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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2011-10-10-2011Ll 1 11 CITY COUNCIL 1:1011tsetl4�1111) ►1.0 A quorum was present. PRESIDING: City of Evanston Alderman Fiske Alderman Braithwaite Alderman Wynne Alderman Wilson Alderman Holmes Mayor Elizabeth B. Tisdahl OCTOBER 10, 2011 Alderman Tendam Alderman Grover Alderman Rainey Alderman Burrus The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Tisdahl on Monday, October 10, 2011 at 8:15 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Mayor's Proclamations Mayor Tisdahl proclaimed October 2011 as Domestic Violence Awareness Montl-. She then presented the proclamation to Karen Singer of the YWCA. City Manager's Announcements Marty Lyons, as acting City Manager, introduced Mary Beth Schroeder and Stephanie Kulke to talk about Evanston 150: Vote for Top Ideas. She announced that in a process between the end of March and the end of July and supported by the City, Northwestern University, both hospitals, First Bank & Trust, Romano Bros. and Evanston Community Foundation, 2,201 ideas were generated on what will make the community a Bette; place for the next 150 years. A 21-member selection committee narrowed the list to the best 100 ideas. Now, they are encouraging residents to come out on October 15 and 16 to help narrow the ideas to the top 30. On November 10, the selection jury will then unveil the final 10 ideas selected to celebrate Evanston's 150th Anniversary in 2013. Mr. Lyons then called on Evanston Fire Department division chief Tom Janetske. He announced that in partnership with the National Fire Protection Association, they are recognizing October 9 — 15, 2011 as National Fire Prevention Week. This year's theme is "protect your family from fire", encouraging people to learn how to protect their family by installing smoke detectors on every level of their home and in bedrooms, testing alarms monthly, changing batteries twice a year and practicing escape plans. City Clerk's Announcements: None Citizen Comment Gladys Bryer (Sheridan Sq.), and Sharon Feigan, (Colfax) CEO of I -GO Car Sharing asked Council to approve the proposal regarding the solar canopy and electric charging station; Brian Becharas (Oakton) congratulated and praised the Mayor and Council for embracing green initiatives. John Labbe (Harrison St.), Caroline Winkler (Harrison St.), David Staub (Broadway) President of Central St. Neighbors Association, Kevin Bond (Harrison St.), Karen Sellers (Ewing), Administrator at St. Anthony's Church, Jeff Smith (Harrison St.) all expressed their concerns over the planned development for 1700-1722 Central St., particularly parking and the siding material. They would like to see this issue go back to the Plan Commission for further review and not be adopted tonight. Bob Dannon (Central St.) owner of R.C. Danon Gallery, and John Enright (Central St.) owner of Blue Stone Restaurant both said they are pleased with the renewal of the area. Gail Lovinger (Simpson St.) Care for the Evanston Animal Shelter, spoke on the dangerous dog issue and feels the amendment needs some provisions before adopting the ordinance. Leigh Anderson (Noyes St.) expressed her concern over the forestry department budget. She feels the elimination of certain personnel will not allow the department to function properly. The proper care of our trees is vital and cutting the budget and outsourcing would put that undertaking in jeopardy. Bonnie Wilson, Evanston Township Assessor announced that the Board of Review was now open for appeals until October 24 and a property tax seminar would be held on October 13 at Fleetwood Jourdain. Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin, State Senator Jeff Schoenberg, State Representatives Robyn Gabel and Daniel Biss, and Board of Review Commissioner Mike Carbonargi would all be in attendance with her to take appeals. She encouraged everyone, especially seniors, to check their tax bill to make sure they are receiving the proper exemption(s) and to call 847.332.2465 to make an appointment for assistance. Padma Rao and B.K. Rao read statements approved by their attorney concerning their treatment by City Council at previous Council meetings. They feel they should be able to speak of their grievances during citizen comment without interruption as their First Amendment right allows them to. Douglas Cannon introduced himself as the Rao's attorney and stated they had authorized him to represent them in Court. Howard Handler, Northshore — Barrington Association of Realtors (Northbrook) expressed his concern that the targeted boycott or blacklisting of 52 properties was not discussed at a recent Planning & Development Committee meeting. He said the list was based on complaints, many several years old, with no investigation and no notice to the owner. 