HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2011-03-28-2011city of
Evanston
CITY COUNCIL
ROLL CALL — PRESENT:
MARCH 28, 2011
Alderman Holmes
Alderman Fiske
Alderman Tendam
Alderman Braithwaite
Alderman Grover
Alderman Wynne
Alderman Rainey
Alderman Wilson
Alderman Burrus
A quorum was present.
PRESIDING: Mayor Elizabeth B. Tisdahl
The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council convened at 7:23 P.M.
after the Roll Call and a quorum was present.
Mayor Proclamations and Public Announcements:
Mayor Tisdahl made the following Proclamations:
National Fair Housing Month, April 2011
National Public Health Week, April 7-13
Shore Community Services 60th Anniversary, April 9, 2011
Introduction of Dwight Hohl as Fire Division Chief of Life Safety Services was
accomplished by Chief Klaiber Evanston Fire Department. Chief Klaiber gave a
brief statement concerning Chief Hohl's fitness for the job as he apologized for not
formally introducing the Chief earlier.
Chief Klaiber announced the Promotion of Office for Geoff Block to Fire Division
Chief of Training and Administrative Services. After giving a short background of
his accomplishments, the City Clerk administered the Oath of Office to the New
Chief.
City Manager Public Announcements and Presentations
Presentation by Wiliam Geiger, President and CEO of McGaw YMCA, gave a
short power -point presentation of the 125th year of service to the community. He
pointed out that there are two "Y's" in Evanston, YMCA and the YWCA. He wanted
to provide a clear understanding of what the YMCA in Evanston is all about. He
also stated the YMCA will now be known as the "Y".
Environmental Hall of Fame Award was presented by Ms. Deborah Vercondon, for
Evanston creating a sustainability project. She then named a few of the
accomplishments that qualified the City of Evanston for receiving the Hall of Fame
recognition. The plaque was presented to the Mayor.
Communications:
City Clerk Greene announced the closing of early voting on this Thursday, March
31, 2011. He also stated the April 5, 2011 Election Day will have polling places
open from 6 am-6 pm.
Citizen Comment
The following persons spoke on P1 & P2
Attorney Douglas R. Cannon spoke on behalf of Padma Rao and B.K. Rao and
Their question in light of the Environmental Hall of Fame Award, how can the City
of Evanston considering destroying 24 or more mature trees. Give some thought
when you decide the fate of these trees was his remarks as he concluded by
saying, "an award without true action, is no reward at all".
Leigh Skinner,1123 Noyes St stated she has a Master degree in Elm Trees and
she stated it is less expensive to inoculate than to cut down the trees. She asked
the Council to vote for option 1 tonight.
Virginia Mann, 3004 Normandy Place stated Evanston has have a long history of
preserving trees, and that the economics of tree inoculations outweigh the cutting
them down and to vote for option 1.
Affordable Housing supporters
Jill Willis, 8938 Forestview Rd. stated she was very pleased with the City's
decision to address the issue of affordable housing. She is upset with the non -
Evanston entity that has control of the funds who do not include the Evanstonian
contractors to participate in the project.
Keith Banks, 2125 Washington St. stated he was upset that the CHODOS were
not given an opportunity to participate in the rehab and rebuilding of the houses in
Evanston. The outside developer was not required to be partners with the
Evanston developers, and contractors, and need to be a fairer distribution of the
wealth.
Ben Johnson, 708 Washington St. spoke for the Evanston Minority Business
Consortium, Inc. he then introduced members of the Consortium and invited all to
Attend their meetings that are held on every Saturday morning.
Person (s) speaking on item A5
Robert Buchanan, 914 Brown Ave. stated the reason for him being here was to
voice his opposition to the paving project. His reasons were: 1) It would increase
traffic flow; 2) It is an unnecessary expense to the City and the residents.
