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Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES-2009-03-23-2009March 23, 2009 ti`S� OF Ev�s� G Ox C, CQ� CITY COUNCIL MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 2Nn FLOOR CIVIC CENTER ROLL CALL — PRESENT: Alderman Moran Alderman Hansen Alderman Tisdahl Alderman Jean -Baptiste A Quorum was present. Alderman Rainey Alderman Wynne Alderman Hansen Alderman Bernstein Alderman Holmes PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton The Official Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton on Monday, March 23, 2009, at 8:40 p.m. in the Council Chamber. CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS: Ms. Suzette Eggleston Superintendent of Streets and Sanitation announced street sweeping would begin April 6, 2009, as well as yard waste collection. Spring bulk trash pick up will begin on April 10, 2009 and continue every Friday until May 1, 2009. Recycling cart transition will begin on Saturday, April 11, 2009 and continue for two Saturdays after that. PROCLAMATION Mayor Morton proclaimed March 23, 2009 as the 100th Anniversary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in the City of Evanston. Mr. Mitchell President of the NAACP elaborated on the fact that the NAACP's beginnings arose out of the racial tensions that occurred in Springfield in the year of 1908. He then directed the attention of the audience to the many websites that give the history of the NAACP movement. Mayor Morton also proclaimed the month of April, 2009 as "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" in the City of Evanston, and urged all citizens to take action against rape and sexual violence. 1 March 23, 2009 COMMUNICATIONS CITY CLERK: Spoke concerning early voting and urged candidates to remove all signs from the parkways. If they are not removed the employees of Streets and Sanitation will collect them and deliver them to 2020 Asbury. CITIZEN COMMENT: AGENDA ITEMS Fred Tanenbaum, 807 Davis Street asked the Council to reconsider their vote and not approve the project. He pointed out that the effect on the downtown area will be catastrophically negative, he concluded by asking the Council to table the proposal. Mark Sloane, 2512 Hartzell a candidate for the 6th Ward Alderman also spoke against the 708 Church Street Development. If approving the project he suggested the Council should only give them an extension of two years which will take them to 2011, and to also consider giving the developers a performance bond. Mary Singh, 1711 Hinman Avenue wanted to offer a suggestion to amend the Ordinance and let the $1 million dollars the developers offered to be paid up front before giving them an extension. She also stated that the City could use the money. Chris Ernst, 1639 Hinman Avenue came with handouts comparing the Mather Senior Residential to the 708 Church Street Development. He showed the lack of commitment from the 708 Church Street Development. Carl Bova, 1322 Rosalie spoke against the 708 Church Street Development and requested to have the developers install the below grade retail parking at the site of the Development which will be the right thing to do. Mike Vasilko, 2728 Reese spoke concerning the deception of the people who are elected to serve in not being honest including the Evanston City Council. He believes that there must be something to hide when his 13 FOIA requests were either denied or partially completed. He felt that these requests should have been very easy to obtain and should have been honored. Jeanne Lindwall, 625 Library Place candidate for mayor spoke against the 708 project because she felt it was the wrong project for the City, and if an extension is granted only give a 1 year extension. Mary Rosinki, 1729 Chancellor felt that this project is like a stagecoach going wild and asked not to handcuff the next Council and to postpone until new Council came on board. Jonathan Perman Evanston Chamber of Commerce spoke concerning the economical aspects of the 708 project which will bring increased job activity and the expected spending from the results of this project. He was very much in favor of the project being approved for the betterment of the Evanston community. March 23, 2009 Michael Drennan, 820 Oakton Street candidate for Alderman in 9ch Ward wanted to thank the Council for shouldering public interests and the good leadership they have provided and he was hoping the ones who were leaving would still offer their services whenever they could. Ellen King, 843 Ridge speaking on 708 Church stated this would be the worst decision the Council could make, and how there are many condos still somewhat vacant and to build more condos does not make sense. She suggested that the Council allow the new Council to make the decision, since no ground has been broken or will be any time soon. Joel Freeman, 2151 Hartrey spoke on building in provisions for energy codes federal and legislation for possible changes. Instead of 90 days to acquire certification for LEED extend it to 180 days, don't rush the process and he hopes that the language will be inclusive to address the concerns mentioned. Gladys N. Bryer, 550 Sheridan Square Network for Evanston's Future said the concern is being able to lock in a LEED certification, and there is no penalty for the developer