floor to devote that to a public use such as is being
proposed. Then the financial issue has to be taken into consideration. an estimate from Mir. Rubin's Scenario One
refurbishing the apartment space upstairs of 565.000. Scenario Two refurbishing and converting it to classroom
space of S 113.000. and as Mr. Rubin has stated there is no money in the budget fir either scenario. There are some
CIF funds for reasonable modest upgrades in terms of the first floor apartment but nothing else. and money is
important. Mr. Behles said the Sl 13.000 amount led the Art Center to think this isn't a smart thing to pursue -which
is one of the things that prompted them to think they have to have a different scheme as this is not reasonable.
Alderman Ne-+tnan felt the point raised concerning the tenant is a legitimate concern. however, we have tenants in
this Civic Center building and if he thought the City of Evanston needed that space he -would be telling those tenants
they will to go else►+here. Anybody who chooses. for whatever reason, to take advantage of space on public
property does so at their own risk. He cannot possibly find any -way one person having an apartment on the first
floor of this building can outweigh serving 350 children in the community. file appreciates the fact that the
employee who works for the City is an excellent employee. works on his committee and has been there a long time.
but one takes a certain risk and the City is not in the business of providing housing to its employees. To him the
issue is whether or not the use being proposed is a better use for the community than renting it to one individual.
He does not have any problem giving the individual enough time to relocate but the decision here is about how to
use public property, to rest serve the community. The Art Center has a very legitimate proposal that is very
attractive to this community and we should be discussing how we can make this work to offer additional Services.
if this proposal --orks out financially he will be very trilling to support telling the rwrson who lives there it is time
to look for another place Ot'course. if nobody came along for this property the tenant could remain as long the,.
wanted to, but unfortunately we no-w have a much better use for the property. In terms of finances he does not think
the two figures he questions. anticipated keeping of the first floor apartment or it'" e Just -vent with an apartment
that stays the way it is but with the Scenario Two classroom. Mir. Behles said they suggested abandoning Scenario
Two the classroom upstairs for all of the technical and space difficulties they learned through Mfr. Rubin, the lire
Department and their o%%n investigations. Alderman Xewman said at this point there is no figure as to +%hat the
scenario of using the garage and the first floor would be and asked what the Art Center is looking for from the City.
not having that figure there is not much to discuss. Mr. Behles said Mfr. Rubin worked long and hard to help them
develop some figures for the scenario they left with last time but if -ou say that is an interesting proposal they are
open to that idea and ►would then develop some costs to go along -with it.
HSC h1inutes4'1199 Page 6.
Mr. Rubin wanted to clari6 that the tenant wus asked if thc} tr ntoye up to the Secon.l t]oor but it is not
possible for that tenant to do that, the spouse is unable to take the stairs. AiderinAn i:ainey asked if the tenant is
interested in staying in the apartment and was told, yes. She %%an cd to address :hat and comment on Alderman
Newman's statement. There is absolutely no comparison, if an%bod► thinks Lhere is the% need io think again,
between displacing a tenant in an offlice use in this building and decFlacing a per4.n who considers the unit their
home. Home and livelihood are %ery important to people and unless .ou have been displaced or talked to somebody
who has been displaced you wouldn't be so quick to throw people out of their home. even if it is done in a humane
manner. There are all types of laws about how this is done and even if the letter of the law can be foIlowed. we must
not be so cavalier as to say "we haye a better use". There is very tied- better uses that somebody makes of a space
,when they make it their home. Nothing in the whole world. not the Pope, nor the Q.ieen of England. nor Alderman
Newman, could a%er change her mind on how sacred one's home is. She thinks there are other options and asked
why the garage space cannot be considered. Mr. Rubin was sorn to say two of the garage spaces are used by- the
building, but one is used by the Lighthouse keeper and there is an agreement that the Lighthouse keeper in
coordination with the Cii% has the right of use of that garage space. He does not knr,t% how binding that is or what
documents there are regarding this but one parking space is not ours.
Alderman Moran thought administrative personnel could still possibly stay where they are and maybe something
can be worked out so the first floor and garage can be converted to classroom space. then perhaps something could
be done for the second floor. '%fr. Rubin raised the question of the tenant's spouse having difficulty getting up the
stairs. Alderman New -man said he would like to make it clear that the person who lies in the first floor apartment
is an employee but does pay rent, if there is any confusion about malting it available to someone not paying rent.
They do pay a pretty decent amount of rent and from 4tr. Rubin's description this is not a fancy place and in fact
probable needs a lot of work. Alderman Moran said knowing nothing about thi_ tenant's spouse prior to the
statement just made, he knows that in our efforts to in- to make the second floor and above spaces available to
handicapped people we have on occasion used chair lifts that are not yen• expensive. Looking at the numbers of
Scenarios One and Two he recalls those expenses are not terribly material in terms of these numbers. It strikes him
that if someone worked on a plan that would allow for the refurbishing of the second floor with the potential for a
lift. if it weren't too expensive; and refurbishing the first floor and concerting it to classroom space we may be going
somewhere with that, but we need money to do that. He thinks we're in a confused context regarding the garage
and we need to be informed what the garage can or cannot be used for. Perhaps a proposal that works for everyone
can be worked out if we can convert the second floor to a more habitable living space that could be accessed b% both
tenants here and classroom space on the first floor and maybe some part or all of the garage. Nlr. Rubin said a chair
lift is perfectly feasible in this location as the tenant is able to walk. flip the seat down and ride up to th= second
floor. Alderman Reline% asked if %cC still hale to have that ifwe use it the way the :art Center asked. Mr. Rubin
said, no. we determined that a lift is not necessary because it is less than 1,000 square Pert. The chair lift is not ADA
compliant but perfectly legal for people who have difficulty climbing stairs.
1171liam Rallner, Vice President of the Evanston Art Center. said we are dealing with some principles and the idea
of a publicly owned building; being used. if at ail possible. for a public use something this committee and our Cite
Council is for and if the public was a%+are of this would also feel ver% strongly about it. They want Cit% statfand
their Board to seriously sit dt)wn in good faith and work this out. The,. hate heard %%hat Alderman Rainey said and
they are not in the business of thro%%ing people out on the street that is another principle they have to work with and
%gill work with that. They have 400 or 500 kids lined up that they haven't been able to service that they can service
if they get this space, which is important. They don't know the facts of this lease and it would be helpful if staff
gave them an idea of %that the lease entails and how long it is to run. He %%ould assume that since these discussions
started a few months ago there has not been any extension or new least; given. Alderman Raincy said it seeins to
her that you are talking to us and then \fr. Rubin is talking to us, but % ou all need to sit down and get your collective
act together and come back with a proposal that can't lose. Mr. Rattner said that is exactly what the% are
proposing, they would like to sit down in real detail with i41r. Behlcs. `Ir. Rubin. and others. This is a building in
which something has to be done. Last time this committee decided they can't decide: to do nothing because the
HSC Minutes 4112 99 Page 7.
building is going to deteriorate and you have to spend some money- on it. Whether you spend money on just a
couple of tenants or you spend it on us there is going to be money =pent. One of the differences is if we get into
a relationship and can take over this space we can do what no one eL�e can do. we can contribute some money. The
Art Center is not looking for something for nothing. we are good citizens, most of us live in Evanstam many of us
work in Evanston. we pay taxes in Evanston, and are aware of the b-adget process that you have gorse through and
the problems facing the City. What .ve are willing to do. which we F.ave already proved in principle. is in response
to a long term lease that would allow us to amortize this so we can niake funds available for the renovation upgrade
of this building and will do so. «-hat Mr. BehIes and Mr. Rubin have been looking at is some extra costs if %e
utilize this space. but there will also be some extra savings if we utilize this space. We do not need a fancy kitchem
bathrooms or floors that would in%olve a lot of savings. If we don"t use the second floor for classrooms we will
not have an ADA or second floor e--ress problem. Of course. we will also pay a fair rent. Right now there is only
one apartment rented. and he is sure the tenant is paying a fair rent, but one apartment is empty. We'll pay for all
of it and the garage aside from contributing toward improvements. Last time everyone agreed that we are the tenant
of choice and all we want to do is work carefully and in detail to see if we can make it work out and that includes
the situation with the tenant. This is not a square foot or stair problem but a human pmblem. Alderman Rainey said
she sensed they are extremely sensitive to this problem. ,Mr. Rattner said they are not unmindful to %our problems
that it also important to them.
.Alderman Newman was very aware that sometimes when people disagree others Mill attempt to place the situation
in a more compelling position. but the fact is this is not a displacement such as displacing poor people on the west
side of Evanston. this is a highly paid manager in the City of Evanston. He think_ there is a feeling in the City
when we collect rent we are not going to put money back into the property. .Apparently we allowed an apartment
to go untouched. although we were collecting rent for a number of rears. He fully expects the patters[ is we're not
a very, good landlord. when rent is received there is an obligation on an ongoing basis to invest that money back into
the premises. We are being told as a result of a tenant leaving the ap rt:ment is totally Butted and he would have to
think we're not putting a lot of money into that place. Maybe we should not be in the business of being a landlord
to individuals with public property. He believes the .Art Center is saying will tiou be open to listening if we come
tip %vith a proposal that is going to utilize the entire space. He is very open to listening because he knows the use
you're proposing is going to be a much greater benefit to the community than the S 1200 or S 1300 we get from this
individual. This is not to say that he does not have some sympathy for somebody that has lived somewhere for a
long time. but thinks. public buildings are ultimately going to to-- used for public purposes and nobody is committing
a crime by disagreeing and thinking your proposal might be viable for the entire building. He would like to see a
proposal for the entire building, if %ou want to do one for just the bottom. or just the garage, do that too. If %ve see
the entire proposal then we will be in a position knowing the finances and will be able to weigh whether or not your
proposal for the 350 children could possibly outweigh giving the tenant a very reasonable amount of time to look
at relocating in the City. Perhaps %%e could look into helping this tenant any we can. He's telling you if you have
a good proposal he will to go to bat with the rest of the Council and does not think if there is some disagreement
here on the issue of the tenant that you should back off one bit because you have a good use and have to put the idea
out there. Ile is confident we will even though there will be some who will say, that those who support this are
being heartless. He does not think ,ve're being heartless, he thinks %, e're goine to be good listeners. look at all the
options and do the best we can. You have some disagreement here but he %vould sa\ go for the most and lets see
if this Council makes the riefit decision for the City.
:1ldemian Rainev thought iI is the sense of this committee that ever -body sit down and get together including the
tenant and come back to us. We have seen the numbeps before they are general) S 100 a square foot residential.
S_20 a square foot commercial. and works out perfect. Mr. Rubin said these were done individually. The square
footage cost was not used. ;alderman Rainey said when coming_ back with the concept it has to be backed up
Financially \tith the whys and wherefores of how its coins to happen from the City. the Art Center. and all other
possibilities. fir. Rubin said he is now working on the possibility of the whole building being used by the Art
HSC Minutes 4112 99 Page S.
Center including the garage. assuming they can get all three SarAec zqx cs, a lim1posal far the tit �t floor and a
residential on the second.
Mr. Rubin wished to address Alderman Newman, to protect his department they, do es-rr-.thing thcv. can with what
they have available to them. Financially we support every building we .•%stt <utd do take ;:arc of thC.m. tt'e offered
to take care of that apartment and were rejected. Alderman Nc%%man said what %%e did as a landlord ite� we had
a tenant who would not cooperate was allowed the property to go &-o nhill for 20 years. Mr. Rubin said the tenant
forced them to allow that apartment to go down for those 20 }ear. Alderman Rainey interjected this is another
discussion. we are changing our ways and will not allow anyi*df to keep us out of our property and will keep it
up.
tier. Rattner thanked the committee and Mr. Rubin. they will be in touch to talk very detailed plans. Alderman
Rainey said the committee is counting on it and thanked the An Center members for their attendance.
VII. STATUS REPORT ON THE FARMERS' MARKET
Ms. Aiello reported, this year the market will be on Parcel 6, which is the corner of University Place and 14taple.
The stalls will be put there, once construction starts parking µill remain on the large parking lot across the street.
We will also be graveling the parcel just behind Parcel 6, which is currently grass, to allow for parking. There will
be the same number of vendors, a couple have chosen not return and one or two new vendors may- be added.
Alderman Newman asked if there could be an announcement in the Evanston Review as there seems to be the
constant Questions because construction is going to start. its. Aiello said a map could be provided for the Review
this week.
Vlll. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 20-0-99 AMENDING THE EVANSTON CITY CODE
PERTAINING TO LANDLORD AND TENANT REGULATIONS
Ms. l•laynes reported the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance as it is currently constituted does not address
prohibitions against illegal activities. The Police Department has been %working with Cook County's Nuisance
:abatement Program for the last several months. When they raid these apartments where illegal activities are going
on in addition to notifying Cook County they also notify- her office and she then notifies the landlord and tries to
advise and Luide them in terms of how to terminate the leases of these tenants. which can sometimes be trick,.
because there is nothing speciticaily in the ordinance. What this ordinance does is pro.ide a tool for landlords to
break those leases and sets up prohibitions against those illegal activities.
'Alderman Moran moved anp9val of Ordinance 20-0-99 amending_Lhe Evanston City Code perlaining to
Landlord and Tenant Regulations,
:alderman Kent liked this ordinance but had some questions, one in particular regarding providing landlords with
the tool to terminate the rental agreements of tenants «ho use their dwellings for illegal purposes. Lis. Havnes
interjected. their dwellings or common areas as well as this includes common areas in the building. :alderman Kent
understands a bit about the process we go through as far as the Nuisance Abatement Program and how the Polies:
function in there. There are certain stipulations that we ha,,e to find happening at that house that are illegal activities
and then the process starts rolling. Generally by the time we actually close down a house there is a huge record
complied dealing with illegal activities at this house or at a particular house. Unfortunately he also had the
experience of knowing more than one landlord who has not necessarily been the most honest landlord that a tenant
could rent tom and has actually used our Police Department in sitiations to in- to get that tenant evicted. has «Mitten
to ]-IUD and things of that nature to make it rough on this individt:al and their family. How are we going to follow
up protecting the tenant when they might be a good tenant and are being harassed by the landlord. ifs. Haynes
HSC Minutes 4 1?199 Page 9.
thought those individuals should come to her MNN-c and she or hrr staff %►ill -work with them to follow t.%rough and
make sure the landlord isn't misusing this tyT*r of provision. Aldennan Rainey said there is a pwmision in the
ordinance that disallows retaliation by the landlord and that is pwt\ably %what is needed. Ms. I layncs the% aced
to and are working on educating the community kNn this but if they .vme to her office they certainly ►►ill work with
them and work ►%ith the Iandlord to prevent that from happening. Tire% don't want landlords to misuse and abuse
this amendment. it is purely, solely for people %►ho have been armsted and charged with an illegal acts►ity
Alderman Kent called attention to Page I of the ordinance, unlawfully selling, lxvesessing, smine. storing..
delivering, etc.. etc.. pertaining to some illegal activities going on in this or a particular building. He wanted know
to how to address a classic situation of a young lady on a Section S certificate and greatly in need of that certificate
as she has children, unfortunately there is also a boyfriend involved who is living there as well and is s part of the
illegal activity going on. Ms. Haynes responded she thought that is an issue that has to be taken up with Section
8 because the lady probably in violation of her contract with Section 8 by having the boyfriend live there. If there
was an arrest there, because she is the legal tenant, the Nuisance Abatement would apply to her and her landlord
could terminate her tenancy for his activity. Alderman Kent commented the Housing Commission. Human
Relations, both CDBG and Planning and Developing have met, di:A;ussed this, and still this person gets a certiticar�
to take to some other landlord in Evanston and start the same thing all over again. is anything that this ordinance
or forming this ordinance has brought HUD to a level that we are urious if people foul up a Federal program. there
are other consequences they have to deal with which not only includes being evicted from your house in Evanston
but the possible loss and forfeiture of your certificate. etc., etc. Nis. Haynes noted she is currently waning %%idh
a,.ti•oman who violated her agreement, the landlord has her in Eviction Court and HUD has rescinded her certificate.
We are working with these people and applying pressure on them. The real issue is ►ve have no control over those
certificates or vouchers, Community Development, the Housing Commission, the Human Relations Commission.
at the behest of CD are looking at developing some sort of community- dialogue that would involve the people from
HUD. and let the officials address some of theses issues and concerns to see what can be done about it. Rieh: no,.%
other than the individual cases and working --sith them. we do not have a lot of leverage because we do not control
the issuance of those certificates.
.Ms. Haynes \%ished to thank the Chair of the Human Relations Commission. Hollis Settles, and Commissioner
Janet Alexander Davis for being present to support your approval of this amendment. Alderman Rainey thanked
.Ms. Haynes and the Fluman Relations Commission for their very important work. She requested that the
Commission reprint the model ordinance. as no one can read this lease which is called a model lease. There is no
longer anv reason to have it on legal sized paper. a multi paged ordinance would suffice. its. Haynes said the►- are
looking at proposing several amendments to this ordinance as there some real issues regarding it that need ro be
addressed. Prior to reprinting it the}- would like the opportunity to come back with some additional changes for your
approval as there is a need for some real dialogue about this ordinance. A couple of years ago they were before
the Council regarding it and there are some issues about being able to enforce it. We were told then that the
ordinance \%asn.t designed to be enforced that clients should go to Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation
lCCI_AF) to provide the legal redress. We kno�% that is not happening. CCLAF refers them to us, She has been
on the phone a ith CCI.Ar- several times begging them to take cases for clients. The Commission needs a means
to enforce this ordinance.
Alderman Rainev called for the mockup to recommgpd Ordinance 20-0-99 to the City Council. Mom
unanimoutih• approved (4-0),
VU CONSIDERATION OF ORDiNANCF, 7.0-98 AiNIF.NDING CHAPTER 19 OF TITLE 8
OF THE 1~ VANST N CITY COi)j, RFGULATjNQ RFSiDCNTIAL CARE. HOMES
Alderman Rainey noted, from the minutes of the last meeting. when she was not present, a lot of %Mork was done
on this and asked Ms. Brenniman to address the one change regarding Permanent Staffing. Lis. Brenniman recalled
HSC Minutes 411199 Nee 10.
the ordinance was originally dralied to require 24-- hour staffing for group homes. At the request of ^several of the
providers communications to the committee, the recommendation was made by the committee that we incorporate
their compromise which was to have letters sent :o the City from any individual residing in the home %4bose doctor
or psychiatrist indicated they would need 24-hour supervision would be the basis on which wewould enforce it.
Since that time she has again been approached b,. providers who now have a concern about that provision as it may
violate the dental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act. She looked at that provision and
found this would apply to individuals who are 5eyelopmentaIly disabled and have mental health disabilities and
there is a provision that would prevent their names from being released in those situations making this provision
somewhat difficult to enforce. She did recommend that the provision be applicable only to residents under the age
of 19 because this ordinance will include individuals between he age of 9 and 18 and a situation of under 24-hour
supervision would be required. For anyone me; 18 it .would not be required. if the committee wishes to provide
for some kind of 24-hour supervision we %%oul.' have to look at ways to enforce that and not violate the Mental
Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act .
Regarding the new Subsection H. Alderman Mc can asked if a resident is 19 and at least one qualified staff shall he
present, how does that reconcile itself with the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Act, as you reviewed
it. in terms of the age differentiation. He assu--nes this new provision is meant to address the prohibition in its
contain is there a differentiation in the prohibition rased on age. Ms. Brenniman responded, no. you would simply
be identifying that there are some individuals in the home who are under the age of 19, when those people are
present then the 24-hour supervision would be required and they would not have to be identified by name
Alderman Moran asked what is the sense of requiring someone to be present only because there is someone under
the age of 19 as opposed to anyone else. Nis. Brenniman said she had indicated when this issue was previousl%
discussed that the courts have been somewhat split on the validity of the 24-hour requirement. She thought it is
much more sustainable if you are applying it %, individuals who are under the age of 19 and who in normal
circumstances would be living in a supervised simiation with their families. She has not seen any case law on that
but she would make that argument. :alderman Moran wanted to give this more thought as it may be an odd form
of age discrimination in the sense it assumes that this is not a communtiy type situation and may be improper for
someone under 19 if there is not a supervisor-.- person there. Based on what cis. Brenniman is saying about
prohibition in the Federal :act he is not sure there is adequate grounds to sustain a differentiation just based on age
Alderman \e xman noted the Juvenile .act is page after page of distinctions between the rights of juveniles and
adults. He is a bit concerned about the w•av this was done as it is not appropriate for somebody lobbying on the
ordinance to negotiate a change in the ordinance after we have voted for something. He knows they are well
intended and hL,w they feel but in this particular case the fair thing to do on the Staffing item is write a memo on
what the options are. We originally started with something else and thinks it is very legitimate for legal concerns
to be pointed out but then we should not have ne,.+- language in the ordinance. What should be done on the issue
of staffing is have staffing for minors under 19 year old. and if it is allowable. whether or not staffing would be
appropriate for adults in certain circumstances. Let us then look at cases and make a choice as to which wav to go
Last month the committee went over this ordinance line by line and we had the comments of the providers on ever.
section. He appreciates they are pointing out something new but rather than take the approach to accomodate the
person calling,. he would want to have all the options available, then let the committee handle that. Nis. Brenniman
said :alderman `ewman's point is well taken and will more than happy to do that.
Alderman Raine% commented in reading through the ordinance something that greatly concerns her is no where
in the ordinance is "dwelling unit" defined. There were; references to being within the law on all other City codes
but does not think that is saving enough regarding the place where these 4-8 or 9-1 5 persons are going to be. tics.
Brenniman said the previous ordinance did not do that, she thought that is a good point and she will be more than
happy to take a look at that. Alderman Raine% thought "square footage" should also be spelled out and the
difference if there is 24-hour supervision, because that is another person. Ms. Brenniman said she will come back
to the next committee meeting with definitions of dwelling unit, some options on the 24-hour supervision, and the
"SC Minutes 411199 Page 11.
case law. Alderman Moran asked if Ms. Brermimari could provide previous memoranda and my appropriate
updates on 8-19-3C the distance requirement and the sections of prior memoranda. also any update on the spacing
requirement.
Alderman tiewman's only concern is all the information should be made available to Council. :� the committee
did decide that issue. if AIderman Rainey, w;mo w-as not present wants to look at this az,—,n that would be
appropriate, {which Alderman Rainey did not writ to do.} However, wr did spend a significant mount of time on
all the sections. He does not think by supplying this information a second vote will be taken on the 900 feet.
Alderman Moran said he will ultimately make a motion to amend that part based on the case Iawu %%-hich he thinks
strongly indicates that is a violation of the Fair Housing Amendment. Alderman New -man %% rated to note the
motion was already made without being seconded and the 900 feet recommendation of the Zoninz Ordinance was
adopted. ,
Alderman Rainey called for a short recess before beginning the Public Hearing. Recess called at 7:55 p.m
IX. PUBLIC HEARING ON ALTERNATIVE USES OF THE RECYCLING CENTER
Alderman Rainey resumed the meeting at 8:08 p-m. and announced this will be a hearing held on the reuse of the
Recycling; Center and appreciates all in attendance in helping with this discussion. There will not be any time limit
for speakers but we ask that you be reasonable and thoughtful of others. This will be an interacti%a hearing where
the committee will be able to ask questions but asked that the Aldermen on the committer wait until the
presentations are finished by the indi%idual presenters.
PRESENTATIONS
Gunner Forrest, Levy Senior Center - `h• name is Gunner Forrest, I'm 68 years old which makes me a
senior. and l have been a member of the Levy Senior Center for 3 years . On behalf of the Senior Center I would
like to express our appreciation to the members of the Human Ser% ices Committee and the City staff for the help and
interest they have shown in the relocation of the Levy Senior Center, both in your efforts to find a site for a
temporary location and ultimately the permanent location. It is a search for a site for the permaneri location that is
the reason for our presence here tonight. The Levy Center as you are certainly aware has been —, vibrant and % i€al
part of the 1:%anston communit% since 1966. The support and.scrt ices it has rendered to L%ar.2w-n seniors are .,
extensive that they are ditlicult to measure. Ever} since. the Senior Center became aware that its present site would
be relocated, some time in the mid 1980's, the Center has been working continuously with the City to find a nc%%
home. During these meetings you have heard one recurring theme and almost a sparing; remembrance of the
promises made by the City and Northwestern to the Center they would have to be relocated. Let the take no more
than a moment to focus on some of these promises. The oral ones we can disregard since the,. are subject to the
vagaries ofrmmemory. In a very real sense the members of the Lev% Center have been. to use a ph.:se from the old
Watergate days, twisting in the wind since 1986. There are letters from William lhlenfelt. the then Vice President
of Institutional Relations of Northwester, saying that the seniors have been assured that the Le:-% Center, if it is
moved, will be located in the park or in downtown Evanston near public transportation. .again. h1e stated that the
City, the University and the Research Park would not do anything without the input of the Lev, Center and when
and ifthey are relocated the location will be in downtown Evanston near public transportation. Joan Barr, the then
klayor of Evanston. wrote the following. "let me assure you that the new Let-v Center will he opened and fully
operational prior to the closure of the present Center". She herself underlined that sentence. and then went on to
say that the new center will be centrally located and accessible to all Evanston senior citizens. Again on April 9.
1991, the City of Evanston and the Joseph and Sarah Levy Foundation signed an agreement and the Cit'.
acknowledged that they would operate the center primarily as a Senior Center but they may also use it for other
HSC ,Minutes 4/ [ 2.99 Page 12.
recreational and community activities to secure maximum, practicable benefits. There was an important exception.
the agreement said, "provided that senior citizens' programs or activities shall rot suffer with conflicts from other
activities This is a critical commitment and suggests it be kept carefully in rnind when you are reviewing the
proposed alternative uses for the Recycling Center. There are more writings and documents that I could quote and
cite to illustrate what the senior mean when they shake their heads and say we have had so many promises made
to us in the past. I think these fe» illustrate the lint they are making. There is e,._n a resolution which was adopted
by the Cite Council on August 25. 1986. and signed by Mayor Joan Barr, which saes. "the Croy of Evanston "ill
provide comparable replacement facilities at a suitable location within the City. of Evanston for the Levy Senior
Center and the Levy Leisure Learning Center prior to the redevelopment of the present Le%-%- Senior Center''. No%%
there is a way for these promises to be kept. It i-vas the very Aldermen on this committee that suggested a possible
permanent site of the Recycling Center at the March 10. 1999. meeting of the Senior Center Sen ices Subcommittee.
The Senior Center enthusiastically agreed to the Recycling Center as a ne-,% site and still holds to that enthusiasm
Of course, the seniors realize that if they are moved to the Recycling Center as a permanent site there can be other
comparable uses. The critical term is comparable and those decisions lie %%ithm the pun ie.v of this committee.
We urge the committee to recommend to the City Council that the Recycling Center. if possible, be adapted and
expanded to be the permanent site of the Levy Senior Center. We further ask that any other community acti,. ities
planned for this center not conflict with the activities of the primary occupants. the seniors. Once again I express
my appreciation for the time and effort the members of this committee has spent in trying to relocate the Levy Center
to both a temporary and permanent home. Thank you very much.
ErIrrnrrin Srltourr, Let, Senior Center - Alderman Raines and members of the committee my name is
Edward Schoua and I am a member of the Levy Center. I find it impossible to des:ribe to . ou what the Levy Center
means to the majority of seniors. It has become a very important institution, in their lies because of age.
infirmaries, and restricted activities. The previous speaker once referred to it as a home a%,,a% from home that %%as
an apt description but I don't think it goes far enough, its much more than that. Its a life gi, er. it gives us all a sense
of purpose. a place to go and socialize .with others. and participate in activities and esents that would otherwise be
denied us, otherwise we would probably hate stay home and look at the idiot cox. The anxieties and fear that
vou've told about how the members felt about the future of the center was somem.hat alla, ed wfien we heard tha:
you were seriously contemplating moving the Levy Center to the Recycling Censer in Oak -ton. It does have some
wrinkles in the project. 11or example public transportation, accessibility. but we believe that those wrinkles can be
ironed out. 1 also want to repeat %-hat my friend said if you do plump for this si:e please make sure that the other
users activities will not conflict .with the activities of the seniors. An so again I suggest to ou that you recommend
to the City Council the Recycling Center he expanded and refurbished for a ne%% Levy Senior Center. %'hat I'•.c
said might not have been necessary, it might e,.en be redundant because I kno%s the members of this committee.
I haven't always agreed with them, but then they rarely agree amongst themselves` but I ha% a never, never, doubted
their integrity nor their whole hearted commitment to the Evanston community and I honestly believe that all the
promises and all the pledges that were made to the seniors in the past will now be realized. Thank you.
rtilrrrgerlT June, Lei,
1, Senior Center - Good evening, committee members. Chair. observers. my name is
`Iaruer .lone. I'm a member of the Levv Center and a meniber of the Le« Center Ad%tson Board. When the Cit"
first suggested in March that we might have a senior program at the Recycling Center there ►,.ere lots of pros aria
cons principaliy because we haven't been inside the Recycling Center and anticipated it to be a dirty. grinmy garbage
kind of facility. We have taken trips there. ha-,e offered trips to the membership to look at it in its current state and
find that people in the know assure us that it would make a very fine senior center. There \\ere a number of pros
and cons discussed by the members, the pros particularly involved the opportunit\ for some nexs programming
activities that \%e haven't had before being in a park setting or more outdoor activities that ��e couldn't have at 17+.x1
Maple. The cons were of similar vain that have already been mentioned the principle one being transportation
But we have been assured that transportation could be arranged through one ua% or anoffier. Based upon those
assurances the Levy Advisory Board at its meeting this morning endor-cd a nmo%e to the Rec\ cling Center location.
HSC Minutes 4 12,99 Pace 1=.
Further, I feel confident that a majority of the members concur in this decision. not t=wimous by any means. b-it
a majority would concur with that. The second point I would like to make is that the senior center currrndy at 1700
Maple is a very busy building. When the senior activities cease late in the day. other groups come in and have acti:-e
programs there in the evening, the dog training programs. the bridge groups, the Martial Arts groups, just a few of
the ones I'm familiar with as there are lots more that co on. On weekends there are a number of activities that =r
scheduled for the center and we would expect that to continue when we eet to the new Recycling location. But w!~,.:-t
needs to be important is that the primary use of the senior center wi11 be senior acti%ities. They will take precedent
over any other activities. A number of you who are far from being seniors and are probably wondering what goes
on in this magic building that we all speak so passionately about. so I'd like to introduce you to the Levy Activiv.
Center through some words. There are many programs and activities but the center itself is its seniors, we come
in every shape. color, religion. and physical condition. some good some poor. hard of Bearing. losing eyesight. bent
with osteoporosis. with canes. walkers, wheel chairs. slurred speech that comes from a stroke. you might have ten
cents in your pocket or you might have five hundred dollars. We come from all professions and jobs and have all
levels of education. The minute you open the door to the center none of the ah-,%-e matters, you are a member o7
the Levy Activity Center and a part of the family. You may take part in any program or activity regardless ofyour
condition you are treated as an older. intelligent adult and help being eiven when needed. Women outnumber mere
and most are widows. We are being evicted from our home so on behalf of the seniors I would like to put in a bid
for the Recycling Center site for the new senior center. To sum it up I would say this (ills. June held up a large sign
saying), LEVY SENIORS WANT THE RECYCLTNG CENTER.
Gail Lovinger, C.A.R.E. - (A Computer Power Point Presentation was shown) - My name is Gail Lovinger.
I'm an Evanston resident and also a volunteer at the Evanston Animal Shelter. I'm here today representing C.A.R. F
for the Evanston animal Shelter and would like to thank the Human Sen•ices Committee for making the opportunity
possible for us to make a case for using the Recycling Center for a new animal shelter. There is a certain symmetry
to using a Recycling Center as a way to recycle un-wanted animals and that's what we are proposing to do. Today
we are going to have 3 people consecutively speaking representing C.A.R.E. However we have a number of
C.A.R.E. volunteers who are here to show support and would just like them to very quickly stand up. (There were
a great number of volunteers in the audience.) As an overview C.A.R.E. understands that the Cite of Evanston has
many important priorities and also understand that E%anston has limited resources and it is not possible to address
all of them at the same time. However, we feel that regardless of what happens with the decision on the Recycling
Center the space problems confronting the Evanston .animal Shelter are so acute that they need to be addressed one
way or another by the City Council. The Recycling Center is one yer%. ven• good potential option for an expanded
animal shelter but it shouldn't he the only option mailable. With that in mince we'r: going to present 3 separa-.e
issues to you. First, what is C.A.R.E., how do we ,,%ork for the Evanston Animal Shelter and how do we work with
the City of Evanston and the Evanston Police Department. Second. what are our space problems at the Evanston
Animal Shelter, and third. what the service mission of the Fvanston .Animal Shelter is. What is C.A.R.E.. a
Community Animal Rescue Effort. We're more than 100 in shelter volunteers. we are more than 50 out of shelter
volunteers. Our volunteers range from high school students to senior citizens. the-, include people from all %%alks
of life. we ha%e doctors, teachers, nurses. accountants, soccer moms. office managers. and students as well. We
ha%e more than 6500 supporters. more than 2500 of whom reside in Evanston. We are 10 years old, the L—, anston
Animal Shelter is I I years old. C.A.R.E. was formed tar the expressed reason of supporting the Evanston Animal
Shelter. Approximately half of the Board of C.A.R.E. has attended sheltered operations schools sponsored by the
American Humane Association and we subscribe to the major sheltering publications. C.A.R.E. works ir,
partnership with the City of Evanston, particularly the Police Department who has jurisdiction over the animal
shelter. Although people in this room are not aw are that the Evanston Animal Shelter has one of the premier
reputations in the nation as a municipal shelter who functions with a ,volunteer organization. We are considered th4
model for how a volunteer organization can work with a municipal facility. We were featured in a national
magazine talking about volunteers opportunities at shelters and C.A.R.E. and the Evanston Animal Shelter was tl:-e
program. Every year we get a number of requests from animal shelters to please help them design a volunteer
HSC Minutes 4/12 99 Page 14.
program that %%ill work cooperatively with their animal shelter. The most current oate is our twight%or to the south:
the City of Chicago. The Chicago City Dog Pound has come to C.A.R.E and said please help us tram a volunteer
organization and secondly explain to us how to do a good adoption PrOgrant, and we working %xiih the City of
Chicago on that. The Evanston Animal Shelter and its pets are featured weekly in the Pionc-:r Fress and Lerner
Press. You may have seen usion EC -TV on A lctit the Pets, but ue are now also sha%\i1 t n WGN TV news.
Needless to say this additional exposure is bringing an enormoiu number of people into the :heir;... Pcople come
to the Evanston Animal Shelter not only from Evanston, Skokie or the northern part of Chicagt%, xve get people
regularly coming from the southern suburbs and western suburbs of Chicago and now they 'r; ginning to come.
from Indiana. Wisconsin and Michigan. They're coming because one, they've seen or heard aKxn on TV or have
read about it, or two, they kno%v somebody who had already adopted from us and has been told if ,.c*u avant to adopt
a dog or cat the place to go is the Evanston Animal Shelter. .
With that in mind, ho« do we %ork in partnership with the Police Department. First of all In terms of shelter
coverage, the .animal Wardens are there during the daytime, the volunteers come in in the morning to help take care
of animals but also have responsibility for the shelter in the evening, on weekends, and on holida. s. AIthough, there
is frequently an Animal Warden around on Saturdays, in general the volunteers are providing the smelter coverage.
Secondly, the animal care for the animals are provided by the C.A.R.E. volunteers. There is howr•er a paid City
worker there in the morning to help take care of the dogs. Animal intake, are the strays and give ups that come in.
C.A.R.E. and the Animal Wardens take in animals. The traps for wild animals, feral cats, the calls about stray
animals, and animals running at large are handled by the Animal Wardens. Evanston pet licenses for dogs and cats
both the Warden and C.A.R.E. take care of that.
The vet care and the medication. both the cost and treatment is handled by the C.A. R.E. -,olunteers . Animal
evaluations and adoptions are handled by C.A.R.E. All tolled C.A.R.E. volunteers put in approximately 500 hours
a week in support of the Evanston .animal Shelter. In addition to this human capital contribution C.A.R.E. also
has made a number of improvements so the shelter can work more productively. We've put in a microwave, air
conditioning. isolation, storage and shelving, refrigerator, computer backup systems. the dog run. and every major
improvement that has been made in the shelter since it was it built. Financially C.A.R.E. spends a vast majority of
its money- on the Evanston Animal Shelter. The biggest chunk goes for vet expenses and then there is another
S15.000 for other shelter operating expenses. Those expenses are medical supplies. shelter cleaning supplies,
prescription foods for animals that need special food, canned food treats and toys, adoption supplies, animal care
supplies. and volunteer recruitment and retention and advertising. The City of Evanston pro%ides us with the
building. utilities. dry food. kitty litter. and facility cleaning supplies. I should also add C.A.R.E_ volunteer take
care of the majority of the cleaning at the shelter as well.
Where does our money come, it doesn't really come from our adoption revenues. Our adoption fees are in line with
the other shelters in the area, $60 per dog, $45 per cat. $77 per kitten but we give a S45 rebate once that kitten has
been neutered or spade. We Figure we lose about S75 on every animal that goes out, if the animal has come in
healthy and just needs to be spade or neutered and have its shots «e come out breaking close to etien. Unfortunately
most of our animals come in needing additional attention. Every adoption fee includes a rebate to the City of
Evanston. In 1998 C.A.R.E. paid S 15,000 to the City ol' Evanston from its adoption.
Where do we get our money, primarily we get it from donations and fundraisers. In addition. in 1998 we had a
community garden that we put in to beautify the shelter grounds financed totally by directed donations specifically
liar the garden. But in general its the regular fund raisers and what I call passive solicitations. Our fundraisers are
the Strut for Strays which is May 8th at the Ladd arboretum. you're %welcome to come for a walk with us with or
without your dog. Our Dog Washes are June 5th and September 18th. %�,hich are held at the animal shelter. Finally.
our Holiday C.A.R.E. Fair held December 6th, where people bring their dogs and cats. get picture taken with Santa
Claus, buy cookies, and things like that. Incidentally, we have always held the C.A.R.E. Fair at the Levy Center.
HSC ,Minures 4! 12199 Page 15.
ifanybody has ideas where we might hold it this %ear. please let its know in terms ofour contribt=ions, the vast
majority of it is unsolicited and comes in the mail. in memory or in honor of someNxiv acid sometimtes without anv
note at all. We also have our contribution envelopes that go out %wtih Pa%% Prints which is ocar community
newsletter. That is what I refer to as a passive solicitation, there is no hard sell. just an envelope in with the
newsletter if anvbodv aunts to send it back. The contribution cans, you'wC pmhibly seen them al varinus Evanston
stores, doesn't look like a lot but since we've started keeping track of them - ycat� ;egg• S 12,000 has cone in through
those cans. Bequests is something new for you, in the last couple years w%•e'%e K-en named in people's wills and
have money coming in from that. Really important are the in -land ciontributions. Girl Scout troops, classes.
Brownie troops, church groups, all do little fundraisers in terms of not getting money for us but collecting supplies.
paper towels. bleach. laundry detergent, dog food, toys, and bring those in Those are really important donations
because it means %%e don't have to go out and buy them.
C.A.R.E. is a tax exempt charitable organization recognized by the state and the I.R.S. We have never sent a letter
out to our supporters asking for money. We have never sent a letter out saying please we need money- or something
dire is going to happen. When we said Friendship Garden Sponsorships were available outside the smelter we sold
out of those sponsorships within a month. The most frequent comment we get from our adopters on our post
adoption survey when we say "How can we improve what we do?" is you need more space. The most frequent
comment we hear is when are you guys going to expand let us know. we'd like to be a part of that. We are
prepared to undertake a capital campaign to raise money for a new shelter. •ae believe that our supporfrs who have
been saying for a long time they want to help us bet a new shelter would help with the money for that and we could
raise a considerable sum because our supporters are from throughout the area we'd he raising money- from both in
and out of Evanston. We have a really good partnership going on .%Iih the City of Evanston and the Police
Department we value our relationship with the Animal Wardens and the Police Department. We believe that the
partnership has resulted in strong programs and services, but the animal shelter facility has not kept up with that.
Alderman Newman was. trying to get an idea of at last year's budget. The only thing it says about revenues coming
in from are Skokie and Lincolnwood boarding fees of S7,000. He is trying to get a sense of who has an animal
shelter in the immediate area other than Evanston, not counting Chicago. Who are we actually ser%ing. From your
presentation. 6500 supporters with 2500 from Evanston. it sounds like our shelter is serving a very %wide area. Ms.
Lovineer wanted to put this in a different context, animals come into the Evanston Animal Shelter only from
Evanston. we only take in animals that are given up by Evanston residents car are brought in by Evanston residents.
The City dots have a contract with Skokie and Skokie animals come through Evanston for S days before they go
on to another shelter. The City also has a contract with Lincolnwood for strays to come into the shelter and if they
are not claimed the% actually become property ofthe Evanston Animal Shelter. The group we are sen-ing in terms
of providing a place for unwanted animals to come is the Evanston community. The broader supporters are when
our animals come in we can find homes for them. About a third of our animals go out into Evanston homes as
apposed to euthanizing, the other two-thirds we can find homes for because people come Evanston to look for pets.
:Alderman Newman asked for an idea of where the other animal shelters are. GIs. Lovinger said in the northern
suburbs the primary shelters besides C.A. R.E. are Orphans of the Storm which is not municipal but a private
shelter. Kays .-Animal Shelter and also Save A Pet. Other municipal shelters are in Oak Park, the Hinsdale Hurnane
Suciet%' has a cooperati%e relationship %with the Hinsdale communit% and also Naperville. Alderman Newman
asked what can and can't the Village of' Skokie do in terms of our animal shelter. Ifs. Lovinger said Skokie
residents cannot bring animals to the Evanston Shelter only the Animal Wardens in Skokie can briny: in animals to
the shelter. so they are only strays not eiye ups. 11'somebody comes to claim the animals the Skokie Wardens come
to release it so essentially its _just a holding place for Skokie, after 5 days they go up to Grays Lake to Save :A Pet.
:Vdernein Newman then said that would mean Skokie. does not have a place to deal with their own animal concerns
and would that be the same for Wilmette. Niles, and 4forton Grove. ifs. Lovinger. responded, we're a holding
center for Skokie and the other suburbs put the animals in animal hospitals and then euthanasia them. Evanston
has a contract with Lincolnwood to provide services to them we don't take in Lincolnwood give ups but if they have
HSC Minutes u 12.'99 Pate 16.
a stray it stays at the shelter and if no one claims it gets trut_sf.- red io us to be adopted out if its appropriate.
Alderman Newman asked if the 4000 C'.A.R.E, members who do not live in Evanston are PcopfC who may be
receptive of animals in need in terms of places like that and how ate they connected to our shelter_ kis. Lo%7neer
said sometimes they have adopted animals frorn us. or are pc't�pte who are concerned about shelte-s and like the
work we are doing.
Barbara Smith, CA. R.E. - I have lived in Evanston for -.0 years and hate to sav it but am a ---nior citizen_
I retired from teaching 3 years ago and taught in Schck-11 District 65 for 20 years. For the last 3 ' : vex-, i served as
a C.A.R.E. volunteer at the Evanston Animal Shelter. Tonight I plant to take you on a toter of that shelter.
(Computer SIides were Shown) The Evanston :N-nimal Shelter «at built as a holding place the idea ► as that stray
animals would be brought in and would be held from 5 to 7 da%s and put to death. Over 900o of the animals who
walked in the front door were euthanized. now o%%r 90" o of the animals that come in our front door are adopted out
to new homes or returned to owners. Our cliems enter the front door passing through a small vestibule into the
lobby. Here they will till out an application and «wait to meet with an adoption counselor. This small space is also
used as an intake area for taking in animals that are Mine given up. as a new volunteer orientation area, also a
waiting area for people coming in to rent cages. As you can see chairs line the side of the lobby leaving a narrow
isle. You will often see all 8 chairs filled, people standing in the isle and children sitting on the floor. At times. if
the weather is bad. we have had clients who simply had to leave because there is no indoor waiting space for them.
In 1998 we had over 2000 adoption applications filled out. Understand. that those applications could have been
filled out by one person or could represent an entire family group Once an application is filled out the person may
come back several times until they can find an animal that is appropriate for their family, so we have far more than
2000 visits passing through this very small lobby. Once the adoption application is filled out the person will meet
with an adoption counselor and if they are planning to adopt a doh_ can move to the dog adoption room. This room
is also used when we take a tour through the shelter. and is our little classroom. Due to the small size of the room
we have to limit the tours to very small groups. We they have to (~: limited to those hours when we are not doing
adoptions. We also use this as the room where %%c evaluate the temperament of the dogs to see what sort of home
they should be placed in. \ e also use this as a room where volunteers can take a dog who needs more human and
humane contact and socialize the animal. This is also is for storage there are supplies. files. medications, collars.
leashes, a copy machine and there is little room left for the people and the does. Should that room be occupied the
other dog adoption counselor may have to meet with a client in the hallway. This hallway is the one between the
kennel and the cat room. A counselor can be conducting an intervie\v with the kennel and its barking dogs on one
side and the cat available room on the other side providing another distraction. if the adoption counselor is
introducing_ a dog here it can be complicated by the fact that becaus i of the traffic pattern from the shelter another
volunteer may have to take a dog out to exercise and have to proceed down the same hallway providing another
distraction. The cat room referred to is where the cats available for adoption are caged, if you open one of the cage
doors you can no lonuer walk in or out of the room. Also this room receives no natural light. The first meeting of
a cat adopter with a cat that may become its pet may be in one of our two cat adoption rooms. These rooms have
sonic unusual fixtures and the seating is very limited. The biggest problem from the viewpoint of volunteers is
%%lien the\ are doing cat adoptions we can't use the rooms for th-- purposes the% were meant tier. We lia\e an
isolation room, where sonic of the dog catzcs are mostly used for -Itoraue of doe and cat food. Cleaning supplies
are stored on top of some them and cat cages are on top of the oth4rs. Occasionally we have to put dogs in these
cages. they are very dark, so dark that if a dog is huddled at the far end of the cage you can't tell whether it is
smiling at you or snarling and it is extremely difficult to clean them because there is no washing system in effect
in this room as there is in the main kennels. There are no windov,5 and the heat in summer got so intense that we
had to purchase a portable air conditioning system for the animals to be able to stand it. Right outside the isolation
room is another hallway. This hallway is actually the kitchen, there is a counter about 5 feet long with a sink at the
end of it and is used to prepare all meals for all the animals. All the animals receive at least' meals a day. All
medications are dispensed from here and the sink is used to sanitize all the feeding equipment bowls, spoons and
forks. dog collars, some of the toys, etc. It is also the sink that volunteers need to use to wash their hands as they
HSr Minutes 412J99 Page 17.
handle the various animals. Finally it is a main hall►► -ay for talons: dogs outside for their exercise.. so you can be
washing dishes, washing hands, preparing medication. preparing fewd. and have that big dog ►woth !ong black hair
and pretty darn muddy, coming by and shaking himself. This Ieads to unhygienic situati«n..
The kennel has no source of natural light in it and also has no exit s., ►►e could a►oid taking the dogs down the
hallways. Most importantly there is no separate room in this kennel that can he uae to house incorr_'ng dogs. a dog_
whose health may be questionable, who may in fact be Carr} ink: some infections disease goes right in:o the main
kennel area with the other dogs. Last year we went through a 6 ►►etk period where ►►e ►►ere tinder a total quarantine
because a dog came in with Parwo and those who have dogs know how frightening that is. It ►%as a tral tribute to
our volunteers, to the Wardens, and to our veterinarians that we did not lose an,. of the dogs in our kennel. The
only dog we did lose was the dog who originally brought the disease in. There is no air conditioning to this part
of the building. The cooling system last summer consisted of ►whate►er fans we could bring from home or scrounge -
Worse than that on a hot and humid summer daw its impossible to dry the kennels out.
We talked to an architect who specializes in kennel design. has looked at our present shelter and has looked at the
Recycling Center. The Recycling Center would allow- us to create a state of the art animal shelter something that
Evanston could point to with pride and would serge our needs for at least 20 years. He has also indicated that we
could expand and renovate our present shelter. To do so we would need a considerable addition of land. Nklat
would such a shelter provide, adequate lobby space so that our clients wouldn't be practically sitting on each other's
laps, a place where they could sit and read some of the materials we have for them about responsible care ownership.
a television viewing area that could be used as an orientation both for our clients and our new volunteers. a Dobson
visiting room so we could get our bathrooms back. dog runs so the does could have some additional time outside,
isolation and main kennels that would have their entrances and exits so that we wouldn't have to drag the does
through the kitchens, isolation and main cat rooms ►►-ith natural lighting. a separate laundry room (one of the biggest
horrors in the building) where there is a washer. a dryer. the laundry tubs .where we bathe dogs and the cages are
used for the incoming cats these are the cats that are so frightened the% are huddling at the back of their cages. A
multi purpose room that we could use for our tours. for education, for orientation and obedience trainima. We ha► e
a group of volunteers who have been taking shelter does to obedience training classes. Even- dog that has cone
through those classes has been adopted in a successful adoption. Our problem is we don't have an► place ►►e can
practice with those dogs indoors and if the weather is bad they simpl} don't get any training. A separate kitchen.
a separate medication and treatment ►with kennels and cat cages so that the animals ►►ho are being treated ►►ouid ha►e
a quiet place. A break room for Wardens and the ►olunteers. Separate care and Warden off ices. right no►► we share
the same offices. same desks, the Wardens do not even ha►e a desk dra►►er they can call their own. Sinks in the
kennels and cat rooms, an outside storage shed, additional storage roam. Parking spaces, the shelter has .only :. one
of which is for the disabled which simply is not adequate. Our current shelter is 2750 square .with a storage shed
of 250 square feet out back. Our minimum space requirement for this state of the art shelter or even for an adequate
shelter, 10.000 square feet. We've been told the Recycling Center would give us 13.000. we guaramee .►e ►►ill not
waste that 3.000 square feet but find a good use for it. If there are no questions. I thank the comratre
Aldemtan tie►►man said one ofthe things that happens ►►hen ►►c look at proposals such as this is peo:-;: nctier factor
in the cast of the land and the land is extraordinarily expensi►e. If ►►e just figure out ►►hat a lot -,c•rs IJr and ho►►
precious open space is. is why it is difficult to provide parking spaces. You mention vao proposal&_ one is at the
Recycling Center the other is the expansion of the current shelter, are ►we talking, about 10.000 square- fee: expansion
cif the current shelter. \Is. Smith responded as near as to that as we can get. Aldernian Nev, ma:. s then you
►would be expecting the City to donate the land for the -expansion. He %%as just tr►ing to get a ser,: of -,ghat the
expectation is in terms of ►ghat we think this is going to cost and ►►ould like to kno►► ►►hat the balsa ark figure for
this would be if ►►e were going to do this proposal. The% did not factor in the: cost of land becaus4 the Cit► o►►ns
the adjacent land to the shelter. behind the shelter and to the east of the shelter. Ms. Lovineer saud :. estimate
of the Recycling Center is approximately 51,000.000 and thinks that once ewer► thing «a, put : could be
HSC Minutes -4 12 99 Page I8.
closer to SI?00.000. The figure for renovating and expanding the current shelter is closer to S; 54101:t0. Alderman
Ne%4man asked how much of that would the expectation be for the City to pay. Ms. Lovinger that is open
to negotiation and would have to be discussed ;itrther. Alderman Newman said he is nicrOy to-ing to get an idea
in his mind as to what type of figure we're talking about. Ms. Lovinger said what she is hearitt,,o. fronn other board
members is that if need be C.A.R-E. would undeatake all the fundraising. they moould like the sec a corrznitment from
the City of Er anston to help out but if need be they %%ould do the capital fundraising. Alderman `c,.%man said thwn
if we did use the Recycling Center you would raise the S2.000,000. to which Ms. Lovinger recpcided. yes WC
would. Ms. Lovinger said right now C.A.R..,E. is at the Evanston Animal Shelter at the largess of the Police
Department. obviously if we're going to raise r.he money for a new shelter we would want to fa.e a more secure
place to kno« that if somebody didn't like us Lye couldn't suddenly be kicked out of the factlity we financed.
Negotiations %, ould be needed as to how this would be set up. Alderman Newman considem -d this to be a yery
serious proposal that ought to be considered rn the process if you're willing to raise that kinti of mone% T-ne
dedication of the organization makes that very clear in his mind.
.alderman Rainey asked if the committee could be sent a breakdown of some numbers as to the enact annual cost
of operating the Evanston Animal Shelter. Our City budget shows a cost for this but from what she sees here there
are a few additional expenses not covered. his. Lovinger said they could certainly provide a breakdown of what
C.A.R.E. expenditures for the shelter go to.
Alderman Newsman wanted to know when exact!% are your parking needs. are they throughout the day on weekends
or at night. Nis. Smith responded the biggest nerds are during adoption hours 6:00 to 8:00 p.m;_ Monday through
Thursday. Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 00 p.m. During those times people are parked in the handicapped
spot, in no parking areas, its kind of chaotic. .alderman Newman asked it this came down as a possibility that «e
redid the Recycling Center as the Levy Center and then we did the expansion of the current center and did parking
at the Levy Center is that able to accommodate the need. ibis. Smith thought that would be fine.
Beverty Fields, GA.R.E. - I'm Beverly Fie:ds. a resident of Evanston and have been a shelter volunteer since
1993. Let me start by explaining a little bit about what we do to serve the community above and beyond just
saving animals Our first objective is obviously to handle adoptions to find good homes for the animals that «e do
acquire. As we said before these animals are corvine from Evanston residents. In addition to handling the adoptiorL
and placing animals in good permanent homes we also provide other services. Education is one of our bicges!
missions. For the people that come to our shelter looking for new pets we have to turn away many of them because
%ve don't have a suitable animal to place them with en eye train the people and educate them at►oui m hat it is that-5
involved with responsible pet ownership and also what type of animal then should really be looking for. Perhaps
we don't have the right dog or cat for them but we can get them referrals to other shelters and other organizations
in which the% can find a good suitable pet for their family. We also handle shelter tours and from our slides one
can see that our shelter is quite cramped and srnyfl making it difficult for us to do more than fe%% of these. In th_
past year and a half we've handled 15 different shelter tours geared towards having our volunteers show that th?
Brownie Troi-)ps. the Girl Scouts. Boy Scouts. and different classroom groups come in to see the shelter and ho«
it operates, e s;co do school outreach programs This involves having our dogs and cats taken to different schools
and classroom sittings to educate children abou, responsible pet ownership and also about the s..elter's function
We have been able to appeal to some of the children that came through the facility and they certainly enjoy ed the
experience they had.
Service learninc has to do with the Evanston Town' hip High School. We work with one of the volunteer
coordinators that works in that school system to have their students come in and work in our shelter as x olunteer_
and be exposed to the animal behavior and perhaps veterinary sciences that they may be interested in learning more
about. Junior volunteers involve a program for kids who are too young to work in our shelter during regul—ar
%olunteer hours but we have monthly programs to cater to their needs so they can Let the exposure the, 're seekin_
HSC Minutes 4112 99 Paee 19_
with animals. One of my favorites, is the Evanston Youth Services which is atlilintod with the Fcutnston Police
Department. We work with one of the coordinators that works with troubled youth. fl«asionally wk- have some
teens come occasionally that need to work off community service hours because they pot in trouble with the law.
These kids have somehow managed to make mistakes and need to go through a mhabilitationand,.%,u, mcling center
affiliated with the Citv Police Department. We allow them to come in and work their community str ice hours by
working in the shelter. They get to roil up their sleeves and clean the cages just like we do. th^ v Icam about
medicating and feeding the animals, but more than anything this gives them a good opportunity to b and with the
animals and pet a nurturing positive experience while trying to get themselves straightened out.
.another nice feature of our program and is we're able to go to the nursing homes in the area. We had actually
placed a dog in the Presbyterian Home on Golf Road and this animal has become a mascot there to lxl7* service the
needs of the elderly people. I think everyone understands that animal companionship is a very hcWt:J-,. positive.
emotional experience for most people and by bringing in animals, through the Skokie Animal Ward= that works
with us to ha, a animals taken into some of the local nursing homes, people are able to reap the 1,v=its of that.
We also work with the Friends of Animals which is a national organization handling low cost spade arnJ neutering
and we help to offset the cost of that expense to help keep the pet population down.
The Feral Cat Existence is a program that we handle in conjunction with the Evanston residents. This is basically
dealing with the cat colonies in which you may see different populations of cats in your alleys and nei-.hborhoods.
We take measures to help residents secure traps to catch the animals, get them medicated, neutered. arnd hopefully
be able to release them in better medical condition and stop the pet population problem. We are tying rto minimize
the excessive breeding that happens out on the street.
The shelter's statistics are most profound. In looking at the 1997 incoming numbers we took in a total of 962
animals. out of those numbers we had an 83% adoption and return to owner combination rate. Those cumbers are
extremely htlh for a shelter and does not know if you are aware that shelters in Chicago such as the Cruelty
and the Chicago found euthanize well over 50111 lof their animals. Our euthanasia rate is quite smaLL those are
animals that are usually too medically gone for any type of treatment and we're not able to save them L11. Both in
1997 and 1998 we did a phenomenal job of saying many, marry animals. Some information behind tine statistics.
in 1998 ►►e took in fever animals, 788 animals as opposed to 1997 in which we brought in 962 anitr—Js. Its not
because there -.►ere fewer animals that needed to come into the shelter but because we had to quaranteer, the facility
Niue to two outbreaks. We had the Pano outbreak. before mentioned, and needed to contain that situauti•n as we're
not able to run the facility effectively because of the space restrictions. We also had a ringworm irde•iation with
cats and needed to keep the cats from leaving the shelter and spreading it elsewhere as we did not want to have more
animals come in and also get infected. Having a new facility, having more space. and being able to segregate our
different programs would certainly make a difference there.
Temperment testing is something that we do in our shelter to help gauge and determine which homes are most
auitahle fi)r our animals. 'Phis helps to ensure a low euthanasia rate and also a low return adoption rate. snd makes
our out placement ofanimals more effective.
We also pro► i.le post adoption counseling a service our volunteers provide for any body who has adopted an animal
from us. Sometimes there is a bit of testing period in which the animal and the new family are w.-ma to work
touether to make a good match and sometimes questions come up that we can help to continue with that secure new
home for the owner and for the pet.
We also handle obedience training. This is an ongoing part of our daily process as we're out walkime, the dogs.
We also wort: with the Evanston Township High School Dog Obedience Training Program to ha►c �?ur dogs go
HSC Minutes-LIZ'99 Page 20.
therewith our volunteers and get the type of training they need to be well behaved. We just had 7 dogs graduate
from that program and they are now all in good homes.
Foster care is another service our volunteers provide. This is a service that is meant to help seceu•e a mod nurnn ing
home for either kittens or puppies that are too young to be in a kennel situation, or perhaps we have animals with
special medical needs that need some ongoing treatment.
Finally, our careful intervie%ing of adopters helps us to have the success rate that we do with regard w adoptions
and the low number of euthanasia rate,
in conclusion you can see that we've shared many. many different problems about our facility with you and I hope
you understand that we really need to consider this the final call for action. We appreciate your time and vve
appreciate the patience you had in listening to our different arguments, but I think anybody could agree that 1 c
really do run a well managed facility. its only through the cooperation of the Citv. the Animal %16'ardens. the
community residents, and everybody putting their etTorts together to help maize this really. really successful. if you
%%ould take our consideration to heart we appreciate it. Thank you for your time.
Alderman Kent said was curious as to how manv students you currently have from ET14S workine in the facilit%
in this sen•ice learning program and asked if this is similar to an off site learning situation cohere the students are
graded so the% can use this as experience if they want to go forward into this occupation in college. NIs. Lo%-ingrr
said thev have from 5 to 10 students that go through community service with them through the high school year.
This is our pilot year with the service learning so they are experimenting with them and working «ith the students
wilt sec how it Lots. For many years they had students call saying for a particular class they need to do community
service for the honors programs. but this is the first time we're doing this with the service learning. Alderman Kent
asked if the program has evolved to where there has been thought given to some students who might want to go on
further to veterinarian type medicines or occupations and how have you thought about them taking that experience
with them from your care facilit% back to school. fie would like to know how the students use it or will use it and
was told with a better tacility the% could do much more. Hopefully the students will learn basic pet care at the
shelter, ihev learn hygiene how to properly clean and disinfect. the% help with shots that are given on the premises.
if this is where their focus it. They are alloyed to go along to the veternarians when they do transport which is hoxv
they get their experience with us on that. Alderman Kent appreciated the explanation and assumes these are from
sophomore, juniors. to seniors and %vas told they are not sun because service learning is new at the high school and
they're just starting to work with the students on this. The% have a lot to iron out and have had a lot of students
come to them .%ho want more real science experience which they cannot give to them. They can give them basics
but if they want something deeper they would have to go to a vetemarian or Evanston Hospital. She has one girl
who has been at Evanston Hospital and is coming to them to put in a few extra hours to be v6ith the animals.
Alderman Dent said he would appreciate anything they have written up on that as its a fantastic program and if we
haven't gotten to the point of there the students can take something with them after they leave ETHS to tiirther
their endeavors thinks that is %%here tou would want to be regardless of %that happens %%ith the building.
Greg Lisi►►ski, Youth Hocke'1, Director at they Robert Crown Ice ComPler - If I ma- regress for 30
seconds to say between being here for animals. senior citizens. youth sports needs. and so many other concerns its
too bad we're not arguing, over perhaps the McCormick Place or something like that because I'm sure we can all
fit in there very %%ell. In any event just by way of introduction. I run the Youth I locket Program at Robert Crown.
the Learn to Skate Program. schedule the teams during the regular season and also run the Summer Hockey Camp.
By wav ofactual earning a living 1 am an attorney. i am proposing my concept of this to place an in line hockey
and skating facility at the Recycling Center. It %could give a permanent recreation presence to James Part:. Right
now at James Park. which l f'requent a lot with my children during the spring and summer because of baseball. I
think it would be a much more attractive and highly utilized park if there ►%ere an everyday recreation presence. an
HSC N inutcs 4'12 99 Pace 21.
additional site benefit, If there were a building; there, not quite a refuge, but a pL%cc ►yhere one c%Nuld walk in and
out of and know that there is a rt-gular recreation prewnce on the facilit . As you :psis know if you c%vr played soh
ball there, as he did years ago or now has children play ing; their. once the ►;.uses T.re ewer it gets ktrid of quiet over
there and having the permanent acti►e presence o1 recreational activity in the ar in in r+eganl to children would be
wonderful and attract more children and families to the aria. the avaitabilit-, of the Recycling Cen1Cr to that regard
is an exciting opportunity because it ►►ould enhance not only the recrrattional pmr zcncv but its a Cairl% to"- cost of
going about -,%hat i ►►ould hope to accomplish. First of all, the kind of rentodrlL:,g required in the building sing_
its essentially an open space building. is fairly straight forward. All you would to do is place a multi purpose
sport court type floor there, a small office area. small administrative area, rest nkwms, paying for parking and you
have pretty much what is needed. It also has the additional henefit of attracting pt:. ple not one' from Evanston but
for recreation revenue to Evanston in order to enhance other programs. Another side benefit is that we have the
hockey program at Robert Cro►6n and have quite a number of teams there along ►pith the Learn to Skate Prograrr
also the Figure Skating Program. this is another w'ay for children to be enhanced and trained on a year round basis
as a possibility for the use of this building. Again. the building itself is quite amenable to this kind of development
and ►►ould be relatively low cost. What could be derived from it would more than make up for the investment the
City would make. That is my proposal and i hope in light of all these many valid concerns that kids weigh in your
consideration as well. Thank you for your time.
Alderman Ne%%man asked what in line skating was. and was told that is roller skating. He asked if Mr. Lisinski is
referring; to the building in Glenview. Mr. Lisinski said that building or the 4t Sports Club. the former tennis
facility that was converted to roller skating and in line hockey. Those are reali% the only two facilities around.
Alderman New -man asked if we kno►► how big the Glenview facility is in terms of square footage. :Mr. Lisinski said
it is about a basketball court size more or less. perhaps a tad bit larger. Alderman Ne►vman --vas interested in
kno►►ing the kinds of revenues because the facility in Glenview is used by people tram all over and he is trying to
get a sense of this because one of the issues is after you build the building. is operaring the building and sometimes
the operational costs which are quite significant to the City. This is something different than what we have at Crown
which is basicaily the little skating area we have there what you are referring to is a roller rink. Mr. Lisinski said
that's right it would be pretty much using most of the open floor area that is there that could be used for roller
hockey. for public skating. for birthday parties. etc. Another thing. if you have a multi purpose floor you could
integrate other activities. basketball. tennis. other things from time to time. Alderman Newman thought the rink
in Glenview is a %cry nice facility and asked if we have any idea if that floor is use-d for basketball in additional to
skating. hlr. Lisinski responded. yes it is used for basketball. Alderman Newman would like to get an idea as to
what the potential revenues and ►►hat are the hours of that kind of building as it seems that building has an
extraordinary amount of use. Mr. Lisinski said he would be eery glad to do that based not only on what Ite's
familiar with and how many kids play hockey, etc., we could also generate projections based on classes and parties.
Aidertnan Rainey asked Mr. Lisinski in providing that information could he give the committee information about
►%hat it costs a person to use the facility for the various uses. in line hockey skating. roller skating. etc. Mr. Lisinski
said he would be most happy to provide that information.
Allen "Bo" Pricy, Fleenvoorl Jourrlrrin Center -Good Bening members of the Council and citizens. Fnt
here to represent recreation at its best. As you know ►vc have three centers and ►we &n't have enough room for the
most important product ►tie have in our community. our kids. Let's talk about our fads. I'm not quite old enough
to be a senior citizen yet, but l think we can use that building for dual purpose, fo- senior citizens in the daytime
and tier recreation in the evenings. As wou kno►►'. if you would uo to Cro►yn. Chandler. and Fleetwood are all
overcrowded. 1'ye only been workinu with younesterg for 50 years in this community as a volunteer and I have
sonic idea ►what ►►e need for our community. As ryas said it can be used for a number ot'sports as well as for
meeting rooms for organizations. on the top floor if there is a top floor. When you go into the centers and try to
hook liar some program they tell you we don't have the space. then v.-hen you Co to the Cit•. to the school hoard.
the► all say we don't have the space. an added recreation center would solve our ;problems. I'm not a financial
HSC Minutes 4 12199 Page 22.
wizard. because I'm a shoe rquir rn n. I can tell you what a pair of heels cost. belt I do know this in the Recreation
Department ►+e have ►+izards ►»th papa and pencil. For those of you that have been on the Recreation Board and
sit on the Council, where +►err some of these constituencies from Evanson when ur met at Fleetwood io talk about
the use of that facility. The% didn't show, but I'm here again 1\io+w I'd like to leave you ctiith, F heard all the
Presentations and I'II ►►ait arvunJ fiir the rest but I think the most important product we have in this cx.�mmunity is
two things. senior citizens and our kids I ►+ant to thank you for Iistening.
Joseph Levy, Jr., Levy Senior Center - City Council members. citizens of Evanston. my name is Joseph
Levy, Jr., and I have been associated with Evanston 56 yea,-s. I first ►vant to thank .alderman Newman for
suggesting the Recycling Centcr for our use, and I want to thank Alderman Raine+ for her concern- Ninety-nine
percent of the remarks I wanted to make on behalf of the Levi Center have alread% teen made. I ►eartt to thank
Doug Gaynor for linding us a temrvrary home. I only see a win- t+in situation in the Recycling Center --or the Levy
Center. The City gets the existing Levy Center back on the tax rolls. you get the TIF funds from the ?dill Project.
we forgive the dozens of recorded promises made by the City Council. Northwestern and the Re -search Park in the
past. As the senior population of Evanston grows you give the senior- a reason to get up in the morn-Ing. a place
to go to laugh. to sing, to dance. to learn. to exercise, to express themselves. to send E-Mail to their grandchildren.
and care for one another. Thank you so much.
Jack Lerman, Lety Senior Center - My name is Jack Lerman. and I'm 69 years old. I'm a senior citizen
but also I am a volunteer at the Levy Center. By the way. I do have two cats at home and I love them dearly. To
pick up a metaphor about strays. I just went to a funeral two «eeks. the man had no living relatives. but he came
to the art class as he had no other place to go. The gentleman earlier ►+ho said it reall• is a home a►wa, from home
is really true. If[ have to hayr a hierarchy Archei of priorities I'm son_ I have to ha►e a community ►►tth humans
and I feel ven strongly about that. but I love my cats. I want to say to the committee that the alternative idea,
.we've had manv and I won't tto into that. I think is a good idea and fa-im 9-4 for the Levy seniors is Yn excellent
idea and liar the Recreation Department to have their part is also an excellent idea. I think on Saturdays or whenever
the dog training group comes in is also excellent idea, so I can understand their concerns, but also humans are
important. too. Thank you.
Bob Thompson, Lety Senior Center - Madam Chairman. Committee members. I know Alderman tie+yman
is going to get tired of me saying this. but every time I come up here. which is near the end of our spe_i:ers. I find
that the% have covered ever%thing I'm going to say. It amazes me especially as we're seniors --we dor.. plan this.
�%c think about %%hat ►we're Laing to say and evervone says alN}ut the ,arrc thing I am here tonight - - speak on
hehal f of the majorit} of the Levy Center members who favor the Rec►chriv Center site as a ne-,+ home :,:)r the ne►►
Senior Center. %\'hen developed this site can provide a needed ground floor facility with adequate spat: `or Levy's
competent staff to continue to administer its over 35 programs for more than 500 senior members. In a.Jdition. the
site otters adequate accessible parking. The present center is used for senior activities from 9-4 p.r.: Nl(,nda+s
throuch Frida%s. At other times it is used for non senior activities. This arrancement has ►+orked oL, i oka% and
could be 161to►\ed at the rue►► site As long as the non senior activities do not interfere or conflict with ::;e priman
purpose of the I.eyv Center senior acti► itics. The seniors have been satisfied at the Le%► Center for o. rr 25 \ ears
and I ►yould hope that this committee ►%ill sce lit to continue this tradition by recommending the Recvc'mi! Center
site as a ne%% senior center home. Thank vou.
Crrrl HaV eld, Lety Senior Center - I'm Carl HAtfield, I live at 1020 Grove and I ►want to thank all of you
►yhonu 1 have been privileged to see in your important positions of authoriE%. F %e been impressed the ►av ►ou'ye
listened patienth to the presentations tonight. I feel tom because I love animals. I feel I have much in common with
them. They ha►e a tail but I have one too. and I can wiggle it. too. I just recently ►rote an essay called "I'Il be
Doggone" in my defense of dogs. As I'm impressed by the presentation you made. I'm also impressed b► the
HSC Minutes 4, 1= 99 Paze -73.
people that I represent, the Levy Center, its my home too. Its been my home for many year.. I'm sn Rd near old
combatant, its fim to be old, don't make fun of being old, don't den it, its a privilege, the other side is worse. I'm
torn and I know you have a great decision to make but I like human beings too. in a special way, and 1 hope you'll
give every consideration, search %our heart, search your mind. and make the right decision for EvansNsn. i just %%ish
there were buildings for all of us. we'd all be together. Thank you very much.
.elan;• Kay Bottorff, ✓<Vildkit SR-immirig Organization - Good evening committee mentbers and all others
tonight. I am Mary Kay Bottorff a resident of Evanston for the ]sst 18 years and also president of the Wildkit
Swimming Organization. WSO is a not -for -profit club which provAes swimmers ages 5 through 18 an opportunity
to improve their swimming abilit% as well as compete against other swim clubs for those who are interested_ in
addition we outer a Learn to Swim Program for beginning swimmers. Our s%vimmtng program is currently run out
of the MIS pool in two sessions. September through March and late April to Jul%. Our use of the pool though is
limited due to the high school taking priority in anything they have to do with slimming. A Master Simmer
Program for adults is also run out of the high school and they too are limited b% the high demand that the high
school places on the pool. The fees ue charge must cover our caches' salaries as well as a SI0.(X)O fee that %%e
must pay to the high school each bear in order to rent the pool from them. In order to cover our costs a typical 1 I
year old swimmer who wants to smyim competitively and compete ,�%ould pay over S600 in fees to swim for the year.
Fees at the local YMCA and YWCA are similar. These high fees are a deterrent to many of our community
members. «'SO does provide some scholarship assistance for those swimmers vkho are unable to afford the high
cost yet are trul% interested in the sport. However, our ability to offer these scholarships is limited by our our
financial constraints. Although the community has several places «here you can swim non of them except for the
beach is affordable by all members of our community and the beach is really not conducive to s«imming. Its a
lovely place to relax and enjo\ the «ater. The other facilities in the communit} are the N',1CA and the YWCA.
S\\ immers must toin these organizations in order to be able to ha%a use of the pool and the fees are not affordable
b% a]L Swimmin__ is the number = participation sport in the countr%. according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers
:association. A community the size of Evanston should otter its citizens the opportunity to participate in this
pt�pular sport. in an affordable manner. and if possible on a \ ear round basis. A pool can be used to teach our
\oungsters ho%% to swim. to promote eater safety at the beach in the summer. it provides an excellent means of
exercise tier the adult population. especially the senior population Swimming is an activity that the \\Jtole famill
can participate in as a family unit, unlike man%, sports or activities slimming does not require expensive equipment
and can gcnerall; be enjoyed b; all ate groups and all levels of swimmers. The communit\ should seriousl%
explore the possibility ofconstructing, a multi purpose center that .,,ould include a s,-%imming, pool facility as «ell
as tycll as other recreational acti%hies This facility could easil% include areas for «alking, exercise equipment.
basketball. yolle•. hall. etc. Accordinu, to the Sporting Goods Ma::afacturing :association exercise %\alkin�a is the
number I. participation sport in this country, exercise with equipment if number 4. and basketball is number 9.
As a community Evanston must use its funds wisely and should seriously consider a facilit\• that will meet the needs
of as many citizens as possible and not limit it to a small number of citizens. We ha%e a rare opportunity to enrich
the HNes or our citizens by creating a facility %yhich could meet the demands of a broad group of our citizens. I
%%OUld like the Council to take this opportunit\ to carefully re%ie%% the best to use this piece of land keeping
in mind the di\ erse needs ofour citizens. If \VS0 can be of am funhcr assistance .xploring this idea please contact
us and %w will be happy to %%ork «:th the committee on any ideas for a s,.yimming pool as part of the larger facility
in the contmunk . Thank \ ou Cor -, our time.
Katlrl, Cart_;-, Evarrslon Youth Basehall Association - Good evening. I'm Kathy Care% and I'm here to
represent Evanston Youth Baseball .-\ssociation. I myself as a member of the Board and I run the l I and l' ,ear
old di\ ision %%hick is kno%%n as major league and have been inyohed in other dix isions as \%ell. We in the baseball
communit\ Tool. at the Evanston Rec%cling Center as a really special opportunit% partly because of its proximit'.
it, the fields «here our kids pla-, baseball. We have a really nice complex for those of you oho have nex er
experienced baseball in E\ anston. At James Park we have a number of softball diamonds. 4 back to back baseball
HSC Minutes 4!1.199 Page 24.
diamonds which are used by the 7 though 12 y car olds, and t 2 party league diamonds used by the 7 .3, and 14 year
old children. We have 600 to 700 children in the Krc K01 pn.grun ranging in ages t'mnt 7 r+� 15 and then
approximately an additional 80 girls who are involved in Evanston fact pitch soliball. Tfte children tact James Park
and play baseball from as soon as the weather breaks through August. We see an oppxirtunity = the Evanston
Recycling Center to enable Evanston Youth Baseball Association to provide more opportunity for c:`rildren to play
baseball because of inclement %keither they often cannot get st.u%Ld F%en during their regular sensor. -we often have
a lot practices rained out %%hen kids cannot get in their practice time and lutye to find alternati,.e .aces to try to
practice which isn't easy. It requires a lot of space and coaches are very innovative about trying co make things
happen in a small space. We have tiNo reasons to want to try to use the Evanston Recycling Center. cute is the off-
season training and the second is to practice during inclement %%either. Currently there are a couple places where
children can go to get off season training and neither one of these is in Evanston. The kids pay quite t lot of money
so it is not something that everybody could do at the present locations that most of the kids use. In addition to that
you have to make your phone calls in November to get a practice time in February or March. It mvould be really
wonderful if we could offer something like that not only to our own community, for the children u-ba go outside
the community for their baseball lessons. but also to make something like that available to children :n neighboring
communities and from having been involved in this program myself and with my own children if we protrided such
a space for children it would definitely get a lot of use. I would like you to consider putting the need.i of the young
people of Evanston, the baseball players, the softball players, and the children playing other sport, that would be
able to be done in conjunction with baseball in a multi purpose facility. I would like you to gi�.r that a lot of
consideration, and think the young people of our town certainly deserve that and it "ould be a vcn tine thing.
Evanston would be setting a really good example in providing something outstanding for their youth Thank vou.
Alderman Ne%%man asked if Ms. Carey was talking about batting cages. Ms. Care% said she was talking about
batting cages, portable pitching mounds, and pitching machines. These don't take up a lot of space and are portable
they conic out a hen you need them and go away when you don't need them, they are not permanent futures.
Alderman Newman asked if we're talking about the Youth Baseball providing the equipment and the City providing
the space or is the City also buying the equipment. Nis. Care% said Evanston Youth Baseball certainl% does have
funding for equipment such as that we have raised money through our baseball fest and will continue to do so.
Alderman Ne%%man asked what size space is necessary to accommodate this, one speaker told us in line skating was
basically a basketball court. Ms. Carey said that would be about the minimum size. They would want something
that is equivalent to an indoor basketball facility. She could dream about something much larger so we could have
multiple teams practicing here and the girls practicing there. In order to make batting cages work you can put them
at angles to each other and a few side by side, something on the order of a full sized basketball court. We're talking
about on the weekends and at night.
Charlotte O►►tahundro, Garrl►ter at die James Park - Hi. I'm Charlotte Omahundro, f am a gardener for
the last 17 years at James Park right behind the Recycling Center and also an early supporter of recycling in
Evanston. I think you heard me testify before regarding that. M% main concern is that in any changes that we
de%clop for the current Recycling Center we make sure «e don't lose the Drop Off Program some►%here in
Evanston. Probabl% o%er at the Cit-, yards I'd certainly like to hear that as the thought because the proposals that
have been made tonight have been outswriding and I'm really very taken by them as I approach my own senior
citizen status in this community. I have concern about pedestrian senior citizens crossing Oakton Street to get into
the Recycling Center. The three way signal there with the Home Depot is a confusing signal. It would be confusing
tier a senior citizen to negotiate unless something is done so that is always a three «ay stop and nobody can go
especially people ,,ho are walking slowly. If buses area able to go into the center and drop people oft. that %%ould
be more sate. I am a supporter of your animal shelter the► have been wonderful neighbors to the garden and
Recycling Center. The% %balk the dogs around the garden, its very entertaining and heartwarming. I know they do
good work and I also once experienced your indoor bathroom which I shared with a cat. so I kno%y your need for
space. Its amazing Nr%hat you do. I think if you design any center for yourselfand whether its in the Rec%cling
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Center or whether its an expanded building next door you ought to try aM relocate the focus of the enmrtce so that
the people who are using the Recycling Center,.will be drawn into cemine into the pet shelter and ma --'be you'll have
more customers right off the street. Also with the kids I'm sure thr •'re going to want to come and 5c� the animals
in the shelter if that access is made available. Another suggestion I heard of would be for an indoor :walking track
to be built in the Recycling Center that would be very attractive to a lot of people who can't walk .7tutside in the
winter. Thank you very much.
Nancy Seeger, Evanston Running Club - I'm here represerung the Evanston Running Club and Evanston
runners of which there are hundreds. Cm certainly not representing all of them but as a runner and a woman who
runs several days a week along the lakefront all seasons. I am definnely in favor of and so is the Evanston Running
Club of an indoor facility for public use and public access, a multi propose facility but certainly one rF.at has a track.
treadmills. wvalker rooms. water. and a place for people to go in the tn• cold months of the year when most people
are not like me and don't stay outside. it would be to everyone's advantage. I think many ages support the idea
of this facility. Thank you.
David Hodgman, Recreation Board - Thank you, my name it Dave Hodgman and I am the current president
of the Evanston Recreation Board. Last month the Recreation Box d received comments from representatives of
twelve different organization from the City of Evanston regarding the possibility that the Recycling Center and that
location might be used to enhance the recreational facilities of our Cr-ti-. We heard from the following organizations
and we have heard from many of them this evening. In Line Hockey. the Evanston Runners Club. the Senior
Citizens. the Evanston Tennis Association. Deep Six Volleyball Club. Wildkit Swim Organization. the American
Youth Soccer Organization. the Evanston Youth Baseball Associat: gin. the Fello%%ship of African American Men.
the Drum and Bugle Corps, the Evanston Lacrosse Club. and the E%-_iston Soccer Association. Each organization
represents a different group with somewhat facility needs .which are none the less comparable. Together they
represent more than 4000 participants who are residents of the Cit. 7,f Evanston. Without exception each of them
expressed their frustration at the lack of adequate indoor gymnasium in our City. This lack impairs their ability to
meet the needs of their constituents. In many cases. unfortunate!-y. forcing them to go outside of the City of
Evanston to rent facilities. The stories that we heard confirmed t! a results of the extensive Attitude and Interest
Survev commissioned by the Recreation Board several years ago. TI= survey indicated that one of the very highest
priorities for the community was to have more indoor gymnasiurn space. The Evanston Parks and Recreation
Division and the Recreation Board have been frustrated in the severe! wears that have passed since that suave% came
out because of the lack of open space for such a facility or facilities cc uld be built. We have explored the possibility
of addint-, on to existing facilities and wve have searched in vain 'ar other locations particular],. in southea_t
Evanston. This lames Park location including the Recycling Center --law %well represent the last best hope for a first
rate indoor facility for Evanston. Indeed it does seem to represent a r markable opportunity where timing. location
and community needs all converge. Evanston clearly needs a new facility to replace the Levy Senior Citizen Center
Moreover the youth organizations that we've heard from are growyine dramatically in responsc to the
increased demand for recreation in Evanston which of course reflects -he trend in our societ%. As we've heard from
these orvanizations I was reminded of the reference in a recent presiderntial campaign to a great suckin sound. As
I realized ho%% much money is being spent by Evanston residents pay for recreational services and resource-s
outside ofour City. Our soccer clubs are paying; $120 and hour to use indoor fields all the way up in Highland Park.
individual baseball players are paying S35 per half hour for access tt- _ndoor pitching and batting practice facilities.
also all the .vay up in Highland Park. FAM is unable to organize tci=aments because it has no gyn space to host
them. The Deep Six Volleyball is paying S 15.000 a year to rent gyrrunasium space. I am certain that this is merely
scratchine the surface of the revenues that are being diverted from ou Civ, which we could capture in a new indoor
facility of our o%%Tt. The stories that %we've heard from these 12 organizations provided a dramatic reminder to the
Recreation Board of how fortunate we are to live in Evanston with its enormous pool of dedicated volunteers to
support so many wonderful institutions that enhance the quality of hft in our City. I believe that one of the .walls
of City go%ernment should be a support of infrastructure so that these %olunteer efforts can flourish. I belie%e that
HSC Minutes 4,112,99 Page 26.
these organizations and the serf ices they provide cur particular!% tti%p` rtant to a t ibrant conttnunity this can continue
to attract young families as well as senior citizens in our comnauntt\ . I etas drit ing here this evening, utt}a my 14
year old daughter Jessica, who I dropped off on the way at the high z• hool liar her \oIlevball practice. On the «ay
there she asked me whether I was going; to be late to nay meeting. I sand I thought not. and she .asked wherbcr there
«as going to be a new practice facility for volleyball nest ear. I sL.: 1 thought pry ably not, as I thought this gas
a long term project and think the Recycling Center is the wichor for »''C beginning of a much larger multi u:ic facility
for the Cite of Evanston. Jessica said, "well that's alright even if us not here for ri;e it'll be here for ibc kids t%ho
follow me and I think all of its should approach this with thx spirit. I think that this Cit,. CoL;mcil has
demonstrated its ability to think boldly and creatively and to urrJertake major projects to benerr,t the City of
Ee anston. The Recycling Center and that location presents another opportunity for &,e City Council demonstrate
its ability to be bold and creative. Thank: you.
Aldertan Newman commented that the previous speaker on styimrning made one of the best cases '.-It had heard.