Fiscal issues speaker (s)
Kevin O'Connor, 1227 Y2 Isabella spoke on how to solve the budget deficit of the
City of Evanston: 1) Take the $400,000 in the City Manager's contingency fund; 2)
Dismantle the 311 Center (which cost $611,000) This would reduce the City's
Deficit by $200,000 + or -. There are many inconsistencies in the City Manager's
proposed budget from last week.
Junad Rizki, 2262 Ridge stated the proposed budget seminars is a total waste of
time and energy on the City staffs efforts as well as the citizens. He stated the
Council should look carefully at all the spending strategies of the City.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
Mr. Steve Griffin, Director of Community and Economic Development introduced
the staff members of the various divisions of the Department: Sarah Flax, CDBG
Grants Administrator, Jolene Saul, Housing Specialist with NSP2, Mary Ellen
Pool, Housing Planner.
Sarah Flax stated the meaning of Affordable Housing is a family of modest
means who are likely to spend more than 30% of gross income on housing.. She
gave an overview of what the Department division are involved in.
Mayor Tisdahl thanked Mrs. Flax for helping to bring the $18,000,000 for the
NSP2 program.
Ms. Jolene Saul presented the NSP2 prospective as trying to stabilize the
communities that were hardest hit by the foreclosure issues. She gave her report
explaining what has occurred since the funds were received. She also stated the
five units that have been started will be completed by this summer/fall.
Ms. Mary Ellen Pool manages the Federal Home Program and the Local Federal
Housing Fund which are the two main funds used for housing in Evanston. These
funds are used to assist homeowners with rehab and they have also partnered
with Interfaith who supplies counseling to affected families of foreclosures and
homelessness.
Questions and Concerns
1) You stated in your presentation that the houses that already begun
repairing will be completed this summer or is it next summer?
Answer: Those houses will be completed this summer.
2) How soon will the house next to mine have the work started again, and
when will it be completed?
Answer: Work will begin hopefully next week and it will take a
number of months to complete. The house came with a lot of
challenges and we jokingly said it came with an amenity a skate
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park in the living room with a warped floor.
3) Please expand on how the marketing and looking for these
subcontractors.
Answer: The City has done the following:
• qualifies as many contractors or businesses as possible after
receiving their paperwork
• Evanston businesses, Women owned as well
• Compiled a list of 200 businesses and most are Evanston
businesses
• Give priority to the Evanston businesses
• Using geographic data Evanston contractors are considered
first, especially Evanston Section 3
• They run adds, send out complete packets and try other
ways to inform the businesses and contractors
(SP1)Affordable Housinq Update
Affordable Housing is one of the 13 City Council goal areas. Affordable Housing
is defined as rental and ownership housing that is affordable for households of
modest means and who, based on local housing market conditions, are likely to
spend more than 30% of gross income on housing.
For Action
Items not approved on Consent Aaenda
(A3.1)Aporoval of Contract Award for the Crown Park Phase I and Phase II
Environmental Site Assessment and Preliminary Geotechnical Enaineerinq
Services to Environmental Protection Industries (RFP 11-53)
Staff recommends City Council approval of a contract award for the Crown Park
Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment and Preliminary
Geotechnical Engineering Services to Environmental Protection Industries (EPI)
(16650 South Canal, South Holland, IL) at a total cost of $7,510. This study is to
determine if potential environmental concerns exist on the property, evaluate
those concerns, and conduct preliminary geotechnical investigations to
determine potential foundation systems for a new Crown Center prior to releasing
an RFP to prequalified vendors. Funding will be provided by Capital Improvement
Program Account #415555, with a budget of $143,000.
For Action
(A3.2)Approval of Contract Award for Crown Market Validation and
Financial Feasibilitv Studv to HVS Convention, Sports & Entertainment
Facilities Consultinq (RFP 11-59)
Staff recommends City Council approval of a contract award for the Crown
Market Validation and Financial Feasibility Study to HVS Convention, Sports &
Entertainment Facilities Consulting (205 West Randolph, Suite 1650, Chicago,
IL) at a total cost of $49,500. This study is to validate the market feasibility and
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financial strategy of the proposed project prior to releasing an RFP to prequalified
vendors. Funding will be provided by Capital Improvement Program Account
#415555, with a budget of $143,000.
