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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2011-09-19-2011of EvansCiryton CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER 2100 RIDGE AVENUE, EVANSTON 60201 COUNCIL CHAMBERS Monday, September 19, 2011 7:00 p.m. Roll Call: Alderman Rainey Alderman Holmes Alderman Fiske Alderman Tendam Alderman Braithwaite Alderman Grover Alderman Wynne Alderman Wilson Absent: Alderman Burrus Presiding: Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl The Mayor opened the Regular meeting of the City Council at 7:11 pm, after the Rcll Call was completed. Mavor Public Announcements Mayor Tisdahl read a proclamation honoring the Piven Theatre's 40th Anniversary Workshop and proclaimed September 19th as their day. She presented the proclamation to Ms. Evelyn Farabaugh one of the Board of Directors for the Piven Theatre. The Mayor also commented on the excellent assistance from the Northwestern students who came out in the rain on Saturday and worked in various areas around the City. Citv Manager Presentations and Announcements Shanee Watson, Volunteer Coordinator came forward to speak on the volunteer program. She stated there were 170 freshman students from Northwestern University who helped in composting, power washed neighbors homes, picked up litter, and many other tasks. She thanked them for all of their help as well as some of the City staff. Mr. Fleckman, co-chair Citizen's Greener Evanston came forward to present their kickoff project "10,000 Neighbors Campaign". This is a project that will be reaching out to10,000 neighbors in becoming a more sustainable community, and asking them to list items they are willing to share or lend to others to accomplish tasks around their homes; office or neighborhood. These items will be for example: power drills, lawn mowers, ladders, etc.. It will get people involved and a chance to get to know each other better. He announced that tonight was the kickoff date for the project. Catherine Hurley, Sustainability Coordinator stated the Car Free Day is scheduled nor September 22, 2011. On Thursday the 22nd people are asked to not drive their cars, instead walk, roller -blade, or bike to wherever they need to go. There will be a pit stop at 909 Davis September 19, 2011 from 6 am until 2 pm for all who do not drive, and there will be refreshments, giveaways and bike tips. Green Living Festival — September 24, 2011 from 9 am to 3 pm at the Evanston Ecology Center, was announced by City Manager Bobkiewicz. National Public Lands Day — September 24, 2011 was announced by Ms. Shanee Watson and she stated the event will last only two hours starting at 9 am. The volunteers will be picking up trash and debris from the parks and recreation areas Citizen Comment Junad Rizki, 2284 Sheridan Road spoke of his concerns of the budget and mentioned The Yard waste stickers that proved to be a mistake, and asked that the City Manager Explain the total budget picture and not the operating budget. He then invited the City Manager to come to his home on the 24th and pull weeds with him at his home, and they could also talk about City budget. Mike Vasilko, 2728 Reese Ave. stated there was not enough information in the SP1 item concerning goal setting. The followina persons spoke on item SP3 Elizabeth Mertic, 708 Dodge Ave. stated she is a gardener and has been for 8 years at James Park and shares the space with other neighbors. She is against the salt dome being place next to the garden. Gregg Clarke, 1720 Cleveland St. stated he is the father of two children who participate in sports and other activities. He stated he is in favor of having an indoor sports center. He stated he has a petition with over 1250 online signatures that urges the Council to approve the SP3 proposal. Ryan Garton, 914 Asbury is the regional commissioner of ASYO Soccer in Evanston. They have two sessions, spring and fall. He urged the Council to make big plans not small ones for the children who need the support of the Council. Randall Mayne, 321 Lake St. stated his previous positions and that he is in favor of the proposal for a sport center. Bill Blanchard, 2677 Prarie Ave. stated he and the board strongly urge the Council to approve the proposal for the sports center. Marjorie Fujara, 343 Dewey Ave. stated she signed the petition to convert the recycling facility into a sports center for children. She stated she is a Pediatrician at Stroger Hospital. She also announced that the City of Evanston ranks 24 out of 50 in adult obesity, and ranks 4th in childhood obesity. This trend can be altered by offering a safe place for them to play and teaching them to choose good eating habits. She strongly urges the Council to support item SP3. Lois Headman, 1100 Dobson stated she was in support with the conversion into a sports center. She stated the best value for the property in question would be to transform it into a sports center that will be more beneficial to all concerned. Speakinq on Kendall