We'yc talked about pools before and never got down to looking at the fees and whether a significant :portion of the
community is locked out because they can't afford to pay for the Evanston Athletic Club or whate-• rr it takes to
sttim at the high school. He asked Ivir. Hodgman if within his vi-sion of a recreation center the po{.)l is included
among the 12 organizations. NIr. Hodgman responded, yes, the Wildkit Swim Organization was .,ne of the 12,
Alderman Newman said it gets to the point where we're talking about a great deal of money. 10 or I J; :nillion might
be a low figure. A pool to serve a community is a big ticket item. Are we talking about going out t.�, refe•rendum
or about the Recreation Board giving us an idea of the types of revenues we can estimate in a conscma:.ive cvay such
a facility will bring in, then we could talk about those revenues going toward debt service. Are we thinking about
a building that will be for in line skating and swimming, or are we thinking more gyro space. He is just tn-ing to
get a sense of �yhat he should be thinking about to start asking questions in terms of hots We will fivzu c v h1 ai those
ttizards at the Recreation Department will come up with. He ttoulJ like to knmt %chat the cost will be..%hat «ill
tie be asking the tax payers to pay, and he's not malting these comments in any eta%. shape, or form :L� be �egatit e
because he thinks %hat all the organizations are bringing is part of a great meeting here tonight. but ;o fig --ire hot%
tie can raise the money and what type of process should be set up. Mt. Hodgman said he could not direcd, address
Alderman Newman's question but can say he thinks this is probably the best chance Evanston will et er ha-. e to do
something like this and to capture lots of revenues that othenyise are being bled off to other communities. He
believes that the first step should be to commission a study to determine what it ceould cost to do this and it mad
well have to be done incrementally. Other communities can do it and he would hope that we can do it. Alderman
Net.man agreed ttitli that thinking. however, we're in a situation %kith that building and if we can find a %tat to
create a building does not know if that will mean different wines v ith a center field house being a coo}eraiite
common space, it tie were able. to find a tray to create some common uses that tte're not intrusk a to the senitirs
feeling of community at that center, and he is underlining if we find a .vay. He would like to hear some ide-as which
perhaps Mr, Gaynor has as to how we can get going on the Levy Center if that's our decision at that site without
compromising our openness of tr.ing to do something additional connected to it. In order for him to �,e supportit e
lie has to have this figured out or ha%e suggestions on, if we can integrate b% expansion, and if this is he right
position to be arguing for when we get questions. Alderman Newman asked Mr. Gaynor if at some F.-.,,nt ttouid
het c some comments on this. We have to have to have an idea of w h.ther we're talking about all the _yes c. should
tit aim for the size we can go. ,blr. I-kodgman thought the in line skating is yen comparable with all ::3. other uses.
In mam other suburbs there arc large facilities which accommodate in line skating, basketball. volle- ball. soccer.
and by chanting the flooring for different uses which is now a fairly w ell established technique. Alder:,tan Newman
said there are a lot otuses that can be accomplished in one common space and we need to find out tth: ; the r itential
re\ enues are at reasonable entrance: fees, similar to tt hat we do for ice skating as there are no comp:aIntV that the
tees we charge are prohibitive. ylr. Hodgman thought there are m am people in organizations that are v-illing to
pay a very high price not to have to drive all the way the Highland Park for their children and there art other groups
who will benefit from that. Alderman Newman appreciated NIr. Hodgman's statement.
H5C Minutes 4 1?199 Page _7.
Toni Amundson, Team Evanston - I'm here for recreation mr youth. I ha%v a bunch of kids --.*j hatr been
involved with youth activities and sports for 20 years here in Evanston. My background is real estan-r— i':n ai`wally
an architect by training and instead of talking about all the great reaa—sons why %Nv need this for the k:.�as I':n acTLWIs"
%%ilh the Evanston Soccer association that's why I'm here tonight. Between us and AN'SO. CFRAL and our nitth
school teams we have about 3000 kids that play soccer all year round. They to to play all year 7—curd but there
really isn't a place to play in the winter time. Originally my interes here was pure[% on the soccer s-jdjr ,�. bu:;-dine
off of what Dave just talked about i could have v.-rote the same speech. I think some of the things :tir havt to :(-.oil
at here is what is this going to be and in looking at some of these facilities I've been involved w � a couple of
groups that have been trying to build these indoor facilities in Evanston. Skokie. Lincolmwood. Glcn--iew. and
Crystal Lake. i've been looking all over the place and my hearts always been here in Evanston si. c v c ha en't
been able to do something here we haven't done it but we have gone through the economics of tf�"s. mve've gone
through the feasibilit% studies and one of the things we've disco~ Bred is that certain communities. tspeciall; and
not necessarily Evanston and I don't know why it can't work here. is the combination of the youth r-creation Stier
4:00 p.m. and the senior citizens during the day. in fact communities have come to us that would like to be involved
�.ith your facility and we say, great, because we don't have anything to put in it during most of the day If you're
trying to make money or break even in a facility like this that's really important. what do you do during the day.
Basically ►%,hat I'm saving is i don't know why I haven't heard anything tonight ;why we can't do this together with
the senior citizens, they can use it during the day and figure out what hours. What we really need is a multi purpose
gym that can serve soccer. baseball. volleyball, basketball. and tennis, these are slxrrts that I'm personally involved
already with all my kids. I'm also involved with a swimming program but I don't know how the swimming pool
tits. It not only costs a lot of money to build but costs a lot to maintain. I'm actually an ex-s%vimmer and I don't
know how that's going to work. What I would like to see happen here is come up with a plan from day one and we
can expand it. James Park is a perfect place to do this. One of our biggest problems was finding a location in
E-anslon, there is no place to do this. and land is very expensive. Wc*re talking about low margin opportunity here
especially if you want to keep it affordable for even•bodv in Evanston. You can do this in Lake Forest and make
a lot of money, you can't do that here. I don't think the idea here is to make a lot of money its to make this thing
feasible and so the idea is to come up with a plan for this property which would incorporate the Levy Center. \\high
incorporates a multi purpose facility. although i do not know about the animals. i have three cats but have more
children than cats. This facilitn does make economic sense. we can put together something that will pay for itself
and the key thing is it can do more than just the youth it can handle the senior citizens. I'd be glad to be involved
«ith anybody and sit down and figure how to plan this thing out.
Alderman `e%vman asked about the indoor soccer. as the in line skating people say its basically a basketball floor.
«hat does that do for indoor soccer. Mr. Omundson thought the key f'or the indoor soccer is it won't iv a regulation
field unless it can be expanded. The actual size of the building is too small for a full sized field, based on the size
of an indoor rink its the same as an ice rink which is bigger than a basketball court. a basketball court \%ill fit nicely
in this. The in line rink is almost the same size as a soccer Field. The idea is to come up with a multi purpose
surface, he would not suggest we build the walls. a true indoor facilit:- has walls just like ice hockev. xe .%ould not
do that for something like this its lit would use it more for training. for intermurals. for pick up games. etc The
facility itself is a little bit sniall to do that. Its a nice size room, we «t,uld love it but it isn't regulatior. size. I think
«hen you get into planning this facility, an indoor soccer facility is -,cry expensive to build per se. Depending on
your architectural standards its no more than a big public building, that's what most of these things are. It doesn't
cost a lot of money to build nor to maintain. its relatively inexpensive. When you start adding swimming pools that
% r- expensive. but if you just build an indoor multi purpose facility. its not expensive. James Park is a large park
and a lot of different people %\ant it for different reasons, but to deal with this as a starting place to expand this
toxvards the tennis coups is something we talked about for outdoor fields. which ..e are also short on File would
gladly give up that for a common recreation center. :alderman Ne"man said we're doing some outdoor fields with
the doggie park to %%hich Mr. Omundson said we think that's great. That eases our strain but Evanston as a
communitN is kind of a second class recreation communitN to all our neighbors and -�e're the largest s-.:hurb. A lot
HSC Minutes -'11299 Pape 28_
of us take a lot of pride in %what we do but I think you would expect more from Evanston than what we have, we
have 3 facilities that are solely booked and our ghouls are booked.
Richard Marberry, Recreation Board - My name is Richard Marbeny. I'm currently on the Recreation
Board and I'm also the Tournament Director for :he 4th Est July I-ennis Tournament this year. which is going to be
held on the 5th. the same day as the parade. M\ purpose in being here tonight was to give a brief spccc-h in support
of tennis in the Recycling facility. I thinly enough comments have been made about that. Alone with the other
sports this would be a multi purpose facility as the previous two speakers have just said there is going to be a multi
use floor. tennis could certainly be accommodates in this along with many, many others. The real thought I wanted
to leave you with tonight is that Urn for recreation in Evanston but I'm also for the citizens of Evanston and that
includes the seniors, that includes recreation, that includes animals, and everybody else. That's something this
committee has to consider as they go forward. We came here tonight two consider uses for the Recycling Center. I
see that center as a way to create a really useful facility for the people of Evanston, not only for the seniors which
f see it being used for but also for a number of different recreational sources. perhaps it would include shimming
too. I think Tom's comments were quite correct that it is expensive and expensive to maintain_ Be that as it may,
we've heard from a lot of different constituents tonight that represent diverse interests except that they arc all
comparable with this particular. I think that the facility as it exists is not big enough, it needs to be expanded and
there would be a substantial amount of money involved in putting it together, I think that there is money already
available through the seniors for some type of a facility that might be utilized, there is state money, there might be
Federal money that would be available but because of all the people that we've heard here tonight I feel a ground
swell coming for recreation and perhaps for other uses as well. I think a referendum as you suggested might very
well be the way to provide some of the financing for this and I don't say all but I do say some. I see the citizens
of Evanston coming out and saving we need things for our children, we need things for our seniors, we need things
for ourselves, but I think that's something we really need to keep in mind at this point. Thank you.
.inn Carra, Recreation Board - Good evening. I'm Ann Carra. I'm with the Evanston Recreation Board. Two
things, thank you very much for all your time and attention and energy on this important issue. Secondly, I'm just
speaking in support of this shared usage representing youth. children. families, for sports and leisure for the
y Center who we also represent. Thanks.
Recycling Center along with the Ley
Sandra Brown, Lakeshore Partners - I'm Sandra Brown and I'm here for several different reasons. I grew
up here. I have a family that I'm raising here, my husband is a soccer and a basketball coach, but I also am a broker
Realtor. I am part of Lakeshore Partners and I think that when families. y oung families to particular. also families
with middle school aged kids, are coming into the community one of the first things we do as reahors when we're
introducing them to the communities is to drive them around and show them the parks, and the different facilities
that are available. Often after I showy them those three I have to drive by the YWCA and YMCA just to say, yes
we also have this have this and in comparison to some of the other communities. Skokie for instance, which has
three beautiful new facilities there just is no comparison. You're driving people around in your car and they're
looking around and thinking this is really great. this is fine but is it large enough to accommodate when you drive
bw Chandler or Robert Crown. the skating:. so there definitely is a need. Its something that families are very, very
interested in when they're being introduced to communities in which they want to live particularly %with young kids.
I really encourage you to use that facility in that way. In a personal point of view from my own kids. they're all teen
azers now but we're always struggling to look for places. FAAivl is always looking for basketball courts to practice
on trying to coordinate with the different schools. Thpre truly is a great need and its very important moving to
Evanston to have sufficient recreational facilities. its a real drawing point. Thank you.
Rick Marsh, Recreation Board - My name is Rick Marsh. I'm a member of the Evanston Recreation Board
and also the current president of the l=AAM Youth Basketball League, a 31 year old organization. About 4 or 5 years
ago %we conducted the Interests and Attitudes Survey here in Evanston to try to make a determination of the needs
HSC Minutes 411199 Page 29.
of our community. I heard the word ground sneIl here tonight and I think its pretty obvious by the turn out here
trying to find uses for the Recycling Center. I think ground s%velf u-s started back with the interests and Attitudes
Survey because we clearly heard from our community that there was a need for gym space and as a member of Ehe
Recreation Board it has been sorne,-yhat frustrating that in all this time we really haven't done anything to meet the
needs of our citizens who clearly told us that was a need. The FRAM Youth Basketball League has 350 kids. 90
Volunteers. we have a Travel Team Program where we tape some of our better kids. travel pretty much all around
the state, and have the opportunity of seeing a number of facilities and playing different teams We have also
established a leamine center this year,-yhere we hire teachers to support our kids from a academic standpoint as our
goal is to develop student athletes. We're not just a basketball league. we're mentors and roll models. i know
growing up in New York the mentors and roll models in my life were dearly important to me and have helped me
become the person that I am. We do indeed at FAAL1 have a problem with gym space, we use 9 - District 65
facilities. Often times they have programs and we're pretty much at their whim whether or not v6 a can use those
facilities which this has been an ongoing. problem. The vision that we have in FAANI is to establish tournament
play and a sense of community and pride amongst our kids when they're playing against other teams from other
communities coming here. We don't have a facility right now to have tournament play here in Evanston. E••ery
gvm that we have is pretty much filled to capacity in terms of time. There is only one court at each of the facilities.
%-e need multiple courts and I can we the Recycling Center for this. it probably needs to be enlarged so we can have
multiple courts in that facility- to have tournament play and have other teams come in and play while we're
establishing that sense of pride and community amongst our kids. We tell our kids all the time it is so important
for us to develop them because they're certainly our future, if ,.ye're not developing our youth then what's our future.
From the aspect of community pride, becoming student athletes. and to enhance the program that we have. we
clearly need gym space. I think the facility at the Recycling Center would enhance that. help our program and help
our kids, and would be nothing but a positive for our community. Evanston certainly and clearly without am
question deserves to have a facility like that. Thank you.
David Gottlieb, Levy Senior Center - Cm David Gottlieb. this is the shortest speech you will ever hear
tonight. Although I'm all for C.A.R.E. and I think: they're in desperate need. they presented a wonderful program.
have done a job and done it right. they gave you the facts and figures. I'm not going to repeat anything in that
direction. I know they need something desperatel, . everybody needs something desperately. I'm going to offer
a suggestion, something± that has never been broached before and I wonder %%hether its possible that this could be
used for some of the organizations that were here. Them is a large piece of property in Evanston, believe it or not,
vacant that has interesting possibilities. If one were to build just a flat building on this piece of property. its :erg
Iong. and the parkins, space is fantastic. You sa%. in Evanston. %es, and its onl% a block or so from t:,e
Recycling Center. Would you believe it" Its right across the street from Sams. its right along the canal and I go
there every day with my dog. You say it belongs to some other organization but its never used. `ow why can't
we investigate that. The Village of Skokie got their property free to build that monstrosity on Oakton Avenue %then
that property could just as well have been used for C.A.R.E. just a block away. I say. once again. why can't ., e
seriously investigate that piece of property with this wonderful parking that it has available with all the lighting and
it has transportation. Sure its along the canal but that's not a detriment. Its long. its not really %side. but with s�,-1;7_-
imagination something can be done. ofcourse. if we can get permission to take that property a%%ay from %%hoc:•. er
runs the canal. i know it belongs to Skokie or someone else, but its worth a tr.
Alderman Rainey asked Mr. Gaynor to tell those who are here «ho don't knot% «hat it is that we are going to be
doing with Skokie. Mr. Gaynor said we have been fortunate to enter into an agreement with the Park Distric: of
Skokie to create a number of soccer fields, they will beylocated between the Sam's Club parking lot and the c..^.31
from ,Ivlain Street south to the end of the parking lot area. and from the end of the parking lot area south probabl%
about three to five acres till be dedicated for an off leash dog, park. We are nou under contract -.sith a consultant
for the design and hope to be able to open up that complex in about a year. It will. be a joint project between the
Skokie Park District and the Cit, of Evanston.
HSC Minutes 4112/99 Page -0.
Beti), Drey, Evanston Ciff.-.en - 1'nt just a plain citizen rf l-%amston %%ho has lived him since nineteen fifty
something, I'm nobody. {Alderman \evanan interjected. you'm not rn ixxh•1 I'm not a mcmber tof the Levy Center
and I came because I'm deepl% unterestcd in.ylzat's happening her: ami I'll have to tell Nou I'm terribl% impressed.
The one thing I would come av--a% %%ith is the theme, "Promises Mack, Promi•c, Kept". I ant shocked, stunned.
saddened, by what has been done for the Levv Center over the % ar% and this is your opporturtit. IL, redeem that.
I am terribly impressed. and always have been. with what t'.:\.I:.E. i-as done and is doing and I", see tonight the
absolute dedication of what %,olunteens have dune to create son;cthtrg that's a credit to Evanston. I am totaily
impressed by the needs for recreation facilities. \\ hat I'm stud. \%Ith Ls, here is an opportunity for \sin. win. If you
can't give C.A.R.E. that space give them sonicmore space and let C.A.R.E. and those you of uho care about it do
something. Lets not make a choice of one, two. three, do one don't do :he other. .it do the other. Lets dry them all
and try to figure out a way to m :ke Evanston proud of what it reach can do for its citizens. Thant: you.
Alderman Rainey said that was a perfect way to sum up the evening for someb--dy v ho thought she's a nobody
she's a real somebody. One thing that happened here tonight is there seems to be a general sense among everybody
that no matter what happens even -body realizes that the other has an important project. an important mission. and
we're all going to work together and hopefully as the last speaker said, we're going to make everything happen in
a time frame that's satisfactory to everybody and hopefully evenbod-, will pleased with what happens. What she
wants to do is briefly talk to committee about what eye think our next step should be.
Alderman yew -man agreed with the last speaker and thinks we found out tonight «e need to do it all. This was one
of the better meetings and when people ask me why I want to be on the City Council its not to make the choices that
are presented but its to hear from the citizens about how we can do better for therm. He learned a lot about C.A.R.E.
and the way they presented it does not think they were saying «e just want the Recycling Center. although that
might be everybody's preferred choice, I'm definitely interested in pursuing expansion of the current site and being
able to do something cooperative but that has to somehow be worked into the equation. He hears them saying the%
are willing it) make a substantial contribution. He did not ask Sandy Brown how much the land %%ouid be «orth
or the expansion. but investing land is the most important contribution anybody makes to any project v6hether
private or public. As far as the seniors I think we heard some real unin answering the question about the Oakton
site. What we didn't hear and v hat I want to add to the list of promises. hopefully will not be one of the promises
broken. is he assumes when people tall: about Oakton as a site we are going to have to have the most creative. best
transportation and he's talking about our own buses not just relying on PACE and the CTA but trying to find a teay
to make that site is convenient for the people that live in homes. apartments, and senior buildings. The speakers
from the Recreation Board made the case as to ho%% in some way if the Le%-y Center is our starting point in Evanston
because %%e don't have an abundance of funds. we have to find a wa% to do some creative thinking and combine
uses. Obviously we are not going to want to do it in a way that would be intrusive or would defeat the purposes of
the Levy Center as it now exists. All the suggestions put on the table tonight have to be seriously considered and
as many as we can put together and combine, even sharing some the parking betN%een an expanded animal shelter
and the new building. he thinks there is a way to do it. At this point he is a bit frustrated as he does not ha%a am
idea as to what the costs mcould be beyond the Lev) Center. The first thing \Nc have to figure out is \that «e reall't
want to do. Some people %%ant tct do a swimming pool, sonic people thought the poul could not he included. but
we have to find out the dollar amount of what we're talking about and then depending %hat Ihat is. see ►what's
available and maybe there will be a need for a referendum. As far as a referendum goes he thinks people: in this
community will pay for recreation and the arguments made by all the speakers for additional recreation needs. We
knovy we have a very strong basis and it may very well be up to the community whether or not we can do everything
or ought to be able to at do least part of what we heard tonight.
Alderman Rainey said getting back to where we were prior to tonight %4e had on board an architect prepared to do
a feasibility study of that area of the Recycling Center to the animal shelter. One of the things we do not know is
what will it cost to reuse the Recycling Center for a Levy Center. We don't kno,.v the issues and the problems
HSC Minutes 4112/99 Page 3l.
associated with that yet, as that study has to be performed. Given the fact that the Levy Center program staserrtent
is around 25.000 square feet and the Recycling Center is 13,000 floor area square feet. we know that some changes
are going to have to be made. either the roof is going to have to be raised, floors are going to have to he put in.
walls are going to have to be moved, something. Given that program statement it is probably unlikely that there
will also be in line skating, basketball, batting cages, etc.. in that space per se. under that current roof. Ho%kcver.
in that vicinity it would seem that's the place that has to have the sports facility and it %vouid seem to her t}-C time
would be now. She does not how tite committee feels about this. perhaps the Recreation Board should br2in the
program statement for this sports facility because we can't talk about any dollar figures unless open up the Dodge
reports and figure out how mans- square feet we warit times how many hundreds of dollars which equals ho%% much
this place will cost. The next step has to be taken on the part of the Recreation Department and the Human Senices
Committee. especially the Recreation Board leading: the way to put together a vision statement as to what this
facility needs to be in order to he the right faciliv, (Mr. I lodgman %diced his acceptance of this. %%ith unam.nous
acceptance of the audience). Alderman Rainey's sense was %%e cannot get trapped not dosing something every
moment until we look at the architect's plans for all of these proiects and cannot imagine any ether %%ay to do this
without a referendum. The people in the community are absolutely right, e%erybod% recognizes the needs and
requirements of all the interest groups and we're all going to have to support one another in order to get .what
everybody needs.
Alderman Moran said he has a number of issues he is concerned about with respect to the interests of the Levy
Center.. We have heard about the promises that have been made over the course of time and is less concerned about
promises and more concerned about what will work out to be the best facility in the future for our senior citizens.
He knows that one aspect of the many discussions over the course time has been having the senior center if it is not
in the current location of the present Levy Center that it would be someplace nearby. One of the reasons was as we
have heard over and over again. testimony from the senior citizens saying they like having a center that is near
downtown Evanston for reasons .which he thinks are obvious and do not have to be gone into. It allows them to
have the full panoply they can all enjoy by being downtown. The second issues. which is a dual issue. is
transportation has always been important in relation to getting to and away from the Levy Center. One of the
reasons that downtown was an attractive site was the bus routes. the L. Tetra. all converged in that area. That
would not be the case in James Park. We are talkine about creating ne%w systems of transport to James Park and his
question is. from where and how and will those new methods of transport be attractive to our senior citizens. Would
be they be less concerned about having a bus that would run from the Davis Street L Station to James Park. how
many of the Levy Center members currently like to drive to the Levv Center. how man% would .want to drive to
James Park as opposed to taking a bus from the Davis L Station. lie does not knrn% the answers to these que=tions
but would like to know these answers. His last point tin this is that multi purpose faciiit% in relation to the senior
center, in his initial drive through public sector policy issues in Evanston when he %%as on the Recreation Board
beginning in 1988. We then worked on the creation of what is now the new 25.000 square foot program statement.
He remembers the anguished public discussions over multi purpose uses at what was presumed to be a tie" Le,. ,
Center that %%ould be devoted exclusively to the use by seniors. There was the question of whether there %%ould be
new uses that %%ould he added that are not currently a part of the program there that %%ouid be directed more at older
and potentially frail senior citizens and the difficulty of'working those uses %%ith the present uses. It %%a; %er.
controversial. very heart wrenching. and a very emotional issue. something that held him capti%e for a year. Ile
went to hearings and meetings on those issues and was very torn by it and wasn't even going to be a Levy Center
member. He saw the conflict between the members there and it affected him so profoundl% he's sitting here eleven
years later remembering the emotion and how difficult that issue %vas. He would like to have a survey of the Lev}
Center membership. to kno%% %%hat the membership would like to see happen. %here do they .want the center to be.
ho%% would the% prefer to get there and get away from there. how do they sec' the mixture of different uses %%hat
would be a pro or a con from their perspective. Some very serious consideration needs to be given to those issues.
This has been a wonderful meeting. lie has learned a lot here tomiht and wants to thank e%erybody. He was on the
Recreation Board and knew a lot about that. but he didn't kno%% a lot about C.A.R.E~.. who gave a .%onderful
HSC Minutes 4112 99 Pace 32.
presentation and completely convinced him you're doing groat %%ork. lie Le\y mid his family mZrnbers
are doing a great job and have for many, many years. It's Ludt it) think: ►►r.tut tit) e%er.teeing but a lot of times
when we try to do everything we find that we can't quite do it. Mliat lee thinks we need to start thinking about is
how many of these things we can do and what thinks we cwi't do. Weir ultimately going to have to start
associating dollars and cents with all these uses. Everything has to be figured out and ►►e Im\c to start doing some
real work to say to people this is what we think cede be done. ►\hat we think wr can 1e offered ►ou, this is hot. :we're
going, to fund it. these are our plans and ►%hat ►ye'rc going to do. llius ►►hen wt go ti,r►►an1►►L'n ac'riorti abort: this_
Alderman Rainey added we're all serious about this and to ft:Nllow up on one thing, the Levy Center Subcommittee
has been working on a variety of these issues. She's not sure how y ou want this sun ey done or %%ho does it. ,:o you
want it commissioned, it is enough to have a check off list. There is going to be an intimt-tans. meeting on this at the
Levy Center on Wednesday. April 141h. at 10:00 a.m. Alderman Rainey added the membership will present at this
meeting and all of this will be discussed at that time. She asked if we could unit to get a sense of what that meeting
is like and ho►v it goes.
Alderman Newman wanted to follow upon Alderman Nforan's comments because he knows he previously ►►anted
to put the Levy Center at the Y, to which Alderman Moran responded that was not the case and wh► %%ould
Alderman Newman say this. Alderman Newman said that is true and wanted to know when :alderman htorart says
he wants the Levy Center downtown is he talking about Lot 18 or Lot 6. lust w bet an understanding of what you
want us to study, ifwe did not go forward on 4akton Street where would you say it should be. Alderman Moran
said the issue he's raising is should it be in downtown Evanston and thinks Lot 18 would be a great place for t: but
if we could find other places he thinks that would also be possible. He ne►er said he wanted it at the 111CA.
Alderman Rainey thought this discussion could go on at the Subcommittee meeting; and also the meeting at the Le►-%
Center.
Alderman Bent wanted to say after sitting up here several years this is the absolute best meeting that he has ever
been in attendance at. With that statement. Alderman Rainey called for applause for everyone in attend -once.
Alderman Kent said every speaker that went to the podium received applause regardless of what organization they
represented which was absolutely wonderful because we don't get our share of that up here. He listened to the
C.A.R.E. people and thinks everything they're doing is fantastic. we're not going to leave you out on a limb and
does not think you should go away feeling like that. To the Levy Center and those on the Recreation Board that
spoke about the recreation shortage of field and gyms we're all very familiar with this and we have a lot of things
to take into consideration. Everyone that spoke tonight kept those things up front. and were very honest. Ir
were no nwney problems or shortages we could build the best place and most creative place one could e►c n
imagine and tit everybody in, we know that's not going to happen, but we are going to our best to be creati► e. Its
easy to talk about the Levy Center fitting into the Recreation Department, if that's the ►%ay we're going,, but he needs
to know how that's going to happen as lie does not want the Levy Center fitting into the possible: Recreation Center
if they're only fitting into a room or an extension and being forgotten about_ He wants to know about the batttnu,
cages, because they can be hung from the ceiling and let dentin, the changing of floors has been mcntioncd. ana a
lot ofcreati►e things that are going to happen. Ile hopes the C.:A..R.E. people ++ill continue to work as tar as +►hat
you really see that building becoming. You made a statement that it was 13.006 feet but you need 10.000 tees and
wants to know what those 10,000 feet are going to look like:. I -le ►+ants to knom the Recreation Center is going to
fit in the Levy Center if we're talking about 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., is it going to be just for the senior citizens. what
are they going to have to work with. When the Recreation Department changes o%, r he wants to kno.% about the
transaction that happens there because those are the questions that will hit us in the: face if eve don't get them ready
to come up so ►►e can start probing and answering more questions. Again, its been a fantastic meeting.
Alderman `emman said when he thought he was going to be attending this meeting he was concerned about how
the seniors ►%ere going to react to alter some of the discussions that took place a lew of the members of the
HSC Minutes 4/12i99 Pagc 33.
Subcommittee about aut to 1;uttcs Park. What he ►►:1s ttntck by tonight. and it least one of the speakers at
this meeting spoke to him and told hint they ►►;tntrd the site.t►+►vnte►►►•n, was that the peoplc ►►•h.• ca-ne to address
the Lr►-v Center had for--v d a cnnsrnstts that he bclie\rs ►vas m+h:thlv the n•u!1 of t:tlkittg to ether :erg:on and from
meetings at the Levy C.ntcr. Ile atskk-d fir Levy if lie is ►►mng in assuming a cnnsensu• is forming that the James
Park site. if ►ve can do zc,nic things in the transl*.►rtatit►tt .trra h.0 a lot o1"advantaves to it Mr I :.,- responded at
this rvint the majorirN !.*s that as their tint choice. :liter -XIdennan Brine\ tc►►+I+ its k+rt tour, an,! us what
►►a% there and \fr. Ga►r..-,- -sho►ved us ►►hat could be done. hoi.% walls could tic moved and taken out. he benefit of
a park next to it is ►►on6rful. ;t garden on one side and a Lurk oil the other. ;liter they s:n► this and word tot out
from one to the other he was delighted this morning at the meeting how eten•bod} ►►as all for it. Alderman
Newman said tonight-s meeting about dis:ussing the site ►vas ,en• well known and people ►►ho ►►ruld have been
►er} apposed to the site 'A'Ould have been a►► are cif this meeting, it has been very difficult to come up ►►ith a site
for the senior center and .one can't imagine how large a contribution to be able to go oil land that is already off the
tax roils is financially to ':he community at large is because it also allows its to use some land for parking needs in
the short nin ►►hen ►►e're Joint! ;t ]ot of the construction do►►ntown, but it allows us to use the most valuab!e land
in dm nto►►n I:►anston 3: a density that ►►ould really help support the tax base and c►►ntributc to some of the uses
herelie agrees with Ald-ciman Kent that this has been a great meeting tonight and thinks this Council is going to
he able to build a consensus and ►►-e're not going to study it to death or have three years of public meetings to find
a ►yav to kill the idea. We're going to achieve here and he appreciates etervbod►-'s time tonight and laves the fact
that he was able to learn about animal care the way he did. He's very optimistic about being able to go f6r►yard.
Alderman Rainey asked .-alderman Newman if he has any problem ►tith us letting this architect loose to determine
the teasibilit► Alderman Newman said he does not quite understand ►what the architect would be studying because
Ise does not know ►►hat I =. 000 square feet is like having a field house or if we can do it with that being the tenter
having a I_c►► Center --mg and then going a different direction ►with a recreation facility. Not kno►yirg the
possibilities he sloes not ltnow what the architect will do. Alderman Rainey said they're going to talk abou: ►►hat
►galls to open up and whe-re this can expand. She does not think we can wait for the Recreational Board's v isitine
committee: and program s=cment before --ye start work on everything else. Alderman Ne%%man said we ha► a not
vet decided whether we"r: doing the C.A.R.E. proposal in the Levy Center. Alderman Rainey said the architect
will look at cvcnthing. ►+ hat is the most feasible use of that location and what are the issues involved in that site.
Alderman Newman asked Mr. Gaynor what an architect can look at this at point in time_ Mr. Gaynor Said the
original proposal was to have an architect provide us %%ith information as to specifically if we could develop a plus
or minus'__,000 square feii facility that would be for the Lei, Senior Center. Currentlt we believe there is 11.500
feet but hecause the facilt. was not built to have a lot of l+eople in the facilit►_ it only housed b or 8 people. v e do
na►t know very much aK-it the infrastructure. The type of study originally discussed was one that looked at the
tennis courts on the east all the ►vat to west side of the animal shelter and how %%e might configure the use of the
traffic light there for Home Depot. the three way stop mentioned earlier. and even•thing in between. Truffrc
circulation. parking. entraril-e. and going as far to the south as the south wall of the Recycling Center. At this point
it would not encompass rF.c community gardens that are directly behind. It was limited to the question ofthe use
of the area described and (* )e ol'the questions asked of the architects was would it make sense to knock the budding
dOwn because it is a shelf :nd dues not have any heating or cooling systems. etc.. to start from scratch. or because
there is a base there can ►►e use all or part of it to create the 22.000 square feet. We did not go beyond that as far
as developing a program for recreational use. Alderman Newman asked Mr. Gaynor ►►hat \%could the architect look
Lit going to the cast near the tennis courts. Mr. Gaynor said they vyere looking at a portion of that area between the
Recycling Center and the tennis courts to accommodate park] n!c AIdernian Newman asked ►►hat the architect could
do no\% to advance the possibilities ofa Levy Center during the day that would be able to accommodate ►►ithout
intrusion but also lookin_ at accommodatinz the other uses being discussed. to line skating. baseball. even the
►yalking track. \Ir. Gaynor said as pointed out by some of the speakers a number of those acti► Cues \%ithin one field
house could be a gymnasium for senior citizen programs that describes a multi purpose rooni. Alderman tieuznan
asked if the field house is the actual 13.000 square foot building we now have and ho►v large dues a field house have
HSC Atinutes 41 I_ "Page :-t.
to be. Ndr, Gaynor said to accesntmodate what wa N talkk-d aKtit this cwrning, that In e r ciliiq area with is not
all 13.500 square feet but the rim 'jority of the building would have tc, kv cxpandrel. Alderr uui Nc►%inzn asked if that
was the main multi purpose building an -what are ►►r thinkiitv%2 at*ow in tenets of computers. ims and crafts, etc.
AIderman Rainey said she could not ace hOw this facilitycould he reused at night for the u.-s deaeribed as needed.
;sir. Gaynor said that is one of the issues the architect would ha►,c tee ;; spend to is how it ►►r+uid look and hcnv much
land is needed in addition for the expansion.
Tom Omundson said he would like to sr: is a starting point of onie conceptual plans that don't necessarily focus
in on all of the structural issues until you really know what's going to be in this facility. He thinks the Re_reation
Board could give some guidance as to ho%% big a taj mahal they ►would like to have. It is eventually going to mean
something larger than the existing building_. That doesn't mean the existing building wouldn't be the starting point
and .wouldn't initialk- be constructed to accommodate primaril-, the senior citizens. The thing he .was concerned
about .when he heard about the architectural study before ►►-as that it •.vould focus just on one narrow use. What he
would like to see and urge the Council to do is a little bit of thinking about what alternatives there are here and what
we would have to do in terms of the footprints of buildings and parking areas in order to accommodate ocu dream
and then move down from that. The Recreational Department is in a position to try to work with matey of the
constituent recreational groups including the senior citizens to try to help this :architect scs what they would need
to accommodate in terms of a footprint and a general schematic plan.
Alderman Rainey said all of that is very important and could change quickly if the architect with her engineer took
a look at the building and determined that building might not be a reusable structure for one reason or another that
none of us know at this time. That is why She thinks every day we let this pass by is another day we've lost because
if that building were not there, and by the way ►we're still paying a mortgage on that building. and if the building
for some reason was torn down it .would present an entirely different picture of where we'd be located..►hat and
how we'd build and what ►►e would do. including the animal shelter which is a concern of hers. This is not your
average brick box.
:alderman Newman does not have any problem getting an answer quickly to the very limited question of to whit
extent can we reuse the current structure that's there. Answering that question .would be whether its just the Levy
Center or an expanded multi purpose facility. In terms of taking the nett step after you find out if the structure of
the building can be used than you have to give the architect some guidance as to what you're really looking for.
He asked Mr. Gaynor what is the possibility of having an architect go there and recap what ue have he---d this
evening. First and foremost as to ►►hat can actually be done ►with the- alls now there and the potential of exp--7dintg,
in any direction liar any use. Mr. Gaynor said that could be Phase 1 of a treater study. Alderman Newman had no
problem %%ilh that and was asked by Alderman ilainoy to make that motion.
Alderman Newman moved that .ve direct staff to have an architect look at the existin struct re of the
i2ec ('enter arm tell us whether or not that structure can he reused for an►• of the uses hcstrd at this
hearing. for Field, house, animal care facility. Le%w Center. Alto to consider some of the multi us4�5. then look
to see if the huildin?, itself is exnandahle and in what direction. Alderman Rainey added to take a Iook at and
analvze the animal shelter to make some determination if that can he expanded and where.
Mr Gaynor said we have two consultants. an architect and a landscape architect. 'fhe landscape architect ►►a` going
to look at the site plan and circulation to talk about where the animal shelter is. immediately east there is some
storage. the Woodcutting operation . and then that entire area moves to the Recycling Center. Alderman Ne%.man
;asked Ito►► long this will take. to which Mr. Gaynor responded the architect was given three weeks to complete
Phase I of the initial study. alderman Newman asked if once this is received will we be able to begin to look at
sonic site drawings of what it looks like because he is hawing trouble thinking about.vhere the animal shelter :� from
HSC Minutes 4/ 12t99 P 2ge 35.
here. Alderman Rainey added, that one of the things put on hold, that they wanted to include in this, was qhe plat
of Survey because that is something that we do not have and nobody knows how that is legally laid out_
Aldaman Newman also moved to have the Survey of Phase 1 include the entire area under discussirrn from
the tennis co rtp to the animal shelter. Alderman Kent , econded the motor. There being no further
discussion, Alderman Rainey called for the motion to be voted on, motion nnaanimonsfy,passed C4:21_
X. . ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Rainey called for adjournment at 1 i :15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted.
Audrey Trotsky epartment of Heal d Human Services
c! .' HSC Minutes 4/ 12M Pa£c 3b.
DRAFT - NOT APPROVED
CITY COUNCIL
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
May 3, 1999
Civic Center - Room 2.102
8:00 P.M.
1NIEMBERS PRESENT: Aldermen Moran, Ne%%man, and Rainey
NIENIBERS ABSENT: Aldermen Feldman and Kent
STAFF PRESENT: Kathleen Brenniman. Doug Gaynor. Harvey Saver. Bob Domeker, Jay Terrv. A,udre%
Trotsk%
OTHERS PRESENT: Betty Payne, Sylvester Hilliard. Evanston Township; Larry Gavin, Claim McCarthy
Peterson. Housing Options; Bob Nonenburg, Commission on Aging; Lonnie U iebe,
Mental Health Board; Lois ivlazer, SHORE; David Hodgman, Jerry Sher,. Ann
Carra. Rich Marsh. Recreation Board. Joseph Levy, Jr., Marjorie June, Levy Center;
Tom Omundson. Carl Bova. Margaret Hallen, Sid Schenkier
PRESIDING: alderman Rainey
I. CALL TO ORDER
Alderman Rainey called the meeting to order at 8:13 p.m.
IL APPROVAL OFMINUTES OF APRIL 1, 1999
The minutes of the April 12. 1999 meed" were unanimouslvapproved, without corrections (3-0).
III. APPROVAL OF APRIL 1999. TOWNSHIP MONTHLY BILLS
Alderman Rainev called fora motion to recommertd annroval of the April 1999 Township titont % Bills,
motion all roved. Alderman Mazan made a motion for aRRroval. seconded by Alderman Newman.
Alderman Rainey expressed her dissatisfaction with the new bills list print out and asked if it was an e:ca.—nple of
the Township's new computer software. Nis. Payne said it is still in the test mode and trill be adjusted.
.alderman Rainey called for annrowal of the March 1999 Townshin Monthlv Bills._ motion unanimous[%
annroved cJ-nJ.
W. FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 58-0-99, THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR
EVANSTON TOWNSHIP FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999-2000
GIs. Payne noted the chan__es that %%ere made in response to questions posed at the April 12. 1999 meeting.
Alderman Moran was still confused by the explanation of how increases look larger because they are coming in t%ko
different tears. He %vas comparing them between last year's budget and the proposed budget on a percentaxe basis_
1 is. Payne explained, first there is a cost of living raise and then the merit raise. Alderman 11vtoran commer.:ed that
the substantial salary increases are much more than City employees received. His concern when loo} _ = at the
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amount of money given to the few clients of the To%%mhip compared to the amount oe moncy going i=o Township
administration and overhead, is he rinds that to be a much higher percentage and that us with a declining client base.
The benchmark established budgeting for the 100 client base and he thintvkc it is %%isc :n budget for a number over
last year. In looking at your summar% we have to go back fi►v .ears its find a +car *acre the avcraze client base
%%as over 100 and goes to 123. Looking at :his month's client base the adnimistrai.,on o sir%cs a great Deal of credit
for %%orking on the reduction of the c.:ent base %%hich is %en pyisitn e and stgniticani One %car it -.as I23 the next
year it was 96 and this +-ear is down to 36, again kudos to the Township, it shy+%+} excellent %%ore: and progress
being made. His overall concern is about budgeting a bit too high %%ith the potential ; lient base of 100 as ue are
budgeting approximately'5°/a over %%here we are today, %%hick is a sig,niticant incrr:zr. Alderman Rainey ask,d
.alderman Moran if he %%ished to amend the client number as that should be dealt %%ith ~sere. no%% or soMetime Scion.
Alderman Newman's response to Alderman '%loran's questions and concerns was he tf;�,-ught it would be extreme:%-
um&ise to budget for belo%% 100 because %%e are currently in an economy that has been upfor the past fi : e years and
going less than that is risky. Regarding: salary increases, he %%anted to go on record cEat the salary of the direcwr
of S76.000— at the end of the year 2000. is not high but very reasonable and he does not have any problem with the
Supen-isor's figure. .alderman Moran noted Cie: employees received a 30M6 raise last vtar. We're a Cit% including
a Township that is suffering from very high property tax rates and trying to hold the line this year in terms of
probem- tax rates. We went to City employees and through a bargaining process were able to reach an agreement
at 30,�_ %vh% %%ouid %%e give other people 1 I % or 14% increases when we're struggling under a difficult burden. T'ras
does not make sense to him. Ms. Pare noted they are the Township not the Cit%, also if one would look at directo-s
and emplo,.:es in the City holding the same tv pe of positions that any, of her staff holds you would rind they make
a lot more money. Maybe this %ear's :ncrease is substantially higher than %that City ems ed this
but she would like to compare her Executive Director's salary- including any of her stye'. to someone in the C::~.
holding the same position and see ho%% Nigh their salary is. Alderman \e%%man said the person who has helped he:.f
the line the most is Betty Payne. who m order to professionally run her office is recommending salaries that are f�:7
to her employees and that her Executi-.: Director gets 536.000. .alderman Moran noted goine back to 199I
Eh,--:ere1 clients, %%e no%% hate 30 clier;-s and %%e're having drama:;c increases in administration and overhead %tf ..:
Elie client rok s are goin<g do-,kn. He can ,nl% assume that in the dat; %%hen there %%as a =' : monthly client bac-e the-_
%%as more %%ork tobedone than there is now. GIs. Payne responded that when it comes to holding the line. :-e
bua'!et they are presenting has an increase of'.-1°0 over last years budget and she Joel not think you can get
much closer to the line than that.
Alderman Moran referred to ;GIs. Payne's memo regarding Client Profile, clients who applied for SSI disability. a-.d
the statement that most will be denied SSI because they do not have physician verification. of their physical and ear
psychological condition. also. the .access To Care section states that during this 43-month period over 550 persons
have to come to the General Assistance office to apply for either initial or re -enrollment in Access To Care. an -
asked if %%e have the ability to do medical screening in the Access To Care proemm. his_ Payne said they come .-
to till out an application %%ith them. %%higher or not they qualify. as this program is geared to%%ard people %%ho --_
unable to obtain health insurance. ThLv pay for it but if they are veterans the% try to direct them Eo eo to
Veteran's Hospital. Alderman Moran'!; question %vas if the% avail themselves of the .-access to Care program c-1a
the,. then obtain verifications of their physical and or psychological condition that %%o-jld qualify them for S51
benefits N Is. Payne said at the beginning when the% come as a client to get on GA none of them are able to do th.:-.
Alderman Rainey commented there are -in ertraordinarynumber of clients receiving a lot of medical care. The 1:-:.
page of e%er% month's report sho%%s the number ofchents terminated because the% no%+ ::ave been made eligi'-
tur SSE. %%hich is the cycle. Alderman \loran's point t%as if the► become eligible for SSI t^.e% are offthe To%vns~ 7
GA rolls and are we finding our abilit% to engage them in the Access To Care program er.:'tances our ability to t.-
SSI for our clients. Also. when you sa% most "ill be denied SSI because they ha%e no pit} sician verification doe;
this mean they are initialh denied. Ms. Payne responded if they are denied then they quality for GA at %%hick porn:
We in tum process them and if we feel they quali6, after a few months we submit another application until we ha-.:!
sufficient information to make sure they get on SSI. Mr. Hilliard added a '-vung n:a+::ot hirc i to.3a% at 58.75 an
hour „ithout any insurance but was able to steep and maintain his Acctss to Care mc%1`.%1 He is quite star he would
not have accepted a job at that rate of pay if he did not ha%e some t,Fv of mcclicai. tli rfore these individuals are
still able to participate in this program even once the% get a iob and a:—. , ff rCC,
Alderman Moran inquired regarding the Emergent% Food Pantry rev. :,ne ,ter.: ',;.c ,anginal proposal etas for
S6,000 and after the Township's meeting with Reverend Summers and asked ti me% are going to support his
program. His thought on this is given this is Reverend Summer'; r ogram, if an influx of Township clients
increases his costs he would be comfortable with him coming to CD to a:sk t:,,r an incrras- . as he is a major recipient
of CD funds. Alderman Raine% interjected at this point he is about at _ui limit �1f tun.!:. GIs. Pa,rc said their
clients „ould not only be going there for service the% %kould pro, ide •.:,rk sites for Jot, Club clients A:__rrnan
Rainev felt this might be a great match. when the-, came to us at CD r:,e. al,%a%s ar_ue that ,ou can on1% -;,retch
volunteers so far and also people bum out. Nls. Patine brought up the ar4-cle recentl% published in U.S A Toda, that
since last year the increase in Evanston's food pantry „ent up 2790 which is a clear indication that things rray not
get any better. Ms. Payne said when they thought in terms of a food pa. —.try it was not in temis of a full wa.e food
pantry but merely in terms of their clients who came and have to wa.L:.0 days before they can be appro%ed for
anything. They were hoping to be able to have them walk out with a few staple groceries. However, after meeting
with Reverend Summers the, thought the adjustment would be ideal since there would be other benefits to the
Township rather than clients getting a food package. .Alderman Rainey asked if the, see the S 10,000 going to help
them purchase additional food. :Mr. Payne responded %es and some to pa: stipends. Also the Reverend „as :asking
in terms of a refriueratinc s%stem. %%hick if there %Nas am thing left „e could also contnbute to that.
.Alderman Newman brought up the '''a increase at the food pantry ar.,: said it could be attributed to the fact that
the food pantry is ad,ertised in the yellow pages throughout the metropolitan area. The homeless shelter in
Evanston. „hick is a food pantn•. is I)o% City of Chicago. When e,al_;aiing these programs it should be kept in
mind the difference in needs for indigenous Evanstonians and in being [he good ,will bread basket of north CH.,Cago
.Alderman Rainey commented that Re,,trend Summers' food panty} is I,X?°a Evanstonians..Alderman Nc% r an did
not kno„ that much about Reverend Summers but „as looking at thz Township's list of agencies that ;ho%xs
Evanston people also go to other communities. fur instance Skokie nas a food pantry and serves peop:_ from
Evanston.
Mr. Hilliard commented from his comersation „ith Reverend Summers -Honey comes from government gra:.ts and
1000o Evanstonians are sexed from :his program. The research thC. did %%as on other food type panties in
Evanston they do not know the population they served but the G.A. r:cipients they refer will be Evanstonians.
Alderman `e,vman asked if the reason there is an increase in EvanstontW-is at Reverend Summers program is why
the Township ,wants to increase their food pantry projection from S6.0( F to S 10,000.
.alderman Rainey called for discussion on any other issues concerr,::),_ the budget or the Township ::gem,)
-\Idcrman Moran called attention to the bar graph from the pre, sous 7:.%%nship budget %,.-here the numbers �►e::
ti 29,000 for General .Assistance overhead and 5253.000 for payroll totaling S593,000 any: client
disbursements were 5344.500 and is concerned that as the client base declining, a positive development. our
overhead and general expense for running the office is going up in re:ation to the disbursements that are going
do%%n. .Alderman Rainey did not think one can look only at the client payments as the benefit to clients. but has
to look at the medical account „hick is major indication as some of the -)eneral Assistance clients would l::eral,..
tic dead if not for thib prograin as the% ha%e conditions requiring inte7i : medical care. also. there are t:linin_
programs that shuuld be included in this cost indicating many other z%penditures are required opposed on!,,
housing and personal expense. As an example compare Aldermen sai.;:ies compared to City staff salaries -,hich
„ould be a difficult chart to look at. Alderman Moran said those are all --alid comments but even if the med:cal is
added the total is S491.00. 5100.000 less than administration. He reco_nizes there are benefits from the training_
programs. etc., but it still seems to be a very high figure. Alderman Rainey thought it should be kept in mind that
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this is a benefit of last resort, these people are not qualified for absolut*tly any other benetim are 4-nly eligible for
Toy;reship assistance. This is not to be a livelihood, nor is it long term, hit something to tide them o%,er until people
become either eligible for something else or get a job.
.alderman `e%%man asked "-tr. Tem hog% much of the Emergency S 20,000 budget actuai:ti noes out
to the clients. Mr. Tzm responded about 5175,000. .alderman Nev man noted that Emergency Assistance does
not include any of the Director's salary because it is part of a much nagger bureaucrat', than just the Township.
Health and Humans Services. Goine back ten years to 1991 looking a, the number of employees and how many
people were on those rolls then compared to how many are now on t,v. rolls there is some yalidith to Alderman
loran's argument, One can argue ma%be give raises to the emplo,er at General assistance and ha-,e there also
nun Frrtergency Assistance and get rid of Emergency .assistance %ith th-tir four empto% ees. He thinks :he t_ pe of
scrutiny gig en to the Township should go to every area of the budget Then Emergency assistance Jeser. es the
same type of analysis and maybe as .-alderman Drummer suggested Emergency .assistance should be tak.n over by
the To«rship. He docs not know how we would fare with the exact nturiber of employees but as of no« he is not
for any To«nship jobs to be eliminated and perhaps the point raised be alderman Moran is part of the consolidation
where we should be looking at having some of the employees work on Emergency Assistance. Alderman Rainey
thought the valid anal%-sis is the number of staff to clients. she is not sure of validity of the cost of staff to cost of
client. It is absolutely right when eye had 300+ clients there were only a couple more employees. Of course. she
is not sure the kind of senice given %%ith that kind of a case load. but tc� compare the amount money spent on staff
salaries versus client pay ments doesn't seem valid to her. another alternative which has not been discussed is to
raise the client payment. %%high she does not think «e want to do Alderman Newman agreed with ever. -thing
.alderman Rainey said and in addition the overall greatest clbjecti%e has ;'een :ichie%ed b% this staff in brie in--- do%%n
the client level so %%h% >%ould me %%ant to break up the winning cotnhination %0cn they ha%e saved us sc much
money the %gay they're operating. Maybe thev're pushing people on %, SSI better now than they did in 1991 and
are having less people per client but things are working:. .alderman Moran noted as he said before he takes his hat
off on corking to reduce the roles but to him consistent with that is -.vhen you have a reduced client base presurnably
your cost to adminisce- the office shouid go doun as %%ell. There has been a major reduction in the client base but
the costs to sen•e this dramatically rccuced client base continue to go uv and does not deny the statemen: regarding
etfectkeness of the %%ork beirna done :Alderman Ne�%nian %%ould like to look into bringing Emereenc% .ass::tance
there to combine the .'.cpartments. .a:derman Raine% said that is a sta study that should be engaged :n.
Mr Hilliard noted the eligibility of a lot of the clients in E%anston. v-ho are on Welfare to Work. is _oina to end
before this hudget is out He thinks tilt invc5tigative process they take each client through to make sur::ha: :she
is eligible for getting_ on G.A. is a tremendous thing that the staff has done and when those people come back to
G.A. are going to have to maintain that type of staff %%ho understand how to go through this process to make sure
that every person we ha,.e on G.A. actually belongs on G.A. yts. Pane added even if we maintain 80 clients. we
onl% have mo case co-ordinators, each dealing with 40 people. They 'r ctie to go out to check and mak_ =ure of the
address -,►here people he so the% are not always in the orlice but are -. =sk- out in the field. When «e hat'. =00 .lients
«e had four or five case %%orkers. but 3t this point «e ha%e noo. Alderman Rainey said she could just ire::__=ine a ne«
person doing the med:csl calculation! and recalls chat a nightmare that �%as «hen it first «ent on computer his.
Pane added if were �!oing to have s Township and G.A.. «z're going to have large expenses wether +e ha, e 45
clients or 125 clients. some thin�as do, not gn away because of client rolls. Aldennan Rainey said it we can d-%elop
some ettieiencv with the City Emergency .assistance Services program that should at least be studied and if it can
he proven that we can ;a%e none% and do just the Ctt\.job \..e should look into that.
:Alderman Newman mn%ed for annroval of the .annual Townshin Budget for Fiscal Year 1999.2000 at Cie
Council. Rainey seconded the motion. alderman Rainev called for annroval of the motion. motion
missed. 2 :eves (.aldermen Newman and Rainey). I no (:Alderman NToranl_
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Alderman Rainey noted the first Council meeting in June (June 14) will be a public hearing for this budget allowing
sufficient time for amendments and further discussion.
alderman Rainey thanked his. Payne and ,fir. Hilliard for their attendance.
IV. DISCUSSION WITH RECREATION BOARD
Da -id Hodgman, Board President, announced people will be making three different presentations, norat to Curd
tine minutes. At the last HSC meeting the Recreation Board volunteered to come up with a more concrete proposa.,
and tonight would like to begin working toward that. This is really a status so you can see what the% ha%e been
doing and Iooking at. and want to get feedback from you. The% have been getting feedback from rnan, other
groups. as they've gone forward, including some %ery pointed suggestions from the senior citizens they are m-in
to accommodate. Ann Carra has a five or six minute video of some ocher centers in the area that will a •• ou �-
idea of the kind of thing they have in mind. Jerry Sherr, a resident of Evanston, is an architect who b-3s begun
do some drawings that would show how it would be possible to accommodate the recreational needs tf•3t some a:
the youth groups have been asking them to address as well as creating a new senior citizen center that would ha%e
its own dedicated space, also be able to use the recreational facilities that would be out at the site. Rick Marsh is
here to address the importance of the recreation needs we have to our larger community-.
Ann Carra said in preparation for the mission statement given you and also in preparation of any communi:;
proposals or discussions their committee is doing ongoing research by visiting places. Their committee is ma":
up of people who have been in more gyms and recreation centers than any human being should have e%er been in.
therefore we do have an idea of the area. Tonight with some home trade video she will show- four sites. the fir:=
the new. fabulous %Veber Leisure Center in Skokie. on Skokie and Gross Point Road by the Skatium and part of the
Skokie Park District. Two things you will note about this is that while there is a senior center in Skokie on Oaktor
senior in Skokie make up close to third of the participants at the Weber Center. Next there is there John C. Nicol.:
Football Center at Northwestern. near Dyche Stadium. The big white bubble next to the baseball stadium is al?c
part of \or:hwestern and finally the Sports aquatic Center on the Lake.
The Center is amazing. There is a childcare room to drop kids off for moms or dads who come during t�:
da% for exercise programs. plus many rental rooms and facilities for meetings. Their gym has two full si e
basketball courts with the walking, running, jogging track. There are hoops all around the track with equipment
hanging from the ceiling for volleyball. etc. A fitness center with over 40 machines with televisions all along ff.;
walls so %ou won't get bored. She was told by the director that the seniors use this room a lot which is somethir._
we are also interested in doing. They have five multipurpose rooms on the second floor, where there are mini gyms
for aerobics. dance classes. etc. The second floor track has two lanes for walking and one for jogging or rennin_
They have a senior walking club that is very popular. There is a large parking lot, which is one of the things we we
tr%inL E0 work out tivith James Park is the parking.
the% ),% nt to the John C. Nicolet Football Center. to gibe you an idea of what an open field house looks like. It h
erg,'er. hi,th ceilings and is %en wide. Team Evanston has used it for indoor soccer practices. also other grout:
ha%e used it. They looked at the bubble next to the center as they considered bubbling our tennis courts to mak-.
our outdoor tennis courts at Jaynes Park indoor, which would be fabulous. The Sports and Aquatic Center on tl:_
Lake. which has a re4gulation swimming pool, certainly nothing we'd do but is pan of'this. There are four or fi•.e
basketball courts in a row with their running track around it which makes it cumbersome to Let to the bask-etba..
«tiurt because in order it) iaet it, the basketball court you have to dodLe runners and is something they rejected
their thinkirn,. The basketball courts ha%e multipurpose floors that are used for aerobics. Upstairs there is a fitne_:
center. There is a 25 foot temporary climbing; wall put in the middle of the basketball court for the students anz
ethers to get climbing experience. It is very popular, but is temporary. and shows the kind of versatile thing th::'
can be Mont in a program. There are also handball and racket bail courts plus a concession.
4-IC—I' .. one 4 U1 :X-tin
Jerry Sherr, a past president of the Evanston Youth Baseball Association eery interested in youth sports here in
Evanston, is also an architect. Mr. Sherr distributed to the committee and attendees, the layout Mart for the
Recycling Center along with some budgets. Mr. Sherr proposed, based on his schematic of the existing recycling
building, to the east of that building. to build a 125 foot by 200 foot field house that would house an indoor soccer
arena along .yith baseball batting cages that could also �c utilized for in line hockev skating, lacrosse and baseball
There are locker areas along the south end of the building. The baseball field is at the bottom of the d_--3uinz. the
top of the drawing is Oakton Street. In addition to that facility and one that would be built independently of
amthing else. is the second building that we would attach to the senior center that would be a 135 foot tn• 200 foot
gymnasium that would house three basketball courts widh locker rooms for men and worsen on both sidcs. seating
for fans. and a running track above on an upper le%el. Depending on «hat happens with the senior cenreT..%hether
it ends up being this building or a nev. building built in its place. «e felt «` could still be integrated ::I this area
regardless and utilize these facilities primarily during the day for whatever their functions might be t n:aht. on
Weekends. and in conjunction %with some other programs during the day. our youth beard could utilize these tvo
buildings mainly for their programs. This gymnasium -would not only be used for basketball and prnride much
needed gymnasium space for F. ANI but also track, volleyball and some multipurpose functions. i.e.. shLffleboard.
ping pong tournaments. etc. Because of the configuration of the site we have rwo entrances in this facilit;+. one from
the northwest which would lead into the senior renter. and one from the southwest. The main reason: for that is
because of parking accessibility. %Ve have a giant baseball diamond in the southwest comer and cannai go much
farther southwest without interrupting that. it may get interrupted in the future depending on some long r=Qe plans.
Right now cue have provided enough parking for roughly 180 spaces. We thought it %vould be a goad idea to
dedicate some spaces to the senior larking by the stop light off of Oakton Street making ease access in and out of
the site coming into the facility from the northwest. The access to the two new field houses may: corm: into the
Southeast and park off c f those areas
Alderman Rainey asked cohere the community gardens were on this drawing. Mr. Sherr said they %%ere v6here there
now is a building and a parkin_ lot. This particular scheme covers about 301b of the community gardens and there
is another 50"o behind the animal she`.:er. Alderman Rainey said there has to be a way to do this and those
gardens alone. A lot of people use :^osc gardens and it not just that they have the garden space. its those
gardens ha%c been worked ILir so man,. .cars now the sol[ is just what the% «ant it to be. For those in the audience
who mi,!ht -_*et irritated and short tempered because of this. and she is sure most of the audience a::r.'t. lets
remember that the gardens to the gardeners is just as important as soccer fields are to soccer players and I",asi:etball
hoops are to F.- ANI. Everybod} has their thing and so do the gardeners. She herself is not a gardener. but is
extremel% sensitive to them because :^z_� feel %ery strong:% about their gardens. %Ve should not take it lizhi1v that
the gardens are displaced with this and if there is any way we can avoid doing that. we should. She knt_.,.cs there
probably are more soccer players than gardeners so that to her is not a good argument. We have to be sensitive that -
there are community gardens there. Your very first plan presented eliminates the gardens. 'pis. Carra said at every
subcommittee meeting the% had. the,. started with that sentiment and ended %%ith that sentiment. The-. xill be
sensitisc to the gardencr, and Mill kwrk with them and sill include them in the process. Alderman Ra:ne% said
COL[ can be as sensitise a_ possible, "' .c when she sa,.s sensitive she means to leave them alone. It wouj.J make
mere ;ense to mo%e the Imseball held.' aseball players don't care it they're here or 30 feet over. to move the gardens
is in 9<)mc cases to move a life separate. She car,:s a lot about soccer players and would go to the wall for them.
too. but these gardeners are very special people.
-Alderman \c«man thou_,ht eery eft'Ort possible shuuld,be made not to relocate the gardens. There are mar;-,. maw.
ether things to be discussed before %c. ,et to relocating+ the wardens.
Rick %larsh. has been in%ol%ed in you:it developments all his litc. he grew up in Nety York. plated high sc'lool and
college basketball. had a _great opportunity of playing NBA basketball. and for the past fifteen years ?=s been
imol%ed in Evanston Noath basketball. lust this past %ear he became the President of FRAM. Haying_ been
insol%ed with %oath sports for a long time he knows the importance of the mentoring aspect of it. the ro'e model
aspects of it, and how it can have an effect on our community. As a fifteen year member of F.=4-MM we don`t have
the space to run our programs in an adequate manner. Our nisi. m is to develop student athletet;, Our program of
bth. 7th, and 8th graders has 3*0 in our league. This past year we have a program. a learning cc-ntcr, where %%e
actually pay teachers at the high school to support our kids to become better student athletes. He looks at this
facility with three basketball courts as a President of FARM. also from the standpoint of being a member of the
Recreation Board, and also as being an Evanston resident. This is that the Evanston community f told us t; %;hat
the need, they need more programs. more gym space. As a memc+er of the Recreation Board he has been beating
that drum for the last seven years. His vision is to see us have all the teams come in and play us so that our boys
and girls 6th, 7th. 8th, grade and even high school can have a sense of commeradery and :5�pirit about our
community. If we %ant to help our kids we have to do it as a community and support each other This morning
%%e had a great dialogue with the Lev% Center Executive Board and then told us they %%ould love to bt a part of that
kind of process. %vorkine together %%ith our youth to make our community a better place. This is aer—cat oppk�.,unit}
to meet a lot of needs within our community. We have to find wa,6s to interact with our kids and %tie're turning that
corner. We have not lost a kid over the last two years to academic ineligibility at Evanston To%vnship High School.
This is a great opportunity to put Evanston on the map in youth de% clopment.
fir. Hodgman wanted to note that this work and all the other work we've presented to you on this topic has been
done without any funding at all. There has been an enormous amount of time given by a number of people
including professionals who have a limited amount of time. if %tie are going to go forward, what the Recreation
Board needs is to have the architectural study that has already been commissioned on this brought to you so that
the;. or somebody else can begin to %%ork on these things and spend the time to do it in a way that acconunodates
all the different needs. One of the reasons we are here is to remind <<,u that there things going on, money is being
spent. and it needs to ha%e a broader scope than this presents. alderman Rainey could not agree more %%::h Mr.
Hodgman as we are very anxious to have a dialogue %%ith the architect and engineer working on that. Mr. Gaynor
said they had indicated it was about a three week process and we are now into the first eight or ten days. Mr.
Hod_aman's concern %%as that study is a less narro%%er focus than «hat we are addressing here. We really .,,ant to
responsibly address these issues and hate to broaden our focus. Aiderman Rainev said we will have a major
discussion about that because that %%ill probably Lost in excess of51.4.000 %%high requires the Council to ate en
it and this will require a discussion and staffreport.
Alderman Newman congratulated e%eryone who put time into this, To put this in perspective, most of us on the
Council. too years ag,o %%hen %ye expanded spending mono% on the parks by S 1.500.000, there was some cr.ticism
of us b% at least one member of the Council that %%e uere on a spending spree, We have been in a spendin_,
deficiency mode on parks. at least since %%e started the nev6 library and probably before that. We're not spending
nearly enough stoney on recreation and parks and have tried to make up a little bit of ground by what t%e're doing
%with several of these parks and he is happy to have been able to get that through the Council. This teas %%e ha%e
been told by our finance people we ha%e no mono% to spend on anything. One sees this as 59-12.000_l'00 and t
reason %%e're tip so high in the amount of capital debts %%e have. We ha%e different yie%%s on that but out of tit,
56+.000.000 we bond ter. S22.000.64i? is the library. the other S40.000.000 is for the Cit%. He has im o concern:
that hay. e to be addressed. tine he does not %%ant to disturb the consensus that %%e'ye reachine with the .senior_ to be
out on Oakton to be in Bench Park. Some people don't %%ant the Lev} Center in James Park because the% don't lil-4
the Hill Project. Because of the economics. the advantages to the City is treeing up the land in the Research Par',
f it commercial use. and putting: the Let %' Center on property that is permanently off the tax roles. He does not want
to disturb that consensus. An interesting point in the memo recei%ed ionicht is %ve onl% ha%e tour recreauon :enters
in F%an.;ton t'()r 733.00ti people. erne o. them being the l.,e%% Center. The Recreational Board is acknoWede:ng that
%%e hatcn't built am -thin- sw-nificant zince Chandler in 1978 and %%hateter %%e do %%ith this next recreation buildim:
is a very critical decision for the Cit... the people proposing this have nothing but the best interest of the City in
coming up with this type of proposal and understands the needs of the seniors and your needs ha%e to be
;accommodated in this building. It till be a _:rent thine for south Evanston and the entire City. He does not want
to get oterwhefined %%hen he sees a big, drawing especially %%hen he sees the price tag, but one of the ad,-anm es
here is if you're going to build parking during the day for the Levy Center that same parking can serVc a recreation
center on the weekend.
Alderman Rainey called upon Mr. Levy regarding the meeting that tc►ok place with tla= Recreation Board. Mr. Levy
said it was a wonderful meeting and the thoughts interjected about the seniors and basketball and soccer players
helping one another was an idea enjoyed by ever~ 1,.�dv, an idea that he thinks could %%ork_ We're delighted with
the location of the facility. the parking. and Mr. Ga,-nor and his group has been very supportive. Ou: real concem
is the second floor that is going to be half the space. There will be an elevator but the seniors are %cry concerned
about getting up there in case there is a problem with how the handicapped will get up there. Them is supposed
to be a librar}. a quiet area. and offices on the second floor. The utilization for most of their needs will be on the
first floor. Ideally if you could do with two basketball courts that would solve our problems if we had a little section
on the first floor %%e %%OLIld not have to to the second floor. It would also help dhe space if we could go out to
the west of our building. Alderman Rainey thought all of that information will come from the architect currently
studying the building. One of the things on the field trips that were conducted was the issue with squaring off the
building «hick would gisc more first floor space. This is the plan from the Recreation Board which pretry much
leaves the recycling building alone. The value of this plan for us is the needs and design of all the other space. but
the Levy Center space as yet hasn't been talked vest_ N1r. Levy said the nucleus is something great, a bi-generation
building and we're very enthusiastic particularly when Mr. Gaynor showed us the parking that will be available for
is. A big concern %%'as the does will not be a part of this. they will be in another section.
Marjorie Rune. Evanston resident. appreciated the Recreation Board people coming to talk to us and show us the
diagram. From the %ery beginning we have had criteria that we felt essential for relocating the Lev Center. One
,.vas parking and the other location on the first floor. Nlany of our members are elderly and infernal and the issue
of using stairs. even using some elevators. would be impossible. The present recycling building has approximately
14.500 square feet. To Let to the'_3.000 square feet that we have been talking about there would have to be an
almost identical amount otspace on the second floor. The issue is will the building take a second floor and what
happened to our all on one floor.
.alderman Newman is much more interested in the concept of whether or not the Le%% Center can tit into this t% pe
of a complex and he would think just because the Recreation Board came back with their vision we're going to ha%e
to work on that vision. assuming cve can take care of having the maximum amount of space on the first floor e%en
doing awa% with the elevator. This is the first dra%%ing they came up and a lot of dra,vings have to have feedback.
He's more interested in the concept. assuming %tie can meet those needs and he %%ouId want to attempt to meet theta
unless somebody completely persuaded him we couldn't. The concept is good and there other things to work out
such as the _gardens. The other part of this. the largest stumbling block is the money- We have a beginning prise
tat ofSI2.000.000 which does not mean we will end up at S12.000.000, fie wants to look for ways to fund this and
would ask %%hat type of revenues we looked at. Do people get into The Weber Center for free, do you pa% by the
class. what kind of revenues can we exNet from this type ofbuilding. Nfr. Gaynor said there area multiple number
L)f %%a%s to deal with this. Memberships can be sold for the fitness center. the Lev% Center has a membership. the
Soccer Club indicated the% spend in excess ofS25.000 a year. even though FAA.%[ dL-,tsn't pa} fees no.% for the u;e
of the facilities doesn't mean that's not something %%e haven't talked about as they %%oufd start paying fees for the
use of the facilities. Depending on the subsidy and if there has been any subsidy from the City is something we
%%ould ha%e to work out. a program which would develop these covers of costs of these facilities. Alderman
\e%%man ;aid tin `0 year bonds tar SQ.000.000 %%e net`d S900.000 a year in re.enLe, from someplace to build a
building that is S9.000.001) toda%. and S 1.000.000 for the Le,, Center.
Alderman \loran asked NIr. Hodgman whether it might be advisable for us to try to--iJust this current architectural
project and %vas told, yes it could. Nlr. Gaynor said his understanding was the motion made at the Human Services
Committee %vas to have two phases to it. one was if the existing facility could be used to convert to the center and
how it could be expanded and used as a center. In addition to that motion made L-% :alderman Ne%+man was a
motion to expand that study to include the recreatic4ml issues that erne raised tit that pubtt: hearing which we ha%e
discussed %with the consultant we hind. We exl►ect to get Phase I information back in ttiwt• "vcks, and Phase if %%ell
start after that. Mr. Hodgman 's concern was the initial study doesn't tale into consh3cratum the} 'r_ being told all
may be saved because of another structure. Alderman Rainey said that .will all be looked into in the current stud►.
The problem ,,with this buildings is «: do not knom ►%hat we ha%e. %%hether there a r: problems. ald whether the
building is expandable We ►►ere toid it %pas built •%ith one expandable k%all. This e%cmng tier the first time she
heard such a firm statement about a ,econd floor from the seniors. There %%as some .iiscussion about even raising
Elie roof there to expand the sides of Elie building.
.alderman `loran asked Mr. Gaynor. in terms of the %%ork the architect is now doing, if it is possit-le the;. mic!lt
come back and sa• that this buildinv is not acceptable to a conversion. and was tol4 that is correct Mr. Gaynor
said for discussion purposes if that person were to come back and say this building. :s not easily converted to an%
of these uses. at that point ►ye might ^e taced ►with the possibility of looking at a glean- slate. Then e%er} Iine dra�►n
%sould be a ne%% line. -.whether its a senior center or component mo or three of the p,:rkintz, etc. Alderman Rain,:%
said that is why the initial feasibilit• study is so important. With seniors time is of the essence, we cannot afford
to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars a year for an interim location when what we really need is a permanent
site for the Levy Center.
Alderman Moran asked if there are nnodels of different facilities that basically fund themselves. Mr. Gaynor could
not ans%%er that question %without dome a stud% as it depends on the type of budg--zing program that an• of the
facilities develop. If its a zero basea budget it means all the overhead operated is tun for that center. If ;.e ►.ere
to de%elop a zero based budget t..,r the Crown Center one or t%so percent of his salary as a Director of :'r.:s
Department has to be applied to o►e-head plus the finance. Human Resources, and Legal Departments, t^e C::
%,,ould apply a 370ra factor of o%erhead towards the operations of a recreational center. The question is ho•y %ou
would want to apple it. at this point •► t do not do that here in Evanston. Alderman Moran asked if finances for the
Skatium in Skokie or the Weber Center have been looked into and %%as told they ha%t not done that study He
asked if anybody inyol►ed in the succommittee %%as aware of models in places %%here facilities such as this ha, e
been able to sustain themselves. 11> Carra said first they sere going to look at t::e mc.►dels and their ritm :t_r
%could be 10 take a look at the cost -,entleman from the audience said the% kno%% :he Village of Skokie
that ewr}one of their facilities mak.t money and this claim Weber Center more than pays for itself. but =e dots
not kno%% %►hat is included in the ba_:_ Ile vent on to say speaking for the south the: ►,,ant to keep this afforda'`.-t
and that %%ould mean trouble balanti:::g the budget. Mr. Gaynor said the numbers are a-.ailable but they ::a%en'T
begun to process the iriEormation. .-..,:erman Moran thought it %sould be %en, valuable to gather that info.=a?..
and %%e may find there ►►ould be har.� returns.
AIdemtan Newman thought the prociem is a major priority of the Council. not just this Council but going back ',"
%cars. and looking at our o%%n recrear.on centers %%here preser►ing access is more important there is a greater defi:::
in the expenses and the income of:nr center. This has to be a center for everybod% in E%anston. T•%o yea-s aZ•
%►hen ►%e started on this Council. h: -.%as interested in %what %%e %sere spending on recreation. He had a of:ai:t�
comersation %kith the Skokie Park D 7:-ict Director and %%as told to get their facilities the% spent S44.000.C-."_' in
cit% of 60,000 people to upgrade :-.e entire park s, stem. The% did multiple recreation centers and al!
construction that has gone on in rcc.n: vears is part of that $4 4.000.000 bond issue thev %%ere able to raise :he ta.x
to pad for. The% have not done aw.:ning for a Ion__ time. During that conversation he was told the. had a hu-t
increase• in their re. enues and e.\pec:_ .s huge increase ip re%enues from this bui Iding, ho%%exer he does not
%kill come aw-v here close to dealin_ :th the S900.00(). There %%ill pmbabl% hake to t e a referendum to des:gnu:=
and ask the tax payers if:he% %%ant tv :-.t% a certain tab for recreation facilities in this tun%n. 1khen Skokie di.' :t ti'_:,
came up %kith the program then the• %ent to the taxpayers. This is not the on]% par: of the park s%stem %%. ha,.;-.
%%e ha%e older buildings that need sir. )us attention and have to think about the big picture %%hen have to fund this
center and how %%e fiend all our netd He loves the project and %wants to be part of to tng to make it happen.
Mr. Levi' said this a very grandiose project and would lime to 1�eak as a former teenager. The idea of indoor
basketball is a must, he agrees it is difficult to play basketball thm%ughout the %ear outside. Ho%ve%w. as he grev..
up soccer and lacrosse were played outside in all seasons. His oon tempo raries. would relish Ming able to be outside
pla}ring soccer and inside was a luxury, He thinks Step I is yru start %►ith this senior center and the basketball and
have the soccer in an open field Step 2. Lou can build the soccer ticid. next. or %ou ma% %%ant ice hkvkey in addition
He can understand a closed buildine: for ice hockey but the other seems tri%olous
.-alderman Moran thanked even one for their presentations. visions. and concepts. He hopes %ou will tv back to talk
to us about the second phase. the architectural study. He takes the % to%+ the community rcall� %%ants this. and has
been hearing the community mill Lind a way to do it. sometimes _%tau ha%c to roll up your sleeves or as people to
write checks. or a number of other things. but if the will and commitment are there he does not see why we can';
make this happen. This is a great proposal and it %could be "onderful to ha%e such a multi _generational facility
.alderman Raine% said as soon as the architectural study is done there %till be a ranting of the subcommittee on the
reuse of the Recycling Center_ Even -one will receive sufficient notice of the meeting and she will talk to Mr
Gaynor and Ms. Aiello to make certain that the study being done is exactly what we think it is and if not see what
we can do to make certain it includes the issues you are concerned about. Within the next three weeks there will
be a meeting of the Senior Center Subcommittee where the study will take place for the first time. That will not
be an elaboration of the plan or ongoing development of the plan. it simple %%ill be a presentation by the architect
regarding :he feasibility of the Recycling Center for the Lev%- Center. She thinks the Recreation Board is ver
interested m knowing whether or not that can happen or whether the entire building will be tern do-wn. Aldermar
Ne%%man asked Mr. Sherr his yie%%s on the buildine to which Mr. Sherr responded he is forming an opinion and to
him the building is viable if it is basically enclosed by new construction. .alderman `s'ewman thought the next step
is for everyone to attend this subcommittee meeting but the Recreation Board members along with the staff have
to start coming up with some ideas for us on how we're going to fund this. alderman Rainey thought that needs
to be put gin the agenda of the Capital Improvements Fund at City staff level. .alderman Rainey addressed Mr
Hodgman and said it was her understanding they are just stepping into this and the subcommittee will look at all
the aspects . f this development. Mr. Hodgman responded the% are going to do the best they can with the resources
they ha%e ailable to them. Aldemian Newman said the key to making an --thing, happen is pa, -mg, for it and should
be fi-wred out. Alderman Raine% wanted to keep this as a regular agenda item and thanked e%eryone for their time.
V1. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 117-0-98 AMENDING CHAPTER 19 OF TITLE B OF THE
E`'.a.NSTON'CITN' CODE REGARDING RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES
his. Brenniman noted her memo %%as in response to some of the questions. comments. and requests from the last
Human See% ices Committee meeting. As per requests she included the definition of "Dwelling" taken directly
from the Ct;y's Zoninu Ordinance. In response to .alderman Newman's request she outlined the issue on staffing
and 24-hou7 ;tafting %%hich may he decided upon at this point. At Alderman loran's request she reiterated the
summan. o the case law on a distance requirement. At this point %ye still ha%e a 900 trot distance requirement in
the %�rdinan,:e which is consistent %kith the Zoninu Ordinance.
.alderman N loran said with respect to the starting requirement it seems as though %%e have almost found a potential
resolution now that would be satisfactory to all the people who have been engaging in this discussion. tits.
Brenntma:-'s %heron sue -gists that %%e have three polsible actions, one to ;,get rid of the staffing requirement
alto_*ether.:he second to require the identification through a letter of clear risk that %«.uld he in violation of the
Mental He ::th and De%clopmental Disabilities Contidentialit% A1:t. and third something, of a compromise position
%khere «c'AOUld retain a staffing requirement but for residents under the aLt: of 1q. In reading Housing Option:
comments tliey are opposed to the blanket staffing, requirement and potnwd out reasons why the letter of
identification could be considered discriminator, but have no comment on the issue of the 24-hour staffing
requirement for persons under the age of 18. As a preliminar% question Ms. Brenniman sa%s 19 years old and
Housing Options saes 18 nears old. Is there a reason why one says 19 and the other says t8 and is there is a legal
age we need to be focusing on to be correct. Ms. Brenniman did not think so because case law has not addressed
this issue. all the case (a%v 24-hour staffing examples are adult residential care homes. The reason she responded
under 19 is to be consistent with the definition in residential care home Category 1 and Category 11 in the ordinance
on page 3 that defines the different category of people that might be in the home. It says. "A dwellinu unit «hick
invokes a number of people Ii% ine together depending on whether the% *rein Cateucim I or Category 11. who reside
together in a Tamil. n pe environment as a single housekeeping unit and who are detielopmentallydisabled, mental!+
ill. or impaired by chronic illness and or mobility limitations associated •pith the aging process. or are between nine
19) and eichteen 1 181 years of age and are unable to live with their parents or guardians. " (:rider 19 would be
addressing the 4-18.
AW&rman (loran made a motion pith Moect to the pronosed ordinance and staffing ritqui,renjent to retain
the stafUng-Eeakirement but onh in the instance «-here there are residents of that particular home_ that
could be hehceen the aages of 9 and 18. Nlderman Ri3.jpev seconded the motioq.
Alderman Newman asked its. Brenniman, from the time this..as dratted and the staffing requirement was included
what chanced in your mind that you now feel thin staffing for people o.er the age 19. Nis. Brenniman said nothing
has changed as far as case law is concerned. She thinks there is same case law but nothing in circuit that speaks
specifically to this issue and ..hen she initially dratted this ordinance she dratted it with the direction to try to be
as restricts• e as possible. She can't say that a 24-hour staffing requirement -could not be upheld by the court. It
..ould certain!% depend on the indi%iduals that •.ere in the facility at the time titre had that requirement that it .would
be challen_zed. One of the things she indicated •tihen she drafted this ordinance •.as a waiver pros ision. If Lou
•.anted to L!o w ith the 2.1-hour staftini: requirement and push the limits on this p.-ition you could do that if you so
chose reco�_nizine that there Ina% be situations «here that restriction ..ould be Inappropriate based on indi• iduais
in the facility and the •.aiver pro% ision would have to be exercised. Its .ery similar to the situation that the Cit•
of Naper• iIle found themselves in ••ith safety issues. .alderman Netvman said that is exacta• u.hy the first time
around when this •.as re%iewed because of the waiver provisions. Alderman Nloran's motion did not Let a second.
%%hat lie is tioncemed about in our list of options, you did not include lea• inc is alone as an option. He respect;
Housing Options position on this and thinks reasonable people can differ an.1 :aey have their goals that the•
ad. ocate for. We has a und4rvone a tremendous change to the ordinance v-e had In i yS5 and the reason he supported
the changes up until this point is because a lot of %%hat We were eliminating ..as at :i:c recommendation of the legal
staff because it included things •.e could not defend under the law Pie thinks this ordinance has gone through a
considerable amount of change since (9$3. There are people m ho feel that r! c . y333 ordinance .•as a.ery uoo.i
thing tur the communit• . In your memo you are recommending three options. bL'. there is a fourth option. that is
not remo% ine it because of what you explained to us before about the waiver. For someone who was not present
for that discussion one of the things he asked for and wasn't in the minutes. was that the minutes of the meeting that
%%e first undenrent this and had all these motions be included in the packet to sho,...;hat the discussion originally
..as as this is the second time on these issues. Last time the motion ••as posed It �%as not seconded and he does not
kno%% chat «ill occur tonicht. but teels -ery strongly that the staffing, requirerner,: for no.v should be maintained
.pith the ••ai.er positions and •.e should continue to monitor the. case la.. If : e case law goes the other %%a• I:
should then be taken out. What .%e*re In ing to do .%tth this ordinance is create a situation v.-here we feel that these
t• pes of group homes are going to be properly operated. The great operators Jv ,: great job but the not so great
operators are also going to be subject to this ordinance. He therefore cannot support the motion.
M.�. Breriminan said Aldernian \e..man is absolute!• ri:tht that certainl. is the r, ur h option. although she thinks
it has more posail►ility of being legall. challenged. The Fair I lousing Amendmer.:s Act in 1988 is ••here problems
occurred and all the case la.% de. eloped from that.
Alderman Moran said if y ou're monitoring the case court apparently the one case that has dealt with this is found
against 24-hour stalling requirement in 10th Circuit decision in Bangerter. and if that's the criterion case la%% says
1-ci" 1 . rM. i 7 CC) - :P-,. I i
its not good. its. Brenniman commented that case did not held 24-hour staffing requirement was in violati= of
the Fair Housing Amendments Act. That case was remanded back to the trial court to look at that issue savirug if
the proper evidence were there it might very likely be a violation but the case does not hold per se that 24-hour
staging requirement is in violation of the Fair Housing Amendments Act. Alderman Moran said he was nor svurc
that is clear to him as the statement that court upheld µvas the complaint that challenged the state statute i:n a
municipal ordinance that required the residents in a group home for persons with a mental illness be super. isec on
a ?-t-hour basis. The court did remand it for furher hearings but the point is it found this illegal on its face. it di►:ln't
say there might be a factual situation where 34-hour supervision might be appropriate. The decision held th= a
statute that requires it blanket on its face is illegal and is what would happen if we adopt the ordinance as it cxTerxJ,,
is. its a blanket statement and consistent with Housir:g Options statement that it discriminates against persons .with
a disabilit:. based on stereov-pica) assumptions about their abilities and needs. In his view it is as Judge WillIX-ns
said in the Naperville case «here requiring a sprinkler system and a tire alarm monitoring system iaas discussed.
no exceptions that's the rule required in all instances just as %;as said the distance requirement of 1.060 feet •ts
facially discriminator . It doesn't ha%e any reference to specific circumstances. He wanted to add the xnendmerns
to the Housing act Mere presumably to take our society in the direction that was more inclusive and l&ss
discriminating against people «ho are less fortunate. He thinks its unfortunate and is shocked at the suggestion t m
Evanston would approach an issue such as this b,, say ing it was going to entertain the adoption of an ordinance cat
pushes restriction on people «ho would be protected by these kinds of Federal acts and in situations where cas,!s
have condemned specifically these hinds of statutory treatment. To say that we as a municipality should figure -.,gut
stealth strateeies for getting under requirements close to these that have been held to be violative to the amendmerns
of the amendments to the Housinu, Act is a sad da,. Evanston has been known to push the enu envelope in the o-,r
direction not the inner direction. %%e're not tryin__ to beat ordinances that have a more inclusive and more protecri••
impact on our citizens. ate historically have tried to enhance thoseit would be an unfortunate and surprising turn.
personally, to him if %%e were to take the opposite approach.
