HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2008-01-14-20087q
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CITY COUNCIL * * January 14, 2008
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ROLL CALL — PRESENT:
Alderman Wollin Alderman Moran
Alderman Jean -Baptiste Alderman Tisdahl
Alderman Wynne Alderman Rainey
A Quorum was present. Alderman Holmes Alderman Hansen
ABSENT: Alderman Bernstein
PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton
The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton on Monday, January
14, 2008, at 9:08 p.m. in the Council Chamber,
CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
City Manager Julia Carroll announced that refuse and recycling pick up would be one day later due to the Martin Luther
King, Jr. holiday on Monday.
Ms. Carroll distributed the City's nine -month Revenue & Expense Report requested at the Saturday budget meeting.
Parks/Forestry & Recreation Director Doug Gaynor announced a service to observe Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday
would be held Saturday, February 19, 11:00 a.m., at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center.
Mr. Gaynor announced an art exhibit and reception for Black History Month at 5:00 p.m. on January 27 at the Noyes
Cultural Arts Center.
He reminded all applicants for special events that the first page of the Special Event applications are due at the end of
January and the entire application is due by the end of February.
Mr. Gaynor announced that bare Christmas trees left on the parkway will be collected the same day as refuse.
COMMUNICATIONS:
City Clerk Mary Morris announced that Early Voting had begun that day and would continue through Thursday, January
31, 2008. Registered voters may vote early Monday -Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m (including Monday, January 21,
the official observance of Martin Luther King's birthday) and Saturdays January 19 and 26, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, at
the Civic Center in Room 2403. An Illinois driver's license, Illinois ID or passport is required.
CITIZEN COMMENT:
Ken Bailev. 1602 Central St., stated he was a tad too strident when he spoke at the P&D Committee meeting; looked
forward to working on the Central Street Plan Implementation; reported that $95,687 is the tax revenue the property at
1620 Central generates annually. He supports the Central Street Neighbors Association and applauded efforts of City
Council, planning staff and all involved. The only issue was to narrowly focus on an objection neighbors have and to
present a proposal that would not only eliminate the objection of people who did not have the opportunity to present but
would, hopefully, quell objections and maintain the integrity of the Central Street Plan. He supports the plan with the
exception of the narrow issue he discussed earlier. Some speakers at the P&D Committee probably were not in order to
speak about a specific use for property that is offered for sale and to have that included in the plan is another issue.
Neighbors were unable to address the issue at 1620 Central.
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Bettv Ester. 2114 Darrow Ave., spoke about amendments to the West Evanston TIF district #6. The community wants to
have a policy added that all new businesses maintain 10-25% employees who live in Evanston. That is where West side
residents will shop.
Jeff Smith. 2727 Harrison St., president of the Central Street Neighbors Association, noted after a year ofhard work they
are close to finalizing the Central Street Master Plan. The Plan Commission voted unanimously in December to
recommend changes and has forwarded zoning changes to the P&D Committee. He thanked Zoning Administrator Bill
Dunkley; Plan Commission members, who put in long hours; and Central Street Neighbors Association members, who
spent many hours on this plan. While the plan does not include everything they wanted, it reflects some compromises and
his organization endorses this version as the best thing they could achieve with the moratorium on new construction,
which expires in three weeks. It represents a plan that has significant change and an unprecedented amount of citizen
input. The recommended draft puts changes in the Central Street corridor that put stricter limits on height, mass and
appearance of new construction. It discourages speculative overbuilding while allowing a significant amount of re-
development. Some additional uses will not be permitted in new construction. The common thread in most changes is to
preserve the vibrant and thriving commercial street that has a healthy business environment, enhances the quality of life
on a human scale and encourages Evanston residents to walk and shop here rather than going to malls. It generates
revenue for the City from sales taxes instead of bulldozing what exists to build more condominiums. As they go forward
they would like to see more emphasis on green buildings and techniques, and ways to incorporate affordable housing.
Adopting this won't rule out further changes but, will put some needed brakes on the threat of overbuilding along Central
St. and Green Bay Rd. and provide residents, businesses and property owners with some certainty as to what can and
cannot be built. They look forward to concluding the process and moving on to other critical issues facing the City.