project Padma Rao, 2246 Sherman Ave. stated in the last call of the wards, Alderman Fiske said she had meetings with the contractor and this was just another closed door meeting excluding the public. She asked if there was a study on how to save all the trees and if not why not. She stated the Council continues to disenfranchise the taxpayers by September 19, 2011 excluding the public in these matters of concern, and that it should stop. BK Rao, 2246 Sherman Ave. stated her statements were approved by her Lawyer. She stated at the last meeting she heard from an Alderman that some of the trees would be saved. She then asked if the Alderman was really trying to save the trees or was it to try and save themselves from the mess they created. She said the Kendall project is a mystery and bad news a nightmare, and it benefits no one in the neighborhood. Recess: Alderman Wilson motioned to recess to go into a Special meeting of the Township to discuss the Township and its Budget which was seconded by Alderman Rainey. A voice vote was taken and it was unanimous. Meeting closed at 7:59 pm. SPECIAL TOWNSHIP MEETING (T1)Township of Evanston Orqanization Structure and Financial Issues Options Staff recommends Board of Trustees receive report on Township organizational structure and financial issues and provide direction to staff. Suspension of Rules is requested for Introduction and Action on Ordinance 2T-0-11, Proposed Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for Town Purposes for Second Half of Fiscal Year 2011 /12 Ending March 31, 2012. For Introduction and Action The Township Clerk Rodney Greene called the Special Township Meeting to order at 8:00 pm. The advertisement for the meeting was read which included the reason for said meeting. The Clerk then asked for nominations from the floor for a Moderator for the meeting. Trustee Rainey nominated Trustee Tisdahl with a second from Trustee Holmes. Clerk Greene asked if there were any other nominations and a nomination for Clerk Greene came from the floor. Clerk Greene turned down the nomination stating he could not perform the duties of Clerk and Moderator at the same time. A voice vote was taken on the nomination of Trustee Tisdahl as Moderator which resulted in a unanimous yes. Trustee Tisdahl was sworn in as the Moderator and she continued with the agenda at hand. She asked for the approval of the minutes from the April 12, 2011 meeting, there was a motion and a second. Alderman Grover requested that the reports from both the Township Supervisor and the Assessor be attached to the minutes, because they were not in the packet. A voice vote was taken and the minutes were passed unanimously. Moderator Tisdahl asked for a motion to approve Ordinance 2T-0-11 and the budget. It was moved by Trustee Tendam and seconded by Trustee Holmes. Trustee Grover recommended to the Trustees to pursue the $87,000.00 cost savings that Ms. Earl had suggested in her report concerning the Township. Moderator Tisdahl stated the amount was the maximum amount Ms. Earl suggested and that it is unwise to make it mandatory that they achieve the maximum possible. Alderman Grover wanted the Township Officials to come and point out which of the cost effectiveness issues are realistic to the last six months of this budget year. Township Supervisor Pat Vance stated the Township budget started April 1. The cost allocations that Ms. Earl listed were based on a budget that began April 1 stated are in the April 1, and some of those costs have already been incurred. Ms. Vance also stated she could probably cut out the storage costs, but the accounting fees would have to occur after April when the contract expires. Alderman Fiske stated it is a better idea to incorporate these 3 September 19, 2011 cost savings in next year's budget, and will have further discussion on October 3rd in the Human Services Committee. Ms. Vance stated the Township does not have a deficit or any unfunded pension obligations. Alderman Wilson stated we are all looking at cost savings and not to have duplicating costs. Alderman Rainey believes that the lease was entered into illegally, and the value of that lease is $144,000.00 and she believes the City can get an adjustment in the lease in a way of terminating. A vote was taken to approve the original statement of accepting the motion as it stands. There was a 6-2 vote to approve and the budget passed. (Trustee Rainey and Grover voted nay). A vote was then taken to suspend the rules and it failed due to lack of a unanimous yes. The item is only introduced. There will be a Special Township Meeting on the 261h of September as a result of a motion and second from the Trustees and their unanimous voice vote. Alderman Rainey noted the memorandum from the Legal Department was an excellent document that enlightened the Board more than they ever have been in the past concerning Township government. City Manager stated from the last Township meeting the Trustees asked the staff to look at the following