Alderman Newman said the 198_5 Council member-, that passed the ordinance were as progressive as Alderm=
Moran. Mr. Terry wrote a memo as to why he wanted staffing for people under the age of 19, he is not reauesti^,�
stat'tirn-, because he thinks stafrinY.: is a infringement upon somebody's civil rights. When this first cane
Alderman \loran's poz;irion «as defeated 3-1 and he could not get a second to his motion. He %,%ould like :L) ha:
the full committee included in this befbre it goes to full Council. alderman Rainey added not on]% should the ft—
committee but full Council hear all sides to this One of the issues she has with group homes is they tend':
congregate in certain. mad be multiple areas of to%%n and her concern is about some of the provisions in th•:
ordinance. There are nine Aldernion selected from e: en- section of tot%n and ever% body needs to get an opportun:7
to comment on this. and the-, %%ill. alderman Newman said the reason that Alderman loran's distancir._
requirement was also defeated µas specitically because of the point just raised by Alderman Rainey. There are ver-�
few group homes in the 6th Ward because of the price of real estate there. In other areas in town its a more flu:
situation and he would expect that our waiver conditions are real. Letting the statT. in good faith. exercise %, ai%e-.
is the best %%av to go a-t Opposed to iva;i saying «e're never going to have supervision and he is •%illing to take ti
chance on it and µour expect there \%ould be,,%aiyers. alderman Rainey thought there were t�%o things �%ror._
v,tth that, number one.:,'%ou're a�:uminu a high quality of sue r%tsion from the person supervising she does no-
assume that at all. number two. the �kaiver issue is an interesting one but her concern is not only with the operazo-
but who are the residents. You ma% have six residents at one time «ho are perfectly capable of handling their da.
to da% acti% ities 24-hours a da. but %rho for some reason need to be in that settine. On the other hand somebod.
mid=hr mote in %%ho i> totall% di>rur tcie and incapable of dealin,; %%ith their da% to da• activities and %ou ha,._
.tlread% PrM ided a Alderrn. n Newman agreed with that and does know e\actl• what the criterion ,, Ou!•_
hr liar the Director ��f f [.�m.ut tier.:c:ti to issue a «aver There might be all types of legitimate reasons and factor=
in considering a %%ai<<r but the Lea. t`:e ordinance is constructed «tth the waiver pro-,isions he does not expect th .
e%er% group�hunte that comes in under this ordinance will ha%e 24-hour supervision. He %%OUld rather ha,._
sonlebod% thinking back about %lw i• uoing to be there. who is going to ix: running it. what is their experience. and
then have the abilit, to be able to make a reasoned decision. To suggest that with someone such as Mr. Terry
making those decisions Evanston wouldn't be a ftlrward thinki:Vi. .tianntunity, %%ltat %%e ongin.>,l1% talked about can
and will work and he would rather have just dut additional optzon her the City than taken cut in a blanket fashion.
That was the feeling and why no one seconded Aidennun Moc ln's motion. He knows Alderman Event feels very
strongly about this ordinance and unfortunately is not present :-his e%ening,
.alderman Rainey asked Ms. Brenniman if the number of peopl: per unit is controlled b% the Zontniz Ordinance or
the Building Code. Ms. Brenniman responded. the Zoning Ordinance. Category l and Category II residential care
homes are defined in the zoning Ordinance. .alderman Rainey asked what we do in a duelling %%ith 9 - 15 people.
a very large dwelling unit, to make certain there is no overcro%►ding, how frequents} are those inspections made.
and chose responsibility would that be as opposed its Proper%% Standards. Ms. Brenniman said in terms of number
of people the square footage of the dwelling unit and the num;ner of bedrooms required is set out in the Zonine
Ordinance. Alderman Rainey said otercromding is a huge issue for her because she Joes not belie%e that our
Zoning Department has the %%herewithal to go out fcr frequent inspections and units such as this require frequent
inspections. She can imagine the turno%er can either be great. minimal or sporadic and does not knot% ho%% you
could know when there were tumo%ers or additions. .also. there is an issue in the standards to maintain the
property. Mr. Tem. said there is an annual license and the language in the ordinance is such treat the Director of
Health and Human Services can make requests from both the Director of Community Development and the Fire
Chief. The way- child residential care homes is handled is he gets a certification from Building and Property
Standards. Zoning, and the Fire Chief that they are satisfied based on the inspection that the home is in good order
and operating according to their standards. This is one of the �y-lidelines he uses before a license is issued.
.-alderman `e%%man said if the ordinance is fairly enforced nothing that the staff has presented to him in the re%ie%%
of this ordinance indicates that they are not goina to be fair in looking at this issue He asked LC`there is goinu to
be an annual inspection every time a license expires. N1r. Terry responded that is the% %%a,, the residential child care
homes are done. Alderman `e%%man asked if some t%pe of fee dill need to be built into this to guarantee that in
time e%er%thing will not go b-, the %%ayside because of budget restraints. Alderman Rainey asked what %%as the
average duration of the tenancy of a group home residence and as informed that there are people in Home First.
%%hick is the first home opened by Housing Options. %%ho are original residents. For persons %%ho cannot get along
%tub the person k%hu shares the tnt irontt�ent the% hate a tr:trtsitl��rL31 program whCre :ne% nave a maximunl sta% o,
tt%o %ears. They do not have a large utrno%er but are going to ra%e people t%ho leave %%ithin a tear or ei_uhteen,
months as opposed to those %%ho %kill be there for two or three }tars. .alderman Rainzt' asked the difference is in
a person in a group home and a person in Home First. She was toldgroup homes can done %kith different kinds of
people. certiticationall% the people %►ho go into group l omes cannot be as independent or as capable of li% in_; %%ith
some ot'the people in their current homes. They need more staff support and more help in liking skills and probably
%%ould not be capable of %%orking or doing volunteer %%ork as most of their current residents are able to do. There
could be a group home %%here there is 24 hour staff support for some people and also %%here some might be needed
eery evening or afternoon. There are group homes for people who are mentally ill :hat can start out %%ith N hour
staff %%here the a-gencies have been mo%ed at%av from 2-4 hour staffing because the re;;dents become more dependent
on the staff than they need to be and it interferes with their indepr_ndrnce. Alderman Raine% said if there is a bad
operator .%hat %%ould he so inappropriate for us instead of ha%;n,,, a %%aiycr. required of e%er%bod%. %%at%e it in
certain cases. haying the reverse if %%e could determine that 24 hour supervision %%as requ; red. Ina dispute %%ith
the operator there would be a provision in our ordinance that upon a certain determination that %%e could require or
remove your license that you pro%ide ,q hour supervision. Alderman Newman said there would ha%e to be
standard, in the ordinance and because you would be imposing a ne%% financial requirement the chances of litigation
after you'%e inade our ruling if you Lie cide that's a problem. This ordinance applies Cat e__t%n II_ and if %%e adopt
[fits amendment there Griffin he fifteen people in a house without ,y hour superyisuon Only tf It applies to the ate of
lit. Cate_aor% If is a special use and il*the special use is granted the% %%ould ha%e to go through the zoning
procedure. If all other criteria %%as niet and passed %%e could not require super%isors as far as special use process
I li• cuncertt is that fifteen people It%ing on a residential street without aw supervision is not discrimination against
a tamil% unit because the chance of have fifteen people in a family is not very likely, which is the gist of the:
VISC Minutei 5 T99 • Pa:'e 1 '
amendment. Alderman Moran said this %%ould then h,3,e it-. N- tvaqutred of evmbody else bemuse the lain in this
areasnys sou cannot treat people subject to disability different1% if the notion of having fifteen people in one place
unless there is supervision. it is required against t%vr% place unlc:< there is supervision. 4Is. Brenniman %%as not
sure whether that would be an appropriate requier rent in a sr-o ial use because it might be challenged. If you put
in a special use then it is not going it, be sub:_-`: 'e %%ai• Cr Pro, i'i ►n if you ha%e people in t:-)e horrir that don't
need that supervision Alderman Ne%%man said 4_-�M ordinance :t%ou're not going to hase ;vper.ision ho*,s is
it included in another ordinance Alderman R ntc% >:iggested that an% group home Categor} H that gets reject_d
in a special use hearing probabl% will end up in cor_rt listening to the a.-Luments against the Fair Housing Violations.
Nls. Brenniman said there are a number of cases t_�= deal %%ith the zone Q issue in these group hornes cases and there
has been a number of cases %%here the decision to den% the special use based on the %%ay it m s denied. and the
comments of the individuals. It is clear the,. didn-t %%-ant these people in their neighborhood and found the den::l
of special use seas a % iolation of the Fair Housing-%mendments .-act as people •,ere treated ditferentN because
their disabilities' :alderman Raine% asked %chat t,.pe ct propert% nine unrelated people are qualiti.d to live iry fit_
Brenniman said she could not ans%%er that but cc-1ld obtain that info."ation and bring it back :,► the commutte:
Alderman Ne%%man thought b% taking this out %ou make it much more like(% that special us,!.-,- for group hotre
Category i1 w•iIl not be improved because µher, sou go to that neighborhood group that is going to oppose us for
the reasons suggested you will have to tell them our ordinance does not allow for supervision. You might be abi_
to %%ork out an agreement with that condition that she operator would be willing to accept and the neighborhood aye;;
;a% there is going to be somebod% there 24 hours and if there are problems there are going to be people to talk rn
Bs taking that awa% it mares it much more difficult In a hea%0% contested neighborhood special t,se to pass one
these and he thinks there should be a Lair opportunit< %%ith sufficient flexibility to deal %%ith the situations through.
the licensing process. which this dues alderman Raines asked if Categon I would also have =» hour super. isik�r.
Alderman Newman said if it %%as in there it %could be a requirement for both but it could be %%ai%ed and thinks the
loser number ol'people should be a criteria for v ai%er because the more people .ou have the greater the possibilir.
of a situation not being manageable. As an aiternatise %%e can perhaps loosen the waiver provision.
Ms. Brenniman thougght there is the Possibility of being, sued because of %%hat the cases hase ;hown and b.cau;e
of tthat Bangerter ;pecilicall% has said is the court raised seriOUS concerns about staffing requirements %'cola:::_g
FH:V-V The court stated that if the proper e%idence %sere presented such a regulation would violate the FH.�,-\ is
also stated that supervision requirements may not be predicated on concems for public safety and then are valid on,%
when there is e%idence that the residents of a particular home need'_a hour supervision. She has read numerot:s
cases,,,here particular requirements have fallen �—.cauzc of the indisiduals that are in the home which is •%here ::
is so difficult about the regulation. What is so difficult about 24 hours supervision is it might be stood in one
situation and not in another depending on %vho is in the home..%hich changes from time to time. That is why a court
can set blanket requirements. Whether it is staffing or safety are not appropriate nor consistent with the FHAA a::d
%%h% %%e have to make sure %%e ha%e that ssai%er provision. The waiver makes it a non blanket if the %•ai%.r
pre,%ision i; appropriate %shich is %%hat happened in the Naperville case %%here there %%ere a number of pro*,i5inr.;
that .•ere to be applied to the home of safety and lire issues, the sprinkler and alarm s%stem, and eyertthir.g ••a;
%%ai%ed except those t%%o things %%ere because the board in _,:•od faith believed this "as a safety issue for the::
indi%iduals but the Court did nut think that %%ay. Alderman Ne%%man said he %%ould like to ask the resident; in
Gth Ward %%hether or not they% %%ant a 4group home of fifteen _going, in their neighborhood without any super tsion
because at Green%%ood Care the onl,. reasons %%e ha%e been able to keep it is because we go to the staff and
super%isors and are able to talk to people in the building. That is a larger building. but an example of %,orkir:_,
together. F%aisston has had a %er. ',o-,d record of accommodating, people with mental and other disabilities He
challenges ,omebod% to find t%%o huildin+, such as (ban% and Green%%%sod in other communities What ••e a::
to in', to do is the manag-e the Current situation.
Alderman Rainev asked %s pat are the chances of an ordinance %%ith 24 hour supervision and a %%aiyer sustaining t":
challenge. Ms. Brenniman thought it'you have a %%aiyer provision that is fairly applied it remediates that blank -et
provision issue the courts have. Alderman Rainev asked Alderman Moran what would be so bad to have a waiver
provision for the 19 year old and over population. Alderman Moran asked how the waiter provision v ould operate.
Nis. Brenniman responded as in any provision of the ordinance the applicant for the license would have the burden
of showing that particular pro% ision would be inappropriate given the nature of the individuals that are in the home.
Alderman Rainey commented her problem would be for that moment in time and would then wait a that home in
perpetuit} or.tould it %%aive it t.?r that year. Nis. Brenniman said she knows we use the waiter provision for lon
term care and once that waiver is given she thinks its a permanent waiver. this is something she would crave to lock.
into. Alderman Rainey said tenancies are generally not permanent to which Ms. Brenniman agreed and is what
makes regulations of these horns so difficult. Alderman Rainey further commented there is a transfer fee .yhich
she is surprised to hear is such :,,ng tenure that %ou argue and of course it is the turnover not the Ion- term stab:-:
tenant .yho is being referred to If she could be assured that there would be some periodic request fo:.yatt ers as
opposed to a blanket waiver tha: should either run with the organization or with the dwelline unit.
Alderman Moran said his reason for asking hot% it would be applied is that the burden would be on the organ.,zanc•n
to say we have to come in and prove to you that .te don't need 24 hour supervision and as he said before this goc5
back to what all the cases say. that They assume the abilities and needs of people are subject to the stereo types and
one cannot do that. All these cases are based on tLi ounded speculation that they need 24 hour supervision until the.•
can prove that they don't need that kind of supervision. If you have the type of waiver being described what you
have is as the Judge in Bangerter said. the actin ordinance facially single out the handicapped and apply different
rules to them. The point of these cases is you`re not allowed to adopt ordinances that subject these people to
requirements that are different :han for the average person. Alderman Newman added except there is a different
view based on the number and the larger they are the more you're apt to regulate. GIs. Brenniman hoped that is
entirely consistent with the czs: law because you have to reasonabl% accommodate and in order to reasonabit
accommodate you have to kno%% what vou're going to reasonably accommodate. She would think a waiter
provision is extremely consistent with the idea of reasonable accommodation and as an employer you don't hate
to make that accommodation unless . ou have reason to believe that you should and you find that out bt asking the
individuals .alderman Moran asked if there is a reasonable accommodation of language in the Fair Housing
Amendment .act. Brenniman did not believe there is. Alderman Moran said it is a different statutory
treatment : nd asked if this is :=e same as the ADA. to which GIs. Brenniman responded. no. but the ADA a:s%."
applies in :.iis situation.
Alderman Ne%%man would be ..:llinL to have the committee look at making this some kind of related ttai,,er t.itn
revte.t if is:an be done. Fle see> the point of what .ou look at on da% one is not the satme thing . ou w;" see on
728 or .vhatever. alderman Rainey did not see by supporting 24 hour supervision in homes that ha%a people ; S
years ofage and under precludes supporting 24 hour supervision in homes with 19 year olds and over. but at this
point just sees it as dividing the question. One thing she would like to assure we have is supervision in homes wtth
people 18 ears of age and under. .alderman Newman said his position supports that.
Alderman Raine% called for a motion of sunnorting the nr vision renuiring 24 hour supervision in group
homes .yhere there are nennle betiseen the ages of 9 :end 18 years of age. Motion unanimous, Z-fi .
,alderman `esvmnn made an additional motion to require 24 hour staffing far nersvn5 O..er the age of 18.
Lois Mazer. SHORE. Director of Social Needs Sen•ices. wished to make a point. They have pes � t
d%%effings w hich happen to he i . Ee anston. Fhe first that ..as opened is the one she: directs similar to :,_«n bore,_;
It is a conirier of ti. e to%n homes and are individual apartments where there are three people in fou. apwln,-r::s.
six wunten and six men. fhe, hate a house staff. a married couple. who lire in one unit. They are r.ot there
hours. we :re not licensed b% tl.e state and are not required to have 24 hour supervision because the thlt '•••_';.
there function in the mild range retardation. You may very well see them in the grocery store and in .ar
programs. Thee are almost eyertiwhere in the community and this level of person with developmental di: ::::'•
does not need 2.4 hour supervision. Them is al•va%s someone there o.rmight. She lies a feW ks away and is
on call at any time. In the twenty years as direr. ar of this prognun we have nevrr had arty thing dut was ever called
to anyone's attention. we have been rood citizen. t'hcy also have another homc in F%a nston ►thrch houses twelve
moderately to sever retarded persons. This is lt:cnsrd by the State of Illinois as an inter(nediatr care facility. it is
also licensed by the City of E-anston and the% :i%r up to c%er% rcquirrmrni. 111ia place has 24 hour supe " ion.
She wanted you to see the contract a.: it depends on %%hoe%er the constituenc% is.Lnd %%hat their ne,.-.is are. Alderman
Ne%%man said this situation Mould be perfectl% amenable to the %%ai.er hccausr of the %%a% it is yet LC Alderman
Rainey commented that she really has trouble with this and would life it distinction made or thia NIr. Terr%
explained each town home is considered an in%:ividual building.
Larr% Gavin. Housing Options advisory Board. would like to emphasize that the 24 hour super%t: ion requirement
is very important and can be •cry onerous to an agent%. lf'a resident needs 24 hour super. ision %.e %%could pro, Ide
the 24 hour super. ision. We're not concerned about having to pro% ide that super% ision to soma god_ who [reeds
it but are concerned about hat ing to provide a with respect to residents who don't need it be%:aust that would
dramatically increase the expense of running t:he group home which is a very expensive process. E- owe%er. %%e
appreciate the cost of buying it. to staff a home for 24 hours would be four or fi% a full time :_laries. it is vets
expensive and generally people we serve are vex. poor. They have no money and are people who arc at the bottom
of society and have difficult enough times of earning a living to have any money besides SSI. This reaf y is an
onerous burden and from a legal standpoint before the state discriminates such as this licensing ordinance %%ould
he does not think there is an% excuse that it treats a person with a disability differently than o_. er persons so it
basically discriminates. The burden ;hen goes :o the City to demonstrate that the requirement that states 24 hour
supervision is warranted by the specific needs and abilities of the particular people in that home. The% sa% he has
the burden to demonstrate that this particular resident needs the 24 hour supervision and that is the justification for
it. It further has the burden to show teat the benefit to that resident clearly outweighs whatever burden ma, result
and the burdens to these individuals may be so repressive they may have no opportunity for housing because of that.
A willingness to make a %yaiver is not justified or tit human facial discrimination. A number of ca.-:es ha%e held that
there is one case. the Children's Alliaace versus the City of Bellevue. which was cited in their letter contran- to the
defendant's repeated contentions a «::::neness to make a reasonable accommodation cannot rebut a :indtng o- —aciai
discrimination. It Lois on the ihr..z: of a reasonable accommodation claim is that a defends-- m ;s; ma:;e an
affirniati%- change in an otlier•%ise `a:ied lau or policy. In other %cords a %%ai%er is required un�-er the FHAA to
excuse or jtistih the la%% and ifthe la-.% treats a person with a disability differentl% than others it carino: be used as
the justification for a la►% that is facially discriminatory to start with.
Alderman Newman asked fir. Ga. in is his position is that if somebody is going to put a fifteen person group home
in the middle of a residential block . ou do not %%ant the City of Evanston to be able to take any action. His problem
with this is he has Raymond Park in his Ward and for the seven years he has been on City Council it is not the
Greenwood Care people nor the horreless shelter. nobody ever takes responsibilit% for what goes on it that park.
The only %ray he can dot an%thing abc:;: that place. that has 140 residents. is he has to __o and talk to :tie p_opte they:
%%ho supervise to do something. You are saying if there are fifteen people in the middle of a resiLertia: block the
C'tt% should just assume the-, are great operators such as Housing Options and do not want us :tom i e able to do
an%thing. Mr. Ga. in said the comrr.:-:.e at its March 1 st meeting appro%ed the requirement that Eh_ resic.n:tal car. -
homes provide a letter for each resident at the home from a psychiatrist or doctor stating whet;_er that resident
needed 24 hour supervision. Alder.: -.an `e%%man said he thought Housing Options told the cormrnim- that %%as
illcual. `fr. Ga%in said the-, do no: na%e a problem %yith that except for the requirement that it ray .:plate the
C onfidentialit% Act. but in concept is person reeds the can %%e're not opposed to r^ro%iding it. Hi,
and it is not a perfect one. is (fiat %%e c_: a letter from a psychiatrist or doctor for each resident in a restdential car. -
home and we oursel%es keep the ler:er. If the utter says we need to provide 4 hour supervision %%e pro,, ide it.
Once a %ear or more often `Ir. Terr..:he Director. %%ould review the letters at the office of the az:nc% subiect to
the Confidentiality Act %%hich may re,;utre for us to lea%e the name out. Ifthe letters %%e have coll.cted from each
resident state that nobod% needs 24 ::our supervision that resolves the issue. If the letter states that a number of
people need the supervision and they have given our consent to hurt over the letters or to expose their identity there
is no problem. The problem may arise if one or two letters reflect we can'. disclose who they are. in that instance
at least the director would know there are some people in the home that need 24 hour supervision and he could
question the residential care 1-.ome as to what they are doing to provide that care to assure himself that it is being
done. This is not perfect becau-se you may not know the identity of the resident who needs this care if that resident
has not given consent to disclo-se his her identity. but it would be a workable solution and provide some protection.
GIs. Brenniman said she talked about this a fen- weeks ago when the issue of the Confidentiality Act was first
raised. She understands the compromise Mr. Gavin is trying to make but the committee should know that is
basically not an enforceable provision because you v ill never know who this person is and the provision would :*r
that the _'4 hour supervision is squired when that person is up front. If you vant to put Mr. Tern, in a position of
having to talk to the homes --id work out a compromise that could be done. but %ou have to recognize that is
basically unenforceable.
:alderman Newman brought up Housing Options' objection to these letters. Ms. Brenniman said it was their
suggestion to do it. then after making the recommendation and looking at it closer they decided it might violate the
Confiidentialit Act and agreed that they have a valid point about that Alderman Rainey said we would go to the
letters but the v.-ould never see the letters. the letters would be in their possession and one would have to ha%e
implicit and explicit confidence in the operator. GIs. Brenniman said when this option was irsz proposed by the
providers the issue of the Confidentiality Act was not raised. No one thought about the Confidentiality Act or
brought it up until after the issue was brought to the committee. She thought this is a valid point and it is possible
disclosure of the individuals needs without their consent would violate the Mental Disabilities Confidentiality Act.
Alderman \e%vman said now that the 18 years of ace and under has been decided upon he wanted this issue
addressed ttith the full committee. He thinks the process put in place with the waiver gives our professional staff
a chance to took at the situation on a case by case basis. liven the idea of a letter acknowledges that there aught to
be some t%a:- that the City can strike some type of balance in residential neighborhoods. We have been fair and
%%orked %%ith people and he is sure Mr. Terry %till work with all the groups, He thinks the blastket takes a«a,.
i1exibilit% and «ants to be able :o address this %%ith the full committee.
Alderman Rainey had a question about the level of person who would be on staff for 24 hour supervision and asked
%%hat qualifications were needed for this type of job. Ms. Peterson said that would depend on who the provider is
but can tell % ou they are trying to f nanciall% cut comers. it could merely be a bad%. Nls. Mazer said I00% of their
people hate bachelors degrees in ps,chology, sociology. some are in group two masters. It's a career for some and
a stopping place for others. Alderman Rainey commented those are regular ongoing jobs at SHORE but she is
talking about a situation in a group home that required 24 hour supervision because of a couple of the residents.
Her impression is the person who series the third shift %%ill be making basically minimum wage a.^.d has probab',.
not had too much schooling. GIs Yrterson said at Home First they had staff there from 4:00 p.m. thmuuh the entire
night until morning and staff th.re are not the t%pe described by `is. Mazer. Th: first staff the-. e%er had tie-.
%uondertitl and did not hate more than bachelor's de_rees but worked with the mentally ill for abcr.st fifteen N'ea-s.
That is one ofthe reasons she talked about expenses because the kind of person the: gill %%ant %%ith %. e background..
ability, and commitment to that population will be expensive. Alderman Rain_% said if .ou -.ere the kind of
operator lust meeting the requirement of 2-1 hour supervision without specifying the qualit of the supervision it
Could be somebodv tr%ing to cut corners. Nls. Peterson said it could also be a v.onderful. ven in::rested college
student. \fs. Mazer said in both of :^err programs training is required for all posit:c--,ns. so the., h.t%e to be trained
.end she %%ould huts: to ,a% the% tare .kho they ran get to work at their %%ages but %ti; training..xpe- ence and good
supers ision. the% do their ver% hest Nis. Peterson said one of the best protections ., ou ha%e is th.=.: in order to get
funding front the Department of Mental Health and Disabilities for residential pro_-'-ams %ou ha%c :credite,
and Housing Options has just recenU% _-'one throu_ah their yearly accreditation. No one hears a_oi .:per %%o:l
necessary for national accreditation and that they come out evrry yeatr irtsfrtt c%sr• precrarn and talk toe .:. rvbod%
and are concerned with qualifications of all staff members.
Alderman Newman. wanted to understand what the argument wwas, and aAxd how% man,. people wr in Home First
and was told nine. He then said, in your particular situation. without any requirement. %otr independently as a good
operator made the decision that for 16 out of 24 hours a day. for some part of the wweck. w ou have to have some form
of supervision in a 9 person residential care home. 11 fat you arc bwicalt\ sa\ Ong to us is you're a good operator
and can have homes of up to 15 persons and we should eliminate the ?d hour supervision. If we do that there is no
supervision, we can have an operator come in, who is not as qualified or as wonderful an organization as Housing
Options. but his concern is not about the highest level of operation. If you made the decision at 9 %ve might think
with not such a good operator we should have 24 hour supervision. but maybe if its your group you go for the
waiver and come up with a plan and are concemed about cost. You're looking at it from your perspective as a top
flight organization. but «e have encountered disasters in some group facilities. There is a broader purpose hie and
he would like to have some flexibility. Ms. Peterson said she understan&- alderman ;`ev.man's concern and as
Evanston residents they would not want to see in any neighborhood, commercial or residential. disabled people not
being taken care, but she also does not want Evanston to pass an ordinance that «olates the Fair Housing
Amendments Act which also has enormous imgact on the community.
Alderman Rainey asked if there were any other issues for discussion. Alderman Newman said not unless the
distancing is revisited, which he thinks is unfair. Alderman Rainey asked Alderman Nloran if he had a motion on
the distancing requirement. He responded he will whenever it will be taken up again. Alderman Rainey said it uas
already taken up by the committee and should now go to City Council and the Evanston City Code Regulating
Residential Care Homes Ordinance. It will be held over until the June Pith committee meeting. Mr. Tern- 5'�U3 the
one thing not ready yet, but needs to be approved before June Ist, is the Homeless Continuum of Care. He
understands there will be a special City Council meeting sometime in the week of Nlay 17th, and asked if this
committee could meet a half hour prior to that meeting just for the purpose of doing the Homeless Continuum of
Care.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
:alderman Rainey called for an adjournment at l 1:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Audrey Trotsky. Department of Health and Human Services
0::,ti15YITIFITT/ i
Minutes
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
May 19, 1999
Civic Center -Room 2402
6:00 KNK
ALDERMEN PRESENT: AIdermen Rainey. Feldman. Kent. Newman. Moran
STAFF ERESENT: Jim Wolinski. Harvey Saver. Jay Terry
OTHERS PRESENT: Dorothy Lloyd Still, Clair McCarthy Peterson. David Myers. Mimi Peterson,
Scott Morgan
PRESIDING: Alderman Rainey
I. CALL TO ORDER
Alderman Rainey called the meeting to order at 6: l2 p.m.
II. AVON BREAST CANCER WALKATHON
Alderman Feldman moved -approval of this s ecial event. Alderman Kent seconded the motion.
,N]otion approved_(4-U).
Alderman Newman noted he previously had made a request to have ail the lake front events numbered so
committee members would have an idea as to the total number of lake front events they were being asked
to approve within a year.
III. CONSIDERATION OF CONTINUUM OF CARE FOR THE HOMELESS
Alderman Rainey clarified that the committee was being asked to approve the Continuum of Care and the
individual proposals were not being considered. This would be the responsibility of the Housing
Commission. Alderman Newman indicated he had some concerns with the Continuum of Care as he read
it, that it did not read as a City of Evanston document- It perpetuated the existing agencies and read as a self
serving document for those agencies. He noted a number of the priorities in the plan such as the continuation
of the FIT Program. and as a former member of the Housing Commission there was not a plan that the FIT
program be pursued in perpetuity. He also had some concerns about the Section 8 Program which was also
listed as a priority in the Consolidated Plan as %veil as some of the use of HOME funds which he wanted used
to develop a rehab of existing housing stock. Mr. Terry clarified that the priorities which Alderman
Newman identified were from the City's Consolidated Plan and were not priorities developed for the
Continuum of Care. He noted the Consolidated Plan had been a document which is reviewed annually by
the City Council and has already been approved. Alderman Newman asked when the Consolidated Plan
would be next up for approval and review. Mr. Wolinski indicated a new one would be ready for the fall.
Mr. Terry provided some of the history of the Continuum of Care and the various projects which had been
funded by HUD under the Continuum of Care process and HUD's philosophy in reviewing a Continuum of
HSC Minutes 3119,99 - Page t.
Care document.
(Alderman Maran entered the meeting at this lx)iptt. J
Alderman Newman indicated he could not suprx)rt trrt►tne buildings off the tax rolls and was opposed to any
new housing project which would result in that orcumng.
Alderman Rainey noted that both proposals from I lousing Options art.: CPM were tier rental property and
both proposed to utilize market rate apartments. She indicated shy had szome concerns -when the proposals
talk about getting affordable apartments. inevitabb affordable apartnicnts are only available in those
neighh-)rhoods which have become fragile. She %va: particularly con emed about the Housing Options
proposal for the homeless. mentally ill and that the► are targeting Maple who have difficulty in taking
medications. She is very concerned about putting people in neighborh tied apartments who tit that profile.
She had some concern about CPM serving teenagers and their ability to maintain housing.
Alderman Feldman asked if the building run by the Reba Housing Devel.Vment Corporation was on the tax
rolls. Sir. Noiinski indicated that it was.
Alderman Rainey asked if Housing Options current projects are off the tax rolls to which Mr. Terry
responded he believed they made a payment in lieu of taxes. Alderman Rainey asked what that payment was.
Ms. Peterson responded that it was a formula which had been worked out by a member of their board. PCs.
Lloyd Still said it works out to approximate). to $5,000 per year. Mr. Morgan responded to the question by
saying that Housing Options pays the entire City portion of whatever the Iast tax bill on the property was and
every year it has been increased at the same rate that the City's tax bill goes up. Ms. Lloyd Still and t"is.
Peterson clarified that it has been about S5.000 per year for four buildinrts.
Alderman Kent asked questions about CP.N1's commitment to place a building in another suburb and
inquired where that would be. Mr. Terry responded that would be up CPM to determine where those
apartments would be leased. Mr. dyers indicated other suburbs and Rogers Park might be under
consideration.
:Alderman Newman asked CP\.1 in their proposal to do seen units, if is conceivable that it could be one -
seven unit apartment. Mr. Myers responded, no, that would be seven scattered units throughout the area.
Alderman Newman asked where those units would be, to which Mr. Myers responded he did not know.
Alderman Newman asked Mr. Myers if he had any idea of the radius, to which Mr. Myers responded Rogers
Park. Skokie. and the various neighborhoods of Evanston. Alderman Newman asked if most of the money
would be spent in Evanston, to which Mr. Myers responded most of the families served are indigenous to
Evanston. Alderman Newman asked where the referrals come from. Mr. Ayers indicated they come from
churches. congregations. and other local entities. Alderman Newman clarified there would be no purchase
of property through this proposal and Mr. Myer indicated it would all be rental.
Alderman Newman then asked Housing Options if theirs too would be no purchase and Ms. Lloyd Still
indicated it would be lease onit . Alderman Newman asked Housing Options how they intended to locate
the apartments throughout the community. to which Ms. Lloyd Stills responded it would be disbursed
throughout Evanston and the agency currently has two locations in north Evanston. They currently rent an
apartment building near Dyche Stadium and the amount of money they pay for rent in that building was used
as the basis for the HUD proposal budget so that they are prepared to rents anywhere within the community.
;Alderman Newman asked how many Evanstonians are involved in the current Housing Options programs.
HSC Minutes 5/19/99 - Page ?.
Ms. Fissell said someone is counted as ha%ing as Evanston connection either through their current address,
their family connections, or their working in EvartAon. Alderman Newman asked if that was documented
in any funding applications to the tiientaI Health Board or the CDBG Committee and if Housing Options
would agree to document the Evanston connections of anyone served.
AIderman Moran made a point of order saying that Eire Human Services Committee could not dictate what
procedures the Mental Health Board and CDBG would use for their funding. Alderman Rainey clarified that
Alderman Newman wanted the Human Services Committee to get the same information that the CD
Committee gets. Alderman Rainey noted that on the one hand she agreed with Alderman New -man and had
a concern that people from Evanston be cared for. She had a very strong concern with the Housing Options
proposal in that persons "ere unmedicated. and un►wI-lling to use traditional mental health services; that are
not currently part of any system: could be placed in residential areas. This did not make any sense to her.
She questioned why you would place some of these persons in housing before they have been stabilized.
Alderman Newman said he saw a benefit in providing housing for Evanston families. Alderman Rainey
noted that the Housing Options proposal was for single people. Alderman Newman said he shared Alderman
Rainey's concern. He asked Housing Options if they would be willing to show how they have diversified
within the community where their apartment units ►►-ould be located and would like some general information
without violating confidentiality with no names or aJdresses.
Mr. Morgan indicated that the units would absolutelw be diversified within Evanston and he believed most
of the people they would serve would be truly indigenous to Evanston and would be happy to share the
Evanston connection. In terms of the definition and what the connection is to Evanston. over 90% of the
people they serve meet their definition of what is an Evanston connection. Alderman Newman noted that
his definition might not be the same as Housing Options definition. Mr. Morgan said they would provide
the information within the limits of confidentiality.
Alderman Dent said he was pretty sure that Housing Options definition wouldn't meet his definition and
noted that families that spent a lifetime in Evanston can no longer afford to live there. and are not being
provided programs. Organizations such Annixter, Over the Rainbow, and Housing Options have all
developed special housing in his Ward, and at the same time he has to see long time residents leave.
Organizations are bringing people into his Ward who do not have an Evanston connection and he cannot
support that. He felt there is a concentration of properties of this nature in the 5th Ward and noted a goal is
to integrate these individuals into the community and wanted to know how the agencies are planning to
accomplish that. He can tell what is now happening and wanted to know if agencies were committed to
sitting down with the Ward Alderman. In terms of rooming houses, who are the landlords the agencies are
planning to work with, are they landlords committed to serve or are they landlords who are sucking the
community dry. He has been raising those issues with the City's own Emergency Assistance staff . Agencies
talk about a commitment to racial balance and he wanted to know how many clients truly are diverse. The
apartments you are talking about leasing are the same apartments that hard working people want to rent as
well.
Alderman Rainey asked CPM staff about the process used in placing families and noted that the problem she
is aware of is in the south end of to►►n ►where there are no landlords screening of tenants. She wanted to how
tenants will be screened in the CP.'vi program. I'vir.'Myers indicated the screening process was a thorough
one involving a financial review. an interview of things such as employability, screening for substance abuse,
and felt the families go through a very exhaustive process. Alderman Rainey noted that the people targeted
in this grant will be more unsettled than disconnected. Mr. Myers indicated those are the same types of
individuals served by their current programs. Alderman Rainey asked whether a criminal background check
HSC Minutes 5i 19.99 - Page 3.
would be part of the screening, to which Mr. l•lyers ansu red, no,
Alderman Feldman asked if once a client has moved in how do they monitor beha%ior rind landlord
maintenance. Mr. Myers noted the lease to the apartment is in the tame of the agetn-y and a caseworker kill
%isit one to two times per week. Their histor% is that they have a % cTN good relationship %%ith landlords and
have a very clear and enforceable removal process. Alderman t•eidman asked if they felt vulnerable to
lawsuits, to which Mr. Myers responded pause the lease is in their name they did not reel the Landlord
Tenant Ordinance applied in these situations.
Alderman Rainey asked about those who were homeless because of eviction and how would one deal writh
that particularly for persons who are homeless because of related drug use and having destroyed previous
apartments they had lived in. Mr. Myers indicated he understood that concern which -vas one of the agency
was very sensitive to. Alderman Rainey said there are certain neighborhoods in the community that are under
attack and would very much like to see CPitf's screening process. Alderman Rainey asked utiat the duration
of CPM's program would be and what percent they felt would not make it through the program. Mr. Myers
indicated it was a 24 month program and he felt 90% of the clients will make it because of the rigorous
screening process the agency uses. He stressed that CPM would not put neighborhoods at risk by housing
drug dealers and drug abusers.
Alderman Newman echoed Alderman Rainey's concerns about neighborhood issues and particularly
understood her concerns about Housing Options proposal. He read portions of the proposal and sought
clarification as to whether or not the persons who would be housed in Housing Options program were people
who had utilized the shelter. Mr. Lloyd Still indicated that there would be some people from the shelter and
there will be people from other sources as well.
Alderman Moran made a motion to approxcd the Continuum of Care. This motion failed for lack of
a second.
Alderman Newman again questioned Housing Options to the extent to which they are going to use shelter
guests to fill their program. He noted in the proposal they indicate they are going to work %%ith the shelter
to get people housing, yet 85% of the people who utilize the shelter are not from Evanston. How can they
pledge to have a strong Evanston connection and at the same time are you are identifj_mg as your primary
source a place that does not have a large number of people with an Evanston connection.
Mr. Nelson indicated that the shelter would be one source of referrals for the program and they have spoken
to mental health professionals who have attested for the need of this type of housing in the comm=ty. They
currently have eight applications for housing from persons which they are not able to fill.
Alderman Moran expressed a concern that to not approve a Continuum of Care could have a ripple effect on
both the City and agencies who rely on HUD for dollars. 'fr. Terry indicated that in his conversations with
HUD officials they indicated that a failure to approve a Continuum of Care could cause them to take a look
at whether the City's Consolidated Plan was being adhered to.
Alderman Feldman said he did not want to review a document that just comes to the rnmmittee and says
approve this, you have no choice. The members of the committee would like to have a chance to influence
policy and felt if they pass the Continuum of Care their opportunity to be an influence ended_ Clearly there
are options that warranted further discussion.
HSC Minus S-1%'99 - Page 4.
Mr. Tent' outlined the calendar necessary for the proposals to get in to HUD by the first vmei: of June and
also that the Housing Commission needed to meet and certify the proposals as being consisu= with the
Consolidated Plan. Alderman Newman felt it was very important that the committee mret again amd review
this one more time as he wanted to feel comfortable the proposals sill work in the community. Committee
members agreed to consult the following day as to when the next crmmittee meeting to disc the
Continuum of Care would be held.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.
utes takes by: _
Jay Terry
HW Minutes 5/ 19M - Page 5.
Minutes
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
May 26, 1999
Civic Center -Room 2402
7:30 P.M.
ALDERMEN PRESEy : Aldermen Rainey, Moran. Newmam.
� w •
P-AW-91
1 . 14 am w
I. CALL TO ORDER
Aldermen Kent and Feldman
Jay Terry
Dorothy Lloyd Still, Frederica Fissell. MariAnn Moberly, David Myers
Richard Salem. Mimi Peterson
Alderman Rainey
Alderman Rainey called the meeting to order at 7: 35 p.m.
II. CONTINUUM OF CARE FOR THE HOMELESS
Alderman Rainey noted this was a special meeting to review the City's Continuum of Care for the Homeless
and asked if any members of the audience had any comments.
Ms. Lloyd Still indicated that Housing Options wants to be as responsive as possible to the concerns which
were articulated at the May 19th. Human Services Committee meeting... She noted that the agency has been
through a strategic planning process and a needs assessment. She felt eery strongly that this was a population
which needed to be served and in the last year alone there were eight inquiries of people who Housing
Options felt it could serve. She noted the agency could have chosen a less challenging population but is
committed to working with this group.
Alderman Ne%vman made a motion to npnrove the Citv's Continuum of Care. motion seconded by
Alderman Moran.
Alderman Newman stated he had given the Continuum of Care more thought since the last meeting and noted
the programs are primarily apartments. He felt that the agency indicated it would make a good faith effort
to diversify throughout the City and the City needed to follow up through the CD Committee and Metal
Health Board funding processes to make sure the agencies fulfill that commitment. He shared Alderman
Rainey's concerns about the program and felt the City would need to follow up on those concerns through
local funding processes. Alderman Rainey felt once the agencies got the money then they mould be gone.
Alderman Newman said we need to keep an eye on both agencies and does have a concern that Housing
Options can find Evanstonians, they say they can, and for now he has to believe them.
HSC Minutes $r26/99 - Page 1.
Alderman R2iney said she can approve the Continuum of Care but she has every problem with the Housing
Options proposal as these are individuals with very serious problems. She supports the CPM proposal to
work with homeless families.
Alderman Newman said he knowvs Housing Options is a very responsible organization with high quality
Programs. We are telling them they need to responsiNy manage these programs if not our local funders will
enforce the commitments they have made.
Alderman Rainey asked alderman Newman w$at knowledge he had of Housing Options work with the
homeless. Alderman Newman said they now have seven to eight people they are unable to serve and those
persons end up on the street.
alderman Moran asked Mr. Tetra questions about the process of the Housing Commission versos the Human
Services Committee and what the role was for re%iewing the Continuum of Care %ersus the specific projects.
Alderman Rainey indicated she understood that the Human Services Committee did not vote on the specific
projects but she did want the minutes to have on record that she feels the Housing Options program is awful.
Alderman ,Moran said for the record he would like it noted that he feels that CEM and Housing Options do
an excellent job and does not believe that either agency would bring forth a project detrimental to the
community. He noted the beginnings of the agent% Housing Options were when the State was beginning
to shut down publicly funded mental health institutions for the mentally ill. Housing Options has tried to
provide a private sector not -for -profit response to this government effort. He did not know if in their original
mission they said they wvere going to serve homeless. but from early on the agent,- has recognized the need
to serve individuals who may become homeless. He noted there has been much conversation about the
adverse effect on Evanston. but also noted as a community we needed to help people. It is good to have
programs that reach out to people and not talk about a detriment to the community.
Alderman Rainey said. as someone who has spent her entire life working for not -for -profits and helping
people she found Alderman Moran's remarks offensive. She noted there are two proposals associated with
the Continuum of Care. one is for homeless families the other is for the mentally ill who don't take
medication. don't comply with sen•ices. and noted we're giving greater weight to that proposal. It has been
ranked as a higher priority by the Task Force. She said she will tight to keep non compliant persons with
mental illness out of residential neighborhoods. She feels this program is a terrible mistake as these may be
individuals who belong in sheltered care and are the persons who may end up living in cardboard boxes. She
is very concerned about placing persons like that in a residential neighborhood.
Alderman Newman noted that .-alderman Rainey is out every day helping persons and questions should not
be interpreted as a reflection of :alderman Rainey's commitment to see e those less fortunate. He noted CPNI
is now getting dollars from the Federal government. but you can't argue that the Holiday Inn and the
neighbors haven't been affected by the programs of CPA. lie felt alderman Ivloran's credibility would be
greater if there were programs in his Ward. He shares Alderman Rainey's concern that this would end up
in the Sth Ward. but felt the funding process was a wa% to hold the agency accountable. Alderman Newman
and Alderman Rainey questioned what an approval or disapproval of the Continuum of Care would result
in. Alderman Rainey noted she felt the UNI program is a wonderful program and felt the Housing Options
program is not a wonderful prograrn but reads as something being concocted in response to the funding being
available.
HSC Minutes 5/26199 - Page 2.
Alderman Rainey suggested that the committee apprave the Continuum Of Carr and she %%7I1 \%tiK a personal
letter to HUD outlining her concerns about Housing Options. She can't imagine what members of the
Homeless Task Force were: thinking when they rated this program as the top priority, 'Chc Sth Ward can't
stand one more outside influence. Alderman NewTnan and Alderman Rainey discussed what accountabilities
in place if this turns out to be a bad program.
Richard Salem. of the Housing Options Board, said he understands Alderman Rainey's concerns. This
program proposal has been one to two years in the marking not concocted recently. it gre%v out of an agency
retreat. It is the first ne►v program proposed by Housing Options in too years. The agency has a history- of
successfully housing the homeless with no adverse affects. He understands the risk but these people will be
in Evanston %%ithout services anyway. They intend to work very closely with Evanston Hospital to make sure
people receive services and the agency pledges to operate both programs with transparency. The agency µill
be the first to cancel the program if problems develop.
Alderman Nev-man asked if the YMCA is going to be a housing resource. Ms. Lloyd Still clarified that the
program would be eight studio or one bedroom apartments. A reference to the YMCA, which was in the
proposal. would only be involved in extraordinary circumstances. The agency would not rent an apartment
until they were sure someone was ready to live in that environment. He noted in the past week the agency
had also worked out a linkage agreement with CPNt. Alderman Newman was again told the Evanston
connection would be strong. tits. Lloyd Still said only Hilda's Place referrals will be those with a strong
Evanston connection.
Alderman Newman again asked about a plan to put housing in the 6th or 7th Ward. N1s. Lloyd Still noted
as she did in the past meeting they currently have one apartment on Central Street and are they're leasing
budget. which is in the Federal proposal, is based on Central Street rents. .alderman Newman then said at
present you have no idea where those apartments will be. Mr. Salem responded at this point it would be
premature. The agency won't know until they are close to the activation of the program. The agency board
is very cognizant ofthe Council's concerns and for many clients its nice to be close to Evanston Hospital.
Aldennan Newman expressed his concern about those individuals which are still in the downtown area, near
Bames and Noble. Alderman Newman and Mr. Salem discussed issues of transportation, el stations, and why
those persons come to Evanston. Alderman Newman indicated at some point he still wanted Hosing Options
to come in with a general map which showed where these apartments ended up.
Alderman Newman asked how much daily contact there would be with the clients. Nis. Fissell said it was
her hope that they would go out to a person's home at least once a day. Alderman Newman asked who would
provide the structure. Ms. Fissell indicated that Evanston Hospital and the case managers would both provide
structure for the persons's life. Alden -tan Newman said he would believe Housing Options would be making
a good faith effort and felt any of these showed up in fragile neighborhoods the agency could be held
accountable through the local funding process.
Alderman Rainey asked Housing Options if they were going to qualify anyone based on criminal histories.
Ms. Fissell said they would check that out as best they could. She indicated that information was not
currently available and the agency currently does not take anyone with criminal history. Alderman Newman
found that hard to believe as most homeless have some sort of criminal record. Nis. Fissell said it was not
something the agency could check. however. they are able to review hospital records and most hospital
records have that type of information.
Alderman Rainey asked if the program would take sex offenders. his. Fissell responded, no it would not.
HSC Minutes 5R6/99 - Page I
Alderman Rainey asked, in terms of how do you know. landlords are able to rind this information out and
encouraged the agency to try to make those explorations. She noted that Housing Options is taMng on the
end of the spectrum and you're telling me you're not going to make an effort to try to get the criminal
background and other history on these individuals.
Ms. Peterson said ever since the de -institutionalization Evanston has become a clearing house. We are
already ser%ing the needy, the individuals being proposed by Housing Options are not the kind %Mich can
be medicated and integrated in the community. She had a very strong concern about this proposed program
and that it primarily would not be serving Evanston residents.
Nis. Fissell indicated the agency has taken a wide variety of requests and felt the clients have been
stereotyped as those holding a paper cup and panhandling. She related one case history of a 25 year old
person %%ho had lived in Evanston for 20 years. developed mental illness upon going away to college and the
person now roams the country but comes back to Evanston two to three times a year and attempts are made
to try to stabilize this person. Alderman Rainey responded that she didn't have any particular feeling that
Evanston had a obligation to serve that person at all.
Mr. Salem indicated that the program would be phased in one client at a time and felt the risk of the program
would be diminished by the daily care the persons would receive.
Alderman Rainey noted the neighborhood dispute when Housing Options proposed to buy a building in the
4th Ward that occurred in her time off of the Council. Her efforts had been helpful in paving the %%ay for
Housing Options to own property in the 8th Ward without incident. She has nothing against Housing
Options but just feels their proposal is misguided.
AIdetman Rainey and Alderman Newman asked 1.lr. Terry if there was enough money available to fund both
of the proposals. 4tr. Terry responded that in part the reason wfiy the Housing Options proposal ww ranked
as a higher priority than the CPNI proposal was that the Housing Options proposal is for permanent housing
and HUD has indicated there will be a bonus to communities that have proposals for permanent housing.
That as much as anything programmatically is why the Housing Options proposal got a higher rating. With
the bonuses per HUD there would be enough funding available to fund both proposals. Alderman Newman
commented he would think that with all the Federal funds going in and the percentage that agencies are able
to drawn down for administration, there might be a lesser need for local dollars.
Alderman Rainey asked Housing Options if they tNpically identify to the Mental Health Board and to the CD
Committee and other funders where they're renting property. Ms. Lloyd Still said, no, that is information
that is usually not provided but she can provide general information to the Human Services Committee.
Alderman Newman noted no one asked Housing Options to come in for Federal dollars and board and
commission members don't take the complaints the wa% Alderman do. and Alderman are ultimately
accountable. Mr. Salem said it was information that the agency would not have a problem providing.
Alderman Newman said when the time comes he would like: (1) a general map showing the disbursement
of the apartments; (2) a narrative showing what the Evanston connection has been to the client served: (3)
he would like to know the documentation of the daily contact with clients: (4) he would like to receive a
descriptive of any problems which might have mcnrred.
Alderman Rainey noted this is a federal funding application and the agency did not have to provide any of
that information as a follow up. Alderman New -man acknowledged that but said he was asking for this
information voluntarily.
HSC Minutes 52699 - Page 4.
Alderman Rainey asked what due diligence tlx Housing Opticins did before going with a particmlw building
and landlord. Ms. Fissell responded that the intake and assessment process can take two to than mnntlis and
factors that go into it are the ability to maintain an apartmem what has been the history witb past living
arrangements, what is the distance from suppkirtive family. She %-cry strongly noted that it is tit a program
of on the street today and in housing tomorrow.
Alderman Newman said this -,vas a very tough decision but felt no one else was making an effort to save this
very difficult population.
r
III. ADJOURNMENT
The committee voted to adjourn at 8:30 p.m.
Minutes taken by:
L�
Jay Terry �a
HSC Minutes Si. A(99 - 1 •P +,
it "
2MFT -NOT 6EPROVED
Minutes
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
June 7, 1999
Civic Center - Room 2402
7:30 P.M.
ALDERMEN PRESENT: Aldermen Rainey, Moran, Newmar - Feldman. Kent
STAFF PRESET: Judith Aiello, Kathleen Brennimari. Doug Gaynor, Commander Wemick.
C.Louise Brown, Carla Bush, Harvey Saver, Jay Terry, Audrey Trotsky
OTHERS PRESENT: Larry Gavin, Clare McCarthy Petersen. Housing Options; Alexander Brown.
EvanstonlSkokle Valley Senior Services: Lonnie Wiebe, Michael Kerns,
Evanston Mental Health Board: Margaret June, Melvin Landau. Jack
Lerman, Levy Center; Ray LaMagr.a, Bean Counter
PRE5IDf G: Alderman Rainey
CALL TO ORDER
Alderman Rainey called the meeting to order at 7. 53 p.m.
If. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MEETINGS OF MAY 3, MAY 19, AND MAY 26, 1999
The minutes of ttg_Mav 3. 1999 rngg inn were unan'mous y approved. without corrections (5-01,
1Aa minutes of the May14�. 1999 meetina were celled fora vat ar discussion. Alderman Kent
referred to Page 3, where he mentioned wanting to know how agencies were planning to accomplish their
goal of integrating individuals into the community. He did not make that statement just to say it, but hoped
to find some type of strategies that clients put in place by those agencies successfully integrate into the
community. Noting Alderman Kent's addition, the minutes of the Mav 19. 1999 meeting were
unanimousiv approved. (5-9
The minutes of the Mav 26. 1999 meetino were Called for avnroval or discussion. Alderman Kent
apologized that he was unable to attend this meeting and just had an opportunity to read Alderman Rainey's
letter regarding Housing Options going to the extreme of hurting some neighborhoods, not that Housing
Options would be trying to hurt those neighborhoods, and noted one of the points stressed in the minutes
is there are different communities that are very fragile and some of those communities are always on the
rebound with housing and criminal issues. He thinks the program 4 a very nice one but does not think there
,s any way you are going to be able to match it. He does not lust want to name Housing Options. but is
referring to any organization especially if the life of it depends on getting into the communities that are
constantly struggling to get out of the same type of problems. Had he had the opportunity to read Alderman
Rainey*s letter earlier in the week he definitely would have signed on as he is as always very concerned
about neighborhoods constantly on the rebound from housing issues. These are just one or two types of
issues but they are always snowballing an these cor'hmunities. In Alderman Rainey's Ward they have tried
to make great strides in eliminating some of those absolute hell hole buildings which he thinks is something
other neighborhoods are trying to do as well. Again, he thinks the program is very noteworthy but does not
think any organization is going to be able to handle it and those fragile neighborhoods definitely can't handle
it. To have some type of pilot program go in there that will continue to add fuel to the fire is something he
does not see being able to raise the quality of life for the residents in those immediate areas.
HSC Minutes &7l99 - Page t.
k
Alderman Rainev malted for ao2roval of the May 26. 1999 minutes, minutes unanm,=rJy aaoroved
Ill. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF MAY 1999 TOWNSHIP MONTHLY BILLS
Alderman Feldman moved to approved the Mav 1999 Township monthlybilHs.
Alderman Moran requested to have the bil-s list pages numbered to more readily ►dent,*%-uesticns relating
to these lists. He had a question regardinc-Re•.•enue & Excrense. GA - Client Pa}meat =t t. ", and wondered
how the entry of Token Expense will be >-andled now that there no longer are tokens -knother entry he
questioned was the Emergency Food Pantry for S6,000 He questioned whether that strewkf still be listed
here and was told it is now under the Prcposed Budget column. Mr Terry said the Ciffl utty we always
encounter is the Township Budget Fiscal Year has already started. It is the only branc: � of government
where the approval date comes after the Vart of the fiscal year. This is the budget for the axmnt fiscal year,
none of that amount has been spent but is included as a line item because it is in the crcoosed budget.
Alderman Rainev called for comments on the Mav Reoort or the Bills List. Hearing none she recalled
the motion for avnrovpt of the Mav 1999 township m9nthIv bills. Motion unanimqu*jy ano►oved.
O-lll.
V. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 64-0-99 AMENDING CHAPTER 16 OF TITLE 8 OF
THE EVANSTON CITY CODE REGULATING CHILD DAY CARE HOMES
Alderman Feldman motioned for recommending approval of Ordinance 64-0-99 Amending ChafZer
18 of Title 8 of the evanston Citv Code RequlaRirrL Child Dav Care Homes .
Mr. Terry noted, as per his cover memo, this comes as a request from both the Police Department and the
Department of Health and Human Services to require a log be kept of children being cared for in the home
and able to be surrendered to the City upon request. This grew out of some difficulties the C.;y had following
a homicide that occurred last January at a day care home.
Alderman Kent recalled that the last time ChiidCare Network attended a Human Sermes Committee
meeting they talked about a specific program in which they were going out to try to get more day care homes
to advocate for home day care. Those program needs were discussed at the HSC and he wanted to know
what is happening regardir g that Mr Tern, said he will ask Ms. McCarthy to report to the cc. nmittee on the
progress of this.
Alderman Rainey asked Commander Wemick to address this amendment. Commander Wemick said he
recommended these changes because of the difficulties experienced in January during the b"uriel Simpson
homicide. This presented a significant problem in that case as well thinking about other cases. If we had
an allegation of sexual abuse at a day care and had to go back and contact the people who had their
children in day care we need some reference to be able to do that. In the case of the home-- de the mother
was not at all cooperative v,,th us and would not give us the information we needed as there may have been
another child in the house that was a witness to what occurred. Without that information we were powerless
to do anything. That is what actually spawned the idea. DCFS does not keep any such re=rds either and
it seemed to be a logical solution to that problem
There being no further comments. Alderman Rainev recalled the motion for recommending pooroval
of Ordinance 64-0-99 Amendina Chaoter 18 of Title 8 of the Evanston City Code Reauiatina ChildDU
Care Homes. Motion unanimousiv aooroved. (5-0).
HSC Minutes 6 7'" - Pa ze 2.
V. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 79-0-99 AMENDING CHAPTER 11 OF TITLE 7 OF
THE EVANSTON CITY CODE REGULATING THE OPERATION OF A DOG BEACH
Alderman Feldjran mpvepo aooroval of Ordinance 79-0-99 Amending Chaster 11 of Tide 7_af the
jvanston city 17,90e Regulating the Qperaton of a Doe Beach. Alderman Newman seconded the
motion.
Alderman Newman asked Mr. Gaynor what time the dog beach closes. W. Gaynor respc-nded the current
ordinance defines the dog beach operation as a swim beach and opens when school is out and ends as
soon as school resumes. The amended ordinance would give more administrative fiexib4 city to open up in
May and close later in September or October depending on the weather and until the waver gets the point
of where it is not longer safe to have people nearby. Alderman Newman asked if this is a f•�_rtherance of the
other ordinance. His problem with this is we are radically expanding the dog beach whit?~ used to be right
next to the boat ramp and was a very small area. Now it is a huge beach because we've mad a change in
the water level at the lake front. It is very important if we open up a dog beach such as this mat we nol have
abuse on the rest of the beaches. He is referring to people constantly out with their dogs on Clark Street.
Dempster, Lee, and South Boulevard when we have this dog beach. This has to be enforced otherwise the
amount of land devoted to this use is unfair to the rest of the citizens. He does not want to see dogs off leash
in parks anymore when we're spending S250,000 giving up land other people want to use ard then still have
unleashed dogs in our parks and on the beach. Having a real dog beach we're doing a great thing for dog
lovers. He would like the Park Rangers to know the park regulations and have them interface with the police.
The police need to give the owners a warning, our laws should be respected by them as we have been very
fair with dog owners. If we are going to make this type of expansion ne would like to see t.^e law enforced.
Alderman Feldman agreed with Alderman Newman in regard to the fact that once we open a dog beach the
reason dog owners go to other beaches is not for the convenience of dogs but for the convenience of owners
and is not reason those beaches are in effect. That is the same thing with the dog park we re building along
McCormick. There are many people in Evanston who have their dogs off leash and use tt-e plea and logic
that they have no place to walk and therefore use the nearest park. They say it is unfair for them and the
dog. Once we establish this park. which voll be a wonderful and far better run for dogs, it would mean people
would have to get their dog into the car to take them over there, where there is also all tre parking in the
world. He would hope that people put their dogs into their car and take them to there to the dog park rather
than the neighborhood park. He expects the Police Department will assume a much toug7er enforcement
stance in regard to off leash dogs in public parks once that facility is open,
Alderman Kent said there are some dog owners that have their dogs frolicking in our parrs and there are
other dog owners raising their dogs for some things we don't want to talk about. such as fgµ,ting and things
of that nature. Looking at the list of dog beach regulations it would be a wonderful oppom-mity. especially
in the parks, that we could make sure people have valid dog licenses. He is almost willing to bet a lot of the
dogs he is seeing have owners that are not even going to care whether or not there is a dog park it would
just be another end for the Police Department as well as the Park Rangers walking around These are not
the type of dog owners picking up the waste after their dogs. It would be a good way to S: ffen up in that
area.
Alderman Newman asked what the current dog beach fees are Mr. Gaynor believed $24 for the residents
and S42 for non-residents. Swim beach tokens this year are S18 for residents and S36 fc, non-residents
Alderman Newman asked if we are recouping the money spent on the dog beach, and if we have to do an,"
clean up there. Mr. Gaynor said the raking of the sand is done daily on all beaches including the dog beach
They do not do a lot of maintenance at the dog beach. Alderman Newman would like to k-ow the numbs
of non-residents paying to use the dog beach. Mr. Gaynor commented he wouldn't have any expectal-
that the capital improvement project of the soccer field and dog park, that will be south of Ma- and the Cana.
is going to eliminate the off leash dog activity in parks around the City He understands what this commitr,
is saying and will make every effort and knows Mr. Terry as the Director from this committee will repo I
1-1SC Min urrs & 99 - P::
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the Police Department ttse committee's wishes as far as enforcement is =ncemed. As 1%ar as the dog park
is concerned, if you live in the northwest part of the City he does riot believe that dog o�,kners will put their
dog In their car, drive aU the way over to Main and McCormick to run their, dog He knows some dog owners
will make sure that there is nobody in the park and then take the leash off and let the clog run. The issue
on the beach takes a very concerted effort for a police officer to leave Nslt,.er car and walk out onto the
beach to enforce the ordinance. Occasionally he has seen it happen at Ugnthouse Beach but its a very
difficult part of enforcement. Park Rangers, which are part of the Rezrea ion Department. are along the lake
front where you will routinely see bikes and golf carts which is different than being in a car. Dog owners
are out 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. on the beach, times when there are not any rangers scheduled He thinks there
should be some information in the newspapers about this. He does not e.-ant you to have any expectations
that off leash dog activities in all the other parks and beaches w,7 be eliminated because of these Nvo
facilities. Alderman Rainey said they are senous about enforcing the dog laws. Mr. Gaynor said tnis
department will do its best and is sure the Police Department will Co their best to let people now what the
law is.
Alderman Feldman understood the point Mr. Gaynor made but said tt-ere are still parks that present no
where near the kind of impediment to enforcement that walking on the sand across a beach on the part of
the police officer might present. He would hope the police will not use any kind of excuse because it then
represents the excuse people don't want to do it. not because its for :fie cog. That is why we have the laws
that dogs cannot run in parks without leashes for which there is good reasons. We have presented an
alternate route with an option and relief for the clear need of dogs in this .Dmmundy to run off leash then that
is what we expect.
Alderman Newman said the beaches are different than living in the 7tn Ward going out to the 9th Ward.
Here we already have the take front and an abundance of parking. Six o clock in the morning is not 5:00 in
the afternoon during the summer. He does not expect any police officer to get out of his car at 5:00 in the
evening to go to the beach, but at 6:00 a.m. he does expect an officer rather than sitting tacking to his buddy
to get out of his car and go over to the beach. He expects this and if the Police Chief tells him they cannot
do this at 6:00 a.m. wants to hear the Police Chief to explain it to him He does not want kids playing where
dogs have run and soiled the sand. Sand is for playing by children and `or health reasons we have a park
for the dogs to go to. If the dog owners don't want to do it they have to _e dealt with.
Alderman Rainev thouaht the messaae has been sent loud and clear and called for the motion to
recommend this ordinance to th�Ctty Council. Motion unanimousiv sassed. (5-01.
VI. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 117-0-98 AMENDING CHAPTER 10 OF TITLE 8 OF
THE EVANSTON CITY CODE REGULATING RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES
Larry Gavin spoke on behalf of Housing Options and appreciates the opportunity to be present this evening.
His remarks will be limited to the 24-hour staffing provision. The letter submitted May 27, 1999, sets out
their position and also sets out two alternative proposals. He would lust l ke to Yrre a little background with
regard to the Fair Housing Act Amendments (FHAA) and summarize tne+r position. also summarize the two
alternative proposals they submitted. He is sure everyone is familiar wi;^ the FHAA of 1988 that prohibits
all forms of housing discrimination against persons with disabilities. The House of Representatives report
on the FHAA recognized that persons with a disability have been den-ed r•ousina because of misperceptions
and stereotypical assumptions. The House report further stated, "FHA,' •epudiates the use of stereotypes
and mandates the persons with handicaps be considered as individuals Generalized perceptions about
disabilities and unfounded speculations about threats to safety are scecif;;:aily rejected as grounds to justify
exclusion." It further went on to recognize that licensing laws often used the affect of denying housing
opportunities to persons with a disability because of false or overprotective assumptions about the needs
of persons with disabilities as well as unfounded fears about the potential difficuities their tenancies would
pose. In similar practices these would be prohibited".
HSC Minutes 5/7i'99 - Pate 4.
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With regard to a 24-hour staffing provision requiring residential care homes to provide 24-hour supervision
for all residents without regard to their specific needs or abilities would be based on a stereotypical
assumption about persons with disabilities and would be discriminatory. We have cited a number of cases
which ,,.e believe so hold in the context of the 24-hour supervision and also in the context of other li;Pnsirtg
provisions. In order to justify a 24-hour supervision requirement cases have held that a C-ty must
demonstrate that the requirement is warranted by the specific needs and abilities of particular residents. In
other words, if a City requires a residential care home to provide 24-hour supervision it must demonstrate
that the particular residents in that home actually need 24-hour supervision. Otherwise you are simpq
imposing a blanket requirement without regard to the individual needs of the people in the home. We further
submit that imposing a blanket requirement and banking on a waiver provision in the ordinance to save rt
from a violation does not pass muster. The blanket requirement that residential care homes must orovide
24-hour supervision simply cannot be justified on a bans that a City is willing to waive the requirement it Vie
resident oroves its unnecessary. That places a burden on persons with a disability that is not placed on other
persons and creates a procedural hoop that they must jump through that other persons do not have to go
through and is discriminatory. In out letter we have cited two cases where we hold that a blanket of
provision cannot be waived by a willingness to waive the provision if the resident so proves and he is riot
aware s` any cases that hold to the contrary. In addition. if the City were to rely on a waiver require -lent in
this ordinance a pebtional waiver requirement would require a person with a disability to prove that the 24-
hour supervision requirement is both a practical impossibility or an extreme hardship or required to make a
reasonable accommodation. We submit those are much too high burdens and if a waiver route is followed.
which .,re submit would Aolale the FHAA, the most a person who is seeking waiver should have to prove is
simply that they don t require 24-hour supervision. If the Council was going to impose a blanket requirement
and rely on a waiver provision they should incorporate such a waiver prwosion directly in the ordinance and
set out exactly what must be done in order for a person to gam a waiver The two alternatives submitted in
our letter were in an attempt to set forth something we believe we could iive with and something we thought
would address some of the concerns raised by Council members over the past few meetings. The first
alternative proposal would require residential care home providers to obtain a letter from a doctor or
psychiatnst with respect to each resident and in the letter advise if the resident needs 24-hour supervision-,.
If so, the residential care home would be required to provide the letters that would be kept at the residential
care home's office and would be made available to the Director in connection with the annual license
examination. However. they would be subject to the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
Confidentiality Act Under that act the identity of a resident may not be disclosed absent the residents
consent but the letter could be disclosed blocking out the resident's name We also expect many residents
would actually give their consent to disclose these letters. The second alternative would be if the City
decide to have a blanket requirement that residential care homes must provide 24-hour supervision, v.e
would propose as a second alternative avenue that a waiver requirement be built in and be proposed if a
resident of a residential care home provided a letter from a doctor or psychiatrist stating that a particular
resident did not require 24-hour supervision the 24-hour supervision would then not apply to that resident:.
This would set up a clear objective manner in which the requirement could be waived and would satisfy the
City's concern previously expressed. Both of the proposals we have submitted attract in concept ire
ordinance with a provision that the Human Services Committee approved on March 1, 1999. He v ould C-e
happy to answer anv questions and thanked the committee.
Alderman Newman pointed out to the committee that in the March 1. 1999. HSC minutes. we dealt .vith the
staffing issue and Alderman Feldman made a motion, that was seconded and voted on three to one. During
that discussion we basically adopted language from the Corporation Counsel's office. Ms. Brenniman
believeC that the #anguage she had proposed in the ordinance .,was constitutional and met tre legal
requirements. There was a discussion pertaining to the case law included in the HSC packets aric
Corporation Counsel talked about how the waiver section helped distinguish this. As far as he is concernco
if Alderman Rainey wishes to reopen this issue that has already been decided by the committee, he is mire
than willing to listen to everyone's arguments if she feels we came to an improper resolution or wriatever
other reason she may have. Regarding staffing, he would also like to point out that this ordinance applies
to homes with 15 persons. All the arguments made in Alderman Rainey s letter, and the arguments mace
HSC Minutes 6/T99 - Page —
x
this evening by Alderman Kent, regarding fragility in the neighborhoods and other thin4-�. totally supports that
we continue with the process we set up that there will be staffing and any group org;17)ization can apply for
a waiver. Therefore, at this point, he would like the Chair to rule whether or not we hove decided the issue.
All vve would be doing is rehashing what was done an March 1st
Ald-erman Rainey thought a ruling of that kind, at that revel, would be meaningless t^erause ,t nas to go to
Council where it should be thrashed out. She would like to make one comment out c� turn, she thinks the
entire issue revolves around the fact that we're asking the wrong question. The ngr; question -s not that
this person requires 24-hour supervision, the question is what kind of supervision does this group of people
require. There may be two or three people who require no supervision at all and there may be a couple of
neacle in the group that are very unstable during the day and need all sorts of superv*10n during the night.
There may be some who become very agitated in the evening or have other problems that we are not
farnifar with. To say that the doctor's answer to the question, does this person require 24-hour supervision.
is basically going to get you a no 99% of the time. To look at the group as a whore, or the individuals
individually as a whole might be more productive. She thinks this is so controversial it needs to go to
Council. A recommendation can come out of this committee, but the Council will mace the final decision.
Alderman Newman said, since Alderman Rainey is not going to make a rule, he made a motion to reaffiM
our action of March 1. 1999. and then send it to the Council. Alderman Feldman seconded the motion.
Alderman Feldman asked Mr. Gavin about Alternative No, i in the letter pertaining to the Mental Health and
Deve ooment Disabilities Confidentially Act and the way in which any action by this Council would either be
inconsistent or violate that act. He wanted to know if the position taken on March 1 st is seen differentiating
itself f•om your letter other than the blackout of the name Mr. Gavin said there is a difference and their only
concern with the March 1st provision that the HSC approved is it would potentially require a residential care
home to violate the Mental Health and Developmentally Disabilities Confidentially Act if it were required to
produce a letter, which it is. and the resident did not consent to disclosing his identity In that instance it
would require the residential home to violate that act and there is a criminal penalty attar ed to it. Alderman
Feldman said it would be mitigated by the home blocking out the name but not producing a letter for the
required number of residents according to your recommendations. He asked if it is correct to say that in a
home with six people and four agreed to have their name included, but two did not, you would product six
letters four of which have a name, two of which have a name blocked out. Mr. Gavin said that is correct.
and the Director could determine. if the two that had their blocked out letters stated they needed supervision,
what steps are being taken to provide supervision for those residents. Alderman Feldman said he is ready
to sueoort that as long as he is assured that we have some way of connecting a letter with the correct
number of people. He asked if the letters would be from the same or different physicians. Mr. Gavin
responded it could vary if they are seeing different psychiatrists. Alderman Feldman added they would most
certain?y have different dates on the letters that would correspond to their acceptances into the home. Mr.
Gann said they would need a letter when they entered the home and it would need to be renewed every
year ASde►man Feldman said his interest is in determining whether or not we can devise a system whereby
a blanket letter isn't issued. Mr. Gavin said that would be fine with them there certainly is no concern in
devising a system to ensure there are differenVsepa rate letters for each resident in the home. Alderman
Fe€dman was not personally interested in knowing who these people are and respects tne,r confidentially.
on the other hand the City also has to be protected and if we accept your Alternative No. 1 ne does not have
any proolem with this. What he has to know is that every resident has a letter that we could use to determine
whether or not 24-hour supervision is necessary and is being given. Mr. Gavin had no problem with that.
Alderman Moran said when Ms. Brenniman recomniended the 24-hour provision it was heavily reliant on the
waiver orovis+on that is also incorporated in this ordinance. Mr. Gavin's May 27, 1999, letter to this
committee wherein two separate decisions have been cited on the third page indicating Children's Alliance
v City of Bellevue. Washington 1997 decision, as well as the decision in Marbrunak, Inc. v, City of Stow.
in 1992 6th Circuit decision, that waiver restrictions in variance procedures do not remmediate an ordinance
that seeks to discriminate against mentally retarded individuals. He interprets Housing Options proposals
HSC .%linutcs 6 7.99 - Paec 6.
X
with respect to Altemalive No. 1 and Altentiative No 2 as 4% way to remmediate the bunion that try 00sition
that was decided on March 1 st, for People with mental diskvders It is very clear to him in the case xN%: cited
the City attempt to propose an Pttraordinin, otiligatton on homes for those with disabilities. rcluding
mental disabilities. is illogaI and in c•:ntradwlion to thtP FHA\ To co anything other than pm- rde wwV s ecJfic
indications of why we are requiring Deople to �m-,s muster who ma c-a suffenng from wentai fiea W` 1=5culty
as opposed to otner people in h,•mes ho thinks is inoonsistent ',%vth the act. He oven thin.-cs r-►e two
altematives being suggested here. although they are p,;Viatives. Lertainly would be better Thar* ,L�,at was
voted on March 1 st We are still, in essence say ing to this ;ommunito of people you have to show -s ,rs okay
to avoid otherwise illegal and deficient regtivement Waver is a ccncept that is recognized in t^e eyes of
the law but to him under those circumstances is a distzisteful prccedure. He cannot image we wc,.tld be
going around telling other citizens that it is okav for them to move int-n and live in a certain Glace cr.ly 1 they
write us a letter telling us they want to be there and everti near after ;hat. if they are there. write us &-)other
fetter sa,, ing its okay to be there. Its repugnant. Even if ceople do •+r3iver its still repugnant. He agrees with
Alderman Rainey that this needs to go to the COUncll, but the bans of these cases under this starjte are
stereotypical assumptions and presumptions that people with disab0i:ies have to prove to communities that
its okay for them to live there is wrong, its illegat, it violates Federal r•Nausing statues, is the kind of thing we
as a nation as exemplified by these Federal statutes ha%a fought to put behind stereotypical assurrrfptions
of classes of people where it is not warranted This is one of them Existence of the FHAA of 1988 is a very
explicit declaration that this is a protected Gass of people in housing; situations. To say that someone with
a disability such as we are talking about and letting them tive in a ccrnmunity or a neighborhood where ever
that may be is stressful to the neichborhood or ditficult and lust unfair.
Alderman Newman wished we had the money to allocate so that tie next 15 person group home would be
located in the 61h Ward. If we knew for certain that is where it wcvld be, because group home operators
can't afford the high price of real estate in that Ward he would be more than glad to support Alderman
Moran. His position is fully supported by the notion that the property m his Ward is among the highest valued
in the City is all Category R1 and you never will see a 15 person group home there. He does not even know
if there is a zoning district that these 15 persons can go into the nth Ward. Alderman Moran might find it
repugnant but he finds the committee dealing with advice of our Counsel, the Human Services staff. and a
deep concern for the ability of the community to respond to these issues as a whole. He asked his.
Brenniman if anything has changed since the March 1 st opinion grs en to the committee. his. Brenniman,
responded, no. He went on to say that at this point in time we have already acted and this is the third time
Alderman Moran made the same argument on this point and is entitied to make it again at the Council. He
has no oroblem with Housing Options suggestion and Alderman Fe'dman's moving to block out the names.
He will take it on their good faith they will be honest about the letter and believe's Housing Options will be.
Another thing he thought would be helpful was for Mr. Terry to explain to the committee how the waiver
provisions will work.
Alderman Kent appreciated Mr. Gavin's remarks and his letter of May 27th, but he still has to go back to what
exactly is supervision and that supervision would have to come from a letter from a doctor or a psycntatnst.
He does not think this is a matter of whether or not that indivicual needs 24-hour supervision In his
experience looking at supervision it is when one of these organiza�,cns comes in with a mission in rrtt--d they
automat•cally term themselves as the good neighbors and these are individuals they want to integrate Into
the neighborhood. Alderman Moran would tell you these are a protected class of people and should ce able
to live anywhere and to some degree he agrees with that, they st-ould be able to live anywhere. His fall
down with supervision is when an organization is buying good homes to use them for three or more. eight
or more nine or more. or fifteen people that have disabilities and then on their brochure and when they come
to Council claim that their mission is to integrate there into the community and be the goad neighbor. He has
never seen one of those organizations take into consideration what :he neighborhood is going lhroLwgh. To
him supervision, if its a group home that an organization sponsors going into an area that is a hign crime
area that deals with drugs, gangs, and guns. We know where those are, the Police Department ;snows
where those are, yet you are saying to the people you're bnnging ,n there we're going to integrate vou intc.•
the community. It's not necessanly that those people can't live there, to him the question is whether or no!
I ISC Minutes 6,•7.94 - Pa,_e 7.
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the community is ready. If you have ever known somebody that smoked crack cocaine yruit also
understand that those are people after they've become addicted wilt do anghing to get the money for their
next fix. Over the past few months he has dealt with an organization that has represented it has dy:,ne a good
job in integrating people into the community. The problem were :.Witching up wan is making sure those
people are absolutely safe when they go to sleep at night because one of the things these pera4e do that
are on drugs is try to manipulate and find ways to sneak into a building. They call unaware resrcents of the
building and get them to buzz them in, so then they can get free run of the building because tnerre is no
supervision. They then start taking the drugs, robbing and sexually molesting residents, things that a:re very
rear and doesn't have anything to do with Housing Options, at least not yet. J we're tai.k!ng about
supervision to him it should be some responsibility of the organization that s providira this better irfe or this
home to at least participate or understand the communities they are coming into. No one has eveq said
don't. we don't want you or support your mission. What we have said, at times is we have our own
problems. He does not know how you interpret supervision, but he interprets it as your having up to 15
people in a house or building, the number one thing to him is to make sure they're safe. It's not at pout an
extra expense or whether that person needs 24-hour care, or who that person is or what they suffef from,
but he wants to make sure they are safe and if they cannot take care of themselves it seems to hem the
organization should be the one responsible for that or are we going to wait until something unfortunate
happens before we realize the police have to get involved. That is where he is lost regarding supervision,
he does not care who they are he only wants to know that they are safe. He does not know whether Mr.
Gavin can respond to this or if he is totally off base. but he's not off base pertaining to those placed in his
community. He's sure he's off base in Alderman Moran's community but we're not discussing something
totally different. He asked Mr. Gavin if he could fill him in on his concerns
Mir Gavin responded Alderman Kent said a lot of things, first of all Housing Options does provide supervision
for their residents and very seriously take efforts and attempts to properly serve each client. Each client has
a treatment plan, is constantly monitored, and we do take that very seriously. One mission of the board is
to try to improve the lives of the people who are in our homes. At the same time we believe that under the
FHAA the City and government is prohibited against discriminating towards persons with a mental illness.
Historically many people with mental illness have been excluded from communities because of discrimination
and overprotective concerns about the need to protect them. about the threats they may potentially pose.
and Congress has determined many of those concerns are really not valid concerns and are based on
perhaps a lack of understanding of mentally ill persons. a lack of contact with them to understand what their
real abilities and needs are. To pass laws on the assumption that they need as much protection as
everyone thinks they may need or would like them to have limits their ability to live ,n a home and that is
pro"ibited They do try to provide excellent superiision and believes they do it ano at the same time
believes under the FHAA the City is prohibited from discriminating against their residents, where they may
live They can live anywhere anybody else can live and should have the same choices everybody else has
and should not be subject to regulations that you or i are not subjected to They are entitled to the same
freedoms as you and I. It seems to him some of Alderman Kent's comments with regard to safety don't really
focus on the residents but on other people in his community who are threatening them or pose a threat and
perhaps the City should focus on those other individuals, tre drug dealers as opposed to innocent citizens
who deserve the protection of the law.
Alderman Kent said he thought there was a total misunderstanding of what we were ta'.king about and what
we do He appreciates what Mr. Gavin is saying but does not at all agree with it. As far as being free and
being safe if these individuals could take care of themselves he thinks they should have the same
opoortunity as someone that could take care of themself. if these individuals cannot take care of themselves
and are being abused by whomever, especially if They're sioported by an organization, they snould have
someone to took out for them and their best interest until the City or Police Department can become involved
in making sure they are safe. Mr. Gavin said they actively are involved with the residents in the homes. For
example at the Jackson Street property persons from Ho�.sing Options are staffed mere from 4:00 in the
afternoon until 6:00 or 7:00 the next morning. The resicents have activities during the day. An active
treatment plan is followed and they do perform excellent supervision on their own.
HSC Minutes 6 - 99 - pace S.
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Alderman Feldman said he heard this issue brought up time and time again. He Nas h%,o messages, one
messages Is Alderman Kent keeps referring to the idea of mlegraWn into the Community which ss one of the
goals Housing Options has, the welfare, protection, and enhancement of life of the ;�eople in the homes they
have established. As part of that enhancement the idea of community and neighborhood are tirnperiant for
all of us and he is certain Housing Options does not go in to create an isolated +s,.:and for people that are
insulated or protected from their immediate environment in the sense they don t get involved or are not
integrated into the community. He also receives the message that Alderman Kent 'eels very frustrated he
never sensed that was that valued at least in his neighborhood. That value was taken so seriously that
there were specific programs designed to do that. In spite of the fact Housing Opbcns says t1hat is a value
and want to do it, he could see not evidence of any attempt to integrate or sponsor a%,ents or any occasions
where integrations would take place both from the point of view of the residents and :tie neighbors. The City
is powerless to try to legislate that and it seems to him if he was a member of Housing Options and heard
this over and over again, unless there was a clear reason this could not be done, he would try to make it very
clear to those people that have concern about it that is in fact what you would do or try to do_ There may
reasons why you can't do it, or you may be doing it, but we don't know about it and we should as it would
help all of us. It is important for us to know these things are being addressed cons,-dering your values and
ours as well. There are hopes and expectations that require your initiative and he hopes to see that so we
do not have to keep hearing this again and again which demonstrates dissatisfaction or at least an inability
to understand how that value is being effective. Getting back to the ordinance, :ne way he looks at the
language in this ordinance and the motivation for it is not to keep people out or Even demand of them a
certain kind of thing in order to be accepted. What we're asking for is a technique where we can insure they
are getting the proper care, not as an inclusion into the home. We do this in many ways for certain kinds of
legislation. What we want is, evidence from a physician that people either need or don't need special care.
If they don't need it we're not asking you to it, if they do need it all were saying is that we want evidence that
you're providing it. Obviously that does not seem too objectionable to you because the only thing you really
object to is that names were on it and you wanted relief from that requirement. He is not interested in the
names only, but that the people are getting the kind of care and supervision required He would like to know
if you have one person that needs supervision in a home of six persons. What does that mean in terms of
what you have to do. Mr. Gavin responded as he understands it the provision that was adopted by the
committee March 1st, and also the way in Alternative No 1 that we proposed if tha: resident is in the home
needs 24-hour supervision a staff person must be in the home. If that person is out of the home and
residents in the home do not need the 24-hour supervision the staff member need not be there. 'Nhether
one person in a home of six persons or all six persons in the home needed 24-hour supervision. there would
be one staff person at the home 24-hours. Alderman Feldman said he was comfor,-able with the ordinance.
Alderman Rainey asked why there is 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. supervision on Jackson Street. Ms. Peterson
responded at Home First there is supervision from 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 a.m., all weekend, and on holidays.
The residents there are not as independent and need more support services than the residents at their other
three homes. Therefore, they decided to have staff there through the evening hours. Most of the residents
have daytime activities. In the evening and at supper time, when they are in the ouilding, its a lonely time
and there is someone there to give them moral support, to help them with socialization and talk about
whatever difficulties they have and maybe help them going shopping. with budgetirg and other such things.
which is the reason we have staff there. She does not know, but suspects that none of their residents in any
of their programs would ever need 24-hour supervision. Alderman Ramey said at least a psychiatrist would
not sign off on that.
Alderman Rainey asked about the home on Custer Street. Ms Peterson said tnere is no overnight staff
there Staff come periodically. They slarled out with someone there everyday during the day and found that
wasn't needed Custer Street is the highest functioning of their residences.
Ms. Brenniman wished to make some general comments. The staffing provisions are very difficult and as
the ordinance now stands we forced the limit. She is comfortable :with the waiver provision and knows that
Mr. Gavin cited some cases outside the jurisdiction that are unfavorable as far as e.alvers are concerned but
IISC Minutes 6 7 99 - Pais 9.
not all cases are judged waivers at the same point. The issue in the Naper rile case was they had an
opportunity to waive the safety provision for the sprinklers and chose not to do it which is where they had
a problem because the courts found they didn't accommodate. There were individuals in the home that
did not need that safety provision and therefore it should have been placed. Alderman Rainey asked if there
had been a hearing and the people in that particular home were more dysfunctional and that was the basis
for the decision, could it have been a point of mental health. Ms. Brenniman thought the Bangerter v. Orem
City Corp. case, included in the committee packet, summarizes the entire myriad of ideas. problems, and
concerns with the balancing act of the safety provision and staffing provisions. She read briefly from the
case paragraph 22. where the court says, 'Restrictions predicated cn public safety cannot be based on
blanket stereotypes about the handicapped, but must be tailored to parucularized concerns about individual
residents. As the FHAA's legislative history declares, the FHAA repudiates the use of stereotypes and
ignorance, and mandates that persons with handicaps be considered as individuals. Generalized
perceptions about disabilities and unfounded speculations about threats to safety are specifically rejected
as grounds to justify exclusion'. Any special requirements placed on housing for the handicapped based on
concerns for the protection of the disabled themselves or the community must be individualized ..... to the
needs or abilities of particular kinds of developmental disabilities and must have a necessary correlation to
the actual abilities of the persons upon whom it is imposed." That's why the waiver provisions come in. In
this particular case the court found that even though it was a showing of discrimination there was no actual
proof of the discrimination and the case had to go back to have more facts presented by both sides. "Here
there is no showing that Orem restrictions were individualized to the residents of the home. For example,
there is no evidence here to support a conclusion that the residents of this particular home were so mentally
disabled that they needed 24-hour supervision or that they had any tendencies that would support the need
for a neighborhood advisory committee." That is what the waiver provision handles and she is comfortable
with having that waiver provision in there and having it operate in that regard to deal with the individualities
of the individuals because you could have a change in population and would not know who the individuals
are going to be which is where the provision is very important. The other point she wanted to make is she
appreciates Mr. Gavin s suggestion on the letters and if the committee wants to go that way that fine. She
does want everyone to understand that if we have those letters and the names are blacked out we
essentially have an unenforceable provision. She is not making a statement one way or the other about that
but if fair. Terry gets six letters with blacked out names and one needs supervision he's not going to know
when that supervision is going to be needed as he will not know which person needs the supervision. If
we're not particularly worried about going out and enforcing that provision, that's fine, maybe it will enforce
itself.
