Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2010-11-06-20101 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL — PRESENT: ABSENT: A quorum was present. PRESIDING: Alderman Holmes Alderman Tendam Alderman Grover Alderman Rainey Alderman Fiske Alderman Wynne Mayor Elizabeth B. Tisdahl NOVEMBER 6, 2010 Alderman Burrus Alderman Jean -Baptiste Alderman Wilson A SPECIAL MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Tisdahl Saturday, November 6, 2010, at 9:10 a.m. in the Council Chamber for the purpose of conducting a Public Hearing on the FY 2011 Proposed Budget. Alderman Fiske joined the meeting in session at 9:20 a.m. Alderman Wynne joined the meeting in session at 10:55 a.m. CITIZEN COMMENT Mr. Fred Schneider used a slide show presentation to emphasize his comments regarding proposed budget cuts to the Ecology Center. Alderman Rainey asked Mayor Tisdahl to explain the process of this meeting — are comments going to be timed and will Council be allowed to ask questions? Mayor Tisdahl replied that yes, people will be timed and questions can be asked although it is not customary during Public Comments. Alderman Rainey suggested to Mayor Tisdahl that timing people at a public hearing did not seem right. Mayor Tisdahl said it was okay with her to allow longer than 3 minutes but given the number of citizens signed up to speak, the length of the meeting would go longer than planned. As long as everyone on Council was able and willing to stay, additional time would be allowed. After some conversation, it was determined that speakers would get slightly more than three minutes. Marcia Achenbach urged Council to continue funding human services. Mark Metz asked Council to look elsewhere in the budget to make cuts. Jordan Luhr asked Council to continue supporting the North Shore Senior Center. Barbara Zapszalka, Bruce Mitchell, Charlotta Koppanyi, Charlotte Sussman, Emile Ferris, Debby Kisor, Dan McAndrew, Diane Allen, Kristen Harris, Jeff Smith, Bennett Johnson and Jason Hays all expressed their concerns regarding the branch libraries. There was also some discussion regarding ADA compliance of the branch libraries and other city facilities. Cass Wolfe thanked Council for their support of human services. At this time Alderman Burrus asked about the definition of walkability. Does it mean distance? Once it is determined, then how many people cannot walk to either of the branch libraries or the main library? How many are under the poverty line in CDBG areas and can't afford to take a bus? Brian Barnes, City of Evanston inclusion specialist, Larry Biondi and Jan Weeks all spoke on the elimination of the inclusion specialist position. Kevin O'Connor expressed his thoughts on property taxes, pension obligations, re -institution of 2% of the 5% pay cut for directors, the proposed $333,200 for contingencies, auto equipment, and the proposed increase in staff. Alderman Rainey thought it important to clarify the contingency amount. City Manager Bobkiewicz explained that it is best practices to have a contingency amount in the budget. It just happens to be budgeted in the City Manager's office and it provides some flexibility for unanticipated costs. Martha Arntson and Tana Paul gave their views on human services. Lori Summers' remarks were on general budget issues such as her request that Council continue to look at essential services i.e. maintaining roads; she is in favor of closing the branch libraries and keeping the main library the best it can be; she reminded Council that it is a requirement (she believes of the State) that there must be an official zoning administrator in the City. Mike Vasilko and Junad Rizki both spoke on various budget issues. Virginia Mann and Jason Hays expressed their views on the issue of trees. Beth McLennan's remarks concerned the elimination of the zoning administrator position. She also informed Alderman Burrus that walkability is defined as % mile. Jamie Merrell urged Council to continue to fund services for mental health programs in Evanston. Kate Mahoney thanked Council for their continued support of the Mental Health Board. That concluded comments from citizens. Mayor Tisdahl asked Alderman Rainey to make a motion to adjourn Public Hearing. Alderman Rainey moved to adjourn Public Hearing and it was seconded. All in favor: 9 Ayes — 0 Opposed. Mayor Tisdahl recognized Alderman Rainey who addressed comments made by Junad Rizki regarding part-time firefighters and public safety workers in other communities. Alderman Rainey pointed out that as of 2008, the value of property in the City of Evanston, excluding Northwestern University's non-taxable property, hospitals, and churches which are not included in tax rolls, is $8,815,193, 676.00. She does not want volunteer police or firefighters protecting that kind of value and doesn't believe the citizens of Evanston would want that either. Alderman Fiske addressed the issue of the branch libraries. She is impressed with the number of users of the branch libraries. She thinks there is a compelling argument to be made of the fact that the branches serve as economic anchors for the