Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2010-10-11-2010S� � ox CQ 1 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER COtiNCIL CHAMBERS Monday, October 11, 2010 Roll Call: Alderman Wilson Alderman Burrus Alderman Holmes Alderman Fiske Alderman Tendam Alderman Jean -Baptiste Alderman Grover Alderman Wynne Alderman Rainey Presiding: Mayor Tisdahl The Mayor opened the Regular Meeting of the City Council at 7:44 pm after a Roll Call was completed. She announced that Citizen's comments would be heard first and then to proceed to the business at hand. Mayor Public Announcements Mayor Tisdahl congratulated Dale Mortenson and Evanston resident and Northwestem Professor who won the Nobel Prize in Economics, Report of Mayor's Budget Task Force was presented by Mark Sloan, via a power -point presentation. H also introduced the members of the Task Force. He pointed out the various concerns and the importance to prioritize and continue to look at Capital Spending. Capital Expenditures are important to the City and we need to continue to keep the City ahead of the City Manager Public Announcements and Presentations Charles Happ, Chairman Technology Incubator Center presented their first quarter report of the Center, which he also offered to give to anyone who wanted to have a copy. They will give a report on a regular quarterly schedule to the City and the public. The Incubator has been noted as one of the top ten in the country. Every Thursday at 5:00 pm there are meetings where they invite companies and individuals to come and network together. It is in the Incubator where ideas and problems are shared and discussed. November 18th the Incubator will be celebrating their 24th anniversary, and at that time there will be an open house and all were invited to attend. Communications: City Clerk Clerk Greene announced the beginning of Early Voting at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center which will start Tuesday, October 12, 2010 from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm in room 1700, and this will continue until October 28th, 2010. This will also include the two Saturdays, October 16th and the 23ra also from 9 am until 5pm. October 11, 2010 Page 2 of 9 Citizen Comment Funding for partnership in the Dempster/Dodge corridor: Dickelle Fonda, 1220 Darrow Ave. spoke on the proposal of allocating funds for the marketing of the area to invite newer businesses to the area. Marion Bowen, 1227 Dodge she is a building owner who spoke on encouraging the funding for a business partnership in the area. She stated the businesses in the area are very pleased in the proposal. Wind Farm advocates: Barbara Sykes, 3007 Thayer is in favor of the Wind Farm but requests an in-depth investigation before any final steps are begun and to slow down the process. Nate Kipnis, 1625 Payne spoke on the change of power source encourage Council to vote in favor of the proposal. He gave a slight history of energy changes. Paige Finnegan, 525 Elmwood spoke in favor of the Wind Farm proposal and the formation of an committee to investigate the possibilities. Kevin Glynn, 2119 Sheridan in favor of the Wind Farm proposal and suggest a need to study the wind forces and need to go to Springfield to gain support. He also presented letters of support from Robin Gabel, State Representative. Ken Cluskey, 1309 N. Wells the Executive Director of Mygen (a non-profit organization). He stated the purpose is to energize and motivate the younger generation into discovering environmentally enhancement projects that will be beneficial the community and congratulated the Council for the proposal for funding the Wind Farm Project. Tim Hoen, 2119 Colfax spoke in favor of the Wind Farm Project. The Distillery Proposal: Paul Hletko, 711 Custer thanked the Council for considering the distillery proposal. Branch Library advocates: Leila Comyn, 2604 Eastwood Ave. a student at Kingsley Elementary School who spoke of her concern and support of keeping the Branch Libraries open. Jane McCarthy, 2130 Harrison Street spoke in favor of the Branch Libraries, she pleaded to allow the Evanston Library Branches to continue to exist. Jim Hughs, 2518 Hartzell spoke in favor of the Branch Libraries and referred to the handouts that were distributed to the Council. Cheryl Chamberlain, 2145 Forestview spoke in favor of the Branch Libraries. Requests the Council to stand up and do what is right for the community. Carol Hayes, 2537 Prairie Way spoke in support of the Branch Libraries. She pointed out the survey that was posted indicating the top three concerns which were: 1) Police, 2) Fire and 3) Libraries. Citizens who spoke of concerns of the NSP2 Project: Bennett Johnson, Evanston Minority Businessmen member, he spoke of the shooting of the 23 year old gentleman, and the unfair provisions of NSP2 Project and the lack of inside contractors who could hire some of the employment and get them off the streets. Bobbie Wilson, 1039 Darrow spoke on the NSP2 Projects and the smaller contractors can not get into the projects competing against the larger contractors. In the planning of the projects the smaller businesses should be considered in the process. October 11, 2010 Page 3 of 9 Other Council matters of concern: Kevin O'Connor, Isabella spoke on the spending