Alderman Rainey commented that issue would come up. for example. fire would go out on an inspect.on
of some kind and there was no supervisor there but there were four people and we would not have any idea
if one of those four people was the one with the blacked out name. Ms. Brenniman said that would be
correct. Another point hfs. Brenniman wanted to make was there has been some discussion about what is
supervision The courts basically addressed this as presence on the premises, 24-hour presence.
Alderman Feldman referred to Corporate Counsel's statement that the ordinance would be unenforceable
for letters with the names blacked out. We would not be able to know what person in the home vras the one
needing the supervision He would like to know how that would be addressed. Also, he would specifically
like to know what constraints and internal. ethical and moral obligations would be placed upon Housing
Options if in fact one person was given a letter and you had to black it out in essence of our ability to enforce
the order As a point of information Alderman Newman interjected that !.1r. Gavin's answers apply to what
Housing Options would do. but this ordinance applies to all the operators we might have Housing Options
is a great well respected operator
Mr. Gavin responded. first a letter is given stating a resident needs 24-hour supervision and the ordinance
states the residential care home has to provide it. The letters are kept at the office. The Director. P.!r Terry.
could review those once a year or more often at his discretion, and if there was a letter indicating a ,,articular
resident needed 24-hour supervision and that residents name was crossed out Mr. Terry could cetermine
what steps the residential care home is taking to ensure 24-hour supervision is provided when that resident
IISC Minutes 6 - 99 - tart 10.
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is in the home. There would be some amount of trust involved in that assessment determined by .1411r. Terry.
His second point is in regard to Alternative No. 2 they have proposed. Alternative No. 2 does not require
crossing names off that envisions that the City impose a blanket 24-hour supervision requirement on the
home and in order to waive it sn Alternative No. 2 the residential care home would have to submit a letter
naming the resident and stating that resident does not need the 24-hour supervision. if that letter is
submitted they would not have to provide 24-hour supervision when that resident is in the home. You would
know who he is and yet anybody else in the home who did not have a letter on file there would have to be
a staff member present at that time.
Alderman Rainey thought Alderman Newman was correct, when you think about this last poss:rbility it is
subject to any operator. If we make this so complex it will be even worse when someone requires the 24-
hour supervision.
Alderman Rainev recalled Alderman Feldman's motion far the amendment that Housing Q 2tions
6grnative Ng. 1 be substituted for the supervision provision . Motion reiected , 1 aye (Alderman
Feldman). 4 nays (Aldermen Rainev. Kent. Newman. and Moran),
Alderman Newman offered a amendment that the committee empower the Director of Human Services in
endorsing the waiver provision to handle at his discretion confidentiality issues. Alderman Rainey did not
think this committee could authorize a Director to do that.
Alderman Rainev called for the motion of recommending this ordinance as it is now written to be
recommended to the Citv Council for agproval. Motion passed. 4 ayes. 1 nav (Alderman Moran).
VII. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 57-0-99 AMENDING CHAPTERS 7 & 8 OF TiTLE 8 OF
THE EVANSTON CITY CODE REGULATING FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS
Alderman Rainey asked what has been given to the food establishments in the community regarding this
draft proposal in the effort to revise the ordinance. Mr. Terry said copies of the ordinance were mailed to all
the current food license holders ten days ago. Also last Thursday there was a public meeting for the
providers to meet with staff and learn about the ordinance. There were only six current providers who
attended, one restaurant, one soup kitchen, one day care provider, one nursing home. Literally no questions
or comments were received as we sat there and Ms. Bush explained everything. Providers were also
advised of tonight s meeting. Alderman Rainey thought more than a fair effort was made on this.
Ms. Brown, Public Health Director, introduced herself and Ms. Bush, Health Department Sanitarian and said
what we were looking at is a matter of discipline and overview. First of all we're bringing our providers in line
with State regulations and the FDA model codes. Also our concern is having our ordinance up to date. Our
aim is for the food establishments to be involved in this and for all of us to be on the same wave length. Our
approach is to have people in compliance with the regulations and codes. There are three major areas being
changed in this. one is looking at the establishments in terms of risk category, there are high, medium and
low risks. The major difference or criteria in operating a risk is how much the food is handled, how much
activity goes into preparing the food. Alderman Rainey asked for an explanation of the categories. his
Brown responded fine dining restaurants, buffets, are Category 1, fast food where the food is not handled
as much, i.e. McDonald's. is Category 2. and where there is packaged food, i.e. potato chips, candy, etc..
and the proprietor does not handle the food itself in any way, or food received from vendors and sold is
category 3.
Alderman Newman asked if the definition of Type 1 and Type 2 restaurants was eliminated because you
were told by the State to do that or because you felt the three categories would be better than the two. Ms
Brown said that was done because we are looking at it in terms of how restaurants are inspected rather thai
the type. The category designation is in keeping with the State. Alderman Newman asked if what we wer,
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doing in Type 1 and Type 2, in any way violated the State orct-Tnanco Ms Bush said a different definition
is based on the Evanston zoning definition and we're talking about food establishments of tt're gamut of
everything from tong term care and day care facilities to fine dining restaurants and grocery stores.
Alderman Newman thought the new categories are confusing the situation He does not have any problem
with creating other categories, but sees that as a problem for business people that have to come: and apply
for licenses. The Council understands Type 1 and Type 2 and r!s very important for members of the Councd
to be able to understand the new categories. He knows what a Type 2 restaurant is. McDonald's. Wendy's.
Burger King. but after this will have no idea what the categories are and will not be able to explain them to
anyone. He would think that a business owner who doesn't deal with our regulations will be lost Alderman
Rainey thought for people such as us there could be confusion but for people in the food business this has
to do with sanitarian categories. She can see where a Type 1 and Type 2 restaurant can be boar a Category
i in terms of inspections, otherwise we could all be at risk. This rs for a different use of the food at the
establishment. A McDonald's, Type 2 restaurant, is far less of an issue for them than marry Type 1
restaurants.
Alderman Feldman asked when Category 1 and 2 applies is it possible to use that in conjunction with the
risk category. For example, if it applies to a specific nursing horne you just use the risk category but if you're
dealing with something we have to be familiar with, which is the way in which the business operates not the
volume or type of food that is produced its important for us to know whether its Category 1 or 2 and then
you add the risk. It could be a Type 1 Risk Category 1, or Type 1 Risk category 2. Type 1 Risk Category 3.
etc. then we know exactly what you're talking about. To eliminate that altogether would make it very difficult
for us to identify as Alderman Newman pointed out.
Alderman Newman did not have sufficient information about how much time is spent in Type 2 restaurants.
and would like to see information to support that. His problem is this is confusing everybody. The S140.00
difference in the fee is not that great. It would be confusing to the operator to refer to themselves in Zoning
as Category 2, and Food Inspection as Category 1. Alderman Rainey said she did not want Ms. Brown or
Nis. Bush to be worrying about whether they're inspecting a Type 1 or Type 2 restaurant. she v.,ants them
to know what category restaurant they're inspecting. It would frighten her to death if the kind of category a
restaurant was confused the restauranteur because it has everything in the world to do with their kind of
compliance to a safety issue. Running a restaurant and maintaining all of the proper rules and regulations
is very complicated. Alderman Newman remarked the inspector should not have to know anytning about
what we're calling this restaurant but when they walk into a certain type of food service should know what
they should be looking for. Therefore, the category names do not serve the inspector. Alderman Rainey
said there has to be some form of organization or classification for resinctions and how an inspect,on is done
Alderman Rainey was interested in hearing the Health Department's presentation regarding this ordinance.
Alderman Newman asked if what the department is now doing about what we call the categones confuses
the inspectors, and if you're not getting to someone who really needs an inspection because of what the
categories are called
Ms Brown said the ::hole idea of the zoning Department codes and the Health Departments modes has
been confusing. She hopes that this ordinance will bring the de.-artments together with some terminology
The primary change in the category issue is the second stage when we pull together the ordinance for food
stores and the ordinance for restaurants into one ordinance. We are bringing them together as one because
often grocery stores will have delis that are as complicated as some restaurants. It therefore does not make
sense to have grocery stores and restaurants have different codes. it should be one code that takes care
of everything. The third major area is the fee process, combining the Health Deparment's health --ermit with
the City Collectors licensure, which has been a separate system The licensure was issued by the City
Collector's office without any regard to what was happening with the inspection process. This vrould bring
it under one umbrella with the licensure being governed by the Health Department and the license will be
based upon compliance with the ordinance. Those are the main differences in changing the ordinance.
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Ms. Bush stated Type 1 and Type 2 restaurants are zoning oefin,tions that .describes physical operations.
structures. and use of land Alderman Newman asked Now it will be decided how often to inspect a
restaurant his Bush resperided accordirg ;` State regulators s'le h;-is to tnsnect Categor\1 I factlicies three
times a year Category 2 facojities twice area- Category 3 fa::ii,I+es at least cn.e every two years. A,:cording
to the current City ordinancee she has to irsc-ea each restaurant 1* .east N%.Ce a year. Alderman Newman
asked if Zoning Category 1 and Category 2 s affecting how r' jcM your are currently inspecting, to Alhich Ms.
Bush answered. no. Alderman Newman went on to say r%,nat you are no,,-. doing is looking at Lne State
Codes categories and dec:d:ng how much y='u will fill that out The point is no matter what we call tt-�e farxlity
you will inspect them based on how you assess the operation %Is cusp responded, that is correct, :s taking
parts of two things and puttmrg them together in order to make it meet both requirements. The Food Safety
Program looks at the probawlity of food born elements and .aspects and offers program resources based
on what area the probability of the food bom element would Ce It could be a very small place that does not
have waiters or it could be a large place that has many waiters
Alderman Newman asked how many times McDonald's is currently being inspected. Ms. Bush responded.
at least twice a year. Alderman Newman asked if we go to the different categories how many times mill they
be inspected. Ms Bush responded, at least rwice a year. Alderman Newman said then regardless of what
category they are called it will not change the number of times the are inspected. He thought the point was
made that unless we change the categories there will not be proper inspections made. Alderman Rainey
specifically noted the point was made that no matter if it was a Type 1 or Type 2 restaurant that had no
bearing as to how they get inspected. There are some Type 2 restaurants that are actually Category 1 and
some are Category 2 and what we have is an example of some confusion and asked for some examples that
would help all of us understand the problem
Alderman Newman said when he sees zoning definitions eliminated he thinks it will create confusion. He
understands the Zoning Ordinance is not being changed in any way. you are creating new categories, but
how does someone understand what categor/ they're in. Ms Bush said. very simply, a Category 1 prepares
food to be served in advance It would include long term care facilites, some fast food restaurants, caterers,
school maned kitchens, places that serve meals to older people and day care facilities, places that make
food more than a day in advance that have to be cooked, cooled, and reheated and would have a lot of
steps in the operation. Category 1 operations would be complex food operations. Alderman Newman asked
if this is being done because you want change the way fees are charged and are you currently charging fees
Type 1 and Type 2 Ms. Bush responded, fees are now charged by restaurant. Type 1 and Type 2 are the
same. or by the number of seats over 20, the minimum change plus seats over 20. Grocery stores are
charged by square footage plus employees tt-at .vork at least 32 hours a :week Alderman Newman thought
all this will do is confuse the business owner and asked what should now be none about the inspections.
Ms. Bush responded they are inspecting based on what they think they should do right now, what we call
the establishment has nothing to do with how much we inspect them according to the ordinance. They are
now being inspected based on the type of establishment and how they are preparing food. They're
inspecting as much as they think is necessary and no matter what we call there they will inspect the same
way. Alderman Ramey thought we will never refer to a restaurant as a Category 1, 2. or 3 restaurant that
seems like an En -house and legislative health categorization. Alderman Newman thought the simpler this
is made the better off we are Alderman Ramey asked what Pete Miller s would be classified as. Ms. Bush
said it would be fine dining, Category 1.
Ms. Bush, continued with her general presentation, we all know that thirty years ago grocery stores were very
different than what they are now The lines have blurred between grocery stores and restaurants. The food
business would very much like to maximize recycling everything it could possibly do wtihtn :what is allowed
which is the reason for Chapters 7 and 8 of the ordinance. By eliminating Chapter 7 we can put them all
together. Section 1 of the ordinance says it combines Chapters 7 and 8 of the Health Codes. Section 2
eliminates the zoning definitions. adds more specific definitions including Adulterated which has always
been in the Food Code, Cntical Violation straight out of the FDA Model Codes for 1997. and Food
Establishment a very detailed definition that came from the FDA Model Codes of 1997, The FDA Codes
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was designed through years of coffaboration between industry, health officials. govemment employees,
universities, deciding how food tasting could best be taoked at.
Alderman Kent brought up Churches Feeding the Public and Operations at Rooming Houses and wonders
if we now check rooming houses. Vs. Bush said she does go into the rooming houses that have Food
service. Alderman Kent said his reason for asking this question is we do have some bad landlords that
operate rooming housing and if they are on our Emergency Assistance list it would seem to him they should
qualify. Obviously they would have to provide the services but it would give us another opportunity to go in
for inspections and many of these landlords. once having gone into the premises, you would immediately
call Mr. Terry and Mr. Wolinski. In other words he's trying to get as much bang for his buck as he possibly
can, if they are listed they would be fair game. He also wanted to know what is meant by Churches Feeding
the Public, page 3, reads temporary food operators will pay $50.00 for each event in which they partiupaie
in. Ms. Bush said Churches that Feed the Public are not the churches that have coffee before services.
weddings, or funerals. These are churches that house a day care program with young children. or scup
kitchens that feed the homeless are a special subject. There are 100 places in the City, that we oversee
each year, that need temporary food service. Alderman Kent said his reason for bringing this is up is what
is your role when a food seller is preparing and selling large batches of food out of their home, to the public.
and we have no knowledge of this because they are not Type 1 or Type 2 nor do they come into the City for
any type of license. He knows that's a mix of zoning and health codes, but also definitely has to deal with
what you're trying to do with the food borne illnesses. Ms. Brown said with this ordinance it would give us
a way of getting into those houses which we had no way of getting into before. Because they are selling
food to the public we have a way of going in there and saying this business has to be licensed. Alderman
Kent asked if we have to have the Police Department or someone make a buy from that house in order to
get in there, or if we know there are several Robinson buses parked out there at 7:30 in the morning, and
five or six sanitation trucks coming through the alley with everybody leaving with a huge bag of food. What
exactly do we need to get into that house Ms. Brown said we have to have knowledge that they are actually
selling food to people.
Alderman Rainey asked if the Legal Department has been involved in getting this ordinance together. Ms.
Brenniman said she has been working with the Health Department for a long time drafting this ordinance.
Her perception is by defining Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3, we are enlarging the types of
establishments that we are going to be licensing and therefore will get more licensing fees. Other
establishments that may not have been f;rensed prior will now come under the Category 1,2, or 3, and veil
be licensed. This is very encompassing
Alderman Newman said after further reviewing this ordinance he would like to spend a considerable amount
of time making the argument for this committee that more time has to spent at McDonald's than at Pete
Miller's on different issues that are in here because there is refuge and liter issues that are part of this
ordinance and part of the enforcement. He has a lot more questions regarding this ordinance and asked
if there is any reason why this has to be decided tonight. Alderman Rainey said this is not complete
therefore we cannot finish our deliberation or discussion of this ordinance tonight because there are some
missing pieces. Mr Terry said there is stiff some dean up language, this is not the final copy. His suggestion
would be to allow Ms. Bush to finish her basic presentation on the ordinance and then carry it over to the
next meeting.
Ms. Bush continued with the definition of Food Establishment, which includes restaurants, grocery stores.
bakeries, school lunchrooms. carry -out operations. soup kitchens, hospital operations, etc. About the only
thing a food establishment wouldn't include would be soda or confection vending machines, establishment
that only sells prepackaged food that is not potentially hazardous. Wholesale operations which are primanPy
inspected by the State. Bake sales would not be a food establishment, private homes that make food for
bake sales would not be included, and operations like the Farmers' Market that only sell whole fruits and
vegetables. We also expanded the definition of Person. Type 1 businesses has become more complex in
the last 25 or 30 years. Temporary Food Establishment is a new definition and is specifically stated in the
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code. Licenses have always been applied for at the City Collector's office and Ls.sued there awth total
oversight or coordination with the Health Department, Alderman Rainey said this is something she never
understood. Ms. Bush found out a few years ago they have different lists of establistvnents and pecp3e that
get billed accordma to what we inspect We tried to Full the licensing and per", t together inder one
operation.
Ms. Brenniman noted that under the current operation a license is issued to these estaolishments =3 -:,e City
Collector's office and a fee for that is charged. A permit is issued by the Health Department to afkNv their
inspections in it, we re getting rid of the City Collector office operation in terms of food establishmer-m. getting
rid of the word permit and calling it a license with everything going through the Heaiui Department
Alderman Rainey asked what the Health Department will be bunging back to this committee the new: time
Ms. Bush said based on the telephone calls she received there were two or three very good suggestcns on
how the ordinance should be reworded or what should be left out. Alderman Rainey said this will be on the
agenda for discussion at the next Human Services Committee meeting and hopefully there will be some
members of the food establishment community in attendance. Alderman Newman asked Ms. Bus-) how
many calls were received in response to this ordinance and was told twelve. He asked for a summation of
those comments to which Ms. Bush responded, they will be given to the committee for the next packet.
Alderman Newman asked if restaurant inspections are made on Saturdays and was tad sometimes, bul that
is not a primary focus He said that is going to be an issue we will have to address. He wants restaurants
to be inspected but when they're not busy, as he does not think it is reasonable to come in on an vNner the
busiest moming of the week, A lot of restaurants are empty in the middle of the day and is when lie should
be there. not on Saturday mornings. He would like to get a report on when you're in the restaurants and
when the inspections occur. He has a lot of restaurants in his Ward and finds it unconscionable that 4"fe're
in there on Saturday mornings. Alderman Rainey thought there are some pros and cons to that issue
because she happens to know of a couple of cases when restaurants are busy they do certain things with
their food and the very last thing you would like to do is put that food in your mouth. Lets keep in mind that
sometimes it is very pertinent to inspect a restaurant, maybe not in the 1st Ward, but in some other Ward,
when they are busy This is an issue that she takes very seriously and there may be some underlying
issues that should be resolved. She would like to get the people who this concerns here to have a two sided
discussion. Ms. Brown added the inspectors are very courteous to the propnetors, but their inspections are
unannounced because we do not want them to be prepared, unless we're going in for teaching and then we
let them know whether or not to have people there. We would not want them to be ready for us in terms of
what they would not normally do and we certainly understand when the establishment is busy. Alderman
Newman said he did not want the inspection announced, by all means surprise them all, but .0-en a
restaurant is full its a ridiculous situation.
Mr. Ray LaMagna, proprietor of the Bean Counter wished to make a statement. He certainly supports
anything that improves food safety within the community. In general he does not think the rest of the
business community has any problem with updating the codes to be more encompassing or anything that
would increase compliance and increase the Department of Public Health to encourage compliance. On a
more specific note the only concerns he personally has as a business owner is what he addressed tc the
Council on different agendas in regard to the fee structure. Within any taxation structure there is never an
attitude of thus far and no farther. He understands the need for the City and the Health Department to lake
an adequate revenue in order to protect the community at an adequate level of sanitation. We waist to
support that It is his understanding that the new level of fee structure is the singular license that will rep!ace
the business license Under the current code his Bean Counter, Category 1 Food Establishment. S500.00
a year, would be the same as Dominick s, a company ten or fifteen times his size lust the one store in
Evanston and probably at least one hundred times his revenues. There is never going to be a fairway : f
assessing the fee structure, and noway to equally parcel this out. Somebody will always be mad. Howew -
he does want to stress to the City Council, as he has on other issues. that there has been increasing moves
in the City and in government over the last couple of years that has been more large company or corperat-
friendly and to the little guys like him S500, $300, or S 100 more is an amount that he personally calls re,
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plus food, it doesn't get passed or the greater corporation. He does not think that bespeaks of anything on
the broader sense of what the intentions of the Health Department are in this area. On a secondary note,
since this is a work in progress. one of the things he noticed while reading Penalties and Remedies, Title
8. Chapter 8, Section 22, the overall purpose of this code is to direct compharce and encourage education
in compliance which is what we it, ant to do. We certainly have no interest in vtolabng the code or if we do,
accidental or intentionally violate �e code we obviously have interest in creating a remedy therefore forthwith
and immediately. He is sure there are operators who are less scrupulous for whom having a dagger such
as this in the code is essential for creating compliance. However, it is vaguely wntten and any person who
violates or fails to perform any du".� imposed by this chapter shall be guilty of an offense and punishable by
a fine of not less than $500. versus wording of any person who fails to remedy a violation within this chapter
or fails to address whatever violation notable in this chapter. Something that would be more specific to
create two classifications of offenders. those who want to remedy their offense. like himself if they do
something wrong. and those who don't and need to be punished with whatever mite the City can direct
toward them. For example on another smaller issue, in Title 8. Chapter 8. Section 5. Transfer of Ownership
and the previous section Requirng License Application, for this new policy he has to supply the City with
the name, signature, and address of each corporate officer and within 30 days of any change supply
subsequent change of address cr officer status to the City, which we don't have a problem doing. Should
he move down the street, change partners, etc.. and fail to notify the City or Health Department within 30
days is technically in violation of the chapter. If he spent a month having forgotten and then sent a notice
that they changed their corporate officers he would technically be subject to a S6.000 fine. He knows that
is not the spirit of where the Hea!tn Department is going trying to penalize such minutia but perhaps there
is some way to flush out the wordng of that section that more embraces the spirit of what was intended.
Alderman Rainey thanked Mr. LaMagna for his statement which was important for this committee to hear.
She said this discussion will be continued at our next meeting. Alderman Rainey said she would like a
justification of what Mr. LaMagna clarified, that his fee is the same as a huge establishment. Alderman
Newman requested a list of the H=_alth Department's view of each category food establishment along with
names of establishments. He would also like to have some type of memo telling when you are making your
unannounced inspections and wf^en you do re -inspections. His reason being to know when you're going
in unannounced on Saturday mornings and if the re -inspections are also on Saturday mornings.
ViII. PETITIONS CONCERNING LOCATION OF SENIOR CENTER
Jack Lerman, Evanston resident and artist. teaches voluntarily at the Levy Center for the last 18 years, also
teaches at Noyes Center He fell love with the senior citizens and goes there verb Monday to teach. He
knows the senior citizens very we and it is very important for him to speak on behalf of the petitions. He
has a passion to see that the sen.�rs from the Levy Center get a fair deal and receive what they need. At
the May 17th meeting somebody; asked him how many people he had backing him. He talked to a lot of
people but did not have any evidence or proof and was told the only way to convince people is with a
petition which is ,r:hy the petition He motivated the petition, but the minute ore person signed it belonged
to the category of we. He sent Vr Terry a petition with 348 names. Three days ago he had 363 names,
today at 5-00 p rr he has 594 names. People all over the area keep on sending these to him. The
signatures on the petitions are from members and friends of the Senior Center -.,.,no want the center to remain
in the Church Street Plaza because the Plaza is centrally located, and close tc transportation, walking
distance of stores. near the library, close to doctor and dental offices. and accessible from apartments.
Some things got lost in the scuffle with the idea of a Performing Arts Center being built above a proposed
Senior Center on Lot 18 and there was a new agenda paralleling the needs of a theater group. Space and
parking became smaller and the 20,000 square feet shrunk to 18,000 feet. Finally Lot 18 became
dispensable. Hov:ever. the seniors still preferred the center of a downtown plaza location. The Oakton
Street Recycling Center entered the picture and is far from any destination necessary to the life of a senior.
It is away from the library, stores restaurants, doctors offices, and apartments_ For a senior citizen
combining trips is important. Gong to two or more places in an afternoon outing is often necessary
especially for those without cars -here is a silent majority in their 70's and 80 s, he is 69 There are a lot
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of people that feel very strongly about this, who haven't said an m,ng or attended meetings . if anyone has
any question about the names on the petitions, if they're iViegibie. please ,; ill him and he will send another
copy. The petition states that 'We the undersigned of Lery Center .and wmmunity residents would prefer
that the new Senior Center be on Lot 6 or some other location rn trie reoevelopment area.' Many people
from the Levy Center come from Chicago and Skokie, tt ey re-nernit ers so you will see a lot c` Chicago
addresses on the pages. A lot of blank petitions were g(ven out to dit?erer•t people and they were brought
back with names. You will see a lot a duplicate names of vvi%es and husbands, but they are all
straightforward names. He is here to present this to you and any time he can supports what he thinks are
the real needs of the citizens. He believes in democracy and is g+ad be able to be here. Thank you.
Marjory June. member of the Levy Center Advisory Board and serving as its currently secretary, has been
asked by several members of the Advisory Board and of the Senior Center Development Subcommittee to
speak this evening. Since discussions began their wants have been clearly stated and have been
unwavering for adequate ground floor space, sufficient parking, public transportation, and to be in the
Research Park Triangle. When Alderman Newman suggested we look at the Recycling Center site we
agreed to do so. There are some very definite positives such as adequate parking and opportunities for new
programming. But two very large negatives, very limited transportation and located on the far west edge of
Evanston is certainly not a central location. We have eagerly been awaiting the architect's report on the
feasibility of using the Recycling Center for the Senior Center. As stated earlier there is a meeting scheduled
for the 15th of June and we are looking forward to understanding that report, but until we have it, have an
opportunity to discuss and evaluate it, we do not have sufficient facts to make a decision on any location.
She believes it is safe to say that when any group of seniors were queried about their preference for the
Senior Center they would unanimously prefer to stay right where they are. Given that can't be they're
second choice would be in a nearby location without knowledge of other options and considerations. Back
in her youth she did some market research work and like all people started at the bottom doing consumer
interviews. She learned very quickly how you phrase the question determines the answer you receive. She
would like to commend this committee and in particular Alderman Rainey for the time she has devoted to
the senior Center relocation. Alderman Ramey participated in an open meeting at the Levy Center and
answered numerous questions of the members. She has set up the Senior Center Development
Subcommittee of this committee, Levy members are well represented on the group and her observation is
that their input is solicited and respected. Lets give that group an opportunity to do its job and not be
deterred by extraneous issues. Once the subcommittee knows all of the options available to the seniors they
will take this information back to the Levy Advisory Board and the entire Levy membership. Seniors will have
ample opportunity to state their preferences. Once the senior leadership has set that up they will work with
all parties, certainly including the City, to create an outstanding senior center, one that we can all be proud
of. Thank you.
Melvin Landau. said he was invited to the meeting this morning at the Levy Center Advisory Board by Mr.
Levy Sr.s daughter. The reason for her invitation was he shared her concern that the Levy Center not be
closed without an immediate location for members to go to_ They were told by the past two Mayors, a
Council person, and even Mr. Hill, that they would never tear down that building and dispossess the Senior
Center without an available location for them The Recreation Director was present at the same time and
again made that representation to the group. After reading the Second Amendment to the Redevelopment
Agreement he is of the opinion that agreement has been broken. There is a provision that the deeds be put
into escrow on June 3rd, which has passed. You were present when we talked about a reconveyance deal.
There is a provision of the Second Amendment that prior to conveyance the building has to be torn down
and the cleaning up of the leaking gas tank has to be accomplished. Mr. Hill, he t ,Neves, has the right under
that contract, to now dispossess the Levy Center b� making a demand for this property. The promise that
has been continuously made to senior citizens is not contained in that agreement. He advised the persons
present of his opinion that they don't have any protection under that agreement and several people asked
what he would do. He said it is really very simply, you further amend the agreement to provide what the
promise is and the promise that Mr. Hill made that not withstanding anything else in that agreement the Levy
Center will not be closed unless there is a location available for the activities of the Levy Center. He was
HSC htinutes b/7l99 - �%- ^ - —
asked to draw up such a document, which he did and would like to submit to someone.
Alderman Rainey announced all the details will be gone through at the June 15th mes-ting of the Ser.gr
Center Subcommittee and asked for a response from tits. Aiello about the transition peno.7. Ms A,eflo sad
in regards to the interim location there are a couple of options that we wall hopefully have- for the June I.-- n
meeting. During negotiations it was made clear to Mr. Hill that there has to be a temporary location before
we can tear the building down. He understands that but wanted us to know that the time we have :o
demolish the building is essential. We recognize we wit not be able to terminate programs unta we have
a temporary location.
Mr. Landau said under the option passed tonight if Mr. Hill doesn't go ahead the entire Counol feels they
should have an option to get the building back. You're going to get the plan back without a building you hare
already destroyed and will cost $3,000,000 to replace that building. He is suggesting mat the agreernem
that every Council person he knows of, the Mayor and Mr. Hill himself has made namely that the Levy Censer
will not be dispossessed unless there is an alternate location at that time and should be put into writing area
signed by the City and Mr. Hill.
Alderman Newman wanted to clarify with Ms. Aiello that our deal with Mr. Hill is until he has financing for the
housing portion we're not tearing down the Levy Center, Ms. Aiello said we're proceeding to relocate on a
temporary basis so they can demolish the site because we have to keep moving. Once we have the
construction loan they want to start within a week of that date. Alderman Newman said t, we clear the site
and for some reason Hill does not go forward, essentially what we will do is go forward azth our relocabon
plan at that point with the money in the existing TIF. Ms. Aiello said the sites are also for residential even
if they don't go forward with any anchor retail they will go forward with the residential. Al--erman Newman
understood that the mini anchor is needed for the residential and wanted to know if we're tearing down the
building before we have proof of financing on the residential, to which Ms. Aiello responded. yes. Alderman
Newman then said in that alternative to tear down the budding, if for some reason he does not get financing
for the residential, we're sitting with a torn down building and at that point in time would have to think what
we're planning on doing. He hopes we're planning on attempting to relocate the seniors ngnt now no matter
what and we're going to have to go forward with our plan. Wherever we pick the site we re immediately
going forward with our plans to build. Once we know it is down we're committed to building a new building.
where, the subcommittee will decide. For point of reference we ve known from day one that with this
development the Levy Center was coming down and would be relocated. his. Aiello saic the quote from
Mayor Barr was that the Levy Center would not be torn down until there was a replacement for the facility.
As we explained before we made the transitions we need for a temperary location but because of the
construction time of the Hill Project we can't have the Le,ey Center in the middle of a constriction site. Ms.
Aiello went on the say the good news is there is not much land for a temporary location and the bad news
is there is not much land for a temporary location, but we II find something
Alderman Rainey said hopefully everybody who has an interest in this will be at the meeting. Tuesday, June
15th, and everybody who is a member of the subcommittee will receive all the informabcn regarding the
study and any up to the minute information.
IX. MENTAL HEALTH BOARD FUNDING RESERVE ALLOCATIONS PROCESS
Mr. Kerns said the letter included in the packet is self explanatory and the Mental Health Hoard will come
back to the committee in the fall with their final recommendations. Alderman Feldman said he would like
further information about the details of the process as it is developed, what kind of program your talking
about, who the people are, who do you think would run it, and whether or not you think this would be an
ongoing process for the Mental Health Board.
X. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted
/ HSC M inutes�•Gr• r ?, 99 . ftgc t &
ALDERMEN PRESENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT,
PRESIDING:
1. CALL TO ORDER
DRAFT -NOT APPROVED
Minutes
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
July 19, 1999
Civic Center -Room 2402
7:30 P.M.
Aldermen Rainey, Moran, Newman, Feldman, Kent
Judith Aiello, Kathleen Brenniman, Kim Schrage, Michael Charley, Jay Terry
Sharon Eckersall, Hollis Settles, Human Relations Commission
Alderman Kent
Alderman Kent called the meeting to order at 7: 35 p.m.
Il. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MEETINGS OF June 7, 1999
The minutes of the June 7.1999 meeting were unanimousty aDDroved. f8-01.
Ill. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF JUNE 1999 TOWNSHIP MONTHLY BILLS
Mr. Terry noted at an earlier meeting the committee raised questions about what the Township was doing
for client transportation now that the CTA was no longer using tokens. He indicated he had spoken to Mr.
Hilliard who informed him that the Township was now purchasing fare cards to be given to clients.
Alderman Moran again noted that he wished the Township monthly bills had a consistent pagination system
so he could easily refer to pages.
The committee voted unanimousiv to aoDrove the June 1999 Townshio monthty bills (5-0).
IV. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF TOWNSHIP TAX LEVY ORDINANCE 98-0-99
A motion was made. and unanimously passed, to approve the Tax I;evv Ordinance 98-0-99 (b-0L,
V. REVIEW OF APPLICATION OF TOWNSHIP ASSESSOR
Alderman Moran asked if there was any more information available to the committee, perhaps cirriculum
vitae, from Ms. Eckersall. He was not sure about the timetable the committee had been using to review W.
Eckersall's application and wondered if a copy of her resume or summation of her education and personal
background could be seen. Ms. Eckersall noted she had submitted that material a year ago to Supervisor
Payne, however she could prepare that and submit it again. Alderman Feldman asked if Ms. Eckersall
could also provide some personal references to the committee. Ms. Eckersall noted she had lived in
Evanston her entire life.
Alderman Newman said the community had an open elected position and would like to give anyone else one
last opportunity to come forward to indicate an interest in the position. He felt the committee should be
HSC Minutes 7/ 19/99 - Page 1.
moving forward and in his view Ms. Eckersall has obtained the appropriate credentials and has a right to
come forward and seek the position.
Ms. Brenniman reminded the committee that there was no posting requirement for the position and Ms.
Eckersall could not be appointed until a certified copy that she is an Assessor was presented and fitted v401
the appointive body, the Township Trustees. At that point Ms. Eckersall presented a copy of her ceftrficaaon
to Ms. Brenniman. Ms. Brenniman noted that the Township Trustees are in power to appoint srirreone to
fill the vacancy and for the purposes of this vote the Township Trustees are the entire City Councd iinduding
the Mayor. A simple majority is required to appoint someone to the position.
Ms. Eckersall informed the committee she was a former employee of First Illinois Bank of Evanston and had
a lot of experience in the community. Alderman Feldman indicated if the committee gets the :reformation
requested he was sure they would be very interested in making an appointment.
Ms. Brenniman said she would review the copy of Ms Eckersall's certification and transmit it to Mr. Terry
for the committee's review. Mr. Terry reminded the committee the last time there was a vacancy the
Township Committee made a recommendation to the full Township Trustees and inquired Whether that
would again be the committee's process. Alderman Moran asked Ms. Brenniman to provide a copy of the
memo she previously submitted on this process so he could have a complete background on how this
vacancy is to be filled. It was the committee's consensus that all of Ms. Eckersall's background material and
all staff memorandum should be available for the August 2nd, Human Services Committee meeting with an
expectation that the full Township Trustees could vote on an Assessor appointment at the August 16th CRy
Council meeting.
VI. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 57-0-99 AMENDING CHAPTERS 7 & 8 OF TITLE 8 OF THE
EVANSTON CITY CODE REGULATING FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS
Alderman Newman inquired whether the meeting with the Chamber of Commerce had produced any
significant concerns other than the size of the fee increases. Mr. Terry said, no, other than the installation
plan review fee which had also caused some concern. Alderman Moran asked if this is an increase in the
plan review. Mr. Terry responded this is a new fee being charged and the Health Department has never
charged for its part of plan review, but as restaurants have become more complex the plan review process
for Health Department staff has become much more complicated and this is an effort to capture Health
Department staff cost related to plan review.
Alderman Moran asked if the fee increases were based on a flat percentage. Mr. Terry responded there is
a shift in the entire process of going to risk based fee assessment and this was not based on any flat
increase of the existing fee structure
Alderman Newman commented in reviewing the list he finds some items he feels are ridiculous and could
not understand the idea that D & D Groceries would pay the same annual fee as a Dominick's, or a White
Hen Pantry would pay the same annual fee as a huge restaurant in the community. He asked what the
justification was of those fees and what expenses had gone up to cause this to go up, also what was the
philosophy behind this, is there a certain amount or percentage of the budget we would like to have covered
by the fees. He noted that between D & D Groceries and D & D Restaurant over $50,000 is paid in property
tax and it is outrageous to throw additional fees on top of that. He would like to see a much better
justification for the fee amounts.
Alderman Rainey asked why there is no current fee shown for certain establishments. Mr. Terry responded
that those are places where currently inspections are conducted but no fee is charged. Alderman Rainey
thought the staff memo related to this provided good information, however, agreed that the fees were much
too large and felt the committee potentially could reduce all the proposed fees by one-third. She noted this
was a big catch up fee for an area that hasn't been increased for a long time and felt the committee's charge
was to figure out what a fair reduction amount to these fees would be.
H5C Minutes 7/ 19/99 - Page 2.
Alderman Moran said by reading the staff memorandum the staff was benchmarking to other jurisdictions
and was still looking for a better understanding of the rationale as to why staff are recommending charging
this amount of money. He asked what we are seeking to pay for and requested staff to prepare that type
of financial analysis.
Alderman Newman did not have as much sympathy for the argument that we should compare ourselves to
other jurisdictions and felt the restaurant industry was a strong point of the Evanston economy. We would
be generating a considerable amount of bad will to enforce these fee increases. He does not support the
idea of fee increases just being used to supplement the General Fund and he too is looking for a greater
analysis of what cause we are looking to cover through these fee increases.
Alderman Feldman said it was not yet clear in his mind as to why we leave the size of an establishment
criteria and go to a risk based system He felt size could be an indicator of the total production of food and
could be related to risk. Mr. Tent' responded that as indicated in his memo size was not often a good
predictor of risk and certain smaller establishments required a significant amount of staff time. Quite often
the large establishments had the staff equipment and training in place so that sanitation was less of a risk
at those locations.
Alderman Rainey requested a much more descriptive staff analysis in terms of how establishments get
placed in Category 1. Alderman Newman felt the size of a place did make a difference and could not
understand how Bill's Drive-in with onty seven parking spaces could justify being placed in Category 1. Mr.
Charley stated the complexity of the foods being served was the primary criteria for placing a restaurant in
Category 1. Alderman Newman requested for the next meeting there should be an analysis of how Bill's and
D & D Groceries were placed in Category 1. Mr. Terry indicated that analysis would be provided.
Alderman Feldman asked if we issue citations and are being constant in our analysis and is any of this
calculation of risk based on the number of citations issued. He felt the risk based system says the
restaurants are guilty until innocent and wanted to know if any of this was based on violations and whether
there was any opportunity for a restaurant with a good record to be moved from one category to another.
He had some concern that these risk analyses were based on staff projections of how much time they would
be spending in any given place and basing this on category, at the moment, was a difficult proposition for
him to support.
Alderman Moran noted that the risk base was not based on what has been citations but more of wanting
written quality assurance from establishments. Alderman Newman and Alderman Feldman had a discussion
of where risk lies and what is trying to be accomplished through this process.
Alderman Rainey suggested that committee members not look at this as a malevolent process. If we took
at the process in the abstract without a fee attached to it, the categories are a legitimate public health
process for trying to promote food sanitation. She felt committee members should not took at risk categories
as a reputational thing that has to do with the potential for harm and noted that City staff work with
restaurants intensely and teach and provide food -handling courses. She encouraged committee members
to look at the Health Department activity report and noted the percentage of the establishments in Evanston
with critical violations. Alderman Newman responded the committee is not saying do not inspect, but is
saying the fees are too high. He asked how often staff go out and whether they will be spending more time
at the higher risk places to which Mr. Terry indicated, yes, the number of inspections would increase as the
risk category increased. Alderman Newman felt the bottom line was the fees are too high and are unfair to
the small business owner.
Alderman Feldman said he had no interest in diminution in standards and wants enforcement. but is also
concerned about the fee structure. He asked Mr. Terry and Mr. Charley to provide a comparison of the time
staff would spend in an establishment such as D & D Groceries compared to a Dominick's Finer Food. Mr.
Terry and Mr. Charley indicated it was quite possible to spend more time in a D & D Groceries particularly
along the lines given the amount of staff training that would be required in a smaller establishment.
HSC Minutes 7/ 19/99 - Page 3.
Alderman Moran could not accept that the fees proposed were devised to beat up on the small txrsineUrnan
and understood the notion of cost recapture. He felt it was an appropriate devotion of resources to the
prevention of risk and an adoption of a fee schedule, which on the other hand milks the largest
establishments and was not fair either. Alderman Moran and Alderman Newman had a discussion on the
merits of the risk potential in cost of a Dominick's versus a D & D Groceries.
Alderman Kent noted that the City's recreation centers were placed in different categories, Robert Crown,
Fleetwood, and Chandler and would like staff to provide an analysis for the reasons these recxeab on centers
were placed in different categories. He also expressed his ongoing concern for unlicensed sellers in the
community and noted the staff memorandum which said witnesses were needed for court proceedings and
wondered if videos could be acceptable as there are locations were ten Robinson busses or BFl trucks are
lined up going into someone's house to buy meals. Ms. Brenniman responded that a witrK ss was still ideal
in trying to prosecute those cases though noted a video could be used. Alderman Rainey felt the Zoning
Ordinance could be used to try to track down these illegal food operations and if the time of day this activity
was going on was noted its a major violation of the Zoning Ordinance. She asked about the street peddlers
selling items such as corn covered with mayonnaise, prevalent in south Evanston. Alderman Kent noted
they have been seen more and more around schools. Mr. Terry indicated that if they have not been
inspected by the Health Department and do not have a permit they are not to be selling those products on
the streets of Evanston and encouraged Aldermen to call the Health Department when those peddlers have
been seen.
Alderman Moran indicated that he would like to have a better understanding of the risk approach and
philosophy being adopted by the Health Department and would like to know how those standards developed
both nationally and statewide. He asked if as much background material as possible on the entire risk based
philosophy could be provided to the committee. He also was interested in learning some of the real life
experiences from some of the inspectors in terms of large facilities versus small and examples of high -risk
operations within the community.
Alderman Rainey asked whether the Chamber meeting had produced arty minutes and if possible would like
to receive copies of them.
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
Alderman Newman felt it was important that a new subcommittee be appointed from the Human Services
Committee. The Senior Center Subcommittee had touched upon discussions related to the need for a new
recreational facility near the Recycling Center location. He felt this new subcommittee should work with the
Recreation Board on plans for the development of a recreational facility adjacent to the senior center.
Alderman Newman made a mntion that a subcommittee of Human Service Committee members and
three members of the Recreation Board is created to ee procd with pians for develo ip na a
recreational facillty. Alderman Feldman seconded the motion. Alderman Kent asked for volunteers to
serve on this subcommittee. Aldermen Rainey, Feldman, and Newman volunteered to serve on the
subcommittee. Motion to approve the new subcommittee was unanimously approved (54).
Alderman Kent said he continued to be very concerned about the need to deal with the cars and individuals
with loud boom boxes and it was his intention to meet with the Secretary of State, Jessie White, to let him
know the community concern about the issue. He is particularly concerned with trying to find out if a
procedure can be developed for suspending someone's license that is convicted of violating the law.
Alderman Newman directed legal staff to see if a local boom box ordinance should be adopted. He is very
interested in trying to eliminate this problem. Alderman Feldman said he had a number of constituents who
were furious with the issue but they were equally furious with the impotence of City government to do
something about the problem.
Alderman Moran commented that the Environment Board had some history in dealing with this issue and
HSC Minutes 7/19i99 - Page 4.
other noise pollution issues and suggested that Alderman Kent may want to make a reference to the
Environment Board to follow up on this. Alderman Kent said he would foiiow up on al of the suggestions.
Alderman Rainey noted in the police reports she had received and read over the weekend, in the last ten
days, in Evanston, there had been seventeen hand gun incidents. She asked committee members to keep
this as a high committee priority and continue to be conoemed.
Vlll. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
HSC Minutes 7/19/99 - Page S.
x
ALDERMEN PRESENT:
ALDERMAN ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
PRESIDING:
I. CALL TO ORDER
DRAFT -NOT APPROVED
Minutes
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
August 2. 1999
Civic Center - Roorn 2402
7:30 P.M.
Aldermen Rainey. Moran, Newman, Feldman. Kent
Alderman Feldman
Judith Aiello, Kathleen Brenniman, Doug Gaynor, Frank Kaminski. Leslie
Wilson. Bob Domecker, Jay Terry, Audrey Trotsky
Sylvester Hilliard, EvanstonTownship: Marjorie June, Margaret Hallen, Levy
Center
Alderman Kent
Alderman Kent called the meeting to order at 8:10 p.m.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MEETINGS OF July 19, 1999
The minutes of the July 19, 1999 meeting were unanimously approved, 13-0).
III. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF JULY 1999 TOWNSHIP MONTHLY BILLS
Alderman Newman moved for approval of the July 1999 Township monthly bills, motion seconded
by Alderman Moran
Alderman Moran had a question pertaining to the GA Checking Account list, page 1, indicating payment
to the City of Evanston for $4.065,70. Mr. Hilliard responded that is an amount paid every month for
personnel expenses. Alderman Moran also questioned the Evanston Township Revenue and Expense.
July 1999 Statement of Functional Expenses. Administration Expenses — Rent $8,788.54. Mr. Hilliard
responded that was payments for client's rent.
Alderman Ramey wanted to know why there were bwfis in the July Medical Summary Report from
September 1998. December 1998, and January 1999. Mr. Hilliard responded those bills were from
Evanston and St. Francis Hospitals. They wait until they get a sizeable amount before submitting the bills
to the Township The Township corrected this by requesting monthly invoices be submitted to them no
matter what the amounts are.
Alderman Kent recalled the motion for approval of the July 1999 Township monthiv bills. motion
unanimousty passed 14-0).
HSC Minutes 8/2/99 -Page t.
f
X
IV. REPORT OF THE SENIOR CENTER DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE
Alderman Rainey reported the Senior Center Development Subcommittee made setieral decisicns at their
meeting this evening.
Alderman Rainey made a motion for a recommendation to the Human Services Committee that they
approve the site location for the interim Lew Center to be the Szechwan Palace on Chicaqo Avenue.
Work is now beina undertaken to discuss the issue with the owner. They are recommending the
Human Services Committee recommend to the Council, that we pursue the current Reeveling
Center for a Permanent location for the Levv Center and have provided the committee with several
documents showina oronosed Plans designing space to meet the program statement of the Levy
Advisory Board. Thev also recommend this committee recommends to Citv Council that staff be
permitted to Pursue the services of the architect that drew uo the fantastic elan as a sale source
contractor. Alderman Newman seconded the motion.
Alderman Moran remarked that some time ago after the suggestion was made to consider locating a new
permanent Levy Center in James Park this committee was presented with a petition signed by hundreds
of people who did not think the Levy Center should be located outside of the dcrrrritown area. He wonders
if the subcommittee addressed those petitions, conducted any analysis, or gave any consideration to the
petitions. Mr Gaynor said the individuals that signed the petition were not part of the committee and he
personally looked at 500 names of which 85% percent were nonresidents of the Srty of Evanston This was
not representative of the membership of the Levy Center nor was it representative of the citizens of
Evanston He thinks that effort could be totally discounted Alderman Rainey added they did the kind of
analysis where a lot of names that signed the petition were not familiar to them as they were from out of
town. Jack Lerman. the person who circulated that petition, has attended every meeting but today's
meeting and participated fully in discussion She could be wrong, but sensed Mr Lerman was becoming
more accepting of the Levy Center location. Alderman Moran asked if it is known how many Levy Center
members signed the petition and was told no one had any resources to know the answer to that.
Alderman Newman said he thought about the petition despite the fact relatives that live in Chicago signed
the petition They thought the petition asked it they were against tearing down the current Levy Center.
One of the relatives had gone to the Levy Center only once in ten years and the other had never been
there These people signed this petition because they thought it was a bad dea to tear down the Levy
Center and so did 30 or 40 other people at their temple in Rogers Park. He would be in agreement with
everybody on the petition if they were signing it because they thought we were going to tear down the
building without building a new four or five million dollar building. That woulo be a reason to sign the
petition The petition question never made people aware of the fact that we were going to be building a
replacement building. Mr Lerman wanted us to look at Lot 6. a piece of property where there ,s currenuy
very active interest in terms of building a building. The idea of being able to build a replacement building
with very convenient driveway parking that is on property already off the tax rolls, to him is very attractive.
People on the subcommittee have been very committed to taking on a first rate bus service to enable us
to make that site work His sense from talking to Mr Lewi and many others is they would like to have a site
so we can get moving on a building, which is what the subcommittee is recommending The size of the
building is open to debate. but we have not yet dealt with that issue_ Alderman Newman asked Alderman
Moran if there was another site that he would like the committee to consider Alderman Moran said he
would like it to be near downtown and thought he heard from some of the people represented this evening.
a direct expression of a desire to have the new Levy Center located in the downtown area. Persons from
the audience were asked this question to which the response was no one in attendance ever said that. Ms,
Hallen said they recognize the fact it could not be located where the City could collect taxes and had to be
property off the tax rolls The Recycling Center is off the tax roll and is where they want to be Ms. June
said if there was such a site in the downtown area that would be lovely and they would all enjoy that. but
there is no such site A gentlemen in the audience said at one time before this petition was handed out Lot
6 came up as a possibility Prior to this time Lot 6 had never been a possibility Lot 6 has good
HSC Minutes 8/2, 99 - Page 2.
it
transportation, which appealed to a lot of people and is WI)y he signed the pebtion. They fount out they
couldn't get Lot 6 because it was going to someone else
Alderman Moran said on the tax rolls. off :he tax rolls. can be played a tot of different ways. Tine bottom
line is what is the value to the commurnf., of establishing this center in the best area for it to to in. He
thinks the case that Mr Lerman was trytra to make was very logical. The case has always beer. until the
last few months. that people always thought when the net Levy Center was established it woulc be in the
downtown area This is something he has heard hundreds of times over the eight years he has been on
this Council The reasons for this were the good transportation systems in the downtown area When
seniors patronize the Levy Center there are other things they like to do, such as bank. go to the library,
go to our restaurants. and do their other business in the downtown area. Many of the housing centers that
house our senior population are located n the downtown area thus making rt walkable or certainly very
easily accessible to the area where it is -ow All of that -rakes a lot of sense to him but does not make
sense to him to send the Levy population to James Park. t` it is located in James Park he nopes they have
a good bus service there, but he cannot Image having a good bus service there as justifying the location.
He does not know how many Levy Center patrons want to take the bus to the Levy Center wherever it is.
they may want to walk there, or drive there or take the Et or Northwestern there. All of :hose things can
be accomplished by having it in the dow^town area where he always thought is where we were going to
put it. Over the years he has people say it should be in tie downtown area and in his opinion is where it
should be He thinks it's a mistake to put it in James Park
Alderman Newman asked Alderman Mcrar f he is saym-a that we should say to whoever is interested in
Lot 18 and Lot 6 that we're not interested building the budding there. The one building reing considered
on Lot 18 is going to generate $1.000.000 of taxes a year, and the other one five or six n.:ndred thousand.
He merely wants to be clear if Alderman Moran is saying he wants Lot 6 or Lot 18 to be tre alternative site
for the Levy Center or does he want sorre other site. Alderman Moran said what he is saying is it should
be in the downtown area and it seems like everybody has decided it should be someplace else and he does
not understand why. Alderman Moran can say he wants the center to be downtown, ano as an altemative
to going to James Park would like to pursue a discussion with Northwestern University for using Lot 6 for
the Levy Center For example Lot 6 is rot entirely owned by the City of Evanston. If this is not want
Alderman Moran is saying then he must thinking of using Lot 18 or if he does want to use either of those
parcels then we would think he would Ewa~t to say what other site he wants to use. A•cerman Newman
thinks the people on the committee wan+ to get going on the building and they want a sate that is available -
now There are a number of things about the James Par•K srte in terms of driveway parking and not being
in a congested area that some the users .v,4 find advantageous Mr Levy is a very strerg supporter of the
location in James ark Alderman Newr^ar thinks Alderrnan Moran warts to take a position that he wants
the center to be downtown but doesn t .rant to say whim parcel you want the center to be located on
Alderman Moran should say if he wants us to open the plans. open up negotiations and forego the
potential tax revenue on Lot 6 or say to McDougal Litel that Lot 18 is not available, but he should not talk
about an imaginary site that we do not control. Alderman Newman went on to say if Alderman Moran is
not willing to do that he would have to dismiss and not take this as being a serious suggestion. if Alderman
Moran is willing to proceed by contactirg Northwestern •egarding Lot 6 or sending a fetter to McDougal
Litel that were not interested in having tre- building on Lot 18 that should be out before the Council. Vle
are now going out to rent temporary spare at S17 518 and $19 a square foot If we aefer a decision we
will be paying hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in rent as the Recycling Center will take at Jeast 15
to 18 months to build The committee has done some excellent work in terms of trying to interface with the
seniors on the committee by actually go-ng to the Levy Center community and letting them participate as
representatives on the committee and listening to those representatives What he got out of these
meetings was for the money this was an acceptable site and having this building on a piece of property that
is off the tax rolls is overwhelming benef"cial to the City He would like to know what site Alderman Moran
has in mind besides those two sites
Alderman Moran said in reading the minutes of the sutr•committee, in his opinion the subcommittee toad
HSC Minutes 812199 - Page 3.
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people they should take James Park or forget it. That was the context in which this w-as brought forward
from the start and is the context it is now in He thinks it is preposterous for Alderman Newman to suggest
at this time for him to tell where he wants t:-e center to be built When people were Ic.)king for an interim
site they looked in one area, downtown, and wonders why people did not look downtcv.7 for the permanent
site. He does riot know where is the best pace for it to be. +t may not be Lot 6 of Lot ' S L%;i may need to
be someplace else As best he can tell, this point was never etien considered. At are point it was going
to be on Lot 18 with the Performing Arts Center and all of that got kabboshed We a e now going to tear
the Levy Center down without even knowing d somebody is going to build something tt~ere maybe they will
and maybe they won't. He does not understand that progression For years he heard that we would build
a new Levy Center in the downtown area and as best he can tell the area has not ever. been explored nor
has it been considered. Other people were going to take on the task of deciding where the new permanent
Levy Center will be and he thinks they decided early on it would be in James Park.
Alderman Rainey said she might have beer the first to broach the Lot 6 site with the Levy Center because
it was indicated to her as an alternative to Lot 18. At the time there were comments that Lot 6 was
inappropriate for certain other kinds of development. On further examination by others it turned out that
Lot 6 indeed was attractive to others and not all that available for the senior center. The issue of the James
Park site came up and it definitely had drawbacks in terms of not being in the downtown area or close to
the El station. There are some real positives about that location without considering the property being off
the tax rolls. it is a very safe location, it is rot a dead location as there is a lot of activity going on there in
terms of recreation going on twelve months of the year. the gardens are there the complex across the
street, out lots for the Horne Depot Company. besides a lot things in the planning process getting ready to
happen there. It has fabulous parking and we're all involved +r designing it This wIl be a brand new
building as the other location was. but there is much more potential than a downtown location. Plain and
simple, the one drawback is it is not in our downtown area If for one minute she felt that this has been
shoved down anybody's throat. or if the senor members of the subcommittee and the Levy Advisory Board
felt this was a location they could not be comfortable with. she nor anyone else would not support it. She
would think you would be hearing a lot of debate about the location. We are going to re able to bring
transportation to this location as this will be an extremely convenient location. For people who do not drive
whether its downtown or James Park they would have to take transportation. It does not matter for those
who do not drive or those who cannot walk to the center, they would have to take public transportation of
transportation provided by the center white we are going to provide Regarding the issue of an interim
location, it is going to be downtown because that was the only available location. Evers single vacant
location in the City of Evanston. whether downtown, at Dempster -Dodge. or other places in the City, they
were all looked at The search was not confined to the downtown area and the Szechrrran Palace location
lust became available
Alderman Newman thought what Alderman Rainey said is exactly the case as when this came up he was
very surprised people on the committee were looking at that site In the beginning, one of the things Mr.
Levy said was he wanted to find a site where he felt could get going right away and wasn t going to be tied
up in other development issues He dtd not want to wait around for us to figure out what else was going
to be on Lot 18 and the problem with Lot 6 was we did not own the property There are not a lot of sites
in the downtown area that are amenable to the City coming in and building a building and having the
appropriate parking Where the interim center is going to be, we are fortunate to have it near the garage
He would like to give Alderman Moran the opportunity to suggest a site to send back to the committee but
making the statement he does not like to site and the committee did not do its lob is not the case. The
committee has been working towards this and trying to conform a consensus He does not think Alderman
Moran wants to go on record saying he wants the center to be on Lot 6 or Lot 18 and since he is not willing
to do that he cannot take his opposition seriously and thinks we should go forward with the recommendation
of the committee. Should Alderman Moran come up with an alternative site. as a member of the
subcommittee he would be glad to pass it along However he thinks we have a plan to move forward and
support this plan
HSC Minutes 8 2199 - Page 4.
Alderman Moran said he was on record six years ago and wrote a paper that suggested it would 6-- a good
idea for the City to consider building a Performing Arts Center and a new Levy Center on Lot 18. to is also I
on record as supporting the original proposition that we establish a new senior center and performing arts
center on Lot 18 and wishes he had an opportunity to reaffirm that because he'd vote for it again tonight.
Wth respect to.Lot 18 the only reason the Performing Arts Center and the new Levy Center. that were
considered for that lot, were washed out was other development opportunities came up_ It was a dead
issue and the Council made it clear they were not going to move in that direction which ended gnat era,
although he was totally in support of that part of the proposed development. He does not have any t.,oncern
about saying Lot 18 would have been a great location The difficulty we now have on the COunC11 !:s 136we
is no will to look anyplace else but James Park He is still very concerned that this new Levy Center be
sited at a place where it makes sense for it to be and he thinks that place is in the downtown area The
proposal before us tonight is to start charging an architect to spend more of our money on this plan in an
area that he does not think is the right area, which to him is a basic mistake. Therefore, he cannot support
this proposal. If it took a little extra time to rework to revivify the notion that we can as a community find
a place downtown that we can site the new Levy Center he would heartily support that Even if it resulted
in some delay he thinks some delay would be warranted with the confidence that we knew when we built
the new site that it was in the right place, as the right place is a very important consideration.
Alderman Newman appreciated Alderman Moran making his feelings known as to where he wants to see
the senior center be built. One of the things difficult for Alderman Moran to accept is if he would have been
able to figure out a way to pay for the performing arts center six years ago.we would have been willing to
do it. The problem with the performing arts center and tre Levy Center on Lot 18 was not nobody wanted
to do the performing arts center but one of the things needing to be realized was the numbers had to add
up and there was no perspective money. based on the numbers generated to go forward with that type of
use on Lot 18. To build combination performing arts center and senior center you would have had to make
the people at the Levy Center wait years for a new buildirg until the performing arts center could be funded.
Then they would have had to tell them you were going to tear down the building they re already in without
having any prospect of building another building. You would also be saying the opportunity we now have
to place a major building on Lot18 that will bring in over 51.000.000 a year in perpetuity would be a large
hit for this community to take and Alderman Moran's reasoning for Lot 18 is basically pie in the sky. The
seniors should not have to wait until we can finance a performing arts center to go forward with their
building Lot 18 does not work and the James Park site is available nova it is not tied to any other project.
we're going to try to fund it based on going up by itself. tre subcommittee is asking that we move forward
now on it we know the other site is going to have to be taken down in September or October and he feels
fortunate that we were able to get this work done He wishes the money were available to fund the
alternative put forward by Alderman Moran.
Alderman Kent wanted to thank the subcommittee for coming back to us He thanked Aldermen Rainey,
Feldman and Newman, Judy Aiello and Doug Gaynor and the senior members on the committee Alderman
Kent said he is not that far apart from what Alderman Moran said and thinks everybody would have liked
to see the center built downtown He knows Ms Aiello could name every piece of property in the do=rmtarin
area and is sure the committee has researched thouznt out and talked with the seniors about every
available possibility If this building is built in James Park one of the things on his mind is it is going to be
new and he thinks about the ten years he took his kindergarten classes to Robert Crown to Christmas carol
to the senior citizens When we started out ten years ago there were 20 members there and one of the
things that appears to be happening in our satellite sight is there isn't the rotation. mingling, or networking
going on with the other groups of senior citizens He has literally watched that group that was once strong
dwindling down to lust a handful of people and the same thing is happening at some of the other sites. He
hopes that in James Park we will have our senior shuttle going around and mingling our senior citizens As
Alderman Moran said and everybody knows its true it is somewhat out of the way If we have the senior
shuttle working we can get some of the people who do not leave their buildings even to go to the old Levy
Center over to the new Levy Center. which will make for a wonderful program Often times we have talked
about mingling with people at the Mather Foundation which is something the shuttle can do with many of
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the other senior facilities that have their own shuttles we can make them wet-ome and nave a worodecIul
program that ties into what has been a good Program for our seniors and mace it even stronger as we go
into the year 2000 In our talks with the senior committee he also sees trying to start up intergenerattcnal
activities and with Dawes School close by ands that is a wonderful opporturity to make something lake -rat
happen With all the youth activities in tha- area there area lot of places for se+,,ors to f: ,n We can rratike
the plan work that will better our program for all senior citizens in the City of Evanstor He is sure if we
recommend this to go to City Council Alderman Moran „rill again make his fee%ns Knows and there Might
be some other Aldermen that will agree with him There are definitely some A, cierrnen mat will gr:e -;-►eir
feelings as far as what the subcommittee had brought back and what the Human Services Committee , ,ir-ht
recommend to the City Council. He does thank Alderman Moran for bringing this forward
Alderman Kent called for a motion ano second for the Szechwan Palace interim location and :he
architectural firm of Behls and Behis Also, a recommendation and second is needed frrr� :he
subcommittee for the permanent location we are now looking at. the Recycling Center or. Oakton. arc :he
architectural firm to Ross Barney and Jankowski Alderman Moran requested there be two separate
motions one for the interim location and the other for the permanent location to which Alderman F.�nt
agreed and called for two motions.
Alderman Rainey made a motion that the Szechwan Palace be the interim site for Levv Senior
Center. Motion seconded and unanimously approved 14-0).
Alderman Rainey made a second motion that staff continue to pursue the Recvcling Center to be
accepted as the permanent site for the new Levy Senior Center and staff continue working with
Ross Barney and Jankowski Architects to develop more specific plans in terms size and design in
addition to coming back with cost estimates and information regarding TIF revenues to finance
whether it is the ultimate proposal. Alderman Newman seconded the motion to include the bus
service. Whenever we speak about the Recycling Center site we need to talk about the benefit tc the
community of building on this piece of property that is off the tax rolls because what we are saving there.
We are going to have this very, very strong commitment to an effective bus service and should be in the
process of developing ideas on how we are going to bring people into this center that are disabled and don't
have transportation downtown. People that live at Noyes Court. Pnmm Towers and 1900 Sherman. are
going to be able to connect with this :enter because we are going to do sometning innovative arc far
reaching with the bus service This serFnce can include bringing people downtown picking people up ;n the
downtown area As we go forward with this, at some point we should talk about getting a study of the
potential for that because of the very strong commitment to making this center as accessible as we car, for
as many people as possible Alderman Rainey absolutely aqreed to have the bus service included
in the motion. Motion passed (3-1. Alderman Moran opposed).
V. CONSIDERATION OF THE DISPOSITION OF CITIZENS COMPLAINTS AGAINST
POLICE OFFICERS
Alderman Newman moved for acceptance of the disposition for the three citizen's complaints
against police officers as presented. Motion seconded by Alderman Rainev. motion unanimously,
approved (4-0).
Alderman Moran wanted to commend the department to Chief Kaminski A lot of favorable comments are
received from people but in reading the material submitted in the August 2-1 Aldermanic packet he fcund
it to be a heartwarming exercise He was very excited to see all these letters of commendation as mat
speaks well of the efforts of the Police Chief as well as the officers and ultimately speaks well of us The
officers certainly deserve a lot of credit
Alderman Newman agreed with Alderman Moran's comments As he expressed to the Chief after hea_-ing
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everything he cannot disagree with any of the individual decisions Although he thinks they have aU been
thoroughly reviewed feels at least at one of the complaints was a closer call than normal. The complaint
he is referring to is the first case involving the knife as it is difficult to tell what was going on. He does not
know why people carry knives around and it is hard to have sympathy for somebod} carrying a knife. In
the second corplaint. on Howard Street, he does not know how that was presented and has beef-, assured
that everything done there was appropriate but was a bit confused about this case as he was riot exactly
sure what crime was committed by the person other than mouthing off to a police officer He was 1&4 that
person was trespassing and that makes the case a bit clearer, yet he does not think n is a crirrre to open
up your mouth to a police officer. It is inappropriate and sometimes when police officers do not like
somebody's mouth they decide to arrest them. Overall he feels the complaints are being reviewed
thoroughly but it is unfortunate when some of these events occur. He does not know what the solutwn is
to disburse some of these cases without getting into these types of situations and has to assume the
officers did the best they could. It is a shame that in the first case that somebody had to be asked to leave
the library and needed the assistance of officers to do it Its important that the library keeps order and also
that the Howard Street business owners have a way of dealing with their problems.
Alderman Kent said he would not argue with Alderman Newman's comments rei:ating to the second
complaint. He has brought up these situations time and time again as in the second case where we have
the congregating in front of the Currency Exchange on Dewey and Simpson. The officer comes by to let
them know its after hours the stores are all closed and they have to get going. He E-.as personally called
in complaints about congregating that have turned into arrests with mob action. Hie understands what
Alderman Newman is saying, but at the same time was glad what the officer did. It s easier to do when
there are a strip of stores depending on the time a lot of potential problems can be stopped by putting a
police officer at the scene and telling the people to move on The problem comes w: en they either move
or do not. Alderman Newman agreed that congregating anywhere in the City is a problem but does not
agree just because somebody swears at a police officer they should be arrested.
Alderman Rainey thought it interesting that of all the crimes and arrests made in the Grty these three kinds
of events generate a complaint it is amazing with all the arrests made that these were the three we had.
At 741 Howard and next door where these arrests took place are two of the most disastrous locations on
Howard Street. It is a source of constant problems. Just last week she received a ca:l from a hard working
woman with small children who wanted to rent an apartment on Brummel. The wornan got off the a bus
at the corner of Howard and Elmwood, right at this location, and was so busy getting her children off the
bus she did not see what was happening on the sidewalk She got off the bus in the midst of all the noise
and activity walked two blocks and got on a bus going in the opposite direction This was a decent family
who wanted to move into and live in the neighborhood but got on the next bus and .aft the area. One of
the things that looks very bad on Howard Street near Simpson and Church and Dcage, is police patting
down people. frisking people. handcuffing them, something you do not want to see your neighborhood.
However, you would rather see that in your neighborhood than people congregating She is getting ready
to ask for a policeman on every corner because she thinks a policeman on every corner. along this
particular strip is the only way to eliminate this problem of hanging out One can barely drive down
Howard Street without seeing a squad car effecting an arrest and she feels the only 'answer to the problem
is a cop on every corner
Alderman Newman mentioned Chief Kaminski is now in the process of talking to Nc,lhwestern University
about an interagency agreement between Northwestern and the City in terms of w^at the Northwestern
Police Department can do for the City One of the bits of information he asked the Chnef for was to compare
the responsibilities and size of the police department the University of Chicago has and the type of street
presence He knows Northwestem University has three police officers a shift and would like to know how
many police officers the University of Chicago. a comparable school, has a shift. 1471hat we will find is the
University of Chicago police force does a lot more for that neighborhood than. we're getting from
Northwestern University He asked for a comparison of the sizes and responsibilit:es because rf we are
able to get the University to make a much more substantial commitment to praviding bodies in the
HSC Minutes 812199 - Page 7.
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downtown area that will help free up some officers and maybe we rend have one more officer on Howard
Street. He thought this information should be shared with the committee. Also. the ordisiance regarding the
interagency agreement between Northwestern and City should come through this committee and unless
anyone objects he would like this on the HSC agenda.
Alderman Rainey asked Chief Kamrnski if there are crimes committed on the Nortkvrrestern campus by
students or others on campus that require bond. Chief Kaminski responded they are a full service police
department no different from the City of Evanston other than their authority is limited to on their property
other than what is our agreement. Alderman Rainey asked if they are brought in to our police station to
be booked. Chief Kaminski said that is correct, our station is used as a holding facia=rty for anyone there
overnight. Arrests are made and processed through our B of I they then take them to Skokie. District 2
for the bond hearings. Alderman Rainey asked if they are charged for this service. to %vnich Chief Kaminski
said we charge for food but do not charge for lodging. If there is a problem with the prisoner they have to
come in and take care of them, whether the prisoner becomes ill dunrsg the night or if the prisoner requires
a one on one watch throughout the night. If it is a normal prisoner we watch them "ng with the others.
There are probably 100 or so prisoners a year brought into our static-n from the felony and misdemeanor
arrests they make. If someone makes bond they give them the bond nght there or wn;e them an 'S' ticket
as we do and notice to appear in court. When it is their own student on campus they t;ndle that informally
through Student Affairs Also. if they see anything in progress off campus they make an arrest and process
them in our station
VI. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPLICATION FOR THE POSITION OF TOWNSHIP ASSESSOR
Mr. Terry informed the committee that Ms. Eckersall called and asked him to extend :per apologies for not
attending this meeting as she had a long-standing vacation planned with her family The response to the
Committee's request for resume, certification and references were included in the packet along with Ms.
Brenniman's opinion on the qualifications for Assessor, minutes of past meetings, arad all of our historical
background. Ms Eckersall asked that the committee consider her application tonight, as she is still very
interested in the position.
Alderman Newman moved for the Human Service Committee recommends to City Council to accept
Ms. Eckersall's application and make the appointment. Alderman Rainey seconded the motion:
motion unanimously approved 14-0).
VII. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF LAKEFRONT EVENTS
A) CITY OF HOPE WALK
A) INDIAN GUIDESIINDIAN PRINCESS OVERNIGHT
8) HOLIDAY INN PICNIC
Alderman Newman moved for approval of City of Hope Walk, Indian GuldesAndlan Princess
Overniqht, and Holiday Inn Picnic. Alderman Moran seconded the motion. motion unanimously
passed f4-01.
Vlll. CITY OF EVANSTON PURCHASED SERVICE FUNDING GUIDELINES
Mr Terry noted copies of the Purchased Service Funding forms sent to the agencies last year were
included in the HSC packets He asked if the committee required any additional information as he
proposes to update and use the same forms. He also asked the sommEttee if they had any additional
questions His second request was whether the committee knew yet now they want t'andle agency reviews
this fall Does the committee wish full scale hearings selected agency hearings, newl requests for funding,
HSC Minutes 8,12 '99 - Page 8.
or any other range of options.
Alderman Newman was pleased with the informaton received in the packet and thought it answeimd all his
questions. He would like to see more in depth analysis by the staff of whether or not the goals set forward
are being met as he feels this is something that should be looked at. He also, thinks staff commentary on
what exactly the agency is doing in terms of financial management and a sense of whether stmff thinks
we're getting the bang for our buck in terms the particular agency management. He realizems a lot of
paperwork is involved but would like to see more in depth commentary of the applications after xhey are
received.
Alderman Rainey wanted to make sure when these agencies fill out the spreadsheets that give us their
actual numbers She is not referring to proposed numbers but the actual numbers as there is a for of room
to play with the numbers. Mr. Terry acknowledged that the difficulty this year had to be with June 1999
audit, not every agency will have completed their audit nor does every agency have the same sophir tication
for the use of financial software to give figures but we will do our best to obtain the proper data. Alderman
Rainey said the most recent actual is very important as it gives a good idea of what they are doinQ.
Alderman Moran asked if the City has ever included in their contract with the agencies a right to, ,and the
uses this in the generic sense, audit their programs and financial statements. Mr. Terry resperided we
receive an agency audit from every agency. They are all on file in our department. Incorporated in the
Purchase Service Agreement is the right to go in and observe the agency. Alderman Moran asked if we
have the right to go in and look at their books, to which Mr. Terry responded there is no exact language to
that effect in terms of a spot financial check but he will check on the exact language.
Alderman Kent said most agencies submit board information with the current composition of their board,
but some do not. He would like us to be sure those names and addresses are included in the information
submitted in the funding requests.
Alderman Newman asked when the agency funding requests will be sent out and when are they due back.
Mr. Terry said they will likely go out around August 15"' or 20"' and are due back a month after that.
Alderman Rainey asked if they are sent out without the agency requesting them Mr. Terry said all the
current funded agencies are sent out Alderman Rainey commented that agencies do not receive funding
from any private foundation without inquiring about the applications. Mr Terry said he could guarantee
there would be a few agencies that will not notice not having received the funding request and will come
to us in December and say we did not sent them the forms. Alderman Rainey said maybe some agency
would not ask for money if they did not receive the application. That's something to think about.
Alderman Newman brought up scheduling of hearings. Alderman Kent thought last year's procedure was
very helpful Mr. Tent' said half the agencies were heard in the spring and the other half were heard in the
fall because there was the Special Reserve Fund Review for half the agencies. The agencies not heard
in the spring were heard in the fall. Alderman Newman said he would like to see as many agencies as we
can. Mr. Terry said the committee will have one or two extra meetings and it be done by hearing three
agencies a night
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:28 p_m
Respectfully submitted,
Audrey Trotsk , Department of alth & Human Services
Audrey
HSC Minutes 8/2/99 - Page 9.
ALDERMEN PRESENT:
DRAFT - NOT APPROVED
Minutes
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
September 7, 1999
Civic Center - Room 2402
7:30 P.M.
Aldermen Rainey, Moran, Newman, Feldman, Kent
STAFF PRESENT: Roger Crum, Kathleen Brenniman, Doug Gaynor, Frank Kaminski, Linda
Black, Bill Stafford, Linda Lutz, C. Louise Brown. Carla Bush, Jay Terry,
Audrey Trotsky
OTHERS PRESENT: See Attached August 2, 1999 HSC Meeting Attendance Sheets
PRESIDING: Alderman Kent
1. CALL TO ORDER
Alderman Kent caned the meeting to order at 7:50 p.m. and announced he would be leaving the meeting
the Human Services meeting within the next thirty minutes. Alderman Rainey will take over as Chair as she
was the fast committee chair.
il. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MEETINGS OF AUGUST 2, 1999
The minutes of the August 2.1999 meeting were unanimously approved, f4-01.
III. CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHMENT OF A POLICE OUTPOST ON HOWARD STREET
A memorandum on the "Howard Street Outpost" was distributed to members of the committee.
Mr. Crum began the discussion noting that these outposts are a concept in community policing used in
various places throughout the country. They are a method of establishing a police presence in the
neighborhoods without establishing a full precinct where there are full time police officers sitting at desks.
They can be extremely effective or can be worthless if they are not done correctly or do not have
community support. Some opportunities in the communities have been looked at and Howard Street
seems to be in need of more police presence There are also other neighborhood issues Alderman Rainey
has made him aware of by making him walk the neighborhood. This is a transitionary area and must be
taken control of. There are various methods of doing that, one entails the possibility of a police outpost.
A site for a potential outpost has been identified, the initial purchase price of the outpost, and how that
outpost could be operated. Tonight we would like to run though the basic outline of how we believe this
outpost would be operated. The staff believes it is an experience. but he personally believes it is worth
trying and would be a good opportunity for us not only to invest our modest resources in, but a chance to
have a good insight into Mr. Crum turned to Chief Kaminski to give a brief summary of how he believes
this outpost can work.
Chief Kaminski noted there were a number of people in attendance that he has met at neighborhood
community meetings and got a very clear message from them about having an outpost_ We had an outpost
for a long time on Howard Street, in the 700 block, but there were issues and concems about it and the
landlord kicked them out. Since then they were trying to locate another outpost. In the previous outpost
HSC Minutes 9/7/99 - Page 1.
le
the bullding was not in good condition the landlord did not take care of the property nor meet their remands
and the outpost success there was marginal. If they had a better location it might have worked. He is a firm
believer in trying an outpost concept and the residents have spoken to him about how this wound benefit
the neighbonccod. In talking with other Police Chiefs and looking at these programs throughout the country,
what this does is becomes a ship and anchor to the neighborhood, the same way as a big name in a
shopping mall The Evanston Ponce Department represents a lot of programs and partnerships we have
tried to do in tl^e community For him an outpost would be a representation of an anchor in the community
and a rallying -oint of visual police presence. It would be part of the coalition in the neighborhood that
everyone could see We would try to provide leadership made available through the regular beat officers
stationed there He does not want anyone to think there will be officers sitting in an office all day, but wants
visibility on the streets and accessible to residents to discuss programs and other things. This is not only
for the Evanston Police Department as we also work closely with Commander Boggs of District 24 of the
Chicago Police A letter was sent to the City Council about this commitment to some of the activities that
could be done together with the Chicago Police if we had an outpost on Howard Street. Police
Department's Youth Services. Victim Witness Services, and Community Strategies Program are aso willing
to participate and can be brought into the area. We all know Bob Mayer who is very active in his beat and
wants to do programs with some of the kids he has been working with there Last year we veere very
fortunate to have had a Youth Outreach Program. through a grant, that was looking for space just to have
meetings with k:ds they were working with. This will provide the opportunity to have the location and space
to do some of the programs. He is confident everyone will join in how best to utilize all the current
programs and :tut in other programs to serve the neighborhood This is an opportunity to provide services
and programs to the neighborhood with the Police Department being the focal point. The location being
looked into is at 633 Howard Street, the old synagogue budding. The building needs a lot work and is not
in move in corc.tion It also needs a great deal of commitment from everyone in attendance here to make
it a viable program He, as well as his staff are willing and eager to roll up their sleeves to join in and make
this a successful program Lieutenant Black has been very involved researching this project and
supervises the teat officers in this area. As long as the neighbors are willing to support us we will certainly
be there to help them through this. He would be more than willing to sit down with some representatives
and further lock at the best way to utilize space, provide the programs, work in partnership, and meet the
ideas of the neighborhood about these concepts.
Mr Crum wanted to clarify if the Human Services Committee wishes the action of this committee to be
recommended to the City Council, we can then go ahead with procurement of this site in the very near
future
Alderman Feldman appreciated the work and planning that has gone into this project. A key issue for him
is whether there will be police at the outpost. The Chief has said there will not only be Evanston Police
there but also Chicago Police. He asked for some idea of how the police presence will be scheduled,
whenever they can. when they're not busy, or will they specifically be assigned to a time and place. He
knows at times we all have trouble getting our police because they're so busy. If they are so busy how will
they be able to be at this spot at any time. Chief Kaminski responded Alderman Feldman is correct about
the demand for services Not only do we have the regular beat car in this area Car Number 78. but as
everyone is aware a few years ago we were given additional manpower to create another two officer beat
there. We have a smaller area with one car in the area and they will utilize this place to stop in to use the
restroom, have lunch, etc. They are now depending on cover units in adjacent beats. Yes, it is a matter
of timing, if we had the luxury of other people to assign them permanently we certainly would, which would
increase visibility We can get people there and try to train them when they are at the south end to use
that place of business It will take time to encourage people to do that. If this is made someplace that is
visually nice with a clean. usable inside more people will be attracted to it. We have a number of people,
civilians who do a lot of services for the Police Department, that will help with the overall visibt-rty of the
premises.
Alderman Feldman said what he is hearing is the people in the neighborhood want a police outpost office
HSC Minutes 9/7/99 - Page 2.
with a greater police presence, the kird of interface that can occur with the police and citizzens an a very
high and productive level. Chief Kamirski is saying the Police Department will articulate the value and its
interest in seeing that the police perscnne; that operate in that area will use that facility ar)d make their
presence felt without specifically assig ing a time He assumes there will be monitoring anc recclyds kept
of the kind of presence that results in znd would I:- very much interested in those results He is going to
support this, but wants to make Sur ! that between our Police Department and the Cntcago Police
Department, which he thinks is a mar ielcus idea. we have officers in that place and the asp+ranlon for
additional, visual, police presence will :ome true If this is what Chief Kaminski wants to create and he
know this is what Alderman Rainey wants to create. we have to make sure this is done and done right.
Alderman Newman asked Alderman Kent if he felt any of the outposts in the 5" Ward have been successful,
to which Alderman Kent replied, no F!derrran Newman said the issue is not whether or not we Lave an
outpost in the 81" Ward, the issue is vv zethe, or not we are going to have a successful outpost in the 811'
Ward. He does not know that the Police Department or the City Manager's office has ever run a successful
outpost. He certainly believes that the Teeple in the 51 Ward are as much entitled to a successful outpost
as the people in the 80' Ward His interest is in something that is going to work on Howard Street. He does
not think what is in this memo is a sufficient guarantee as he is tired of supporting failures but is willing to
support successes Based on this memo &,-s outpost does not spell success. as it is not clear to him how
people will be going in and out of this outoos* There is a need for more presence on Howard Street and
he would support another two -man ca- similar to what was done on Dodge. which to him would be more
effective than this If we are going to have an outpost a very detailed plan will oe needed, which the memo
received tonight could be the start of The me -no mentions graduates of the Po+ice Academy as volunteers
to help the police by being their eyes and ears but they are not trained to deal with some of the rough
situations going on on Howard Street His sense of the reason for this large turnout tonight is people want
to turn around the situation in their neighbomood which he wants to support Whatever is done at one
outpost should be done across the board at a tery outpost in the City as it Is not fair that one neighborhood
gets better service than another Also Chief Kaminski has to follow-up and inform us what structural
changes are going to be made in the Police Department to guarantee that this outpost will be an actively
used part of the department. If that can be proven he then will be more than willing to support this outpost.
Before voting on this he would like to see the budget figures to understand what this outpost will cost. This
memo is a start but does not tell the entire story Without hearing from people he does not know what their
views are and whether or not the last outpost was a success His sense of it was we had a place where
the police never showed up at. If he is wrong about this he would be glad to be corrected, as he would not
want to raise hopes for something that will not make a difference. What is wnnen in this memo does not
satisfy him in terms of a guarantee for the Ccuncil
Alderman Rainey said one of the best ways to defeat something and cause more paralysis is to pit one
neighborhood of have hots against another ne�ghborhood of have nots. She resents the attempt to do that
by pitting the 8°" Ward against the 51i Ward or some other Ward in the City. There are City services
available in this community for all neighborhoods She does not expect that some neighborhoods in this
community are getting less than others because of who they are or where they are located. The 8" Ward
happens to be in a unique location unlike any other Ward in this City, they share Howard Street with the
City of Chicago There is a need for the infusion of a stabilizing force due to the conditions that have
developed on that street There is a lack of progress being shown there in terms of civility, lawfulness,
increased lawlessness. increased gangs. increased crime. increased total disrespect for decent
neighborhoods One half block north of Howard Street one can see people taking care of their buildings.
landlords finally beginning to understand they have to maintain decent housing for the tenants they rent to.
For the most part with a few exceptions you see merchants who do not care with boarded up broken
windows and sidewalks filled with debns a very depressing place She believes one of the reasons it is
like that is because in south Evanston there is no major City presence In terms of economic development.
civic pride, people feeling safe, we have to have a role model on Howard Street. That role model is the
presence of a City facility that we will all feel comfortable going to. She also believes there are other
neighborhoods in this community that require the same thing, maybe not as desperately as Hovfard Street.
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4*
She will support this in any neighborhood where it is not, and will not say nobody can have anything unless
everybody has an outpost such as the outpost that will be on Howard Street That is not the way to
progress but the way to paralysis and holding people back The time has come to take a serious step on
Howard Street. For those who do not know, the City Building Department inspects Howard Street from
Ridge to the CTA tracks, every single day because the area has become such a disaster, The City
inspector gives tickets on Howard Street every day for trash, debris, litter and garbage. We will keep that
up until the merchants and people who trash Howard Stree_ begin to get respeG because the more we cite
the shop keepers for trash the more serious the shop keepers are going to get about the people hanging
out in front of their stores. She hopes we do not put another two -man car on Hc,.yard Street because there
is nothing that speaks more poorly for a neighborhood than every time you go down the street you see a
couple of kids spread eagle on a police car being frisked. That's the image we want to get rid of and want
to prevent from happening. We need the presence of the City building a police outpost, also needed is a
recreation center, but for the time being the 2400 square feet police outpost will cirovide many City services.
This is what we need and what we are all going to insist on having. We war.; to prevent the shootings
going on on Howard Street and the time has come that this Council needs to stand up and say the people
in this audience deserve to have that kind of stability The Community Development Block Grant
Committee set aside $100,000 out of last year's budget cedicated to the Howard Street development for
the acquisition of an outpost.
Alderman Kent set the ground rules for discussion and asced that whatever ,s said to tie into either what
the Council members or the Police Chief has said. He would appreciate it if speakers let us know their
experience and what they see in the area, as they are the residents of that ne.ghborhood
Selma Moses. 723 Howard - Addressed Alderman Ne%vman regarding his statement that he is tired of
supporting failures Does he have any input how this outpost that is so desperately needed can be
substituted.
