HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2014-12-01-2014City of
Evanston
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, December 1, 2014
6:30 p.m.
CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS
Council Chambers
Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center
2100 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL
Roll Call: Alderman Wilson Alderman Burrus
Alderman Holmes Alderman Fiske
Alderman Tendam Alderman Braithwaite
Alderman Grover Alderman Wynne
Alderman Rainey
Public Comment:
Following persons spoke concerning the Librarv:
Michael Tanen asked for severalty during the meeting. He stated the accusations need
to stop. He went on expressing the views of the Library Board and the underfunding of
the Public Library. He asked for support from the Council for the Library's Budget as he
passed out a packet to all of the Dias members except the Clerk.
Vaishali Patel read a statement letter from Corey Corman who could not attend due to a
previous meeting (letter was not given to the Clerk).
Lori Keenan is the co -President of the Evanston Public Library Friends and she was
asking support for the Library Board's budget. She also spoke against the behavior of two
Aldermen at last week's meetings.
Michele Hay a spokesman for Brurnmel Park area and is asking that a library be placed
in southern end of Evanston
Kristen James is the PTA Council President and a parent with kids in three Evanston
Schools. She spoke in support of the Public Library and asked the Council to partner with
the Library.
David Marzali is a supporter of Public Library, but also the CEO Center for Economic
Progress who have partnered with the Library. His company assists low income families
in preparing taxes and other services. Alderman Rainey asked the speaker the cost to
providing the service.
Andi Drileck is Vice Pres. of Workforce Services providing training classes and other
services while renting space from the library.
Junad Rizki stated he supports good use of the money and suggests the use of the
Howard Street Outpost to be changed into a library instead of a proposed coffee shop.
Alderman Rainey shouted out a comment following Mr. Rizki's comments.
Rolanda Burris is a patron of the library and they are the heart of the neighborhood on
Central Street. She also expressed her appreciation for the services and activities.
Rainer Huemer spoke in support of the Library and the partnerships that are connected
with the Library.
Joan Hickman spoke highly of the staff of the library and wanted to give Connie a raise
Diana Allen is the asst. ESL coordinator at Oakton Community College has formed a
partnership with the Library over the past.
Antonieta Diaz she works for Connection and they serve all persons from all sorts of life.
They help them from their rented space in the Public Library
Richard Kuntz stated he was appalled to learn that certain Aldermen who were not in
support of the Library.
Jessica Odonie has a local law office in Evanston as a lawyer. She has worked with
persons to who are interested in starting small businesses from Next Chapter Evanston,
as she also asked for help from the Council.
Items for Consideration
(SP1) Ordinance 135-0-14: Evanston Public Librarv2014 Tax Levy
For Action
Alderman Grover motioned to approve the Ordinance and it was seconded by Alderman
Fiske. Ald. Wilson stated he supported the passing of the ordinance, and Mayor Tisdahl
stated she supports the Library as well. The Roll Call vote was 7-2 to approve (Aldermen
Rainey and Burrus voted nay).
(SP2) Ordinance 147-0-14, Grantinq a Special Use for a Twe 2 Restaurant,
Domino's Pizza, at 911 Foster Street
For Action
Mayor Tisdahl read the notice to accept the proposed ordinance and it was seconded.
Ald. Fiske stated she had voted against the suspension of the Rules to allow citizens the
opportunity to input their concerns which did not happen. Ald. Holmes stated the citizens
in her ward are definitely in support of the Restaurant, and the owner has placed
significant amount of money into the property and wanted to move forward. A Roll Call
vote was taken with a 8-1 vote for approval (Alderman Fiske voted nay).
Mayor Tisdahl stated since the items for discussion were completed is there a motion for
adjournment. Aldermen Fiske and Rainey questioned whether or not there would be Call
of the Wards. The Mayor stated it was not mentioned on the Agenda. Alderman Rainey
stated she was concerned with some of the comments that were made. She wanted the
social services to be communicated to all of the residents. City Manager stated there are
some residents who are not being communicated to, but he will come back in January
with answers to Ald. Rainey's concerns. Ald. Fiske then stated there will be a 1st ward
meeting tomorrow night at the Library. The Mayor stated the meeting was adjourned at
7:45 pm.
Submitted by, Hon. Rodney Greene, MMC / City Clerk