issues: 1) Budgets and he mentioned the document from Mrs. Earl in the packet, 2) Corporation Counsel to prepare a document on organizational structure issues, and Mr. Farrar is here to answer any questions, and finally 3) a request from the Human Services Committee to have all leases of the Township Offices. The City Manager then stated he and the staff want to move cautiously forward with the directions that the Board and Council give them in making changes in the Township's structure. Concerns from the Trustees: • The cost of the referendum • To get an assessment of who would object to this idea of eliminating the Township • The mechanisms for governmental consolidation • The General Assistance Program and how it is administrated • How a referendum works • Do we need to seek advisory for a binding referendum in Evanston • Have a smaller group to discuss the findings from staff • Why haven't previous Councils pursued the elimination of the Township • Have Commissioner Suffredin to expand on Legislative actions in Springfield for creating alternative government • Make sure the Township Officials are at the table during these discussions • Have all the resources and options been exhausted including getting a bill passed in Springfield City Manager then stated it is up to the Board and Council to make the decision on what they want to do in the way of alternative solutions and directions. • To move the Township Offices to the Civic Center to cut down on cost • Deadlines for the referendum to be placed on the ballot Mr. Farrar, Corporate Counselor stated a referendum could be advisory and binding referendum which can be done through the governing body or through the voter led petition. March 20, 2012 is the next Illinois election and the referendum deadlines are January 3, 2012 for a resolution from this board for submission to the State Board of Elections to be placed on the ballot. December 19, 2012 for voter generated petitions submission. A motion was made to adjourn the Township meeting and to reconvene on September 26, 2011. A Roll call was taken which resulted in a 7-0 affirmation. Trustee Wilson moved to have a five minute recess before reconvening as the City Council. 4 September 19, 2011 The Aldermen reconvened as City Council for Special Orders of Business at 8:41 pm. The Mayor decided to move the SP2 presentation up the agenda to allow the children who were still there to leave for home earlier. SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS (SP1)2012 Goal Settinq Session Staff recommends City Council consider changes, additions or deletions to the list of City Council goals. For Action City Manger had the 13 goals of the Council presented on the screen for discussion and preceded to move through each goal. These goals are: 1. Affordable Housing 2. Budget Planning 3. Capital Improvement Program Planning Street and Alley Infrastructure 4. Climate Action Plan 5. Economic Development Water Sales Issues and Neighborhood Revitalization 6. Efficiency and Effectiveness of Services Transparency of City Operations 7. Federal/State/Regional Government Affairs Agenda 8. Lakefront Development 9. Northwestern University 10. Police and Fire Pension Funding Issues 11. Robert Crown Center Improvements 12. Safety Issues Crime Prevention 13. Youth Engagement Concerns from Aldermen: • Crime prevention in the neighborhoods as a subsection City Manager suggested to the Council to agree to remove the following from the list: • Budget Planning, • Fed./State/Regional Governmental Affairs • Lakefront Development Add the followinq six to the List: • Citizen engagement • Community Partner Collaboration • Development Services and Design Reviews (Question- is this part of Administrative goals or Economic Development) Answer: I think it is both, as stated by Mr. Bobkiewicz. • Innovations • Job Training and Employment • Visual and Performing Arts Alderman Wilson motioned to remove the three items suggested by City Manager and then add to the list: 0 Innovations September 19, 2011 • Development Services and Design Reviews • Visual and Performing Arts It was seconded and a voice vote was taken with the result of a unanimous response to approve, so the goals were amended and approved. Concerns from Aldermen: • Have the goals placed in a prioritized order and not alphabetically • Do a ranking system for the approved goals • Place Youth higher on the list • The Challenge of prioritizing • The Funds are not there for everything (SP2) Health Department Update Staff recommends that City Council members review the Health Department update, including: Northwestern University donation; "Let's Move" video; and status of Federally Qualified Health Center. For Presentation She called upon Ms. Thomas, Director of Health to deliver her presentation. Ms. Thomas acknowledged the residents who had to leave. She also invited the Mayor and City Manager to come forward to receive a donation from Northwestern Feinberg Scholl of Medicine presented by Dr. Virginia