2 I He asks that the City take the opportunity to sit down with the real estate and landlord community and address issues and dialogue without reactively grasping for more regulation. Joshua Braun (Custer Ave.) is a landlord. He said the list of 52 properties was inappropriate, that the City did not follow due process to take the proper steps to insure its accuracy. The list is not valid and by allowing it to be published has put an undue economic strain on perfectly safe properties. He said that 3 of his properties were on the list with no regard to its accuracy and he considers it a direct insult to his family's business. It has also impacted his immediate clientele, the student population. Since the City is very interested in working with the landlords, they should invite some of them to be on committees. CONSENT AGENDA (M1) Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 26, 2011 ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE (Al) City of Evanston Payroll through 09/25/11 $2,502,291.16 (A2) City of Evanston Bills FY2011 through 10/11/11 $4,336,553.08 Credit Card Activity for Period Ending August 31, 2011 $ 128,489.50 (A3) Approval of Free Holidav Parkina in the Citv's Three Downtown Self -Park Garaaes and Lot 60 on Weekdays between 5 mm. and 12 Midniaht and all day on Saturdav beainnina Thursday. November 24.2011 Staff and the Transportation/Parking Committee recommend approval to provide free holiday parking in the City's three Downtown Self -Park Garages and Lot 60 located at 1234 Chicago Avenue on weekdays between 5 p.m. and 12 midnight and all day on Saturday beginning Thursday, November 24, 2011 through Monday, January 2, 2012. Funding provided by the Parking Fund. For Action (A4) Approval of the Installation of a Solar Canopv and Electric Vehicle Charaina Station at Parkina Lot 3 Staff recommends City Council reconsider approving the location for an additional solar photo voltaic canopy (solar canopy) and electric vehicle charging stations for two plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) in Parking Lot 3. Consideratiion of Parking Lot 3 was tabled at the September 26th City Council Meeting. For Action OFF 3 (A5) Resolution 57-R-11, Authorizina Construction Fundina Aareement with Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the Sheridan Road Sianal Modernization Proiect (Chicago Avenue to Central Street) Staff recommends approval of Resolution 57-R-11 authorizing the City Manager to sign the construction funding agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the Sheridan Road Signal Modernization Project (Chicago Avenue to Central Street). Funding will be provided by a Federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) Grant in the amount of $674,000 and $316,655.20 in local funding from the Sheridan Road signal project capital improvement account (415895). Construction costs for the new signal south of Garrett Place on Sheridan Road in the amount of $130,033 will be funded by Northwestern University. For Action (A6) Ordinance 85-0-11, Amendinq Title 10, Reaardina Residents Parkina Only Districts, Addina District S: Eight o'clock (8:00) A.M. to Six o'clock (6:00) P.M. Mondav throuah Saturdav 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. For Introduction (A7) Ordinance 86-0-11 Amendinq Title 10. Reaardina Limited Parkina Residential Exemption District W. Addina Lincoln Street, South Side. from Orrinaton 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. For Introduction (A8) Ordinance 74-0-11. Amendinq Subsection 3-5-6-(K) of the Citv Code to Increase the Number of Class K Liquor Licenses from 1 to 2 to Permit Issuance to Sodexo America, LLC, 1501 Central Street Local Liquor Commissioner recommends City Council adoption of Ordinance 74- 0-11, which Increases the Number of Class K Liquor Licenses to permit issuance to Sodexo America. Sodexo has paid the annual Class K liquor license application fee and provided proof of Surety Bond and Liquor Liability Insurance. This ordinance was introduced at the September 12, 2011 City Council meeting and held in Council on September 26, 2011. For Action 4 IPLANNING &DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (P1) Ordinance 80-0-11 