HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2011-10-24-20111
1
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS
LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Monday, October 24, 2011
Roll Call: Alderman Wynne
Alderman Rainey
Alderman Wilson
Alderman Burrus
Alderman Holmes
Alderman Fiske
Alderman Tendam
Alderman Braithwaite
Alderman Grover
Presiding:
Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl
Mayor Tisdahl called the meeting to order after the Roll Call indicated a quorum was
present at 9:05 pm.
Mayor Public Announcements
Veterans Day Remembrance Ceremony will be held at Fountain Square on Friday
November 11, 2011. The assembly will begin at 10:00 am and the ceremony will begin at
10:30 am and is expected to end by 11:30 am. There will non -denominational reflections
by Elected Officials and leaders of local Veterans groups. The rifle salute will be
performed by the Navy ROTC after taps, and the Evanston Police Color Guard will
participate in the ceremony.
A donation in the amount of $9,000.00, to the Parks, Recreation and Community
Services Department was given from Samuel McKinley, Jr. of Best Taxi. This donation
paid for all of the roller skates in youth and adult sizes at the Fleetwood-Jourdain and
the fees are posted
City Manager Public Announcements
He had no announcements.
Communications: City Clerk
He had no communications.
Citizen Comment:
These citizens spoke concernina the Baa Ordinance:
Elliot Zashin, 715 Asbury Ave. stated he was a member of the Board of a Greener
Evanston, and that they support the efforts of the City to reduce the use of disposable
plastic especially bags. They don't have a specific Ordinance but stated the next step is
for the staff to move forNard in drafting an Ordinance to cover all the areas addressed.
October 24, 2011
Nate Kipnis, 1642 Payne Street read a letter from a citizen who could not be here
tonight, which supported the Council's efforts in initiating a Bag Ordinance. He also
named a few states that already have a bag ordinance, ie: Portland, Oregon, San Hose,
California, and those that levy fees are: Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and Santa Monica
County.
Mike Drennan, 820 Oakton Street, stated that plastic doesn't recycle very well even
though it is very important in the health environment (which is his family business). He
also stated we should reduce, reuse and then recycle.
Todd Ruppeuthal, 2601 Prairie Ave. he owns the Happy Husky Bakery and the
President of the Central Street Business Association. He stated he had sent many letters
to staff but received no response, and he stated the Association would like to also
participate in the discussion process.
Rosemary O'Neil, 2044 Sheridan Road, stated the plastic bags are made with natural
gas in the United States and we should not put those individuals out of work to add to the
unemployment lines. She also stated the long life bags are made in China. She
suggested the money should go to the Pension or General Funds.
Phil Rozenski, stated he was the Director of Sustainability of the largest manufactures of
plastic products, and he goes all over the country educating communities in the use or
not of plastic bags. He believes the Ordinance offers a false choice for the citizen.
Andrew Hobaugh, 721 University Place stated he was the Co -President of the
Roosevelt Institute at Northwestern University and they are supportive of the bag bane or
fee. They have a campaign on the campus called the "Bag -less NU Campaign" to
eliminate plastic bags and one time reusable.
Elizabeth Miller, 602 Lake St. stated she is a Sr. at NU and feels that there should be
some educating before the Ordinance is initiated to the public.
Isaac Alpert, 1865 Sherman Ave. stated they are trying to change people's habits in
using plastic bags and one time usage items.
Jeanne Lindwall, 625 Library Place stated her disagreement with the proposed bag
Ordinance. She suggested that the Council take the time to examine the potential cost
and benefits from a broader perspective than that of the Environment Board.
Carl Bova, 1322 Rosalie Street, he stated there has not been any investigations made
by staff or the Environment Board, and the data from a third party is not acceptable to
him. He asked why create an Ordinance when citizens are already being responsible and
maybe a reward should be offered instead of a fine.
These citizens spoke concerninq the TIGER III Aqreement:
Barb Cornew, stated she is the North Suburban Coordinator of the Active Transportation
Alliance and she supports the TIGER III Agreement.
Neal J. Ney, 224 Grey Ave. came to speak in support of the TIGER III Agreement. He
stated he does not need a bike lane because he feels safe riding in the street, but it is
needed for other bikers' for safety.
This person spoke of a communitv event
Howard Handler, 450 Skokie Blvd. came to announce and invite all to a lecture on
Evanston's law on restricting unrelated persons living together, also known by the media
as the "Brothel Law". The lecture will be given by Professor Ellen Hager of the
University of Massachusetts of Amherst, on Wednesday, November 2"d at 7:00 pm at
Evanston's Public Library main branch.
