HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2014-10-25-2014City of
Evanston
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS
LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Saturday, October 25, 2014
City Council Roll Call: Alderman Fiske Alderman Wynne
Alderman Wilson Alderman Holmes
Alderman Tendam Alderman Grover
Alderman Rainey
Absent: Alderman Burrus Alderman Braithwaite
Presiding: Mayor Elizabeth B. Tisdahl
The Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order at 9:15 AM by the
Mayor after a quorum was obtained by a Roll Call.
Public Hearing: FY2015 Proposed Budget for the City of Evanston
Public Comment:
• Mike Vasilko — Voiced his opinion on the budget for the upcoming year.
• Junad Ritzki — Voiced his opinions on the budget and how he feels about
the Council and City Manager. He also went on to say a few things about
the water operations of the City. How he disagrees with the increase in the
water taxing. He also voiced his opinions on the Sheridan Rd. Project.
The proposed budget for 2015 is available on:
www.citvofevanston.orq/government/budget
Public Hearing: Truth in Taxation Hearing for the 2014 Property Tax Levy for the City of
Evanston
Public Comment:
• Deborah Abbott Kisor — Voiced her support for the Library Board Trustees
for the 11 % tax increase for the Evanston Public Library.
• Junad Ritzki — Complained that things were not getting done in a timely
matter. He continued to criticize the City Council about their decision
making. (Mayor Tisdahl and Mr. Bobkiewicz explained to the Public that
there have been several budget meetings, as well as, Mr. Lyons having
several review sessions in regards to the budget.)
• Michael Vasilko — Expressed his thought about the tax increase, but he
believes that the residents' money is the residents' money and not the
City Council Agenda October 25, 2014 Page 2 of 4
Library. He would like to reject the tax increase.
• Mary Rosinski — Supports the Library Board and the tax increase.
• Betty Ester - Questioned (SP1). (Mr. Bobkiewicz answered the questions
that were answerable) She withdrew the remaining questions she had, due
to the upcoming agenda items to be discussed. She would like to know the
difference of a part-time and full-time and how many of each employed with
the City of Evanston. (in regards to the BUDGET for 2015)
Wally Bobkiewicz, City Manager, answered a few questions that were
presented to the Council in regards to the Budget for 2015.
Special Orders of Business: Introduction of 2014 Tax Levies and Budget Workshop
Marty Lyons, Treasurer & Assistant City Manager, gave a presentation about
the proposed Budget for 2015.
SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS
(SP1) Ordinance 133-0-14: Citv of Evanston 2014 Tax Levy.
Staff requests introduction of Tax Levy Ordinance 133-0-14, which levies the
annual property tax for General Fund Operations, Illinois Municipal Retirement
Fund, Police and Fire Pension Funds, and General Assistance Fund.
For Introduction - APPROVED
(SP2) Ordinance 134-0-14: 2014 Special Service Area #4 Tax Levy,
Staff requests introduction of Tax Levy Ordinance 134-0-14, which levies the
annual property tax for Special Service Area #4.
For Introduction - APPROVED
(SP3) Ordinance 135-0-14: Evanston Public Library 2014 Tax Levy,
Staff requests introduction of Tax Levy Ordinance 135-0-14 which levies the
annual property tax for the Evanston Public Library.
For Introduction - APPROVED
(SP4) FY2015 Budget Workshop
No formal action will be taken regarding the FY2015 Budget. Budget documents
are available here: httr)://www.citvofevanston.orq/citv-budqet/
For Discussion
Mayor Announcements:
- Expressed her condolences to the Honorable Rodney Greene for the passing of
his father.
- Proposed a light walk with ETHS students, to see where lights need to be added
to make it a safer to walk home when it gets dark.
City Manager:
- Announced that there were 250 volunteers out walking in the streets of Evanston
for the United Way: Day of Caring.
City Council Agenda October 25, 2014 Page 3 of 4
Community Outreach Event: Suzzette Robinson, Director of Public Works, spoke
about the Halloween & Harvest Fest happening Saturday, October 25 — 27, 2014
from 10:00 am — 7:00 pm on Sherman Avenue between Davis & Church. She
advised that there will be lots of fun activities during the three days.
City Clerk:
No Communications to report.
Sat Nagar, Asst. Director of Infrastructure, gave a presentation on all city projects
that will be completed this fiscal year.
Marty Lyons, Treasurer & Assistant City Manager, continued his Budget for 2015
presentation for the Budget Workshop.
o Alderman Holmes questioned the fee schedule inquiring if the City
of Evanston will raise fees in regards to the Health Department.
o Evonda Thomas -Smith, Director of Health Department, stated
the Health Department has not raised fees since 2011.
o Wally Bobkiewicz, City Manager, stated that raising fees is a
possibility.
o Alderman Grover, questioned the use of Vital Records and how
often is the department utilized.
Public Comment (Non -Agenda Items):
• Junad Ritzki, inquired about the water bill increase and how he is not in support
of the increase. He also, inquired about the $2 million budgeted for Robert
Crown, and additional $2 million for the Northwestern Water Tank.
• Betty Ester, has a request for City Council, Mayor, and City Manager in regards
to the #93 CTA bus stop on Church Street was in an alley. She is asking the City
Council to have the City Manager write a letter to CTA to move the bus stop back
to Church and Dodge. Also, the #208 Pace bus.
o Alderman Holmes, advised that they are currently working on the issue at
hand in regards to the bus stop.
• David Gerand, spoke in regards to the Library Board. Suggested that the Board
be elected.
Call of the Wards:
Ward 9: Alderman Burrus — absent.
Ward 1: Alderman Fiske — had no report.
Ward 2: Alderman Braithwaite — absent.
City Council Agenda October 25, 2014 Page 4 of 4
Ward 3: Alderman Wynne — had no report.
Ward 4: Alderman Wilson - had no report.
Ward 5: Alderman Holmes — had no report.
Ward 6: Alderman Tendam — had no report.
Ward 7: Alderman Grover — reported the loss of a community member, Mr. Wilbert
Sidel. He passed at the age of 104.
Ward 8: Alderman Rainey — Proposed that there should be a referendum added to a
future election to have elections for the Library Board.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:55 am, with a voice vote.
Submitted by,
Akasha S. Terrier
Deputy City Clerk
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