if they do not get a superior LEED certification. Jeff Smith, 2724 Central Street representing the Central Street Neighbors Association spoke on the 708 Church Street project and the Association urges a no vote on the project. Emily Gulf, 807 Church lives in the Marshall Field Building spoke against the 708 Church project and hoped the Council would not vote for it. She also thanked Aldermen Bernstein, Wynne, and Tisdahl for voting against the project. Elliot Zashin, 715 Asbury felt that the project should be tabled and is very doubtful they will get the type of credentials to show that Evanston is trying to move ahead with sustainability to others who may be watching and waiting for the outcome of the decisions being made here tonight. CITIZEN COMMENT: NON -AGENDA ITEMS Debbie Hillman, 1118 Sherman speaking as a member of the State Task Force for the "Food, Farms, & Jobs" is an economic development project for the whole state of Illinois. Robert Hever, 1422 Ashland also spoke on the "Food, Farms, & Jobs," looking to improve meals in the schools. Kevin O'Connor, 1227 % Isabella, candidate for Alderman in 4ch Ward complimented the TIF workshop organizers and said it was a success and hoped that it would lead to constructive dialogue with the next Council. 3 March 23, 2009 CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Moran moved for Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: (P4) "Foreclosure Prevention Strategv for HOME — Assisted at 241 Callan HELD IN COMMITTEE (P8) Ordinance 32-0-08 Planning and Development Committee Recommendation for a Map Amendment & Planned Development at 708 Church Street. Roll Call: Voting aye — Aldermen Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen. Voting nay: None. Motion carried (9-0) ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA (WILL HAVE AN *) MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 9, 2009. ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: * City of Evanston payroll (through 3/15/2009) * City of Evanston bills through (03/23/09) (3/24/09) $2,258,029.69 FY08/09 $1,870,035.94 FY09/10 $ 512,060.57 (A3.1) * Approval of 2009 Proposed Calendar of Special Events (A3.2) * Approval of Contract for 2009 MFT Street Resurfacing Program (Bid 09-60) (A3.3) * Approval of Contract for Construction Engineering Services for the 2009 MFT & CIP Street Improvement Proiect (RFP 09-61) (A3.4) * Approval of Murvhv and Associates Contract Renewal (A3.5) * Approval of Professional Services Contract for the Civic Center Roofing Proiect (A3.6) * Approval of Purchase of Wheeled Recvcling/Garbage Carts from a Single Source Supplier (A3.7) * Approval of Purchase of Asphalt Products from a Single Source Supplier 4 1 L C] �-D March 23, 2009 (A 4) * Approval of Change Order #2 for the Construction Contract for Police/Fire Headquarters Interior Renovation Proiect (A5) * Resolution 16-R-09 Authorizing the Interim City Manager to Sign a Local Agency Agreement for Federal Participation with the State of Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Regarding the Lake Street Resurfacing Proiect between McDaniel Avenue and Elmwood Avenue (FOR ACTION) (A6) * Ordinance 27-0-09 Decrease in Number of Class C Liquor Licenses —Cafe Luciano & Pizzeria (FOR INTRODUCTION) (A7) * Ordinance 15-0-09 Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Fleet Vehicles Owned by the City of Evanston (Obenauf Auction Service Municipal Equipment Auction) (FOR ACTION) (A8) * Ordinance 20-0-09 Decrease in the Number of Class R Liquor Licenses — Blind Fait Cafe (FOR ACTION) (A9) * Ordinance 21-0-09 Increase the Number of Class C Liquor licenses — Blind Faith Cafe (FOR ACTION) PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT (Pl) * Consideration of Federal HOME Fund Request from Over the Rainbow Association for Rehab of Hill Arboretum Apartments (FOR ACTION) (P2) * Consideration of a Plat of Re -Subdivision at 101 Hamilton Street and 1212 Lake Shore Boulevard (FOR ACTION) (P3) * Consideration of a Request for a 27-Month Extension for the 318-320 Dempster Street Approved Planned Development (FOR ACTION) (P5) * Request from Connections for the Homeless for Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) Funds for the Evanston Alliance on Homelessness (FOR ACTION) (P6) * Resolution 18-R-09 Designating that Portion of Emerson Street Between Dewev Avenue and Jackson Avenue with the Honorary Street Sign "Leon Robinson Street" (FOR ACTION) (P7) * Resolution 17-R-09 Designating that Portion of Davis Street between Orrington Avenue and Chicago Avenue with the Honorary Street Name Sign "Giordano Dance Street" (FOR ACTION) March 23, 2009 (P9) * Ordinance 134-0-08 AmendinE Section 5-2-5 of the City Code, Lodging Establishment "License Fees" (Remained Tabled pending Legal Opinion and Staff Research) HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE OTHER COMMITTEES APPOINTMENTS * Mayor Morton asked for Appointments of the following: Coleen Burrus Term ending March 30, 2012 Lena Freireich Term ending March 30, 2012 Prof. Darryl Vincent Thomas, Jr. Term ending March 30, 2012 Raymond Zenkich Term ending March 30, 2012 Dan Cox Term ending March 30, 2013 Kevin Glynn Term ending March 30, 2013 Suzanne T. Waller Term ending March 30, 2013 Margaret Lipman Term ending March 30, 2012 Carleton Syph Term ending March 30, 2011 Sandra