business districts in which they sit. She reminded Council that according to Mr. Jeff Smith's earlier remarks, 140,000 people visit the branches and that those visits generate about $10 in associated purchases. She is convinced that in this economic climate, if 140,000 people visit the branches each year and spend roughly $10, it cannot be ignored. She encourages Council to think of the branch libraries in terms of economic development stimulation they can provide and to support them. She suggests they be recognized for their value, that economic development funds support them for another six months and that two Special Service Areas surrounding both branches be established. She is convinced this will work and asked Council for their support. Alderman Grover thanked Alderman Fiske and wondered if we could get information on the economic impact of the libraries in general and more specifically, the three locations. She also suggested that with regard to ADA compliance and walkability and libraries, we should collect information and cost of renovations to enable the Board of Trustees to do a better job delivering services. Alderman Grover would also suggest that we delegate the allocation of authority, similar to what was done with the Mental Health Board and Human Services Committee, to the Library Board of Trustees, and give them a line for their budget and let them decide how to provide services within that budget In addition, she would like more information on total staffing of the Ecology Center; and an accounting of the early retirement and incentive program. Alderman Holmes commented that by her estimation, 19 topics were discussed today and that we should give equity to all concerns and not just the libraries. Alderman Tendam commended Alderman Grover in taking the lead on how we view our local services. He touched on the library issue and thinks we should give them back the $150,000 and control of the budget. Alderman Wilson says we have to focus on the big picture. As representatives of the people of Evanston, we will have to make difficult choices. He wants Evanston to be a culture of ideas and progressive thinking. Evanston is a wonderful place because of the people who choose to live here. Difficult decisions will be made but his hope and expectation is that people will step up and fill the voids that are created. Alderman Rainey wants a clear, simplified explanation of the losses in the Parks Dept. She wants to know about the effect it has on parks maintenance, tree maintenance, and sports fields maintenance. She wants to know more about the loss of the position at the Ecology Center. She would also like more information on the 311 Center. Alderman Grover would like to have more information on the payment of taxes shown on page 45 of the proposed budget; she feels that given the amount of money spent to keep the township in their office, we should seriously consider moving them to the Civic Center; and finally, she want it confirmed that we are not violating any federal or state law by eliminating the position of inclusion specialist, and that we have on staff someone who is qualified to do the job. Mayor Tisdahl spoke to Senator Schoenberg who stated that the state job procurement office may be moving to Arlington Heights so if we move the township office to the Civic Center, perhaps we can put part of the state job office back in Evanston. Alderman Jean -Baptiste is concerned about the impact of services this year with the loss of some positions. He would like the City Manager come back to Council with a grid showing for each cut in service, what the cost to taxpayers would be to not make those cuts. Alderman Tendam asked for more information on the tree injection program. Alderman Fiske agreed with Alderman Tendam on the tree issue, Aldermen Rainey and Jean - Baptiste on the 311 Center. She thinks there is strong support and justification for retaining the position at Noyes Cultural Arts Center. She would like a list of the tenants at Noyes and when their lease is up. Alderman Jean -Baptiste stressed that we must think down the line four or five years for other revenue generating resources. City Manager Bobkiewicz pointed out to Council that they had a packet of information from Mrs. Earl regarding the Capital Improvement Plan for discussion at the next City Council meeting on November 8`h. He also reminded Council that there would be no Planning & Development meeting that night so the City Council meeting will begin at 7:15 or at the conclusion of the A&PW meeting. He mentioned that there will also be budget deliberations on November 15 and November 17 with 45 minutes allowed for public comment at the beginning of each meeting. The Council would then get the budget for approval at their November 22nd meeting. In conclusion, Alderman Burrus referred to a comment by Junad Rizki on the yard waste collection program and she asked for that number. Being no further business, motion was made and seconded to adjourn. Respectfully submitted, Elaine Autwell, Deputy City Clerk A recording will be available in the City Clerk's office after approval by Council.