2
October 24, 2011
Patrick Hughes and Rick Prinz, fr,Dm the West End community business area came to
praise the cooperation of the City especially the Department of Economic Development
with a token of their appreciation with plaque.
The followina citizens spoke on Kendall Re -subdivision
Padma Rao, 2246 Sherman Ave. stated her comments were approved and reviewed by
her Attorney. She asked for the legitimacy of the Council's decisions concerning the
Kendall subdivision issues as well as the conflict of interest issues that she has spoken of
in the past. She also questioned the why the Council has often attacked her and
wondered if it was because of her ethnic background or their religious beliefs, when
others who speak are not.
BK Rao, 2246 Sherman Ave made the same statement as her daughter concerning their
attorney, and stated the Council has refused every comment they brought up concerning
the Kendall property. She then spoke of the open animosity toward her daughter from an
unnamed Alderman and the Council, and asked why the Council does not adhere to their
own rules they have set.
A motion to recess for Evanston Township meeting was made By Alderman Wynne and
seconded by Alderman Burrus. The Council recessed at 9:50 pm, after a unanimous
voice vote.
Township Clerk R. Greene began reading the proposed document T1 explaining the
reason for the Special Township meeting, which was for the purpose of Discussion of
Township Organization Options for Evanston. He then asked for nomination of a
Moderator and Trustee Tisdahl was nominated and seconded. There were no other
nominations from the floor, so a voice vote was rendered that was unanimous for Trustee
Tisdahl as the Moderator.
Moderator Tisdahl asked Township Assessor Bonnie Wilson to come forward) to share
her report of what her office has been doing. Ms. Wilson stated due to an emergency
Township Supervisor Pat Vance could not attend. Ms. Wilson gave a detailed report of
the work her Office had been doing for the past month. She stated her Office has served
approximately twenty taxpayers per day and on Saturday, and she stated that November
1 St taxes are due.
TOWNSHIP MEETING
(T1)Discussion of Township of Evanston Oraanization Options
Staff recommends the Township Board to direct Corporation Counsel to draft ballot
language for a referendum on dissolution of Evanston Township for placement on
March 20, 2012 General Election ballot and work with members of Evanston General
Assembly Delegation to draft state legislation pertaining to the dissolution of Evanston
Township and assumption of General Aid administration by the City by amending the
Illinois Township Code and the Public Aid Code.
For Action
Moderator Tisdahl asked Mr. Farrar to walk us through the proposal. He addressed
himself as the Town Board Attorney and how he had been working on this proposal for
the last six months. He stated what he and Manager Bobkiewicz are suggesting is a belt
and suspenders approach to have the Township Code and the Public Aide Code to be
October 24, 2011
amended as directed by the Township Board, seeking directions from Springfield
Legislators to have a referendum placed on the March 12th Ballot.
Moderator Tisdahl stated to pursue this in Springfield will take a lot of lobbying time and
that it will not be a number one priority, and to get this through would not be easy.
Trustee Grover stated she agreed on the Moderator's perspectives, but she wanted the
Council to continue down the road with a consolidation of the Township and a
reassurance to the taxpayers the continued service that Township Assessor Wilson's
Office provides. She then motioned to have the staff to draft ballot language to appear on
the March 12th ballot and it was seconded by Trustee Rainey.
Trustee Wilson questioned the dollar amount of $85,000.00 is not worth the effort to
eliminate the Township and feels this is not the way to go, and it is a waste of time and
energy he personally believes.
Trustee Rainey stated the Trustees can not direct the Township to do anything because
we don't have that responsibility or the right. She believes it is not in her opinion that a
referendum is the way to go. She believes that the Township form of government is
archaic and a waste and should be abolished.
Moderator Tisdahl then appointed City Manager Bobkiewicz as the Township Board
Advisor to speak on the Township issue. Mr. Bobkiewicz stated the $85,000.00 was
identified as efficiency savings.
Trustee Holmes stated it is irresponsible for the Council to talk about abolishing the
Township without having a firm plan of what's going to happen with the General
Assistance, and there are too many unanswered questions in her opinion.
Trustee Braithwaite stated he would not be supporting the abolishment of the Township.
Trustee Burrus believes that more control of the Township would be more beneficial and
efficient by being in house and she supports the abolishment of the Township.