Alderman Newman responded his problem with this issue is all the money for the outpost operation was
eliminated in the last budget. He was on the Council when there previously was an outpost on Howard
Street and as a member of the Council supported that outpost. Most of the expansion and the shrinking
of beats took place after 1993 when there was a lot of debate on the floor of the Council about getting
additional resources to south Evanston. His disappointment is going by the outpost that previously was in
that area and was not very well used He thinks the reason for that outpost not succeeding was because
the Police Department never fully supported the concepts of outposts anywhere in the City, not just in your
neighborhood In his view this is not a question about pirung one neighborhood against another but that
he would like to see outposts succeed everywhere and does not think the memo received tonight is 'going
to be the new beginning" nor is it sufficient to guarantee your neighborhood that you are going to have a
success. He would be glad to support a success but it will take money and commitment by the Police
Department, the City Manager, and to some extent the City Council because one of the things that the
Council has not done, and he will accept that responsibitity, is when we have had outposts we have not
made sure that the Police Department staffed them, which is what this memo wants. He is willing to support
a success if he knows there will be change While some people might refer to this as a recipe for paralyses
he wants a recipe for getting it right and wants it to be r.ght in other neighborhoods that currently have
outposts which aren't being staffed or used that have similar problems. As a policy making committee for
the entire City the issue before us should be how we are going to make these outposts successful and if
we can devise a way among the Council to make sure we are going to get the accountability He is in his
office in downtown Chicago 99% of the time Monday through Friday and the people responsible for
implementing this are the non -elected City staff who have to be committed to the program which is what
he wants to explore What he meant by failures is the worse thing that could happen tonight is for this
committee and the Council to support an outpost and have a situation where staff does not show up and
we do not have the programs or presence necessary to make the neighborhood better He needs more
demonstration and dialogue with the Police Chief and the City Manager. If we go forward with this he is
prepared to personally hold the staff of the Police Department and the City Manager responsible if they do
HSC Minutes 9/7/99 - Page 4.
not deliver.
Alderman Moran commented if Alderman Newman's remarks are addressed to his particular cleswe to see
a new outpost establish a success he joins him in thos - remarks. as it is essential that it be a sucimss. He
also is sympathetic. particularly to Alderman Rainey's Aaternent, that there is so much lawtess activity in
the Howard Street area. It is not putting our best foot f _rward as a communih, to see those kinds of things
happen. He would like to think that the money in other resources that would be devoted to this outpost
could go to things such as Economic Development ar J Recreation. as other uses might apc�y In terms
of revivifying a portion of our community that is strugvling -1 would not be his first choice to put a police
outpost there he might want other things that would help that community He has spent time around
Howard Street, a very important place for the City of Evanston. He represents a part of Evanston that is
as far away from Howard Street as it could be and he has ahvays thought what happened on Howard Street
was incredibly important not just for the V Ward business people or residents on Howard Street, but
important for the people of the 6" and r Wards because anytime a part of our community is in such a state
that its not doing well that means that Evanston is not doing well and we're all part of Evanston.
Unfortunately, things on Howard Street are deficiently dire as you describe and as he reads in the police
reports every week this is an emergency room measure Although he might like to see other types of
activities being funded recognizes there is a very difficult crime situation there and that is the first thing that
needs to be under control It is very hard to do economic development and run a lot of other programs that
would improve the neighborhood if people don't feel safe 'Ne have to make people feel they are safe and
this outpost could help. He does not want a number of tt-e concerns that Alderman Newman has be a
symbol, but wants them tc be a reality. There needs to be a positive direct influence in the area and if it
is not the support you now have it will quickly dissipate We do not have a lot of resources to expend on
something that won't be siccessful If this is a success and establishes a sense of safety and a better
atmosphere in the Howard Street community he is for it As he voles for it he would extend the same
challenge on a personal basis to the City Administration and the Police Department to make this work. On
the positive side he hopes that we ultimately will have other programs on Howard Street where we can
retrench in terms of police interdiction and move in a more positive direction towards having things happen
on Howard Street. Also he does expect direct indicators of success If they are not there we will have
to look to other directions but at this point it is needed. He is happy to support this and hopes, if it passes.
it works.
Gentleman from the audience - A year ago he and his wife purchased a building in the 100 block of Custer.
They know what is happening on Howard Street and at this particular point there is a very big crisis there.
He would like to congratulate the Police Chief, the Mayor and of course Alderman Rainey for understanding
what the situation is, their insight in putting this program together, and support of the neighborhood
residents. From what he has heard it sounds as though all the responsibility is being put on the Police Chief
and his department. You are talking about what hasn't happened in other areas where police substations
have developed. We're not interested in that and that is not why we're here tonight. What you see is the
people in the area, the missing ingredients you have not even talked about. We're the people that live in
that area, who see what is going in the area, and are demanding something be done about it. We're not
here to talk about past failures or other political things, but wwe're talking about a real live crisis situation that
takes place every night, seven days a week. Those present tonight are the people who are going to work
with the City Council and the City Manger to see that our area gets cleaned up. We are here tonight to let
you know how we feel about this and our mission is to let you know we will do whatever it takes to get this
done.
Judith Levin, 720 Oakton - Ms Lewin directed her statement to Alderman Newman. You used to live in
the 8"' Ward but perhaps you have forgotten Remember the helipad. you didn't want the noise or possible
danger to tt-e community of the helicopter at St. Francis Hospital. Now you live on the opposite side of the
City. She wonders how many drug users. coke dealers. gang bangers and street shootings you have in
your area of this City and you do not consider this dangerous. Well. you and your three children and wife
are invited to Howard Street one afternoon or evening, to browse around the stores, maybe have a bite to
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U* I
eat in a restaurant or fast food place. and then tell us we do not need an outpost there. By the way Mr.
Newman. wrong, for failures can be turned around.
At this point Alderman Kent. Committee Chair, made an annr- incement. He urged everyone take the words
of wisdorr from Alderman Rainey, if you don't want to pit :As neighborhood against neighborhood then
leave certain remarks out of it. Everyone here has a rig t to their opiriton. If you want to talk about
somebody and their children and somebody walking arou :d with drug Cealers, debris and trash in the
streets and alleys. gambling all over the place, he would .ive to answer that question for you from his
perspective He does not think you have the lime light on yci because you are on Howard Street. He can
relate to those exact same things that Alderman Rainey de Scribed in the '_R Ward, in the 2' Ward, in the
4"Ward on back to the 8"' Ward and they are all just as bac You can talk about the gangs and the drugs
but the one thing he has honestly tried to do while he has been an Alderman is create and work with things
that he is not just for in the 5' Ward but things that address crime on a cir• ,wide basis. Alderman Moran's
statements are fantastic and he believes he meant them. but he wishes lust one time he could hear the
same thine from his neighbors in the north and as we cross the bridge to the 5` Ward, we're also far away
from the 8- Ward but are only a bridge away from the 61 and 7- Wards so ne does not have any pity here.
He feels for you because he knows exactly what you're saying but there arr some questions that he needs
answered. too. When he goes down Howard Street he finos a lot of vacant buildings. Why. because not
an entrepreneur that looks at spending their life savings are going to go ;n there knowing the hell that's
down there. He has some business areas in his little 5" Ward that are just ,he same. You were right when
you said you are the missing key. its not only you in the 8" Ward that a-e the missing key concerned
citizens throughout Evanston are the missing keys You cannot talk abc(-' crime in the 8"' Ward without
talking about the Disciples that are running drugs from Howard Street all tr,e way down to Simpson Street,
without ta.King about the Latin Kings that there that cross over to Greenwood If he's wrong let the Police
Chief tell nim so. It is not fair for him to give his side of the story when he has to leave this meeting early
and he does apologize for that. Regarding the vacant buildings on the street, has the Police Department
thought about going to some of those landlords and asking them to donate the space so we could use the
S100.000. or whatever amount, to put some of these programs into place Looking at this memo he can
tell this would be fantastic where we put it there, but when you talk about tie reality of what we have seen
in police outpost stations and what we have the police manpower to dea: with we are then talking about
something totally different By the way. he would be happy to accept ar-other two -man squad car in his
neighborhood as he wonders where they are all the time. He gets call just as Alderman Rainey gets from
her constituents saying -1 haven't seen a squad car over here in a half a^ hour - Alderman Rainey then
goes out into the neighborhood to look for the squad car, which he has also done many times. We hear a
lot of the same problems. We have something good here but there is also the question of some balance
that comes into play.
Alderman Rainey responded to the comment about all the vacant buildings on Howard Street There are
exactly two and a half vacant buildings on Howard Street One vacant bu.,lding is the outpost building we
have targeted. the other is the two flat and store front next to it owned by tie same owner. and the third is
the building next to the Shell Station lust east of Ridge owned by Dr McC ure is an absolute pigpen. The
owner is hoping for the renaissance of Howard Street. We are not faced with the problem of vacant
buildings on Howard Street and wishes some of the storefronts were vacar-- Her hope is that the 8' Ward,
Howard Street. running. needing, and achieving an outpost. in no way negatively reflects on the City. This
same fight ought to be going on in other parts of the City and she definitely would support it We have five
fire stations in Evanston and she dares anybody to attempt to remove one of them. They're all needed to
deploy emergency services to various neighborhoods. We have one pol-ce station, in the center of town
we need outposts in various neighborhoods in this community. and better start someplace You can't not
have an outpost because somebody looked at something. and says if we do this it will be a failure. That
is not the way to start out
At this point. 8.45 p.m. Alderman Kent left the meeting and fumed the Chair over to Alderman Rainey.
HSC Minutes 9,17 99 - Page 6.
Alderman Newman wished to respond to the gentlemen who said he moved into the neighbornood a year
ago. His problem is he has been on the Council for eight years and has listened to various commentaries
in a very interested way. Aldermen Feldman, Kent, and himself led the fight to get a reduced sized beat
because at that time the beat on Howard Street went all the way to McCormick, which was ridaculous. He
is more than willing to support things that can and will work There was an outpost in the a' Ward on
Howard Street from 1992-97. while the same Police Department and City staff was operating ;hat outpost
he did not view things there as improving. One of the things he is paid his S500 a montr+ to do is to try not
to make the same mistake twice. This is not a political thing. Every time he attends a Ci y Cou:-r+i meeting
he tries to make this community better and it frustrates him to be part of something that will r-W succeed.
We as the Council are going to effectuate change so when we do have an outpost we will have an outpost
that truly makes a difference. People might be very happy getting a vote out of this committee tonight that
we will support an outpost, but you're not going to be happy a year and a half from now unless the City staff
is paid the S t 5 000 000 a year we pay for police services for this town. Take some of those resources and
make this thing work He is not raising this situation to be negative but because we neeo to learn from our
mistakes and our past inabilities to succeed we have to correct that. We've had plenty of problems
throughout the City In his Ward he has robberies at gunpoint across the street from his house. He truly
wants this to work and anybody who doubts that has a right to He would like to succeeo and not fail again.
Alderman Ramey responded. nobody doubts Alderman Newman's frustration of not wanting an outpost on
Howard Street because what he knows about outposts is only failure. To follow-up or some of some of
Alderman Newman s comments about how successful he was we do appreciate it. It is important to note
that from 1992-93 when she was on the Council the police outpost was staffed many he::-s a day by police.
She was not on the Council from 1993-97 when the outpost failed, but guarantees tn.s outpost will see
plenty of police presence and appreciates his support in the past for the outpost but is yoking for support
now and in the future
Alderman Feldman indicated he knows Alderman Newman has worked hard and fougnt a great deal in
support of a lot of things that have benefited the 8" Ward and our mission on Howard Street Alderman
Newman was one of the few people on the Council that initially felt as he did, we needed a so called
Marshall Plan for the 80' Ward and Howard Street, a dedicated effort that would take a long time to deal
with. This is not going to happen overnight. One of the things that must happen in this struggle is that there
be step-ups some progress, some validations. some improvements, all of which he has tried to support.
The sense he is getting here is not only Alderman Rainey s commitment to see this work but the people not
only want an outpost, but want an outpost that works. If you go by there and see the door shut. there are
no police on a regular basis, you know it is all a fagade that's not working for you. and is not working for us.
He is dependent that we get your commitment to see tnat a false or unsuccessful outpost that does not
have the presence of police, that is not functioning, that starts to look like the surroundings around it, is not
what you want nor will you tolerate. If you make sure the kind of vision you have comes to reality, he as
well as Alderman Newman will be happy. He is willing to support this on the basis of your commitment and
Alderman Rainey's commitment to see that something other than past failures occurs there.
Alderman Neuman has no doubt that a lot of people will support this but has a problem the way tNs is being
presented The comments made about paralysis are very frustrating to him as he would be willing to put
in many hours on this subject to look at what went on at the 1992-93 Howard Street outpost without calling
it a recipe for paralysis. it is not his perception nor is he saying this because he wants to disagree that
during 1992-93 when this outpost was being staffed, there was a significant impact in that year in terms
of crimes or things getting done on Howard Street. He would like to work through that and see what went
on in the outpost and work towards the budget when there is no money for any outpost in an attempt to try
to figure out if we do come to a solution that it be the right one and it can work. Alderman Ramey said she
is not an expert in developing outposts but thinks we have a fully staffed Police Department that is going
to be doing that work As Alderman Newman said being paid $500 a month and working nine or ten hours
a day downtown you do not have time to put together an outpost in time for it to save Howard Street. She
thinks this is the beginning of a fabulous outpost program and good thinking, well-intentioned people can
HSC Minutes 9/ 7i 99 - Page 7.
disagree
k
Comment from lady in audience - Due to the kindness of he, neighbor Al Mil_ hell a year ago she Nought
an apartment building on Howard Street She knows a tiolice presence woul mare a difference with the
riff raft and derelicts hanging out She lives one block off Howard Street ant even tells neighbors not to
walk down Howard Street as she does not feel safe wa.a:rg down the street nth her husband and young
son. She moved out of Rogers Park where she saw now 10►oms avenue is going through an evaluation
with CAPS and how people would literally leave the ar-a because they kne" the police were there. You
can find a million and one reasons to shoot this down car say this may not be 3 good program. This is not
a personal attack on Alderman Newman and all you need is one good reason to have a police outpost. If
it will help people feel safer there we should all be for n and if we do not sec policemen there or people
making an active effort to get out and change the srtuat>'on, she is sure Alderman Rainey will definitely hear
from us
Alderman Newman asked this speaker if she feels the Presence she is seeing in terms of officers in cars
is adequate or inadequate The lady responded. she cow mt think that it is adequate otherwise Howard
Street would not be in the current state that it is in. Size's afraid to walk down that street when she goes
to or comes home from work She works in downtown Chicago, as an auditor and knows periodic cruises
are made and Evanston police have done a fine lob there up to this point, but having an outpost there with
community support and presence would do a fantastic Job Alderman Rainey added, right now to make
Howard Street safe there needs to be a police officer can every corner
Comment from lady in the midience - Has lived in tie ne,-ghborhood for the last seventeen years and
currentty+ lives in a townhouse on the 100 block of Custer Before that she lived on Dobson and Ridge. She
was there when the outpost was put on Howard Street and she and her sister were elated at Of
course as said, nothing is simple In a TV commerc:al they said to clean up an area put lights on and
make yourself visible as people who are in the business of came don't like a lot of attention and will leave
the area if they see the police are present and the residents care about their community and are willing to
stand up and fight for it About a month ago there was a bunch of teenagers standing outside on the comer
having a hoot of a good time about 9-00 p m. She put on her clothes went outside and spoke to them and
they left We all are going to have to start standing up for ourselves and not be afraid of those kids. We're
asking the police to take a chance and put an outpost there and we will also have to take a chance. We're
going to have to stand up as a community and deal with this, we can boycott and stand in front of their
places as we have to take charge of our community
Norm Dolinko - On Howard Street we have the Chicago part coming over here which makes for a very bad
combination on the street.
Tina Nooks, 140 Custer - They moved in the area in December and began looking at the place in October.
A year ago she did not see the activity she now sees with other buildings, the entire Ward has been taken
over We need ten more Bobs in the area She called the police when she saw twenty girls arguing and
starting to fight on the street. Fifteen minutes later when the police came the girls were gone and the
police kept saying, 'you ladies" Yes. she is always calling them with things going on because they need
to be there She understands you want to see something constructively put together and her answer is
tell us what you want that will change your mind exactly on paper Alderman Newman said what he wants
never will be done Ms Hooks said she has been heanng all the same thing and what she wants to hear
is constructiveness, is there going to be a facility director, a place for seniors to go to as seniors are a first
focus in the police outpost because we want to draw the seniors they teach the little kids and we don't want
a place for hoodlums to hang out at Kids have parks in the community to go to and would be the second
focus She does not mean to call them hoodlums but young people that have no direction and need
guidance and it is very important to have an outpost but she also believes it will not do any good if there
are no Indians there. Is there a budget for a facility director. Alderman Rainey said that was in the report
received from the Police Chief. If you have arguments against it document it so people can see this and
HSC Minutes 9/7/99 - Page 8.
F]
work with the Chief of Police to get it changed
Alends Andrews, 140 Custer • She has been in the area for fourteen years And has her business ad 136
Custer. She is there during the day and sees a lot of what goes evi in the neighborhood It is quite ammzmg
to her that everything that has happened on Howard Street of course ahvays comes down to dollars and
cents. but we have this incredible development that is going on down he road. She has clients Wi iwe—r the
north shore that do not know our area of Howard Street from that area of Howard Street, to them �ts Howard
Street What amazes her is all of this money is being poured into thss development and there is n6body
here as a representative of that development. She was informed there is a representative present.. Ails.
Andrews said that will affect this development because if we don't get cleared up there there w4 not be
anybody coming to Starbucks. Dominick's, or the theater complex. You will have to work with us as well
because this is only four blocks from us and people's perception of Howard Street has to change. She has
seen Main Street and Dempster change over the years she has been here and if you want people to came
there you need to work with us and help us with funds and ideas. You have a lot of people that you pay
salaries and have connections with people that would know who to bnng into the neighborhood and how
to make the changes and what kind of facilities we need. We can seek more help and funds if we have the
support of a development such as this.
Alderman Rainey wanted to say something on behalf of B.J. who owns the pet store Animal Affinity. B.J.
works morning, noon and night on civility on Howard Street in addition to improvements, etc. He is
President of the Special Services District Board on Howard Street on the Chicago side and she meets with
B.J. and a group of people on the Howard Street Redevelopment. not necessarily the shopping center but
Howard Street There is a plan for the physical Howard Street to be rescaped, a new street scape along
Howard Street
B J. - He wanted to let the people know that he has a building in Rogers Park on Seeley, six blocks from
Howard Street which is a real cancer neighborhood. He is also on the Board of the oldest neighborhood
block club association, Neighbors in Action. There has been some very revolutionary things happening one
of which Howard Street Redevelopment Committee, a coalition of Evanston and Chicago, is engaged in
activity to better the business district and quality of life on Howard Street. Between Evanston to Ridge and
the CTA and Chicago to Ridge and Sheridan Road countless hours have been put in by many people from
from both involved communities There will be a very detailed physical statement on the future of the
Howard Street refacing The Evanston Police and Chicago Police are working today as they have nearer
worked before allowing patrols directed to the two blocks on either side of Howard Street where ever obey
can help out in crime situations There was a time when if there was a problem the Evanston police would
drop people off on the Chicago side of Howard Street and visa versa. Now the kids are very savvy and
have been using migration techniques back and forth cross street by putting that two block inside buffer
zone and have become very uncomfortable. Not uncomfortable enough to make them quit Howard Strut
and the surrounding community. He thinks we are moving toward the day when this criminal activity will
be breaking down He is a business owner of the Animal Amenity Pet Shop. a wonderful place to visit and
an upscale shop People have come from as far as Kentucky to buy animals from him because he has a
superior quality of products and animals in the shop In a serious note, he would not have opened hus
business there if he did not have rock solid faith that the community would turn around We have two or
three people who can't get off the street and are on the street selling drugs running back and forth after
students All the rest of the people in the community are good solid working citizens, they go to work, corre
home and participate in family activities Unfortunately what is seen on the street may depress people who
see what is going on We do have neighborhood organizations on the Evanston and Chicago sides of the
street and several people who make a statement every night as he does at 3:00, 4 00. or 5:00 in the
morning You cannot continue to have people arrested as he has had people arrested for certain violations
to get them off the street He agrees with the people who stood up and said we have responsibilities tco
to make our neighborhood safe for our local and business district He is here to let you know that he rs.
perfectly willing to dedicate the services and resources he has access to to the improvement of Howard
Street and if in any way can help the Police Department is more than willing to offer his help.
HSC Minutes 9; 7/99 -- Page 9.
Lady in the audience - She has lived on Howard Street for almost ten years and wanted to encourage her
neighbors in this process to challenge and continue to talk to elected officials. We started a p:artrrefship
way back and have worked on housing and street issues at the old outpost and seem to have dcjne a good
job because now the new folks are becoming invested in housing and their streets. We need our
partnership and resources to look at the public safety issue. She was very happy rwth the outpost office
and was one of those who pushed for f. She is here to again push for that because now that we 'gave dealt
to some extent with some of the housing issues we need to move to the next process which is puolrc safety.
We're willing to work with some of that and urge and challenge you to continue to do this work ur di its done
and welcome you to come to the neighborhood meeting next month. We need to continue for zf we stop
now the work we've done on Howard Street and even the work we began in recreation and other avenues
are going to somehow start to dissipate. We can't stop now.
Mimi Peterson - Lives between the 8`' Ward and the 5' Ward and is a recipient of increased police
services A couple of years ago we came to the Council and got an increased presence of the Police that
has done wonders in our neighborhood. She is an advocate for the Police Department althougn she has
a couple of questions about the type of center this is going to be. Will it be a senior center, actvity center
for kids. or will it be the police outpost. She also wonders where the program dollars are comirng from for
these programs or outpost activities and is curious how much is involved or if there are any future
discussions about it Alderman Rainey responded this is currently being worked on and everyone is free
to look at the Howard Street Outpost memo. The Police Department's Amanda Jones. is a senior otizen
advocate which the kind of thing we're talking about for this outpost.
Chnstine Benne - 'Nanted to know how much the building is going to cost. how much will the renolation
cost, hoof much wsli it cost to staff it These are questions that need to be answered before you think of we
want more money or do we have limited resources in Evanston. Evanston has an overabundance of
programs and is very generous. The kind of situation we now have on Howard Street is so hard core no
programs will speak to them, nothing of the niceties of life. Some people can be helped along the younger
you get them. What we are talking about is the need to walk safely, this is a public safety issue and police
men licensed to carry guns are going to make a difference there. We don't just want to throw money into
the problem. Was she correct in hearing you say a staff position in the budget was eliminated. ,alderman
Newman clarified that the money for an outpost, at the recommendation of the Police Department was
eliminated Ms. Benne came back to the question, what would it cost to have more police presence there
and buying the outpost, ownership is a way to influence and control for employees. This will be needed in
the future because we are a very large town, a population of 73,000, and have only one police station.
Centralization hasn t worked and the outposts are ways to start decentralizing.
Alderman Newman commented Ms. Benne made a very good point about decentralization and wanted to
follow-up on it. The Police Department has come to the Council with a budget proposal for central
headquarters to centralize downtown and wants the community to spend a huge amount of money an this.
Several meetings have been spent agonizing over this proposal. He would rather see this committee
explore relocating the offices of the problem solving team uniform police foot patrols to Hor.-ard Street
instead of building them new offices which is the reason we are being asked to set aside the amount of
money the Police Department is asking for new offices for this unit. He could see a very significant change
in this outpost as opposed to the 1993-97 outpost locating problem solvers in this building and r-ot bLulding
a second set of offices downtown. Instead of going to centralization, to have a real pol6cy of
decentralization the money we are spending on Howard Street to put police officers in the fie:•d. in terms
of the capital outlay wouldn't be duplicated downtown We would then have a permanent presence of a
significant amount of officers coming out of that area He would like that added to the list for C�omrnittee
consideration
Judith Treadway - Obviously we're all here, or the majority of the people here, to suppor. the police
outpost and programs There are some budget hearing programs that we all know will not be answered
HSC Minutes 9/ 7,99 - Page 10.
46
tonight. What she would like to know from the committee is what is going to cur tonight and will this be
on the next City Ccuncil meeting agenda. She would also like to receive a tipt of Chief Kamirrski's memo
and also the rev siting of the programming finances
Alderman Raine / remarked the reason the committee discusses things among themselves is so we can
reach an outcorr e, it is very difficult to predict outcomes She is prepared to s:jpport the purchase of this
property for the L urpose to develop a police eu=st. Both the progran) and t ucget needs to be developed
but we need to make our move because there s nothing saying that because there are only twe available
vacant buildings on Howard Street they will be vacant forever. This is a very serious issue. ,Alderman
Rainey was asks d if the property she is thinking of is large enough fo«r what is needed. Alderman Rainey
responded it is 2400 square feet and she is not prepared to say if it is the hest idea in the world to
permanently relocate some division of our police department but thinks it should be looked at. As a matter
of fact, many months ago. when they went to the available outpost property there was a great deal of
discussion about that very thing. This is not a new idea, it has been looked into before and she is not sure
what will happen. Alderman Rainey was asked about the asking price for the bLWding. Her response was
she did not think that should be discussed at the moment because other people might say that is a perfect
price and run out and buy it.
Alderman Newman was glad to hear the idea has been looked into but none of that information or
discussion has come back to this committee. He hopes you will be open enough to allow us to have a
discussion of alternatives as he happens to believe it would be positive and would like to hear the pros and
cons related to this from the Police Chief to carry that as part of this item to allow the committee to explore
ways of making this outpost successful. He is in favor of going forward with the budget and ideas on how
to make it effective in the community
Lady in the audience - Asked if there is going to be a vote tonight to have this go to Council, Alderman
Rainey did not know if there is going to be a vote tonight but is prepared to vote to send to the Council the
directions of the City Manager to purchase the property.
Alderman Feldman is convinced that Alderman Newman has indicated a strong desire to make this work.
As a result of his concern he is entitled to have a period of time for further consideration, especially
considering we got this tonight. There is no budget, nor some of the details he would like to see included,
For example this says who may use the outpost, he would like to know is who will use the outpost. It would
almost be precipitous for us to take a vote tonight when at least one member, as well as himself, has some
questions and issues to work through. Again. he will say he will support an outpost that he believes will
function well as this is a solid beginning.
Alderman Rainey felt we have been overpowered this evening and would ask this committee to set a
special meeting to deal only with this issue. The committee shf.)uld get the appropriate information in
advance. Looking at this as a potential plan for an outpost and knowing what the needs are in south
Evanston which are definitely different than needs in other places, she does not see this as being a faulty
program or one that would absolutely insure the failure of the outpost. Once more she will say she does
not see a real disagreement that an outpost utilizing these processes and operations would be a failure.
However, there are more people on the Council than sit on this committee and she does not want the
outpost to be voted on in a negative way just because some people think there should not be an outpost
but she wants to see it strongly supported and does not think it would be a failure because Alderman
Newman thinks so In a spirit of note trying to make this work thi , ist it can possibty work she would like
to set a special meeting of this committee and would hope the cowntittee would at least stick by their guns,
and say they really want to work on this as this is important enot ' , to set a special meeting.
Alderman Feldman said he would be prepared to meet anytirru providing the committee receives the
information we need to work on this. He does not want to get :r .hort memo saying nothing. This is a
meeting that everything has to be absolutely definitive and writs( in stone. Alderman Rainey said we
HSC Minutes 9/7/99 - Page 11,
need to take the leadership rote here, set the meeting, and direct staff to have the information ready at that
time.
A lady in the audience asked about making people in the community aware of the outpost and the special
meeting. Alderman Rainey responded the way people in the neighborhood are notified is by the distribution
of flyers.
Alderman Rainey set this issue to be on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled Human Services
Committee meeting, October 4"'. so no one would be troubled to come to a separate meeting
Mr. Crum noted in his extensi•re experience wdh outposts, a successful outpost is not just what the City can
do for you, its what you the community can make out of it, with the cooperation and support of the Police
Department. It becomes a Community Orientated Policing Station a "Cop Shop'. Several communities
have incorporated as a non-profit corporation and created an ongoing operation where there would always
be the training of volunteers. not just random volunteers but training people to make a commitment to their
neighborhood that would worK with the Police Department to operate and support their presence in their
neighborhood. That will make it work. you don't just hire staff and officers to make it work, wrnch is what
we are discussing here torng .t
Alderman Rainey thought Mr Crum's speech should be directed to this committee. Listening to the people
here tonight they are saying trey understand that they have to participate.
Representative from the Evanston Mennonite Church on Dobson - They are also very concerned about
the civility in the area and wculd like to give their assurance they will be very supportive of the increased
presence of police and the outpost in the neighborhood.
Alderman Rainey wanted to clarify for those who are not familiar with the Mennonite Church on Dobson
which backs up to Howard Street. Over the years they have been very supportive and allowed us to have
community meetings in the basement of their church.
Alderman Rainey announced this committee has not come to any conclusion other than they wit again meet
on October 4"
Alderman Newman requested that the minutes very clearly reflect the way his comments were
characterized by Alderman Rainey regarding his saying this is a failure, he never meant to say this is a
failure. He will say he did not have an opportunity to read the memo perhaps as Alderman Rainey did, until
a minute before he came to this meeting. This information was asked to be given in advance to the
committee but it was not, therefore. not having had the opportunity, the one section he was able to read
was how the outpost would function and who would staff it. He wants to make it clear, he does believe that
there is a deficiency in that part of the memo, which he would love to have the opportunity to work on at
future meetings. Alderman Rainey asked Alderman Newman if was okay to have this item on ine agenda
the 441 of October and will he have time to work on it as she does not want to waste pecole's time.
Alderman Newman responded he originally asked for it to be on the agenda tonight, in faa for seven
months it was not on anybody's agenda. He would like to get staffs answers to questions asked at
tonight's meeting. Alderman Rainey said everyone will struggle to be at their best on the 4th to deal with
this issue
IV. Report on Ecology Center Renovation
Mr Smith, Chair of the Ecology Board, said the Ecology Center wants to create a facility tl?—=t provides
better access to the arboretum for programs and more cultural space for staff to do their mork. They
conduct a lot of programs for youth regarding departmental issues, provide them access to the arboretum,
and this will give them larger facilities for classroom and exhibition space. It is a way to make ne Ecology
HSC Minutes 9/7/99 - Page 12.
it
Center more accessible and more of an asset for the enure community A dragram of the b► ?dying plans
was Including in the information sent to this mmmttee The nests gnftant changes that was occur to the
arboretum building are there will be a new classroom and the rooftme Y0 be redone to Lotrfy the presence
of the building frc n the McCormick Street side They have teen ►%irking of this for many years and are
close to having th : project done, input was c1ctarned from the communih through a nurrt�er of comrnuney
meetings found tr is to tie very acceptable in terms of the ideas presented at that time Community ideas
were incorporate 3 into the physical building to enable the c rogrammatic things to occur The cost is
estimated at approximately $300,000, money ►vhich will coma from a pr-vate sources fund, the Evanston
Environmental Association, We expect to use $200,000 towards this project and want the rest to be put
in a building cam f sign. Beyond what they can have there are other things they would like to address that
would contribute to the functionality of this project.
Alderman Feldmai inquired if there is anything requested of this body Mr. Gaynor commented when this
was presented a couple months ago the Human Services Committee requested a periodic update. We
now have a plan, specifications, are ready to move to the next step. and felt this was the time to give you
a status report.
Alderman Feldman asked if this has anything to do with the gardens and was told the community garden
program is managed through the Ecology Center He wanted to know if the lock has been fixed in James
Park and was told it was. He also wanted to know about the difference is in the water pressure and was
told two or three methods have been looked to get greater water pressure One method is not to increase
the pressure but to have cne or two more hose tips something that is not simple and that has to be worked
out. Alderman Feldman said he has reports that the new pipes produce less water pressure and takes a
lot longer to water our garden than the old pipes that it used to Alderman Rainey also had several such
reports. fAr Gaynor was not aware we were getting such reports as the pipes being used is a specification
that was supposed to produce the same pressure. Alderman Feldman said he would appreciate hearing
about the water, pressure so he can get back to his constituents about that.
Alderman Rainey thanked Mr. Smith for his presentation and felt the City should be honored this project.
Alderman Rainey called for a short recess at 9:40 p.m. the meeting resumed at 9:50 p_m.
V. FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 57-0-99 AMENDING CITY REGULATION OF
FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS
Mr. 'Terry noted when this was last discussed in July, the committee raised a number of questions that are
responded to in the HSC committee packet. Questions asked pertained to what constitutes Category I,
small versus large establishments, the philosophical basis for getting into risk based regulation, goals
relative to revenue generation, and our philosophy for cost recovery which is addressed by a memo from
Bill Stafford
Alderman i`.loran had a question relating to the revenue generation issue Our cost is $175,000 projected
revenue of 5122 000 with an obvious remainder of a City subsidy of S53.000. Is it possible that was to
consider we set the fees to giver all the cost and not have any Civy funds to meet. Mr. Stafford responded,
no it was not intentional; they tried to recover much of the cost when they set the fees. Ideally they would
have done that but the issue became in terms of putting out fees relative to those rates of our cost of doing
business, just as we when do not recover all our fees in the Building Department. Alderman Moran asked
if some of the philosophy, in terms of setting the fees, related to the fact that the increase may now have
some impact but over the course time will try to dose that gap. Mr Stafford responded it is absolutely the
hope for full cost recovery
Alderman Newman appreciates all the work that has been done. What you are saying is you have certain
amounts of money you want to recover and are looking to do that from the increasing number of violations.
HSC Minutes 917199 - Page 13.
You want to be able to charge certain categories more money through the fees. in his opinion this is wrong.
The way this should be done is give everybody a chance to comply and if there will be re -inspections due
to violations, then fine tnem. As cited in this memo taking D & D Foods as an example, because our
records show they have more violations and are causing us more staff time we should charge them and
like size facilities. highe,, fees up front. Why not ha,+e an analysis and tell them what the rules are to give
them a chance to compl.. If they don't comply with %e rules and have nine violations they will then be fined
for the violations, the wG it it is done in Housing. by having re -inspections and those breaking the law pay
for the re -inspections. Mr. Stafford noted there are categories you know are going to need more
inspections due to the nature of the business and to that extent a risk analysis can be done. Ms. Brown
added category is not based upon violations per space but is based on the type of food that is handled. Mr.
Stafford said he unders,3nds what Alderman Newman is saying but there is still an experience out there
that says you're going tc have a certain amount of �,lolations.
Alderman Newman inquired about the proposed 550) fee for Dominick's Category and asked how many
times a year Dominick's was inspected in relation to the minimum number of three times that D & D is
inspected. When inspecting D & D, which is 4.000 square feet are the inspections shorter or longer than
Dominick's inspections Ms. Bush said after the visual and testing inspections of the facilities, unless there
are a huge number of violations we cite the violations right there and try to discuss what has been
observed, what the problems are, ways to correct the violations, what is expected of continuing education,
all during the three times a year inspections People are generally not trying to make the public sick, they
want to make sure they are serving sanitary food to :ne public Yes, the more violations there are, the
more time is being spent at those establishments. 44,icc5erman Ramey noted the inspection is then used as
educational training. Alderman Newman said he is very much in favor of the education training and every
year, prior to the inspection, every restaurant owner should get a copy of the standards and what the
expectations are. What he is attempting to do is get a sense of in the initial three inspections does the
inspector spends more time in the 55,000 square feet store or the same amount of time as in D & D which
is 4 or 5,000 square feet. Ms. Bush responded walking around looking, taking temperatures, and testing
at Dominick's would take longer than the time spent at D & D.
Alderman Newman's point was that anybody should have the right to comply with our laws Somebody who
goes to the trouble to comply with all our rules and regulations, gets their violations under control, does not
have these nine violations in the D & D category, does not have four follow up inspections as they had, they
should be given that opportunity. If they have to spend more money because a small business does not
follow the rules he does not have any problem with there being fines for violations and people being
charged for the re -inspections. What he has a problem with is the initial fee should cover the base amount
of inspections. You do not want to fine or charge for re --inspections but are trying to recover the entire cost
of the program. He is glad you're coming up with this fee system by doing the reports and re -inspections.
This equates having Dominick's. one of the richest corporations in Illinois, pay the same basic fee as D &
D a small grocer that pays $50,000 a year in property taxes for its 5,000 square feet struggling to stay alive,
and not constantly opening new stores, and makes no sense to him There is an inequity of the basic three
inspections and what is being proposed here is addressed to them He would like to come up with a fee
structure more equitably based on the size of the stare If D & D is causing more reports to be written
because they are not following the law they will have to start paying follow-up inspection fees and fines
when they are not in compliance.
What Alderman Moran thought is being suggested is haying a program predicated on risk base to resource
commit. You commit the greatest number of resources to the place that is carrying the highest level of risk.
Once that is done you put economic factors into it and come up with a fee schedule that is more heavily
weighted towards the greatest risk elements. The Federal Food and Drug Administration has come up with
some elaborate documents that have the sense of having risk based food codes. Also, the cover memo
notes that Illinois is adopting State Codes that spring out of the FDA model code. More surprisingly Illinois
is going along with it, but nonetheless their following it is a clear endorsement of the Federal model. Some
of the costs of administering the program have to do with violations, fallow -up inspections, etc. As he
HSC Minutes 917199 - Page 14.
reads it this has less to do with assuming people will or will not violate as it has more co do with the
of consideration that there is inherently greater risk in certain types of food service establishments than
others. It is clear from this documentation that thousands of people have considerec thrc and acme up with
the most sensible way of regulating food. What we aree being asked to look at, on i local basis is do we
buy into this notion that risk based regulation and history make sense and do v a then coon!: rate the
economic aspects of it, i.e fees, asset allocation. costs human resources, the othf r things we have to do
to carry out our food inspection program. We do it or a prospective history risk l: rse considera:ion and
viewpoint. The materials received completely confirm and support the proposition that this risk based
historical viewpoint approach to regulation makes sense It manifests the Federal G id anecdotal evidence
that Mr. Terry collected in his September 74, 1999 memorandum regarding sa^itary observations on
grocery store restaurants in a fact base localized way that the historical and risk based approach to
regulation makes sense. This issue is trying to protect patrons of food service establishments wh4ch casts
money to do. The best allocation of resources is to go to places where they are it the greatest need for
protection and attempt to distribute the cost of that regulatory scheme in a way that makes the most sense.
which is what this is trying to do.
Alderman Moran moved that the committee aporove Proposed Ordinance 57-0-99 amendina various
captures in sections of the Evanston Cltv Code oertainina to the reaulation of fr»d nervico and
retail food sanitation. Alderman Ralnev seconded the motion for further discussion of the
ordinance.
Mr Terry commented that reasonable people can disagree on the identified dollar amounts but to get into
the business of fines would fundamentally change the philosophy of how the department works with
establishments We work on training and getting compliance and do not play the "gotcha game- He would
not like to see the department get into the imposition of fines. Theoretically we already have the power to
financially hurt a restaurant When things are so bad we can shut them down for public health reasons
which historically we try not to do. The department has a very good record of working with restaurants to
try to get them in compliance and in that regard he would compare us favorably to our neighbors to the
south Nonetheless, we just present this as a way of recovering the cost as it is obviously a policy decision
what percentage of those costs we want to try to recover through this method. Alderman Rainey thought
it was important to correct what was said, holding down the restaurant that has severe violations is not
getting that establishment but saving the public from that establishment until such time as they can provide
safe edibles
Alderman Feldman understood the concept of risk based categories but that is not the question being
raised which is whether or not these fees should be as large as they are. It is very difficult to talk about a
wealthy corporation as opposed to a poorer one as he does not know who of the establishments are cr are
not wealthy. There are small businesses such Foodstuffs, paying 5500. He is sympathetic with the idea
that people should be fined on the basis of their record which is something he originally brought up. He also
understands the philosophy that fining is not the best way to go about this and is impressed with the aunt
of time and energy spent on education and working with people At one time he wanted to know whether
or not there was a possibility of as a result of a record over a period of time that that risk category be
dropped That would be an experiential risk diminution rather than a risk category on the basis of the 'rind
of service there is If in fact over a period of time we see that the education works and the number of
violations has dropped. This would be some incentive for people to strive for a reduction in the experiential
category If they go for a full year and they assume the kind of risks and the time spent with them
diminishes there may be a way in which they can be dropped Many of us feel very concerned abort the
amount of money taken from people in view of the large amount of taxes paid by these people We do not
want to impose any additional burden on these people He wonders why anybody would think it is fair after
going through all the work energy and expenses doing this or that and still has to pay 5500 if they're not
being fined why would they have to do this
Mr Stafford noted the purpose is very similar to building permits, we need enough dollars to provide fvr that
HSC Minutes 917f99 - Paige 15
service. His concern is we can get into some serious issues relative to if we need to provide for that servibe 440
and rely on that client and create incentives for Mr. Terry's staff to go after certain people and rack up W
amounts of dollars if you are not coo anng the cost of creating some of those incentives. The cost we are
charging is very reasonable. There are two different issues relative to businesses, manufacturing and
retailing. The argument could be rr ade for manufacturing business but tha: could be onerous because
there is competition in other cities. 7 aiung D & D Foods as an example, the•.# can pass that fee on, as he
does not feel $500 is onerous There is not a business that has said they will .not pay the fee. Mr. Stafford
said he personally will pay the highe cost for some grocery items at D & D Foods for the convenience of
shopping there. In many cities especially where most of the trends on this ;r4nd of cost base are thinking
California because their property tax -3s are so high and they have had to go on full cost service use this.
As long they are competing with everyone in the area that is reasonable ar',d they can pass it on. He is
sympathetic with Alderman Newman's point about Dominick's and would argue if we spend more time there
lets charge them a higher fee. perhaps $1,500.00. This could be done as these food -based fees are based
on the square footage The categor' would be the same. Mr. Stafford felt Vwere in the ballpark in terms
of fees We are waiting for this ordinance to pass and will be coming back to the Council with the general
business license which is also basec on square footage with the same kind �f logic Alderman Feldman
wanted to clarify that Mr. Stafford is not advocating for a fee reduction but tar an increase for the large
businesses.
Alderman Newman stated Mr. Stafford is not advocating for increasing Dom: nick's fee now. He does not
have a problem doing some type of nsk basis but does not want every small restaurant and small
businessman to be treated in the same manner as Dominick's. We did nct get a fee structure saying
Dominick s is going to pay an additicnal 51,000.00 but that Dominick's is go, ng to pay the same as other
smaller businesses, and if Dominick s :s to pay the additional $1,000 a new tee structure will be needed.
According to the current fee structure all we have to cover is $50,000, if there are 3 Dominick's, Jewels, and
5 grocery stores some of that S50,000 could be recovered. Mr. Stafford said he is willing to facilitate
Alderman Newman's suggestion, as we will not be able to charge Dominick s. for example $10,000.
Alderman Newman said he was not asking that be done but as a matter of policy he rejects what was said
about not wanting to charge violators He asked why in the Housing Depamment, every honest landlord
in town is asked to pay the same amount of property taxes as the person who keeps violating all the time.
This is certainly not fair. Why should someone who has risks, reads your bock, gets things done, and only
has three inspections have to pay the same amount of money as someone who doesn t read your book,
smokes a cigarette while slicing meat and does other things he is not suppcsed to do because you don't
want to collect and want to walk in with a friendly face Restaurants in his Wars want to talk about the water
and sewer fees we're hitting them with which is another thing he rejects. He .goes not have a problem with
a 5100, 5200, 5300, level based on risk and would like to see us make up scr a of this money by charging
these establishments having violations that have been inspected four or more times for the additional
inspections Let them know that every time you have to comeback it will cost them $100. Should the rest
of the restaurant owners in town who are in compliance have to pay money because staff does not want
to go to the trouble to charge or collect fines. Let the violators who received notices, who did not clean up
their act, who caused more reports pay more. Another way to get the 550,003 is if they do not pay the re -
inspection fine, the next year instead of being billed for 5500.00, they're billec $600 00 which if they do not
pay will be closed down They will pay and it will not be that difficult to collect. Let's not charge for first
re -inspection and give them a chance to clean up their place and get educated.
Mr. Terry pointed out there is a difference between fines and inspection fees He was speaking specifically
to fines because it takes in a judicial realm, which is not where we have t)eert in the food inspection
business If you want to add something to the ordinance that calls for a re -inspection fee it is conceivable
to have that included Alderman Newman said that was fine but in addition to the inspections he thought
the current list is unfair to the businesses as the increases are extreme He would like to see the entire
computer inspection list If we then cannot come up with a reasonable fee oased on re -inspections that
will not send you to court, and we cannot come up with some additional mcney he will leave it to staff to
increase some of the bigger businesses with more employees and square footage Mr Terry noted
HSC Minutes 917199 - Page 16.
a
Alderman man was referrin tc: the Lake County model included in the packet, which is based on the
d an New g ty p ,
very large grocery stores Alderman Newman asked if we could try to come up with another category
based for bigger businesses. Alderman Feldman asked if any given risk category would become a
subcategory to the square footage There could be a small Category I and a large Category I `ased on
square footage, which could apply to grocery stores and restaurants. Mr Terry said in the memo )repared
for this meeting regarding the sanitarians there is a much greater likelihood there will I,e cross
contamination and things w-il not be done according to the food codes in the smaller kitchens i- Iderman
Newman said part of the fee based on the Fisk factor is types of foods However, somebody w10 has a
6,000 square foot restaurant by definition wit have more seats. more employees, a higher gross and is in
a better position to pay a larger fee than somebody who has only 2.000 square feet. Thus part rf the fee
can be based on square footage and number of employees and obviously more time will be spent on
inspections. Another part of the fee can be based on the amount of risk based on the types of foods,
turnover, etc. We could then try to get some of the re -inspection fees included to make up some of the
$50,000 shortfall and might have a different fee structure which is more amenable to some of the
businesses.
Alderman Moran amended his oriainal motion to consider in CateQory I comina up with a tiered fee
structure and pick the appropriate square footage where the laraest arocery stores In town have
to pay a higher fee. He would suggest $1,000 but is amenable to persuasion. Also. he would
suggest cominq up a re -inspection fee.
Ms Brown questioned if the re -inspections would refer to all categories not lust Category I. Alderman
Moran asked what precipitates a re -inspection Ms Bush responded primarily critical violations that might
be strongly associated with food born illness or a refrigerator not holding a cold enough temperature.
During inspections we work with them to identify how to save products and refrigerate them. We have to
go back anywhere from one to ten days later to see if this was fixed. Alderman tool'an asked Ms. Brown
if, from her perspective there is a problem in operating a Health Department with imposing a re -inspection
fee on an establishment that isn't doing something right and we have to send somebody back. Ms. Brown
responded the first re -inspection would be reasonable as you would be done teaching and expect them to
follow instructions Alderman Moran suggested that the second re -inspection should trigger a charge.
Alderman Rainey asked if we went through the process of charging for re -inspection, how many re -
inspections would have been charged against D & D listed as having had seven total inspections
performed and required four follow-up inspections We cannot tell from looking at this how many re -
inspections there were. Ms Bush said we would have gone in three times for original inspections, if we
went four times for follow-ups we went at least once more than one time for each Alderman Rainey also
said, looking at this we do not know that the nine critical violations were not all found at one time, or were
three found at three different times Therefore, this is not as simple as it might look.
Alderman Feldman asked for an explanation of Alderman Moran's motion regarding when the re -inspection
fee begins Ms Bush said normally they only re -inspect if there is a critical violation that can't be corrected
during the session Three times a year they go out and do routine inspections. During these inspections
if they find critical violations that cannot be immediately corrected they set a date for the correction, as a
foliow-up inspection to make sure the problem has been resolved If at that point they have not resolved
or corrected the problem they then have to again go back to the establishment. Alderman Rainey clarified
it is not the follow-up inspection, but the inspection after the follow-up when the follow-up has improved
compliance Alderman Feldman noted inspectors can go back three times regularly, then on each of those
three inspections if a critical violation is found you then go back a second time and do not charge for those
re -inspections For the first six inspections there are no fees charged. on the seventh, eighth or ninth
inspection fees are charged
Alderman Newman thought this was a good point He asked if we had a category for how many times each
of these establishments was inspected. to see how many numbers are above the three allotted inspections.
He does not know if he would give a re -inspection break on each of the inspections during the year. If we
HSC Minutes 9J7/99 - Page 17.
had to come once after the three times he would not charge, but if we had to come Sack above a fourth
time in a year's period, every time after that there would be a certain charge. When we have an idea how
many of these critical re -inspections are taking place we could come up with an idea as to what fee to
charge for that, thus bringing the 550,000 cost down.
Alderman Rainey suggested there might be some cases where we want to disci ss where the $500
inspection fee could be putting people out of business. She is concerned where someone such as D & D
Foods might be getting a break at $500 because we will go back and reinspect until thay get it right or until
we have to close them down to protect the public. If we consider this she would wan: to see who is going
to administer this new billing system which is going to be extremely complex. She is not merely referring
to designing the system, but about billing, collecting, following -up, etc. What do we Jo when the person
does not pay the re -inspection fee. do we not inspect them and close them down. Alderman Newman said
his suggestion was if the basic fee is $300 and you have two additional, re -inspections then the next year
instead of paying $300 if you have to pay you will pay 5500. AldermanL Rainey thought some pra.,ision is
needed to be included which she does not know how it can be done. This has to be adjudicated
someplace. She does not know of every having taken these people to r�urt. Ms. Brown said usually with
a closing down of a business the people either comply or go out of bus..ness. Alderman Feldman asked
if we send people a license every year and was told they do.
Mr. Stafford said to address Alderman Rainey's concern they are not putting in a brand new system that
has state files on all business services that can be accessed This will tie completed at the end of the year.
Alderman Rainey asked if all the people have paid the fees for their original license fee. Mr. Stafford
responded everybody with the exception of two or three and he cculd get an update on that for the
committee. One of the problems is when one organization has to pay :.vo different types of licenses, i.e.,
having business licenses as well as a Health Department license. He �,vould like that to be reflected in the
ordinance as he does not want to start double dipping businesses wits- several different fees. Alderman
Rainey added there are standards to be met with the Health Department .license wherein with most licenses
all we want are the fees. No matter what type of computer system the C-ty has if we go to this other system
of follow-up inspections fees that will be a monumental task that she does not see how it will be done given
the current personnel.
Alderman Newman questioned whether the figure on the Health Activity Report of 167 re -inspections is a
figure for one month and was informed that was an annual figure. A:dermen thought that figure was a
moneymaker, which could make up one-third of the deficiency at SID) each re -inspection. Alderman
Newman asked for a breakdown of that 167 re -inspection figure.
Mr. Terry said in terms of what will be brought back to this committee regarding what has been discussed
relating to generating more revenue, past discussions have indicated 0-ere was a lack of comfort with the
proposed impact on individual businesses. We could even raise more money in addition to the proposed
fee structures that we are looking into. Alderman Rainey asked where oo we go from there if we go to the
other plan based on re -inspections and it is the small business that gets hit time, after time. after time which
will be very harmful to them Alderman Newman felt at least the businesses had the opportunity to get a
copy of the rules, had the first inspection, and had one follow-up inspec4.on where they will get educational
training If after that they can't do it nght he does not have much sympathy for them because there are a
lot of businesses getting it right.
Alderman Newman had a question regarding the Food Establishment Annual License Fee schedule
included in the packet. He wanted to know of these are the same fees c;urrently being discussed, i.e., one
restaurant does it by the number of seats and another by gross service area. Mr. Terry said the committee
asked to be shown how other lunsdictions were charging fees and were given figures for Cook, Lake and
DuPage Counties. Our current licensing fee, as these other county fees are based on the number of seats
which will no longer be done that way but will be risk based. Alderman Newman asked if there is any way
to do a hybrid type of fee, both on size and on risk.
HSC Minutes 9/7/99 - Page 18.
Alderman Rainey decided to table this for now and have staff come back to this comrmik-.ee with two
alternative examples, one based on size and the revenue generated, arwd the other based cv, ,re -inspection
fees. tt is important that this committee get some solid examples, actual incidents, of large a�stabkshments
and small establishments and the re -inspection demands on those establishments to erQW* us to see the
financial impact of the establishments over the last year
Alderman Moran felt there could be an easy differentiation in Category I but is not sure tha: can be done
for the lower categories. He is not referring to setting a fee structure Wat is a variable dependent upon re -
inspection, merely a re -inspection fee to try to make up the gap between the cost and what we recover.
That is also another way of reinforcement within our commercial community if we have to keep sending
inspectors out there. that they're the people who are driving the cost of the regulatory scheme and we
therefore have to charge them a fee. We then go to Alderman Newman's suggestion that after starting
out they have the information to clean up their place and not have inspectors coming back as they will have
to be charged for those re -inspections. Alderman Rainey said the budgetary cost of billing and collecting
also has to be included as this is an entirely new area. Alderman Newman said he would also like to see
a listing of who the 167 violators were last year which might stimulate some 'ideas how to further revise the
fee schedule.
At this point Alderman Moran left the meetino, i 1 00 am.
Alderman Rainey asked for a vote to table this item to the next committee meeting. Alderman
Feldman moved to table the Issue, motion unanimous (3.0).
VI, Consideration of Approval of August 1999 Township Monthly Bills
Alderman Feldman moved for approval of the August 1999 Township monthiv bills, motions
unanimously passed (3-0).
VII. Consideration of Ordinance 113-0-99 Evanston Township Gift Ban Act
Ms. Brenniman noted this is this same type of ordinance that the City has It is based on a model ordinance
that governs townships and is being recommended by the Township Supervisor and provides for the
appointment of an Ethics Officer and an Ethics Commission. The Cry has a Board of Ethics Committee
which has different attitudes and articles than that of this Township Eth-1 s Committee Alderman Feldman
commented that the City Council and the Board of Trustees are identical, therefore, why not attach an
article which allows our present Ethics Committee to act as an Ethics Commission for the City and the
Township If it is considering a county issue they should adjourn and go to the session of the Ethics
Commission for the Township. Ms. Brenniman said she discussed this Mr. Siegal, City attorney, and they
both felt it would be more appropriate to have separate institutes. The Ethics Officer for the City is the City
Manager. Alderman Rainey said there is no reason the Mayor cannot appoint the same people and call
them the Township Ethics Board separately from what they now are They can never meet at the same
time Ms Brenniman said she would have to look into this but c-oth she and Mr Siegal thought it
appropriate to do it separately because that is the way all other townships are doing it and each
governmental entity is appointing its own structure. Even though it is coterminous they are governed by
different ordinances Alderman Newman asked if the Township ordinance is the same as the City
ordinance Ms Brenniman said the same act that drives the Township ordinance drives the City ordinance.
Alderman Newman said we have an Ethics Ordinance that says if yoti have pending business before the
City Council you tender something of value that is a violation that makes the Township ordinance look like
a free-for-all According to this ordinance if Northwestern University wants to they can invcte members of
the Council to every play and concert they have that is a widely attested event that is an exception to the
Gift Barn Act Mr Terry interjected the Slate passed this law but grren that we have such strong local
HSC Minutes 9 71 99 - Page 19.
ordinances on the books it did not matter. We passed the local ordinance just to be in compliance with the
State law. The problem is there are no existing ethical guidelines for the Township employees. The
question becomes do you want this to adopt the State language or at the same time theoretically begin the
prospects an act of some stronger ethical language for Township employees.
Alderman Newman asked if the City Ordinance is stronger than the Township Ordinance. He wanted to
know if the Northwestern football tickets at the University office are a violation of our City Ordinance and
would they be a violation of our pending ordinance. Ms. Brenniman responded, no they are not. Alderman
Newman said it would be a good test case to find out if the letters they all receive inviting them to the
football games violates our City and Township Codes.
Vill. Committee Calendar
Mr. Terry noted that it has been voted that three items from tonight's meeting are to be held over for the
October 0 meeting. He is proposing two special meetings to be able to hear all the City funded agency
proposals. At the last Human Services Committee meeting he was directed that all twelve agencies should
be heard. It was decided that the Human Services Committee will meet October e, October 18" and
November 15".
IX. Adjournment
The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted.
Audrey Trot, . Departme of Health & Human Services
HSC Minutes 9/7/99 - Page 20.
40
ALDERMEN PRESENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
PRESIDING:
I. CALL TO ORDER
ill =5
Minutes
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
October 4, 1999
Civic Center -Room 2402
7:30 P.M.
Aldermen Rainey, Moran, Newman, Feldman, Kent
Roger Crum, Kathleen Brenniman, Frank Kaminski, Sergeant Cabanski,
C Louise Brown, Carta Bush, Harvey Saver, Bill Stafford, Jay Terry
Alderman Bernstein; Lonnie Wiebe, Ellen Reynonds, Mental Heafth Board;
Chief Chafin, Northwestern Police Department
Alderman Kent
Alderman Kent called the meeting to order at 7 :40 p.m.
11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MEETINGS OF SEPTEMBER 7 , 1999
The minutes of the Seotember 7. 1999 meetinq were unanimousiv approved. (6-0). without
correction.
Ill. CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHMENT OF A POLICE OUTPOST ON HOWARD STREET
Alderman Kent tailed upon the people who had signed up to speak on the subject to come forward.
The first speaker Stephanie Hixon. identified herself as representing the Brummel Park Neighbors and
urged support of the endeavor to establish an outpost. She said the community is in need of a coordinated
effort, the neighborhood needs a constant presence, neighbors need to help one another, and they need
the Police Department to provide them training on how to be effective in doing that. Ms. Hixon asked the
Aldermen to please consider the strength of the neighborhood and its quality and to please support the
police outpost.
Judith Treadway indicated she was in attendance to note her support for the proposal.
Christine Benn Progressive Evanston Neighbors, was definitely in support of the proposal She was
shocked and disappointed to hear that at the last meeting Chief Kaminski took a proposal out of tr-e budget
and is concerned about knowing where the dollars for the outpost will come from. Ms_ Benn aso noted a
number of senior citizens who live near Howard Street want this very much but could not attend t+ze Human
Services meeting because they do not come out at night. She suggested getting the Chicago Police
Department to share staffing of the center and there should be some sort of permanent poswn assigned
to the outpost and the office needed to be designed so there could be privacy to do effective poice work.
Albert Mitchell said he is very much in support of the outpost and the main issues of the 1co block of
Custer. where he lives, was that Chicago is building a new shopping center on the other side c# Howard
HSC Minutes 10, 4 94 - Page 1.
Street Residents want a safe atmosphere on Hovrard Street and want to see the Police Departments of
Evanston and Chicago working together. The neighbors want to be able to walk to the new shopping center
Chicago is building and he feels a police outpcs: an Howard Street is an answer to alleviating their
concerns
Alderman Feldmar noted that at the last meeting Chief Kaminski would nct specifica:ly commit to hccsrs for
a policeman but just said there would be coverage Gwen that statement and the needs described he
asked AAr Mitchell if he is comfortable the need will ce met and how he v.ould compare his aspiration with
what has been presented. Mr. Mitchell responded they are not looking for the Police Department to sit in
the building but want a presence of people going in and out of the building He noted he had been part of
the group that met with the City Manager and the Sookane Washington model was one model to consider
looking at He liked the idea that there would be a coordinator in the office to make resources available and
this would not be a place to drop off kids as after tha', was done at the old cutpost the atmosphere changed
He also noted this should not be seen as a senior citizens center or a place for parks programs
Alderman Kent called on Chief Kaminski for anything he wished to say on the subject. Chief Kaminski
noted a packet of material had been sent out to the .;Idermen prior to the meeting and hoped it addressed
the questions and concerns. The estimated cosh for the center were included and the City Council
received the information on Spokane model. He hoped his memo identified a number of the discussion
points.
Alderman Rainev made a motion that the Human Services Committee recommend to the Citv
Council that an outpost be established on Howard Street, a buildinq be purchased. and a program
similar to that articulated by the Chief of Police in his memorandum be established. Alderman
Feldman seconded the motion
Alderman Newman questioned where the funding for the center would come from in the City budget.
Alderman Ramey responded the answer to that g jestion is the same answer as where the money for
garbage janitorial service at the Civic Center and all City business comes from Tax revenues, grants. etc
will be used. She noted members of the City Council always discussed the business of the City and the
revenue required to pay for that business. Her goal was to get the police outpost as an item on the
expenditure side of the budget
Mr Crum said City funds would be used for the fi.x up of the building and noted the CIP had interest
earnings that could perhaps be used, but the ongoing operations would have to be covered by the General
Fund The budding could be purchased utilizing CGBG funds.
Alderman Newman expressed a concern that he dia not see any inclination on the part of staff to cut back
anywhere else Staff had proposed an expensive fire and police station and if that project did not go
fcr;ward :ve could use some of the savings from tha*
Mr Crum indicated that the money available for the police station is not enough now to get that joc done
but is a question of priorities If the City is going to establish an outpost vie should fix the budding ane make
sure the outpost is functional and effective
Alderman Newman asked Chief Kaminski about the $35,000 for the coordinator and noted there was a
strong community outcry for a coordinator. He wondered if the Chief was willing to commit to finding the
funds for that position in his budget. Chief Kaminski said he did not have that position in has budget now.
Alderman Newman said if this initiative is important and can make a difference he felt Chief Kaminski could
find S35 000 in a S14.000.000 budget to make it havDen, which he was not hearing the Chief say Chief
Kaminski noted that the budget he just submitted to :r)e budget office for next year was only a continuation
budget and he did not feel it was fair to cut back on oolice officers to pay for a coordinator position as that
was simply robbing Peter to pay Paul Alderman Newman responded that of in fact an outpost was part
HSC Minutes 10 4 99 - Page 2.
of the solution on Howard Street he felt the Ctwef could find the funding available for it. Chief Kaminski
characterized that as an unfair question and acted he was simply presenting a community need to the
committee.
Alderman Rainey said she tries not to use one p4olect against another because if we have cne .:ping that
does not mean we cannot have others and note`: the CD Commatee has already set aside mcri y for the
purchase of the budding. In tonight s Humans Services meeting packet on an under agenda item mere was
information relative to the CIP history for the Noy es Cultural ,arts Center as well as a State ft:n0ing grant
Memos indicate if the Noyes project goes over budget well look to the CIP to cover that. She felt ,if the City
can spend money for the Noyes Center there show be money available for an outpost_ When the City has
a need the City Council finds the dollars and she :s committed to finding the funding for the cutplost.
Alderman Feldman asked the f fr Crum if the mcney for the police/fire headquarters is less tharr. needed
why it was recommended to do the entire job Mr Crum said staff will be soon be reporting back to the
Aldermen on how to get the jot, done with the money available Staff will do what they can with the
available funding but they wouf0 like to do more Alderman Feldman agreed in theory with A:iderman
Rainey's argument about not pitting one project against another but felt the reality is the Counc4 always
does that. He felt there will alwa/6 be requests for funding and the real question is where does A fit into
the community priorities, we say vie can afford it. what does it mean. Funds for tree trimming got placed
in the budget because the community couldn't afford not to do it. The job in this community is to say what
we must have and we will find the dollars, that is what setting priorities is all about. The questicin of the
outpost is whether it is as important as community representatives are saying, he is listening to the
aspirations of the community and believes the people of the community want a partnership which portends
well as that kind of dream deserves support Hcv.,ever, that support is at a risk that we don't know if it will
be successful and he wants to know more of how '.')is will come together before a vote and has faith in the
community process. It's a risk, but a risk we can r afford not to take. He also felt this has to be done right
but did not feel we could lose the project because we did not have a coordinator
Alderman Rainey hoped members of the Council were willing to make the same demands on all other
projects they appeared to be making on the outpost proposal. The demands on this project are
overwhelming and she likened it to the struggle women have when they have to work twice as hard and
only get half as far For example she noted the MBE program had received a lot of funding without similar
demands being placed on it As a private citizen sre was present when the Ctty Council discussed t:'ie idea
of a Dodge Avenue corridor cop. At that time Alderman Newman said the Council would find the money
because the need was there. also at that time conservative members of the Council asked where were they
going to find the money in the budget before they were willing to support that Tonight's meenng was
interesting because the roles seemed to be reversco Sne noted we nave nao several months of vacancies
in the Police Department and felt there should be an accumulation of money that the Council could look to
as a small pot of funding
Alderman Newman responded regarding the Noyes Center. he thought the State million dollar Performing
Arts Center grant freed up $1.000 000 for projects next year and felt it was very valid for the Ccunc,l to
question that One of his concerns related to all City buildings because the City didn t use the rent it
received for funds to maintain those buildings and it :vas very fair to took at the Noyes Center expen�,tures.
He did not feel it was analogous to the corridor cop as that came up through a budget process Here he felt
the Council was faced with an issue that came out of a process where the former outpost failed and he
does not believe the Police Department is as committed to this project as they say. The success of an
outpost should not be tied to who is elected and felt the whole project was a maybe, however, he knew the
community was convinced it would work. He indicated he would vote for the project to get it going but
wants staff to find the money for the project. He does not, however, have the confidence that this is the
one thing that will turn neighborhood issues around He questioned whether the gist of Alderman Ramey's
motion was to increase the Police Department by $35.000 to pay for the coordinator's position.
Alderman Rainey said the motion is to approve the concept and purchase a building as it is not the
H5C Minutes 10/4/99 - Page 3.
committee's job to determine how many clerks and where the phone tines go
Alderman Rainey and Alderman Newman had a further discussion about Noyes Center's expenditures.
Alderman Newman expressed continued concern that the committee would pass something without working
on some budget administrative details Alderman Rainey said she is comfortable leaving that to Vw Chief,
he Is capable Alderman New-nan would love 'o see this pro;ec! work but is still concerned ,e tine plan is
to do similar operations as the cast outpost add dies not understand whir �t von't fail again Alderman
Rainey felt it was a totally dif`erent situation mere are no public Lwidings in Evanston this will be a City
building that will be owned A former police chief wanted tutonng and recreation this will be a center
primarily used for police work Alderman Neuman said he was at the opening night of the former outpost
when there were over 150 pec;)le present and wanted to know if there would be that type of support this
time Alderman Rainey askea if Alderman Newman wanted an affidavit an impossible response and a
guarantee
Alderman Feldman noted at tl,e time of issue of the corridor cop it was his experience whict- led him to
believe it was needed and would make a difference At this time he was not quite to that point cn this issue
and noted that Alderman Rainey and the neighbors already are there He will support the project but does
not have the same feeling as t?%e corridor cop, the issue tonight is much different. Tonight there are higher
aspirations as how to make Harvard Street safe and validate the community He wants a solution -to
community revitalization as much as anyone including Alderman Rainey and has not been able to attribute
what would make this successful The project has his support but he feels the City has to do the project
all the way. Alderman Rainey said the only way she could satisfy that is if the project existed for a year
and if somehow it was a failure we could then still sell the building She encouraged Alderman Feldman
to spend some time with her walking Howard Street
Alderman Newman felt this discussion had been twisted and was not about Aldermen caring at cnA Howard
Street but about knowing there was a police outpost The City had one that did not work and one Alderman
wants to fino out what will be ai-fferent about tnis one He would vote for a new additional police car to
increase the presence on Howard Street but at this time no one seems to want that. If the outpost is what
the community wants he will join the community but this is not at all about caring about Howard Street. He
mentioned to Alderman Rainey that he had been in the lead in scrutinizing the MBE programs and was
looking for her to loin him in that continued scrutiny of the program
Alderman Kent thought this will pass but noted he would be the only no vote not because he does not
believe an outpost would be a good idea He too could bring crack and drugs that he could odtain in his
Ward to a meeting In the last eight years he has dealt with some hellatious problems in the 5r livard and
,n his experience has never asked for a program which only benefited the r Ward Even the candor car
travels through a number of wards He has tried many times to have a successful outpost irr his Ward
including one that had bricks thrown through the window as it is very difficult to have citizens even those
,r rio have gone through the poise academy to staff an outpost without police aresence He ')opes the
community will suck with this and learn how to deal with drug issues He is also supportive of the mobile
:ommand unit which now will be used throughout the City Also the Church Street outpost i5 "+ow gone
and he was told at that time you oon't need a police outpost to have an impact on the neighborhood in the
-:ommunity
Chief Kaminski pointed out the other issues at the Church Street outpost were the landlord would not
improve the building and work needed to be done for ADA compliance without any cooperation They now
are using donated space at Lyons and Darrow and desk space at 2040 Brown
Alderman Kent inquired regarding the search of free space on Howard Street Chief Kaminski responded
he has been oart of an ongoing search for space on Howard Street and one of the problems is a number
of the landlords there are being challenged under the City on nuisance abatement, in fact the City was
evicted from its last space on Howard Street He has asked for rent-free space anywhere on Howard Street
HSC Minutes I0,4 99 - Page 4,
but no one has offered any.
Alderman Kent's concern and the irony is the recent murder on Hartre)�, yet there is now a plan to send the
problem solving team to the Howard Street outpost. Chief Kaminski c.lanfed it is not the problem solving
team that would go to the cutpost just the one officer Alderman Kent said he ,s still voting no and does not
see how this benefits Evanston After the ,ast Human Services Comr--,nee meeting a young woman who
told him how disgusted st1e was having stcpped him had her apartment brr+,en into and she is still scared
and is expecting it to happen every day that she comes home. He dic nc► gel+eve the Ch4af could tell him
that this outpost would mare a difference especially if it hinges on a number of programs designed to bring
people in. What he is heanng from residents and people present tonight is that this might be the program
that will work and he hopes it is
Alderman Feldman was ready to attach any motion to the motion on the flocr that the administration set up
a viable similar program ir. the 5`° Ward He personally could not say to 0o one in one area and not in
another area where it ,s needed Alderman Kent said he does not wart tie outpost but wants an effective
police department which deals with loitering, boom boxes, assaults, etc A 29-year-old was killed because
of a marijuana plant in a house we have been attempting to shut down for Oro enty years. An outpost cannot
have much of an impact, the only way is with officers on the street, `hat is his experience. He still has
constituents that don't believe that the Evanston Police Department series the black community and feels
there has to be a better answer than this. If the residents actually relieve this outpost will work then
nothing he could say would turn that around.
Alderman Newman brought up the mentioning of the mobile command post and asked for an update and
how that was paid Chief Kaminski said haff was paid for through the Ccr rm nq Development Block Grant
and half through a police blcck grant It is in the City's possession and is ncv. _etting painted appropriately.
in a couple weeks it should oe out through the entire City. Alderman Newman asked if an outpost is being
recommended in addition to the mobile command post. to which Chief Kaminski responded that the outpost
is not a panacea and it was up to the community to make that work.
Alderman Feldman asked Alderman Kent if there was any specific ,echnique program that he could
recommend to help raise the quality of the Evanston Police Departmer, Ina' :could make a difference and
what he thought would be necessary to do that Alderman Kent replied ,i cc,;'d be a number of things but
he knows if you are supporting an outpost, bless you, but you are selling yc�-self short. Alderman Rainey
said she had to take issue with that comment and if you think we're selling curselves short you don't know
the people of the 8" Ward It is not the only thing the people of the 8`r Jar:: are doing for safety and she
could name four locations where an outpost could be successful. However .t ,s not her job to go into the
5" Ward and tell Alderman Kent what is needed in his own Ward She wou�c never slam a project such as
this that is slated for another Ward and encouraged committee members rc' Ic disrespect the project but
questions the motivation of some of the questions being asked. The o,itpcst is one of fifty things South
Evanston needs and is a small step She does not believe more policemen- could have prevented the
murder that happened in Alderman Kent's Ward People prevent murcers "er Ward has a large group
coming together to embrace a concept and she would never not supc.cr, C-clects in other Aldermen's
Wards. Alderman Kent said he felt he made himself clear that if Chief Karr,rsK, Mr Crum. and Alderman
Rainey can tell him it s a part of the fight, to which Alderman Rainey sa.n * s a s a part of bringing the
community together
Alderman Newman said he would be more enthusiastic about the project J it was the policy of City staff to
decentralize services and noted at the same time staff is coming forward wrtn a budget busting proposal
for police and fire headquarters Staff tend to squeeze out all sorts of tti+res and the weakest part of the
proposal tonight is the City Manager cannot tell us how it will be paid for Ais:: the Police Department has
no outpost policy or policy on housing police officers He assumed that C,*, Council will hold the Police
Department accountable when the headquarter issue is discussed Cou -= has been told the mobile
command post would be a presence There is no telling what the Police Deca-Invent is willing to spend as
HSC ".mutes 10 4 99 - Page S.
there is no coherent policy on spending and if questions are raised one is accused of not caring. He vAli
support the project but he has doubts and questions that do not mean a tack of support for South Evanston.
The Police Department has never staffed an outpost in Evanston and he is now being told all this will work
Alderman Rainey said the outpost by itself wouldn't turn things around it is one of many steps Evers d
South Evanston is able to get an outpost her community doesn't have a Noyes Center. a Fleetwood Center
or a Crown Center and they would also like to have these types of centers Her area does not have a
number of things other areas have
Alderman Newman wanted to set the record straight, the Levy Center is going into James Park, there is
a committee at work to establish a major recreation center in South Evanston on Oakton Street, the Counal
has approved every major housing request submitted by Alderman Ramey the Crown Center is in South
Evanston He noted if the 8"' Ward Alderman doesn't get her war that doesn't mean we don't support
South Evanston
Mr Mitchell. from the audience. said he noted Alderman Kent's concerns regarding safety and security and
felt everybody was talking about the same thing along those lines He was not interested in running crime
to other parts of Evanston though he would admit not minding running it back into Chicago. We are only
talking about these issues because it's on our side of the street and he still would like to pilot with the City
of Chicago Police Department because we all need to continue to do work with Chicago. It sounded like
the mobile command unit could be part of an answer as well. Alderman Kent noted he was the one that
initially brought up and supported the mobile command unit. The Police Department is always talking about
a partnership but this issue does not feel like a partnership. He has been involved with so much work in
repairing the percept,on of the Evanston Police Department
Alderman Newman felt a little history was in order. Not too long ago Vie City of Evanston hired a thirty-year
veteran with the Chicago Police Department in the hopes that hiring would lead to close relationships with
the Chicago Police Department However. the Howard Street outpost still sat empty and that cooperation
did not happen. Also Alderman Kent has been a supporter of South Evanston and a supporter of the
money allocated to improve the sidewalks of Howard Street, but that money was never spent.
Alderman Rainey nosed the Howard Street improvement project needs to be explained and admitted it has
been a long dragged out process oue to delays with the City of Chicago This was a project that needed
twice as much time eevoted to it to get half as far
Donne Anderson, in the audience noted that anyone who thinks hinng a Chicago Chief would lead to any
cooperation was not thinking correctly
Ms Benn stood up and asked )f some would please address the issue of centralization versus
decentralization All *^e police need not be there. this is the beginning process and every Ward should get
what they want
Alderman Newman sa,d you need o follow how the Police Department has responded when things are
centralized downiov,- match hov, people vote on this Alderman Ke,7, still did not feet that the plan
addressed the core issues
The committee took a vote on Alderman Rainev's motion, voting 4-1 in favor of an outaost to be
established on Howard Street. Votinq aye, Aldermen Newman, Moran, Feldman and Rainev. Votinq
nay. Alderman Kent
HSC Minutes 10; 4; 99 - Page 6.
IV. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 27-0-99 COVERING THE RESPECTIVE RESPONS1131LITIES
OF THE NORTHWESTERN AND EVANSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Kent called upon resident Donne Anderson offer ut*ren camment Ms Anmersc'n noted on
many town gown issues she has been cn botn stdzs Uc�.-j+i reaaing :ne Pmposed otdtnar:� arc agreement
she had some concerns One of the items in the docun•,,.nl co,ncerred the issue of unifor••is SeCion 9.3-5
and she wanted to know what happened to the Norihoiesrem Unoersty Crown uniform 4►, Arcerson lives
close to the White Hen on Emerson and when Evansto,-- Poi,ce and Northwestern Police are t iere at the
same time one cannot tell the difference unless they [, a++ very closely at the shoulder- pate She felt
Northwestern Police cars need to be distinctive and wondered if there is a way the City can force the
university to change its uniform She was aware town gown relations were already frayec and aid not wish
to exacerbate that She also questioned whether Nor western University police had done through the
same training as Evanston police officers Chief Kamirski responded that all N U office-s are certified by
the state they must be under state law Ms Anderson aio not know there was an agreement ►vith N.U. on
police matters nor did she know this was coming up. She has had discussions with resents she has met
who are appalled that we would give any police powers away and questions what is in this deal for N.U. and
whether there is some sort of subterfuge in order to save money. Also, she wondered W%hy the jurisdiction
for the N.U. police would go up to the Wilmette border, and how fast the N.U. police are able to respond.
In terms of the $3,000,000 insurance coverage she wanted to know whether it was per incident or per
year. She questioned whether President Bienen of Northwestern would actually sign off this, what will it
mean, and in terms of N.U. where does its first loyalty Aay. Ms. Anderson was particularly upset about
giving N U power over traffic control and noted they blc eked a street by putting saw hoses on Emerson
without getting City permission She did not feel the agreement had any definition consirtuting an event
Chief Kaminski called upon Saul Chafin. Chief of the N t.) Police Department. to respond to some of the
issues Chief Chafin said there were a number of issue-s he could respond to In terms of blocking the
traffic on Emerson the university police clearly goofed ','.'hen students come back there :s always a lot of
garbage and traffic congestion that Facilities Nlanagemer, Department of the university dic not plan for and
an officer of the police department made an on the spot Cectsion to block traffic thinking ^ was in the best
interest of students' safety Looking at it after the fact it was not the best decision He would not argue that
the university made a mistake and pledges it will not happen again In terms of their usual activities he
noted that the N U. police department handled about 1 5.: incidents a year and are resper.sible for all the
students staff and buildings The Sheridan Road thcroughfare is used more than a^, other place in
Evanston Since 1994 they have been active in making D U I arrests and have made Z5 arrests with a
blood alcohol average of 18 In terms of community ser-ce one of his police officers saved someone at
the White Hen who was having a heart attack. Officers na.e been involved in rescuing pecole at the beach
He sees the relation between Evanston and Northwestern as being a partnership and •oted the police
department did not abuse the rights they are granted through this agreement In terms of the previous
discussion this evening about keeping drugs out of the community the N U police conr-,bute to that by
keeping interlopers out and are in the community to prov;ce a service Regarding the issue of the uniform
the other difference he insisted on was putting a white stripe down the pant leg as a way of differentiating
between the two His police were asked to help with traffic enforcement at Emerson ar -- Orrington and
thirty-two tickets were issued The university does not .keep motor vehicle revenue aro the proposed
agreement has the support of the presiding judge of the Circuit Court. Judge Nudelman If the Evanston
police has a problem there will be trained backup as his officers get forty hours of in-service protection
annually The N.0 police department is always willing to help provide protection to Evanston residents.
Alderman Newman asked if Chief Chafin would consider writing parking tickets on City streets to which
Chief Chafin responded if that is something he is askeo to do he will consider it and take it up with the
university officials Alderman Newman said he has asked university officials and thus far they have not
been interested His reason for wanting this is if the Evanston police write a ticket on ar out of state car
they must go through a civil process to try to recover that ticket. whereas if the N U police force writes a
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ticket and that ticket is not paid the university has the power to wsthhc'd a transcript or withhold graduation.
Alderman Newman is interested in having the university do parking ticketing and do the collecticros. He is
very interested in getting a formal response from Chief Chafin and the university, if you will ticket on City
streets and assist in collection including withholding graduation if parking ticket revenue is at- issue he
would fike the university to formally make that request He asked Che` Chafin if the N U police department
is in the phone book to which Chief Chafin responded he was not s:.re Alderman Newman asked how
many of the 150 incidents each year involve Evanston residents comc; aining about parties He express
an interest in having N.U. police respond to these party calls before tie Evanston ponce Chief Kaminski
indicated the Evanston police get most of those calls and respond first the N U. police provide the backup
Chief Chafin said at this time this is a moot point because they currently have no authontr, and his
supervisors would like the agreement and ordinance passed so they have the authority to move in some
of these areas Alderman Newman asked how many N U. officers are on the 4 to 12 shift. to wt7sCh Chief
Chafin responded five Alderman Newman also asked where their beats are and was told all over as the
campus it is split up and they can be all over the area Alderman Newman suggested Chief Chafin m-ght
want to concentrate at the four way stop an Colfax and noted that speeders in that area were a s¢gnifcant
problem and is very interested in knowing what officers' responsibilities the Chief is wiping to take He also
asked d there are any officers specifically assigned to Clark Street and was told they are assigned all over.
Alderman Newman asked for sense of what percentage time is spent in the area west of main campus as
he would be interested in having the university force respond first to parties. Chief Kaminski responded
when the call comes in it is riot known whether they are Northwestem students committing the offenses.
Alderman Newman challenged that and said we know that they are because it is generally the saute
addresses over and over again. Chief Chafin responded that he would bring this issue to the university
administration
Alderr--an Feldman commented in the past when the City has gore tc ---e university on the collection issue
we have been told no Chief Chafin said that issue is what he would call lawyers and he would need to
check with the university attorneys as to what could be done
Alderman Moran left the meeting at this point
Alderman Newman remarked to Alderman Feldman that the university is interested in writing moving
violations but does not want to issue parking tickets He is interested in having the university ticket on
certain streets which the university will take responsibility for enforcement
Chief Kaminski wanted to distinguish between the ordinance and the ag-eement The ordinance grants the
authority to put the agreement into effect The agreement is what defines the specific responsibilities
Alderman Feldman responded the committee needed to see and agree with the agreement before enactjng
the ordinance Alderman Newman asked whether the Council has acproved past agreements to which
Chief Kaminski responded, no that had not been done before but the -next one will be Alderman Rainey
asked f we do not do this how can we have them do parties. the stop sign or the parking issues Chief
Kaminski respondea none of that has been done since February when the agreement was deemed not to
be in effect There is very limited work being done with the university rght now but they do provide sorne
backua Alderman Feldman asked if we put it in the agreement and aoprove the agreement how much
activity are you willing to devote to the downtown area Chief Chafin responded he would need to review
that with the university administration
Alderman Newman said the City does need an agreement with the university and thinks Evanston should
be doing things with the Northwestern police but the Council needs to see the agreement and negotiate
priorities and responsibilities He also noted that the N U police phone number should be in the Evanston
phone book, encouraged the Chief to put out a flyer in the neighbonccod. felt the agreement needed to
include parking tickets the university police could focus on specific areas where there are ticket problems
and would love to see a university officer between the hours 4-12 on Clark Street. Alderman Newman
asked why there would never be any police officers on Greenbay Road to which Chief Chafin responded
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they may be on route to Dyche Stadium and this is certainly not a habitual thing.
Alderman Rainey asked if all N.U. officers are certified for D,U.I. training and whether all Evanston p
officers were trained on a breathalyzer. Chief Kaminski noted that N.U. officers conceivably could be
involved in that if all the Evanston police officers are tied up at a particular time. The agreement vtoutd
avoid litigation also in the recent gas leak university police were helpful in blocking off traffic.
Alderman Newman said with regards to the traffic blockage on Emerson when the Daily Northwestern callea
for comment. the lieutenant's first official response was the university did not close the street. Chief Chafin
said he wished they had called him for the right story.
Alderman Newman noted the agreement in tonight's packet gives Northwestern the right to close off a
street. Chief Chafin responded that the university would continue to come to the City about closing off a
street and again said they made a mistake. Alderman Newman wanted language to that effect in the
agreement He asked how many N.U. police detainees utilized the lockup. Chief Kaminski resporrdsd
approximately two to three a month mostly on misdemeanors. Alderman Rainey if they get to our lockup
are they ours. Chief Chafin clarified the lockup procedures.
Alderman Newman indicated he wanted to hold this in committee until Chief Chafin can come back with
answers to the parking ticket question. Chief Chafin asked why would members of this committee want to
hold this agreement. Alderman Newman said he does not believe the university will do this unless they
perceive it to be in their self-interest. In terms of the issues of writing tickets, Alderman Kent said Leon
Place is another trouble spot that university employees take up the entire block when residents call trey
are told the Evanston police department is responsible. He noted nIs
Ward also has party houses and disorderly houses In response to the party house issue Chief Kamirsea
said they do keep certain addresses on file and when school starts they flyer the buildings. There is a zero
tolerance policy they notify the university, the university warns the students involved and the Chief is not
involved in tracking certain building owners
Alderman Kent asked Chief Kaminski if this agreement helps him if the boundary grows w it they do ail t m
work. He also asked Chief Chafin to look into the issue that Northwestern faculty and staff may be tie
owners and landlords operating disorderly houses Alderman Rainey also indicated her interest in that
Alderman Newman asked whether this agreement included the right to tow cars that are blocking alleys.
to which Chief Kaminski responded, no. Alderman Newman noted that it happened every night in his Ward
and felt this was an issue that also needed to be dealt with
Mimi Peterson, Evanston resident, said the problem with the current agreement is it is difficult to identify
costs and questioned who pays for special events Alderman Newman said he would like to amend the
agreement to include an annual report from the university police documenting arrests and crtattons and was
concerned about the fourth whereas clause, whether there is an expansion of duties here Ms. Petersor.
inquired why the boundaries went all the way up to Whlmette. Chief Chafin responded that Dyche Stadium
and McGaw Hall border on Isabella Alderman Newman suggested another point needing to be in the
amendment is that the two Chiefs meet yearly to discuss priorities and wnat the N U. contribution will be
There are reasons a yearly dialog is needed.