of money we don't have. He questioned whether or not the Council members would take responsibility for their actions of the past and the present for the financial status City of Evanston finds itself in. Charles Sheridan, 2331 Sheridan very disappointed with the Council and that the people are being short-changed. Junad Rizki, spoke on the cuts from last years budget and he introduced his baby pink rescue pig. He stated the lobbyists should be let go which will bring back an additional $200,000.00 to the budget in his calculations. He was also concerned with the 311 proposed project and should be staffed with contract employees mostly. Madeline Dupree, 1929 Foster had her letter of concerns read by another citizen in her absence. and wanted to know why citizens could not ask questions, give input on the committee level. She also stated Ms. DuPree wanted to know if trash and garbage privatized or not. Alderman Rainey responded to the citizen's comment that during committee meetings the citizen has no time limit set for speaking, but they do need to sign in on the sign-up sheet to be recognized. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS (SP1)Update on Lake Michigan Wind Turbine Proiect Staff recommends the City Council: 1) receive this status report on the development of an offshore wind energy facility in Lake Michigan off the northern shore of Evanston; 2) accept the submittals of Off Grid Technologies, Inc. (OGT) and Mercury Wind Energy (MWe) in response to the City's Request for Information; 3) direct the City Manager to convene a review committee of the submittals consisting of two representatives each from the City's Environment Board, Utilities Commission and Citizens for a Greener Evanston; 4) direct the City Manager to return with recommendations from the review committee for next steps on this project at the City Council's January 10, 2011 meeting. For Action Luke Townsend, member of the "Off Gird Technologies, Inc." is an engineering consulting, and project development firm to supply a useable sustainable project. The power -point presentation pointed out the difference in the MagLev Turbine Technology and that this project will produce jobs and additional finances for the City of Evanston. Mercury Wind Energy (MWe) representative, stated their purpose is to maintain the uniqueness of Evanston and the wind farm will be twice the distance from Evanston to Skokie. The Wind Farm blades will face the North direction to the City of Evanston. They also stated they will incur the feasibility costs. They will be the developer and the owner of the Wind Farm. After the questions and concerns that were posed from the Aldermen and the answers that were given, Alderman Fiske suggested until the concerns have been satisfied from the Aldermen's questions the Council should not proceed with the project. Alderman Grover motioned to go October 11, 2010 Page 4 of 9 forward and Alderman Burrus seconded the motion. Alderman Rainey amended the motion to have the Rules committee to consider how we review these proposals. The next Rules committee will be in December and all agreed and the Mayor called for a voice vote for the amended motion and the result was unanimous to send to the Rules committee. Items not approved on Consent Agenda: (P3)Ordinance 70-0-10 Requiring Notice to Affected Neighbors of Proposed Cellular Antenna Installations Staff recommends adoption of Ordinance 70-0-10. Ordinance 70-0-10 would require the applicant to mail notices to property owners within 250' of a proposed new cellular pole or tower at least 10 days before the item is reviewed by staff at the Site Plan and Appearance Review Committee prior to issuing a building permit. For Action CONSENT AGENDA (Ml) Approval of Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of September 20, 2010 (M2) Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 27, 2010 ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS (Al) City of Evanston Payroll through 09/26/10 $2,188,499.87 (A2)City of Evanston Bills through 10/12/10 $3,439,130.44 City of Evanston Credit Card Bills through 08/31/10 $105,079.89 (A3.1)Approval of Contracts for Automotive & Truck Transmissions Bid 11-34) Staff recommends approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bidders (Bid 11-34) for Automotive and Truck Transmissions to A&A Transmissions (1322-24 Dodge Avenue, Evanston, IL) for sedans, vans and pick-up trucks in the amount of $9,740.00 and to Authorized Transmissions (401 Terrace Drive, Mundelein, IL) for medium and large trucks in the amount of $12,575.00. The contracts will be for the period of October 15, 2010 to October 14, 2011. Funding provided by the Fleet Services Fund for Major Maintenance, Material to Maintain Autos 7710.65060. For Action (A3.2)Approval of Second Year Renewal of Garda Armored Car Services Contract Staff recommends Council approval of the second year of a two (2) year contract with Garda Armored Car Services (2100 W. 21St Street, Broadview, IL) not to exceed amount of $75,000 effective December 1, 2010 through November 30, 2010. Funding provided by Finance/Revenue (Account 1910.62431) and Parking Fund (Account 7005.62431). For Action October 11, 2010 Page 5 of 9 (A3.3)Approval of Free Holidav Parking in Citv's Downtown Garages and Lot 60 