Trustee Tendam agrees that the services can be transferred from the Township to the
City and he supports the abolishment by referendum.
Trustee Grover asked Mr. Farrar if he had already gone further down the road looking
into the various issues concerning the Township. What is the cost associated with placing
it on the March 12th ballot? Can we simultaneously explore alternative ways to administer
General Assistance in Evanston?
Grant Farrar, stated the work done has been looking at the feasibility of a referendum
and analyzing the statutes. The cost would be determined by Cook County Clerk David
Orr's Office. He stated he had contacted the Illinois Dept. of Public Aide and they were
unaware of any packs between governmental agencies concerning Public Aide.
Trustee Grover motioned to direct the Corporation Counsel to draft ballot language for a
referendum on dissolution of the Township to appear on the March 12th 2012 General
Election ballot. A voice vote was taken and it was not unanimous. A Roll Call vote was
taken with a 5-4 result of support (Trustees Braithwaite, Holmes, Wynne, Wilson).
Mr. Bobkiewicz asked if the Trustees wanted to have a special Township meeting later in
November either the 29th or 30tn
A motion to adjourn and then reconvene as Evanston City Council was made by Trustee
Burrus and it was seconded. A unanimous voice vote was received. The Council
reconvened at 10:33 pm.
4
October 24, 2011
ISPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS
(SP1)Disposable Baa Presentation
Environment Board will present an update on options regarding disposable bags for City
Council to review.
For Discussion
Lori Zowloff, and Gill Franklin from the Environment Board gave a presentation of the
Bag Disposal Proposal. Please see attached proposal at the end of these minutes.
(SP2)TIGER III Grant Application: Church Street from Lawler Avenue (Skokie) to
Chicaqo Avenue (Evanston) and Dodqe Avenue from Dempster Street to Lvons
Street
Staff recommends authorization for the City Manager to apply for a TIGER III
Discretionary Grant to fund the construction of the West Evanston Plan on Church
Street (NS Channel to Chicago) and Dodge Avenue (Dempster to Lyons). The total cost
of funding this project is estimated to be $16,300,000 of which $11,720,000 would be
funded with TIGER III Grant funds. The remaining $4,580,000 would be funded by the
City of Evanston and the State of Illinois.
For Action
Mr. Lyons gave an abbreviated presentation of the Actuarial Changes. The presentation
is attached at the end of these minutes.
Items not approved on Consent Aaenda:
(A4)2012 Water Main Replacement & Street Resurfacina Proaram
Staff recommends City Council approval of the proposed list of projects to be included
in the 2012 Water Main Replacement and Street Resurfacing Program, subject to final
approval of the FY2012 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP). In addition, staff recommends
the development of a new 5-Year Street Improvement Plan (FY2013-FY2017) to be
completed in 2012.
For Action
(A6)City of Evanston's Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) Franchise Aareement and
Other Issues Associated with Electric Power Reliabilitv
Staff recommends that the City Council: 1) receive this report; 2) refer to the City's
Utility Commission the issue of Municipal Electric Aggregation to study any potential
benefit aggregation could have for Evanston residents and businesses and report back
to the City Council no later than February 29, 2012; and 3) request that the City work
with the Northwest Municipal Conference on state legislation dealing with ComEd during
the General Assembly's Fall Veto Session.
For Action
0
5
October 24, 2011
(A8)Ordinance 82-0-11. Decreasinq the Number of Class C Liquor Licenses Due
to a Chanqe in Ownership of Jackv's on Prairie
The Local Liquor Commissioner recommends introduction, suspension of the rules, and
adoption of Ordinance 82-0-11 to decrease the number of Class C liquor licenses from
26 to 25 due to a change in ownership for Jacky's on Prairie, 2545 Prairie Street.
Request suspension of the Rules for Introduction and Action on October 24, 2011.
For Introduction and Action
(A9)Ordinance 83-0-11. Increasina the Number of Class C Liquor Licenses to
Permit Issuance to Silva Winston, LLC, new owner of Jackv's on Prairie
The Local Liquor Commissioner recommends introduction, suspension of the rules, and
adoption of Ordinance 83-0-11 to increase the number of Class C liquor licenses from
25 to 26 to permit issuance to Silva Winston, LLC, new owner of Jacky's on Prairie,
2545 Prairie Street. Request suspension of the Rules for Introduction and Action on
October 24, 2011.