Richard Wright. 2603 Hartzell St., expressed appreciation for the hard work of Bill Dunkley and staff on the Central
Street Plan; thought Mr. Dunkley had come up with some creative ideas. He wanted to clarify the issue that Ken Bailey
spoke about and that was the dormitory use that came in at the I Ith hour. They pushed hard for a performance venue,
commercial recreation or cultural facility. They have lost the theaters and cafe there. They wanted those included to have
some activities in that area.
Paula Ketcham. 1524 Grove St., urged City Council to include in the 2008-09 budget adequate funding to support an
appropriately staffed Free Youth Drop -in Program at the Mason Park field house. Council members received a copy of
the proposal in November 2007. A diverse group.of neighbors began meeting last summer along with Alderman Jean -
Baptiste because they experienced significant problems with middle school aged children in the neighborhood. There
were problems in Penny Park, on sidewalks and streets in their neighborhood with youth engaging in vandalism,
robberies and disturbing criminal activity. Police were there constantly. Neighbors asked why they had to have police at
Penny Park during park hours. They found there were few alternatives for middle school aged children during the
summer. Police would break up disturbances but had no place to send the youth. They talked with long-time residents
who recalled summer drop -in programs and camp activities at Mason Park. As they looked at the newly revamped Mason
Park field house, they propose that it be used to benefit youth who lack alternatives. Key aspects are that hours of
operation be available to youth when needed, in summer, after school, weekends, and holidays; that there be two full-time
staff trained to deal with kids plus support staff from social service agencies; modify the space to make it more warm and
inviting; and bring in equipment and furniture in collaboration with private organizations. The current status is that the
Mason Park field house funding is not included in the budget. Their organization asks City Council to include appropriate
funding for the Mason Park field house in the budget.
Chris Hersee. 1509 Florence Ave., lives near Penny and Mason Parks and thanked City Council for their efforts. He has
been active with the Housing Coalition since 1990 and proud of what has been accomplished. He urged Council to fund
Mason Park free programs for their neighborhood, calling it a wise investment. On May 31, his home was broken into
and about $10,000 worth of computer equipment and jewelry was stolen. Eleven days later his home was broken into
again before a burglar alarm could be installed. Police apprehended two 13-old youth and a 16-year old. He thought it
better to have 13-year olds at a park program rather than burglarizing homes. He stated his neighborhood's willingness to
commit to a quality volunteer program of neighborhood residents.
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Dave Ellis. 1319 Grant St., president, Foreign Fire Tax Board, which was created by state legislation that uses revenues
from insurance companies outside the State of Illinois to benefit the Evanston Fire Department and to help improve life
and safety services. He outlined various purchases made with these funds. He was there due to the pension funding crises;
stated that the fire and police pensions must be funded -- a state law. Their board recognizes the significance of this
problem and chose to lead by example, as they have in the past. The board supports the city manager's proposal that
outside sources of revenue be looked at. Northwestern University and other non-profit entities have been afforded police
and fire protection for the past 140 years and have not paid for it and are not being asked to pay. However, they should
make contributions to the police and fire pension funds for police officers and firefighters who have served them
throughout their careers. Not only is this the right thing to do morally and ethically, but how the City provides future
services to the entire community is at stake. Contributions should be done voluntarily. The board also supports the Real
Estate Transfer Tax Referendum on the February 5`h ballot as part of the solution. If there are other ideas from the
community about pension funding, from people with financial backgrounds, they are encouraged to step forward. He
recalled in 1994, then City Manager Eric Anderson instituted a 0.50% sales tax increase that was supposed to be
dedicated to the pension fund deficits. Mr. Anderson recognized the deficit problem then and Mr. Ellis asked if any has
been put in the pension funds since its adoption. At the last board meeting, members voted to donate $50,000 to the Fire
Pension Fund. They hope this will be a catalyst for discussion and action and to come up with solutions in a timely
manner. The check was presented to Patrick Dillon and Ron Brumback, members of the Fire Pension Board.
Mr. Dillon thanked Dave Ellis and the Foreign Fire Tax Board for this act and accepted it with humility
Mayor Morton was not aware of sales tax funds that were to be set aside for pension funding. Alderman Rainey asked the
City Clerk to look back in the records about the sales tax intended for pension deficits.