It was agreed that Ordinance 27-0-99 be held in committee until further information was submitted
V. DISPOSITION OF CITIZEN COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE OFFICERS
Alderman Kent noted with regard to CR 99-06, the citizen complainer wishes to come before the Human
Services Committee and he asked her not to come this evening due to the heavy agenda this could be
done next month
HSC Minutes 10 4/ 99 - Page 9.
Alderman Rainey said she keeps hearing more and more dialogue in the community about the dif iicuft
relabonship between the police department and citizens and wanted to know why there are not many CR's.
Sergeant Cabanski said the severity of the issue dictates, sometimes the issues can be handfed by a
supervisor Alderman Rainey asked how many are currently in writing to which Chief Kaminski resry--tnded
there are three pending CR's He felt the department bends over backwards to make it very easy for
people to file complaints Alderman Rainey and Chief Kaminski discussed how easy the process of filing
a complaint is. Alderman Kent is sure the department does bend over backwards, however, what we call
bending over backwards citizens do not always see it that way and he speaks from the experience of
helping friends and constituents. Alderman Rainey expressed her concern about that and Chief Kaminski
responded he takes every complaint very seriously. Alderman Kent said he knows the Chief does but
sometmes the accessibility of the process can be difficult and noted one person who tried to file a carriplaint
was told there were no forms available and was asked to wait 45 minutes Chief Kaminski said he needs
to know about all of those incidents. Officers should know and begin the process immediately as the
process is very clear.
The committee voted unanimously to concur with the dispositions of cases 99-05 and 99-07.
VI- MENTAL HEALTH BOARD FY2000 SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING ALLOCATIONS
Lonnie Wiebe, Mental Health Board Chair, wanted to express her gratitude to Alderman Feldman and was
thankful for the opportunity for the funding received by the Board. It was an excellent opportunity for the
Board to access the needs in the community and is grateful for the opportunity to do something about them.
The Mental Health Board put together a Request for Proposal, developed a good crocess, and received
a good proposal The dimensions program was a good one and the Board has decided to focus on the
areas of dual diagnosis, mental illness and substance abuse, MISA. There were not a lot of models to follow
and the Board had done a good job
Alderman Feldman said he was thankful for the thoughtful proposals. felt the Board had done good work.
and inquired what the terms of the caseload of the program might be. Mr. Saver responded that the
program is designed to serve fourteen people in the first year and thirty-five for the next fiscal year
Alderman Feldman wanted to know what percentage of the problem that figure represents Mr Saver said
thej talked to a number of agencies and it is difficult to get a real figure but the estimated number is very
high Agencies estimated between 30% and 50% of the clients they have receiving services have some
degree of dual diagnosis Alderman Feldman asked if an agency has been treating someone for a single
prc_Iem but knows that a dual problem exists how can a responsible agency not respond to that problem
Ms Wiebe said possible reasons might be that the client might not reveal the exte-t of his/her problems
or tie agency does not have trained staff to handle it. Alderman Feldman asked whether someone in
treatment for a psychiatric problem could hide a substance abuse problem Ms Wiebe said it is also
possible agencies would refuse to deal with substance abuse problems Alderman Feldman asked how
the program would find the clients they intended to serve Ms Wiebe responded 'he Center for Pubic
Mir.stry is a very important part of the program but once the program becomes we -I known there will be
mars referral sources Alderman Feldman said its astonishing to him that someone woulcin't get treaime^t
Mr Saver responded it s not sure that there is no need, agencies are bootlegging services We were
locking for an integrated program. some are singular or parallel Ms Wiebe added we are locking for
integrated services for a co -existing condition
Alderman Rainey asked what it costs to maintain an addiction for someone who is severely addictea Kate
Ma-oney of PEER Services. responded that maintaining a heroin addiction can cost between and
S11--0 per day Cocaine tends to be available at 55 but can betaken many times per day Cocaine addicts
easily spend over S500 per week Alderman Rainey asked where clients tend to purchase coca ne. to
wh.i h Ms Mahoney responded most buy in locations in or near Evanston Aldermar Rainey inquired about
clients who tend to be very low income and are paying S500 per week for the drugs to which V-ey are
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addicted. Ms. Webe said that is why it is very important to have this program avnilaWe. For swine time
it has been very needed for a population very difficult to treat
Alderman Newman expressed a concern that most of the clients would come from the Center for Public
Ministry, to which Ms Wiebe responded that she did not think so Alderman Newman said all the reports
received from Center for Public Ministry show most of their clients are'rom Chicago. PEER Services Adult
Treatment is their regional agency for adult treatment St Francis used to be aligned with the Center for
Public Ministry Asked if we limit this Evanston residents in his view he would like to see an eighteen
month connection and how many are we gong to end up with Mr Saver pointed out that the Mental health
Board said in their Request for Proposal the services are exclusively for Evanston residents. One reason
the Center for Public Ministry did not respond to the RFP on its own was because it did not have enough
Evanston residents to justify it They felt St. Francis certainly had a tot of Evanston residents who could
avail themselves to this program and there would be enough Evanston residents as a result of the outreach
for the program Ms Webe indicated that Mental Health Board funds available for this are just directed for
Evanston residents Ms Mahoney noted there is a dual diagnosis program in Uptown and her agency
sends Chicago residents to that program. Alderman Newman asked how does one define an Evanston
resident. Ms. Mahoney responded they need to be attached to a particular address and should have a
State I.D. Alderman Newman noted residents of the shelter can vote and also the irony that this money
that came from money saved through not funding Evanston Hospital is now part of the money going to St.
Francis Hospital. Ms. Wiebe said that is because they submitted the best program and they were already
seeing a large number of people. Alderman Feldman noted the City still pays Evanston Township a lot of
money through the Township and it was a just and right decision to do 4 Mr Saver poiryted out that PEER
Services will get the money as they are the fdurAary agent for the grant and St. Francis is bringing in a lot
of resources and in -kind. Alderman Newman said however, some funds will go to St Francis, Ms.
Mahoney said they will be paid a fee for clinical supervision
Alderman Newman asked about the 57200 for the case manager at the Center for Public Ministry which
tells him there will be a lot of clients coming from CPM Ms. Webe responded each agency is bringing their
strengths Mr Saver provided Alderman Newman with a history of all the case management services
available at CPM CPM has a number of case managers for specific areas and St Francis Hospital
currently has no specific relationship with CPM
Alderman Feldman told Ms Wiebe he thinks she hears the value of these dollars going to Evanston
residents and felt the question of residency is a difficult one as the City wants to spend money on people
who have more of a connection than an El nde Its not fair to spend tax payers dollars on non residents
Ms. Webe said that is very clear to the Mental Health Board and noted that Board members are
representatives from the City of Evanston and take that issue very seriously Low-income Evanston
residents need this service and hopes the Board will eventually be able to report the success of the program
including persons who might have been employed Mr Saver pointed out language that had been in the
RFP is a good question of how do we know Alderman Newman said ne thinks the world of CPM they are
the best agency in town. but still has concerns about paying money for non-residents He asked if as a
condition of the funding the committee could get detailed personal h€st.-nes including detailing streets vihere
people live on without giving address Ms Wiebe responded that vwrihin the beundanes of confidentiality
the Board could ask to provide that and suggested asking Ms Mahoney if that was possible Ms Mahoney
said they could identify the street but noted some streets are short which would not have it be as
anonymous as it should. Alderman Feldman and Alderman Newman indicated they had no desire to
impose anything which would conflict with confidentiality. Ms. Mahoney also clarified that the program can
serve residents who are not low income. Alderman Newman noted the grant is only supposed to serve
fourteen people without giving their names, in the first year and would like to know of these fourteen people
when they came what they were treated for, what the outcome was in terms of improvement. if they
received treatment or there was a lack of progress He wants to know if we are ^elpmg people who have
contact with the police department and if the program has had a positive impact on the community
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Alderman Feldman said the basic issue is are lives being changed in a positive way. lots. Wiebe responded
it depends on our ability to reach them. Alderman Newman said we are picking fts; at this time because
it is a new program and the Council has a new focus on accountability. Ms. Wiebe responded she
understood as the Mental Health Board has a lot of experience with accountability and noted the S58,000
is a relatively small amount of money but very important to the Board.
Alderman Feldman moved that the Mental Health Board monev be approved- Motion seconded by
Alderman Newman.
Alderman Rainey left the meeting at this point.
Alderman Kent asked how does one define a low-income population and how do you get the drugs off the
street. He recounted the persons he deals with in terms of long term Evanston addicts refusing help. Ms
Mahoney noted this program is designed to make an attempt at that and wishes they had a stronger referral
relationship with police officers. Virtually all of the referrals came from the Youth Services Bureau.
Alderman Newman suggested Ms. Mahoney call the Chief directly and ask him to express that to his
officers. Ms. Mahoney said she did not want to disturb the chain of command. Alderman Kent asked about
adults, is there is way to get them into treatment and to stay in treatment. Ms. Mahoney expressed a desire
to sit down and talk to the police department.
Alderman Newman made a motion to direct the police department to move beyond youth services when
referring to services in all divisions and how they disseminate information.
Alderman Feldman's motion to approve the Mental Health Board funding was approved, 3-0.
VII. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 113-0-99 EVANSTON TOWNSHIP GIFT BAN ACT
Ms. Brenniman informed the committee she looked into the issue of having a cooperative agreement
between the City and Township could find no legal problem with doing so. The proposed ordinance
provides for an ethics officer for the Township. The Township Supervisor was reeormnending her Executive
Director to fill that position. Alderman Newman clarified that issues would go to the City's Board of Ethics
Ms Brenniman said that is correct
The committee voted, 3-0, to recommend approval of Ordinance 113-0-99.
Vlll. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 57-0-99 AMENDING CITY REGULATION
OF FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS
Alderman Feldman moved approval with the three amendments in the staff memorandum.
Alderman Newman still felt the fee schedule was too high and did not understand why you would charge
soup kitchens a lower rate. Ms. Bush noted they are only open one to two dafs a week. Alderman
Newman said he counted 165 instances where he felt the increase was too high. Alderman Feldman said
in his view the establishments could afford it and the problem is we were starting ou: so low we were trying
to improve a flawed system. There was absolutely no relationship between the current fee charge and the
cost that would be incurred. Even with these increases we still would not be covering our costs. Alderman
Newman pointed out that D & D Groceries still pay $50.000 in property tax and do not get any garbage pick
up. He felt staff ,s trying to raise money but elected officials will pay the price in tt'e complaints when the
bills come out. He would propose that fees be Category I greater than 5.000 square feet S600. Category
1 $300. Category 11 S100 and Category I S100.
Mr Stafford discussed the need for the City to raise fees in order to cover the cocas incurred. Alderman
Newman asked Mr Stafford why businesses should pay property tax. Mr Stafford and Alderman Newman
HSC Minutes 10, 4,,99 - Page 12.
discussed what services businesses get 09 a result of paying property tax
Alderman Feldman felt at this point the committee should not be pre -censoring in trying to ,t idge the
response. The committee should pass it, put it out on the Council floor and see what the respamse is.
Mr. Stafford informed the committee he will be coming forward with a proposal for a business 4oense and
food license holders will be exempt from the general business license. He noted loth the food 9cense and
the business license were in the budget when it was approved in March and staff are under szme time
pressure to get some of these passed. Alderman Feldman asked how much a general business license
would cost and was told between $200 and $400 a year. Alderman Newman pointed out the ou—tay which
occurred when sign ordinance was enforced. Alderman Feldman felt there was a major difference between
a sign ordinance and restaurant inspections. Alderman Newman stated he expects a number of complaints
and intends on directing them to staff.
The committee voted 2-1 in favor of Ordinance 57-0-99. Alderman Feldman and Alderman Kent
voted ave. Alderman Newman voted nay.
IX. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL SEPTEMBER, 1999, TOWNSHIP MONTHLY BILLS
The committee voted 3-0 to approve the September 1999, Township monthly bills.
X. COMMUNICATIONS
Communications were accepted.
Alderman Kent reminded the committee there will be a meeting on October 180 and would like to see the
committee begin a half hour earlier than previously scheduled in order to hold an Executive Session to
discuss the citizen complaint against the police which had been held over from tonight's meeting.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
The committee voted unanimously to adjourn at 12:00 a.m.
HSC Minutes 10/4/99 - Page 13.
X
Minutes
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
October 18, 1999
Civic Center - Room 2402
7:00 P.M.
DRAFT -NOT APPROVED
ALDERMEN PRESENT: Aldermen Rainey, Moran, Newman, Feldman. Kent
STAFF PRESENT: Harvey Saver, Jay Terry, Audrey Trotsky
OTHERS PRESENT: Sharon Danhoff, BE -HIV; Alexander Brown. Sandi Johnson, Evanston/Skokie Malley
Senior Services; Michelle Kaplan Rana Patner Brown, Rob Roy, Evanston Community
Defender, Bill Kolen, Kathy Swanson, CCLAF; David Myers, Jan Klingberg, Connections
for the Homeless; CPM: Ann Jennett Craig Moms, John Kennedy. Sacella Smith.
Suzanne Auburn, Lavada Robinson, Youth Job Center
PRESIDING: Alderman Kent
CALL TO ORDER
Alderman Kent called the meeting to order at 7:00 p m
ANNOUNCEMENT
Mr. Terry announced that late Friday afternoon the City Manager and Corporation Counsel became aware of a request
from the Township Supervisor for authority to get a line of credit due to a financial shortfall in the Township. specifically
a cash shortfall. It would appear this was primarily due to the lateness of the County in getting money out to local
governments. A week or so ago the Supervisor sent a letter to the Trustees apprising them of the general nature of
the situation. In discussing matters with the Township the City began to weigh the pros and cons of making an
appropriate loan to the Township in the form of an Intergovernmental Agreement as opposed to the Township going
to a bank Tomorrow afternoon representatives of the accounting firm Miller, Cooper. Township auditors. are going
to determine the exact nature of the cash shortfall. It is currently the intention of both the Township and City staff that
it will be an order of business at the next City Council meeting. This Mould normally go through the Human Services
Committee. but given the timeline there is no paper documentation of the dimensions of the problem at this point
Every effort will made to have everything available for the next City Council meeting in terms of documentation
HELD OVER COMPLAINT REVIEW 99-06
Alderman Kent noted that an Executive Session had been scheduled to hear the complainant but she did not show
up.
Alderman Kent called for a motion of approval of Complaint 99-06. Alderman Feldman motioned for approval,
seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion unanimousiv passed (4-0} fat this time Alderman Newman had not vet
arrived at the meetina.k
IV. HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY REVIEWS
A) BE -HIV
Sharon Danhoff, Executive Director, comes before the committee tonight asking for renewal of $20.000 to provide
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�A�
services to Evanston residents whose lives are impacted by HIV AIDS. That is specifically in the form of case
management, volunteerism, work support of assisted living, and the mental health services they provide. They are
celebrating their tenth anniversary this year_ Ten years ago they were founded, in this building, by community leaders.
They do not charge for their services and have always held the support of this community with deep appreciation. Trey
know your funding sources are limited and BE-H1V as any social seance agency comes before you knowing this money
is critically imper;ant rot only to me maintenance of their services but hopefully to the expansion of their services to
residents of this :ammunrrj whose lives and families lives have been impacted by HIV AIDS. She can cite states-,ics
as we all know what is happening The perception is that AIDS is on the decline, but in reality HIV .s on the rse
particularly in people under twenty-one. people of color. and women of all ages for all reasons. This is an incurable
communicable disease. there is no vaccine nor any cure. One in every four new infections in this country is a child
under twenty-one a fairly startling statement she teamed coming aboard as the new Executive Director in May and
has seen more over the last five months by the people they are reaming in contact with in this community She hoses
you will sincerely consider renewal of their funding as a community based organization.
Alderman Rainey At the CDBG meeting we were told Evanston has the second highest number of AIDS cases
in the State of Illinois
Ms. Danhoff : There are currently 191 reported cases.
Mr. Terry: That total is since the disease was diagnosed in the mid 80's. There is a good rate of 8-10 new
cases a year,
Alderman Rainey Are those cases with active AIDS or the HN virus.
Alderman Rainey Do these 8-10 cases adhere to the current statistics of more women.
Ms. Danhoff . Yes, our numbers show more women. The bagger issue for us is the testing. finding people who
are willing to be tested so we can provide early intervention in the disease. She did not wart
to read thousands of statistics to the committee, but this is the leading cause of death of people
between the ages of 25-44. Evanston is not immune to this. At the CDBG meeting she was
asked why Evanston has the second highest number of cases which she has tried to find OLI
in the last week and thinks d might be diversity or its relationship to the City limits. but she does
not have an answer for this committee either
Alderman Feldman Does any of this money go toward supplemental medicine
Ms Danhoff: BE -HIV has an emergency prescription fund not from this money, but about 5.2500 of private
money When an individual can't obtain medication, they do provide that service to them
Alderman Feldman Do people have a problem getting their funds for medication
Ms Danhoff: That is a difficult question. 43.000 000 Americans have no insurance and therefore would nci
be able if they were in the lower income level and didn't have insurance, to access the drugs
The drugs are currently costing between $2C00 and 52400 per month There is no way BE-H V
could cover that and they hook them up with tree services. She thinks people are having trouble
even under private insurance covering some things.
Alderman Feldman What type of report do you anticipate giving when coming to this committee next year or the year
after in terms of where this whole issue is heading.
Ms. Danhoff: it is the belief of the staff and many professionals that we are in the eye of the storm. In 1996
inhibitors saw dramatic decreases in death from AiDS and prolonged a better quality of life
What they are now seeing, two years later, is medications failing, and people who cannot stand
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the regime. If indeed the cumbers are cor'Lct we will see dramatic incases in our children in
the next two to three years, One in every nree African American men is esbmated to have HIV
AIDS. It is not a disease t;.at is going awa,.► . it may in some way not yet be full clown AIDS but
remember it sometimes ta.Kes ten years t*fore you are symptomatic You can have HIV ten
years before it shows up We are now seeing increased numbers of HIV in cL;-. service area
among senior citizens.
Alderman Feldman: Based on the incidents_ are people able to zroject the percentage of population t ::s represents.
For example, would you project what the cercentage of Evanston population was.
Ms. Danhoff: I would not dare to make that projection
B) CPM — CONNECTIONS FOR THE HOMELESS
David Myers said their request is for Family Housing Services, a : hange from the past when they requested funding
from the City for the shelter. The amount of their request this year is about the same as last year. The clients that We
in the Family Housing Services apartments for which they are requesting funds for are all from Evanston. The
committee may find this somewhat familiar in that when we askec approval of the HUD request, several months ago,
it was also for Family Housing Services. This request is for rent and utility payments for three apartments, the number
of apartments they now have and how many they have had over the last number of years. In the past those three
apartments were funded by HUD through the Emergency Shelter Grant Program that comes through the City. These
are Evanston families and they are now asking the committee to n.,nd the apartments the way they would conceivably
make up the funds when the Emergency Shelter Grant Program comes through. They would hope to be able to shift
the money the City is providing directly to the shelter and hope to -hake that up through the Emergency Shelter Grant
Funds. His thinking is it is more appropriate to be seeking funding directly from City tax dollars for Evanston residents
and Evanston families and allow HUD to pay more than towards the Shelter Program where the majority of the people
in the program are not from the City of Evanston. He could descrbe the program more fully given the description they
gave at the hearing around the HUD grant. If they receive the HUD funding it would increase and supplement the
program as it now stands. We would go from three apartments tc seven apartments and would be able to bring a lot
more funds to the table for the support services necessary for families to move toward independence.
Alderman Feldman: What percentage of the Family Housing Services Program clients are Evanston residents.
Mr Myers: There are three or four drfferent programs within that program. One program is a referral
program where people call for help and are referred on. They receive calls from all over the
Chicago area. They also have a program (r this program where money is given to landlords to
help people from becoming homeless. of .vnich 85% of the people in this program are from
Evanston. Of the people in the apartments, the Transitional Housing piece of the program,100%
of these people come from and live in Evarston
Alderman Feldman: Is the Emergency Service provided, g,virg people money to prevent them from becoming
homeless How long is that money is prov-,Zed
Mr Myers It is usually pretty effective the reason beirC a very close screening is done and they try to put
their money toward what looks like good bets This is a way to keep people from being evicted.
They do not give money to people unless they enter into a case management relationship wrth
them. These people then become clients.
Alderman Feldman : Is the case management and financial support is sustained over a period of time
Mr Myers: It is usually one time as they do not want them to get into a dependency position
Alderman Feldman: Is it usually enough, giving money for one month.
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Mr. Myers: Careful screening is done as to why they got in that place. tt teems Pike a one month assistance
grant is just plugging a hole that's going to open +gyp again and they won't give the money.
Alderman Rainey: If the money for the three apartments are these apartments. will go out and find and then match
people to them. Could the case be that you have a family living in an apartment and because
they cannot pay the rent you step in.
Mr. Myers: They already have three apartments in this program and if this is funded in March when the new
year begins, these people would continue to stay in the apartments and we would continue to
provide services. The funding for these apartments and the people in them would continue as
these are people that apply for the program and are admitted into the program based on
whether or not they meet our screening criteria. These are not new people but are currently
funded by Emergency Shelter Grant funds.
Alderman Newman: In the last year has there only been three families or three units in the program.
Mr. Myers: Three units. The family average length of stay is about nine months.
- - ...... .�. �.. �.-M.♦ .-.ra a.. ..ter-. -'��. .
Alderman Newman: What Is the longest the families there now can stay.
Mr. Myers: Actually now under review the program has been for twelve months, they will likely move that
to twenty-four months which is the length of time HUD would fund it as well.
Alderman Newman: How many people are in each unit.
Mr. Myers: It varies, one unit would be one mother with one child in a one bedroom unit and would go up
to four or five.
Alderman Newman: Is it the same three units.
Mr. Myers: It depends. one of the goals they have for the program is to lease one of the units every year
for at least one of the units. We work with the landlords to turn the lease over to the family that
is in the unit so that they are not disrupted and moved to another place. Generally we keep the
same units as much as possible because it is difficult and takes a lot of staff time to try to find
new units.
Alderman Newman: Then you have the same units and the same people. In your plan for the people do they have
to have jobs
Mr. Myers: Yes.
Alderman Newman: What happens if somebody gets a job where they can cover the rent. Does that ever happen
or is it always the people don't have enough to pay the rent.
Mr. Myers: Usually, at least at first. they do not have enough to pay the rent and as part of the program they
have to save 80% of discretionary income. Our case managers work out a budget with them
and the goal is when they are finished with the program, however long each individual family's
program lasts, they will have enough money saved in an escrow account to make their first and
last month rent and be able to get into their own apartment. If they are making enough money
to pay for their rent march of that money is being saved in that escrow account.
Alderman Newman: Is it your experience that people typically get minimum wage jobs.
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Mr. Myers: Not necessarily. They would be fairly cautious about takxV somebody in the program who was
just working for minimum wage. We have done that but one of the goals of the program is to
try to help, in 90% of the families headed by single morns the have served h,:s:ark�ailly over the
ten years, they have been doing this Part of the goal$ for the program is they try to increase
the capacity of the mothers so they are able to move into better paying lobs
Alderman Newman: If you extend the family's to twenty-four months which you are thin)ung of doing we might spend
$50,000 for three families. I'm all for it but am trying to figure out what the baN for the buck is.
Mr. Myers: If we extend the program for twenty-four months. the first twelve months the rent is completely
paid and there are certain subsidy for utilities. After that they would have to pay them their own.
The next twelve months would be a gradual decrease of one -twelfth each month and by the
twenty-fourth they would be pay completely on their own. Months thirteen through twenty-four
they will gradually increase the amount of rent they pay.
Alderman Newman. At the end of the twenty-four months it is possible that we could have expended $50.000, some
going to rent, some to utilities, and some to case management people, and we are only aiding
three families which it seems like that is what this program could turn out to be. Mayne its three
or four families because after a twenty-four month period you might have to switch them.
Mr. Myers: Even though we go to twenty-four months the average stay would probably be more like sixteen
or seventeen months. There might be five families in that period of time.
Alderman Rainey: For the most part it sounds like these are single parent families specifically women. where is
the daddy. What do you do about getting some contribution from the daddy.
Mr. Myers: The dad is as close as having fairly regularly contact to non -existing contact.
Alderman Rainey: What kind support are you getting here.
Mr. Myers: It depends entirely on the family but there is often inadequate support from the father and one
of the things the program does is work with the mother to increase support on her own and if
that's not possible to work with the courts and try to do that as well.
Alderman Rainey: We know that's the ideal thug but are you doing that.
Mr. Myers: We work hard at doing that.
Alderman Rainey: This City has all these supportive agencies that everybody is funding and someplace in that
network there are other agencies to help. She would like to hear some stones. success stones
about what happened, but not right now. How can you argue that this program has been
effective other than keeping people off the streets for the months they are in the apartments.
Mr. Myers: That is a very good question and could give one anecdotal story. Their executive assistant that
has been working there for almost two years was a part of the program several years ago. As
a result of the program was able to get stabilized and is doing a bang up job full time. Another
story is a woman who had a master's degree was in a very abusive relationship. She had to
move, had no place to go, had no resources, and wasn't working. They were able to help her
find a job and she is now living independently with her kids
Alderman Rainey: How many families have there been, that is only two.
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Mr. Myers- It has been eleven years and I do not have that statistic in front of me but I can get that
information.
Alderman Rainey: That information is important to me and what I would like to know I'm not impressed with the
fact that you helped somebody with a master's degree get a job I would like to see some
results and knows you have success stories.
Alderman Feldman: When talking about three apartments, how many people that made application for those do you
tum away.
Mr. Myers: We often have two or three families apply and based on the screening turn two of the three
away.
Alderman Feldman: That is not because they do not need it but because somebody needs it more. If that first person
was not there would the second person get it.
Mr. Myers: If they fit the criteria for the program they would.
Alderman Feldman: I am attempting to determine what is the real need. If there are five hundred families that need
it and you can only handle three that is one thing, but if there are three families are you able to
deal with three. I'm trying to a get sense of where we are as a society in terms of who really
need this, how many people in this community need this, what is the kind of demand for that
kind of service, how many people are in the kind of trouble that they would need that
Mr. Myers: I do not have that figure in front of me but the Homeless Task Force does a needs assessment
and that number is available in the needs assessment I would be happy to get that back to you.
Alderman Newman: What is the difference between this program and the Families in Transition program which your
agency is an eligible sponsor for. You can take these three families and do whatever you do
in terms of case management and getting the City to be the sponsor In terms of the rent for
the three families. would it be paid for by the City, and would you be liable on the lease Were
supposed to have a transitional plan which he has seen. I think the purposes are ruble but
totally agrees with both of Alderman Rainey's points. I do not see why, without naming names
and addresses. and at least one member of the committee thinks this is some type of invasion
of privacy Where there is only three cases, without knowing any names or where they live we
can be told what happened. how they improved. whether the children were adequately cared
for whether the father or mother was pursued for support and what transpired with that It
seems to me a lot more could be done in terms of letting the committee know if we are getting
somewhere with this program.
Mr. Myers: I would be happy to get that information to the committee
Cj COOK COUNTY LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION (CCLAF)
Mr. Terry noted Mr. Kolen will be making a somewhat dramatic announcement and wanted to clarify that the Staff
Analysis on CCLAF went out last Friday at 2:00 p.m. and then at 4:00 p.m. he received information that CCLAF will
be merging under direction of the Legal Services Corporation. They will either be merging with the Chicago Legal
Assistance or Prairie States Legal Assistance of DuPage County. Mr Kolen is not in any position to make
commitments now in terms of Evanston, whether there will be an Evanston office, or the future of their senior services.
He encouraged Mr. Kolen to come and himself tell the committee about this. We are in no position to know what the
future of CCLAF is as of tonight. Alderman Feldman asked if they are withdrawing their request for funds, to which
Mr. Terry replied they are not withdrawing their request but the future of their services is now up in the air. Mr. Kolen
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will not talk about the proposal but will give a brief status report of the agv,ncy
William Kolen, Managing Attorney, and Kathleen Swanson Executive Director were in attendance to try to answer
questions of the committee. Mr. Kolen said Ellen Johnson, their Executive Director for the tast fifteen years resgned
in July and Ms. Swanson was appointed to be Acting Director by the Board They got err d on Fnda) d-a' t.+-e Legal
Services Corporation, that has been assessing this issue for the pas; lea: and half. te%:_i.jse there :s rc Eri—=ive
Director this would be a good time for us to explore merger with one ; f the larger legal se. -vices prc�;-a-s ". f li,nois
The reason from the Federal governments perspective is. they think larger , better and INN services :.arl :;r-- Livered
more effectively and efficiently if its part of a large organization Does he agree with that no but tt',ey Cidn't directly
ask him that question. Does he think this is necessarily bad, no, he thrnrs that both of tie agencies that wcs-ild be
logical agencies to merge with, one being the Legal Assistance Foundatx-)n ;d Chicago and :tee other Prairie State Legal
Services.
A little bit of background. the Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago :s tt�e federally funded legal service p-c Boer for
the City. CCLAF serves Suburban Cook County, the geographic area that goes all the way from the norm suburbs
around northwest, west. southwest and south suburbs, and u-shapes around the City Prairie State Legal Services
is the Federally funded legal services provided that serves the collar counties. Kane, DuPage, Lake and s irroLzIding
us further out from the City. For the first six years of his professional career he worked for the Legal Assistance
Foundation of Chicago. It is an excellent program and certainly has great attorneys. A'1ot of good things -can be said
about them. They have a lot of people with expertise that can be helpful directly to Evanston residents We use them
and some of their expertise on a regular basis. Prairie State Lifeline is a legal services program that has an
outstanding reputation. Ms. Swanson started her career at Prairie State Both Mr Kolen and Ms. Swanson have some
connection to each program and both are good. From his perspective the upshot of this is while they are imposing
something on him that he does not like to have imposed on him. it has the potential of being fine, hopefully even t>etter.
At the outset of merger discussions the Board formed a committee to discuss the options and what :s gc;.ng to
happen. The bottom line from him to this group is whomever we merge rirth there is still an absolute obligation to
provide free legal services to Evanston residents, and the presence of an office in Evanston which we have had for
thirty years is a logical place for an office On a personal level he grey up in Evanston and worked here for the past
seven years. He would suggest and urge that continuation of funding be contingent on an office being present here.
That can be very helpful to us as we negotiate this merger to make sure we can keep the office in Evanston and
continue to provide the type of high qualir/ legal services that Evanston residents have come to know and expect from
US.
We are still in our office and will continue to be there. His hope and expectation from a client's perspectrve is there
will be no effect other than ultimately, hopefully a positive one in the sense of being associated with an agercy that
is larger and more financially secure than CCLAF has been They are looking at a very short timetable and expect to
know more within the next few weeks.
Alderman Kent said on behalf of the committee he was happy Mr. Terry invited him to come to this meet;rg and
everyone on this committee thanks you and looks forward to your coming back to give a report on what will transpire
with Evanston. Everything you have been doing has been right on the money and the service provided our --::tens
has been absolutely wonderful. Alderman Kent asked if there is anything you need from us such as a letter :,erause
we have dealt with you for such a long time. Mr. Kolen said he has been an avid proponent for the Evarsts^ office
within CCLAF and thinks having an office here has been tremendous professionally as well as because of Evarston's
commitment to social services. We are part of a web of social service providers here which has made us snore
effective. Something from the City of Evanston would be very helpful and most appreciated to Ms. Swanscrn and
myself and our staff. We will be negotiating with two programs at the same time. Sheldon Roodman is the Fixecutive
Director of the Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago. Joe Dailing is the Executive Director of Prairie State Legal
Services. He does not want to see an interruption of services especially for bureaucratic reasons as that would serve
no purpose. It is his role in this process as the Managing Attorney of the office to do everything he can to make sure
clients are served and don't know anything is going on
Alderman Feldman wondered if the only thing left for this committee to do is to wait for the solidification of any
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developments and understand the nature of what this community w9t have to deal with is the fum frog He cannot
imagine asking questions at this point when there are no answers.
Mr. Terry's added in terms of how the decisions will get made. Is CCIAF negotiating as equals or as supplicants, what
Is the relationship in terms of the other two programs. Ms Swanson responded they are not supplicants they are
under pressure from the Legal Services Corporation but have indicated to them that they can do an investigation and
make a recommendation as to which program they think they mesh better with that would best serve their clients. Mr
Terry then asked if they are the ultimate decision -makers. Ms. Swanson responded in terms of the mcney they give
us.
Alderman Newman asked when will we know the decision has been made. Mr. Kolen said the merger decision will
be made in three weeks. Alderman Newman said you could decide to merge with somebody and it is aporoved, then
somewhere down the line there has to be a decision made by the new combination entity whether to corrinue offices
in Harvey, Oak Park and Evanston. Evanston being the only office making any financial contribution of ant significance
and would maybe argue in favor of maintaining the Evanston office. PAr Kolen added looking at Lega' Assistance
Foundation there is no office on the north side of Chicago. The further office they have on the north side of Chicago
is 1212 North Ashland. From a service perspective having an office in Evanston makes a lot of sense. T! a possibility
of expanding the number of attorneys with them is with the idea we could serve some of the north side of Chicago.
Alderman Kent thanked Mr. Kolen and Ms. Swanson for their attendance
D) EVANSTON COMMUNITY DEFENDER
Bob Roy. introduced Rona Patner Brown Director of Social Work Service Program, and Michelle Kaplan McAndrews
Staff Attorney for their office. Ms. Kaplan is new to the agency, she has been practicing law for ten years. was the
former director of the East Palo Alto Legal Clinic and also worked as a clinical law professor at Stanford University,
Before that she was a staff attorney in a defender program and before that was a clinical professor of law at the
University of Chicago Mandell Legal Aid Clinic. She has experience in family law and understanding families domestic
issues and welcomes the experience she brings to them.
Since 1973 when they started as a criminal defense agency there have been a lot changes in the demograohtcs and
the systems that govern the neighborhoods of Evanston. There have also been a lot of changes in the wa; services
are provided to low income people. They changed along with the times and now represent people under the age of
twenty-one, an age that was decided based those under the age of twenty-one are eligible for educatiora' services,
especially special education What they have tried to do is charge the paradigm of how legal services are provided
to low income people especially those who have a multiplicity of legal needs and social needs that are Fut together
in a package that life circumstances generally bring them to their doorstep because they need sorre help in
Delinquency Court This does not change the fact that their housing may be inadequate. their school ace evement
maybe less than admirable, and they may have mental health issues that have not been attended to Nsr does it
change the fact that they live in an environment that is often chactic and usually requires attention to the mcs• Dressing
problems before them in terms of the family because the family doesn't have a plan Mr Roy made a refe-e- se to an
article that said some families crush kids and other families save them Unfortunately we deal with a lot of far -:lies that
are crushing kids. some because it is deliberate others because they really care about their kids but their carenting
styles is what they have known and are now applying what they know. They consequently come up with a '-ot of the
same results where anger and corporal punishment is the rule rather than the exception When you get to a certain
age and your behavior spills out in the family and into the community you then come into contact with the p6lice and
end up in the criminal justice system. Their youngest client is six and the oldest is twenty-one, 66% of their work is
done in Juvenile Court. 84% of their clients are seventeen or younger which means they are all high school age. 66%
are high school sophomores or younger, 7 out of every 10 live with one parent and that parent is usually the mother.
more likely a grandmother, or perhaps an aunt or an extended family member
Mr. Roy said they have a social work service program with the idea of providing people with a way out of current
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circumstances in their Lives by using crisis intervention counseling and try to direct them to other agencies in Evanston
that provide services. Tcwards that end they have done that for a long time. A number of years aoo they started a
group for young girls who are involved in the delinquency system which they named `Girl Talk' That worked out so
well they approached the Evanston Community Foundat,an and used some Mental Health Board -,oney to start a
group for the siblings of kids they had on their call that do not have connections to the delinquency s•.1stem but in fact
are at a juncture in their Yves where they will have to make choices as to whether or not to follow ,n �e steps of their
siblings. An article by a fellow named David Hawkins cescnbed the extremes of nis lob as a Probation Officer in
Delinquency Court as a kin to operating an expensive ambulance service at the bottom of the cliff He and others on
the probation staff were the emergency room staff patching up those who fell over the edge. In rather frustrated terms
he described wanting to achieve a higher goal to keep people from falling over the edge in the first pi:ace which is the
philosophy behind our Sibling Support Group. This group is much more structured than the Girt Ta k group, it does
not address problems, but how you identify the connection between anger and viorence, how to communicate with
people in ways other than combative or confrontave, and a plan of issues that deal with basis child detielopment issues
that you would think a lot of families would impart to their children that have been our experiences and the families we
have grown up in but that hasn't happened. Someone then has to step in and basically do some of that
One of the things they are very concerned about in this year approaching the millennium is the census Ms. Brown
has participated in the Census 2000 effort that is meeting now and beginning to talk about taking the census at the
beginning of the year. We are probably about 3500 kids undercounted in Evanston. That would be S200 or $300 per
kid which means a fair amount of revenue that can come from the City. If they do some work in the community to
inform people that it's a good thing to be counted and its not something that will ultimately end up hurting them but in
the long run helping.
Mr. Roy wanted to thank the committee for their support because this support has allowed them to change the
paradigm of how many people in this community can have access to legal services. Many times in dealing with
families with a number of problems you deal with the most pressing problem and do not think of what is the next
problem on the list, consequently for low income people there are systems set up for representation but in a way that
each is a function in its own domain none of which are designed to deal with underlying causes, social and emotional.
and in may in ways causing the people to consume legal services to begin with. What his agency tnes to do for this
community is to learn from history and put together a service package responsive to low income people. One that
would not only give them help in particular instances but also in the hopes that as time goes on since 28% of Evanston
is under the age of 20. those people become part of the tax base rather than the tax drag of the community
Alderman Feldman. Can you address the Staff Analysis question. "Taken together, the above figures raise questions
about the nature of the work in which the agency is currently engaged. It is not clear whether
the nature of their clients' problems is changing, and there is a need for more intensive services
for more complex and difficult issues Or whether the agency is focusing their services on an
increasingly narrow population."
Mr Roy: I can address it and would also like to dialogue about it Do our kids have more intense problems
and do the kids that come to us look differently than they did before. Yes, they do, especially
if you're in a situation trying to deal wrth a set of problems rather than have indrndual problems
I can cite two unnamed cases that required legal assistance in Juvenile Court with DCFS
petitioning to terminate their guardianship, these are 14 year aids, and to deflect them into the
Department of Corrections for legal services related to disciplinary proceedings in District 65
Also contemporary special education multi -disciplinary conferences that were going on trying
to find a way to get a kid in 8"' grade who was in 7" grade to the school house door every
morning. We have a situation because of some shifts in the way that the state is structured and
what they have emphasis on. There is a lot more work to be put into an individual case if you
really want to do what it is you say you're trying to do in dealing with sets of problems. He does
not know what the question would be about the nature of work because he knows what they are
trying to do they are very focused on trying to improve the quality of life for people who make
contact with us is through the delinquency system. Our funding application has a diagram that
HSC Minutes 10/ 18/99 - Page 9.
talks about child and family in the center with a number of life domains on the oc:ttside of it. We
can't respond to all those life domains but we can respond to the one most imperrtant to us and
In the end to the community, which is educabion. We do a social worts service program, housing
issues, fit contracts, and also do a lot of referrals to different places for seff heilp. He has no
question about the nature of the work. He does not think it is a narrowing poaulatfion There has
been a lot of talk about creation of alternative diversions for juveniles in the ncr^,hern suburbs
and he personally has questions about that A lot of those diversionary tl ngs are funneling
kids who have a full package of problems into court. The populations cf the kids you see
profiled in juvenile court are not the easy ones and are getting narrower. If you ccrnbine that with
some of the stakes that they're being connected to, the outcomes of those cases today, such
as changes in the juvenile court act where every kid who is arrested is 10 years old or above
has to be printed and photographed and that data is sent to a central data banie.
Alderman Rainey: Can you clarify that statement
Mr. Roy: Under the Juvenile Court Act everyone 10 and above who is arrested.
Alderman Rainey: Meaning what. Isn't that decision to arrest made by the police. who can also make a decision
not to do that. This is something difficult for the layperson -to Understand.
Mr. Roy: If a police officer takes a person into custody. be it a juvenile or an adult, that person has been
arrested. What happens to that person when they go into the police station ,,an take on a
variety of forms. If they're under the age of 17 and are there for somenrng that isn't
automatically told where they have to transfer to adult court jurisdiction One of the questions
he has in the development of the new Juvenile Court Act is what does that mean how are you
going to be able to differentiate between the kids who are there for graffiti. do you print them,
photograph then, transmit those records to a central data base. Different communties are trying
to figure out how to handle that but that is one of the provisions that is probably the most
bothersome He has handled cases of Evanston kids who have been involved ,n violation of
ordinances and other municipalities and have gone to bond hearings and have had those read
off as prior contacts with the taw or reasons why bonds should be higher because they had
police contracts and referrals into those courts. That is one of the state legislaton issues that
concern him if you get arrested you're arrested it doesn't make any difference v,hat your age
is, it's the act of taking a person into custody In juvenile matters they can handle it by a station
adjustment but that is now limited to two. After two station adjustments it's a mardatory referral
to juvenile court. The ordinance courts are put in place because there is an exceer_ion under *ne
Juvenile Court Act The Attorney General's opinion is that juveniles can be helc accountaole
for traffic laws. hunting and gaming laws, and other such ordinances. In lake CeLrtty they have
used an ordinance approach to juveniles for curfew and shop lifting
Alderman Feldman- Are you suggesting that two station adjustments is not enough or that juvenile offenders should
never or rarely be printed and photographed
Mr. Roy: My concerns are as we become more of a society that wants to publicly disclose either to me
schools or to other entities the police contacts the kids have One of my concerns is the kids
filling out an application for college or for a job. Many employment services employ services
that will go out to the courthouse and do a name check on somebody and even time there is
a name check they may write it down. What happens if you go to apply to college and at the
age of twelve you were arrested and there is an official record someplace within tt-e state. Does
the state change, do you have to disclose that. or do you just ignore that and hope nobody will
check. He always thought station adjustments are a good thing because there are kids who
can benefit from just being counseled by a police officer but what has changed has mind about
that is one time he was trying to get a residential placement for a kid and subpoenaed the police
HSC Minutes 10/ 18/99 -Page 10.
reports for the station adjustments on that kid and there were about 20. He waited to make a
case for the reason why the kid couldn't live the community and already had an opinion from a
psychologist that he needed and wanted to use his negative background as an offensive tool
to try to get a residential placement. What he found is there were definitely scree cases in there
that were actually cases but then there were a wt`ole host of cases W e a he was with
somebody or in a group that was arrested at the time while they were looking `:s- someone else.
Rather than not deal with it in terms of letting it go t.t the board there was a record made.
Systems do change arrd so does the focus of the people who are responsible `or doing that, but
the state limitation on the number of station adjustments is basically to try to keep it from being
misused. In that particular case he hoped there had been 20 legitimate stager+ adjustments
because it would have helped instead of hurt.
Alderman Feldman: The work you do is clearly a value and important to you and the people that work at your agency.
In terms of society it nas grim meaning, and having said that is wondering is how you feel
you're doing. The court seems to engage in the work but it is another thing to succeed and the
question he has is how are lives being changed as a result of your work, are they really being
changed. We can help people and wind up losing them and we can help people and wind up
saving them, are we helping them losing, losing a lot, or losing more, what's happening.
Mr. Roy: We are winning more than we're losing which is something he thinks about a lot especially
looking back at the years. To cite an example, tonight one of the kids in the group who has an
older brother in the system came to the office and said all his friends went to McDonald's, he
asked his mother for money and she did not have any, so he decided to come here to the
agency to see if anya^e was here. He was put in the face of temptation either of taking
something by walking .nto a store or try to follow some of the analysis of how to make a
decision, that's what he calls success. Does that mean he will not fall to temptation some other
time, we don't know but its there. Because of the other kids, even those kids that make terrible
mistakes and do something that could change the course of their life at 15 or 16 because they
associate with the wrong people. I think we're successful if we are able to call upon resources
we have to try to help them so they don't end up with something that would change the course
of their life forever. I know there are cases where kids cannot be helped because the system
is not willing to help them.
He was asked a question about how some state agencies force the consumption of local
resources. They take lids out of a productive state placement on a policy of return home and
put them here in the community in a wrap around plan that isn't sufficient to the level of their
needs and ask agencies here to provide the wrap seraces They then put them back in the
family setting that caused all the problems to begin with in the name of "return home'. That kid
then goes out and does something consuming police services social work services and school
services all under the name of bring the kids home. This is what is happening on a daily basis.
This is an unfunded mandate from the state agencies by those policies. In those cases Ire are
not winning, as a matter of fact we're losing. He has never had DCFS attorneys come in on
petitions to vacate guardianship on 14-year-old kids which they are now doing
Alderman Newman: Why can't we charge some of these some people something. In most of these cases to hire a
private attorney would cost about $1,000. Why we can't ask people who use the services to
pay, maybe not up front but by the time you're done over the course of six months or a year,
$200 towards staff salaries, rent, supplies, etc. That's not too much to ask. It seems to him in
a lot of the adult cases bonds are involved. The bond could be S3000 on a felony costing S300.
No private attorney is taking the case, the person is out on bond and of that S300 the county
will keep the S30. This is a question that needs to be answered.
Mr. Roy: There is fee for service. not even a sliding scale.
HSC Minutes 10/ 18/99 - Page 11.
Alderman Newman: I'm talking about no scale. Felonies. which you are doing, are not being taken anywhere under
$1,000. When you get a client who does not want to go the to the Public Defender and comes
to you, you can let them know you will be spending a year on their your case and want them
to pay 510 a month. He understands this will be bothersome for some people but will not be for
everyone.
Mr. Roy: Most of the felony work being done now is automatic transfer and would go to adult court They
would fall into the category of sex offenses and drugs within 1000 feet of the high school.
When he says sex offenses, he is talking about 12, 13, 14 year old kids is a whole discussion
unto itself. He does not want to ignore the purpose of your question be getting off to that. In
those cases where there has been bond money we have aWays inquired as to the source and
asked for documentation of where it came from. 1f somebody comes in and drops a bunch of
money on the table he is not going to take it because they've got money to do that. They have
talked about doing the fee for service and in order for it to accumulate to an amount that would
be significant enough we have to charge a fee that would in turn equate the amount of restitution
paid on the case. For example, an internal damage to property case, $175 worth of restitution
for a broken window. A lot of times when kids go back to court they go back in violations of
probation not for doing additional criminal offenses but for failure to pay restitution. What is
seemingly a small sum of money is never forthcoming and becomes a lingering issue between
you and the person. We have toyed with ideas to get financial contributions and talked about
doing a spaghetti dinner one night where you came and paid as much as you can for your
dinner and use the money for that.
Alderman Newman: Somebody is getting quality representation from a former Stanford law professor. Nobody is
saying pay the full freight.
Ms. Kaplan: I picked up a case this morning where there is a single parent, a mother, who works 30 hours
a week at OSCO She has two children and receives no child support. She has been in contact
with the States' Attomeys office for two years trying to obtain child support. She also attends
school Her son is 13 years and is involved in court proceedings. I can't see how between
paying car payments, paying rent and supporting two children we can ask of her $200 or $300
towards this kind of matter and do not know where she'll come up with the money. When she
is in court with the child she is not receiving her hourly wage We could try to have the 13 year
old get a job and try to help pay for his legal services but this is a 13 year old and would vary
from client to client This is a very reasonable questicn but when you are actually in court arc
look at their resources and know what the cost is of even supporting yourself It's not possible
for her to come up with this sum of money.
Alderman Newman: I do not agree and think 5100 is not too much Not everybody has to be charged 5200 or $300
Some of your representations are going to continue six or nine months and it is not
unreasonable for the client just described to make five S20 payments over the course of eight
months because they have a child who might be going to the Department of Corrections and
they want professional. highly trained people to be there for them and get them through the
system I'm not saying ask that mother for 5500 or 51000, but she should be paying
something This is definitely something to be thinking about
Alderman Newmam How many graffiti cases is the agency getting.
Mr. Roy: They do not have any graffiti cases
Alderman Newman Are cases all station adjustments.
HSC Minutes 14/ 18199 - Page 12.
Mr. Roy: VVe only gat criminal damage to property cases and do not hwe any spray paw*M cases. There
was one kid who called him back and he was told it was a gralCrti case but had no further
contact.
Alderman Newman: Your staff has done a very good job and all the work you've done is appreciated. I have a
question in regard to outcomes. I do not think we're getting enough for the money from any of
the agencies. I do not buy a lot of the duplication arguments made for years from some people
in regards to this agency. When you have this number of cases you should give a much better
idea of Alderman Feldman's earlier posed question. If you're handling 100 cases a year and
asking the Human Servioes for $55,000, and CDBG for $79,000, a total of $139,000, we should
know a lot more than we do about these 100 cases every year, without knowing any names.
This application should be thicker in size as those of us allocating some of this money need to
feel better about the outcomes of every agency. You can do more and I hope you're willing to
do more than what you're doing here which would make me feel a lot better. One very big
supporter of this thinks we're wasting money on your agency but he does not feel that way.
Ms. Brown: In the Girl Talk program, out of 28 girls one did not make it through. They have been with her
for two and a half years and have all done very well.
Alderman Newman: That's a good outcome. At some point all 28 have been charged with something and you have
represented them.
Alderman Feldman: Do you have any way of knowing what the general statistics would be of these young girls not
assisted by your agency and their so called statistic about repeat involvement.
Mr. Roy: In a national recidivism its 33% across the board but is actually higher than that. The Department
of Justice will do the analysis based on category. A ballpark figure is anywhere from 35 to 50%.
You're are asking if we're winning or losing and hove we evaluate outcomes to make sure you're
getting an efficient return on your investment. He has tned to figure out better ways to do it and
is more than happy to sit and talk to anybody who has any input on that. There is a program
in Seattle, Washington called Teen Child where outside evaluators came in and set up a control
group which was extremely expensive but was also funded by the Federal government. There
are ways to do that evaluation on systems approached and also outcomes. That is a job unto
itself for a person who has the resources to do it. Our outcomes are primarily based upon a
different type of approach but 1 would love to be able to locate a foundation that deals with an
issue if it's a question of getting out and getting done. I'm convinced we're not doing anything
different than they're doing in Teen Child Seattle and they documented the multidisciplinary
approach to problems solutions. In the long run it was a good investment for the people of that
metropolitan area. I promise you I will find a way to do that and I does not want to make
promises he cannot keep. Staff has a feeling how we can change our work program around
closer to that issue and he will be more than happy to do that.
Alderman Moran. Pertaining to the multidisciplinary question. you represent students at the high school. They have
these multidisciplinary conferences and he knows that frequently a social worker from your
office will attend. Is there typically an involvement with a social worker employed by District 202
and how do you interface with the school social work staff persons. I am less concerned about
what's happening during the conference and more concerned about how you work or don't work
with the school social worker on this person's case.
Ms. Brown: The school has both a social worker and counselor as well as special Ed. She does not have
any kids in this program. When I do have a problem child then I collaborate and work with the
child at school and with the family helping the school contact the family, getting after school
H5C Minutes 10/ 18/99 -Page 13.
activities set up for the kids and working makft arrangements.
Alderman Moran: When you seek to make that first contact how frequently do you determine whether the social
worker has been working with that person, do they ever say no.
Ms. Brown: There have been a couple of incidents especially with incoming freshmen I feel are at -risk t
contact the Special Ed Department and introduce them.
Alderman Moran: I am always amazed and frightened by the fact that we'll be sending a list of a dozen people
where the social worker or the counselor will be present and they won't know d-ie kids whose
conference is being convened. i do not understand why that happens.
Mr. Roy: The social work in place at ETHS compared to other school systems is prima. He hears your
concerns but a lot of times, at least for the kids they represent, the social workers are there and
for the parents looking for help with their kids they're approachable. They're open and will do
things to refer people to try to help them out. A lot of the kids we end up with vWho don't have
parents that are in there and are consumers. The social work staff asks why nobody ever shows
up from home and what can we do about that. There is always going to be a social worker or
• •~ counselor brought in on the discipfinary-review committee and they may -or may not -have had
a lot contact with the kid but the outcome of Old disciplinary review committee meeting is to
have more contact with them. In special education, as part of a multidisciplinary conference,
you have to have a social worker connected because the social worker does the social history
that goes into the file along with the psychological testing. There is going to be a lot more detail
in terms of what the social worker will know about a kid in a special education case or when they
do a case study evaluation. How much of that is based upon reconstruction of records that have
been forwarded from other places versus personal contact. Interaction with the lads is another
matter.
Alderman Moran: 1 have been in on cases where there has been special education and they don't know the kid.
Mr. Roy: Part of the problem is with the way the system is set up. If you have a parent who is a willing
consumer and asks for help that is an easy person to work with. In cases where parents are
more distant or do not want to have any contact or resist therapy or counseling those are
barriers that have to be overcome.
Alderman Moran: Does the high school see your efforts as being a positive and have you considered asking them
for financial assistance in relation to your work there
Mr. Roy: He would have to think about that but his first reaction was when both districts asked them if they
would help and be counsel for people in these proceedings it was because other people were
showing up with lawyers that they paid for privately and it was a shallow promise to hand them
a piece of paper to say "you have the right to eomey to represent your interest or be an
advocate for you'
Alderman Moran: You're a community -based organization that consistently represents the interests of their
students and they feel that's a constructive contribution. He would not ask them anything but
it might be a different story if you asked.
Alderman Newman: Why doesn't Alderman Moran ask them to pay as he is on the committee with the
Superintendent.
Alderman Moran: That process is extraditing that agency that needs to get paid you should ask them to pay you
for what you do for their students. I could suggest to them that they might want to do that, but
HSC Minutes 10/ 18/99 - Page 14.
you're the person providing the service and it would sound better coming from you.
Mr. Roy: i would be happy to talk to you more about how to do that and how to put it in perspective to get
a positive answer rather than a declaratory statement.
Alderman Feldman: Going back to the response to Alderman Newman and the issue of outcomes. He is sure that
the concept that there are ways to determine outcomes that require a management analysis or
a federally funded study is true. We have a dilemma where I find myself increasingly in need
of some information. We do not need to have a definitive study in which every single client is
tracked from the moment of interview but the of information in your application should satisfy
people's interest. This community is sacrificing and one can look around all the time and see
where that sacrifice takes place in order to do good deeds and fund people in need. It is part of
Evanston, part of our history, our culture, our tradition. It is a sacrifice. People are willing to do
that but they also want to know that something is happening and he does not feel it is
satisfactory to say the only way to be able to belt the people in Evanston is if there is a federally
funded study. It's really up to you to figure out anecdotal reference material, your own
observations, etc., to give us that kind of incidents. He wants to hear those stories and wants
to hear about the girls, about what Phoenix is doing, about other things you've done. To him
that is more important than anything else submitted in your application. The techrigw mid your
philosophy is only a way to do what he is trying to get at. We're not just interested in your
technique and philosophy but what they produce. In your application it talks about outcomes
and it clearly asks what do you expect and how are lives being changed, yet in reading the
answer there is no explanation. He would hope that we can again emphasize and suggest
things agencies can do. He is not just referring to this agency but all the agencies. He
understands this is an elusive goal but one we have to keep focusing on because the less
money we have the more of a sacrifice it is and the more important it is for us to have some idea
of what's going on. Perhaps we can even help. If you're telling us nothing is happening the
reason being you need another 55000 you'll tell us why, maybe that's important for us to know.
Or if you tell us you're having a lot success in this particular area maybe that's the area we want
to find out more about. Without this information, we're operating blind only knowing you're doing
good work but do not know if you're changing peoples lives which is all he's interested in. If you
could do that and any agency listening take that into consideration it would make a difference.
Alderman Newman: When talking about outcomes i do not need to know what happened with the kid ten years later
but would like to know if you're getting that kid back in school and going regularly. That's
something that the Cook County Public Defender will never be able to do in a thousand years.
If you're getting those kids' parents to participate in whatever case management program the
high school is coming up with. getting them more involved, making sure they show up, and
providing support for them to participate, then you're doing something nobody else is doing.
That is what we need to be able to know about. There is only 100 cases here. He's not asking
you do a lot of paper work, but if you know in 30 of your cases you're getting these kids to attend
school regularly, if you're getting some of them into some drug rehab programs, if you're getting
some of them over to the Youth Job Center and they're starting to work in the summer, tell us
about that. These are things we know the Public Defender is probably not doing.
I would like to know what type of relationship you have with our Youth Services Bureau social
worker.
Ms. Brown: There are a few agencies I use for clients if it's a mandate for probation, if families in distress
and are ready to go for the weekly sessions. One the hardest things we deal with in our agency
is working out in the community and meeting them at their level. Working with them to get to
the point where they can actually follow through a self -plan. I usually give three names and the
Youth Services Bureau is one of the names.
H5C Minutes 10/ 18/99 - Page 15.
Alderman Newman: How have those referrals worked out.
Ms. Brown: Those three agencies are for kids on the south side and the West Side so they bicycle to the
groups.
Alderman Newman: What do you do with the repeat offenders who don't follow through on anything when they come
back In.
Mr. Roy: It depends on what they didn't follow through on. We do contracts with them where wel do fts
if you do that. I do not think I has ever had to terminate service because they did not follow
through. If kids are not going to comply we try to follow up with places that will help them.
Alderman Newman. Another thing to keep track of is kids referred to various agencies and should be part of part of
your funding application. One of the arguments made in funding this agency is are you linkirra
people up with the Evanston network, one of our goals for having social service agencies.
Alderman Rainey: Is there a way for you know about juveniles who are qualified to use these services but do not
use them. In other words are there Evanston juveniles -who are,using thL-Cook County Public
Defender.
Mr. Roy: No. CCLAF has a third of the court call and the only time I had a legal conflict and couldn't
represent a kid was because I also represented a complainant against him, which has
happened. Other than that there are not any such cases
Alderman Rainey: Then you would represent any court -based juvenile if they could not afford a private attorney.
Mr. Roy: There might be cases screened out that they never see, but if they make it to the court house
and have a petition pending is the adjudicator, that is the person who reviews the files that
come from the police department and makes a first judgement as to how the kid is doing at
home, in school, and in the community and has the discretion to hold a conference with the
family to see if there have been sanctions at home or if interventions are needed or recommend
changes. Historically they have always had a very good relationship with the juvenile court
adjudicator who is aware of our services. By the time they get done with the conference or
looking at the contents of the file they have an idea of whether or not this person has the funds
to hire an attorney and they give our names to people if they do not already know about us
Alderman Rainey: Can you compare your caseload to that of the Youth Services Bureau.
Ms. Brown: It is different from what I do in my profession and I do not know numbers. I don't known how marry
clients they have but they have a bigger staff and can assume more.
Alderman Rainey: 1 don't think you can assume that at all and would be interested in getting the number of ongoing
cases being seen at Youth Services Bureau for the committee. The issue of Youth Services
Bureau is a setting where a client with their family make appointments to go to the police
department and meet with their counselor or social worker on a regular basis. You on the other
hand go knocking on doors, making house calls to search out the clients.
Alderman Kent: It's been said over and over again one of the best things your agency does is you go out intc
the community. I think the school social workers should go out into the community. If the'/
continued to have teachers go out into the community you would get a reaction they used tc
have and that is very valuable. Everybody is overwhelmed whether they are teachers, social
HSC Minutes 10/18/99 - Page 16.
workers, Ismysrs, or anyone else and that is very vakWft.
Mr. Ray gave a picture of what your agency normally does. Alderman Feldman definite#y
brought up outcomes and he can understand outcomes but the only way you wig be able to get
that for us if to document many of the things we do not necessarily look at as outcomes because
you don't know what the outcomes are until they happen. A case was cited about a child rrn
search of money. There were other ways to get the money but the child made a choice because
• N of the work you put in with him and that outcome worked for -that particular child. t would fire
to see the parent buy into because if you go knocking on doors you cannot find an at risk chid
without an at risk parent. You have to walk into houses where the child is the adult and the
parent is on drugs that the parent needs the station adjustment one of the reasons that the chid
is out running crazy in the streets. Those are things this committee and the City Council can
get its hands on. There was mention of a parent working very hard and going to school. if
this parent cannot pay the $20 or S100 a month he would expect them to definitely be involved
and is not only referring going to court but going that extra mile to fill in what we're missing
the lack of parenting for whatever reason there is for missing it. Those are outcomes but =
necessarily things you can evaluate because you don't know when it will happen. We hope the•
happen when you intervene with them. 'There was a referral to kids into the court system from
the high school because of fights. • He does -not -know anythiriT-about and•acould Uke•more
information about that but he cannot imagine you were talking about freshmen who are going
into the high school. He can't image going into a courtroom or into the police department from
the school. All of our schools are equipped with social workers and management prevention
areas to work with these children. Alderman Moran mentioned asking the high school for
payment and that discussion also asked how the high school views you. He is sure they view
you very well because they only work on school property, you do the work going into the house
to see where the child is coming from.
Mr. Roy: When schools get money from the state or the Federal government their mandate as an order
of condition of that funding is if something happens on school property they have to call the
police. In the past a lot of this used to be taken care of in house but it is no longer the case dine
to funding mandates. This mandate takes in District 65, r and 8' grade where kids are
expelled and end as cases in juvenile court.
Alderman Kent: This seems as a double ax that has fallen because the kid is still suspended or expelled from
school, is gone 10 days or more. going through the courts while you're working with them. But
when this involves a troublemaker they probably would rather want to be out of school anyway.
Mr. Roy: In the name of trying to do something beneficial, it ends up being a catch 22. Involvement is a
whole other issue. Juvenile court has jurisdiction over the entire family. The mother and father
get named in the delinquency petition along with the minor. One of the changes in the juvenile
court act, that he does not necessarily object to that much is the judge has been given the
power to hold parents in contempt it they fail to do certain things they're ordered to do, such as
taking the kid to counseling. This is a very slippery situation to deal with.
Alderman Rainey: What has always impressed her is the $1,000,000 or so a year spent on security at ETHS with
the former Nighty respected Chief of Police being the head of security. She has looked at small
towns that do not spend $1,000.000 on their entire police departments. It would seem to her
there should be a lot of control and oversight going on at the school with security people
everywhere.
Mr. Roy: The access to the high school has become increasingly difficult there is only one entrance to get
in with someone always there to greet you and have you sign in. It is definitely a closed
HSC Minutes 10/ 18/99 - Page 17.
campus. He has personal fieewW about - ..., because ftrey don't akwrays waft The more
Important thing discussed by Leadership Evanston that indtded ponce oftfkxm in the group,
was to have amec ions between the adult world and kids and keep them talking. He wanted ,
to share this quote with the committee, ' Govern meat is responsible for preserving order, the
community is responsible for establishing peace.' The only way to have a peaceful population
at ETHS or any school is to see sorne connections -with the kids 13. 14, 15 of age with the adults
or somebody they can trust. Unfortunately there are a lot of kids out there who don't have
adults in their loves they can trust They don't want to go to a nseiing but they go to counseling
every day with their peers. He agrees some tech roogy is needed but the most important thing
even agreed by police officers is connection to the adult world is to keep lods talking.
E? NORTH SHORE SENIOR CENTER
Sandi Johnson, thank you for having them come once again and recognorg the elderly in Evanston who need services
which they have had the privilege to provide being part of the North Shore Senior Center, for the last three and a half
years. As you know we are coming to Human Services for $11,000 whicn is not an increase. Certainly our service
needs are increasing. When our agency came to provide service in Evanston our Board made a cornmitrnent that in
addition to receiving state, federal, United Way, and City funding they woLild also raise money for thiis program. Our
-projected fund raising is almost;3100,000 just -for the Evanston/Skolde programs. --As-fw-as the Humart•Service -
Committee our request for $11,000 is about 1 % % of our budget. It may not sound lice much to you but believe me
we need it and that is why our agency has been able to provide services in Evanston without a waiting fist for the three
and a half thanks in part to your support. We believe very strongly we s.'Aouldn't have a waiting list, the people we
serve are 80, 80+ years old and they can't wait. Alexander Brown, Ding of our Evanston/Skokie Valley office will
tell you a little bit about our programs.
Mr. Brown thanked the committee for affording them the time tonight. The mews this year is the same as last year the
Evanston office has grown tremendously both in terms of staff and the overall clients they serve. They do not have
a lot of hard evidence to back up the amount of time they spend with ciier is but think Moth of those things are due to
a number of different factors. There has been an increasing number of older adults in our community, how much we're
known in the community, more of their referrals are coming from previous and past clients referring each other to them.
They're seeing more drug and alcohol use both in our clients and even more so in the family and the neighborhoods.
Medicare cut backs of funding home health care agencies have resulted in less home health services provided by
those agencies. Their clients are coming to us in more acute states. Also our current clients are needing us much
more when they sometimes fall or are coming out of the hospital. The office receptionist is in the hospital this week
and he is also answering phones. He took three calls today that had to co with clients; one a medical professional
Indian man referred an Indian speaking family where the mother, father anc adult daughter were living together. This
person was concerned that the older woman was becoming frail and cognizably impaired and was also worried about
the husband and the rest of the family. He volunteered to meet us at the house to act as an interpreter. He also took
a phone call from a son whose mom, who lived alone, just got out of the hospital and he and his sister were at the
house in a panic. He was scheduled to go out of town and they did not know what to do because the mother needed
significant care, but not so much that a visiting nurse or Medicare funded nurse could go there tomorrow morning. The
third call was from an adult daughter, who lived out of state, the mother was already one of our clients. In the
daughter's conversations with her mother, mom sounded different in the fast week. she sounded more forgetful and
doesn't seem as with it and the daughter wanted us to go there and look in with her
Alderman Newman: I'm trying to get an understanding of this budget. Is it true that 62% of your clients are
Evanstonians for this $3,000,000 budget.
Ms. Johnson: Our budget for the Evanston/Skokie Valley Office is 5719,300 which we do not specifically get
from here.
Alderman Newman: Asked Mr. Terry what Is meant by the 62% and 3% of total funding.
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Mr. Terry: Those are the figures shown on the agency/client information. One of the diflf-culties here is
some of the client information apparently Is for the EvanstorVSkokie office only. The dollar
amount on Budget Form 1 it for the entire agency. Budget Form 5, Total Agency Clients is
2,782, Evanston residents served 1,749.
Mr. Brown: 62.9% of the clients from the Evanston office are Evanstonians.
Alderman Newman: Why aren't we getting a budget like the CD Committee gets.
Ms. Johnson: That is an agency budget, not a program budget. I would be happy give you Uiat budget.
Alderman Newman: You do great, very important work that is greatly needed by the people and I have nothing but
good things to say. It frustrates me and I'm looking for a way to get off the hook because we
don't have enough dollars for anybody and here you are up 5400,000 as an agency but you still
need our $11,000, 1 would have to look a this to see what goes on in Evanston but my hope
would be when an agency increases by $400.000 maybe they don't need as much from us next
year. We have these tiny agencies in Evanston that have no money for anything and then we
have multi million dollar agencies.
Ms. Johnson: This multi million dollar agency serves residences of 23 communities and every year increases
the number of Evanston clients served. We're not asking for an increase in our money from the
City, we're asking for the same amount. That $11,000 means a great deal to this agency.
We're building a new building, we're going to have increased cost. we're raising money for a
new building, which is why we'll have a major increase.
Alderman Newman: Do you feel I should not even be asking that.
Ms. Johnson: I do.
Alderman Newman: This is the impossible thing about dealing with any of the agendas. We get information and the
process is so politicized and the people who represent the agencies mean so well. I know you
mean well and you're doing great but from my point of view we can't do anything. We have fire
station buildings in this City that we haven't touched in 40 years and there are people sleeping
them every night all year round. I prefaced my question with all the great work you do and I
wish we did not have this as part of the process. I hope you're not bothered by the fact that I
refer to multi millions but my problem is finding enough money for any of the things we do here
and one of my hopes is when agencies are as successful as you are with private contributions.
at some point in time private contributions will alleviate the amount of public support we have
to give. This is not something I'm just saying to your agency I say that to all agencies.
Mr. Brown: My perspective is being focused on the Evanston office alone and I feel very appreciative of
being connected to the North Shore Senior Center. We have grown tremendously in Evanston
and are providing much more services but are asking for the same amount we asked for last
year. I depend on the North Shore Senior Center to provide a lot of different vends of support
to the Evanston office including financial support. This year $99,000 of our support is coming
from the North Shore Senior Center, not from Evanston, that's $100.000 coming into Evanston_
That amount has increased by $10,000 in the last year. If you look back there are also a
number of other things we received last year, a Brookfield Foundation Grant to extend our
Grandparents' Support Group. There is no way we could have gotten that without the North
Shore Senior Center's support and help. There are a lot of different ways that the success of
the main agency funnels resources into the Evanston office.
Alderman Newman: Is there ever a time when we would be asked for less money. because of success and
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contributions or the Feds gave you twice as much money.
Mr. Brown: I would hope so.
Ms. Johnson: Sure if the Feds gave us more money. We're asking you for a smaller percentage of our budget
this year.
Alderman Newman: Why do we ask for an over all program when we have an Evanston office. There is a budget
just for the Evanston office. Wouldn't that have been more helpful to Mr. Terry in terms of trying
to answer questions.
Mr. Terry: I do not understand why the two were mixed, it should have been one or the other, all total
agency or all program. Mixed is not particularly helpful.
Alderman Newman. Why don't we ask to get whatever budget information is submitted to other agencies just to have
it.
Alderman Rainey: One of the things done in CD was because we would usually get people asking for money for
....... specific programs. We wanted the overall agencybudget so we could see how CD money was
being spent and asked for a specific budget for that program also, something I have always
found very helpful.
Alderman Newman: That is much better to get a handle on what Is going on Evanston and I hope your agency will
submit this and also hope we ask for this in the future. This budget looks like you have an
additional $400,000 from last year to this year and any responsible person looking at that would
inquire about it.
Looking at your proposal you assign people to Primm Towers, the Levy Center, and Fleetwood
Jourdian's Nutrition site. What is the amount of activity at these places. You've also been at
1900 Sherman and Noyes Court but you seem to differentiate there.
Mr. Brown: I don't know what the history in that is, but we serve a lot of clients in all the senior buildings.
We spend time at the Levy Center Tuesday mornings until 12:00. we're at Fleetwood Jourdian
Wednesday momings from 10:00 until 1:00, and at Primm Tower in the afternoon. It is helpful
for us have to have that kind of outreach and have the consistency in those buildings.
Ms. Johnson: The history is we receive CDBG money specifically directed toward the case manager who
provides the case management service. We don't provide the same type of case management
in the Noyes Court and Sherman buildings because they have their own case managers through
the Housing Authority so we work collaboratively with their case manager.
Mr. Brown: They have one case manager allocated to each of those buildings. I would have to look up the
numbers but would bet a third of the residents in each of the buildings are their clients.
Alderman Newman: Do you have information on how many Evanston senior building residents are going to the
Northfield North Shore Senior Center. We are building a new building and in some of the
buildings I represent virtually nobody belongs to the Levy Center but a lot of people belong to
the North Shore Senior Center. I would like to be able to get to those people and get
information to our Levy Center planners about what they will need to do.
Mr. Bown: I would be surprised if too many of the subsidized senior buildings belong to the North Shore
Senior Center.
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*Alderman Newman: 1 was not tWkkV about those bu& ings, but the Georgian, the lutather, the North Shore How. aim
Ms. Johnson: It's not a huge number, I would say less than 50. We have a lot of members from the
Presbyterian Homes for the reason a number of Winretka. Northfield, Wilmette, people who had
been members of the North Shore Senior Center and moved to the Presbyterian Home and
continued their membership. They have car pools, etc., to bring them theme One of the
commitments we made when we moved to Evanston and were asked to provide services here
was we were not in Evanston to recruit members for our senior center and feet very strongly
about that. Our role is to help strengthen the local senior center.
Mr. Brown: Out of this office we serve very, very few residents of Presbyterian Homes, Swedish Retirement
and other such facilities. We may consult with them periodically and every now and then they
would call and ask us to come in to help with something or another. The majority of them have
their own services in their buildings.
Mr. Johnson: Would it be helpful to send you our monthly publication "The Messenger" to have an idea of what
our programs are.
Alderman Newman: That would be fine.
What kind of distances are people traveling to get to the North Shore Senior C NIter. Do the 23
communities you service include Arlington Heights.
Ms. Johnson: It's basically our northern suburbs rather than the northwest, Main Township, New Trier
Township.
Alderman Newman: People do travel distances if you have the right services.
Alderman Rainey: Do they take public transportation.
Ms. Johnson: Some do, but we also have volunteer drivers. We have about 50 volunteer drivers who
particularly drive the frail women.
Mr. Brown: We also utilize that service to get our clients to their medical appointments.
Alderman Newman: Asked Mr. Tent' if the Levy Center as it now exists has any transportation program to get people
there.
Mr. Terry: Not that I'm aware of.
Alderman Kent. Regarding the Grandparents Support Group, everywhere he looks he sees grandparents totally
overwhelmed bringing up their grandchildren having total parental responsibility for them I
know the support group has been successful and was wondering if you looked at bringing that
support out to some of the schools especially the elementary schools.
Mr. Brown: We got additional funding to expand the support program last year. It meets twice a month and
includes child care. We did provide a support group at Oakton Spring of '98, for about six
months. it was going through a lot of changes and didn't pick up again. We worked very closely
with the social workers and tried to work with the principals.
Alderman Kent: If a group formed of several grandparents they could contact you.
Mr. Brown: Absolutely.
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Ms. Johnson: Thanks to the Brookdale Foundation we were able to start a group for the ch&dnen as well. For
this group we utilize the Whitley Health Center across the street and hire a ctAd care worker to
take care of the kids while their grandparents meet.
F) YOUTH JOB CENTER
Ann Jennett. Director, introduced John Kennedy, Board President. Craig Morris, Financial Board, Sacella
Smith, Director of our Strategic Alliances Corporate Program, the Welfare to Work Program, Suzanne Aubum,
Assistant Director, Judy Filler and Lavada Robinson. We have been very grateful for your funding
in the past and are coming to you with a substantial increase request. The reason being this Strategic
Corporate Alliance Program is so effective and so much at risk of being cut out because we received a two
year grant from the Frye Foundation which will end at the end of September. We have worked
very hard for State funding and have gone to every avenue. The outcome is the State has a Welfare to
Work shortfall, are funding newer agencies and not able to fund some of the agencies they funded
in the past. We have put in to about 15 private foundations for funding and received a lot of denials. We have some
hopes but also feel that since we primarily serve Evanston women who are in so much need of the help, it may be an
impossibility. Also we are very proud of the fact that are now working at Evanston High School and did not get any
.funding to be there. They gave us space and a computer and a printer- but we do not have a desk -yet.. She }ust
recently worked on a proposal with Ann Richards of their staff for joint funding. It's for 3f0,000 and will go together
to ETHS and Youth Job Center for additional field programs and things we need. We do have a real need. The needs
of kids are becoming more serious and more intense. Overall we're not seeing greater numbers but because the
economy is better the kids that have more where with all are getting their own jobs. What's happening is the kids who
do not have the skills, the parental support, the self esteem, aren't getting anything more than franchise from these
jobs because they know the economy is good. They see help wanted signs and can't get the job and wonder what's
wrong with them. We are having to do a lot more pre -job work, support and follow-up which makes it a harder agency
to run then some years ago,
Ms. Jennett wanted to bring up what the Community Defender talked about, kids getting criminal records at a very
young age. This concerns us because that is something very hard for an employer to work around. She is sitting on
a committee with Judge Nudleman, the presiding judge in Skokie. He has established working with all kinds of
Evanston people. the Mayor, religious leaders, etc. In Maywood Judge Nudelman turned the courts into a social
service agency in many ways and has proposed that Evanston start a whole new program that Skokie has where some
of kids with early offenses go to a special court to do community service but they do not get arrested. From their
perspective that would be a wonderful thing for Evanston
Their agency is grcv.:ng, their new place is terrific, they can run their Welfare to Work classes. We wish you all could
see the transformation in the lives of these women who in many cases come there reluctantly. They've been through
programs that haven t helped but to see them turn around and begin to have hopes for their future and set goals shows
us this is a very worthwhile program. The high school program is definitely reaching more kids at an early age. She
talked to Deborah Hill at District 65 and they want to start doing more pre -job kinds of things because all of the kids
are showing that the earlier they get to the numbers who might be at risk the smaller the chances for teen pregnancy.
juvenile behavior, etc They feel very stressed and delighted about some the results they are getting. They had a
young man working �.vo dead end jobs some years ago. He needed goal setting and got help from Ms. Fiffer, got a
job from McDougal Littel in the mailroom and worked very hard and diligently. Eleven years later is supervisor of the
mailroom and just interviewed and hired one of our kids. There are so many success stories. Rick Hamel who was
driving around in his truck construction company is now building houses in Evanston. It is not all easy, a lot of their
people have a very difficult time.
Alderman Kent: I love hearing success stories but I have a concern, not with your agency. I know its very good
for people to say they want to get their kids to work earlier and its something we want to hear.
One particular incident, over the summer where a young girl wanted to work and wasn't aware
of the PIC summer school program the high school runs, a work study type of program for those
HSC Minutes 10/ 18/99 -Page 22.
Ms. Jennett:
fourteen years of age. When we finally got there it was too late. They on y take 20 or 25
students and I couldn't see what that commitment was especially If you shave fourteen year old
children that want to get out there and you have people willing to superufte them on the job.
This particular young lady wanted to look into pre-school and had actuary gone to this PrL,-
school and volunteered over the years on her off time. She wanted to work because a paycheck
means a lot and to see your name on a check you can take to the bank 'We had to fight like
heck just to get this young lady into this program so she could work. My reason for telling you
this is do you find you're coming up against that. Is it a problem hiring fourteen year olds, is that
something you're looking towards.
It's very, very tough and concerns us a great deal because we're seeing more and more younger
kids. We had some resistance this year to expanding our program to fourteen and fifteen year
olds, at elementary schools to our summer tutors program. The result is yve couldn't get any
people to fund it because we pay salaries to these fourteen and fifteen year old kids. The
elementary school was a little reluctant to expand it because they thought it might be more
responsibility for the teachers. We run into this with the businesses partly because of the Child
Labor Laws kids cannot work beyond 7.00 p.m. and can't work more than a certain number of
hours. A lot of small businesses that used to hire fourteen and fifteen -year -olds do not any more
because the Child Labor people have cracked down on -them. We are always trying to open up
new avenues for fourteen and fifteen year olds with smaller businesses or companies that do
not have to conform and need a gofer or file clerk_
Alderman Kent: I've only had two your kids come during the summer school months that have been assistants
and they have been fantastic. The last one's mom came to school to tell me they talk every day
and since he had been involved in teaching Yd and 41' grades reading at a lower level he said
he really loved business but thought he would be looking into education. This is the first work
experience for a fifteen year old kid. When I went through the experience with the young girl
who wanted to work and be a part of what she grew up in and then what we had to go through
just seemed ridiculous to me.
Ann Jennett: The Work Force Council seems to be putting all their energy into trying to open up a one snap
work center in Evanston.
Alderman Rainey: What is that and where is it located.
Ms. Jennett: It's supposed to be in the Oak Street Market Area and they have been fighting a long time to get
it. The idea is they have a lot of technology, computer stuff, you can come and find a job though
the computer. It's open to people of all ages and ability levels. There is a need for that but R
isn't going serve the needs of most of our clients and certainly not the fourteen and fifteen year
olds. I think it's a good thing, but they're are working more with older dislocated workers.
Alderman Feldman: I would like to know more about the Strategic Corporate Alliance. How many people are
currently in that program.
Ms. Smith: We average about fi to 8 participants, in four -week training sessions. They complete the four -
week training process but we work aggressively harder to place them in living wage jobs. We
have a support system where they stay in contact with us constantly and we try to keep track
them.
Alderman Feldman: How long has this program been in existence and what kind of success have you had with it
Ms. Smith: It was implemented in March, 1998. We have had about 95% placement, although there has
been some iteration, and there have been some restrictions, but overall we have had a very
HSC Minutes 10/18/99 - Page 23.
good placement rate and a good retention rate which is the key.
Alderman Feldman: By Iteration do you may people dropping out of the program or losing their jobs.
Ms. Smith: People who have changed jobs who have not retained the same job for more tr= six months.
But if something goes wrong with the job they come back and I work with them to get into
another job.
Alderman Feldman: If somebody changes jobs, do you consider that a failure.
Ms. Smith: If some individual is having major difficulties at work and can't be resolved through my efforts
or their efforts then we try to place them somewhere else. We then teach there how to leave
a job properly not to just quit . With that population that is the norm they don't use the proper
channels. they just don't show up. The good thing about this program Is we focus so much on
thought skills in terms of how to resolve conflict in the work place instead of just quitting We
do a lot of goal setting which is really the key because we are working with the hardest to place
population. Reports say how the rolls have decreased dramatically and they have, however,
the quality of jobs those individuals have received since they left the rolls aren't making them
self-sufficient. Another good thing with our program is we do place our c5ents in jogs earning
on the average of $8..50 an hour with benefits. It is important to mention that we are not the
state contracted agency so the Department of Human Services does not have to refer anybody
to us. Because they know we have a good track record, do place clients in pubs, tract their ,
retention rate and keep in constant contact with the employers. They refer clients to us ail the
time and a large amount of them are Evanston residents. There are 424 Department of Hurnan
Services cases in Evanston, 424 too many. They keep referring clients because we get results.
Alderman Feldman: Now you are dealing with clients that are very difficult to place and I would like to understand
that because I would assume you are always dealing with clients that are very hard to place.
The only time I can see that you have additional clients is when employment is way down and
you have people that ordinarily might get jobs but have not because it's a slow economy. You
have that layer but also have the people that are always hard to place. Don't you always have
that.
Ms. Jennett: No, but you can always say the ratio has changed In the spring we get kids coming in for
summer jobs and some fairly able to right out apply for jobs but the vast majority of the kids are
struggling with enormous problems. They're not living in stable environments they have no
telephones for an employer to call them, a mother on drugs who wants to take their money or
call the boss and say give the check to me I'll come and pick it up. It's a tougher group and
more and more kids are not being raised in two parent, or single parent homes, but by a
grandmother, aunt, cousin, etc.
Alderman Feldman: You're saying this societal pathology is increasing even though the economy is doing well
Ms. Robinson: I think more of the issue is this a society thing and young people are very vulnerable and
suffering as a result of this. They are living in much more unstable homes sduahans and have
much less of a support system then they used to have. Working at the high school I see them
more closely and see they are getting counseling from their peers and we have to reach them
before they get out act out some the things they're hearing. There are a lot of issues we're
dealing with that were not as prevalent in earlier days.
Alderman Feldman: When you talk about support systems you're not only talking about family support but community
support as well, churches, schools, government, etc.
HSC Minutes 10/ 18/99 - Page 24.
Me. Robinson: One of the major ones is the families are decreasingty leas stable. The chuinivs used to have
after school home work drop4n programs. Mostly the panvnts are ya r%gW, many of the single
parents of are very young and have problems supportirV. themselves_
Alderman Feldman: Do you drink many churches have less involvement in pro%+drg the kind cf support they provided
ten years ago.
Ms. Robinson: I know when raising my sons there were services available to them that no longer are there.
Ms. Jennett: I recall read'mg some statistics that show church participation by young people has decreased.
Alderman Rainey: That is why the service is not there because the congregation is not involved.
Alderman Feldman. 1 know parental and community support is for any kind of progress in school, Gut are we doing
the best job we can getting these kids prepared or are they dropping through the safety net.
What's going on.
Me. Jennett: One of things that please me In working with the high school and particularly Superintendent
Arson is hosing the gap of minorities in particular, they're corning up with things she thinks will
help. One of the things mentioned is if the child has a sbuV relationship with hWher counselor
in school, that is their advocate and the school can work with that person. That's one of the
things that is so good about the Job Center we very often become the advocate for this young
person. I think there is some hope on the horizon but they're a million to answers to that
question.
Mr. Kennedy: One of things is our agency is part of that safety net. We not only take a kid who isn't working
out in school and find them alternatives, but also to hang v«th them as they go through the two
or three iterations it takes to figure out this is what a job is all about. That is something that Ms.
Smith continues to work with the people that come through the program, mostly women,
because she builds up such a strong rapport. As you know any agency is built on the
personalities of the people that drive it. Board members basically support those personalities
and the people we have in the agency. We somehow figure how to instill in that safety net the
ability to let people come back to us without major negatives and help them through that
process.
Alderman Rainey: What amazes me is that we sit here asking agencies to c-rove to us that their programs are
working and who wants to be helped. I think that's very important but one of the things our
community needs to do and especially our City government needs to do at some point, is to took
and see if the work this municipality has done over the years has any positive results. When
the analysis of the Community Defender pointed to Mr. Roy's focus on an increasingly narrowing
population all t could think of was yes he's focusing on a narrow population but that population
is exploding, so the focus is narrow but the numbers are increasing. The more we talk to people
in your position of not -for -profit the more they continue to tell us how difficult their effort is
becoming day after day after day something she sees in the community she represents.