Bishop. Dr. Bishop praised the Evanston Health Department as she presented a check to the City. Ms. Thomas gave an update of the grant application submitted to HERSHA from the City of Evanston as well as an update on the food safety initiative. She then introduced Mr. Jonathan Webb, Community Health Division Manager who presented the video "Let's Move". He stated it is a national movement initiated by first Lady Obama as a means to addressing childhood obesity in the United States. He asked those who participated in the Let's Move Video" to stand and be recognized and after the video he recognized the other entities who were involved in is production. (SP3) West Oakton Committee Report Staff recommends that City Council members review the West Oakton Committee Report. In addition the City Manager has written a memo regarding this subject. For Action Mr. Steve Griffin, Director of Community & Economic Development presented the findings of the Committee, as he also named those who were on the committee. He presented three options the committee arrived to and they were as follows: The Committee's research and development of three potential redevelopment concepts for the site include: Option A: Indoor Sports Facility Concept The first concept is to convert the former Recycling Center into an indoor sports facility to be operated and managed by a not -for -profit entity AYSO'and EBSA. Option B: Commercial Retail Concept This concept includes the relocation of the Evanston Animal Shelter, demolition all existing structures on the site and the development of two 6,000 sq. ft. retail pad sites. Option C: Satellite Municipal Services Center Concept The utilization of the former Recycling Center as a combined salt dome and storage facility was contemplated as a way to meet the needs of the City's salt storage. 1-1 September 19, 2011 Concerns from Aldermen: • To give away a public building to a not -for -profit organization • There is an urgent need for a salt dome • Purchasing land to build a salt dome & taking another property off the tax rolls • There must be an alternative place for the indoor sports facility • If there is a presentation why should we be voting on it tonight • Competition with the other empty spaces in the City • Keeping kids occupied and off the streets Alderman Wilson motioned to have staff prepare an appropriate map amendment to allow the property to be used as an indoor sports facility and for the City Manager to be authorized to negotiate a lease with the sports coalition for use of the recycling center, and it was seconded. This is only the first time, but the matter will come back to Council for final decision • Can staff make map amendments • Uncomfortable with the process A Roll Call vote was taken that resulted in a 6-2 approval, with Aldermen Rainey and Holmes voting against. The motion was passed. (SP4)Frank Govern Memorial Golf Course Staff recommends that the City Council receive this update on the status of the operation of the Frank Govern Memorial Golf Course. For Discussion City Manager Bobkiewicz reiterated the three points on contention which were: • Staff would evaluate the terms and conditions of the existing sublease between the City and Association to determine if conditions exist for termination of the sublease and report back to the City Council on September 1, 2011. If conditions do exist for termination, staff recommends that termination occur on December 31, 2011. • City Council would hold in abeyance past due water service charges and withhold future charges through December 31, 2011. Staff believes this is appropriate because the cost of the City to assume control and maintain the subleased property exceeds the value of the water consumed by the golf course. • The City Manager and the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services would investigate costs associated with maintaining the golf course property as open space/park land. Concerns from Aldermen: • What will be the final water cost ($20,000.00 by end of calendar year) He asked the Council to accept this report and he will come back at the meeting in December with an update. (SP5)311 Center 2"d Quarter Report Presentation Staff recommends that City Council review the 2""' Quarter 311 Report. For Discussion City Manager suggested this item be deferred to the next meeting on October 10th. A motion was made and seconded and a voice vote was unanimously received and the motion passed. (SP6)License Plate Recognition Proposal Presentation Staff recommends City Council review the License Plate Recognition proposal. 7 September 19, 2011 For Discussion City Manager suggested this item be deferred to the next meeting on October 10th. A motion was made and seconded and a voice vote was unanimously received and the motion passed. A motion for adjournment was made and seconded. A Roll Call was taken which resulted in a 8-0 approval for adjournment. The meeting was closed at 10:30 pm. Submitted by, Hon. Rodney Greene, City Clerk 1 1 E]