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March 9, 2009
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
2" FLOOR
CIVIC CENTER
ROLL CALL — PRESENT:
Alderman Holmes
Alderman Hansen
Alderman Moran
Alderman Wollin
Alderman Tisdahl
Alderman Jean -Baptiste
A Quorum was present. Alderman Rainey
Alderman Wynne
Alderman Bernstein
PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton
' The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton on
Monday, March 9, 2009, at 8:50 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
MAYORAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Morton mentioned the funeral services of Robert Culven a one time Sanitation worker for
the City of Evanston. He had also come to her and asked for the day off for Martin Luther King
for the employees during his employment. Many ex -sanitation workers were in attendance at the
funeral including Judy Aiello former Assistant to the City Manager and Judy Wick Director of
Human Resources.
CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Interim City Manager Rolanda Russell asked Ms. Suzette Eggleston to speak. She spoke on the
Electronic Recycling event to be held from 10 am to 2pm at James Park this Saturday, March 14,
2009. All types of electronics from residential waste only can be deposited at the once known
Recycling Center on Oakton. This community wide event is sponsored by the City of Evanston.
COMMUNICATIONS - CITY CLERK:
City Clerk Mr. Rodney Greene announced to the candidates to visit www.voterinfonet.com to get
their punch number online on March 11, 2009. Also early voting starts March 16 through April 2.
CITIZEN COMMENT: AGENDA ITEMS
Interim City Manager Rolanda Russell extended an apology to Mr. Kevin O'Connor for
misunderstanding his request for a TIF meeting. She also informed him that Aldermen Rainey
and Hansen agreed to hold that TIF meeting on March 18.
March 9, 2009
Barbara Rakley — statement read by Hank Goldman concerning the 708 Church Street. She urged
the Council to reject the developer's bad tactics.
James Wolinski, 2242 Lincolnwood Dr.- in favor of the 708 Church Street Project and that the
positives out weigh the negatives. He liked the idea of them giving one million dollars for the
Fountain Square. He commended the Council for holding back the property taxes on the
residents. He also spoke on the King Project and how it kind of fell through. He stated if Trader
Joe's does not want to come here, let's stop going to Trader Joe's.
Sharon Eckersall, 2519 Ashland spoke on the closing of the satellite Cook County Assessors
Offices. She then addressed the behavior of the Council regarding her legal fees, and gave the
Clerk Mr. Greene a letter that was notarized from Cherylette Hilton clearing Ms. Eckersall of the
false allegations.
Kevin O'Connor 1227 %2 Isabella stated he is also a candidate for an Alderman's seat. He spoke
against the 708 Church Street Development. The Council should request a posted bond to the
developer to protect the citizens if they want to apply for an extension for their development. He
urges the Council to act now and stop the sweetheart projects.
Judy Fiske 2319 Sherman and a candidate for the ls` Ward Alderman spoke of the 708 Church
Street asking for a time extension of not 2 but 5 years. She stated it's not fair or legal since the
City's law only allows a 1 year extension, and then the Developer has to come back and reapply.
The Council should not bind the hands of the New Council that will be taking office very soon.
Jeanne Lindwall, 625 Library Place is also a candidate in the Mayoral race who felt that a 5 year
extension is too long a wait for the developer. She believes we risk running a real ripple effect
for a project that may not come to fruition. All amendments should be discussed and considered.
Mike Vasilko, 2728 Reese spoke against the 708 Church Street development and stated the
Council should be listening to the constituents who they serve.
Robert Atkins 2005 Orrington spoke on the illegal closed session meeting the City had with the
developer. He stated it was a flawed process from the beginning and now, this is not a minor
amendment and justification for an extension is not worthy of the request. He wanted the Council
to deny the extension or send it back to committee.
Carl Bova, 1322 Rosalie St. spoke on the parking spaces of the 708 Church Street Plan and that
either the residents will not have enough parking spaces or the retailers would suffer. He
believed that adequate planning for parking was not researched well enough.
Chris Hart 3038 Isabella a candidate for 6th Ward Alderman spoke on "Values Based
Organizations" which are ideas that are built on our values and we should not leave the decisions
of values to one development or one plan but on our values.
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March 9, 2009
CITIZEN COMMENT: NON -AGENDA ITEMS
Junad Riski, 2767 Ridge spoke on candidates taking cash from Firefighters and other groups and
having firefighters pass out literature for the candidates. He believes the money should be
returned and also to restrict the involvement of the Firefighters in their campaigns. He suggested
the candidates should obtain a book on business ethics that would aide them in their run for
office. He stated machine politics are not acceptable.
Darnell Jefferson 2031 Church Street spoke on the lawsuit against Ms. Eckersall and stated he
had no knowledge of the allegations as he was mentioned in the lawsuit as well.