For Introduction and Action
(Al 1)Ordinance 87-0-11, Authorizina a Cable Franchise Svstem between the Citv
of Evanston and Comcast of Illinois IV, Inc.. for a Period of Seven (7) Years
Staff submits for consideration Ordinance 87-0-11 which would renew Comcast's non-
exclusive cable system franchise with the City for a period of 7 years. Suspension of the
Rules is requested to enable Introduction and Action by City Council on October 24.
2011.
For Introduction and Action
CONSENT AGENDA
(M1) Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 10, 2011
(M2) Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 17, 2011
ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
(Al) City of Evanston Payroll through 10/09/11 $2,507,443.79
(A2) City of Evanston Bills FY2011 through 10/25/11 $2,513,040.72
(A3.1) Approval of Contract Award to Broadwav Electric, Inc. for the 51kV Motor
Control Center Replacement at the Water Utilitv (Bid 12-59)
Staff recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a contract for
the 5kV Motor Control Center Replacement (Bid 12-59) in the amount of $394,745
(Base Bid amount of $390,295 and $4,450 for Alternate 1) with Broadway Electric, Inc.
(831 Oakton Street, Elk Grove, IL). Funding will be provided by the Water Fund Account
733113.65515. Replacement of this equipment is necessitated due to fire damage and
was therefore not budgeted. It is anticipated that the base bid amount of $390,295 will
be reimbursed by insurance. The remaining $4,450 for Alternate 1 will be funded by
excess funds budgeted for capital projects that were deferred.
For Action
October 24, 2011
(A3.2) Approval of 2011 CIPP Sewer Rehabilitation Contract B Award to American
Pipe Liners. Inc. (Bid 12-60)
Staff recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a contract for
Cured -In -Place Pipe Lining Contract B (Bid 12-60) with American Pipe Liners, Inc. (P.O.
Box 28, Highland Park, IL) in the amount of $161,698.50. Funding for this work will be
from the Sewer Fund Account 7420.65515 which has an allocation of $375,000 for
sewer improvements on streets being resurfaced.
For Action
(A3.3) Approval of Sole Source Contract Award for 5th Ward Pilot Area Luminaire
Replacement Proiect to Elcast Liahtinq
Staff recommends that City Council authorize the purchase of 77 Elcast Induction
Lighting Units in the amount of $32,637.22 from Elcast Lighting (815 S Kay Avenue,
Addison, IL). Elcast is the sole distributor/fabricator of the standard City of Evanston
Tallmadge street light luminaires. Funding will be provided by the remaining balance
($19,000) in the Streetlight Upgrade Project (415868), and from a 50% equipment
donation of $16,319 from Northwestern University.
For Action
(A3.4) Approval of Contract Award to Clauss Brothers. Inc. for the 2011 James
Park Renovations Proiect (Bid 12-621 S
Staff recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a contract
with Clauss Brothers, Inc. (360 West Schaumburg Road, Streamwood, IL) for the 2011
James Park Renovation Project in the total amount of $45,500. Funding will be provided
by FY2011 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Account 415410 in the amount of $7,369,
and the remaining $38,131 from the 2011 CIP Contingency account.
For Action
(A5) March 1. 2011 Police and Firefiahter Pension Actuarial Report
Staff recommends that City Council review and approve the March 1, 2011 Actuarial
Valuation for usage in the 2011 Tax Levy for Police and Firefighter funding purposes.
The recommended Actuarial Required Contribution (ARC) as determined by this study
is $6,401,393 for the Firefighters' Pension Fund, and $8,521,751 for the Police Pension
Fund.
For Action
(A7)Ordinance 79-0-11. Amendina Class AC Liquor Licenses, Authorizinq
Limited Alcohol Consumption in Viewina Auditoriums
Local Liquor Commissioner recommends City Council adoption of Ordinance 79-0-11,
which amends the Class AC liquor license to allow patrons to purchase alcohol in the
theater cafe and take their alcoholic beverages inside arts cinema viewing auditoriums
during motion pictures rated PG-13 or R, and special events.
For Introduction
7
L
October 24, 2011
(A10)0rdinance 84-0-11, Increasinq the Number of Class B Liquor Licenses to
Permit Issuance to Taco Diablo, 1029 Davis Street
The Local Liquor Commissioner recommends passage of Ordinance 84-0-11 to
increase the number of Class B liquor licenses from 16 to 17 to permit issuance to Taco
Diablo, LLC, d/b/a "Taco Diablo," 1029 Davis Street.