For Action
(A3.4)Approval of Three Year Schedule for Public Elm Tree Iniection
Program
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a three-year schedule for the
Elm Tree Injection Program. At the November 22, 2010 Council meeting
approving the FY2011 budget, staff was directed by Council to include all public
elm trees above 10" diameter, thus adding 840 additional trees. At that time, a
report was requested by Council to outline how the
additional trees would be added to the program.
For Action
(A3.7)Avoroval of Purchase of Recvclinq Containers from Wausau Tile,
Inc., (Bid 11-68)
Staff recommends City Council approval of a purchase in response to Bid 11-68
of 350 recycling containers for the business districts and 75 recycling containers
for athletic fields from Wausau Tile, Inc. (Wausau, WI 54402) in the amount of
$89,750. Funding for this work will be from the Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Block Grant which has budgeted $90,000 for this project.
For Action
(P2)Ordinance 11-0-11: Acceptinq the Dedication of Public Allevs as a
Product of Approval of a Plat of Subdivision for 2408 Orrinqton, the Former
Site of Kendall Colleqe
As indicated in the memorandum summarizing Resolution 13-R-11, proposed
resubdivision for 2408 Orrington, City staff has discussed the remaining issues
about the Plat of Resubdivision for 2408 Orrington with the owner's attorney. An
alternative Resolution has been prepared for consideration dated March 22,
2011. If the alternative resolution is approved, then this ordinance needs to be
amended to mirror the revised language in the approved resolution. Staff
recommends approval of Ordinance 11-0-11, including the enclosed Alternative
Proposed Alley Plan (Exhibit B to 11-0-11). This item was held in Committee on
January 24, 2011, and was introduced at the February 14, 2011 City Council
meeting.
For Action
CONSENT AGENDA
(M1) Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 14,
2011
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ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
(Al)City of Evanston Payroll through 3/13/11 $2,462,035.56
(A2)City of Evanston Bills FY2010/11 through 3/29/11 $1,209,762.82
City of Evanston Bills FY2011 through 3/29/11 $ 906,275.92
(A3.3)Approval of 2011 Special Events Calendar
Staff recommends City Council approval of the 2011 calendar of special events,
contingent upon compliance of all requirements as set forth by the Special Event
Policy & Guidelines, with the exception of one new proposed event: Women's
TK9 Race. The Special Events Committee requires further discussion with the
Women's TK9 Race event coordinator and will provide a recommendation for this
event at a later date.
For Action
(A3.5)Approval of Contract award for 2011 MFT Street Resurfacinq Proqram
to Schroeder Asphalt Services (Bid 11-851
Staff recommends City Council approval of a contract in response to Bid 11-85 to
award the 2011 MFT Street Resurfacing Contract to Schroeder Asphalt Services
(P.O. Box 831, Huntley, IL) in the amount of $693,865.90. Funding for this work
will be from Motor Fuel Tax Funds. The budgeted amount is $1,000,000.
For Action
(A3.6)Approval of Estimated Annual User Charge for 2011 with the
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago for Disposal of
Sludqe Generated as Part of the Water Treatment Process
Staff recommends City Council approval of the Estimated Annual User Charge
for 2011 with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
(MWRDGC) for Disposal of Sludge generated as part of the water treatment
process in the amount of $300,958.19. Ten payments of $30,095.82 will be made
beginning March 1 and ending on December 1, 2011. Funding for this work will
be from the Water Fund, Account 7110.62420. This account has a budget of
$387,345 specifically allocated for MWRDGC sludge disposal fees.
