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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2012-06-18-2012JUNE 18, 2012 city of Evanston CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER 2100 RIDGE AVENUE, EVANSTON 60201 COUNCIL CHAMBERS Monday, June 18, 2012 7:00 p.m. Roll Call: Alderman Wilson Alderman Burrus Alderman Holmes Alderman Fiske Alderman Tendam Alderman Braithwaite Alderman Grover Alderman Wynne Alderman Rainey Presiding: 7:08 PM Mayor Elizabeth B. Tisdahl Mayor Tisdahl called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 7:05 pm. Mayor Public Announcements and Proclamations Mayor Tisdahl presented Mr. Carlson with a framed certificate for the many years of service to the Evanston community through the Bookman's Alley that will be closing very soon it was entitled "Roger Carlson Bookman's Alley Certificate. Mr. Roger Carlson thanked everyone and then stated a saying of his "Look both ways before crossing a one-way street". Alderman Wilson commented on how much he appreciated Mr. Carlson and the Bookman Alley, because he had spent many hours visiting his shop. City Manager Presentations and Announcements CTA Work and Construction Project Updates Summer Events mentioned are as follows: Custer Street Fair, Fountain Square Arts Festival, Ricky Byrdsong "Race against Hate". Before citizen comments were given Mayor Tisdahl read a statement concerning proper comments and only those in the jurisdiction of the Council, as well as what would occur if redundant statements were made. Citizen Comment Jeff Smith, 2724 Harrison mentioned the new position of the podium and suggested it be positioned somewhere else. He also commented on the Climate Action Plan and how it is working for all entities involved, and he complimented all who are working together in reducing the carbon footprint in Evanston. B.K. Rao, 2246 Sherman spoke of the Tree City Award but the City does nothing to save trees. She also accused the Mayor of not wanting to hear from anyone speaking for the trees. Minutes June 18, 2012 Page 2 of 6 Padma Rao, 2246 Sherman stated the Council gives lip -service and no action towards preserving trees or a Climate Action Plan. She stated trees produce oxygen that we need, removes carbon dioxide from the air, and increases the value of homes. She then mentioned the Kendall decision to kill two dozen mature trees, and at that point the Mayor informed her that the matter had been resolved and turned the microphone off. Ms. Rao continued to talking by raising her voice and disagreeing with the Mayor and calling her a dictator. SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS (SP1)Hisoanic Outreach Report: Evanston en Espanol Accept the report for an expanded plan for Hispanic outreach as a collaborative effort between the Evanston Public Library and the Citizen Engagement Division. For Action Ms. Lyons, Library Director came forward to announce the inclusion of the Hispanic community and how there has been a mechanism to translate English to Spanish as well as some other languages. She also works with District 65 and looking at other partnerships to provide better customer services. Ms. Hernandez, Citizen Engagement Coordinator gave part two of the outreach initiative. She announced the website they had put into place, but they are still tweaking the site to include as much information as they can gather. (SP2)2012 Safetv Goal Update Staff recommends City Council accept the Pedestrian Safety Report and authorize staff to proceed with the report's recommendations in the attached presentation. For Action Richard Eddington, Chief of Police, and Suzette Robinson, Director of Public Works gave a power -point presentation concerning a joint effort to improving safety for the City of Evanston's residents as well as traffic flow. Chief Eddington stated there has been a 12% decrease of crime due to many added procedures that aided in this decrease. He also introduced Sgt. Patrick Moran to the Council and public at large. Chief Eddington pointed out the following facts: . Enforcement of Traffic laws: 17 DUI's, 13 suspended arrests, 3 felony arrests, 3 drug arrests, 1 fugitive apprehended, 1 reckless driving arrest, 157 seat belt citations, 64 uninsured motorist citations, 46 cell phone citations, 4 child safety -seat citations, 142 other motor vehicle citations; 2,458 traffic crashes (2,151 on Evanston roadways), a 16.5% decrease in crashes over a 4 year period, there were 94 roadway crashes with injuries (Jan. — May 2012). Ms. Robinson then gave the second half of the presentation with these following initiatives: • Traffic Signals Upgrade & Coordination (36 in the last 5 years, 16 in process — state & Federally funded) 2 Minutes June 18, 2012 Page 3 of 6 • Traffic Measures (signs, markings, speed humps etc.) • Major Roadway Resurfacing (better friction and drainage) • Maintenance (earlier de-icing, better plowing and pot -hole repairs) • Right -of -Way Permits (stricter traffic control and pavement restoration) • Enforcement • Cell phone ban Uncontrolled Signed Crossings (No Traffic Signals or No all -way Stop signs) Designations/Categories • Designated school crossings: Elementary/Middle Schools — 9 High School — 8 • Senior Crossings — 3; Park Crossings — 11 • Special Request Crossings — 3; Other Crossings — 19 Uncontrolled Desianated School Crossinas Advance School Crossing; In -Street - State Law High -visibility Markings; Side of Street - State Law At Intersection Crossing Uncontrolled Desianated School Crossinas Imorovement options: LED Blinker School Crossing Sign; Solar Powered • Pushbutton activated; Special Pavement Markings • Special pedestrian crossing pattern • Special sidewalk markings at approach to crossing Uncontrolled Senior Crossinas Existing Treatment: -Advance Pedestrian Crossing Signs • At Intersection sign/senior citizen/arrow • State Law sign (side of street) • State Law sign (in street) • High visibility reflective markings • Sidewalk Bump -outs Improvement Option: • Complete sidewalk bump -outs Uncontrolled Park Crossinas Existing Treatment: • Advance Pedestrian Crossing Signs • At Intersection sign/arrow • State Law sign (side of street) • Crossing Flags • High visibility reflective markings • Sidewalk Bump -outs Imorovement Ootions: • Place flags at all crossings • Complete sidewalk bump -outs in conjunction with street resurfacing projects Soecial Reauest Crossinas Existing Treatment: • Advance Pedestrian Crossing Signs • At Intersection sign/arrow • State Law sign (side of street) • State Law sign (in street) • High visibility reflective markings 3 Minutes • Sidewalk Bump -outs Improvement Options • To be determined June 18, 2012 Page 4 of 6 Other Uncontrolled Pedestrian Crossinas Existing Treatment: • Advance Pedestrian Crossing Signs • At Intersection sign/arrow • State Law sign (side of street where requested) • High visibility reflective markings Improvement Options: • Complete signs as needed and as budget allows Recommendations Establish an evaluation committee consisting of the following: • Northwestern Traffic Institute • Traffic Engineering Consultant • Police Department • Public Works Department Recommendations • Request a special City Council meeting be held on August 6th in lieu of Rules Committee • Request additional study areas from the City Council Evaluation Committee Tasks Recommended Study Areas: • Crosswalk priority designation and categories • Review safe walk route to schools • Evaluate crossing guard placements • Establish city-wide safe routes education Program • Placement of permanent radar speed displays • Identify additional sidewalk bump -outs /crosswalk locations. • Citywide speed reduction to 25 mph on all major streets. (SP3)Evanston Climate Action Plan Update and 2012 Implementation Plan Staff recommends acceptance of the 2011 Evanston Climate Action Plan (ECAP) Update and approval of the 2012 ECAP Implementation Strategy. For Action Catherine Hurley, Sustainable Programs Coordinator presented an update of where the City is in the proposed Climate Action Plan that was developed four (4) years ago. Below is a sample of the information she shared with her power -point presentation: Greenhouse gas emissions for the Evanston Community have decreased by 4% or 36,151 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e). In total, greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 4% or 42,049 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MTCO2e). Emission reductions for the city's municipal operations are the result of the city efficiency projects and programs, many of which have been funded through federal and state grants. These programs have resulted in a measurable reduction in operational emissions. 