CONSENT AGENDA: Alderman Moran
The consent Agenda was approved after Alderman Moran moved for its acceptance and 2nd by
Alderman Rainey. All items were approved except the following: (A5) Resolution 14-R-09
Authorizing $140,371 to Fund the Evanston Police Department Summer Operational Plan —
2009, (A6) Resolution 15-R-09 A Resolution Relating to Water and Sewer Rates, Capital and
Revenue Opportunities for the Evanston Water Utility, (Pl) Consideration of Federal Home
Fund Reauest from Over The Rainbow Association for Rehab of Hill Arboretum. 2040 Brown,
(P4) Ordinance 32-0-08 Planning and Development Committee Recommendation for a Map
Amendment & Planned Development at 708 Church Street, (P5) Ordinance 17-0-09, An
Ordinance Amending The Zoning Map and Granting a Special Use and Maior Variations for a
Private Educational Institution Located at 1200 Davis Street in the R4 General Residential
Zoning District ("Rovicemore"), and (H1) Approval of February 2009 Township Monthlv Bills.
ALL ITEMS (WITH *) WAS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA
MINUTES:
* Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council fleeting on February 23, 2009
* Approval of Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting on February 24, 2009
ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS:
(Al) *City of Evanston payroll through
03/01/09 $2,301,336.19
(A2) *City of Evanston bills (through 02/24/09) FY08/09 03/09/09 $1,486,158.25
FY09/10 03/10/09 $ 864,991.40
(A3.1) * Approval of Citv of Evanston Conier Machines and Maintenance Agreement (REP 09-17)
with United Business Solutions
(A3.2) * Approval of Lowest Responsive and Resuonsible Bid (09-57) for the Ladd Arboretum
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March 9, 2009
Improvements — Phase 1 Proiect
(A3.3) * Approval for Reporting Structure Change — Parking and Garage Funds
(A4) * Resolution 12-R-09 Authorizing the Interim Citv Manager to Execute the Citv of Evanston —
Northwestern Universitv Letter Agreement for Road Salt (Sodium Chloride) Procurement and
Administrative Costs (For Action)
(A7) * Ordinance 15-0-09 Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Fleet Vehicles Owned by the Citv of
Evanston (Obenauf Auction Service Municipal Equipment Auction) (For Introduction)
(A8) * Ordinance 20-0-09 Decrease in the Number of Class R Liquor Licenses — Blind Faith Cafe
(For Introduction)
(A9) * Ordinance 21-0-09 Increase in the Number of Class C Liquor Licenses — Blind Faith Cafe
(For Introduction)
(A10)* Ordinance 2-0-09 Amending Title II, Section 2 of the Evanston Citv Code "Parking and
Compliance Violations" r (For Action)
(All) * Ordinance 18-0-09 Amending Subsection 3-2-14-2(A) Cigarette Tax: "Tax Imposed"
(For Action)
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT:
(P3) * Consideration of Request from Connections for The Homeless for FIT Funds
(For Action)
(P6) * Ordinance 134-0-08 Amending Section 5-2-5 of the Citv Code, Lodging Establishment
"License Fees" (Remained tabled)
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
OTHER COMMITTEES
No Items
APPOINTMENTS
For Reappointment Introduction:
Plan Commission Coleen E. Burrus
ITEMS UNDER DISCUSION FROM CONSENT AGENDA:
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March 9, 2009
Administration & Public Works (Alderman Wollin)
(A5) Resolution 14-R-09 Authorizing $140,371 to Fund the Evanston Police Department Summer
Operational Plan 2009 Alderman Wollin stated the Resolution was discussed in committee and
decided to go ahead and grant the wish, but to have Chief Eddington to return with further
details. Alderman Wollin moved for approval, 2nd by Alderman Rainey. Alderman Bernstein
stated he would not be voting because his agency will be handling the case. ROLL Call: Voting
Aye: Alderman Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste (Bernstein
abstained).
VOTE (Ave -8) Voting Nay (0) Abstain (1)
(A6) Resolution 15-R-09 A Resolution RelatinL to Water and Sewer Rates, Capital and
Revenue Opportunities for the Evanston Water Utility This item was discussed in committee
to vote on the Ist part, and to hold the 2❑d part and send back to committee. VOICE VOTE was
unanimous. The Resolution was approved for part 1 & part 2 would go back to committee, after
Alderman Wollin moved for approval and 2nd by Alderman Rainey.
Planning & Develooment (Alderman Moran)
(P1) Consideration of Federal Home Fund Request from Over the Rainbow Association for
Rehab of Hill Arboretum, 2040 Brown This item was discussed n committee and was decided
to keep in committee until further discussions are achieved.
(P2) Ordinance 19-0-09 Amending Re -inspection Fees for Rental Property The Item was
introduced and will be held in committee as well, with further discussions.