For Action
(A4)Resolution 16-R-11: Authorizing the Citv Manaqer to Execute the
Easement Aqreement with Sunesys L.L.C. for the Installation of Dark Fiber
Optic Cable
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution 16-R-11 to grant a
utility easement to Sunesys L.L.C. for the installation of Dark Fiber Optic Cable in
the public right-of-way. The local Sunesys office is located at 18 West 140
Butterfield Road, 15th floor, Oakbrook Terrace, IL, 60181. No City funding is
required for this fiber optic cable installation. Sunesys will be assessed a utility
easement fee of $5 per square foot for 13,800 square feet, for a total fee of
$69,000 to be deposited into Right -of -Way account 2630.52126.
For Action
(A5)Ordinance 19-0-11: Special Assessment #1506 Allev Pavinq Proiect —
North of Main Street, East of Grev Avenue
Staff recommends approval of proposed Ordinance 19-0-11 by which City
Council would authorize paving of the alley north of Main Street, east of Grey
Avenue through the Special Assessment Process. Funding for this work will be
50% special assessment funds and 50% by home owners to be collected over a
period of ten years. The City's share ($130,707.35) will be paid by the special
assessment fund 6365.65515. This ordinance was introduced at the March 14,
2011 City Council meeting. This ordinance was introduced at the March 14, 2011
City Council meeting. This ordinance was introduced at the March 14, 2011 City
Council meeting.
For Action
(A6)Ordinance 20-0-11: Special Assessment #1507 Allev Pavinq Proiect —
North of Brummel Street, East of Callan Avenue
Staff recommends approval of proposed Ordinance 20-0-11 by which City
Council would authorize paving of the alley north of Brummel Street, east of
Callan Avenue through the Special Assessment Process. The estimated total
special assessment cost of paving the alley is $61,150.10. The City's share is
$45,862.57 which is 75% of the total cost due to the adjacent CTA property on
the north side of the proposed alley paving project. It has been the City's practice
to fund the share of public agencies. Funding for this work will be 75% special
assessment funds and 25% by home owners to be collected over a period of ten
years. The City's share ($45,862.57) will be paid by the special assessment fund
6365.65515. This ordinance was introduced at the March 14, 2011 City Council
meeting.
For Action
(A7)Ordinance 21-0-11: Amendinq Citv Code Section 3-5-6-(Y) Class Y
Liquor Licenses, to Requlate Wine Tastinqs and Permit Sales of Warm
Beer
Local Liquor Commissioner recommends City Council adoption of Ordinance 21-
0-11, Amending City Code Section 3-5-6-(Y) Class Y Liquor Licenses, to
Regulate Wine Tastings and Permit Sales of Warm Beer. The proposed
ordinance will permit licensees to charge for wine tastings and to sell warm beer
in no more than 10% of their stores. The proposed amendments conform to state
statute. This ordinance was introduced at the March 14, 2011 City Council
meeting.
For Action
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
(P1)Resolution 13-R-11: Approvinq a Plat of Subdivision for 2408 Orrinqton
Avenue, Former Site of Kendall Colleqe
Resolution 13-R-11 was tabled by the City Council on February 28 and March
14, 2011 to allow more discussions between the property owner's attorney and
the City. Based on these discussions staff presents the Resolution 13-R-11
dated March 22, 2011, which differs from that which was on the floor at the
March 14, 2011 Council meeting. This alternate resolution represents staff's best
attempt at further negotiation of the outstanding issues regarding the proposed
subdivision with the developer's counsel.
For Action
HUMAN SERVICES
(1-11)0rdinance 5-0-11 Amendinq Title 7, "Public Ways" Chapter 8. "Trees
and Shrubs" to Add Section 8. "Tree Preservation
Staff recommends approval of language modifications to the proposed Tree
Preservation Ordinance 5-0-11 as approved by the Human Services Committee
on March 7, 2011. The proposed ordinance has been revised since the January
24, 2011 City Council meeting to reflect concerns from the Public Works,
Community and Economic Development, and Utilities Department Directors. This
ordinance was introduced at the March 14, 2011 City Council meeting.