For Introduction
(Al2)0rdinance 85-0-11, Amendinq Title 10, Regardinq Residents Parkinq Onlv
Districts, Adding District S: Eight o'clock (8:00) A.M. to Six o'clock (6:00) P.M.
Mondav throuqh Saturday for 2500 Block of Hurd Avenue
Staff and the Transportation/Parking Committee recommend approval of Ordinance 85-
0-11 amending Title 10, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Chapter 11, Traffic Schedules,
Section 11: Schedule XVIII; Residents Parking Only Districts, of the Evanston City
Code, Adding (Q). District S: eight o'clock (8:00) A.M. to six o'clock (6:00) P.M. Monday
through Saturday for 2500 block of Hurd Avenue. This ordinance was introduced at the
October 10, 2011 City Council meeting.
For Action
(A13)0rdinance 86-0-11 Amendinq Title 10, Regardinq Limited Parkinq
Residential Exemption District `A', Addinq Lincoln Street, South Side, from
Orrinqton Avenue to Sherman Avenue
Staff and the Transportation/Parking Committee recommend approval of Ordinance 86-
0-11 amending Title 10, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Chapter 11, Traffic Schedules,
Section 10: Schedule X (F) 6; Limited Parking, of the Evanston City Code, to include in
Residential Exemption District `A', Lincoln Street, South Side, from Orrington Avenue to
Sherman Avenue. This ordinance was introduced at the October 10, 2011 City Council
meeting.
For Action
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
(P1)Ordinance 90-0-11, Amendinq Certain Portions of Title 4, Chapter 12 of the
Evanston Citv Code, Siqn Requlations
The Sign Review and Appeals Board and staff recommend approval of Ordinance 90-0-
11 that amends the Sign Regulations to improve administration. The Sign Regulations
were created in 1987 and amended in 2003.
For Introduction
(P2)Ordinance 89-0-11, Grantinq Maior Variances for the Construction of a
Multifamily Dwellinq Located at 2500 Green Bav Road in the R5 General
Residential District
The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), Site Plan and Review Committee and staff
recommend the adoption of Ordinance 89-0-11 that grants zoning relief at 2500 Green
Bay Road to allow the construction of 12 residential units where the zoning code allows a
maximum of nine units, and to permit 15 on -site parking spaces where the zoning code
requires 18 off-street parking spaces.
For Introduction
October 24, 2011
(P3)Ordinance 88-0-11. Reaardina an Application for a Special Use for a Bed and
Breakfast at 300 Church Street in the R1 Sinale-Familv Zonina District
On September 12, 2011, the City Council in a 7-2 vote rejected the recommendation of
the Zoning Board of appeals to deny a special use for a proposed bed and breakfast at
300 Church Street. Staff was directed to prepare an ordinance for consideration by the
Planning & Development Committee and City Council at a future meeting date.
Proposed ordinance 88-0-11 has been prepared in response to this request.
For Introduction
Alderman Rainey motioned to introduce, and suspend the rules on three Ordinances to
save time before motioning for approval of the Consent Agenda and it was seconded. A
Roll Call vote was taken that resulted in a 9-0 to approve. The Consent Agenda passed.
Items for Discussion:
(A4)2012 Water Main Replacement & Street Resurfacina Proaram
Staff recommends City Council approval of the proposed list of projects to be included
in the 2012 Water Main Replacement and Street Resurfacing Program, subject to final
approval of the FY2012 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP). In addition, staff recommends
the development of a new 5-Year Street Improvement Plan (FY2013-FY2017) to be
completed in 2012.
For Action
Alderman Burrus motioned for adoption with the removal of the Howard Street from the
Plan and Alderman Rainey seconded the motion. She also stated she just wanted to
postpone the Howard Street portion of the Plan. A Roll Call was taken with a 9-0 for
approval and the plan passed.
(A6)City of Evanston's Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) Franchise Agreement and
Other Issues Associated with Electric Power Reliabilitv
Staff recommends that the City Council: 1) receive this report; 2) refer to the City's Utility
Commission the issue of Municipal Electric Aggregation to study any potential benefit
aggregation could have for Evanston residents and businesses and report back to the
City Council no later than February 29, 2012; and 3) request that the City work with the
Northwest Municipal Conference on state legislation dealing with ComEd during the
General Assembly's Fall Veto Session.