Impossible situations of children living in the community, pushing baby carriages, running
households, whose kids are going to grow up some day krrowing nothing other than the only
thing mom cares about in the whole world is the bums on the comer selling nickel bags of stuff.
In turn they are manipulated by older gang members to get them to do they're bidding for them
to warn them when the police are coming down the street. It is absolutely almost so chaotic it's
difficult to analyze and understand. I just can't imagine doing not -far -profit work anymore but
am still happy to help those who continue to do this. One of the things that people like and you
and Mr. Roy has to do is you have to tell the truth and say there is a serious problem here and
HSC Minutes 10/ 18/99 - Page 25.
a lot of what's happening isn't working..
One day I drove by the school after a pep rally and there were hundreds of people running,
fighting, and chasing one another. The police were flying all over not knowing who to follow or
who to pick up. in a memo I asked the Chief of Police what happened after the pep rally. The
response was nothing was going on.
Ms. Jennett: i totally agree with you, one of the prcblems is money drives so much and since there is less
money to go around we are all so hungry for keeping our piece of the pie that people get
defensive. tts very hard to come in front of a group and say we're not doing very we# in theory.
Alderman Rainey: You've got to start telling how hard it is because it is hard, it's a whole different poputabon, it's
a different culture and part of it is because of children having children and not knowing how to
raise them. That's a very difficult thing.
Ms. Jennett:: These are basically good kids. I know a teacher in Evanston High School who has all classes
in a mixed ability groups. I have seen pctures of her classes that looks like the United Nations
and its working. The kids are at all levels and some cannot even read and write, but they all
seem to be lean*V. The thing that is frustrating is when these -kids -go home to do their
homework there is nobody there so they're not doing their homework -
Alderman Rainey: Those individual stones such as that are what we want to hear. Plain and simply I think we have
to be honest with one another and people are glossing over the problems we have in this town.
Are the new businesses in Evanston from the last decade living up to their promise to reach
out and hire Evanstonians when possible or was it just the first week hiring process where they
did that.
Ms. Fiffer. Some are better than others. Best Buy hired about twelve kids and they all stayed. Jewel and
Target have been terrible when I go there I don't see any familiar faces.
Alderman Rainey: Jewel is looking to build a little addition, those are things we have to know about.
Ms. Jennett: Maybe we could give you list of the stores that have been better than others. One of the things
of value we have teamed is the employers that will work best for our kids because they don't
need a lot more defeats. If we keep sending them to places where they will get turned down
it will not work well for them.
Alderman Rainey: Can you share mth us some of the problems. For example, Target is a huge operation. At some
point before the end of this funding process tell us what some of the problems are. They purport
to be very good Evanston based businesses and most of us shop there.
Alderman Newman: By having the businesses in the community we give Evanstonians the best crack at getting those
jobs. I cannot believe that any store located in Evanston like Target, Home Depot, Sam's. etc..
would not want to hire Evanstonians. Target is also right next to a City of 3,000.000.
Ms. Jennett. I don't think they disseminate between the two to hire a greater ratio, but its gotten a little difficult
due to hiring laws, and other things. I have been working with Arthur Hill and he has made all
kinds of promises of what's going to happen with the new development, etc., but its hard to put
teeth into it unless the City can do that. One of the companies that did hire a bunch of our
people is Innovative Technology Systems, a huge company that lays cable on the south side
of Chicago. Transportation is an issue but most of the jobs will be up along the north shore.
He was an early client of ours that came from Cabrinni Green, and had a 14-year-old mother.
HSC Minutes 10/ 18/99 - Page zb.
Alderman Rainey: Artiwr Hill won't be running any of the retail but Targies, lest guy. Jewel. Sams, are arlt fwm.
Alderman Kent: Mr. Roy mentioned about police involvement for figtting in Junior High leading to the coc.ats.
If you're saying that is actually in the ti ' and r grad+es and listening to those of you in V* high
school by the time I got to high school I would of already been In the courts because I got into
a lot of fights. What I want to see from your agency as we move into the year 2DD0 is to
address that. Over the summer I was approached by three grown men out of the penitertary
who just wanted to work and stay off the streets. I asked who can they talk to and get scrne
ideas where they can go and they found the Safeway in Chicago. They didn't know anything
about the area nor did they have the transportation to get to the area is something you will have
to start thinking about especially if we're having a problem with 14 or 15 year aids who warrit to
work is what will happen when these guys come to us who won't work and have records or
things in their files stating they've already been in the courts.
Ms. Jennett: They expect that's something the community has to face because they are getting records for
minor offenses. In most cases the companies don't ask too much about it while they do for full-
time permanent employees.
Mr..Kennedy: We will get you an overview of the business we find both cooperative and non -cooperative or
are open to our suggestions.
Alderman Rainey: I don't want you to misunderstand, but it seems to me opportunities are there in a place suxch
as Target, are they living up to it.
Mr. Kennedy: Are they hiring 25°% Evanston people. we're not asking for100°%.
Alderman Feldman: I'd like to know what is the reason for that. He recalls talking to the Manager of Home Depot
when they first opened up and was told they interviewed a lot of Evanston young people and
wound up hiring fewer than they had hoped. They were willing to do 4 but couldn't because the
people that were sent were not prepared to deal with their customers on the level they expected.
Thars their reason and we have to understand that. I feel we should be given every opporturvy
to get the job but we can't force people to hire, which is why we need your perspective.
Ms. Jennett: Since Alderman Rainey brought up honesty, one of the things I've heard from a number of tog
chain stores, that have come open a store in Evanston. is when we open that chain in Chicago
we have lines around the block. It's a difficult community in part because we have low income
people and affluent people and its tough on kids to grcri up when somebody daddy's can gV.(e
a car when he graduates and he can go off to college and you're going to go stand in line 15
hours to get a minimum wage job. A lot of things play into that because you hear it's a lack of
motivation among Evanston youth. I don't know what other explanation there is. It's hard to
teach kids communication skills today and a lot of our clients need a lot of help in that area
Alderman Feldman: I'd like to know is whether they interview the kids and if they don't hire them they should tell us
why. If they give us the impression they're interested irr hiring the young people from Evanston
and are hiring fewer than we expect we have to understand that.
Ms. Jennett: Evanston United Way did a survey on employees 4 or 5 years ago and found the kids don't have
communicative skills, but said the kids from the Youth Job Center are slightly higher prepared.
Given more staff we could spend more time preparing the kids.
Alderman Kent: That's also a case of fighting for those 14-year-old kids. If I never held a job before and now am
17 and 18, chances are 1 don't have too much of a chance.
HSC Minutes 10/ 18/99 - Page 27.
Ms. Smith We're trying to expend our summer juniors program and asked for grants and dd get one.
Alderman Rainey: What about our Summer Youth Program.
Alderman Kent: They do employ a host of 14 and 15 year oids.
ADJOURNMENT:
Before adjourning the committee decided to hear three additional agencies on November 151 and begin the meeting
at 6:30 p.m. Meeting unanimously voted to adjourn at 10.25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Audrey Trots , Department ealth and Human Services
H5C Minutes T O/ 18/99 - Page 28.
DRAFT -NOT APPROVZR
Wnute ,
HUMAN SERVICES COMMI T`EE
November 1,1999
Civic Center -Room 2402
6:30 P.M.
ALDERMEN PRESENT: Aldermen Rainey, Moran. Newman, Feldman, Kent
STAFF PRESENT: Kathleen Brenniman, Harvey Saver, Doug Gaynor, Paul D'Agostino, Bob Domecker, Jay
Terry, Audrey Trotsky, Commander Schroeder
OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor Morton; Lonnie Webe, Mental Health Board; Chief Chafin, No .... m Police
Department; Sandra Stumme. Yvonne Davis. Mary McCormick, MetropoBtan Family
Services; Don Baker, Chip Brady, Youth Umbrella Services; Delores HcWnes, Walter
Calhoun, Rev. John Norwood, Dr. Suzette Speight;Family Focus; Doraine Anderson
PRESIDING: Alderman Kent
CALL TO ORDER
Alderman Kent called the meeting to order at 6 :37 p.m.
11. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MEETINGS OF OCTOBER 4, AND OCTOBER 18, 1999
The minutes of the October 4, and October 18.1999 mmMnps were unaninwusiv, approved.14-01. without correction.
(Alderman Moran arrived after approval of the minutes.)
III. HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY HEARINGS:
A) Metropolitan Family Services
Sandra Stumme. Executive Director for the Evanston/Skokie office, introduced Yvonne Davis, Board Chair and Mary
McCormick, Supervisor and Team Leader for the program funded by the City of Evanston. Ms. Stumme wished to bring the
committee up to date where they're at within the agency. They just approved a Strategic Plan that will last until the year 2003
focusing on several issues mentioned by both this committee and the Mental Health Board. One being great concern and
focus on what the community is needing and asking for. The second focus is improving their technology and they have
recently installed new phone and computer systems to link them and make it easier to get their work done. They also Nought
lap top computers for the staff out in the field, most of the time doing home visits, to make it is easier for them then to have
to come back to the office. They are also trying to raise the awareness of the community about the agency to increase their
fundraising potential. You may have seen signs on the subway going downtown and on billboards that talk about Metropolitan
Family Services and valued families. The next stage will be to do a more direct campaign to residents and people in the area.
We are also hoping to get a clear focus of our actual clientele, the major focus is now on low income farrulies without
insurance that have no other way to pay for their services.
Alderman Feldman. I would like to know how you view the climate of you work in the past year and a half or so. What's
going on, are children in more or less danger, are you finding cases more difficult and more
complex. What is happening in this community?
Ms. Stumme: We have a vanety of programs and work with the very seriously mentally ill. I am not certain that
in some ways there is more or graver problems but think we're Identifying them more and probably
reaching the families that are needing services, who maybe in the past did not know how to access
services or did not know services were available for them.
Alderman Feldman: How are you reaching people, are they coming to you, are they being referred, is there a greater
consciousness to this.
HSC Minutes 10/4/99 -- Page 1.
Ms. Stumme: We are now working with the childcare centers in the City, looking at the situation of Me child, trying
to help the farrxty. the child and the day care center to work with that child to get a better experience
in the childcare center. With that kind of program we're hoping to prevent problems as tYrise are the
children we probably would not see if we did not go into the childcare centers. They rave serious
enough problems to be referred out to services, they're also very young. We're seeirrg this as a
prevention type c# program. If we come across a child with a very serious problem it t;�rnes part
of Ms. McCormick's program.
Ms. McCormick: As our agency ras been in Evanston a longer period of time we are more known in ir.e -ommunity
as well as the staff being more familiar with the community. There are relationships wrti"r all of the
schools in Evanston which precipitates more referrals into our programs. In terms of tyre types of
problems we're seeing i don't know that they are any more or less severe than they weire a year
ago. We're contnuing to have a steady stream of kids being referred to us as we continue to
maintain those relationships. The majority of our kids are referred from school, some from law
enforcement, kids picked up police in the community and identified as needing ary-- ing from
counseling to more comprehensive outreach and case management services. We also get referrals
from hospitals, lies coming out of hospitals. Also through DCFS kids identified in the community
with foster homes having adjustment or behavior problems in those homes. There is a rar ge of kids
coming from a variety of sources, but mostly from the schools. Kids who are identifying problems
in their school environment, in their classroom.
Alderman Feldman: Over the past few years there has been a policy on the part of the State of Illinois to decis=bonalize
and send young people back, even from out of state, to foster homes or regular domes ins our area.
Do you sense that event has increased your caseload or impacted the community in a way that
causes an addibwal response on your part.
Ms. McCormick: The mental health program that our agency has is a state contract, more specifically fLrOed at the
point in which the state hospital closed its doors for children and adolescents in an effort to bring
kids back in a local community. We do have our program specifically targeting those kids who
would have previously been hospitalized in a state facility and are being hospitalized locally.
Although there is not an intake psychiatric unit in Evanston for younger children they would be
hospitalized outside the community Older adolescents hospitalized at Evanston Hoso3al, after
hospitalization would step down back into the community and our program is to try to address the
various problems those kids have.
Alderman Feldman: It is my understanding that Evanston Hospital has considered the possibility of moving its psychiatric
inpatient service to Highland Park Hospital. What effect would that have on our popul.=on?
Ms. McCormick: If they move their inpatient unit there it would have an effect in terms of adolescents they are able
to serve psychiatrcally on an inpatient basis in terms of the child from Evanston who would be
hospitalized at Highland Park it would impact family involvement and ability to have some continuity
from the inpatient hospitalization in stepping down back into the community. That is speciftetly the
reason why the state did close its central hospital in order to make it more community teased so
there was a flow from inpatient, outpatient services for kids.
Alderman Feldman: Do you think we have reason to be concerned about that mover?
Ms. McCormick: I'm not familiar with the numbers in terms of how many kids are being served at Evanston inpatient.
but if kids were hospitalized outside of Evanston there would probably need to be either a
mechanism within Evanston for when those kids were discharged and would be able to be seen on
an outpatient basis or that they could partner with other agencies so there could be planned
discharges and there would not be a gap in services for those kids.
Alderman Newman: Is the person treating the family a licensed social worker?
Ms. Stumme: Yes, all of our clinicians are either licensed clinical social workers or licensed counselors
Alderman Newman: Over the course of the year you dealt with 14 families In one of the staff comments it says the
HSC Minutes 10/4/99 - Page 2.
current City contract called for 27 farrAlles last year, This says 17, but I have reason to believe it
was 14. How do you respond to dw ►sae of whether or not the City is getting sufficient ent bang for
its buck and am concerned as $67,C\N3 is a significant amount of money I appreciate and
commend you for your breakdown of Me results of the 14 families, but am concerL%*d about the
number of clients served and the anm`csu of money spent
Ms. Stumme: One of the issues is these are farm -es Mat require a great deal of service because C-e2r children are
being reported to DCFS or they are fam4ies lust falling apart. This means we do a great deal of
case management, lots of hours of tne,aunent. More time ,s spent with these families than'any of
our other families because we're trying to prevent then entering into the Child Welfare System.
Once they go into the System the c-zsts will skyrocket By our spending extra time in the lives of
the family we're probably going to save money because they won't go through the Chad Weffare
System. Our costs are realistically S60 an hour for services.
Alderman Newman: For clarification, if you did not have a case founded of abuse would DCFS be involved in the families.
If not does this means something drff mit than what I read. To me it meant an investigation of a
client was made. and the finding was theme was not abuse, which at any time those findings can be
made.
Ms. Stumme: Ms. McCormick is using that as a baseline measure. Reports can be made but they may not always
be justified reports. I do not think there were any DCFS reports on any of these families whether
founded or unfounded.
Ms. McCormick: The number you have does not reflect our families that are not DCFS involved. We do also serve
a number of families not DCFS involved that either have founded or unfounded reports. Those are
just families at nsk but not DCFS involved.
Alderman Feldman: I'd like to pursue this concept of cost implications. 1 The idea of the possibility of your either failure
or inability to act resulted in disorganization or breakdown of the family and more costs is something
I'm very much interested in. What other kinds of costs to society might be reflected in your
abdication of a family not being helped at the irxxrient you're able to intercede. Outside of
associating itself with another state agency such as the Child Welfare System what are other costs
in terms of police, crime, etc.
Ms. Stumme: One of the major problems that arises is whether the child can do well in school. If the child is moved
from home to home, when we know foster care is anything but stable it effects the child's ability to
do well in school If you have a child who doesn't finish high school you have a very high cost to
society for a long time which can lead into other justice issues as an end result.
Alderman Feldman. There may be more than one child in a family. You help families which also can create a burden,
unemployment. alcoholism, drug abuse, etc You mention $60 an hour, is that a competitive rate.
Ms. Stumme: It is for this service. We always try to keep it as low as possible because that's the way to provide
more service for one client. One of the goals of our strategic planning is to increase the number of
clients we see and not increase our cost.
Alderman Feldman: On the basis of this estimate, the staff analysis indicates the agency projects being able to serve
17 families with the amounts requested from the City Do you add to that, if so how much?
Ms. Stumme: Yes, we add to that Our cost for that particular program is S153,000, for the 17 families and there
may be some addrbonal families that fall into that, not very many. It would be for all the families we
feel are at high risk.
Alderman Feldman: Then the City of Evanston is paying one-third of the actual cost for the agency to serve these families
and if not for your fundraising the amount would be dramatically reduced.
Ms. Stumme: This particular program is not funded any other way, we have to foot the bill for it Our mental health
program is one of our strong programs that we can get funded by the state.
HSC Minutes 10/4/99 - Page 3.
Alderrrtl i n Feldman: Alderman Newman raised an interesting point that the amounts of mociey we spend and the nornber
of Individual people we deal with seems to be ever shrinking. The costs go up. the• number of
people it covers seems to be dramatically changing which poses the quesWn, at wt"lait point is a
community's resources to be either diminished or set at a given level and say no more, It would be
much more cormforting if you came in and said for this amount of money we'll take ire of 150
number of families.
Ms. Stumme: I was Calling attention to family counseling which is a less Intensive and eas:er ; nprarn to do
because it doesn't require all the intensive services. There we see g:•3 Evanston Jerrs, a total of
1200 for Evanstz+n/Skokie. at the same price of 186. There are programs much Bess costly.
Alderman Feldman: If you had switched the programs around we'd be happier
Alderman Newman: I respect the agency and value their work, but it seems to me if we had a social worker working for
us In the exact same area we could probably do it for less than S60 an hour, but I rrK#% be wrong
about that. However. I would like to get some type of response to this as I don't know if other cities
are employing social workers. While $60 an hour is not unreasonabte for a private sccsal worker.
Alderman Feldman: Is this program we're funding, prevention or remediation, or both
Ms. McCormick: I would say its remediation when you speak of people already demonstrating drfficuZes in the
community. Prevention would be trying to prevent those problems. We've also been doing some
school based programming where we had 12 families come for 10 weeks for a program in the
school and we've partnered with Y.O.U., PEER Services, and Family Focus to do that program.
Alderman Feldman: The entire 12 years I've sat on this committee, I've waited for an agency to come to me and say,
"Alderman, we've tumed the comer.' That never seems to happen and is an elusive kind of a goal.
1n spite of the good will of the community. In spite of the money being spent, in spite of the hard
work of agencies such yours and others, in spite of the Mental HeaNh Board, in spite of the Human
Services Committee and the state and the county, etc., we never seem to turn the toner. I'm
always interested in finding out whether there Is a new flood of difficulty, a strong current that
increased, something going on in society, and these are so called good times for some people. I
can imagine what it would be if times were more difficult and the stresses on families were even
more exaggerated than they are now.
Alderman Rainey: i think this is a very cheap price for the work that you do and we could not spend getter dollars any
place. i was dis�essed by the numbers especially those who dropped out of the program, I would
hope there was some way to keep them in longer But, as you say you're not dealing with totally
organized people which is why you're in touch with them. If the person were to pay an off the street
lawyer who protests that child in court they would pay in excess of S60 an hour and 1 think your
preventative effcrt of $60 an hour makes a lot of sense
What do you think of some of the comments of agencies indicating you do a good pb. When you
survey the services provided by the Evanston community. and I'm not talking about pnwate social
workers but publicly and state funded programs operating in the community now, what do you see
as a void. What comments would you make?
Ms. Stumme: The other agenGe-s have been very responsive when we needed help especially around youth
services and drug treatment sources. I think we are becoming more concemed about mental health
services for children. It's a very hard program for hospitals to maintain. We were just told Lutheran
General closed their child psychiatric program last month, not because of need but because they
couldn't afford to maintain the program. We're becoming more concemed there'll be fewer
resources for fammlies and children.
Alderman Rainey: In response to Alderman Newman saying we should have social workers hired by the City, we
already do. However, they sit in the police department and don't make house calls like these
people. Do you work for them at all?
HSC Minutes 1014/99 - Page 4.
Ma.SWmrne: Yes. Wo get referrals from them.
Atdemian Rainey: Do you give referrals to them?
Ms. McCormick We have not made referrals to them probably based on the face d we see a child UuV has a need
we're prepared to service ourselves.
Alderman Newman in last year's budget I proposed getting a good look at the Youth Services Bureau and putting it up
on the board but don't remember getting much suppen from anybody on the Council r would not
want to have any social worker sitting around in the Citj Evanston. The question I had was valuing
the service and the area you're in, whether we could get to more families than this number. I'm
disappointed in this number and would like the staff to grve us an Kdea of where you think 4 should
be. Should it be at 27, why did we contract for 277 The issue is r)ot coming down tU 14 or 17, we
need some guidance from the staff on this. My interest is also in gecng more service out there and
I want to brainstorm to do it. I'm not suggesting what I pout forward s the best answer but just want
to explore some best common sites.
Alderman Kent: Looking at question #4 under schools. Districts 65 and 202, schocv is a significant part of a child's
everyday life and where problems are often first identified One of tf-.e issues with a number of other
agencies is once you find an at nsk child you find at risk parents. I would like to hear briefly from
you when you go to those houses with a troubled child do you encc mler any parents that are drug
addicts, bad foster parents, any parents neglecting the children. How do you then respond to that
and when do you decide to take your services away. To him 14 and 17 are manageable numbers,
how do you measure and evaluate that.
Ms. McCormick: How we determine whether or net parents are going to be able to engage in treatment with their child
takes in a variety of factors. We have a somewhat routine way cf approaching families upon
referral, the family will be ident4ed by a school or some other entity men the onus is on the family,
the parent or the guardian to initially contact us. Once we get that cad we can meet with the parent
and child and other family members at their home and begin a process of listening to the parents
on how they view the problem. Sometimes it's not the same as he v the school or other agency
might identify the problem. We first want to get them on board as to what they see the problem is
and what they would like to see changed. If they can start at that we then have somewhere to start
and can begin to establish goals that are focused, time limited. and evaluated on a regular basis,
if a parent is not able to identify any concerns and its coming from an outside source we don't know
the problems or concerns we are not able to help those families. We can identify concerns if we see
drug or alcohol abuse and will definitely address that with the parent and try and to get them
connected to an agency that would provide those services If we were seeing nsk in terms of
abuse and neglect we would try to work with that family to prevent DCFS involvement if the family
is on board with us we have something to work with. If there is blatant neglect we have to report
that as we are mandate reporters If the family gets to the point of ca.:ing us because n has been
suggested to them, for the most part we can get them in the door.
Alderman (Cent: It seems to me that's best of the worst situation and I'm sure those parents aren't going to make the
calls. I was hoping there was a communication between you, the schools, the caretakers, so there
could be some way to reach the parents not only with your agency but with any agency that goes
out into the houses and becomes aware that's what they're dealing wrh in the community To me
the number one obstacle is if the social worker at school suggests the parent makes the call then
that's half the battle.
Ms. McCormick: We'll usually talk to the parents and depending on the nature of the problem talk to them about
meeting with them at the home to get a good picture of what's happening. If the parent does not
want that we might suggest doing it at the school and work with the school contact around meeting
at the school with someone who the parent is familiar with. We usually try to have that contact away
from our office to start to build a connection either with their home, neighborhood, or school rather
than have them come into an office setting where these farmhes may have interfaced wrth agences
in the past and did not have good experiences.
Alderman Rainey: When a family is referred to you to make that call, is there any sanction if they don't call
HSC Minutes 1014/99 - Page 5.
Ms. McCormick: That mint be a better question for the schools, is the person suggesting ttzat pumng sanicbom
behind the suggestion. If there's a risk of abuse or neglect cr they're seeing questionabb sighrrs
they can talk to the family and mandate it if they see posse" crrra%al actrv3t*s to the school they
may view it as an aitemative to police involvement, or if they're seen other types of risky behaviors
they can present the alternatives, not so much in a threaternr-g way but if ycu oon't pursue this
avenue these are things that might happen and what would tr1ey like to do
Ms. Stumme: The one thing we cannot do is call a parent from the school because we do not have access to the
school records.
ej Youth Umbrella Services
Don Baker, Director introduced Chip Brady Board Officer and thanked the committee for their long time support of Y.O.U.
This year they have also completed a three-year strategic planning process. There are four main areas to work on over
the next three years. One is to take what was our smallest program our Family Support Program Emergency Housing
which involves a tot of family counseling and provides alternate housing for kids in crisis. and see that as a program
that needs to be strengthened and grow because we're seeing a growing need for us to do a better job We understand that
is going to have to happen with pnvate money by separating it rather than completety interlocking it with our basic Youth
Development Program. The second thing happening during the course of the year is our creating of the Delinquency
Prevention Program which is new this year and is allowing us to focus on a relatively modest number of young people. It has
been done with contracts with state agencles and with private dollars and does not include City dollars. A key of our three
year plan is a very aggressive continuing fundraising and contract seeking effort which we have had some success with in
the last couple of years and want to continue that success and be aggressive. Over the next few years rrs important
for us to work at our recruitment and training of staff and to maximize the ability of our staff to be successful and extend the
amount of network interactions the kinds of cooperative programs we do with Family Focus. Metropolitan family Services,
PEER Services, with the school district, Piven Theater Workshop, and many others The centerpiece to the program that
you are funding, our Youth Development Program, we have offered for many years One program, one set of activities that
kids show up and participate in and stay for a year or two or three years or as long as they find it appropriate and attractive.
The truth is as time goes on they've been there and done that and we think one of the things we are going to have to do to
improve our ability to serve is to create a progressive programming with certain things for kids in 51" grade and something
different in 6'" grade, etc., and create a progression that will go from 51' grade at least through sophomore year in high school
that recognizes we need to grow and offer different things for young people as they grow That will be the focus of our effort
for the next several years.
Alderman Newman: Am i correct in saying, when we cut your funding two years ago, your view on that and the message
put out in the community was we were hurting the agency by cutting the $10,000
Mr Baker: What I tried to say was losing $10,000 will cost us 510,000 worth of ability to serve
Alderman Newman, Here we are two years later. You were at $588,000 and are now at $837.000. Isn't it fair to say that
the $10,000 we cut at that time in the general scheme of things would have virtually had no impact
on this agency. 1 credit you for doing the type of fundraising you're doing, you've raised
contributions. gone out to other governmental agencies and increased your purchase of service and
grants from 5197.000 to $387,000. One of the things I would like to see, considering how high our
property taxes are here, is when we can get the state or federal government to pay a higher part
of the bill have the Evanston taxpayer could pay a little less 1 want to put it all hn perspective and
by looking a! these numbers the action we proposed a few years ago, based on what you have done
would have almost no impact on your agency I do have one area that i want to hone in on, Health
and Retirement Benefits have almost doubled from $53,000 to S99.000 Is there an explanation for
that?
Mr. Baker. The new funding we have been able to bring in has been for very specific programs and is not
funding that would have been for the $10,000. In fact the dollars the City gives supporting that core
Youth Development Programming are critical dollars to maintain the nucleus of our program that in
turn has allowed us to bring in other programs, create the Delinquency Prevention Program, and
expand the Family Support Emergency Housing Program. In fact to have weakened that nuclear
funding would have weakened our capacity to have done all the things we have done.
HSC Minutes 10/4/99 - Page 6.
Aldermen Newman: On every funding application you them is cinty one Executive Director end Execucve Director
expense is in every one. The rent expense that barely increases is atso in every one of extse
program grants you're doing. Somewhere aloN, the line there are some things Ln V* agency that
aren't going up that significantly. There shouii be some point in timo that sorne agency in town
when the federal and state government rnves: more into them that tho City Lif Evarstc n should be
able to invest less. You're not the only agency being referred to. Nobody rs saytng y;rur program
isn't wonderful. We never seem to get to tfia, point because once we gi-ve a cY-,r. amount of
money to an agency it must stay forever othenit ise it we make a change we're doiri7 scmethav that
will Have horrible effects on the community, which is the message that goes out
Mr. Baker.
In response to the increase in benefits that increase is almost inclusively in group We're
a very small agency and our group insurance rate is based on the experience of our group We
have had some very difficult and expensive expenence within our group We negcctiawi and
changed plans, added deductibles this year, and got it down to a 69% increase In fact me anginal
proposal for the same insurance offered to our staff was just less than a 200% increase which we
couldn't do. We buy our insurance through tine Evanston Chamber of Commerce as a Chamber
member and they in turn have worked with otrers and put together a pool.
Aldemlan Rainey:
The program you had in South Evanston with Ron Strong worked great However, he's calfed a
Youth Worker, you had another classification of people called Aides who were not professionals,
abut were identified as Y.O.U. people, who worked in the parks.
Ms. Baker:
We had two people doing outreach. They did have summer job kids doing various things.
Alderman Rainey:
Then you did not have any young people working in the parks. I know this is not your fault but one
of the people working in that park was a person, who at the time of serving in that park, was the
subject of an ongoing protection order, and has a conviction record of drugs and battery. It seems
to me when you're running a program in a park you're doing so because there is a need for a model
for people to look up to who can give leadership and direction to those, who to some extent are at
risk, which most of those kids are. I was extremely offended by the presence of this person who
was looked up to by some of the kids for all the wrong reasons and worked directly with your two
people. In that kind of a program when you have this situation that neighborhood should not be a
laboratory for correcting people who have criminal records. Maybe at City Hall we have an office
where we can bring them along, but not in the parks where the children are. You do such wonderful
work. I would hope that next year you do not to+erate that kind of employee at Ridgeville.
Mr. Baker.
We require a criminal background check for all members of our staff and I'm embarrassed to say
I'm unfamiliar with the situation and it is one I should be aware of. I will find out about it.
Alderman Moran: Are you going to continue with the program in me wake of your other plans.
Mr. Baker. We hope so. That was funded by the Cook County Juvenile Advisory Council. A proposal for
refunding has been submitted and we're waiting for a response. In fact we have asked for enough
money to allow making it year round rather than a six-month warm weather program. If we don't
get that funding we will seek funding elsewhere until we do as we think, it's a very exerting new fund
and we'll keep after it until we find funding somewhere.
Alderman Moran: From my perspective I thought it was very successful. I saw the good work that was being done
and the kids responded in a positive way. It's very important to have people out there in me
trenches When they're out thereon the front line we get tremendous benefit from that because
as we all know when things go bad there's a tendency for problems to arise but when somebody
is right there there's a tendency to keep a lid on things.
Mr. Baker. This is successful for a number of things, it was the right thing to do at a right time and we I*d
wonderful cooperation from the City and the police department. The bottom line was we had two
extraordinary people, Ron and Terry both unbelievable and an incredible gift to this community and
I'm proud to be working at the same agency with them.
Alderman Kent In your proposal you describe that while you established a new Delinquency Prevention and Street
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Outreach program that fecuses attention on young people in schools who are displai#q L ,
which may indicate they are high risk of becoming iewotved in delinquency. It also sags the
Evanston police department, both Evanston school districts and Family Focus -Our Place are trey
partners in this effort That's fantastic. Do you get these kids by police station adjustments. school
discipline difficulties, social workers, or disruptive behavior in the community. Exactly what is Ow
behavior you're working to change.
Mr. Baker: Those are all components and over a time will even tie more so in getting referrals. This is cour
newest program, started early in April. and we're still getting our feet wet with it We're identtfy;r g
the kids who were involved in fights, behaving in very extreme ways, the most difficult kids to
manage within our programs through our own drop -in center programs. We were working boat Cm
principals at the middle schools with the kids who were getting suspensions and getting into above
serious kinds of problems Then we talked to the police department about the kids who get pk*ed
up for shoplifting or being in a fight, something serious but not serious enough at the moment to
refer to juvenile court for that kind of offense. They're taken to the police station, the police talk to
them and they're turned over to their parents. Some ones there is and sometimes there is rot
follow-up. One of the things we are now in a position to do is help follow through and make sure
those early offenses are serious concems and provide counseling, academic support, do the home
visits, draw them in to social recreation programs, help the older kids find jobs, all those sari of
things. We are getting the referrals from our own staff from our other programs and from the
schools and are in very serious conversation with the police about them understanding the
difference between this and their own Fu'st Offender's Program which is a kid that has already taken
the next step and gotten into such serious trouble that T ey have been referred to the juvenile cotui
That piece of this program is funded largely by a grant from the State Department of Human
Services. They define their three target populations, prevention, perversion, and intervention. The
prevention program is kid who has displayed difficult behavior but has not yet been arrested ark
referred to juvenile court. Those are the kids we're focusing on.
Alderman Kent I need a definition of this because we hear your organizaflons coning before us for working with kids
and from another organization we heard kids were getting their court date because of a fight in
school and they were expelled. This then was written up and goes directly to the police department:
That's happening in District 65 as well as 202 and there has to be a lot of kids out there that would
be able to access this program for something like a fight, as we just recently heard. How many
people would be working on this program.
Mr. Baker. There will only be two staff people dedicated to this program. Then there will be six other part-time
people the equivalent of three people.
Alderman Kent The reason I ask this goes back to the statement of eacrh station adjustment school discipline and
difficulties disruptive behavior in the community. I know that for sure District 65 did work with Don
Walton the only truant officer we have If you are getnrg those reports from the schools perhaps
this program could pick up some of those truancies.
Mr. Baker. We have a long time good relationship with Don Walton and that is a great suggestion that I will look
into
Alderman Kent: Your report states 'Through both strategies the Y.O. U youth workers help unconnected teens find
jobs and get involved in school and healthy community activities. By cutting through the usjal
barriers to services such as formal offices, scheduled appointments, and fees. Y.O.U. outreach
workers are able to offer service to youth and families' something I would say is great, but the fad
that we have been hearing after you take that child and cut through that red tape where is the
planning for support when they actually go to the job responsibility even if they want to quit not just
to walk off the job, but to do it the correct way. Is any of that involved.
Mr. Baker. Of course, it requires staying involved for the long haul and doing follow-up. going out and having
long term relations with employers or people who have provided access to resources. It's not just
employment but its in other things, for example the Evanston Theater on Central Street during the
course of the summer made available free tickets on hot nights when their attendance was low. We
would pick up some of the kids on the streets who were at higher risk of getting into trouble, take
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thertm somewhere cooler and cie~azant to do what is a more appropriate use of leisure time. We
were very excaed about th* am provided the transportation and b0owed up to make sure they
behaved appropriately wh,ie n ---we theater
Alderman Kent: Something I as well as the cew committee members would be interested in is what we gave asked
some of the other agencies = crovvde, success stones, measurements and evaluations of some
of those indnvtduals who are curently going through this.
Mr. Baker: The point made is that you 1= con't make the connection and walk away, if that was tl7 a case they
would not have needed sere-ce n the first place. The truth is they require service intensive, long
term for the tong haul, over and over again reminders.
B) Family Focus
Delores Holmes introduced Walter Calhoun, Chair of Mew Local Auxiliary Council, Dr. Suzette Speight, Chair of the
Program Committee, At the Our Place Center we are ccr-=uing to worts with the primary prevention population of children
4" grade through high school, providing after school support for them, From September through June our Speaal Working
Mothers Program in the summer, as always, is providing services for pregnant and parenting adolescents. There is not much
change in those programs. In our new retationship with Y O.U. we are targeting first time station adjustment kids. This got
underway In April. We have already extended our hours to 7:00 p.m, to make sure we have longer hours so sorne of those
children would be in a safe environment We're also offering services on Saturday momings.
Mr. Calhoun voiced his thanks and appreciative of the retazionship they feel we have. He has been on the board for five
yeas, chairman for the last year and a half and thinks you should know how integral the money you give us is to the
operations of the agencies and the services that we prowce He was very empathetic to some of the frustration that
a couple of board members stated in regard to agencies and our esteeming inability to never be able to reduce tte amount
of money that we ask for. He tried to put limits on his persoral contributions both in terms of money and time with the agency
and has been completely unable to do it He personalty gage thousands of dollars and never lived in Evanston, r*'li never
use their services and in that sense they are meaningless on one level, but he does spend most of November wrrbng to 60
to70 of his friends trying to communicate the tremendous need and deprivation the children we're dealing with are going
through and experiencing. In his own way he resolves n by trunking of it as less of an expenditure and more of an swestment
by somehow trying to piece together a quitt of social self esteem and positive mental and physical and human development
these children are going to be better citizens for the City of Evanston and the community at large. That's something that has
also been a comfort to him and we do sometimes look like our demands are always increasing, but wants you to know the
programs they administer really do serve a population that is very at risk and devoid of any finanaal where withal. Thank you.
Alderman Newman: There's a typographical error in tre staff analysis of funds requested that I'd like addressed. A
comment in the staff analysis states. 'While we have no specific details it is our impression that the
decision to end the District 65 program was neither amicable nor mutual. District 65 ended the
relationship.' Can that be explained
Mr Terry: If I can clarify the numbers in the staff analysis, there are two typos in the first paragraph Family
Focus is currently receiving $56.700 not 546,700 and are requesting $66,000 a $10.000 increase,
$2.000 from the City and $8,000 from the Mental Health Board.
Ms. Holmes: Family Focus, had a contract with District 65 to run the District 65 Family Focus Program in 1942
Dempster, nothing to do with the 2010 Dewey In mid June we were told by District 65 because
of the funding, particularly the Even Start Program, required that there be a plan to show the
community was going to continue that program. No work had been done on that and they felt that
they would have a getter chance of getting funding if they brought everything in house. They started
out with the Even Start Program and by the and of June decided to run all three contracts
themselves. We still have a relationship with District 65 with the Our Place Program in the amount
of $2400. Family Focus has agreed to allow them to still use the name Family Focus District 65.
This was not mutual because we did not know they wanted to do that. At the time there was
another Executive Director who has since then left and there might be other pieces I do not know
about. As far as I know that was the reason that occurred.
Alderman Rainey: The thing that interests me most is your involvement with young girls and their babies. Do you do
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any outreach gong out being assertive and encouraging girls out on the streets to baoome part of
your program.
Ms. Holmes: Not really in that respect_ We work basically in the high schools because this is an in school
program. We have contacts and referrals from the social workers and counselors in " high school
and work through the Human Services network with Teen Baby Nursery and know ne majority of
the girls who are pregnant. We have an in school program and an out of school program for those
girls that dropped out of high school or went on to get a high school degree We do outreach to
them to try to get them to become involved with some of the servers we have
Alderman Rainey: Would you consider taking a look at a problem I see with some young girls and perhaps you can
encourage participation from some of them. There is an enormous group of young gir3s with rabies
hanging out with a very undesirable element on Howard Street. Curse frankly, it scares me as it will
not end up good. Every time I see them I think about you and that you might be able to get them
otherwise involved and become more productive. This is a serious problem and very unconnected.
Ms. Holmes: You're absoknely correct, we are familiar with this group but part of the problem is loon because
of where we're located to be able to get there. It's unfortunate because of what side of town you're
on, something we don't like to talk about There's nothing down there. Years ago I talked to
Nichols Neighbors abut the possibility of doing something there but we did not have the money nor
staff to do it We can discuss this further at another time.
Alderman Kent: Inquired whether the Delinquency Prevent Program is going to be done in conjunction with Y.O.U.
WilI the specialized special staff be hired together or will Family Focus be doing the hiring.
Ms. Holmes: I think Mr. Baker and I have an agreement he's on the south end and we're on the west side trying
to take care of kids in troth areas. We're looking at 47', 501, 6F', 71',and 8°1 graders, basically junior
high and a little bit of elementary. We get referrals from the Youth Services Bureau, but you and
I both know. the kids who are in trouble and having problems aren't easy to outreach to get them
involved in something like this. This is why we have Saturday morning and late hours to have a
place where some of these kids could stay in the safe environment rather than being on the street
when we close at 6.00. An hour makes a lot of difference for some of the kids. We have been
working with Mr Baker for years and brought it to the school's attention that kids are not in school.
The number of our kids who don't go to school is amazing.
Alderman Kent: Were the specialized services just for 25 kids.
Ms. Holmes: Yes, for 25 lots but you wouldn't be able to identify those kids if you came in the center because
they would be in all of the groups. We don't want anybody to identify them, we know who they are,
and will make sure there are special support services for them. Hopefully that will inspire and
motivate them and keep them from having more than a station adjustment or get scared enough not
to want to steal something. We'll have special activities and trips for them but most of all special
academic help for them because part of the problem is they are not successful in school, not
reading, not doing homework, etc. We're trying to make sure the homework is done and be a liaison
with them in the school while trying to work with the parents to help them understand we can't do
it by ourselves and we have to work together That's some of the specialized pieces we're trying
to put together
Rev. Norwood: i would like to say to those of you who were speaking. I was thinking how great it would be if God
in someway would change the tales of two cities, those of us who live in the prosperous society and
those who say times are good, bountiful and how the Welfare Roils have been cut and people are
put to work, how children are succeeding in education in the Chicago school system, etc. The other
tale is who are those people, where are they. I don't know any of them. As long as we have that
situation the need will always be far more in abundance in what people come to you and ask for as
there are many of us churches and other institutions who contributed and are not a part of this
request. I would want to take the time to say because of Mt. Zion's commitment to Family Focus
and to its community on the second Sunday of this month an opportunity to raise $15,000 from our
congregation. As I entered this building I saw the sign no solicitation on City property and I do not
want to violate that. I would say here is a great opportunity for you to personally make a $100
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RM
contribution to this poor stricken congregation that is doing something for this comrminity rind its
children.
Ms. Holmes:
I would like Dr. Speight to tell you about another new program we received funding for through the
Evanston Foundation, its a small grant for a program for 4" and 51' graders called 'Giviri and Takin
and Workin it Out'.
Dr. Speight: For a long time we have talked about real needs of kids being at nsk_ Skill development rs important,
teaching kids skills how to negotiate risky situations can help them avoid a lot of bad outcomes. If
you learn to use those skills maybe you can avoid drugs, running away, or things like that The
board has taken fundraising seriously and we were able to do local fundraising, applied for a small
grant from Evanston Community Foundation, were successful and got $12,000; 1 have six
graduate students from Loyola University, where I teach, who are coming in on Tuesdays from 4:00
to 5:00 p.m. with 4" and 5" graders. We just Megan two weeks ago. This program is based on a
videotape program that was made for kids who were actually having criminal justice issues. It has
little role-plays and situations that kids get invcNed in where conflicts can escalate into fights. We
know most violence is relational in nature the perpetrator and the victim know each other. It's
unusual that people are strangers to each other The kind of violence that happens amongst kids
is avoidable but very risky. This theory of talking and role-playing helps kids to practice skins on
how to give negative feedback, how to receive negative feedback. and then how to negotiate and
work out disagreements_ 4" and 5" grades are a good time to do this because they are pliable and
enthusiastic enough, not jaded as older teenagers are. but are interested enough to try new things
and they think role playing is great fun. Hopefully next year we will be able to tell you some good
results from that program. We're doing some pre and post testing as this is now a pilot study for
US.
Alderman Rainey: Who are the kids that are getting this opportunit/ Are they really at risk kids or just kids who drop
in and sign up.
Dr. Speight When I wrote the grant last year there were two 4" graders who had been suspended.
Alderman Rainey: It seems to me that this should be required just lice reading, writing, and arithmetic. We get a daily
bulletin from the police department where I read about kids messing around getting Into an
argument pushing, one got upset and picked up a brick and hit the other kid in the head with the
brick. 'That's just an exaggeration of the kind of things that go on every day.
Dr. Speight We were especially concerned about conflict resolution because last spring there were so many
incidents of girls fighting over boys and too marry other incidents We figured we have to start
somewhere and literally out of thirty 5" graders, eight had actually been suspended from 4" grade
for some sort of incident such as fighting, talking back Eight of thirty 4' graders is not good. The
younger they are the better to start with.
Alderman Kent: Did you check the schools because some of them do have conflict management. We have had it
for a couple of years, social support groups that goes down to 1" grade. I think 41' and 5" grade is
very good because you're going to get the transition into Junior High. You looked up the kids that
were suspended and having problems. Have you given any thought to making it a project and
seeing if you can the parents involved
Dr. Speight Absolutely, what's interesting about this particular project is that it is one of twenty recommended
across the country of having good evaluation data. It hasn't been used with parents but has been
used extensively with different types kids of different age groups so we would actually be adding
something new. We'd like to do stuff with parents and want to get parents involved but its hard to
get parents involved. That's something that we can show worked with these 4" and 51i We were
able to increase their skills. Our next step would be lets get their parents, in instead of another
cohort of 4"` and 5" graders.
Alderman Kent: I think it's very good as the problem is great. Just where you're located kids go to different schools.
Dr. Speight We can get these 4°' and 5" graders to be leaders and the next year they'll fit in good with fi"
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graders. Peer groups will be able to relate befter to each other and teach younger kids the values
to do it
IV. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF OCTOBER, 1999 TOWNSHIP MONTHLY BILLS
Alderman Feldman moved for approval of the October 1999 Township monthly bills, seconded by Alderman
Newman.
Alderman Rainey had some questions and asked if anyone from the Township was in attendance. And was told no one was
in attendance. She asked if someone between 18 and 25, or any age. applied for GA in Evanston and was turned down,
could they then go the Illinois Department of Public Aid northern disWc: office and apply Mr. Terry said The answer to that
has always been no, if you are an Evanston resident you are referred = Evanston Township. However, this is something
we have not visited in some time and are not sure what the state is doing since they ended the 9-month GA program. He has
given his University of Chicago intem, Paul Singh, an assignment on the general status of General assistance statewide and
comparing other townships. He will report to this committee his findings, sometime in the spring.
Alderman Rainey had a question relating to the Work Opportunity Program, Many months ago she asked for an assessmient
analysis and has not had any response to this. She would like to have a conversation with the Township regarding this
program as she feels any training program that costs the taxpayers S54 700 a year, which is not a lot, should have a bigger
textbook and manual expense than an annual charge of $100. From this figure it would seem to her nothing is going on. Also,
she was curious as to the expenditure for the Captain Nemo supplies ir: the amount of $341.00.
Alderman Kent recalled the motion to approve the October 1999 Township month Iv bills. Motion unanimously
approved (5-0).
V. RECONSIDERATION OF MENTAL HEALTH BOARD FY 1999-2000 SUPPLEMENTAL ALLOCATIONS
Alderman Feldman asked why this is being reconsidered. Mr. Terry responded it was sent back to the committee from the
last City Council meeting. Alderman Feldman recalled a had to do wic, the issue of confidentiality and legality and noted
a memo from Assistant Corporation Counsel Kathleen Brenniman regarding the issue was included in the Human Services
packet. The memo was very accurate in the way the discussion went during the Human Services Committee meeting and
reflects his position, which is not to violate the confidentiality of anybodf
Alderman Newman said this memo along with Mr. Terry's other memos completely confirm the comments made on the
Council floor regarding confidentiality The specific allegation somehow the Mental Health Code was violated by the
committee to say the least is completely inaccurately He appreciates Ms Brenniman taking the time to write this memo and
clear the issue and we are going to have some reference to both Mr. Te+ry's and Ms. Brenniman's memos on the Council
floor because unfortunately inaccurate comments are out in the common y. He does not know if they were reprinted in the
Evanston Review but it seems to him the record has to be set straight.
Alderman Moran noted the conditions that were being explored by the cce'rimittee were set out in the first paragraph of Ms
Brenniman's memo and the second paragraph made reference to the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
Confidentiality Act. The first condition referred to is keeping a record of the employment status of the client_ The second
paragraph says the things that can't be divulged without written consent of the recipient are records and communications.
He asked Ms. Brenniman if she would consider the first condition which says, 'a record of the employment status,, a record.
Ms. Brenniman responded she understood that to mean, and she did aide a bit of background talking to Mr. Terry and
looking at the minutes of meeting before writing this memo, whether or not Vie individual was employed. Perhaps she should
have used a different word than record but it was not intended to be that 7iey worked at this place of employment for such
a period of time As she understood it meant whether or not they were employed Alderman Moran referred to Ms
Brenniman's language about a record of employment as a condition and in the second paragraph of the memo it says the
records cannot be divulged without the consent of the recipients of the mental health services. The other conditions are
preparing a profile of the clients that describe the presenting problem, the length of stay in treatment, and the outcomes of
the therapeutic process. He asked Ms Brenniman how she would compile that without reference to records and
communications in relation to the recipient of those mental health services Ms Brenniman responded she did not think the
Act makes references to information, what the Act specifically says, is records and communications, which she assumes
to be the documentation, may not be disclosed. She also wished to emphasize the importance of the indication in her memo
that no information should be divulged in any way that would reveal a client's identity in any respect whatsoever, that is a
clear violation of the Act. Alderman Moran asked Ms. Brenniman if it would be her position that under the Mental Health and
Development Disabilities Confidentiality Act patient records and communications should not be divulged but a person could
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go look at the patient records and communications and collect the data inherent to those records and convnunications and
"divulge it without the consent of that person. Ms_ Brenniman answered, no that is net her position, what she said in the
memo is the act specifically prohibits the disclosure of records and ccrirnunications and stie understood tOv pesirion of the
Human Services Committee, they were simply requesting some kind of 3enenc listing of whether the client n-ved in Evanston,
some brief summary of the problem length or stay of treatment and outcome of the prcx-ess that would ,m no *W would
identify that person. This could be done by a certain percentage of people having this '4amd of problem, ?-cw r-any live in
Evanston, how many are employed, etc. This could be done in a nurrizer of ways• but ire no titi3y or any way that you do it
should you infer or specifically state who that individual is receiving that money. If the irTarmatxan given is speak enough
to identify that person in her opinion would be a violation of the Act.
Alderman Moran said the problem he has with the analysis is the Act. does not say riat the things pimtected by the
confidentiality of it is only the name of the person or their address. Ms. Brenniman responded. it says records and
communications to be disclosed to someone other than to a parent or guardian of a recipient who is under 12 years of age
and attorney or guardian at liable, only with the written consent of the recipient or his or her parent or guardian It specifically
states records and communications. and takes that to mean specific documents.
Alderman Moran then said is it your position if it isn't a specific documer-- and if I, myself, don't go to a patient's file and take
a document out, hand rt to this committee and say here is what we have But you or someone else can take it out of the file,
read it put it back into the file and come to the committee and report what the records and communications are documented
in those records, that's O.K. Ms. Brenniman said her memo does not say you can use aJ the specific information in those
records and communications, her memo says a brief summary of the information that does not in any May identify the
individual receiving the aid, if there is a confidentiality problem whether specific or by inference it is in violation of the Act.
She did not think it would be inappropriate for the committee to use general kinds of information to evaluate the
appropriateness of the allocation, if that's the responsibility of the comr-uttee
Alderman Moran asked Ms. Brenniman if she read the submission of C-e Mental Health Board memo to the committee on
this issue. Ms. Brenniman said she did not read it in detail but briefly reviewed it and spoke in detail to Ntr Terry about it.
Alderman Moran said the October 27. 1999 memo talked about how there could be report ng with respect to diagnosis and
outcome on an aggregate basis certain percentage, etc. He asked tits. Brenniman if she thought these things could be
handled in the way that's presented or did she not think that. Ms. Brennrran said what she is saying they ha4,e to be handled
in a way that cannot identify an individual in any respect and it they are men it can't be used She's not telling the committee
how to do it but is telling them what the Act says and giving her interp-etation of the Ac: and what she believes are the
parameters.
Alderman Moran understands, but asked if she conceives the Act of Confidentiality provisions aren't limited to the name of
the person but relates to ail records and communications. His reason 1br saying that is lots Brenniman keeps going back
to the fact that nobody's name is going to be used and he wanted to ma.+:e it clear to the committee that its not her position
that by lust withholding the name doesn't mean you're Gear from the prc-visions of the Confidentiality Act, wh ch is the case.
Ms. Brenniman said, that is correct and her memo says it is her opinicr that a brief summary of this inforrlatron, which in
no way identifies any client by name or inference, may be supplied to the Department of Health and Human Services for the
purpose of evaluating the appropriateness of this allocation and gr,en those guidefires there is no-.r�olabon of the
Confidentiality Act as she read it and there is no case law on this.
Alderman Moran brought up Ms. Brenniman's reference in the memo Section 11015. which provides that except for certain
exceptions records and communications can be disclosed to cut to the chase. What are these exceptions? Ms. Brenniman
did not recall off hand but knows that nothing applies to this situation. Aiderman Moran Mought a plain reading of the Act,
unfortunately there are not cases brought forward that construe it so we con't have a precedent from the courts, but it is very
clear from the plain unadorned statement relating to Section 110/5 the confidentiality prov.sions related to people receiving
mental health services apply to other than certain exceptions all records and communications related to tree recipients of
services. It is abundantly clear that it doesn't mean just telling the name c.' the person is the only thing that exempts divulging
these records and there clearly is a privacy policy inherent behind this &= goes well beyond that. The Mental Health Board
suggested an alternative course to take with respect to this where they talk about large categories of data that could be
generated and would not be case specific, but would be developed through aggregating data about certain groups. Then
giving percentages so they can make some judgement as to how well a particular program is being operated and what kinds
of successes or lack of successes are being generated there. If rt's the intention of this committee to try to make a
determination as to the quality of the services that we're buying he applauds the committee for doing that because for years
he has been trying to develop a sense of the accountability with respell the rendering of human services That is a good
thing to do and he whole heartedly supports an effort in that regard, however, the Mental Health Board and Developmental
Disabilities Confidentiality Act prohibits the divulgence of case specific information with respect to recipients of mental health
HSC Minutes t 0/4/99 - Page 13.
services. It is clear and Ms. Brenniman admits its clear from her own perspective, that just naming somebody is not the-ordy
piece of information that is protected under the situation. He does not thb'nk these case specific categories of Vdornsstion
should be part of a condition of the grant of these funds. Also, the Mental Health Board has been a leader in the C-dy in terms
of trying to obtain performance standards, outcome review, and accountability for the agencies that they fund. He has
religiously read their minutes and anyone who has read them would "ow that a substantial part of their fundirx; discussions
year after year is to work very hard on an outreach basis and agency contact basis to make sure when thef spend their
money its being used well, We can feel a high degree of confidence that their suggestions in this regard makes sense and
we can gain some benefit by f0owing their aggregated reporting aporoauh We should vote in favor of this program but not
require case specific information as set out in the original proposal
Alderman Newman said no amount of questions to the Corporation Counsel changes the inaccuracy of the re%x ntabons
made on the floor of the Council It's especially frustrating because tow member of the Council making those ctarrrrs was not
present here. As the minutes of this meeting reflect when we were going through those conditions we were atteff4ming to
reach a consensus with the Chair of the Mental Health Board and the Executive Director of a lead agency that -was involved
in this, we asked them specifically about some of the things that ccrcemed us. We were very far away from requesting any
record or communication in somebody's file One can speculate to trie motivations involved but it is frustrating Mr. Terry
and Ms. Brenniman did a good job and he appreciated the additonat memo from the Mental Health Board He does
remember a few years ago when the Council never heard a word about the financial turmoil of Family Counseling Services
and all of a sudden they were out of business. At that point in time he learned that part of his responsibility as a member of
the Council was not only to work with the Mental Health Board but to ask his own questions about various agencies as they
came before us. Nobody asked for the name of any employers, if anybody was or was not working. He recalls as part of
the discussion on addresses we went to great length to say we were not interested in the actual address but were only
interested if they were on a long street. He cannot understand how Cat can be taken as asking for somebody's name. The
third thing they asked for was some general information. Out of the 14 fan -des they were working on what the general areas
were and what the outcomes were We were not interested in any intarrnaWn that could remotely be construed as a record.
That was the extent of the discussion and there was no objection to everybody in attendance at that time Again, Ms.
Brenniman's memo was right on target and he feels very strongly and welcomes additional help of the Mental Health Board
in whatever way they want to evaluate the agencies. One of the reasons was because the Center for Public Ministry is a co-
sponsor with records indicating that 80% to 90°% of their service users were from the City of Chicago it was important to try
to establish that this money was primarily going to deal with problems of people indigenous to Evanston. He felt this program
should have been approved at the Council a month ago. Except for the inaccuracies of the debate, were the false claims
that any portion of the Mental Health Confidentiality Act was in any way, shape, or form, even close to being violated by this
committee Furthermore, when those types of comments are made by people who weren't at the meeting its more hustrating.
Alderman Rainey definitely would like to know census tract. We hare neighborhoods in target areas and should know the
census tract of where these are Alderman Newman said he'd accept that as an amendment of the motion because that
accomplishes the exact purpose.
Alderman Feldman said even in recommendations for the Mental Hea-h Bcard there are pieces of data and inforraton that
has to come from records. What you are doing is going to the record rooicmg up something and reporting risk factors, sex.
income status, poverty or under poverty level, families able to disc ne cn-ldren by other methods that come the records,
etc What you are not doing is creating an individual profile. He would be interested if you had 14 people, a certain number
of them live in census tract 4 or whatever tract and he does not have = know that one person living in a certain census tract
has a certain diagnosis that responded in a certain way. That was never the case of what we asked for. He did ask for how
many have been employed and for how long, which in no way at all identifies anyone Remember the caveat at that meeting
said, we do not want to violate somebody's confidential rights. Even rf something mistakenly was asked for that might have
been construed as that he said that if the Corporation Counsel or anyone efse indicted that broke that caveat he did not want
to do that. There might be a way to get that information or similar infer-natrcn phrased in a certain way that would not do that
which was the spint of the discussion. We never attempted to say we wou'd do this no matter what the confidentiality taws
specify, which I think the Mental Health Board will agree with along -A^--n everyone else was part of that discussion. This is
a tempest in a teapot without there ever being an attempt to either impose an illegal act on this grant or coerce the Mental
Health Board to do something beyond their conscience or something they found ethically as well as legally abhorred. As
indicated in his private conversations with the Chair of the Mental Hea'tir Board there are ways to get that kind of information
allowing this committee to feel comfortable in the discharge of its duties and responsibilities and maintain all of the pnntaptes
that the Mental Health Board has stood for for a long time as well as compliance with the law. This can be done in the
manner Corporation Counsel has indicated, if it approaches an aggregate he has no problem as we're not talking about a
lot of people, 14 the first year and perhaps 35 after that. What we want to do is very clear, we want to do exactly what the
Mental Health Board has tried to do with some success and some non-success, to get an idea of how this is working and
who its serving. its not an unreasonable request if you obey the law its nct for people who are the stewards of the public
H5C Minutes 10/4/99 - Page 14.
money and public values. The people of this community want success, they want to help people and have sad spend the
money this way. They also want to know is that its working, which is all any of us want to know.
Alderman Moran asked for a clarification of what the convnMee wishes to attach as conditions. Alderman Kent said 3`►e o*
thing he heard as an addition is the possibility of knowing the census track Alderman Newman said we still hav-e the vrk#:ai
conditions and Alderman Rainey has offered what he thinks is an improvement to what was done the first tine 'N-- came
to reconsider the original conditions because we wanted to clear up any allegations related to violations to the MW+�.t Hearth
Act, which has been cleared up by the staff.
Alderman Newman made a motion to chance the name of the street to the census tract on the nroraosaL
Alderman Kent said what additiona4 came out of this tonight, is you go back to the last meeting this was very remove
of what that meeting was about and what this comrnrttee as a whole was trying to accomplish.
Ms. Wiebe asked that the provision attached to the proposal be removed for the reasons what we are dealin; wide here
tonight. There was a lot of confusion about the meaning of that information, where the information was coming fry, w►'hethaf
it was to be applied to individuals or to groups, and raised a tit of questions due to all the confusion attached to t: SI'w was
reluctant to start back on this but wanted to say the Mental Health Board does feel that the provisions of confidertafity should
not be taken lightly it's a very important right of the client to have their rights protected in this area because it is or0y 14 people
and because this particular group of people, perhaps especially the fdISA group, many are often very public people in that
they live on the streets. Last time Alderman Kent said we all know who they are which she did not know f he -reant
generically or we know them personally. By the time we add up all of these pieces of information we run the risk cf, err. i ing
individuals which she thinks we should just stay away from because there are very good ways of working on actourtability.
She would like to speak to the accountability issue rather than continuing to rehash this d risks the breaking of ccrr ider iakty.
Alderman Kent wanted to know what Ms. Wiebe meant when she mentioned provisions she did not agree •w•,rh In time
statement he made he was specifically talking to PEER Services about people selling their bodies for drugs and tangs of
that nature. Do not take that out of context and use it for something else because he does know who they are. the police
department knows who they are, their records indicate we know who they are. Ms. Wiebe said she did not intend = take
that out of context, what she wanted to say was this group of people are a relatively public group of people, tfiey're street
people and people who work in public jobs such as in retail, in health, etc., run into these same people over and over again.
They're pretty recognizable. Alderman Rainey asked how many people are going to be looking at this informatics Ms.
Wiebe responded, not many, but then it becomes a matter if the City wants to collect this kind of information. A3demnan
Rainey said, she wants to collect program information and thinks there has been a horrible misunderstanding that has been
blown out of perspective. Listening to Alderman Feldman list of what we want to know, she had made notes asking: fbr the
same exact things You had 6 people in the 25 — 45 age group, 4 people had to do diagnosis of paranoid schizoptirer^:a and
substance abuse, how can anybody possibly know who those people are. We don't know who those people are, nor, co we
even care who they are but we do want accountability She has absolute total respect and admiration for the work of the
Mental Health Board but always gets the sense that the mental health people are above it all. That is not the case. if C Wlores
Holmes came here and told us she saw 14 pregnant moms who go to Evanston High School, between certain ages. arc who
live a certain census tract. that's very helpful to us because that way vie know what's out there Otherwise some cf :s do
not know what is out there, You have the same obligation to say these are the people being treated by the morey y_u are
funding. You're really stretching to say that's violating anybody's confidentiality because those are the programrnz�jc r&:;ords
not client records. you have to keep those records. Who sees those records? Ms. Wiebe did not know who sees mose
records. Alderman Rainey said you have to be accountable for the money you get from the State and elsewhoe-re. n•hich
is all we're asking for. Ms. Wiebe said she was concerned about the public records. Alderman Rainey thinks everyoody
who gets public dollars has an obligation to indicate in some way to people who are responsible for dispensing then: s, are then
responsible to the people putting up the money, the taxpayers if the money is being used inappropriately. Alderman !Cent
added if one sat on the CQBG Committee they would realize how special Evanston is. We provide services here w a1 you
cannot go across the border and get in either direction There is something special that speaks to our City and wren talking
about finding about programs, yes, he wants to know what's out there.
Alderman Feldman noted in the Mental Health Board's message to this committee, you indicated it is your understanding we
wanted as a condition of funding, 1) employment status, 2) a history or record of an Evanston connection which has not been
changed to a census tract, and 3) a client profile of non confidential information that describes the individual's problerm the
length of stay and treatment and outcomes of therapy or intervention No one ever asked for an individual client proGe to
be presented to us We asked for that information not on an individual basis, but in some manner that we could understand
There is no way to connect the census tract with the diagnosis or length of stay. That's not much different than wt= f-�iu're
doing so why would you say you want that removed because you felt its very important to air on the side of cau4jon_ This
HSC Minutes 1014/99 - Page 1 S_
is nowhere near that kind of borderline. We're asWmg specific Information that has nothing to do with scecilic;do*. Thws
not unreasonable and the only explanation he =uld have is you're responding to something else. He ca-rnot we your
response having anything to do with what he tt'Cught our onginal purposes were, especially when vrt+ said ww don't waist to
violate the law and no one here has indicated ttrat If Corporation Counsel said anything even borders an thac�we'd back off.
Alderman Newman wanted to Gear up if saying ,whether or not the person is employed violates centioentialiry Ms. Wk!te
responded, as she said the last time and answers this time, no. so long as it's within the bounds of corrfdentiaility Alderrr-an
Newman asked if she feels identifying by census :Tact � lolates confidentiality He would like to rernina everyc ne that one of
the sponsoring organizations reported to us that S3 to 90% of the people they serve come from the City of Chicaigo, the same
census tract in Evanston of the 14 being used as a profile. Ms Webe responded, not so long as rt is r,eportea in a way not
to violate confidentiality Alderman Newman asked his Wiebe if she feels that identifying the categcry, of dlriess of the 14
people without a name or address or place of employment violates the confidentiality. Ms Wiebe, said not in and of itsed.
however there are still other considerations. Alderman Newman asked Ms. Wiebe if she thought by true corrrmttee finding
out the length of treatment of the 14 persons, tl'at would violate confidentiality. Ms. Wiebe responded. her answer is t!w
same. Alderman Newman said he appreciated Ms Wsebe's answers and the only concern he has axut ails Ms. Wiebe's
comments tonight is he remembers very specifically what Alderman Kent said at the last meeting and the ccenext in watch
it was said, and he is very concerned that Ms. Wetioe's misconstruing those comments went back to the Mental health Board
and in no way. shape, or fort while we were discussing this program did Alderman Kent say we know who all, these peop*
are and are going to be. When going through these, at our last meeting, Ms. Wiebe was in the audience and was asked
what she thought. At the time Ms Wiebe did not have any objection. Ms. Wiebe said she made one carnmer it. that was no
to one of the questions, so long as its in the parameters of confidentiality, the same answers she is giving here tonight
Alderman Newman told Ms. Wiebe he appreciates her coming and spending her time and ap,,.c,—.a1=,a P-w work as a
volunteer. At the time we were doing this none cf us left the room thinking there was any problem at all wrttc what we had
done in terms of confidentiality because people who were advocating the program had no problem with what were doing, at
least while in the meeting. Evidentially, afterward there were some negatives.
Ms Wiebe said at the time of the meeting she expressed her concern about confidentiality and her one response to &w
question was she had no problem with the quest cn as long as it was in the bounds of confidentiality Vihen wee got finished
with all the questions, about 11 30 p m., her sense was this all adds up to a profile of an individual diem and sne heard the
questions asking about individual clients. The fart that it produced that much confusion among us as to wnether it was
referring to the work aggregate never talked about performance outcome, Alderman Feldman may have talked about
performance but she does not remember it othermse. Without these clear definitions of what these quesbars were about
she thinks it produced a great of confusion among ail of us. She would like to either remove these on time assumption that
we as concerned people about accountability can work out accountability without securing this kind of smformaclon, and talk
about how we can accomplish gaining this kind of information in a way where we're not treading on people's nghts even the
suspicion of it. and get to the problem of how we do collect the information. She thinks we're an somewhat short of
knowledge on performance outcomes and should nave some training session in the City for all the agencies and the Mental
Health Board. because of the questions we ask She does not think we're all very well equipped to work on aerformance
outcomes We as whole could do something about that by educating ourselves and educating the people we re looking for
in these numbers and improve accountability in mat way Not this direction Thank you
Alderman Feldman said if the issue is confusion arvt uncertainty, which in the Mental Health Board's pos.*jori would possibty
lead to or infringe upon somebody's rights, then we have to straighten out the confusion rather than just eliminate the
concept. He believes we should do all the things we do best which is to work on issues of performance accountability with
the Mental Health Board and other agencies that have tried to deal with this He does not think we've done a good job and
most people agree, not because it's anybody's fault but because it represents a very difficult problem you're dealing wRh
human beings That presents us with a problem tWcause we want to know how we're spending our mcrmey I, . many ways
we have to do it on faith and trust in the agency and trust in those organizations such as the Mental Hea:tm Boa,-d which are
our supposed watch dogs of benefit to the community He thinks we should have the Legal Department make this as clear
as possible and work with the Mental Health Board to devise a format that includes all of this inforrrabon aria in no way,
shape, or form violates anybody's confidential rights which would make the Mental Health Board feel very comfortable and
could solve all the problems He does not feet crsclned to remove it because there is some confusicn. lets oet rid of the
confusion and include that information in a format that's perfectly consistent with the law
Alderman Newman would add an amendment that he does not think the conditions should be removed at all and ask the
Mental Health Board to work with the staff to make sure the information we ask for does not in any way vmdate confidentiality.
He does not think any of the information we asked could possibly violate any confidentiality but if the Mental Health Board
does have concerns they can work with Mr. Saver and Mr Terry throughout the year to make sure wizen time information
comes in there is no violation of confidentiality We can then go forward with the program with the conmum we nave for the
HSC Minutes 10/4; 99 - Page 16.
census tract instead of name and have Me, WmTtai Health Board monitor the situation
Alderman Feldman said in response to iris Metal Health Board's communication he would very much like to have dialogue
With the Mental Health Board on purposes arc issues regarding what our values are in respect to the mental health needs
of this Community. It's abctr tome that we do mad in a way that's conducive to dialogue and to mutual understanding.
Alderman Moran suggestec somebody rxve to attach these conditions to the th!s program and have a vote on that. then
have a motion in relation to approving a Drl--crisal that is brought to us by the Mental Health Board
Alderman Newman made a point of orde• rar wie committee already approved this as a committee and there is no further
action required other than toe'rriaps some a=ttcral amendments we've approved. Alderman Rainey made a suggestion that
there seems to be support for the part of irk s.-roet to be amended to census tract and he added an additional amendment
to get a second, to have the Mental Heater+ Ec arj work with the staff to insure that if the conditions over the course of the year
can improve over what we've done he weiccr,-des their efforts. That is what is on the floor at this time.
Alderman Moran mnved to remove these co'nditions_assuminn there Is aaoroval on behalf of the committee. There
was no second to Alderman Moran's matian. motion failed
Alderman Ramey asked Ms Webe if she ,s it a position to reject these funds based on the condition being set forth and if
she is c onsidenng that. Ms 1Niebe responded, no, not at all, It's a very, very powerful need for this group of people.
Alderman Newman moved for Alderman RaineY_'s amendment on the census tract to be in place of the street name
of the Individual clients. Alderman Feldman seconded the motion. Motion passed. 4 ave. 1 no (Alderman Moran
voted no.)
Alderman Newman's second amendment was to have Mr. Terry and Mr. Saver work with the Mental Health Board
to take the conditions placed In this proararn and make sure the information accumulated doesn't in anv wav come
close to violatina anv confidentiality of an individual varticluatina in the program. Alderman Feldman seconded
the motion. Motion passed 4 ave. 1 no (Alderman Moran voted no.)
Alderman Moran wanted to make it clear why ne is voting no In his opinion the conditions themselves are volative of the
State of Illinois Mental Health and Developmer.=l Disabilities Confidentiality Act found in Chapter 740 of the Illinois Compiled
Statutes. Section 110/l at et seq . and does not agree with the conclusions provided to us by the Corporation Counsel in their
October 22, 1999. memorandum. The resperses provided here tonight reveal that these conditions do in fact violate the
Confidentiality Act because ne believes that he cannot vote in favor of the motion the foundation of which is to attach
conditions that violate the Confidentiality Act
Alderman Newman wanted t ,e minutes to reflect he thinks any argument that the conditions here vwlate the Mental Health
Act cited in the memo are nct responsible arguments
Ms Brenneman wanted to make sure the con-, dee understands her position in one of the statements in her memo where
she said 'it is my opinion that a brief summary of this information....' She did not say a profile of each person nor did she
say an aggregate because sne did not know wriat the committee was saying. Certainty if you have a detailed profile of each
individual with all of this information on each anent you run the risk of identifying that individual. She has clearly stated that
any summary which would identify any client by name or inference would be in violation of the act. She also wanted to make
it clear that if you use the information in such way that no identiflcabon by inference or name could possibly be made because
you're dealing with a small ci,entele here. then she needs your okay. In her memo she did not indicate what your method
of gathering was because she did not know that and hears from the committee you are more inclined to go with an aggregate.
Alderman Newman asked kir Terry to include in the Council's packet his previous memo written to the Human Services
Committee and also the current memorandums They are very useful and will help clanfy the issues for members of the
Council not on this committee Alderman Kent asked that the minutes of previous meetings, when this was discussed, also
be included with that material
Vl. 76-R-99 AUTHORIZATION ACCEPTANCE OF A DONATION TO EVANSTON HUMAN RELATIONS
COMMISSION'S HOLIDAY FUND FROM AMERICAN LEGION POST 42
Ms. Haynes said her attendance tonight was to extend an invitation to the committee to attend the pancake breakfast
that will be held Saturday, November 6°, at American Legion Post 42. The proceeds of that breakfast are given to the
H5C Minutes 10/4/99 - Page 17.
Human Relations Commission which for the last couple of years was used to provide gigs in the R m of toys to out nerdy
families in the community. Various social service agencies in the community are used to identify the recipients of those funds.
They are not here to ask for money but for permission to receive money.
Alderman Feldman moved aooroval of 76-R-" Authorization Acceotance of a Donation to Evanston Human
Relations Commission's Holidav Fund from American Legion Post 42. Motion seconded by Alderman Rainev and
unanimously passed (6-O).
Vfl. PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN UPDATE
Mr. Gaynor reported they were there to give a brief status report on the Strategic Plan they have been working on.
He Introduced Bob Zolomig from LDC, the principal individual working on the proyeCL They wished to show the committee
what they have done so far and what can be expected in the future Books were dr_stributed to the committee, for their perusal
only during the meeting Each one of these books represents a'Afard and identifies all of the parks and facilities within each
Ward. They also contains Ward maps, inventory listings of all of the park sites, and describe what's in each of the parks,
i.e., tennis courts, ball fields, irrigation, buildings, rest rooms, eflc._ an entire comprehensive inventory and digital photographs
of each of the parks that will identity the performance of each park There will also bean anatysm of the components of each
park and its inventory. As an example, some of the tennis courts looked at were identified as just need resurfacing there many
be tennis courts that need to be totally redone that will also be identified. We not only have landscape architects working but
there are also engineers locking at Crown Center, Chandler Cerrer, Fleetwood Jordain, the takefront the restroom fadlities,
all of the buildings. When you get close to the end of this information there are some blanks because we are just now
completing the Second Phase, the inventory and the actual analysts of that inventory. When we look at a budding that is very
bad shape we need to decide whether we should try to rebuild it tear it down, or lust try to rehab it Those are the kinds of
diagnosis we will be raking Our next step will be to develop a list of recommendations and then have four or five community
meetings with all the special interest groups, baseball, football, soccer, etc Based on the information we gathered we will
ask them for their opinion if we missed anything, if there are any additions regarding the inventory. whether they agree or
disagree with the analysis. We will then ask them for recommendations to get community input and information relative to
future recommendations. That information will then be compiled with all of the recommendations, so that for each park we
have recommendations and cost estimates to develop priorities based on health and safety and other criteria. This will be
brought back before the Human Services Committee and then Council for members to have an opportunity to look at it and
any input received would be taken and then finalize the report. Each park in the City will have a disk attached to each of the
books and whenever any new work is done in the park the boric will be updated Any time anyone wishes to look at any
particular information relative to any park it will be listed in these books The end result will be a strategic plan, which is a
roll up of the nine Wards we have, all of the information with recommendations, cost estimates. and how we can achieve
bringing our park system to a higher quality, It will include new facilities, modified facilities, as well as our existing facilities.
These books were only distributed tonight to give the committee an opportunity to take a look at the plan. We're not near
completion, but when we're done these books will be in the department in our planning office to be used at any time and if
you want specifics we can publish these by Wards and give each Council member a copy
Alderman Newman asked wren they expect the rest of the areas to be completed Mr. Gaynor responded according to the
contract the completion date will be the end of March, but are hct,,eful to beat that time Alderman Newman said when this
is completed he would like to see a special committee meeting called devoted to this topic and invite the other members of
the Council. He thanked the department for their approach, as thiis is very terfic information being developed that is very
helpful and a great resource that is being developed He looks forward to seeing the completed product.
Mr. Zolomig said they are primarily interested in City parks, which there are about 75 City sites. and they have also included
the sites of both the Ridgeville Park District and the Lighthouse Park Drstnct because they become a part of the overall Parks
and Recreation system We are also including within these areas but do not yet have the specific information for, the school
sites which also providing recreations and would bring the total number of sites that we are evaluating for the City to 116.
Alderman Newman said he would be very much appreciate that information and looks forward to receiving it In his
neighborhood there was a parcel of property owned by the City and leased to the Lighthouse. completely abandoned and
not technically in the 1" Ward, but this type of report includes comments about what they're doing at the Lighthouse and
Ridgeville and the schools, especially in light of what he reads that Distnct 65 is asking us for a contribution,
Alderman Feldman said he could tell by looking at this information that the 99' Ward is park deprived. Every park he sees
is Reba Place except for Ridgeville Park District. Mr. Zolomig said in that Ward there are 5 City of Evanston park sites and
6 park sites by the Ridgeville Parks. Alderman Feldman noted however, those are all very small areas.
HSC Minutes 10/4I99 -Page IS.
Mderman Kent also thought this was an excellent presentation and inquired about Adam Perry Park as it was not fisded_ wtr.
Gaynor said part of the process as he indicated is having these community meetings and asking what was ri ii a in Me
inventory.
Alderman Feldman asked wriat the policy is about the Lighthouse and Ridgeville Park Districts_ Mr Gaynor responded me
Lighthouse Park District is pretty much just the Lighthouse and Ridgeville is pretty much complete_ We do not do too much
with them except use the two houses with our ecology program during the summer for camps. Also, the Art Center which
is part of that complex, ano the Fire Ring Circle are used a considerable amount of time that needs a permit Our stair
spends a considerable amount of time at Ridgeville, but not rich at The Lighthouse.
Alderman Kent thanked the Mr. Gaynor. Mr. Zoiomig, and the department for this presentation. The books were calkC,ed
from the Alderman.
VIII. FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 274-99 COVERING THE RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF
THE NORTHWESTERN AND EVANSTON POLICE DEPARTMENTS
Alderman Rainey recalled ore of the issues discussed at previous meeting was liability. She used as an example, if Skokie
comes and helps us with a melee or an arrest, driving home has an accident, and there is a lawsuit due to the arrest;, we're
not liable in anyway. The lawrsuit is against the Skokie police department_ People have been discussing whether or not we
have the same kind of agreement with Skokie and Wilmette that we have with Northwestern, a mutual aid agreement It
would be helpful for her to know exactly if we have the same liability protection for the City of Evanston with Northwestem's
agreement as our mutual ad agreement with other communities. Commander Schroeder responded as far as he knows he
would say that it is the same Ms. Brenniman said her guess would be 9 is same but she will make sure and check into this
Alderman Rainey noted aftef thinking about and discussing this with others she finds this to be a huge issue because law
suits against the police are Oecoming larger all the lime and this is something that could wipe us out
Chief Chafin said this proposal says under 9-3-4. 'City not liable. As a condition of the grant of authority in section 9-3-3.
Northwestern University sha it indemnify and hold harmless the Cray, from all claims for damages. casts, or expenses against
the City arising out of in connection with the activities of members of its campus police department. Northwestern University
shall annually provide the Cry Manager with a certificate of insurance acceptable to the City evidencing liability coverage in
the amount of S3,000,000 insurance activities by its campus police officers and naming the City as additional insured.'
Alderman Rainey responded that sounds okay but doesn't mean we won't get sued. Alderman Feldman asked if the
$3,000,000 is a total amount on a yearly basis or per incident. Chief Chafin said he would think it's a roll over of an annual
fee. Alderman Rainey thought Ws by incident but the Chief Chafin needs to give us further information.
Ms. Anderson said the first erne she was here it was $1,000,000 and now we're up to S3,000,000 and does not think that
is the same per the agreements with Skokie, and Wiimette. Alderman Rainey said there is no liability period, the liability shifts
to whatever community it oc=rs in. Mr. Terry wanted to clarify it was $3,000,000 at the last meeting because the ordinance
has not been changed its onry the agreement that changed. Ms. Anderson said the agreement handed out in the packet
said specifically S1,000,000 and there was more than one piece of information. Mr. Terry noted he brought his materka from
the last meeting and it read 53 000,000 Alderman Rainey said that makes her more concerned that there are unmentioned
items, but is sure that can be handled.
Alderman Moran hoped we can move this forward as it seems this is a situation where we all benefit by recommending to
the Council that we adopt this ordinance. We have an opportunity to draw upon the resources of the University to assist us
in our own policing efforts in tonight's memorandum the none point list of items are things that have been ddficuti
enforcement provisions over the years, patrolling and parking on Clark Street, ticketing bike offenders in the downtown area.
selective traffic enforcement -r intersections that are a problem, continuing with DUI citations, handling problems with Parking
in public alleys, acting as a rackup, traffic direction in cases of accidents or emergency responses We have a situation
where the university is working hand in glove with our own police department to enhance our coverage and are all-important
issues for the City He will not speak to the University situation as they have their own reasons for exercising their own police
powers in relation to the campus in the operation of the University His personal view on this is we gain from this ordinance
and it is a definite plus for tie City. It might not be a function of the ordinance because we currently have in place an
agreement with the campus police department. The reason this issue came to us is apparenLiy people have raised legal
issues in enforcement proceedings at Skokie Courthouse saying in the absence of an ordinance recognizing the already in
existence cooperative agreement we are going to have enforcement problems. It would seem to him we should quickfy seize
the opportunity to have these enhancements in our policing function and not risk losing the strength of those enhancements
by having people beat the rap on it at Old Orchard Road just because we haven't adopted an ordinance that recognizes the
agreement already in place. He sees this as a win, win situation that gives the City a lot of pluses in terms of police presence
HSC Minutes 1014'99 - Page 19.
and enforcement, and monitoring In remedratlon that we're as interested in and essentially recognize in what ire reow hw4e
Alderman Kent asked if Northwestern police can carry guns and was told they can. He agrees with a lot of what A4eret=
Moran has said except he has already received calls calling attention to a situation near Fleet Services on Ridge and Leon
Place. The terrible issue there is with Northwestem employees parking in residential parking. A number of the calls he
receives are from residents that attempted to call the police about different incidents and were not even recognized by the
police This is a Northwestern problem we're having in the City This problem was pushed off to the City of Evanston pok *
who pushed it back off to the Northwestern police. He likes all the addibons and enhancements mentioned and keeps
heanng this is an agreement we have agreed to, yet he does not see the enforcement actions from the police depaatment
The borders would expand all the way up to Greenbay, but he has certain areas in his Ward east of Greenbay in wt.m::h none
of the items mentioned in the list are the main issues. To him the parties that go on are not a major issue when you have
people in certain areas that fear for their lives with people sleeping in the alleys, breaking in the houses. etc. He's not sure
where or what your positron is as he does not see where you fit in doing the work of the Evanston police departmertt. VAII
you actually be able to get out there and make some of those types of arrests or will you be out for the obvious things such
as parking on the parkway
Chief Chafin responded in his current position there is very little he can do which is why we're here pushing for some
certification or blessings from this committee and subsequently from the City Council This puts us in a positron where he
can bring some of the very things addressed by the Aldermen to the University that you want us to participate in to
supplement and support what the City's' police Department is doing. We're not trying to do their job for them. He's heard it
raised today and previously that the City police department will do anything in relation to an incident and the comment was
also made what we haven't done. We will certainty take our lead from the City If the City police department is not taking
a proactive stand on something he does not know whether they should do that independent of the City police department
and he is open to direction from Chief Kaminski. He, like Alderman Kent. believes that the priorities should be protecting
people, protecting assets, motor vehicle issues, and all else can follow. He is concerned about the safety of the community.
What they are trying to do are things that will benefit Evanston this is not solely confined to Northwestern University We
have faculty, staff, students, employees, who are in this immediate area on a daily basis and require that Evanston police
and Northwestern police lookout for their safety and well being If we are not in a position to even discuss this because we
are limited or restricted there is no sense of us even listening to these concerns We need the support of what needs to be
to make 0 better for the City of Evanston.
Alderman Newman commented the reason Northwestern has a twenty-fnre person police force is very similar to the reason
the high school has a twenty-eight person police force, they perceive a need on their campus for the 12,000 students and
4,500 staff which is primarily and almost totally to benefit Northwestern University. What is unfortunate is the 12,000 shidents
and 4.500 staff create a responsibility in the surrounding neighborhoods because there is unquestionably a spilt over effect
of having that concentrated number of people After Ms. Doraine's comments at the last Human Services Committee meeting
he attempted to follow up and attended a meeting with 30 people from the 1" and 7" Wards who had concerns about rAega&/
parked cars, speeding up and down Sherman Avenue, and significant crimes in the neighborhood. He read this list to them.
There were even Northwestem professors in attendance and not one person in the room was interested in the list they all
wanted Evanston police officers in their neighborhood and do not want to be arrested by Northwestern police officers. There
was a comment made that Evanston police officers are under the control of the Chief of Police and Northwestern police are
not Also there was concern about these officers carrying guns besides several stones about how Evanston citizens had
been treated by Northwestern police offices Alderman Newman went there to promote the list as an enhancement to the
neighborhood and in a very short time all he heard was negative comments which he wanted to share with this comrruttee.
We need to make sure, just as we do in our complaint process. Evanston residents are going to be treated properly and we
need to monitor and review this This is the first time this mutual aid pact has come before this committee for the reason
he expressed to the Chief of Police that he did not think it was proper for this type of agreement to take place without City
Council review and every member of the Council having the opportunity to comment on this. He agrees with much of
Alderman !,✓loran's point of view about the things on this list being valuable but wanted to point out that on both sides of Clark
Street exist very significant resident halls. When Northwestem police officers are on Clark Street they are protecting
Northwestern students, which is where they should be. What we're asking them to do and what they have agreed to do is
something clearly in the interest of the University and one of the things in the response from Vice President Sunshine was
further concerns we have can be talked about later. Alderman Newman said he has other important concerns in his
community and important to the r Ward community and thinks this agreement should be continued for one year at a tune.
we should review it annually, take the complaints and information gathered from our Chief of Police, and review whether
or not the commitments made are being followed through.
Alderman Newman wanted to add an amendment to Ordinance 27-0-99. Section 9-3-6: COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS'
The Chief of Police shall have authority to negotiate a cooperative agreement with the Northwestern University Campus
HSC Minutes 10/4/99 - Page 20.