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 25, 2010 through Saturday, January 1, 2011. Funding provided from the Parking Fund. For Action (A3.4)Approval of Yard Waste Collection and Disposal Contract Staff recommends City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and sign a solid waste agreement with Groot Industries, Inc. (2500 Landmeier Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL) for the collection and disposal of yard waste at the rate of $3.35 per stop per month for the first year of a five year contract commencing November 1, 2010, for a total contract amount of $476,370. Funding for this project will be from the Sanitation Yard Waste General Fund Account 2695. The account has a total of $470,278 budgeted for FY2010/11. This item was held in Administration and Public Works Committee on September 27, 2010. For Action (A3.5)Approval of the Single Source Purchase from Sprint/Nextel. Inc., of all Citv of Evanston Cellular Device Services Staff recommends City Council direct City Manager to negotiate and enter into wireless service contract with Sprint/Nextel, Inc. (2001 Edmund Halley Drive, Reston, VA) estimated not to exceed $130,000 annually. Wireless expenses are charged to the appropriate budgeted Business Unit within the department. All cellular charges will be charged to Object Code 64545 city-wide. For Action (A4)Approval of Amendment No. 2. for the Design of the Evanston/Wilmette Water Distribution Svstem Interconnection (RFO 08-32) Staff recommends approval of Amendment No. 2 for the Design of the Evanston / Wilmette Distribution System Interconnection (RFQ 08-32) with MWH Americas, Inc. (380 Interlocken Crescent, Broomfield, CO). The amendment will reduce the agreement amount by $13,000 and extend the project completion date to October 30, 2010. Funding for the design of this project is equally shared between Evanston and Wilmette. The Evanston share is funded by the Water Fund (Account 733066.62140.) For Action (A5)Ordinance 69-0-10 Amending the Evanston Citv Code Title 10, Chapter 11, Schedule VIII (A) Relating to Parking Prohibited at All Times on Lincoln Street Opposite the Entrance to Citv's Water Plant Staff recommends City Council approval of Ordinance 69-0-10 amending the Evanston City Code, Title 10, Chapter 11, Schedule VIII (A) relating to parking prohibited at all times. Approval of this ordinance will prohibit parking on the south side of Lincoln Street opposite the entrance into the water treatment plant parking lot. Staff is recommending the elimination of these four parking spaces to facilitate deliveries to the water treatment plant. For Introduction October 11, 2010 Page 6 of 9 (A6)Ordinance 72-0-10. Increasing the Number of Class D Liauor Licenses from 23 to 24 ("Donatella Mediterranean Bistro," 1512 Sherman Avenue) The Local Liquor Commissioner recommends passage of Ordinance 72-0-10, which amends Section 3-5-6-(D) of the City Code to increase the number of Class D liquor licenses from 23 to 24 to permit issuance to La Cucina Di Donatella Company, d/b/a "Donatella Mediterranean Bistro," 1512 Sherman Avenue. For Introduction (A7)Ordinance 74-0-10, Enacting a New Subsection 3-5-6-P of the Citv Code, "Craft Distillerv" Liquor Licenses Local Liquor Commissioner recommends City Council adoption of Ordinance 74-0-10. On September 15, 2010, the Liquor Control Review Board convened a hearing to consider creation of a new class of liquor license that would permit the production, storage, and sale of liquor in craft distilleries. The text of this ordinance is modeled on P.A. 096-1367, which created the Illinois craft distillery liquor license class. For Introduction PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT (Pl)Approval of Families in Transition (F.I.T.) Renewal Application The Housing Commission and staff support approval of the renewal application for a Families in Transition household for a second year with a not to exceed amount of $6,251. Connections for the Homeless would like to renew a rental subsidy for the second and final year for an applicant family through the Families in Transition Program. Funding will be provided from the Affordable Housing Fund with an account balance of approximately $418,000. For Action (P2)Ordinance 71-0-10, Amending Various Portions of the Zoning Ordinance Relating to the Creation of the "Micro-Distillerv" Use The Plan Commission and staff favorably recommend adoption of ordinance 71-0-10, amending the zoning ordinance to add a specific use definition for micro -distillery and adding micro -distillery as a special use for the Business (111, Bla, B2 and B3) and Commercial (C1, Cla and C2) zoning districts. The goal of this text amendment is to define a newly -emerging use that has not been previously accommodated in the zoning code, and for which there are appropriate economic development opportunities. For Introduction HUMAN SERVICES (HI)Township of Evanston September Monthlv Bills Township of Evanston Supervisor recommends that City Council approve the Township of Evanston bills, payroll, and medical payments for the month of September 2010 in the amount of $195,985.95. For Action October 11, 2010 Page 7 of 9 IOTHER COMMITTEES (01)Ordinance 57-0-10 Amending the Evanston City Code Title 7, Chapter 13, Relating to the