Rosanna Pulido. Skokie, field representative for the American Federation for Immigration Reform (FAIR), Washington,
D.C., addressed the resolution calling for just and humane treatment for immigrants and their families. She noted the
inscription on the Statue of Liberty is not United States immigration policy. Numerous religious denominations have
issued statements calling for justice for immigrants. She noted the U.S. government has written a U.S. code to handle the
problems of illegal immigration. The resolution says the U.S. policy currently separates parents from their children for
deportation. She asked Council to consider the 20,000 Americans who have been killed by illegal aliens since 9/ 11. Has
Council considered that those killed have been separated from their families forever? That figure is from Congressman
Steve King of Iowa. She called the resolution an intimidation of officers and Evanston employees to do their jobs and the
right thing. The resolution says that officers have to accept the Matricula Consular as a valid form of ID. She stated in
2003, the FBI testified before Congress that the Matricula Consular poses a major criminal threat to our national security.
A 2007 study by FAIR found that Illinois taxpayers paid $3.5 billion for benefits for illegal immigrants. This resolution is
in direct violation of federal law. Starting in January, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, Tennessee and Nevada are
enacting legislation to help curb illegal immigration. If the states surrounding Illinois are enacting this legislation, where
are illegal aliens going to find sanctuary?
Wendell Thomas. 547 Judson Ave., addressed illegal immigration from a different perspective. He was concerned that we
are a species that is systematically destroying native habitat. In 1930 there were 2 billion people on earth, now we have
6.7 billion. We have problems with global warning. When we make our local environment open to people from an area
that cannot support itself, we increase population, which is not a good thing and destructive. It is not good to overlook the
federal law. He urged people to abide by what we have said what we will do, i.e., fund police and fire pensions.
Dawn Mueller. Oak Park, can be contacted at 708-358-8586. She came to address the proposed resolution calling for just
and humane treatment for immigrants and their families; is assisting persons across Illinois who are concerned about the
impact of illegal immigration on their communities. She networks with people who have similar concerns; people who
might be isolated or under pressure from employers or others. She is concerned about rising levels of violence and
property damage that occur as the migration has headed toward the sanctuary of Cook County. Once the news gets out
that a very wealthy city is a sanctuary, that will be a huge magnet for persons south of the border who enter the country
illegally. Many are good people who are trying to feed their families. She was born in Elgin, which has a significant
problem with illegal immigration; she had family in Carpentersville who were pushed out because of activity there. In
Marengo where she grew up, she worked with migrants tasseling corn. An 83-year old woman was murdered by an illegal
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alien in 2006 in Marengo. He stole her car and fled. Officers pursued and he attempted to attack the officer who shot him.
The officer was protecting his community. Citizens across the state have determined that they must hold communities
responsible that create magnets that attract illegal aliens. She asked that the process be opened up to all sides of the issue
because of the immense impact across the state. Any person with concerns can contact her and she will hook'that person
up with persons inside Evanston and, outside as well, because they are building a broad coalition to address this issue.
CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*)
Alderman Moran moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: request for Planned
Development Extension — Ordinance 7-0-07; Ordinance 4-0-08 Special Use Request for a Convenience Store at 510
Main Street; Resolution 7-R-08 — Lakefront Master Plan; and Ordinance 109-0-07 — 93-Day Extension of the Downtown
Moratorium. Seconded by Alderman Rainey.
Roll call. Voting aye — Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen. Voting nay — none.
Motion carried. (8-0).
ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA
MINUTES:
* Approval of Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of November 19, 2007 and the Regular City Council Meeting
of December 10, 2007. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS:
* Approval, as recommended, City of Evanston payroll for the periods ending December 13 and 27, 2007 and January
10, 2008 and City of Evanston bills through January 15, 2008, authorized and charged to the proper accounts:
City of Evanston payroll (through 12/13/07) $2,559,301.40
City of Evanston payroll (through 12/27/07) $2,374,465.75
City of Evanston payroll (through 01/10/08) $2,328,963.42
City of Evanston bills (through 01115108) $5,272,299.33
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Recommend the City Manager enter into an agreement with Citation Management, a division of Professional Account
Management, LLC, a Duncan Solutions Company (633 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee) for parking ticket management
and payment processing functions (RFP #07-30) in the amount of $188,212 per year for three years totaling $564,636.