(P4) Ordinance 32-0-08 Planning and Development Committee Recommendation for a
Map Amendment & Planned Development at 708 Church Street Alderman Moran asked for
approval for an introduction of this item 2nd by Alderman Rainey and then he requested to speak
on the item. He allowed Alderman Wynne to speak first and she stated she had 3 requests: 1) She
had asked for a memo as to what bonuses the development would incur under the new plan but
hadn't received one yet, 2) Asked for a copy of the Tracy Cross Report, and 3) She wanted a new
financial report describing the impact this 5 year extension would have. Also she wanted to know
what the City requires for parking requirement for new retail Stores? Alderman Moran had
numerous amendments to be added to the language of the Ordinance section 5 (E) page7. He
requested to have the following words deleted "retail and second floor office, and mix of, and
office". Alderman Moran moved for acceptance and 2nd by Alderman Rainey. Alderman Wynne
asked why was the first floor changed from office to Retail space and she opposes this change. A
number of Aldermen had responses to Alderman Moran's proposed amendments including the
Mayor. Alderman Bernstein then asked how much retail space we have today on the first floor of
the proposed project. Voice vote taken, then ROLL CALL: Voting Aye: Alderman Holmes,
Moran, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Voting nay: Alderman Tisdahl, Wynne,
Bernstein. Vote was (6-3). The ayes have it the amendment was approved. Alderman Moran had
an amendment for section 7 (D) to read as follows: "The applicant shall construct a four (4) —
story base on the Subiect Property and include one (1) level of retail at trade". Alderman
Tisdahl asked for staff to do a study of the economic impact in this decision. Alderman Wynne
felt the Council should wait and see what the developer is actually saying. It is altering the
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March 9, 2009
proposal drastically, and she suggested the Council need more information to make a decision.
Alderman Moran urged the Council to vote positive to move the project forward. Introductory
Roll Call vote was (6 — 3). Voting Aye: Alderman Holmes, Moran, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin,
Jean -Baptiste, Voting Nay: Alderman Tisdahl, Wynne, Bernstein. Alderman Moran then moved
to introduce (P4) with the amendments as a whole, 2nd by Alderman Rainey, voice vote the ayes
were in majority motion for introduction was approved.
(P5) Ordinance 17-0-09, An Ordinance Amending the Zoning Man and Granting a Special Use
and Maior Variations for a Private Educational Institution Located at 1200 Davis Street in the R4
General Residential Zoning District ("Rovicemore") Alderman Moran moved for approval with the
amendments and 2"d by Alderman Rainey. Voice vote was unanimous.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
(Hl) Approval of February 2009 Township Monthlv Bills
Alderman Holmes moved acceptance of the Township monthly bills, and was 2"d by Alderman Rainey.
Alderman Bernstein wanted to know if the monies for the lawsuits were excluded, before he would
approve it. Voice vote to accept the Township monthly bills only, was unanimous.
CALL OF THE WARDS:
5th Ward No report
6th Ward No report
7`h Ward No phone service
8th Ward Alderman Rainey spoke about the art display on 3/11/09 at Custer Overpass, and the Brummel
Park Mural that was painted on a piece of plywood. The artist agreed to repaint it on a stationary
structure. Finally she informed and invited everyone to the TIF Workshop she and Alderman Hansen will
be offering on 3/18/09 at 7pm at the Levy Center.
9th Ward Alderman Hansen spoke of the shooting in her ward in January, and the best ward meeting she
has ever had with all ethnic backgrounds coming together to solve the issues without any anger.
1st Ward Alderman Wollin mentioned a meeting on 3/12/09 concerning PAC contributions and that they
are all legal.
2"d Ward Alderman Jean -Baptiste talked about how it was when he became an Alderman for the first
time.
3rd Ward Alderman Wynne had a similar memory as Alderman Jean -Baptiste and she too was thankful
for the Council's tough decision not going to her as a new comer.
4th Ward Alderman Bernstein mentioned that Skokie was not bagging grass clippings. He also mentioned
that William Jackson will serve as judge for the remaining term of a retiring judge.
Mayor Morton asked for Alderman Bernstein to offer a motion to retire into Closed Session.
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March 9, 2009
At 11:15 p.m. Alderman Bernstein moved to convene into Executive Session to discuss Litigation, Real
Estate, and Personnel pursuant to 5 Illinois Compiled Statutes 120/2 (c) (1) (5), (6) and (21) as follows:
2. All meetings of public bodies shall be public meetings except for the following:
(1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal
of specific employees of the public body, or legal counsel for the public body, including
hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or
against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity.
(5) The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including
meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be
acquired.
(6) The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body.
(21) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for
purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as
mandated by Section2.06.
Roll Call: Voting Aye: Alderman Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin,
Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein (9 — 0).
Respectfully submitted,
Rodney Greene, City Clerk
A CD recording of this meeting has been made part of the Permanent Record
and is available in the City Clerk's office room 1200.
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