Byrnes Term ending March 30, 2011 Carl Bova Term ending March 30, 2011 Scott Peters Term ending March 30, 2012 Plan Commission Arts Council Board of Ethics Economic Dev. Com. Environment Board Environment Board Environment Board Human Relations Commission M/W/EBE Dev.Com. M/W/EBE Dev. Com. M/W/EBE Dev.Com. Plan Commission 6 1 1 qP- 1 1 Garry Shumaker Term ending March 30, 2012 Mariah E. DeForest Term ending March 30, 2012 7enifer McCartney Term ending March 30, 2012 Nina Moyer Term ending March 30, 2012 Amanda Wood Term ending March 30, 2012 March 23, 2009 Preservation Commission Public Art Committee Public Art Committee Public Art Committee Public Art Committee Mayor Morton asked for Reappointments of the following: ]ill Brazel Term ending March 30, 2012 Alan Gitelson Term ending March 30, 2012 Cherylette Hilton Term ending March 30, 2012 Crawford Richmond Term ending March 30, 2012 Susan Stone Term ending November 30, 2011 Mary Lou Smith Term ending March 31, 2012 AGENDA ITEM FOR DISCUSSION: Arts Council Human Relations Commission Human Relations Commission Housing & Community Dev. Committee Library Board Parking Committee (P8) Ordinance 32-0-08 Planning and Development Committee Recommendation for a Map Amendment & Planned Development at 708 Church Street Alderman Wynne did not really understand what the 708 memo meant. She was concerned about the assumption notices from FOCUS and the financial impact if the developer did not pull a building permit for the 5 years they are asking for. The March 16`h memo shows a drop in the original funds. Interim City Manager stated in Mr. Lyons defense that he pulled this all together this afternoon about 6 p.m. Mr. Lyons stated in 2012 there would be 10.5% .sale of the units by that time, $1 million 7 March 23, 2009 dollars and $8 million of revenue for the start of 2012. Alderman Wynne wanted an explanation of the memos received from Mr. Lyons from FOCUS concerning their assumption data. She does not understand why we are allowing them to not give us anything back for the time we have allowed them to delay. Alderman Rainey stated the most important number is the City property tax $90,000 on the building today. She is supporting the project because it is a viable project. Mayor Morton asked does one Council have to follow what the previous Council has done. Let's look that up to be correct in what we say. Alderman Moran stated this is a glass empty / full and he believes the Council should go ahead and approve the project and move forward with the developers. Alderman Bernstein then motioned 3 amendments to the Ordinance with a 2nd by Alderman Wynne and all 3 were voted down with a 6 — 3 vote. Alderman Hansen then motioned to have an amendment to the Ordinance section 7 (L) change ninety (90) days to one hundred eighty (180) days, and delete the following words "per the version of LEED certification in use as of the effective date of this ordinance." A voice vote was taken and the amendment passed. After much discussion and debate Alderman Jean -Baptiste then motioned to approve the Ordinance with the amendment which was 2nd by Alderman Wollin. Roll call Voting Aye: Aldermen Moran, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Holmes, Voting Nay: Aldermen Tisdahl, Bernstein, Wynne. (6 — 3) Ordinance was approved. ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: NO REPORT. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: NO REPORT. CALL OF THE WARDS: 61h Ward. Alderman Moran thanked the Council for passing the 708 Church Street Project it is a vote for Evanston, a positive outlook for the future. 71h Ward. No report 8th Ward. Alderman Rainey thanked those who attended the TIF workshop and the assistance of Ms. Judy Aiello, staff and Leslie Murphy. 91h Ward. Alderman Hansen also extended her thanks to those who attended, and also Alderman Rainey because it was her brain child. She also talked about the new development in the 9th Ward. 1" Ward. Alderman Wollin wanted to thank the developers and believes it will be a great addition to Evanston, and mentioned the Kendall possibilities, and she felt the vote for 708 Church Street is the thing for the City. 2nd Ward. No Report March 23, 2009 3rd Ward. No Report 41h Ward. Alderman Bernstein thanked Debbie Hillman, and congratulated the NAACP, the Giordano dance group, and Leon Sonny Robinson. Also wished the 708 Church Street Project good business and instructed them to go and build their building. 51h Ward. Alderman Holmes is very excited about the program that Debbie Hillman is heading up. Made the statement that the 708 Church Street project was a hard decision but it is best for the City. At 11:40 p.m. Alderman Bernstein moved to convene into Executive Session to discuss matters related to real estate litigation, and personnel pursuant to 5 Illinois Compiled Statutes 120/2 (c) (1) (5), (6) and (11) 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. (11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been tiled and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting. 2nd by Alderman Jean -Baptiste. Roll call. Voting aye — Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0) Respectively submitted, Rodney Greene City Clerk A DVD recording of this meeting has been made part of the Permanent Record and is available in the City Clerk's office. 1 1 1 1