For Action
Alderman Burrus motioned for the approval of the Agreement with the amendments
from Alderman Grover and to report back to the Council before December 2011 and it
was seconded by Alderman Tendam. A Roll Call vote was taken and resulted in a 9-0
approval. The motion passed.
(A8)Ordinance 82-0-11, Decreasinq the Number of Class C Liquor Licenses Due
to a Chanqe in Ownership of Jackv's on Prairie
The Local Liquor Commissioner recommends introduction, suspension of the rules, and
adoption of Ordinance 82-0-11 to decrease the number of Class C liquor licenses from
26 to 25 due to a change in ownership for Jacky's on Prairie, 2545 Prairie Street.
Request suspension of the Rules for Introduction and Action on October 24, 2011.
For Introduction and Action
9
October 24, 2011
Alderman Burrus motioned to approve the Ordinance and it was seconded by Alderman
Rainey. A Roll Call vote was taken with a 9-0 vote to approve. The Ordinance passed.
(A9)Ordinance 83-0-11, Increasinq the Number of Class C Liquor Licenses to
Permit Issuance to Silva Winston, LLC, new owner of Jackv's on Prairie
The Local Liquor Commissioner recommends introduction, suspension of the rules, and
adoption of Ordinance 83-0-11 to increase the number of Class C liquor licenses from
25 to 26 to permit issuance to Silva Winston, LLC, new owner of Jacky's on Prairie,
2545 Prairie Street. Request suspension of the Rules for Introduction and Action on
October 24, 2011.
For Introduction and Action
Alderman Burrus motioned to approve the Ordinance and it was seconded by Alderman
Rainey. A Roll Call was taken with a 9-0 vote to approve. The Ordinance passed.
(All 1)Ordinance 87-0-11, Authorizinq a Cable Franchise Svstem between the Citv
of Evanston and Comcast of Illinois IV, Inc., for a Period of Seven (7) Years
Staff submits for consideration Ordinance 87-0-11 which would renew Comcast's non-
exclusive cable system franchise with the City for a period of 7 years. Suspension of the
Rules is requested to enable Introduction and Action by City Council on October 24.
2011.
For Introduction and Action
Alderman Burrus motioned for approval of the Ordinance and it was seconded by
Alderman Holmes and a Roll Call was taken with a 9-0 vote to approve. The motion
passed.
Call of the Wards
Ward 3 Alderman Wynne had no report.
Ward 4 Alderman Wilson stated he will be having a ward meeting on November 2"d at
the McGaw YMCA 7:00 pm to discuss budgeting.
Ward 5 Alderman Holmes had no report.
Ward 6 Alderman Tendam had no report.
Ward 7 Alderman Grover stated Monday is Halloween and to have a safe one and
watch out for Evanston children on the streets and sidewalks.
Ward 8 Alderman Rainey reported the trial for two counts of murder and robbery that
occurred on Howard Street two weeks ago and they will be attending all trials until it is
concluded. She also asked all groceries and sellers of eggs not to sell eggs to any child
under the age of eighteen until after Halloween.
Ward 9 Alderman Burrus announced her ward meeting on November 3rd at 7:00 pm at
Robert Crown.
Ward 1 Alderman Fiske had no report.
Ward 2 Alderman Braithwaite had no report.
Submitted by,
Rodney Greene, City Clerk of Evanston
10
1
October 24, 2011
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Catherine Hurley, Sustainable Programs Coordinator
Subject: Evanston Environment Board Recommendation for Bag Reduction
Ordinance
Date: October 19, 2011
Recommended Action:
It is recommended that City Council consider the attached memorandum and
presentation from the Evanston Environment Board on a proposed bag reduction
ordinance.
Summary:
On June 13, 2011 city staff presented the Administration and Public Works Committee
with information on options for reducing the environmental impacts of shopping bags in
Evanston. At the recommendation of Alderman Burrus, this issue was referred to the
Evanston Environment Board for their review and recommendation. The Administration
and Public Works Committee asked that the Environment Board provide their
recommendation in October. Attachment 1 is a copy of the Evanston Environment
Board's recommendation for a bag reduction ordinance for consideration by City
Council Attachment:
Attachment 1 — Evanston Environment Board Proposed Bag Reduction Ordinance
Recommendation.