For Action
OTHER COMMITTEES
(01)Resolution 22-R-11: Mavor Pro Tern Schedule for Remainder of 78th
Citv Council
Staff recommends consideration of Resolution 22-R-11 setting forth a proposed
schedule of Mayor Pro Tern appointments for rest of the term of the 78th City of
Evanston City Council.
For Action
(02)Resolution 21-R-11: Approvinq Release of Certain Closed Session
Minutes
Recommend approval of Resolution 21-R-11 approving release of the closed
session meeting minutes listed on Exhibit A and determining that a need still
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exists for confidentiality as to the minutes on Exhibit B. Minutes to be released in
whole from 2000 through 2002 will be available on the City's Transparency Web
pages on Tuesday, March 29, 2011. Minutes to be released from later years will
be made available as soon as possible. Minutes to be released total 108
meetings and are listed below by year.
2000:
20 sets of minutes
2001:
19 sets of minutes
2002:
19 sets of minutes
2007:
19 sets of minutes
2008:
18 sets of minutes
2009:
12 sets of minutes
2010:
1 set of minutes
For Action
APPOINTMENTS
(AP1)For Appointment to:
Library Board Margaret Lurie
(AP2)For Reappointment to:
Sign Review and Appeals Board Susan Felts
Motion made and seconded to approve Consent Agenda. A roll call resulted in a
9-0. The Consent Agenda was approved.
Items for discussion not approved on Consent Aqenda:
(A3.1)Approval of Contract Award for the Crown Park Phase I and Phase II
Environmental Site Assessment and Preliminary Geotechnical Engineerinq
Services to Environmental Protection Industries (RFP 11-53)
Staff recommends City Council approval of a contract award for the Crown Park
Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment and Preliminary
Geotechnical Engineering Services to Environmental Protection Industries (EPI)
(16650 South Canal, South Holland, IL) at a total cost of $7,510. This study is to
determine if potential environmental concerns exist on the property, evaluate
those concerns, and conduct preliminary geotechnical investigations to
determine potential foundation systems for a new Crown Center prior to releasing
an RFP to prequalified vendors. Funding will be provided by Capital Improvement
Program Account #415555, with a budget of $143,000,
For Action
Alderman Holmes motioned for approval and it was seconded. Question asked
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was do we have the staff to conduct this type of study, and the answer was no. A
roll call was conducted with a result of 9-0 and the motion passed.
(A3.2)Approval of Contract Award for Crown Market Validation and
Financial Feasibilitv Studv to HVS Convention, Sports & Entertainment
Facilities Consultinq (RFP 11-591
Staff recommends City Council approval of a contract award for the Crown
Market Validation and Financial Feasibility Study to HVS Convention, Sports &
Entertainment Facilities Consulting (205 West Randolph, Suite 1650, Chicago,
IL) at a total cost of $49,500. This study is to validate the market feasibility and
financial strategy of the proposed project prior to releasing an RFP to prequalified
vendors. Funding will be provided by Capital Improvement Program Account
#415555, with a budget of $143,000.
For Action
Alderman Holmes motioned for approval with a second. Roll call was conducted
with a 9-0 result and the motion passed.
(A3.4)Approval of Three Year Schedule for Public Elm Tree Iniection
Program
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a three-year schedule for the
Elm Tree Injection Program. At the November 22, 2010 Council meeting
approving the FY2011 budget, staff was directed by Council to include all public
elm trees above 10" diameter, thus adding 840 additional trees. At that time, a
report was requested by Council to outline how the additional trees would be
added to the program.
For Action
Alderman Holmes stated this was brought to Council for further discussion
because it was not settled in committee. A motion and a second was made to
approve option 1. Roll call was conducted with a 7-2 result to approve. The
motion passed and Aldermen Burrus and Holmes voted no.