Funded by General Fund parking ticket revenue. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Recommend approval of the proposal from Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. (850 Forest Edge Dr., Vernon Hills)
(RFP #06-44) to provide construction engineering services for the 2008 MFT Street Improvement Program for a not -to -
exceed amount of $143,600. Funded by the Capital Improvement Plan MFT Fund. * APPROVED - CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Recommend approval of the Ridge Avenue Roadway and Sewer Improvement Project — Phase III construction
engineering services contract with CivilTech Engineering, Inc. (450 E Devon Ave., Itasca, IL) for the not -to -exceed
amount of $637,967. Funding provided by the Capital Improvement Plan Street Resurfacing Program. * APPROVED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Recommend approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid (#08-59) for two garbage trucks from Cumberland
Service Center (2375 E. Oakton, Arlington Heights) for a total cost of $381,340. Funded by the 2007-08 Fleet Fund
Capital Outlay, Automotive Equipment. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
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* Recommend approval of the emergency purchase of supplemental security staffing from Metro Security Forces, Inc.
(6546 W. Higgins, Chicago) for the large hill in James Park on "snow days" in the not -to -exceed amount of $15,000, for
a total contract of $27,900. Funded by Parks/Forestry & Recreation Department; $6,000 from Noyes Cultural Arts Center
and $9,000 from Fleetwood-Jourdain Center. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Resolution 2-R-08 — Sub-erant Asreement between Cook Countv and Illinois Emergencv
Management Aeencv — Consideration of Resolution 2-R-08, which authorizes a sub -grant agreement
between Cook County and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to receive and administer
funds from the Department of Homeland Security/Office of Domestic Preparedness for use by First
Responders. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Resolution 3-R-08 — 2008 Motor Fuel Tax Street Resurfacine Proeram — Consideration of
Resolution 2-R-08, by which City Council would appropriate $1.6 million of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT)
funds for the street resurfacing program. Funded by the MFT and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
street resurfacing program. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Ordinance 1-0-08 — Increase in Number of Class D Liouor Licenses — Consideration of Ordinance
1-0-08, whereby Title 3, Section 3-5-6(D) of the City Code would be amended to increase the number
of Class D liquor licenses from 24 to 25 due to the opening of S.F.W.H., Inc. doing business as
Wingstop (2434 Main St.). * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 2-0-08 — Amends the Citv Code — Title 7. Chanter 12. "City Waterworks Svstem —
Consideration of Ordinance 2-0-08, which amends the City Code Title 7, Chapter 12 "City
Waterworks System" to ensure a more cohesive document, establish consistent standards and set fair
and equitable charges for services. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 10-0-08 — Four-Wav Stop at Michigan Ave. and Kedzie Street — Consideration of
Ordinance 10-0-08, which amends Section 10-11-5, Schedule V(D) of the City Code to establish a
four-way stop at Michigan Ave. and Kedzie St. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 105-0-07 — Regulates the Use of Fire Pits — Consideration of Ordinance 106-0-07,
introduced December 10, 2007, whereby the City of Evanston will regulate fire pit use mainly in
residential settings to minimize any fire hazards and/or negative impacts on the neighborhoods.
* ADOPTED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
* Ordinance 5-0-08 — Central Street Implementation — Text Amendment — Consideration of a Plan
Commission recommendation for approval of text amendments for the Central Street Master Plan.
* MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 6-0-08 — Central Street Implementation — Map Amendment — Consideration of a Plan
Commission recommendation for approval of map amendments for the Central Street Master Plan.
* MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Resolution 6-R-08 — Consideration of proposed Resolution 6-R-08, which authorizes the City
Manager to execute a Consent and Estoppel with the Church and Chicago Limited Partnership, JBC
Evanston Limited Partnership, Washington National Insurance Company and John Buck Company.
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
OTHER COMMITTEES:
* Resolution 4-R-08 — Reallocation of Unspent CDBG Funds — Consideration ofproposed Resolution
4-R-08, whereby the CDBG Committee recommends amending the 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 and
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2007 Community Development Block Grant Programs and authorize the reallocation of $51,704.37 in
unexpended funds. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION * ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Resolution 5-R-08 — Approve the Citv's Proposed One -Year Action Plan for FY 2008-09 and Adont
the Citv's FY 2008-09 CDBG. HOME and ESG Proeram Budgets — Consideration of proposed
Resolution 5-R-08, whereby the CDBG Committee recommended approval of the City's One -Year
Action Plan for 2008-09 and adoption of the City's 2008-09 Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships and Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) program budgets.