1 1 1 4 Minutes June 18, 2012 Page 5 of 6 Awards and Recoanition In Illinois, Evanston was one of only five local governments that received the 2011 Governors' Sustainability Award for the city's significant achievements in protecting the environment, helping sustain the future, and improving the economy. The National Environmental Hall of Fame Award was presented to Evanston for the city's work in creating and implementing projects that address social, environmental and financial aspects of sustainability. The U.S. Conference of Mayors selected Evanston from the pool of 130 applicants for the 2011 Climate Protection Award for the City's efforts to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Award sponsor Walmart provided a $15,000 check which was donated to the not -for -profit organization, Citizens' Greener Evanston, to continue support for Climate Action Plan implementation. The City of Evanston received the Charles Walter Nicholas Award for Environmental Excellence for its sustainability practices from the American Public Works Association Suburban Branch. Strategies for reducing Green House Gas Emissions include increasing public transportation, car -sharing programs, biking, and walking in Evanston and supporting affordable housing and transit oriented development. Over the past several years, the city's Fleet Services has worked with various divisions and departments to improve the efficiency of the fleet including the removal of 49 older and high emission vehicles from the fleet in the past 3 years. This effort has helped the city to reduce operational transportation emissions and also reduce future capital expenditures by $1.9 million. The number of people boarding the CTA train increased by 2.7% from 2010-2011, from 9,843 in 2010 to 10,105 in 2011 as the weekday daily average number of riders for the Purple Line. In addition, ridership for the bus routes has also increased. The Ridge/Central bus route increased by 5.6%, Central/Sherman increased by 10.4%, Chicago/Golf increased by 8.9%, and the Evanston Circulator increased by 5.2%. The I -GO program in Evanston, which already has eleven cars in its fleet, is in the process of constructing solar charging stations so that electric cars can be added to their fleet. According to the State of Illinois, converting from a gas powered to an electric vehicle results in a 23% reduction in vehicle emissions. Evanston NSP2 In 2011, Evanston was awarded a $18.15 million grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development designed to help stabilize portions of West and South Evanston as well as generate economic opportunities for local residents and businesses. Under Evanston's Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2, the City is partnering with Brinshore Development to acquire abandoned and Foreclosed properties and then rehabilitate them for income -eligible households. These homes are Available to households under 120% of the area median income and will be helld to this agreement for the next fifteen years. Minutes June 18, 2012 Page 6 of 6 Summary of Emissions Reduction Through new programs, events and technology in Evanston, greenhouse gas emissions were successfully reduced in a large spectrum of areas. From vehicle to electricity to gas, Evanston's emissions have seen a decline due to the new awareness, standards and programs that have been implemented. While emissions have greatly decreased for the City of Evanston buildings, community emissions remain an opportunity for continued reductions and an area that will be focused on in the upcoming year. Ms. Hurley stated this coming year there will be a continued focus on energy efficiency, transportation, and recycling and waste reduction. Building on the previous projects and events, an emphasis will be placed upon evaluating these prior plans and using this information to help implement new ideas and projects. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (P1)Ordinance 38-0-12 Amendinq Various Portions of the Citv Code Relatinq to Bed & Breakfast Establishments During its meeting of June 11, 2012, the Planning and Development Committee recommended three amendments to Ordinance 38-0-12 and moved for Introduction at City Council. City Council held the ordinance at their June 11, 2012 until the next City Council meeting of June 18, 2012. For Introduction , This item was tabled until the July 9, 2012 Regular City Council Meeting. APPOINTMENTS (APP1)For Appointment to: Arts Council Rebeca Mendoza Board of Ethics Bonnie Lockhart Housing Commission Sandra Hill Compensation Committee Matt Barton Compensation Committee Suzanne Calder Compensation Committee Mildred Harris Compensation Committee Tim Pareti Compensation Committee Al Telser Compensation Committee Kelvin Walsh Alderman Wilson moved for approval of the appointments with an amendment, and with a second and a unanimous voice vote for yes the appointments were approved. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded and with a unanimous voice vote the meeting ended at 10:30 pm. Submitted by, Hon. Rodney Greene, City Clerk