(A3.7)Approval of Purchase of Recvclinq Containers from Wausau Tile,
Inc., (Bid 11-681
Staff recommends City Council approval of a purchase in response to Bid 11-68
of 350 recycling containers for the business districts and 75 recycling containers
for athletic fields from Wausau Tile, Inc. (Wausau, WI 54402) in the amount of
$89,750. Funding for this work will be from the Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Block Grant which has budgeted $90,000 for this project.
For Action
Alderman Holmes began her talk of this item by directing the attention to the
screen to see the proposed recycle bins. The Mayor called for a motion since
there was not one made previously and it was seconded. Roll call was conducted
with the result of 9-0. The motion passed.
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(P2)Ordinance 11-0-11: Acceptinq the Dedication of Public Allevs as a
Product of Approval of a Plat of Subdivision for 2408 Orrington, the Former
Site of Kendall College
As indicated in the memorandum summarizing Resolution 13-R-11, proposed
resubdivision for 2408 Orrington, City staff has discussed the remaining issues
about the Plat of Resubdivision for 2408 Orrington with the owner's attorney. An
alternative Resolution has been prepared for consideration dated March 22,
2011. If the alternative resolution is approved, then this ordinance needs to be
amended to mirror the revised language in the approved resolution. Staff
recommends approval of Ordinance 11-0-11, including the enclosed Alternative
Proposed Alley Plan (Exhibit B to 11-0-11). This item was held in Committee on
January 24, 2011, and was introduced at the February 14, 2011 City Council
meeting.
For Action
Alderman Rainey removed the item from the table during Consent Agenda and
she asked for an alternate plan for the concern of the tree issues on the property.
The tree preservation plan of the Ordinance protects the tree under the
alternative resolution and the motion received a second. Roll call vote was
conducted with a 9-0 vote to approve the newly amended Ordinance. The motion
passed.
Call of the Wards
Ward 5 —Alderman Holmes stated she and the Mayor attended a workshop at
Family Focus where 98 young men were in attendance (this program was hosted
by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority). She also encouraged everyone to stop by
Firehouse #1 to view a photograph that was signed by all of the neighbors and
presented to the Station on Saturday.
Ward 6 — Alderman Tendam announced the openings of the "Mighty Twig" and
the "Childcare Network" this past weekend.
Ward 7 —Alderman Grover welcomed Alderman Braithwate, and announced her
and Alderman Tendam are joining the Central St. Neighbors on Thursday to
discuss matters that relate to the neighborhood. On April 13th will be a summit on
distracted driving at the Evanston Township High School from 2:30 to 5:30 pm
(room N112).
Ward 8 —Alderman Rainey announced the intention of Utilities as of April 1, 2011
they will be cutting off all customers who are delinquent in their payments. The
8th ward will be hosting the "Starlight Concerts" as well as the "Summer Movie
Program". Also she mentioned the talks with a Gallery and a Movie Theater in
the South part of Evanston.
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Ward 9 — Alderman Burrus announced her attendance at the 150 kickoff', and
stated she is waiting for submissions of everyone's best ideas. The not -for -profit
organizations are sponsoring the event.
Ward 1 — Alderman Fiske stated she was very happy of the tree resolution. She
also thanked the developer for listening to the concerns, as well as the staff's
support and input.
Ward 2 — Alderman Braithwaite thanked the City staff for all of their help in
getting acclimated. On Wednesday 30th he will be meeting with the Canal Park
Neighbors to get to know their concerns. He stated he will be having a super
ward meeting on April 14th at 7:00 pm-9:00 pm at the Levy Center.
Ward 3 — Alderman Wynne announced that the City of Evanston has an Elm tree
insurance plan that residents who have Elm trees on their property can apply for.
She also mentioned the meeting that she and Alderman Rainey attended
concerning the CTA red and purple lines.
Ward 4 —.Alderman Wilson had no report.
Motion was made and seconded to convene to Executive Session for discussion
of Collective Bargaining and Real Estate. Motion passed 9-0. Meeting was
adjourned at 9:25 pm.
Rodney Greene, City Clerk
City of Evanston
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