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Ordinance 7-0-08 — Amendment No. 1 — Tax Increment Redevelopment Plan/Proiect for the West
Evanston TIF District #6 Redevelopment Area — Consideration of Ordinance 7-0-08, whereby the
Economic Development Committee and Joint Review Board recommended adoption of the expansion
of the West Evanston Tax Increment Financing District. Adoption of Ordinance 7-0-08 will adopt the
amended Eligibility Study and the amended Plan and Project. * MARKED INTRODUCED —
CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 8-0-08 — Re-desienatine the West Evanston TIF District #6 Redevelopment Area
Pursuant to the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act — Consideration of Ordinance 8-0-08,
whereby the Economic Development Committee and Joint Review Board recommended amendment of
the Redevelopment Project Area of the West Evanston TIF. * MARKED INTRODUCED —
CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 9-0-08 — Confirm Tax Increment Allocation Financing for West Evanston TIF District #6
Redevelopment Area - Consideration of Ordinance 9-0-08, whereby the Economic Development
Committee and Joint Review Board recommended adoption of the TIF as a financing mechanism for
the expanded West Evanston TIF District. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Reauest for Planned Development Extension — Ordinance 7-0-07. 1700-1722 Central St. —
Consideration of a request from Eastwood of Evanston LLC, owner and developer of the subject
property, for a 13-month extension of Ordinance 7-0-07, for the construction of a mixed -use
development at 1700-1722 Central St. The extension would allow until April 5, 2009 to obtain
building permits and April 5, 2010 for project completion.
Alderman Hansen moved that this item be approved with the following conditions: 1. If construction has not begun by
May 1, 2008, the construction fence around the perimeter of the property must be removed by May 15, 2008. The
construction fence will be replaced when a building permit is obtained and no work may commence until the fence has
been installed and approved by the City. 2. The lot will be graded and seeded by May 15, 2008. 3. The lot will be
checked and cleaned on a weekly basis for litter, fly dumping, etc. 4. The grass on the lot will be mowed weekly. 5.
Parking of vehicles and equipment on the lot during this period is prohibited. 7. In the event that the developer may need
an extension of these conditions up to 30-days beyond May 15 that it is subject to the discretion of the Community
Development Director. Alderman Tisdahl added a sixth condition — that the snow is shoveled on the property is a
requirement. Alderman Hansen accepted the amendment.'Seconded by Alderman Rainey.
In response to Alderman Jean -Baptiste, Alderman Hansen stated that if these conditions were not complied with, this
could be brought back to the committee or Council and the extension revoked.
Alderman Hansen moved approval of a 13-month extension, with amendments, for the mixed -use development at 1700-
1722 Central Street. The motion was seconded.
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Roll call. Voting aye — Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen. Voting nay — none.
Motion carried. (8-0).
Ordinance 4-0-08 — Special Use Reauest for Convenience Store - 510 Main St. — Consideration of the
Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation to approve a special use for a convenience store at 510
Main St. (Main Street Pantry).
Alderman Hansen moved that Ordinance 4-0-08 be marked introduced.
Alderman Wynne moved to Suspend the Rules in order to adopt an ordinance at the same meeting at which it was
introduced. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried. No nays.
Alderman Wynne moved approval of Ordinance 4-0-08. Seconded by Alderman Hansen.
Roll call. Voting aye — Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen. Voting nay — none.
Motion carried. (8-0).
Resolution 7-R-08 — Lakefront Master Plan —Consideration of the Playground and Recreation Board's
recommendation for City Council approval of the Lakefront Master Plan.
Alderman Hansen reported due to a lack of time, the committee was only able to go through the consultant's presentation.
A Special P&D Committee meeting is set for Tuesday January 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber to discuss the
Lakefront Master Plan.
Ordinance 109-0-07 — 93-Day Extension of the Downtown Moratorium— Consideration of a 93-day
extension of the moratorium on the issue of building permits for construction in downtown, introduced
December 10, 2007, established by Ordinance 57-0-07, which was adopted by City Council on June
11, 2007 and extended by Ordinance 103-0-07,.which was adopted by City Council on November 26,
2007. The moratorium will expire December 11, 2007 and this ordinance will provide an extension of
it to March 18, 2008.
Alderman Hansen moved to amend Ordinance 109-0-07 to restate the moratorium to March 15, 2008. Seconded by
Alderman Wynne.
Alderman Rainey understood this was going to be removed. Alderman Rainey moved to hold Ordinance 109-0-07 over.
Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste. At the reauest of two aldermen this item will be held over.
There was no Executive Session held.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn and the
Council so moved at 10:14 p.m.
Mary P. Morris,
City Clerk
A videotape recording of this meeting has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the City Clerk's office
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