Potfoe Department for taw enforcement functions pursuant to this Chapter 3. Such agreement shall be in wrdwV arud shall
be subject to the approval of the City Council prior to its implementation.
Alderman Newman made a motion that Stttfon 3 would be In effect for a oerlod of one vear from the daft of
taassage. - 1
Alderman Rainey did not like any of the Language in Sec tort 9441 CITY NOT LIABLE. 'The reference the Gcy is going to
be named as an additional insured on their policy.' Never having read the mutual aid agreement she is certain, V= we are
not named as additional insured in Skokie or anywhere else, which we need to clanty before passing anythumg Tries has
to have the same exclusions for any liabilities, which she believes will be supported by every member of the C,ounat.
Alderman Rainey asked Chief Chafin if Northwestern has an Internal Affairs Department Chief Chafin said they abscilutely
do and proceeded to give the committee some sense of his background. He spent two years in the Internal Aflairs Owision
of the City of Hartford. Connecticut as a former supervisor, detective, patrolman. He spent twelve years in die tarty of
Massachusetts, rose very fast, and subsequently went to time University of Massachusetts ending up as a Directcc of Security
there. Went to Harvard as Chief of Police, went to Vanderbilt thirteen years as Chief of Pohce. This is his fourth police
department and he is trying to assure you that he attempts to do that which is progressive, right, legal, have visicin and assure
his personnel is well trained and educated. all his officers are certified so you as Alderman do not have to wont' about :hem.
Alderman Rainey has always known the University police to be swam police officers trained as the Evanston po% of.5cers.
However, the issue of this liability is a big one for her and she does not think you'll be sending your officers to her Ward,
although we could use you. That is not her issue. Chief Chafin said if the language needs to be changed he is sure the
attorney representing the University will look at it Alderman Rainey said for her to vote for this and not hold it over for A has
to be exactly as our protection is in the regular municipal mutual aid. She does not know exaciJy what that language its but
does know what the effect of that language, is that the City of Evanston cannot be sued because of the action of a Skokie
or Wilmette police officer and they can't be sued because of our officers' action in their community.
Ms Brenniman noted this one year provision was drafted by Ellen Szymanski the Law Department. There are two
documents, the Ordinance 27-0-99 which amends the current ordinance to bring it in to be compatible with the current
agreement. Then there is a current agreement between the City and Northwestern which is provided for in 9-3-6 c! the
Ordinance Sometimes these agreements are mentioned in an Ordinance and gives the authority to promogate rules or
negotiate an agreement. This one is somewhat different in that it requires that the agreement which is negotiated pursuant
to the Ordinance also has to have the approval of Council. You could have an Ordinance and not have a concept provision
and not amend or review that every year, but the agreement would be negotiated pursuant to this Ordinance on a yearly
basis Both of these are required to be approved by Council but not necessarily at the same time. You could pass the
Ordinance and later negotiate the agreement but the agreement would still have to be approved by the Council pursukWit to
the Ordinance.
Alderman Newman asked Ms. Brenniman to explain why this did not come before Council for the past five years ar,d if
anything has anything changed in State or Federal law He has been on the Council since 1991 and this is the first time this
has ever been seen Ms Brenniman could not answer that Alderman Newman said if for some reason a year from new we
do not approve the agreement does that mean that they cannot arrest people on the streets in Evanston, This is the issue
for him as he wants to have the people of Evanston's elected representatives be able to weigh in on a yearly basis and
inquire as to whether or not there have been complaints and the additions or enhancements. If they have been he would
not see any reason not to approve this every year. He asked if both the agreement and ordinance are needed in order to
arrest people. Ms. Brenneman said the way the ordinance is written both are needed and each requires Council approval.
Alderman Newman asked Ms. Brenniman if she was suggesting it would be better to have the agreement passed each tear
as opposed to the ordinance. Ms. Brenniman thought that was a better way to do it because the specifics are in the
agreement Alderman Newman asked if there is any language currently existing in the ordinance or the agreement Mat
requires an annual review of the agreement Ms Brenniman answered, no Alderman Newman asked if he could say ,r. the
ordinance that the mutual agreement would be reviewed on an annual basis and was told he could.
Mayor Morton asked what the committee would want submitted to them to determine whether or not the agreement would
be extended for another year. Alderman Newman responded part of what was given to them by the University, which he
very much appreciated. is the breakdown of what they are actually doing which he found to be very helpful. In his V►f ird the
parking regulations need to be enforced near the University. He would rather have our police doing things for the rest of the
City than having to deal with some of the things that go on on a nightly basis due to the University The University has made
a commitment to do some things which he wants to make sure are being done.
HSC Minutes 10/4/99 - Page 21.
Alderman Newman made a motion that the conditions, additions, and enhancements neQotlsted and enamm
the two Chiefs of Police be added to the agreemeoL Alderman Feldman seconded tho motion,
Alderman Kent agreed with much that has been said about this but did not feel this should be con" out of con nraw yet
He knows this has been in effect and there are things that have been done over the years. test he also knows when tanking
about arrests, citizens of Evanston find our Internal Affairs office frustrating to make a complaint about He does not know
anything about Northwester's Internal Affairs, if you arrest a citizen and they have problems with that officer do they make
that complaint at Northwestem. Chief Chafin responded, yes they would Alderman Kent said he knows of people that will
not even go the Evanston police department and will certainly not go to Northwestem's pciuce-, Chief Chafin said friars a
human nature issue, they have a policy in writing how to handle citizen complaints and con taints against certain officers
They will investigate it and he will follow through and get back to the individual making the corrolaint. After workx g in Internal
Affairs he knows the importance of perception on the part of the citizen that they get proper redress as they need that d they
feel they were offended. A citizen complaint has to be welcomed, and Chief his job is to address a citizen complaint by
resolution, solve the problem, and move on
Alderman Kent remarked when they go through the Intemal Affairs office in the City it is brought to the Human Services
Committee to go over those complaints. What would happen with the complaints brought to Northwestem. Chief Chatn said
he did not know the answer to that as that is something he would have to address. They do rxA answer directly to the City.
Alderman Rainey asked Chief Chafin if he's the end all, be all, for complaints at Northwestern. Chief Chafin responded,
unless you object to his decision, then the persons would be told they have a right to go the Vice President, who he answers
to.
Alderman Feldman pointed out that there is a publicly elected body that this committee is des9ned to oversee and examine
the decisions that the Chief of Police makes. Chief Chafin has no one to do that, it is a private mlstihAon and not in any way,
shape, or form connected, invested, related, or responsible to the community which he's not faulting. However, if we are
empowering these people to interact with the community, its one thing to say we don't want to be sued but another thing to
say we don't want to have anything to do with our citizens possibly having any encounter of some kind of conflict or abuse.
He is interested in a method by which this body, and he is not saying it is the Human Services Committee but is probably
the appropriate one, would have some impact on that_ We do not abandon our citizens with our police force. then why should
we do it with yours.
Alderman Newman asked if part of this agreement is that any copies of complaints to the Northwestern police department
made by anybody, student, faculty, or resident of the City, be forwarded here in the mannef as it is done by our police
department. He does not see anything wrong with us getting copies of the complaints made and the resolutions, just as it
is done here. Chief Chafin asked if the City police department sends Internal Affairs out or is a genenc report sent out. He
was told it is an anonymous report done by case numbers and officer numbers. Alderman Kent added if that person is going
to complain, once that is received they can call us and we will have an Executive Session Alcerman Feldman thought it is
very important that this body not abdicate its responsibility to its cnizens. as citizens have a rgnt to understand that his/her
elected officials are apprised of that circumstance.
Aldermen Moran asked Ms Brenniman if the ordinance gives the charge to negotiate the agreement and was told that is
correct He then asked if it would be fair, as part of the negotiating process for the two Chiefs to consult with each other to
work out a reasonable protocol for citizen complaints or arrested persons complaints by University police. This can all be
addressed and worked out in the agreement.
Ms Anderson said she would like to know how a citizen is supposed to know which Internal Affaws they're supposed to show
up at before because they're getting arrested in the dark by two navy blue uniforms and 99.999 % of people in this town don't
know who they've been arrested by. As she recalls, according to what was in the packet. the last time in these kinds of
situations there was no mention about the law requiring if you were arrested by the Sheriffs police. or the State police, you
know they're different from the Chicago police
Alderman Kent said that is a very good point and was gone through no too long ago regarding parking enforcement officers
that were dressed like police officers and were getting into situations on the street for lust wrong tickets. We also went
through the same thing with different uniforms for park rangers because when they're in the park they're not supposed to be
making arrests. He does not take this very lightly at all, we have for the second week in a row sent officers at certain
locations at which those officers went there and it turned into mob acbon That's very serious and he is not saying you're
not able to handle those 28 people but there has to be some type of meshing going on that regular citizens of Evanston who
do not have contact with Northwestern University are able to understand. That is what scares him to death right now.
H5C Minutes 10/4/99 - Page 22.
Aklemian Newman wanted to know if there r eeds to be a new ordinance and new agreement In order ibr NoMwmntern police
'to have the authority to write tickets and make misdemeanor arrests. Ms. BrenniffQn said she did nct mink so but would
check that out.
Alderman Feldman said even if the ordinance was to pass without the agreement they have no nght on do ainything. Ms.
Brenniman added that is because the ordinance authorizes the negotiation of the agreement which teas ?a be approved by
Council. Alderman Rainey thought with the ordinance they have the right to do that because the ortrnar ce is She reason it
was thrown out of court and did not believe it is a regular mutual end agreement Alderman Kent did nac belle oe this could
be passed if Chief Chafin does not have the opportunity to take it to the University Vice President Chre4 Chaffin said both
he and Chief Kaminski submitted what they thought was requested, as a result of his coming before this ccrnmittee two
weeks ago, and now some additional issues have been raised. If you think some adjustments shoula be rmade he will
certainly have that reviewed not only by the lice President but also by their lawyers. However, we're net in a position to do
what needs to be done as long this agreement gets held up.
Alderman Newman appreciated Chief Chafin's personal efforts to worts on this agreement and thinks this is a gcod legislative
process. In order for us to try to make this right what we need during that process is she vAng good faith, not press releases
going out that the Council is trying to bury this and hold it hostage. The sense of the committee is to try to ges something
approved.
Alderman Moran moved to move the ordinance out of the committee, There was no second to Otis motion.
Alderman Rainey said her interest does not extend to hearing complaints against the Northwestem police force by
Northwestern students. Its a very different relationship between a paying student and the University which she does not
want to get involved in. Alderman Newman said he was not asking the committee to review those complaints but he happens
to have 4,000 students in his Ward and is interested in the students.
Chief Chafin asked what he needs to take back to the University. Ms. Brenniman said the first step -would be for the
committee to come back with a draft of information required. This was not originally her project she has teen fUng for Ms.
Szymanski who was not able to attend this meeting, but at this point knows the information you require except she is not
totally clear on the citizen complaints. She will take this information back to Ms. Szymanski to do the drafting. Mr. Terry said
in the interim Chief Chafin has to get a sense of what his employer's wig view as acceptable from a negotiation point of view
otherwise another fire weeks will be wasted. Therefore, something should be unilaterally drafted. Chief Chafin said he will
get direction and advise from University administration.
Alderman Kent thanked everyone for their attendance at this meeting and the presentabons made.
IX. COMMUNICATIONS
A) Articles - Alderman Moran included two articles he wished to share with the committee. One entived. ' Legendary
advocate for disabled lifts area hopes' about people with mental retardation, Down syndrome and other developmental
disabilities living and sharing together The other article 'Fear Strikes Out', is about housing for homeless women.
B) CARE/Animal Shelter - Alderman Rainey thought this should be an agenda item and discussed at a Human
Services meeting.
X. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Audrey Trotsky, partment of Healt and Human Services
HSC Minutes 10/4/99 — Page 23.
DRAFT -NOT APPROVED
Minutes
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
December 6, 1999
Civic Center - Room 2402
6:30 P.M.
ALDERMEN PRESENT: Aldermen Rainey. Feldman. Kent, Newman, Moran
STAFF PRESENT: Harvey Saver, Kathy Brenniman, Doug Gaynor, Chief Kaminski, Jay Terry.
Audrey Trotsky
OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor Morton, Chief Chafsn, Northwestern Police Department; Kathy
Shearer, .loan Lancaster. MaryLee Swiatiawlec, Infant Welfare
Society/Teen Baby Nursery; Kate Mahoney, PEER Services,
Helen McCarthy, Carol Mullins, Nicki Pearson, Childcare Network: Sharon
Eckersali, Betty Payne, Auditors, Evanston Township, William Kolen, Alan
Alop, Sheldon Rudman, Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago; Mimi
Petersen
PRESIDING:
Alderman Feldman
1. CALL TO ORDER
Alderman Feldman called the meeting to order at 7,13 p.m.
ll. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MEETING OF DECEMBER 6, 1999
The minutes of the December 6, 1999 meeting were unanimously approved (4-0I without correction.
(Alderman Rainey arrived after approval of the minutes.)
III. PURCHASED SERVICES AGENCY REVIEWS:
A) Childcare Network of Evanston
Carol Mullens, President of the Childcare Network Board of Evanston, Helen McCarthy and Nicki Pearson
were attendance representing this agency. Ms. Mullins thanked everyone for once again considering
Childcare Network's request and noted things to be aware of are the Scholarship Fund that they developed.
the expansion of slots, and their interest in special needs youngsters. Their work initiative is implemented
at the Federal level not the local level because youngsters who used to be eligible for Title XX Custody are
no longer eligible
Alderman Rainey Wanted to know how many slots Toddler Town on Howard Street has
Ms. McCarthy: Currently they only have three children there, but then overall enrollment through
government funding vouchers is almost 80% of their children.
Alderman Feldman. Inquired regarding how many Title XX slots St. Francis has and what percentage of
their children does that represent.
Ms. McCarthy. Twenty, the negotiated amount, and it is still kept up. The percentage is 20 out of
120, 18%.
HSC Minutes 12 6 99 - Page 1.
Alderman Feldman: Are there any non Title XX people from the neighborhood that have come in off the
street.
Ms. McCarthy: There are definitely are community people using that facility. They have people from
the neighborhood as well as hospital employees Half of the 20 spaces have to be
from the immediate neighborhood. The general public can live anywhere and take
part.
Alderman Feldman: For those not aware St. Francis Hospital had plans for a very large expansion and
also wanted to build a day care center. As a way of negotiation with them, for both
projects, he, Alderman Rainey, and others, asked them if they could contribute
something to the neighborhood as the neighbomood would have to under go the
kind of discomfort that a large construction project might entail. One of the ways we
were able to negotiate something with them was the provision for Title XX kids. He
asked how the number 20 compares to other places throughout the City and if there
are there day care centers that have many more than that number.
Ms. McCarthy: Yes, there is a huge range. The Childcare Center of Evanston, Baby Toddler ;
Nursery, and Teen Baby Nursery all have more than 50% Title XX kids.
Alderman Rainey: Could Toddler Town could have more than 20 slots and how would they increase
their low and moderate income population.
Ms. McCarthy: If they wanted to increase their government subs,idtzed children to us all they have
to do is call her on the phone and say they'd like to have more kids. This is an
ongoing discussion as through the year we are aWays asking if they would like to
have more children.
Alderman Newman: Asked for an explanation of the graph illustrated in the Staff Analysis and what overall
point this graph trying to make. Does it mean they do not need as much money.
Mr. Terry: This is just a commentary on how their budget prarections compare each year to the
actual expenditures It does not mean they co not need as much money but
shows if they are actually expended at the projection level they would have had a
deficit which in some ways its good that the projection level wasn't met It is
interesting that every year the projection level is higher than what actually comes in.
Ms. McCarthy: This has to do with the projection level based on our assumption to what the State
contract is going to look like based on what the waging period will be for centers and
how many slots we will have in the various centers Sometimes the expansion of
slots are lower than we hoped and also scmetimes the increase in the
reimbursement rates the state pays the centers have not been as high as we had
hoped. On the other side of this, during these years the percentage of the childcare
cost the clients have to pay has increased and in actuality comes out of the
reimbursement level from the state In other words if we project $100,000 is going
to be spent and the state increases the amount families pay, then less of that
S100,000 is actually going to be spent. There are things out of our control that are
to the states control.
Alderman Kent: How many centers are not working with the Childcare Network as far as you having
to go out and seek information for them. In his coinion every childcare center in
I ISC Minutes 12 6 94 - Pagc 2
Evanston hasn't done their pay as far as piO-, ig up Title XX. As far your monthly
meetings for directors to come in and talk to you he knows every childcare center
doesn't send a director. How much help are yvu actually getting in your cause and
how do you bridge the gap and go after those that are not Childcare Network
members.
Ms. McCarthy: There are two responses. one is of the prcarams that have full day childcare
programs there are only 3 or 4 that are not actNe Childcare Network members. The
large number of programs not affiliated with us only have part day programs and we
haven't gone and treated them because they are not able to provide full day child
care. The other part would be. should they be persuaded or encouraged to provide
full day child care so they could then be part of the Network. We've tried that and
most of them see their mission as being part day programs with the exception of
being the school for little children and their active plan to open a center with the First
Church of God. She does not how to increase the number that are committed to this
mission.
Alderman Kent: Brought up that the last time you were here we talked about being invested and
starting home day care providers link up with the Network. He would like to know
how that is going. At that time, not necessarily Evanston but Chicago was talking
about day care in the evening and night hours. Where are we on that specifically
with the home day care providers.
Ms. McCarthy: We haven't done as well as we would like with home day care providers. Through
the Childcare Center of Evanston which has the network of providers that we
contract with for Title XX, we increased providers from 20 to 23, also last year found
that the problems have been actually finding people that are dedicated to the cause
who want to become child care providers. They did a significant amount of
recruitment trying to find new people to go into this field as this is a tough field that
doesn't pay well besides you're very insulated when you're at home. The vast
majority of people can't afford to do it. She does not like to report on things they
haven't been able to achieve, but in fact they haven't been able to achieve a very
large increase in home day care providers.
Alderman Kent: At this same time this discussion came up we were all very hopeful that would
become a more positive note Chicago was talking about evening and nighttime
providers but we never got into that. Would it be something for Evanston.
Ms. McCarthy: As far as she knows there has been very little development throughout the whole
state on evening and night childcare Based on calls that come into Evanston she
does not think there is a very large need for this She is not saying there are not
people working evenings and nights because there are. but her experience has
been that most families prefer to have their child with a family member or at least at
home with someone allowing them to stay in their own home They do not want to
bring babies to formal childcare programs We may have a few calls for this. but not
a lot.
Bj Infant Welfare Society[Teen Baby Nursery
Kathy Schearer, Treasurer of the Board, spoke about the successes as well as the current financial state
of Teen Baby Nursery Teen Baby Nursery is a facility dedicated to providing excellent day care for the
infants of teen moms and providing support services for the moms They are highly successful in its three
goals relative to the support of the moms, those being keeping the moms in school, preventing subsequent
IISC hlinuics 12 6 09 - Page 3.
pregnancies and teaching morns parenting skills Additionally, Teen Baby provides much needed care to
an incredibly vulnerable part of the population, in marry cases several week old babies of teen morns Infant
Welfare has been responsible for the operation of Teen Baby for the past ten years, the concept did not
originate with us. A day care facility for teen moms was in existence prior to Teen Baby Nursery located
al Family Focus. With the closing of the facility at Family Focus, tie City choosing to continue this program,
came to Infant Welfare to run a facility for these babies Infant Welfare was the logical choke seeing the
Society's history running Baby Toddler Nursery. dedicated to prcv,,6ng day care for infants and toddlers
c' low-income families. The original agreement ca'ied for Infant Welfare to run the program with full funding
from the City, the High School, and reimbursement from the State Ten years later the staff at Teem Baby
Nursery are doing a wonderful job. have created a model program and are very much able to qualify the
successes. While the national average for teens with subsequent cregnancies when the first baby is under
two is 25%, the number of teen moms with their babies enrolled):-, , Teen Baby Nursery with subsequent
pregnancies is under 7%. Traditionally of all the students who ha-.e entered Teen Baby Nursery only 18
have dropped out of High School in the past ten years This is urtcer 10°16 of the total number of girls who
have been involved in the program which compares to the national c-op out rate of 70% However. we are
operating this facility with the same level of funding from the City ard the High School that we received ten
years ago Ten years ago the City committed S97 000 to the prec-am and the flat level funding from the
City and High School has led to an operating deficit which has beer assumed by infant Welfare Last year
we shouldered a deficit of $31.400 and this year are projecting a deficit of $28,600 Last year infant
Welfare as a whole ran a deficit of over $60,000 %%ith the biggest financial drain coming from Teen Baby
Nursery To cover this loss we sold a bond and tcok out an opera~ng loan. Prior to this meeting we sat
wttn Dr Alson, Superintendent of the High School to view the program as well as the financial situation.
Or Alson reiterated his, as well as the High School s support for the program and committed an additional
S5 000 for the Teen Baby Nursery This increase which will be for tt-.e next fiscal year will be in addition to
the S15 000 the High School already provides to Teen Baby Hcvrever Dr. Alson said this increase is
contingent on increased funding from the City. Dr Alson's ratioral for the increase contingent on an
increase from the City is his belief that this was formed as a collaborative effort and should remain so.
Given the deficit from last year and the projected deficit for this fisr-al year we are asking the City for an
additional S15.000 for Teen Baby With the additional funding from the City. this year we would stilt run a
deli: d of S25.000. infant Welfare is committed to providing care to Evanstonian infants and toddlers both
at Teen Baby and Baby Toddler Nursery. We absolutely should have been here five years ago making a
case for increased funding, however we weren't and as a result have assumed a deficit from this program.
I'd .ike to emphasize the commitment this Society has with the program This organization is effectively
the same group of people it was ten years ago when the City came to .:s offering Teen Baby Nursery This
is a group of people with a strong sense of community as it related to children regardless of their
gecgraphic location We have board members who have been with t- e Society for 3G years and still focus
on yelping children While we are committed to Teen Baoy Nursery we view this as a joint effort and we
do rot have the resources to assume this level of ongoing support ooth increased funding Without this
increased funding we have put our Baby Toddler Nursery at risk• wr�ch is the core of our program We
neeC your financial support for Teen Baby Nursery and a commitment 4om the City that this is a joint effort
Alderman Newman In viewing the proposal he read the high schoc' Tuts up $52 000 for a teacher and
asked if the teacher is located at the high schc•o+
Ms Shearer; No, the teacher comes and teaches at Family Focus
Alderman Newman We fund $97 000 and the high school funds S52 000 plus What else
Ms Shearer The high school puts in $52 000 for tre teacher also S15.000 and the next fiscal year
it will be $20 000 Also next fiscal year they committed to S8 500 to upgrade the
teaching room. a one-time commitment
HSl Minutia 12 6 914 - Page 4
Alderman Newman. What is the total annual contribution of the high school to this program.
Ms. Shearer: $52,000 + S15,000 + $5,000. totaling $72,000.
Alderman Newman: The City is funding $97,000 and the high school is funding $72,000. They are dearly
not an equal partner in this program. He is trying to get a sense of what the chinking
of the high school is.
Mr, Terry: The answer to that is that its in the eye of the beholder. In terms of the budget for
the nursery we have never included the teacher's salary because while that's a high
school program for pregnant or parenting ETHS students it has historically never
been part of the mix as it relates to the nursery. If the nursery would cease to exist
tomorrow the high school would still be obligated to provide teaching serwices to
pregnant or parenting teens At the same time when the delegation went to Dr.
Alson he asked that their contribution be viewed in a total context of the total. range
of the services that they make available to pregnant and parenting teens and the
teacher's salary was included in that. It is really a matter of perspective, he wants
you to look at it with the teacher's salary included. Historically we have never done
that but it's a legitimate point of view.
Alderman Newman: We're at $97.000 and they're at $72,000, it would seem to him they have some
catching up to do to be a full partner with us. What is their thinking in putting in an
additional $5,000. Is there some purport they are a full partner with us or a partial
partner
Mr Terry: He is sure their definition of full and equal might be different than our definition of a
full partner.
Alderman Newman: He is only dear to the extent that they conditioned their S5.000 on us doing
something additional.
Alderman Feldman- Is this condition a matching grant or do they want us to do more than that.
Ms. Shearer: Dr. Alson talked about it contingent on increased funding but didn't specify an
amount.
Alderman Rainey. Is interested in your client age, you indicated you count clients as both a teen mom
and their children. Does the number of current clients. being 65. include both. She
is interested in knowing how many children are being served in the nursery.
Ms. Shearer: We have the capacity for 20 babies and currently have 60.
Alderman Rainey It is important for me to know how you count this 65 as 20
Ms. Swiatiawiec: Sometimes girls will leave during the middle of the school year and then we'll bang
another one on even though the enrollment is only 20. We'll be able to serve more
than 20 because of dropouts as of January and people moving out of the City.
Alderman Rainey: If that's the case that would indicate to her there is a very large turnover. She would
like the 65 clients explained, not now but she needs a very good solid explanation
of the 65 clients. You indicate last year you had 58 and there has been a 12%
increase in clients. You don't have a mom and two kids, just one child per mcm
She would like to understand who the clients are and how you came up with the
HSC Minutcs 12.6 99 - Pa,r i.
number of 65. If it's a mom and a child. why isn't it an even number
Alderman Feldman: Are there men involved in your clients.
Ms. Shearer. This program is open to teenage fathers. Every year we may have teen dads, In
most cases the fathers are older men. There are other issues associ=ec with the
fathers being older men. If there is a baby of a teen father. yes we vtr.-nac provide
that service to a high school student dad, but that is not typ+cally thee
Alderman Rainey: She knows when putting these proposals together it is very. very spe zr5c that the
client number is the teenaged mother and child who you are countrc as clients.
Then the male number seen on the proposal is the male child client not the dad
client.
Alderman Kent: is there a waiting list and how do you generate getting names of the peoo+e weeding
the service.
Ms. Swiatfawfec: Names come from the high school or Family Focus, girls are identified 7rcugh their
social worker or counselor at the high school who call our social worker abc4 intake
and getting them enrolled in the nursery. They might also come to TLC, which is the
teen program through Family Focus and the high school. They would W identified
before they have their babies and are in school at Family Focus We wound then
meet them as potential parents. Right now our waiting list is 4 girls woo have not
had their babies yet. After they have had their babies they will be able to start the
program
Alderman Kent: You mentioned being able to look at your clients and talk about success stones. He
would briefly like to hear about at least one. He wants to know after yavi've shared
the parenting skills and gone to a teenage mom who is totally involved in wharf you're
doing, have we turned out any one in the field of education going to college, coming
back to help out in your program
Ms. Swiatiawiec: We have a great success story about three girls that graduated last gear They
became pregnant while in the eighth grade and the network was nervous about what
was going to happen to these girls lust coming into high school and atrout to have
babies. The network supported them and there were several support grow-s they
were required to attend. All three girls became involved in all the support grocers and
became leaders in these groups. They have spoken at high school board meetings
about the condom issue, and at Infant Welfare Society luncheons about their
experiences as teen parents She is happy to say all three are away at school right
now, two are at Northern and one is at Southern. They have come back and told of
their experiences and invited us to speak at meetings She has several =rls come
back who are doing very well
Alderman Newman. Wanted to share with you at a City Council Budget Workshop we were to4d troe City
is $2,000,000 to 3,000,000 short. Every City department head is trying to ass.st the
Council by making significant budget cuts and that includes raising water and sewer
rates amounts significantly which we're being told by the community tf,ey can no
longer tolerate. We'll all do the best we can and see where we stand in ce:r process.
Alderman Rainey- in your client demographics from July 1996. through June 1999. not Our client
demographics for year to date. you show you have not had any Caucasian caents.
Are there no teenage Caucasian girls who have babies.
IiSC Minuies I? a "+ - ?agc 6.
Ms. Swiatiawiec: We've had Caucasian mothers as clients.
Alderman Rainey: How came you haven't counted them since 1996.
Ms. Swiatiawiec: I'd have to look back at the listing, I did not do those figures and assume FAary Jane
Chainsio did them.
Alderman Rainey: What do you think about the effort being made in this community to eliminate the
need for your services.
Ms. Shearer. That is an issue that we talked about with Dr, Alson. This program is very effective
in preve-Ming subsequent pregnancies with these girls and Dr. Also talked about the
fact that there seems to be a core level of teen pregnancies that hasn't been
reducer With this program that core level is very effective. There is then some
mentonng with like members of the girls that go and talk to girls in middle school
about the effect of pregnancy instead of having the babies, but that is on a very
limited basis. Our program deals with the girls once they're pregnam with the
babies cf the teenaged girls, and the whole issue of prevention
Alderman Rainey: She understands that and was not asking what your program is doing but given that
you are really in the thick of teenage pregnancies once they occur it would seem to
her you would have some interest in what is being done to prevent them. Truly
you're Fart of some network and do not operate in a vacuum as you know what is
going on in the community
Ms. Shearer: At our meeting with Dr. Alson, we had the Superintendent from the grade and middle
school and that was an issue somewhat talked about.
Alderman Rainey: On your Evanston Teen Services Network directory she saw the entry for District 65
has vacant in large capital letters. Is this some kind of board that meets and talks.
What is vacant here about District 65.
Mr Terry: The Teen Parent Services Network was a group formed in 1989 and used to meet
monthly As the nursery became more and more established our meetings became
less anc less frequent and Mary Jane Chainskr was the driving force in having that
network meet. District 65 got added to that three or four years after the nursery
opened and they had a designated staff person who has left the District. The
position ss vacant because a replacement was never identified. The history of the
nursery is occasionally there will be an 8"' grader who has a need to utilize the
nursery Every year there are a number of freshmen who utilize the nursery and the
timing viould indicate they became pregnant while 8" graders in District 65 In terms
of the .ssue of any kind of major ownership by the District , historically that is not
happer..ng We have had conversations with previous Superintendents on the issue
Mr. Terry himself was not present at the meeting where Dr. Murphy was present and
he cannot speak to his perspective on the issue but historically the District has not
seen teen pregnancy as something they are going to allocate significant resources
to
C) PEER, Services
Kate Mahoney, Executive Director, voiced her pleasure in being in attendance tonight to talk to a community
we know cares about the your:-. of Evanston and has demonstrated their concern. One of the things in our
11SC Minutes 12 6 99 - Page 7.
proposal that Alderman Newman was talking about was we are aware of the City's financial situation and
what we asked has been flat continuation funding for these programs. The allocation we have received
directly through Human Services has gone to support our Youth Early Intervention Program and our
Adolescent Treatment Program if there any questions about the proposal artd'or concerns you see in the
community we can take there back to our planning and programming.
Alderman Rainey: It you re at Chute you must be working with Officer McNeil.
Ms. Mahoney' Most of the work we do at Chute is our collaboratwe program with Y.O U.'s Early
Intervention Project and we are there mostly in the after school hours and the way
intervention works is the two youth agencies do the identifying of the kids for the
group and our staff does the planning and implementing The Y.O.U. staff mostly
finds the kids although we worked with other kids
Alderman Kent: A couple of agencies tell us everybody's interested to helping kids. He first heard
from Bob Roy when something like a fight happens in school, the kid is automatically
expelled and he/she is somehow targeted by the police compartment and times even
go to court. He wanted to know if that is something you have been encountering of
late. At the Junior High level we're talking about 6", ` . and 8" graders, and if we're
targeting kids in the elementary schools when they come to Junior High this is
something to be concerned about. He would like to know how those kids are being
dealt with from your end or if you even hear about this
Ms. Mahoney: Asked if Alderman Kent was talking about targeting. doing outreach for services, or
negatively labeling kids
Alderman Kent: Anytime you target its negative but he thinks they've been targeted because they got
into these fights and there must be some type of negative influence that goes on. He
does not believe that you necessarily expel a kid because some kids want to be
expelled and there are other ways to work through that Assuming there is a
negative influence, most influences today tend to lead to drugs one way or the other.
He is asking how you're getting your names. if Y O U a* Family Focus does that
that's fine but there are other resources out there
Ms. Mahoney: There are a couple of things that you are speaking abcu! The workers at Y O.U.
make relationships with the kids whether it be at lunchtime supervision or just
particular kids they talk to She is looking at inviting kids to be part of the group and
does not look at it from a negative perspective This is a discussion group and kids
like to have a chance to talk with other kids in a supportive environment. She does
not think kids feel they have been picked out in a negative way or are on anybody's
list
Alderman Kent: When they come to you from that list is it because the refe-rer knows they have put
them on the list because they problems or is it because we re concerned and want
to get them into the discussion group and go on from there
Ms. Mahoney: It's more of a concern and this is really called a focus group. We look at them as
related issues and every week do not talk about drugs in particular but talk about
school pressures, family issues With the younger boys we talk about the transition
to manhood and what that means. etc Some of the things we know from literature
in terms of what puts kids at high risk. is what are some of the stumbling blocks that
cause kids to get into trouble If they had their druthers they would always talk about
relationships, the main topic for junior high kids We know there is strong
HSC Minutes 12 6 99 - Pa,,c S.
connections between substance abuse and youths becoming sexually active early
getting to trcuble, making bad decisions. So we look a; all those issues together in
early intervention. She is with you 100% on the issue about sometimes kids who are
struggling when we get them out of school for example gives them more license to
get into trouble because a lot of times their parents aren't working and they aren't
supervised. Sometimes somebody is getting labeled in their own mind even if it's a
self fulfilling prophecy of I'm a troublemaker and I dan't fit in This is one of the
reasons why years ago we were involved in an alternative suspension program at
the high school for kids who had a problem and violated the school policy related to
possession or being under the influence. It was to reduce the suspension and get
them in a skill building program where we can also do some assessment and their
parents are required to participate so we can also have access to the family. We
make decisions based on a case by case basis because the kids have a right to
privacy. Unfortunately sometimes coming to PEER Semices is stigmatizing for some
people and we are cautious about how we deal with this and try to make a decision
for each case to best help the kid. The textbook says the best way to do an
assessment is to talk to the schools, the clergy person and every else but that is not
always appropriate. We try to be careful about balanc-rig and making sure we get
enough of a picture to create a plan to do good services without trying to trample on
someone's privacy. For a lot of kids getting involved with substances or getting
involved in fights or a certain peer group for a period of time is an opportunity to
learn if we do the right thing putting our arms around as a community, service
providers, parents, or for some people this can be the first step in a series of
problems. The way we approach it is we can see some of these things and say lets
try to be the supportive network. She really takes to heart what Alderman Kent said
about how to be cautious not to have a list of kids that we have almost written off
and to prophesied they will be the next generation of people incarcerated. How we
do that is a challenge in our community that we care about kids and about the
messages we send other people
Alderman Feldman: One of your performance objectives is to decrease by 50°% the use of substances
by group participants. Is that an average decrease of 50% or for each individual.
Ms. Mahoney: We're aggregating the decrease
Alderman Feldman: Congratulated Ms. Mahoney on the idea of the performance goals and the fact that
she has met goats, also the fact that she has increased ner criteria. He would like
to know what is the CODAP criteria for successful completion.
Ms. Mahoney. Its an acronym that stands for Client Oriented Data Acquisition Process an
individualized profile on drug abuse that was established about 20 years ago We've
been using that measure for that many years the reason is this is a pretty extensive
client profile that also shows how were doing over time and companng our
performance from year to year.
Alderman Feldman: How far beyond the program completion do you follow these profiles.
Ms. Mahoney We try to do periodic follow-up with people and have had better luck doing that with
our adolescent program than our adults. The adults are harder to track so we try
to do six months data and when we can twelve months aata
HsC %tcnums 12 o u4 - Pa,{ 9
iV. CONSIDERATION OF NOVEMBER 1999 TOWNSHIP MONTHLY BILLS
Alderman Rainev moved for approval of the November 1999 Township monthly billss4 onded bv.
Alderman Moran. Motion unanimously approved fS-01.
V. CONSIDERATION OF TOWNSHIP RESPONSES TO COMMITTEE INQUIRIES
Alderman Rainey inquired whether the Township is haopy with Vie -, of people involved in the Clerical
Trainer and W.O.P. Job Description program Ms Payne rest?cr'ced some people that go through Me
program do not finish but they do get jobs Those that Co not stay wrth tthe program for 16 weeks are stilll
confident having taken the program they can find a rota they car, do wattout completing the program.
VI. CONSIDERATION OF TOWNSHIP ASSESSOR Y21K COMPLIANCE ISSUES
Alderman Rainey thanked Ms. Eckersall for submitting the Y2K prcnosal and asked if she evaluated any
other Townships. Ms. Eckersall said this is the only one recommended for the different Townships
Alderman Rainey asked if any other concept is known other than reported in the example Ms Eckersall
said there are three or four of them, there is the annual monthly selection but this program would need a
new computer. The Assessor's office is currently on cobol, an obsolete system. In order to stay currer»
the information they can get from a new program will benefit the people coming into the office Alderman
Rainey asked why only one computer is needed Ms Eckersall replied that Ms. Harris is the only person
in the office, and when she comes in and if she needs the computer she will use Ms. Hares' Alderman
Rainey thought when people come on reassessments with tax bills there will be a huge crowd demanding
service and one computer will not suffice Ms Eckersall said normally a lot can be done with the books
looking up what people are inquiring about Alderman Rainey said the new software will be able to produce
that information. Ms. Eckersall thought they would be fortunate to get just one computer right now
Alderman Rainey wanted to make other sure software had been evaluated. as she did not know there was
not other software. Ms. Eckersall responded there isn't other software also the support system they had
before was one individual who has been very difficult to contact VYith this program they can call other
people for the support needed without having to wait for this person to come in. Alderman Ramey asked
if this is a software individual, which Ms. Eckersall believed he is
Alderman Newman asked Ms Eckersall if there is any way to give the Council a list of all the properties in
Evanston on the tax roles and who the owners are It would be very helpful if this software could give the
Council an annual list of the properties off the tax roles who the owners whether that number is going up
or down on an annual basis That would educate all of us to what extent we have a problem if we do have
problem with the amount of land off the tax roles and where we're going with that Ms, Eckersall said their
office will shortly be on line with downtown and could probably generate what you need right away now.
Alderman Newman made a motion to recommend to the City Council to allocate the $4.500 for the
arooram plus the $3,000 for the computer for the Township Assessor's office Y2K software. motion
seconded by Alderman Rainev. Motion unanimously accepted f5-01.
Mayor Morton asked Ms Eckersall is she has access to the names of the properties in preservation districts
that have had their property taxes frozen for several (8) years to the extent of 25% of the cost of their taxes.
Ms Eckersall believes there is a list but she will double check. Mayor Morton would like a study made
on the amount of taxes not being paid
Vll. CONSIDERATION OF FY99 ANNUAL FINANCIAL AUDIT OF EVANSTON TOWNSHIP
Alderman Rainey referred to the management letter under Accounts Payable and asked if those accounts
payable at the end of each fiscal year refers to the hospital doctor and drug bills the Township gets. Mr
Lyons informed her that is just in general operating expenses Alderman Rainey noted a recollection she
HSC tiliriules 12 6 99 - Page 10.
has about Township hills in ,tune and July of past years when we would see doctor, hospdal. and drug t�ift
from November from the previous year which she always thought had to be a problem. Ms. Payne said at
that time we had a larger number of clients and medical chaos with large medical payouts coming mum
later. Now the client base is so low and there not a lot of people with major health conditions, thus most of
the medical bills come within a month or two Alderman Rainey asked what the instances were that
caused you to note this statement and was told by Mr. Lyons this is a general comment and the letter 5
negative by nature. Most of these are not significant items and are just listed because in the auditing area
we give you a small sample for review.
Alderman Rainey wanted to know what the IMRF over contribution of S155,000 was due to and it was
explained to her that the Township paid in too much. That figure was the required IMRF contribution based
on a reevaluation each year through an actuarial study. Ms. Payne added based on some of thus
assumptions or change in personnel the amount was reduced to 2 93/a from the previous 7.4% and
beginning next year we will be paying the 2.9%. Mr Lyons informed her they are reevaluating and willl
lower the rate down to use up the amount and the 2 9% is to pay the current cost of the pension to eat is
down and not the future cost because it fluctuates. Based on an actuarial study over a long period of brine
each year looked at a snapshot it can vary because somebody who was close to and projected to retire
could end up leaving early and whatever was contributed to their share they get back but your share stays
for somebody else and can fluctuate depending on how your staffing is. This isn't a determination like the
police and fire where there is a determination on the amount you want to put in this. It is an amount that
is to be made quarterly along with the payroll. Alderman Rainey asked if City IRMF contributions are facing
the same issue and was told they could not say but the same schedule that's in the Township audit is ira
the City audit and would depend on how they project what the actual staffing turns out to be it comes out
different. Alderman Rainey asked if the auditors thought there was a miscalculation by IMRF. They thougtaC
it was due to having very low earnings assumptions for quite a while calculated into and have been doing
well which is why police and fire have a private actuary because they take a more realistic view of what the
assumption should be. IMRF and the state have older assumptions and did not change them. A lot of th=
is because we have had a good market for a long time and done well on their investments. The State is
still adjusting the rate because of the administrative costs. Alderman Rainey did not recall your making a
notation regarding the City's IMRF and maybe we should check into that.
Alderman Newman commented we know you have an overall financial problem and we need to identify
exactly what the problem is and what the proposed solutions are and get a memo to that effect to begin
thinking about it. We should know the extent of the problem as it may take several years to correct it.
Alderman Rainey asked what difference the 2% will make in the aligning the budget and was told the
difference is roughly going to be about 4% of the salaries It will not bean extra $155,000 coming in in one
year what you have budgeted instead of the 7 4%. The 2 9% is where the salaries are
Alderman Newman moved to accept the FY 99 Annual Audit of Evanston Township. seconded by
Alderman Moran. Motion passed (4-0). (Alderman Feldman left the room when the motion was called.)
VIII. CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO RE -ALLOCATE FY00 COMMUNITY PURCHASED
SERVICES FUNDS FROM THE COOK COUNTY LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION (CCLAF)
TO THE LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION OF CHICAGO (LAFC)
Bill Kolen. Supervisory Attorney of the Evanston office formerly the Cook County Legal Assistance
Foundation, but as of December 1" is now the Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago With him this
evening is Alan Alop, Deputy Directory in charge of LAFC intake offices and Sheldon Rudman. Executive
Director of the LAFC. Mr. Kolen wanted to take this opportunity to say the CCLAF allocation that has been
awarded to us be transferred to LAFC. CCLAF has lost its main federal funding and the kriding has been
given to LAFC. From his perspective as a member of the office who has been delivering service to
Evanston residents for 8 or 9 years is enthusiastic and pleased to be affiliated with the LAFC. an agency
IISC %hnute5 I' b `1'4 - Nee 1 I
he used to work for Before working for CCIAF. Over the last month they have managed to continue to
provide legal services to Evanston residents which was largely attributable to support received from LAFC
because our staff has remained and we continue to have our intake open and serve Evanston residents
the way we always have He hopes you will welcome Mr. Atop and Mr Rudman and this affifradon can
continue.
Alderman Newman voiced his high regard for LAFC and CCLAF and is excited that you are keeping the
Evanston office. To cianfy his point of view. as much as he respects the services of both agencies he
would not want to make the grant if the Evanston office would close. The City of Oak Park does make a
comparable contribution to the operation of that office as we do Alderman Newman was informed the Oak
Park office has already dosed. He is sure people from Rogers Park will be coming to the Evanston office
and his main concern is that Evanstonians who cannot afford to go elsewhere will still be able to get quality
legal services.
Mr. Rudman wanted to add his welcome to everyone and said they are delighted to be al:Se to continue the
services that have been provided over the years and they hope to improve and expand upon those services
in the years ahead. He thinks they now have a stronger team pulling these two agencies together the
economies of scale consistencies and some greater support for Mr. Kolen and the other staff We are
committed to try to keep this office open in the future and understand your concems One of our first
decisions was to close the Oak Park office as there were some financial concerns. We did have to pull
back somewhat on our overall expenses and are trying to do that as well as we can and still provide
services to Oak Park and the western suburbs, which we intend to do.
Alderman Feldman inquired whether there was any philosophical or practical differences between the two
organizations that might result in a different way in which a client is represented. Mr. Rudman responded
there are no philosophical differences but there are more services available from larger organizations. We
have specialists in Medicaid. Medicare. and health law they do not have. We have specialists in helping
the victims of civil crimes welfare law. housing issues and landlord tenant, a special program for domestic
violence victims and therefore have a wider range and can provide more holistic services to residents here.
Philosophically. no, our lobs as lawyers is to represent our clients interests to the fullest and make sure all
their rights are protected Mr Kolen mentioned he was trained at the LAFC, and absolutely agrees that the
philosophy is the same and having the resources available will make the services better
Alderman Feldman said three times during his tenure he received phone calls from people who had dogs
almost killed by other dogs off the leash and required veterinary care A couple of the times the dogs that
had done this had a history of this type of behavior and they tried to get some kind of relief from all the
medical bills they paid from the owners of the dog that did this. but to no success at all. Some cases even
went to small claims court and found the defendant hired very expensive attorneys. In each case the
people had very little money to spend He asked if that is the type of case you would represent.
Alderman Feldman was told that is classified as property damage and they would not represent the injured
party. but they would provide them information about small claims court and answer their questions
Alderman Moran noted they are lust now getting into a lot of the issues in terms of trying to coalesce the
efforts of CLAF He asked if they have a time line to determine their own internal examination of continuing
the Evanston office as part of their operation Obviously a better decision was made than Oak Park. His
next question was when is the next review and how will we learn about that as that is very important to us.
Mr. Rudman responded they currently have a grant from the national office for 13 months, through
December, 2001 In October or November of next year we will be informed whether we have this grant on
a more permanent basis and he would say status quo would likely prevail for the next year When we get
the permanent grant we will reassess the overall picture of how to best deliver services to the entire
suburbs of Cook County which will be our new mandate Our studies and review of this question will go
on during the year 2000 If we were at any time serious about closing this office we would certainly bring
it and talk to you about that matter. but he does not see that happening It's possible, he has a Board of
IISC %Iinuie�, 12 6 99 - Pa,r 12,
Directors and they will review the overall delivery systems in place and how they can improve them_ We
have a job of serving residents throughout the entire northern strip of suburban Cook County which extends
very far, and are looking to provide outreach. With your grant you have provided us a core of support that
strongly favors continuing this office.
Alderman Rainey was curious about the term of your lease. Mr. Kolen said their lease is through June
2000. Mr. Rudman noted the lease always provides a key point in the review. What we do next when we
have not had a permanent decision from the federal government whether we're going to get the grant so
one would not want a short-term lease. Alderman Newman asked if they are referring to the overall legal
services grant of $305,000,000 and the additional $5.000.000 your corporation got and whether you stay
at that level in Congress's next fiscal year Mr. Rudman responded he was talking about whether well be
the grantee for Suburban Cook County. They will announce to the general public in April that LSC will be
funding one grantee for all of Cook County and anybody can apply fc.r that grant. We're likely to be that
recipient, but it's not final. It's competitively bid and other organizaticns have at least made noise about
it.
Alderman Feldman called for a motion to request $14.300 be awarded to the Leoal Assistance
Foundation of Chicaoo. Alderman Moran made the motion. motion seconded and unanimousiv
accepted (5-0).
iX. CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION TO ENGAGE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
FOR A RECREATIONAL_ COMPLEX iN JAMES PARK
Alderman Rainev moved to aooroved the recommendation to enaaae architectural services for a
Recreational Comolex in James Park. Motion seconded and unanlmously annroved
Alderman Rainey asked when the committee can expect to see something. Mr. Gaynor said one member
from each discussion group would be brought to look at it and comment on it before it comes to the
subcommittee so there will be no question about the accommodation plans. Alderman Newman said he
would like to see everybody on this committee invited to that subcommittee meeting Mr. Gaynor will
coordinate the dates with Alderman Ramey and Alderman Feldman
X. CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 27-0-99 COVERING RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
OF THE NORTHWESTERN AND EVANSTON POLICE DEPARTMENTS
Alderman Newman wanted to clarify that in the agreement this will be reviewed on an annual basis but it
seems to him the ordinance permanently gives the campus police the rignt to arrest even if we do not have
the agreement in place. He thinks language is needed to add to 9-3-3 that the campus police authority will
only be effective if the cooperative agreement in 9-3-6 is approved. if we do not have an agreement which
is in 9-3-6 we still have 9-3-3 and he specifically raised this point last tirne and does not think the solution
we have come up with overall is working. He would like to add the language to 9-3-3 that authority will only
exist if the cooperative agreement in 9-3-6 is extended on a yearly basis If we decide r :It to extend that
agreement we should not have to come back and amend our ordinance tc that effect and leave it to Ms.
Brenniman to put into ordinance form The gist of this is that the campus police authc-:y shall only be
effective if the City approves the cooperative agreement as referred to Section 9-3-6
Alderman Moran said conflicting with that issue is the State Statute cited an 9-3-3 Chapter ' 1 D He is trying
to understand what Alderman Newman said that the gist of this amendment is there needs to be an
agreement to grant authority and he wonders how this Statue is couchec If there is an agreement what
does that mean. as he's trying to get at what the Statute says If there is no agreement does the
Northwestern Police Department cease to exist or does it exist in a more circumscribed 'ashEon.
Alderman Newman said he is inferring that under this section of the statute a municipa'Ay can grant a
IISC Ifinut[-7 b' - Pa�,c 13.
private police force the authority to arrest. Essentially what we're Cuing in 9-3-3 is passing an ordinance
that authorized the Northwestern Police Department to have the powers of municipal officers that implies
to arrest within those boundaries and he took that as the State Statr✓,te grnng the municipality the right to
extend it. Alderman Moran said he did not understand it to mean tl^.at and did not understand if it means
they have the right to effect an arrest off campus within a certain area we describe in our ordinance or does
the statute say they always have the right to effect an arrest on camcous and rt can only be extended if we
do it by ordinance He would hope we would always have the agreemert but if for some reason we did
not he is not sure he understands the sense of saying you can cr-!y ha•. a the authority to arrest if an
agreement is in place. Maybe we want them to have the authority to arrest whether or not there is an
agreement in place Alderman Newman thought the authority we're conferring to the Northwestern police
department is very serious. We are turning over to them the right it this particular area to make felonry
arrests of our citizens. Alderman Moran added or anybody else whc is committing a crime they may not
be our citizens but marauders that come into town Alderman Newrr.ar t!,ought this enta9s a number of
issues, as an example, the way this agreement currently stands the right to charge anyt -ody with a sex
offense that occurs on the campus. we are signing over our Police C:-•ief tc review the ent-e investigation
and the right to recommend to the States' Attorney whether or not tt-e cha-ges are actuai.y brought thus
having a situation where two different police departments could be o-oeratmg under two different sets of
standards. Also, in this type of situation the University might feet differently about bringing charges different
than our Police Chief might bring. The point he was trying to make is there are some ver; serious issues
within this agreement that are subject to review
Alderman Moran agreed and said there is an agreement here, but the poirr, he wanted to rnake, using as
a hypothetical case is if there wasn't an agreement and a crime was Peirg committed with a University
police present and able to effectuate an arrest, as you propose this arrendment the only way we can grant
them to make that arrest is if there is an agreement If there is no agreement what your are essentially
doing is taking a crime situation and saying somebody who is ready willing. able and trained as a law
enforcement agent who could effectuate that arrest. now cannot Why would we do that Alderman
Newman cited as an example to do that, if we found the Northwestern police were effectuatmg some form
of gross misconduct or were bringing charges with a double standard irrrolved one standard for people who
were students of the University and another standard for somebody else we might decide we wouldn't want
to grant Northwestern police officers the authority to make arrests Acccrding to the ore community
meeting he had on this subject this is an extremely serious subject to rne citizens of this corrmunity In his
mind it is not a given that the University automatically has the right to a--est --ff campus Alderman Moran
said his point was this does not have to do with police misconduct or :.able standards if tl'ere is a crime
in progress and there s a University police car parked down the street why ,rouldn t we waist them to get
that person committing the crime and put them in jail whether or not owe have an agreement He
understands Aldermar Newman's question about misconduct issues or standards. but his feeling of all that
can be adjusted and it has been adjusted. His issue is law enforcement which he agrees is an important
and significant issue From his standpoint if a police car is sitting there and someone is about to rob
someone at gunpoint he would want the officer to get out of the car and arrest that person whether or not
we had an agreement as that is a benefit to Evanston Alderman Nevi -~^an said he did not say it was not
a benefit but he personally believes there are certain standards, for an example if the University decided
they were not going to have the same type of officer training they now �,ve t,e would not wart to grant the
authority to allow their officers to arrest
Chief Chafin said Northwestern will certainly not only continue the train;ng they currently have but every
year they make attempts to do 40-hour in-service training for officers New people coming on the job have
to get certified at the Police Training Institute More important if something happens on a public street in
Evanston, Northwestern University police officers are not going to act independent of Evanston police which
is why we have direct communications with them He would suspect As Alderman Moran illustrated. it
there is a potential armed robbery in progress we are not going to try tc be a hero and do it independent
of the Evanston police department there will be no pride into it if it is something they need to take over
themselves and provide assistance at that point. we do it every day an•l-way In fact we do it now at risk.
f I\(_ Minutes i = tJ 91) - Nge 14.
we don't feel comfortable being off campus and don't have the power
Alderman Newman said he did not say in any way. shape, form he anticipated that the University was not
going to maintain the current level of training. He was giving a hypothetical example in what type of
situation he might not be willing to grant the right to arrest in the xuture He expects the University will
continue to give excellent training.
Alderman Feldman said as he understands the issue lust as we maintain some control over our own police
department there are standards which the University police have to maintain controlled by their Police Chief
and determines whether any officer wears the badge. That has to oa with conduct. training, and nisrnerous
other things. What Alderman Newman is saying is he wants that ability to do the same type of review that
in certain cases could result in officers not being able to arrest on Zhe basis of an overt behavior ctr policy
that the City doesn't necessarily agree.
Alderman Rainey referred to Statute 110, Private College Campus Police Act, that throughout this
documentation and the agreement keeps referring to power pursuant to the position of the statute. It
appears to her from reading this statute, even though she does not know all the details of 110, it is
authorizing statute for the powers of elect by this police departmer and includes all the other items. The
issue we are dealing with is territorial and even if we do not pass mis the University does not care if they
are held liable as you can still make an arrest on Oakton because you have met all the requirements of a
police department except for the noted exclusions. The authority crimes from the Illinois Compiled Statute
110. Chief Chafin said that statute gives his department the authority to make and arrest and do
investigations only on all University property owned. leased, etc Alderman Rainey said the University
police therefore cannot make an arrest on Sherman Avenue unless -ney are authorized to do so Alderman
Feldman said the reason behind this ordinance is the University wants the City to grant them the authority
to move off campus and circulate around the campus to be able to rr•.ake those arrests Alderman Newman
commented that he originally did not understand this to be the case
Alderman Rainey was interested in knowing since on campus you ;.an effect sexual assault arrests and all
types of felonies, arson, etc. If your arrest statistics get added to ol.t arrest statistics. Where would we see
your statistics. Chief Chafin responded they go to the state and into the FBI national statistics. Alderman
Rainey said they never get to see them and perhaps this has never been discussed before, you are in the
City limits of Evanston and she thinks it is important that your staUs_ics be made public. Chief Chafin said
they are made public and is something that can be accomplished .ery easily.
Alderman Rainey asked Chief Chafin if he ever heard discussions gossip, or references to the effect that
in the case of sexual assault, some felonies. and arson. among cetween, and by all University involved
people, maybe no charges are filed. Chief Chafin responded, no. because when you're dealing with a
felony you don't care who it is because in the case of students in minor traction's try to take a different
approach by making referrals for them But if they get involved .-i serious theft or any felony they get
arrested Alderman Rainey asked if the University feels comfortatler filing charges and following trvough.
Chief Chafin responded yes they do what is even more important ,s if a student complains against another
student that arrest is made immediately They take the complaining student to court to file a complasnt and
arrest the second student
Alderman Rainey asked what are the dates of the University's filiro statistics. Chief Chafin said January
1 u through December 31" Alderman Newman asked that it be made part of the agreement that the
University report every arrest as we have never seen any of the recorts Chief Chafin is making reference
to filing and he is not referring to off campus activities but all arrests made by University police
Alderman Feldman had a question regarding process. The University police are able to make arrests on
campus, he would like to know if that excludes the City s ability to do that and was told it does not. To
address an issue brought up by Alderman Newman, if you arres: someone and as a result of further
IISC Minutes 12 6 99 - Pacc I i
investigation you decide not to charge them, is that the final word or if the victim went to the Chief zf. Police,
you could in effect re -arrest and charge that person. Then Chief Chafin's decision is not final but to essence
Chief Kaminski's is as well the county. the state, or the FBI and there is that layer of protection y--r,j would
be able to supersede an action, except if you tried someone you could not dismiss the charges
Alderman Newman noted that some of the agreement is not very dear because page 3. of the Agreement
for Mutual Cooperation says the University police will be responsible for all other criminal investrations.
Regarding sexual assault investigations it says the University police will handle the investigation on -:,-ampus.
It was our agreement that the University police would be the investigators and we would not irrrastigate
unless it was agreed that the incident was of such magnitude that it would jeopardize the City of Eranston.
Ey entering into this agreement we will make an exception and say we're going to handle &L-- death
investigations therefore this agreement does not seem to be too clear Chief Chafin said if &P-M is a
significant incident on campus they are not going to do an independent investigation without utilizing the
resources of the Evanston police department to do it with us. Alderman Newman stated this document says
you are going to be responsible to handle the investigation and does nct say in any sex offense or armed
robberies you are immediately going to get on the phone to do a joint investigation where you mill work
together with Evanston police. Alderman Feldman added it further says, unless the incident is of such
magnitude that it would jeopardize the safety of citizens of Evanston He asked how sexual assault effects
Evanston citizens. Chief Chafin said because if a lady on campus was raped the rapist could go out into
the City and rape somebody else. The reason for the joint investigation is Evanston might also be
experiencing something because we're here to protect the citizenry of Evanston. You can try to reduce the
wording but because this is done on a daily basis as far as cooperatung with City investigators and campus
investigators, City officers in uniform and university officers in unrform he does not know if it absolutely
necessary to split hairs
Alderman Newman's problem with this is we are the representatives of the citizens and if somebody asked
us what powers we have delegated we should be able to go to this document and explain the relationship.
Alderman Feldman thought what the two police chiefs would like this committee to do is to make what they
do clear in other words if it isn't to the agreement and you think it is necessary. and this committee agrees
its necessary to be included we can just include it. He wants to get these additions included exactly the way
this committee wants it including the issues being raised. Alderman Newman wanted to have included that
the police authority off campus should be subject to the approval of this agreement Alderman Feldman
noted this agreement lasts for one year and as long as this agreement is in effect those powers are in
effect and the minute the agreement is not in effect the powers are not in effect to the areas off campus
We are therefore tying their ability to function off campus with this agreement. which he would suoport.
Alderman Rainey thought that was what the agreement was ail about the ability to function off campus
Alderman Newman said the way he construed 9-3-3 was we were just passing an ordinance that would
indefinitely give them a right to make arrests to felonies in this area and he thought last time we said we
would review that on a yearly basis which is what he wanted to add to the ordinance that 9-3-3 would only
be effective as long as the cooperative agreement in 9-3-6 was ratified on a yearly basis Alderman
Feldman asked that legal staff make sure that is included
Alderman Kent once again asked why these are the selected boundanes Why are we talking about t-omtng
to GreenBay His problem is he does not know if he will vote for t^is at all and wants you to unde-stand
It is not because the campus police are not doing your lob or can t function out in the City and wants to
know why this is the area targeted Chief Chafin responded because we have property on Ridge and we
go to the gas station to refuel our cars on GreenBay Then you have the lake and Central up to Isabella
North where we also have property
Alderman Moran brought up that two weeks ago a student was the . ctrrr f an armed robbery at Ridge and
Emerson Chief Chafin said 4 or 5 robberies happen off campus regularly right ,n this area Alderman
Kent said this area is no different than any other area and going back to Alderman Moran s statement he
does not care whether someone is a City sanitation worker, park enforcement officer or citizen looking out
Itti� %Iinute, I' h yy - P_zc 16.
their window, if you see somebody standing with a gun he would hope you would call the police depautment.
Whether on or off campus, going someplace, if there is a disagreement or no agreement, he would assume
you would be talking to the Evanston police letting them know a crime is being committee. He dc+es not
want to get into the fact that you're coming to GreenBay Road, whr-h he does not necessarily knonr why.
You're providing the same services as the police department would be providing, there are Nortfivwastern
students that live all over the City of Evanston. If you're going to enhance the police department then
enhance it for the City of Evanston, go all the way down to Howard Street and all the way North and all the
way West as far as you can. On GreenBay Roao to the West of that he has an entire block has been
bought out by one individual who, two years ago, did not rent to a single black in Evanston that was just
a regular hard working person. They only rented these special houses out to Northwestern students What
do we accomplish by doing this, if its for students' safety because somebody is getting robbed somewhere.
then lets make it for the City of Evanston. If you're going to enforce the parking, then enforce it throughout
the City of Evanston because boundaries make him very nervous He has a lot of constituents where you
do own property that have called the Northwestern police department and were told to call the Evanston
police department. They will never call on you aga!n. That's dealing with something as simple as faculty
members parking in our residential only parking districts are. He does not want any special attention in his
Ward and honestly thinks if you come a little West he could say you're a private institution of which many
of his residents cannot even afford to attend and feel absolutely foreign going to Northwestern University
if they had to make a complaint. In no way are you guilty of that c:her than the fact certain parts of this
community don't feel comfortable with Northwestem because there are no bridges there. Being arrested
by Evanston police department, we pay those taxes and expect the same service and same type of
treatment. Not that Northwestern is going to give us any different treatment but you are mainly there to
protect Northwestem. He's lust trying to get some of those answers and hopes you understand his feelings
as far this is concerned If you want to enhance the police department, do it for the City, don't put
boundaries out here because you have students throughout the City. you also have buildings throughout
the City.
Mimi Petersen, resident. said Doraine Anderson could not attend this meeting and she was asked to speak
on her behalf. She wanted to make sure that award per incident Northwestern shall annually provide the
City Manager with a certificate of insurance acceptable to the City evidencing liability coverage in the
amount of 53.000,000 per incident. She clarified in the event the judgement is in excess of $3,000,000 the
City is still indemnified in the lawsuit. Her own comment is she is glad she sat in on the Policies and Rules
Committee because she made comments before the meeting even tmough the City is planning $1.500.000
for the police and fire headquarters. This 54.000.0013 total project ras come to a halt due to the lack of
funding in the budget While you are considering the 53.000.000 mi,!,on deficit for next year's budget and
currently considering expanding the powers of Northwestern University police perhaps you should also
consider since 1992 the University police have been using our police and fire headquarters and continue
to do so. This includes the use of the courts, the jail. the use of high tech fingerprinting equipment and it
seems like a very opportune time to ask Northwestern to help contribute to the infrastructure costs and
services to reverse it
Alderman Feldman asked the committee if there is any benefit to the City of Evanston for their police
department to operate off campus. Alderman Moran said it is an immense benefit. The question of crime
is something that is on the minds of most people and certainly on tre minds of Evanstonians. If there is
the opportunity for the City to enter into a cooperative agreement with Northwestern, particularly at their
expense to have them go through a particular area to supervise law enforcement projects to have eyes and
ears for commission of or possible commission of cnme. to apprehend people who are engaged in the
commission of a crime or have committed a crime The campus policeman is not going to ask for the
student I.D for the victim of that crime, they will apprehend that person and intervene and stop that crime
and presumable du process will follow and we will have apprehended someone who is probably going to
rob or assault somebody walking down that street. This is about having appropriate protection in place and
why don't we immediately grab the opportunity to have it.
IISC Minuies 121 6 99 - Pa,c I"
Alderman Rainey said her answer to Alderman Feldman's question if we think there is a benefit is she
thinks its helpful to have the Northwestern police. Her problem is that she has confidence in the Evanston
police department and thinks 99.99% of their work and the people on that force are as good a police
department as she could every expect to see. Although she does not have a lot of experience with other
departments she has the utmost of confidence kr them She does not know anything about the
Northwestern police and has to trust the Chief if he says they're competent, highly trained. skilled people.
Very coincidentally, something told to her today whictr she does not w1nether or not is true, by someone who
lives in her Ward, is we used a female Northwestem aolice officer last night for a search on Howard Street
because our female police officers were busy. That s something that is of great assistance which slows
there are ways they can be very helpful. She guesses she has to trust them and the more people helping
out the better.
Alderman Rainey asked for an explanation of the mut-jal aid and habii,;y issue, as she does not understand
Ms. Szymanski's memo about this. Her concern was originally with the S3 000.000 liability issue and she
needs a better explanation of this. She felt the liability of the City of Evanston should function exactly as
it functions in terms of mutual aid with other commuribes If they came into our town and somebody sues
them on our City limits it's their problem, not our problem Alderman Moran said he understood Alderman
Rainey's inquiries to be is that we had mutual aid agreements wth other police departments and she
wanted our agreement with the Northwestern police ce-partment to be on a par with those agreements. As
he reads Ms. Szymanski's memo our agreement with Northwestern is much better for the reason that Chief
Kaminski gave her the intergovernmental Police Assrscance Agreement of May, 1997. and told her that was
the only mutual aid agreement we have, it does not p+~ovide for any signatories. meaning the municipality,
to indemnify or hold anybody else harmless. Her rnemo then goes on to say a municipality assumes
responsibility for the actions of its own personnel What she is telling us is the mutual aid agreement
doesn't deal with it but goes on to say the proposed ordinance were looking at requires Northwestern to
do indemnify, hold us harmless, etc., etc., and is poir..mg out that's much better than what we have in our
current mutual aid agreement with all the other murncrpalities. which has nothing.
Alderman Newman wanted to refer back to Aldermar Feldman's question about the benefit of having the
Northwestern police department He went to a community meeting in his Ward with 30 people in
attendance where he planned to tell them about sorr -e of the coverage by the Northwestern police. The
people were specifically talking to him about the ne.-ghborhood of Colfax and Sherman where another
serious accident had recently occurred and was going to ask them if ,t would be better to have this
agreement for coverage. He got shot down by prac:�cally the entire room who started telling him about
incidents where they had been abused or not satisfied with the Northwestern police These are people who
live in the very section of the neighborhood they wan: to cover. wh,cn surprised him Those people in his
neighborhood and his Ward want Evanston police officers because they feel the Evanston police
department is responsible to the City Council that they elect and were very clear about that Another point
he wished to make is for the same exact student boc'y the University of Chicago doesn't have 25 police
officers but has 63 officers plus another 60 part-timers In his opinion this is a City that can use another
20 police officers for Howard Street and everything else Northwestern University has a police force
because they need and want a police force The exrs-gnce of that pGEce force is in effect to benefit them
If we get some benefits out of it he would agree it's a good thing taut trays not necessarily so You can't
have a police force with 25 people without a lockup me lockup the City is going to fund that is part of the
$3,500.000 station being paid for out of property tau. not through fines or anything else, just through
property tax 1n addition to that we staff that lockup ft's a very reasonable question and its not to say at
all that we don't get a benefit of them having a police 'orce We would get more of a benefit if they had 63
police for 8,000 or 9 000 students but we don't have *-rat It comes to the point where somebody raising
the question whether or not the University contributes to the very facility they want to have a right to bring
their prisoners to He thinks this a very legitimate que_~.ion and it does not say by asking that question that
we do not value those 25 officers going out and patrallI ng some parts of our town where they can possibly
supplement our police officers He acknowledges w natever we get from the 25 officers is a benefit but
IISC N1inurr, I d')`3. Page 18.
thinks in this agreement we are negotiating some of things that will specifically get us more thars wham we
are now getting.
Alderman Rainey wished to add it is very important what Alderman Newman was told by his constt cents
in that neighborhood. It is much more significant than what she would have to say because she does not
even know what the Northwestern -olice look like. Alderman Feldman agreed and said that is very
compelling
Alderman Kent said we talk about wt-at Northwestern has but one of the things you do not harie is the
rapport with the citizens which is one of the things we have been trying to work on, at lease while he has
been here, bringing trust from the residents who don't believe that the Evanston police department is
serving them and they are second class citizens bringing that trust back up to par. We tried and continue
to try to do that through community pc.icing and still seem to be falling flat on our faces When an of5cer
said on two incidents had been jumped on and it turned into mob action he would expect the police
department, the shift commander, the sergeant, whoever could get to the radio If they needed help from
Northwestern he would appreciate you helping. He does not know why he has to have an agreement that
targets his area. if you want to issue parking tickets because people are parking on the parkway and our
police department does not have time to get to them, do it, but don't just do it for my area because there
is parking on the parking on the parkways in every other section in Evanston. He wants some type of
fairness and equality. If you're telling him that in his Ward, for whatever reason, you decided that this is
where we need the patrols only because of those buildings he can only rely on the fact that he has talt+ed
to constituents that called the Northwestern police department and are not satisfied. That is the only thing
he can go by, if he had heard success stories it would be a lot easier for him to accept. He asked about
the process, if you were allowed to do tins and make an arrest of a citizen in the City of Evanston and they
were not happy with the arrest and wanted to file a complaint. He was told they could come to
Northwestern and could file a complaint. he's telling you depending on the citizen, Northwestern is as far
away from them as the University of Michigan and at the same time you're dealing with a lot of different
people a lot of different experiences whsch has nothing to do with college individuals but real life and death
situations. He believes your police department can handle that because you re a professional, however,
he can only relate to how much trouble our police department is having in handling those real life situations.
Going back to the process. he read if your File a complaint it's forwarded to the Chief, something we never
know or hear about. Nine times out of ten the experiences he has is when people have tried to go and fill
out a complaint have not been overwhelmingly positive At least that gives some way to keep checking ap
on our police department and going to the Chief to say what has happened and ask if we can work on I
Chief Chafin asked Alderman Kent why me thinks he would be closed to offer assistance. Alderman Kent
said he did not think he would be closeo to it but the situation is set up where it �s seemingly closed to Lne
citizen. We have Evanston residents that are arrested that don't even go to the Evanston police department
to make a complaint because they have nad trouble when they tried to do it before. There is no way many
of these residents are going to Northwestern he does not even know where you re located in Northwestern
He only knows where the Allen Center the Library, and Norse Hall are Before we spend time talking wtfl
our police department about cultural matters he again goes back to the scenario where our police officers
are called out and have been involved with the community policing up to the paint where they are somewhat
familiar with the activity gang on in tre City He asked Chief Kaminski if this is to support the police
department because if its to enhance the police department then enhance it for everybody because
Northwestern is all over the City of Evanston, If there were 63 police officers at Northwestern he would say
the same thing, if there were 150 police officers he would also say the same thing, take down tithe
boundaries there and do it for the City of Evanston if that's Is what this for because he honestly doesn't
know what this is for. Getting back to the process when you fill out a complaint at Northwestern and it goes
t o you. Chief Chafin, the last time you said the only person that could overrule or change that was the Virg
President of the University. Chief Chafin said that would not preclude a complainant from going to the Chief
of Police at Evanston if they were not satisfied. They could do it simultaneously or independently and let
Chief Kaminski know they have a problem with a University police officer
i l l,C %l inules 12 tr 49 - Paec 1 ;
Alderman Feldman sees there is a feeling that under certain controlled, monihired. circumstances there is
a benefit to the City of Evanston for a cooperative agreement that would allo►► them to operate outside of
the campus We are attempting to establish what those controls are, one whvcb we do not ►van: is to give
Northwestern permanent right to do anything off campus There will be an agreement that this w4i be on
an annual basis.
Alderman Newman wanted to add to Alderman Feldman s condition, on Page _ of the agreement tc make
it clear when we say they are going to handle traffic directions on streets adjacent to University property
for special University events, he wants to add "they shall not close or partially close any City street -without
the approval of City Council'. He would like to add to the agreement that 'the language of this agreement
shall not preclude Evanston police department from investigating any charge brought to the department
occurring within the boundaries of the City of Evanston". and would like this incJuded somewhere on Page
3. Also. he would like added on Page 7, where is says "NUPD would devise a program where officers
assigned to its south patrol area . during evening hours", he wants to define evening hours as 4M
p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8 00 p.m. to 2*00 a.m. on weekends On Page 7 Where is says.
"NUPD would assign an officer to conduct selective traffic enforcement at intersections determined
by EPD', we made a change administratively in traffic enforcement and it is now supervised by the Traffic '
Engineer instead of the Police Department and he wants it to read "EPD or Traffic Engineer' He would
also like to get annual reports that verify the selective traffic enforcement and the foot patrol was actually
done. On Page 8., 'NUPD would relieve EPD officers of handling parking violations ,n public alleys
immediately adjacent to NU property ' he would add West of Ridge because of all the illegal parking in
alleys and on streets and if Alderman Kent wishes it would read West to Sherman. to which Alderman Kent
agreed On Page 8. 'NUPD would provide a monthly and annual report to the Chief of Police regarding
off -campus activities-, he wants this to include all report and arrest dispositions and complaints made of
any officers to the department and that report shall be submitted to City Council
Alderman Feldman asked if the reports required on a monthly basis will include the monthly parking
violations in public alleys. etc Alderman Rainey said she was not interested in knowing that information
what she is interested in knowing about are the robberies and other crimes Alderman Newman thought
the entire Council will want to know if they say they're going to do something that they're delivering. If
they're writing a traffic ticket in one Ward it means a traffic enforce could be in another Ward Alderman
Rainey asked when the NU police ticket somebody in an alley who has 6 or 7 parking tickets do they have
information to call a tow truck for a boot Alderman Newman said they are wor ,rig with us on the booting.
as previously we were not allowed to boot on University property It will now tip done in cooperation with
them The biggest problem we had was we are writing parking tickets on O-^ngton every September
October. and November They can already write a moving violation and he •mould like them to write a
parking ticket on Orrington and using their ability not to have transcripts go to help us collect some of the
tickets written on our streets He would be willing to share revenue with them because we'll collect more
Right now if they write a ticket on their property no student can graduate without paying their fines
Alderman Feldman recalled that they were going to speak to their legal people and report back to this
committee which you have not done Chief Chafin said he can tell you now they are not going to hold up
transcripts for citations written off campus
Alderman Newman said the City has had lire boot program since 1992 or 1993 and during that time we've
University students run up huge amounts of tickets On Orrington, Sherman Lincolnwood, and Lincoln
Avenues you can never get a parking space during the day. there are two-hour signs posted and large
numbers of tickets are written This is an example of the University's commuting students creating effect
in the neighborhood that they do not help take responsibility for Alderman Rainey felt our parking
enforcement officers should be booting those cars Alderman Newman said our parking enforcers are
booting. whatever we do in during the months of September. October, and November, is not a year round
deterrent in our booting program, the streets are filled every day commuting student cars He wanted Chief
Chafin to know that we have to be tough with the students and let the University know when a problem is
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created by commuting students rra: -hey don't provide enough parking for on their campus. If there was
ample parking for facutty and studer-m they would not have to park on the public streets, which is a problem
of the University that they do not sha.-e and fluff off onto us. Chief Chafin asked how many tiri:ets have
to be placed on a vehicle before 's tooted and was told five. He asked why so many and was informed
they used to require more tickets A.Cerman Newman asked Chief Chafin why his department doesn't take
the responsibility of patrolling Or-�— .on Avenue looking for vehicles to boot. Alderman Newmann wanted
to add to the agreement that ire U"r• ersity should go up and down Orrington Avenue looking for violators
that have in excess of free tickets a c report back to the City at the end of the year on the cutcorne of this.
He will look at the streets to see wr-ether or not that deterrent created any impact and maybe we won't
need this transcript. If you war; t.re ability to write moving violations, and D.U.i.'s. he feels o4 is more
important for the people living on Orr.rngton Avenue. Alderman Feldman requested that be included in the
agreement. Alderman Newman s regLest was for the University police to patrol from 1900 Orringtcn to 2400
(Emerson through Cctfax), and winate-- er other streets so designated. they will regularly patrol throughout
the school year and work with the Evanston police department to look for vehicles eligible for booting.
Alderman Kent said if his constituents make a complaint against the Northwestern police and then go to
the Evanston police department to ccr -,plain about the Norttnvestem police department that does not make
sense to him. This is something he 11 never see and something we don't know whether we can de anything
about even if that person goes in anc complains to the Chief. If you re going to write pariung Dcrkets on
Orrington for parking violators and we re going to tell you who to boot. then provide that service for the City
of Evanston. There is no reason that CYnngton. Sheraton, or Emerson is more special than any other street
and if that is what you're going to do. znen do it throughout Evanston streets. if you're going to enhance
the police department by writing tickets and doing violations when you get out the job that our Evanston
police department is supposed to perfcrm. he thinks we are in for a totally different experience than we've
been experiencing and the names of sweets have no bearing Alderman Newman said he would make the
boundaries as wide as we want to make it, but lust included the part in his Ward most seriously effected.
Alderman Feldman asked how we wou4 deal with this issue pertaining to complaints. Alderman Newman
said we will be getting a report on the complaints and in the amendments he added asking for arrest
disposition and complaints to be transmitted from their police department to ours and our Chief of Police
would then transmit them to us We wculd then get an idea if there are complaints and what's happening.
Alderman Rainey wanted their crime statistics to be included in that report, not only arrests but disposition
and results. Alderman Newman said this report would include all arrests
Ms. Petersen said she read in a Novernoer issue of the Daily Northwestern community public and readers
were both in agreement with the Nora ;vestern police department that they do have a double standard
relating to drug arrest There is a more .enrent policy that very often, ir; fact most of the time, do not arrest
them and because of the jurisdiction are allowed to make that decision She does not know how that works
according to the ordinance but would lice to question the double standard. Alderman Feldman said he
would like to hear Chief Chafin s comments Chief Chafin said they -re not going to lock students up for
smoking a joint as long as they are not pushing drugs and dealing with quantities, like a pound of marijuana.
Any college or university in the country, private and public institutions .n each incident the university. the
courts. even the Cities have a problem with how to enforce this very minor drug infractions that occur with
the kids including drinking alcohol Peop;e don t want their sons or daughters getting their careers messed
up because they did something silly going to a party. That s the reference officers were talking about.
Alderman Rainey asked Chief Kaminski when we arrest, or have occasion to be in an arrest situation with
a Northwestern student, is that student treated the same as if they were a non student resident of Evanston.
Northwestern police are not called to come and take care of the problem Chief Kaminski responded the
only they make a call when a kid is victimized is to let them know what happened, but on an arrest situation
we don't call them
Alderman Rainey asked what if a student was selling drugs on campus Chief Chafin said they would get
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locked up and won't call anybody until they get arrested When he does h:s annual talk in the fall he lets
students know we don't condone, anybody that sells drugs on this campu% and gets detested, no one is
called on their behalf, they go to jail, period. That is made very, very clear ne matter what they get arrested
for. They are also warned not to befrend someone who will come from off campus and push drugs on the
campus. Drugs are bad for your health. others are put at risk if you br.ng the wrong element in and
something very bad can happen.
Alderman Kent said if they're going to experiment. he does not know r%Inere e:se tt•ey're going to experiment
except in the City of Evanston. Chief Chafin said the kids can go find some drugs and may even go to
Chicago, but it is not tolerated for them to push or sell drugs on campus Alderman Kent said he would
imagine what you do is concentrate on so called party houses, why do you need your police to do that when
we have a disorderly household ordinance that works well when we enforce I He does not understand why
we need them to do that when it is a tool that the Evanston police department already has One of the
things that comes back to him is while we were developing that we talked to the staff person at
Northwestern and they told us we don t want to arrest anybody because we care about these kids and their
future He understands that but if you are in a house with a party selling liquor to underage kids you are
breaking the law. How do we deal with that and how would they deal with that any differently than we
currently do. Chief Kaminski said we do the same process, we go there and ticket them, all they do is
provide additional assistance to handle the call. In addition to that we not only refer that they get arrested
but they get a referral to the on campus Dean who handles off housing students so they are getting hit two
times. not only getting arrested but they now have to deal with the University for their inappropriate behavior
off campus.
Alderman Newman asked about the alcohol policy in University housing which included both fraternities and
dormitories, where alcohol is not allowed He understands that fraternities in Junior and Senior years rent
houses on Sherman, Pratt. and Maple Avenues, where there might 100 or 200 people on a front lawn of
a residential neighborhood making our neighborhoods the vehicle for the party to take place because
parties are not allowed on campus By implementing this policy you have put these parties in the
neighborhoods and the people paying property are responsible to clean up after these parties There has
never been any conscience by the University in creating that policy and taking an aggressive role. He is
always looking around for University police during the party season. September 19' until it gets cold, and
he does not see much other than beer bottles on front lawns Chief Kaminski said the way that ordinance
has helped us is when they get a call about a party they not only arrest the party goers and cite them for
disorderly and illegal drinking. but they rave now been tracking locations of parties by looking up the names
of the owners of the properties and sending them letters telling them the police has been at their property
and made an arrest and if they have to come back to make another arrest they will not only arrest the
people there but will arrest the owner for having a disorderly house 11hth this ordinance we are not only
citing the kids buy the owners as well The responses they have received from the owners are telling the
police there will not be any further problems
Alderman Feldman called for any add,Ucns to this ordinance The issue of not having any boundaries arose
and Alderman Newman said after givirg this much thought in reading this over the reality is 25 police is
4 or 5 policemen on a shift and based on this number they will not get very far They will still be hovering
around the University property campus as that is their primary responsibility regardless of what we see
about boundaries If there were a greater number of police such as at the University of Chicago we could
then open up those boundaries and be able to have our police patrol hotter spots Chief Chafin said that
was a good point and he wrote that to the University administration but he knows nothing will happen.
Alderman Newman said he realized that is based on what the top administrators of the University are willing
to contribute to the City
Alderman Feldman hopes this will core back to the Human Services Committee in January with the
inclusion of all the changes and additions to be introduced to the City Council Alderman Newman asked
that Northwestern University take next six months to a year to think about what contribution they're going
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to make to the building of our new police and fire station and looks forward to their response. Akterman
Feldman said his response to Northwestern's answer was disturbing to him in two ways, one the idea was
rejected, the second it was not rejected formally. This body indicated it required an answer and the only
way he received it was to ask you a question, we should have received it in writing if it's a policy statement
from Northwestern that they're not able to do it and give us reasons why. Chief Chafin said he could not
answer that but he did raise the question.
XI. CONSIDERATION OF THE DISPOSITION OF CITIZEN COMPLAINTS AGAINST
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Newman felt a good job was done on this which is exactly the type of complaint where somebody
was not listening to a police officer. In his mind this is not a crime and it would be interesting to know what
the discipline was. Chief Kaminski said he happened to be put into discipline. Alderman Newman thinks
when you sustain a complaint a copy of the complaint should come back to the committee, without any
names, so we can get an idea of what discipline was ultimately done.
Alderman Moran moved acceptance of the disposition of citizen complaints against the Police
department. Alderman Newman seconded the motion. motion unanimously accepted f5-0I.
XII. REFERENCE REVIEW SCHEDULEICOMMiTTEE MEETING SCHEDULE
Mr. Terry said Human Services Committee normally meets the first Monday of every month but we have
issues with January and February. Looking for alternative dates he suggests, if agreeable, Thursday,
January 6:0 ,7:30 p.m.,be the January meeting date and Monday. January 31" serve as the February
committee meeting date. These dates met with the committee's approval.
Mr. Terry asked for comments on the reference part of the memo wherein he raised questions about staff
wanting some direction regarding some of the issues.
Alderman Feldman said if we are to deal with the Murals on Viaducts reference he will need information
from the Recreation Department Alderman Rainey did not think any policy we make regarding murals will
mean anything if they say no murals Alderman Newman said Mr Gaynor is prepared to report to this
committee on where all the murals are how they've been approved. and what we have to do with the C.T.A.
Alderman Rainey said a couple of months ago she suggested the Police Officer Vacancy reference be
removed from the Pending Reference list. However, we are now beginning to see some heavy duty
vacancies and would like it to remain on the list. She thought at some point in time we would inter meet
with the Civic Service Commission Alderman Newman said that is under the jurisdiction of A & P W and
did not know how it came to the Human Services Commission. The Civic Service Commission reports to
the Personnel This is an important reference and Alderman Rainey does not care where it is but does not
want to lose track of it Mr Terry said he wanted a jurisdictional question answered The consensus was
A & PW should retain jurisdiction
Alderman Rainey's requested the Human Services Committee discuss initiating facilitating information
regarding her reference on Guns Off the Street.
Alderman Feldman said his reference regarding Police Outpost and Other Special Needs, information
needed is where the other outposts are. how are they being funded what citizens are coming in for what
activities, etc.
Use of the State Performing Arts Center Grant can be eliminated from the list.
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Mr. Terry said, regarding the Pending issue and the possible use of the apartments at the ligjhthouse
complex by the Arts Center, we are still awaiting informatlon from the Arts Center before repor*V back to
the Committee.
Regarding the Establishment of a Youth Court, Alderman Bemstein will be attending the Janua , Duman
Services meeting to discuss this.
X[II. Adjournment
The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:40 p.m_
Respectfully submitted,
Audrey Trotsl , t;4tment o ealth and Human Services
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