City Sewer System Staff recommends City Council approval of Ordinance 57-0-10 amending the Evanston City Code, Title 7, Chapter 13, relating to the City Sewer System. Proposed Ordinance 57- 0-10 will maintain the current sewer rate of $3.94 per bill unit to all tax paying properties and effective January 1, 2011 establish a two -tiered sewer rate for users of the system that are tax exempt properties. The proposed ordinance was presented and discussed at the August 9, 2010 Administration and Public Works Committee meeting, and Introduced at the September 27, 2010 City Council meeting. For Action (02)Ordinance 63-0-10 Amending the Evanston City Code Title 7, Chapter 12, Relating to the City Waterworks System Staff recommends City Council approval of Ordinance 63-0-10 amending the Evanston City Code, Title 7, Chapter 12, relating to the City Waterworks System. Proposed Ordinance 63-0-10 would institute a ten percent (10%) water rate increase. An average single family home that uses 106 billing units of water a year is currently paying $147.92 in water bills annually and with the proposed 10% water rate increase, their annual water bill will increase by $14.79 to $162.71. The proposed ordinance was presented and discussed at the August 9, 2010 Administration and Public Works Committee meeting, and Introduced at the September 27, 2010 City Council meeting. For Action (03)ApvrovaI of Funds for Dempster Dodge Business District from the Neighborhood Business District Improvement Program The Economic Development Committee recommends the approval of funding in the amount of $9,000 to the Dempster Dodge Business District from the Neighborhood Business District Improvement Program to support street beautification and marketing. The goal is to address the activities needed to support the area, enhance the physical look of the neighborhood and build relationships among the business community. Funding provided by the Economic Development Fund: $9,000 (Account 5300.65522). For Action (04)Avvroval of Facade Improvement Program The Economic Development Committee recommends approval of the proposed Facade Improvement Program for use in accepting and evaluating proposed fagade improvement projects for commercial properties seeking financial assistance from the City of Evanston. For Action For Appointment to: Environment Board Housing Commission Preservation Commission Preservation Commission Preservation Commission October 11, 2010 APPOINTMENTS Ellen King Cindy Reed Amy Riseborough Manuel Andres Lombana Jack Weiss Page 8 of 9 Consent Agenda was motioned for approval by Alderman Rainey and seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste. A Roll Call was taken and the vote was 9-0 to approve. The Consent Agenda passed. Items for discussion: (P3)Ordinance 70-0-10 Reauiring Notice to Affected Neighbors of Proposed Cellular Antenna Installations Staff recommends adoption of Ordinance 70-0-10. Ordinance 70-0-10 would require the applicant to mail notices to property owners within 250' of a proposed new cellular pole or tower at least 10 days before the item is reviewed by staff at the Site Plan and Appearance Review Committee prior to issuing a building permit. For Action Alderman Tendam motioned to amend the 250 feet to 500 feet. Roll Call vote received a 9-0 vote and the amendment passed. A Roll Call vote was taken on the original motion with the amendment of 500 feet notification to property owners. There was a 9-0 vote for approval and the motion passed. Call of the Wards: Ward 4 Alderman Wilson wanted to thank all who were involved with the Bike the Ridge. Ward 5 Alderman Holmes no report. Ward 6 Alderman Tendam announced a sixth ward meeting at the North Branch Library in a week at 7:00 pm to discuss the next steps concerning the Branch Libraries. Ward 7 Alderman Grover congratulated Professor Mortenson for his Nobel Prize for Economic Sciences. Alderman Holmes and she are having a joint meeting on the 28th at the tech building on Northwestern's campus at 7:00-9:00 pm. in room LR3, 2145 Sheridan Road. 1 1 1 October 11, 2010 Page 9 of 9 Ward 8 Alderman Rainey congratulated the Dempster,godge business district and those who Formulated the proposal as well as congratulating Johanna for the fagade Improvement Program. Ward 9 Alderman Burrus invited all to view the movie "Bag It Is Your Life Too Plastic?" 7pm at the JRC this Thursday, October 141". October 21't at the Ridgeville Post at 7:30 Ward 1 Alderman Fiske she thanked all for the Civic Center's reformation. Ward 2 Alderman Jean -Baptiste stated we should come together to converse with the youth to bring some solution to begin discussions to curb the shootings and violence in the City. Ward 3 Alderman Wynne congratulated Paul and thanked the people who attended her last Town Hall meeting which was very productive. Alderman Wilson motioned to convene into Executive Session and was seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste. A Roll Call vote was taken and the result was 9-0. The Council closed out the Open Session at 10:12 pm. Respectfully submitted, Rodney Greene, City Clerk A CD RECORDING OF THIS MEETING AS WELL AS A WRITTEN COPY WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE AFTER THE COUNCIL APPROVES THE MINUTES AT THEIR NEXT COUNCIL SESSION. 1 1 1 1