Amend'ina the Approved Planned Development for 1700- 1722 Central Street (7-0-07) The Site Plan and Appearance Review Committee and staff recommend approval of Ordinance 80-0-11 amending the approved planned development (7- 0-07) for 1700-1722 Central Street. The site is currently vacant and unproductive and needs to be developed in order to strengthen the Central Street Corridor east of the Metra tracks. This Ordinance was introduced at the September 26, 2011 City Council meeting. Responses to questions by Aldermen at the September 26 Planning and Development Committee meeting regarding parking and exterior building materials are included in the packet. For Action OFF HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE (1-111) Approval of September 2011 Township of Evanston Pavroll and Bills Township of Evanston Supervisor recommends that City Council approve the Township of Evanston bills, payroll, and medical payments for the month of September 2011 in the amount of $84,456.59. For Action (1-112) Ordinance 52-0-11. Amendina Certain Provisions of Title 9, Chapter 4 of the Evanston Citv Code, "Doas, Cats, Animals and Fowl" The Human Services Committee recommends adoption of Ordinance 52-0-11, as submitted by Alderman Burrus and amended by the Committee. Ordinance 52-0-11 amends the regulations within the City Code for dangerous dogs as provided in Section 9-4-17. This ordinance was approved at the August 1, 2011 Human Services Committee and Introduced at the September 12, 2011 City Council meeting. The ordinance was tabled at the September 26, 2011 Council meeting. For Action OFF OTHER COMMITTEE (01) Resolution 54-R-11: Approving Release of Certain Closed Session Minutes Recommend approval of Resolution 54-R-11 releasing the closed session meeting minutes listed on Exhibit A and finding that a need still exists for confidentiality as to the minutes on Exhibit B. The City is furthering its efforts to provide access to information and openness in government through the appropriate release of closed session minutes of the City Council, For Action APPOINTMENTS (APP1)For Appointment to: Commission on Aging Beverly Shearer Ladd Arboretum Committee Pamela Johnson Preservation Commission Kristen Armstrong Matz Mayor's Youth Task Force Eamon Kelly Motion made and seconded to approve Consent Agenda. Passed in roll call 9-0. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION (A4) Approval of the Installation of a Solar Canopv and Electric Vehicle Charaina Station at Parkina Lot 3 Staff recommends City Council reconsider approving the location for an additional solar photo voltaic canopy (solar canopy) and electric vehicle charging stations for two plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) in Parking Lot 3. Consideration of Parking Lot 3 was tabled at the September 26th City Council Meeting. For Action OFF Motion moved and seconded to approve. Alderman Holmes reported that the A&PW Committee voted on October 10 to select an additional two locations for solar canopies and electric vehicle charging stations at Parking Lot 3 adjacent to the Evanston Public Library and either Parking Lot 53 (not a current I -GO location) at Howard & Chicago or Parking Lot 32 at Hinman & Main (currently housing 2 I -GO vehicles). Alderman Fiske stated she had asked for this to be held so they could talk to the surrounding property owners and tenants. In doing so, she discovered that there was concern from the 400 — member Women's Club who depend on the parking lot not just for their own use but by those who rent the facility from whom they receive income allowing them to do charitable work. She spoke to the representative of I -GO who informed her that all four spaces would be dedicated to I -GO use but the plug-in spaces will be available to the community. There is also some concern over the appearance of the solar canopy. She suggests they not be painted in "glaring" colors. She approves Parking Lot 3 with the caveat that the Economic Development Department, the residents and property owners downtown be notified on future plans. 