11
October 24, 2011
MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor Tisdahl and Members of the City Council
FROM: Evanston Environment Board
CC: Wally Bobkiewicz, City Manager
SUBJECT: Proposed bag reduction ordinance recommendation
DATE: October 17, 2011
We are writing to recommend action to reduce disposable bag usage in Evanston. We have reviewed
the City's white paper, "An Overview of Shopping Bags in Evanston" (June 2011), public comments
from the May 24, 2011 meeting, and the Bagless NU memorandum. We have met with local
businesspeople, and corresponded with bag association representatives and recyclers, and heard
comments from the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. We have reviewed ordinances of other U.S.
cities and have discussed the benefits and challenges to various bag reduction options. We believe
that now is the time for Evanston to help reduce U.S. dependence on petroleum and reduce
environmental degradation.
1. Implement a 5-cent fee for carryout bags (plastic and paper) at all retail establishments in
Evanston. Retailers retain 2 cents of every bag sold. The remaining 3 cents go to the Ecology
Center to fund education programs including bag reduction education. Implementation
would begin 6 months after the ordinance is enacted.
2. Disseminate free reusable bags (fold -up, responsibly -made) to residents. Invite local
organizations and businesses, and Northwestern University to sponsor the bag giveaway.
3. Exempt the following from the bag fee: bulk items, produce, meat, prescriptions, alcohol,
and restaurant left-overs.
4. Ordinance will automatically renew every two years from day of enactment unless altered,
amended, or modified.
1. Invite stakeholders to discuss and suggest amendments. Stakeholder groups include all
Evanston merchant associations, Evanston Chamber of Commerce, Business Alliance for a
Sustainable Evanston (BASE), neighborhood groups.
1. Reducing shopping bags supports Evanston's environmental goals as stated in the Strategic
Plan and the Climate Action Plan. Local concern for the environment is high. At least 12% of
the Evanstonl SO ideas submitted by residents focus on environmental sustainability, and
there are several active environmental groups in the community.
2. This recommendation is a middle -of -the road solution similar to those successfully
implemented in other communities. Many U.S. municipalities have successfully passed bag
legislation. Legislation options include bans, fees, and recycling requirements. Fees range
from $0.02 to $1.
3. A bag fee allows consumer choice not provided by a ban. Consumers may choose to avoid the
fee by bringing a bag or to acquire a bag by paying the fee.
4. Plastic and paper bags are not free. Manufacturing them imposes significant environmental
impact on fossil fuels, energy, and trees.
S. Plastic bags pollute public lands, waterways, and oceans and harm marine animals.
6. Plastic and paper bags are not free to retailers or consumers. Retailers purchase carryout
bags and may pass some cost along to consumers.
7. A six-month grace period allows merchants to use up bag stock and allows the City to
conduct an education campaign.
Page 18 of 433
12
October 2:4, 2011
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Members of the Administration & Public Works Committee
From: Suzette Robinson, Director of Public Works
Paul Schneider, P.E., City Engineer
Sat Nagar, P.E., Senior Engineer, Division of Transportation
Subject: TIGER III Grant Application
Church Street from Lawler Ave. (Skokie) to Chicago Ave. (Evanston) and
Dodge Avenue from Dempster St. to Lyons St.
Date: October 14, 2011
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends authorization for the City Manager to apply for a TIGER III
Discretionary Grant to fund the construction of the West Evanston Plan on Church
Street (NS Channel to Chicago) and Dodge Avenue (Dempster to Lyons). The project
will include bicycle accommodations on Church Street from Lawler Avenue (Skokie) to
Chicago Avenue (Evanston). The project will also include the modernization and
interconnection of seven (7) Dodge Avenue traffic signals from Mulford St. to Church St.
Funding Source:
The total cost of funding this project is estimated to be $16,300,000 of which
$11,720,000 would be funded with TIGER III Grant funds. The remaining $4,580,000
would be funded by the City of Evanston and the State of Illinois.
Phase I Environ. Engineering (2012) $ 825,000 (GO/TIF)
Phase II Design Engineering (2012) $ 825,000 (GO Bond)
Phase III Const Engineering (2013/2014) $ 280,000 (GO Bond)
(Total Expense is $1.4 million/$1.12 million reimbursed by Grant)
Participating Construction (2014/2015) $ 2,650,000 (GO/TIF/IDOT)
$ 4,580,000 (Local Share)
The local share of the project is not currently a part of the City's Capital Improvement
Plan (CIP) for 2012 except as noted on the following page. Should the City be awarded
the grant, either the CIP program would have to be revised or additional bonding would
be required in order to raise the necessary funds to proceed. Page three of this memo
details the impact to the CIP program should the City be awarded the grant.