0 One final thought is that it be reflected in the lease agreement with I -GO that if any future developments are made to this site, the cost of relocating the charging station would be I-GO's responsibility. , Motion to install solar canopy & electric vehicle charging station as amended in Lot 3 has been moved and seconded for approval. Unanimous voice vote. (P1) Ordinance 80-0-11 Amendina the Approved Planned Development for 1700- 1722 Central Street (7-0-07) The Site Plan and Appearance Review Committee and staff recommend approval of Ordinance 80-0-11 amending the approved planned development (7- 0-07) for 1700-1722 Central Street. The site is currently vacant and unproductive and needs to be developed in order to strengthen the Central Street Corridor east of the Metra tracks. This Ordinance was introduced at the September 26, 2011 City Council meeting. Responses to questions by Aldermen at the September 26 Planning and Development Committee meeting regarding parking and exterior building materials are included in the packet. For Action OFF Motion moved and seconded to approve. Alderman Grover, Alderman ,Burrus, and Alderman Wynne will support the development. Alderman Holmes is satisfied with the parking but would like staff to make sure there is a safe way to deal with the materials. Alderman Fiske however, expressed her concerns over the parking and material issues and would like to have more information on the subject. She will be voting against the proposal. In roll call, ordinance passes 8 — 1 with amendments (Fiske opposed). (1-112) Ordinance 52-0-11. Amendina Certain Provisions of Title 9. Chaster 4 of the Evanston Citv Code, "Doas. Cats, Animals and Fowl" The Human Services Committee recommends adoption of Ordinance 52-0-11, as submitted by Alderman Burrus and amended by the Committee. Ordinance 52-0-11 amends the regulations within the City Code for dangerous dogs as provided in Section 9-4-17. This ordinance was approved at the August 1, 2011 Human Services Committee and Introduced at the September 12, 2011 City Council meeting. The ordinance was tabled at the September 26, 2011 Council meeting. For Action OFF Motion moved and seconded to approve. Alderman Fiske proposed that the first floor amendment be to allow the owner of a dog to submit a report, at the owner's expense, by a recognized expert selected by the chief of police to determine if the dog should be designated as dangerous. Alderman Burrus requested that a time frame of 14 days from notice of violation be attached. Motion approved by unanimous voice vote. Alderman Fiske's second floor amendment would be to allow the owner to seek judicial review of the designation by the chief of police. Unanimous voice vote. Motion to adopt ordinance with amendments passes 9 — 0 in roll call. Call of the Wards Ward 1: Alderman Fiske thanked Council for their support on the dog ordinance. Ward 2: Alderman Braithwaite thanked owners of the West End Business Association for a great block party, and the Mayor, staff and residents for their support. He also reminded everyone of the meeting on October 13 from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Joseph Hill Education Center to listen to 2"d ward residents' opinions on the budget, taxes, more. Ward 3: Alderman Wynne: No report Ward 4: Alderman Wilson thanked Alderman Rainey, Anjana Hansen and everyone involved for a spectacular Bike the Ridge event. Ward 5: Alderman Holmes echoed Alderman Wilson's praise of the Bike the Ridge event and also thanked the Fire Department for their pancake breakfast the morning of the event. She announced that there would be a public hearing on the Emerson Square Project the next night (Tuesday) at 7 pm at Fleetwood Jourdain. She also asked everyone to remember that the 5th Ward meeting occurs on the third Thursday of every month and that all are welcome. Ward 6: Alderman Tendam: No report Ward 7: Alderman Grover reminded everyone that the City -School Liaison Committee will be meeting next Thursday. This committee meets with representatives of Districts 65 and 202. Alderman Tendam and other City staff will be in attendance. Ward 8: Alderman Rainey thanked everyone who was involved in putting together the Bike the Ridge event and to all those who participated. She also wants to make a referral to the Rules Committee on the question of the proper oversight of the animal shelter. She feels it is time for a discussion. She also suggests that staff take control of the matter of the list of properties that went out. 1 1 She feels we owe the public an explanation and that the list needs to be corrected. Ward 9: Alderman Burrus thanked Ridgeville and former alderman Anjana Hansen and everyone involved in the Bike the Ridge event. She also thanked Alderman Fiske for working through the dangerous dog ordinance. Motion was made and seconded to adjourn. Motion passed 9 — 0. Meeting adjourned at 10:00 pm Respectfully submitted by Elaine Autwell, Deputy City Clerk O]