Memorandum
Summary:
This project covers multiple areas of the City and involves two active Tax Increment
Finance (TIF) Districts (West Evanston and Washington National). As such, the City
can draw from multiple funding sources for the local share required in the grant.
In 2005, the City Council established' the West Evanston TIF district. Its purpose is to
address disinvestment and economic stagnation in the commercial district at the
Church/Dodge intersection and in adjacent industrial areas along the now -abandoned
Mayfair railroad spur line. To accomplish this objective the City initiated a master
planning process and adopted the West Evanston Master Plan on May 14, 2007. The
plan emphasizes fostering new economic development, increasing the walkability of the
neighborhoods and maintaining the green character of the community.
This plan is intended to transform the entire streetscape of the Dodge Avenue and
13
October 24, 2011
Church Street corridors by integrating economic development, affordable housing,
greater sustainability and safer transportation access. This project will create a
framework that the region will recognize as a model for future street development. It will
also compliment Evanston's NSP2 grant program.
The proposed project calls for the reconstruction of Church Street (NS Channel to
Chicago) and Dodge Avenue (Dempster to Lyons). The project will include bicycle
accommodations on Church Street from Lawler Avenue (Skokie) to Chicago Avenue
(Evanston). The path will incorporate the current best practices for both off-street and
on -street bicycle facilities. Once constructed, this section will complete the eastern
portion of the regional Golf Road bicycle corridor. Sustainability will be a key feature of
this project. Evanston will address this project element with a comprehensive
sustainable streetscape design that will use several environmentally friendly techniques
not typical in streetscape designs. The plans incorporate sustainable design elements
such as rain gardens, alternative paving options (including recycled pavement) and may
incorporate bioswale technology to treat and filter storm water prior to being released
into the storm sewer system. Additionally, the city will focus on improved bus stops and
place pedestrian mobility at a premium with new accessible sidewalks and improved
crosswalks. The "Complete Streets" approach will provide landscaped buffers while
preserving existing & adding new open spaces that are important to the community.
In summary, the project is congruent with multiple goals in the City as follows:
• It improves components of transportation as outlined in the Multi -Modal
Transportation Plan.
• It leverages local tax dollars for the maintenance of basic infrastructure.
• This improved infrastructure will be crucial for the long term economic
development within the West Evanston TIF, as well as along the remaining
corridors of the project.
2012 CIP Impact
Local Share Needed $1,650,000
The following projects occur within the limits of the TIGER Grant project and are
recommended for funding in the proposed 2012 CIP.
Church Street Sidewalk Replacement (Ridge to Chicago) GO
Debt (Page 199 of FY2012 Proposed Budget) $240,000
Church Street Rehab (Ridge to Chicago) GO Debt
(Page 199 of FY2012 Proposed Budget) $160,000
West Evanston Planning TIF
(Page 199 of FY2012 Proposed Budget) $200,000
Subtotal $600,000
The following projects are recommended for funding in the proposed 2012 CIP and staff
is recommending that they be deferred if the grant is awarded.
Bridge Rehab —Isabella GO Debt
(FY2012 Proposed Budget) $710,000
Downtown Brick Replacement GO Debt
(FY2012 Proposed Budget) $350,000
Subtotal
$1,060,000
Total $1,660,000
2013/14 CIP Impact
14
October 24, 2011
Local Share Needed $1,400,000
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will reimburse the City $1,120,000. Since
FHWA reimbursements occur promptly, staff recommends budgeting GO Debt of
$280,000 to cover the City costs.
2014/15 CIP Impact
Local Share Needed $2,650,000
The construction cost includes resurfacing a portion of Church Street that is under
IDOTs jurisdiction. IDOT currently has $2 million dollars programmed to resurface
Church in 2014. Staff is proposing to fund the balance of the project from $820,000
from the Washington National TIF and $560,000 from the West Evanston TIF. These
figures come from the projects that are recommended in the proposed CIP for 2012
Budget on pages 198 and 199, and these funds will be moved out to 2014/15.
DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CITY/TOWNSHIP CLERK DOES NOT HAVE TO
PRODUCE VERBATUM MINUTES, IT IS SUGGESTED THAT ANY RESIDENT OR
INQUIRY INTO OBTAINING A COMPLETE DISSERTATION OF A COUNCIL
SESSION IS DIRECTED TO THE CITY'S WEBSITE, WHERE ALL MEETINGS ARE
VIDEO TAPED AND AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOADING.
15