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Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES-2008-12-08-20083�-[7 1 1 u CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL — PRESENT: A Quorum was present. NOT PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: PRESIDING: Alderman Bernstein Alderman Holmes Alderman Moran Alderman Tisdahl Alderman Jean -Baptiste Mayor Lorraine H. Morton December 8, 2008 Alderman Rainey Alderman Hansen Alderman Wollin Alderman Wynne The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton on Monday, December 8, 2008, at 9:20 p.m. in the Council Chamber. MAYORAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: None. CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS: Interim Parks/Forestry & Recreation Director Bob Dorneker announced that the Fleetwood-Jourdain Middle School Council would perform a Kwanzaa program at 4:15 p.m. on Friday, December 26 at Fountain Square. The community is invited to learn about the history and meaning of Kwanzaa, hear a special poem and watch the children turn on the Kwanzaa lights. Mr. Dorneker noted that there will also be a ceremony to turn on the Chanukah lights, also at Fountain Square and that details would be available on the City's website. Mr. Dorneker announced that the City's Parks/Forestry crews would begin collecting Christmas trees placed in the parkways for recycling the week of December 29 and continue for five consecutive weeks. He reiterated that all trees must be put in the parkways and that none would be collected from alleys or private property. He reminded residents to clear the trees of all decorations and not to place them in plastic bags as the plastic can damage equipment used to make mulch from the trees. Interim City Manager Russell announced that today was Mayor Morton's birthday. A large sheet cake and vase with roses were wheeled into the chamber as everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to the Mayor. Mayor Morton proclaimed December 2008 "Affordable Housing Month" in the City of Evanston. COMMUNICATIONS - CITY CLERK: None. Alderman Rainey called attention to the campaign signs that had begun showing up on the parkways. She pointed out that it is too early for these signs (April 7, 2009 Consolidated Election) and that it is illegal to place campaign signs on the parkways or any public property. 3�Iy 2 December 8, 2008 CITIZEN COMMENT: AGENDA ITEMS Junad Rizki, 2761 Ridge Ave., mentioned that Evanston faces a 13% increase in property taxes this year. He referenced Ordinance 89-0-08 and stated it would be a waste of taxpayers' money. He felt that the requirement that contractors hire Evanston residents for at least 15% of the total work hours would impact the ability to have the job performed properly. Specifically, he was alarmed that the ordinance stipulated that the Business Development Coordinator could select an Evanston resident from the local resident database. Mr. Rizki thought this would open the door to problems and possible lawsuits. He speculated that the City has spent about $1 million per year on lawsuits. Mike Vasilko, 2728 Reese Ave., spoke of Mayor Morton's letter to him about including her in his critical remarks about City Council in a letter to the editor. He had written that City Council basically "rubber-stamped the Consent Agenda" and apologized to the Mayor. He has tried to attend A&PW Committee meetings regularly, scrutinize the Consent Agenda, express his views and challenge what he thought was irresponsible spending. He observed that committee members appear to come prepared to "move on with the agenda and approve whatever staff puts in front of them." Specifically, he termed "frivolous in today's tight economy" the resolution for a mural on a CTA retaining wall at Main St. Mr. Vasilko also cited the purchase of 53 laptop computers for the 9-1-1 system. He said that higher property taxes would be needed to pay for these expenses and implored the Mayor to "use her veto pen." CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Moran moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: Request for Holiday Parking in Downtown Garages; Contract with United Business Solutions to Buy 40 New Copiers; Ordinance 113-0-08 — Amends Section 8-18-3 of the City Code "Child Day Care Homes;" Ordinance 89-0-08 — Amends Section 1-17-1 of City Code to Add Subsection 1-17-1(C ) "Local Employment Program;" Ordinance 123-0-08 — Township Tax Levy; Ordinance 130- 0-08 — Grants Special Use for Multi -Family Residential and Commercial Mixed -Use Planned Development at 631-749 Chicago Avenue; Recommendation to Provide Partial Interest Rate Subsidy for Four Affordable Housing Providers, Using HOME Funds Supplied by HUD; Plan Commission Recommendation to Adopt the Downtown Plan as Revised by the Plan Commission; Ordinance 127-0-08 — Amend Text of Zoning Ordinance to Add Sections 6-15-15 and 6-15-16 Related to the West Evanston District; and Ordinance 128-0-08 — Amend the Zoning Map to Re -Zone Certain Properties Related to the West Evanston District. The motion was seconded by Alderman Rainey. Roll Call. Voting aye — Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0). ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of September 4, 2008, Special City Council Meeting of November 17, 2008, and Regular City Council Meeting of November 24, 2008. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: * Approval, as recommended, City of Evanston payroll for the period November 22, 2008, and City of Evanston bills through December 9, 2008, as authorized and charged to the proper accounts: City of Evanston payroll (through 11/22/08) $2,295,818.37 City of Evanston bills (through 12/09/08) $20,973,654.65 * Recommend approval of the sole -source purchase of licensing for Mobile Data Browser software from SunGard Public Sector, Inc. (1000 Business Center Dr., Lake Mary, FL) in the amount of $68,373.06. Funding provided by the Emergency Telephone System Board. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) 3 December 8, 2008 * Recommend approval of the sole -source purchase of licensing, training and installation of CAD 400 software from SunGard Public Sector, Inc. (1000 Business Center Dr., Lake Mary, FL) in the amount of $112,485.80. Funding provided by the Emergency Telephone System Board. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Recommend approval to purchase 53 Panasonic Toughbook, Model CF30 laptops with additional memory installed and two CD/DVD readers from CDS Office Technologies (333 Main St., Boston) in the amount of $216,017. Funded by the Emergency Telephone System Board. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 70-R-08 — FY 2010-2014 Capital Improvement Program — Consideration of proposed Resolution 70-R-08, which approves the proposed FY 2010-2014 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) of the City of Evanston. Funded by Capital Improvements (GO Bonds and grants) CDBG, Parking, Water & Sewer funds. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 71-R-08 — Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Open Studio Project for a Bricolage Mural on the Retaining Wall South of the Main Street CTA Station — Consideration of proposed Resolution 71-R-08, which authorizes the Interim City Manager to execute an agreement with Open Studio Project for a bricolage mural on the CTA retaining wall south of the Main Street station. The agreed cost is an amount not -to -exceed $22,500. Funded by the Community Public Art Program, an allocation of the 2007-08 CIP. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 129-0-08 — Authorizes the Sale of Citv-Owned Proverty — 2022 Central St. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 129-0-08, which authorizes the sale, by sealed bid, of City - Owned Real property located at 2022 Central Street to Arthur R. Braun in the amount of $415,000. * MARKED INTRODUCED -CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 117-0-08 — Dedicates (for Allev Paving Purposes) Certain Land Owned by Louis Silverstein and Paula Cofresi Silverstein, north of Leonard Place and east of Asbury Avenue — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 117-0-08, introduced November 24, 2008, which dedicates a portion of the 1211 Leonard Place parcel to the City of Evanston for the purposed of improving the adjacent public alley. * ADOPTED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 125-0-08 — Dedicates (for Allev Paving Purposes) Certain Land Owned by Stephen E. Herz and Jamie Hochman Herz, north of Leonard Place and East of Asbury Avenue - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 117-0-08, introduced November 24, 2008, which dedicates a portion of the 1207 Leonard Place parcel to the City of Evanston for the purposed of improving the adjacent public alley. * ADOPTED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 135-0-08 — Tax Levy — Special Service Area #4 — This ordinance repeals and replaces the original Special Service Area #4 Ordinance (124-0-08), which was approved by Council on November 24, 2008. Change to ordinance is in format only with no change to the substance or amounts levied per original ordinance. * MARKED INTRODUCED -CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Holmes moved to Suspend the Rules in order to adopt an ordinance at the same meeting at which it was introduced. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Voice vote. motion carried unanimously. Alderman Holmes moved approval of Ordinance 135-0-08. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Roll Call. Voting aye — Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0) 4 December 8, 2008 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: * Ordinance 133-0-08 — Amend Various Buildine. Zonine. Construction and Fire Service Fees — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 133-0-08, which increases and restructures plan review and inspection fees for Building, Zoning and Fire Service fees. * MARKED INTRODUCED -CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 134-0-08 — Amends Section 5-2-5 of Citv Code — Lodeine Establishment License Fee — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 134-0-08, which increases fees to raise rooming house fees from $26.00 per roomer to $36.00 per roomer to help cover the cost of the required annual inspection. * MARKED INTRODUCED -CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 126-0-08 Amendine Section 6-18-3 of the Zonine Ordinance to Exclude Firearms - Related Businesses from the Definitions of "Retail Goods Establishment" and "Retail Services Establishment" — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 126-0-08, introduced November 24, 2008, a Plan Commission recommendation to approve a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to update the definitions of Retail Goods Establishment and Retail Services Establishment in Chapter 18 "Definitions" for the purpose of prohibiting the sale of firearms and ammunition. * ADOPTED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: *Approval of the November 2008 Township Monthlv Bills — Approval of a recommendation that City Council approve the Township bills, payroll and medical payments for the month of November 2008 in the amount of $78,673.08. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) APPOINTMENTS: For Reappointment Confirmation: Carol Mullins Commission on Aging For term ending December 30, 2012 For Reappointment Introduction and Confirmation: Helen B. Axelrood Arts Council For term ending December 30, 2012 Heidi Bloom Arts Council For term ending December 30, 2012 Charles F. Lange Arts Council For term ending December 30, 2012 Rita Sheinin Commission on Aging For term ending December 30, 2012 Elizabeth Shimkus Commission on Aging For term ending December 30, 2012 David Blatt 9-1-1 Emergency Telephone System Board For term ending December 30, 2011 `5 I 5 December 8, 2008 Anne Elizabeth Viner Environment Board For term ending December 30, 2013 Yolanda Bender Housing Commission For term ending December 30, 2012 Michele Lacy Housing & Community Dev. Act Cmte. For term ending December 30, 2012 Virginia Beatty Ladd Arboretum Committee For term ending December 30. 2012 Ellen King Ladd Arboretum Committee For term ending December 30, 2012 Diane Allen -Jacobi Library Board For term ending December 30, 2012 Terry Tonon Minority, Women & Evanston Business Dev. Cmte. For term ending December 30, 2011 Judith Treadway Minority, Women & Evanston Business Dev. Cmte. For term ending December 30, 2011 * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Recommend approval of a request from the Parking Committee to approve free holiday parking in the City's three Downtown Self -Park Garages on weekdays between 5 p.m. and 12 midnight and all day on Saturdays, beginning Saturday, December 13, 2008, through December 31, 2008. Alderman Holmes moved approval of this item. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Alderman Wynne reported that the free holiday parking was recommended by the Parking Committee to boost holiday shoppers in the downtown and provide an extra boost to businesses there. She moved to extend the holiday parking hours through Saturday, January 3, 2009. Seconded by Alderman Wollin. Voice vote. Motion carried, no nays. Alderman Jean -Baptiste asked people at the meeting and watching on television at home to tell their neighbors about the free holiday parking after 5 p.m. He urged people to Shop Evanston! Roll call. Voting aye — Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0) Recommend approval of the contract with United Business Solutions (UBS) to purchase 40 new copy machines in the amount of $281,440 (RFP #0917). Staff also recommends the purchase of eight (8) coin -op boxes in the amount of $22,910. Also recommended by staff is the purchase of a service agreement with UBS for an estimated cost of $30,720 annually and $122,880 over the next four years for a total cost for this equipment and service of $438,897. Funded by the CIP fund for capital and from each City fund where the copiers are located for service costs. December 8, 2008 Alderman Holmes reported that this item would be held in committee pending further information from staff on the costs to lease or purchase. Ordinance 113-0-08 — Amends Title 8. Chanter 18. Section 3 of the Citv Code. "Child Dav Care Homes" - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 113-0-08, which amends Title 8, Chapter 18, Section 3 of the City Code, "Child Day Care Homes" to require any individual coming into contact with children at the daycare over the age of 13 years to have a background check, health check and a statement of no drug use to be submitted to the City prior to the license issuance and a $250 fee (two- year permit). Alderman Holmes reported that this item was held and referred to the Human Services Committee. Ordinance 89-0-08 — Amends Section 1-17-1 of the Citv Code to Add Subsection 1-17-1(C) "Local Employment Program' ' — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 89-0-08, which amends Section 1-17- 1 of the City Code to add Subsection 1-17-1(C) "Local Employment Program," introduced November 24, 2008, to ensure that Evanston residents are hired to perform 15% of the total work hours at a construction site and that a minimum of one Evanston resident is hired for those projects with a value at or greater than $500,000. Alderman Holmes moved approval of Ordinance 89-0-08. Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste. Alderman Rainey stated that she has been a proponent of hiring Evanston residents by those who receive contracts paid for with taxpayers' dollars. She said that the ordinance is written poorly, will be difficult to implement and will cause huge delays in getting jobs completed. She asked for a list of available personnel for this program and was "mortified" that it was all African -American men with the exception of one white man and three women. She noted that little outreach had been done to get people included on the list. Alderman Rainey would vote against this and was surprised that with so many women on Council and in high places on the City staff, that only three women were on this list. Finance Director Martin Lyons reported that the list was derived from attendees at a local employment fair held two -three years ago. Since that fair, he noted, the list has been kept in-house and people who are interested have given their names and qualifications to the business development coordinator. Mr. Lyons clarified that language in the ordinance would be changed to state that contractors could use the local employment coordinator as a resource and that it is not mandatory to hire someone from the list. He added that a disclaimer phrase would be inserted into the ordinance saying something such as "the City does not make any claims or warranties as to the qualifications of potential employees, the quality of their past job performance or the quality of their future performance on any job for which they are referred or are selected." Alderman Rainey asked how the City would restructure its bid documents (to include requirements of this ordinance). She reiterated that this ordinance would cause problems and delays with the bid process. Alderman Jean -Baptiste countered that he thought she would support this ordinance. A past complaint had been that contracts were going to women -owned businesses (contractors) outside of Evanston. He added that one of the frustrations was that the minority business coordinator did not have the authority to hire anyone for contract j obs. He pointed out that there was some inconsistency. He stated that the committee had discussed implementing this program and, after a period of six months, they would evaluate it and see how it's working. Alderman Hansen noted that the ordinance before them did not reflect the changes they had discussed in committee. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved to amend Ordinance 89-0-08 by changing the total work hours performed from five (5%) to fifteen (15%) and to remove the duration requirement of ninety (90) continuous days. Seconded by Alderman Hansen. Voice vote. Motion carried. Alderman Holmes moved approval of Ordinance 89-0-08 as amended. Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste. 5 7 December 8, 2008 Roll call. Voting aye — Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne. Voting nay— Rainey. Motion carried (8-1) Ordinance 123-0-08 2008 Township Tax Lew - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 123-0-08, introduced November 10, 2008, annual property tax levy for Evanston Township. Alderman Holmes moved approval of Ordinance 123-0-08. Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste. Alderman Rainey thought that at $300,000 this tax levy was too large. She asked if anyone had comments after reading the auditors report. Alderman Holmes had looked at the audit and thought that the City could look to the Township reserve funds to use for some of the things the City could not afford to do. Mayor Morton pointed out that the Council, acting as Township Trustees, was the sole entity that could make decisions regarding how Township funds would be spent. She added that the Human Services Committee could make recommendations to the Trustees, but it the decisions are made by Council. Alderman Wollin expressed her surprise that the Township Supervisor was not present that evening to answer questions. Alderman Bernstein was concerned with the numbers of people receiving assistance (General Assistance) and stated that Council has to pass the ordinance that evening. He proposed a reduction of $150,000 in the Township Tax Levy. Alderman Jean -Baptiste noted that though the Township had gotten into financial troubles before, it is now running a healthy operation and could cover certain expenditures for the City as Alderman Holmes had suggested. Ms. Russell said she would work with the Health & Human Services Department to look at eligible items and with the Township to try to transfer some of those expenses. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved that the City of Evanston transfer programs with the value of $150,000 to the Township to cover for FY 2009-10. Seconded by Alderman Holmes. Alderman Wynne agreed with the spirit of Alderman Jean-Baptiste's motion, but thought it was too vague. She wanted to know that the Township could administer a program transferred to them effectively. She wanted the Township Supervisor to come and make suggestions about what they could administer. Alderman Rainey stated that the Trustees could not tell the Township what to put in their budget. They can remove or add funds to the budget, but cannot say what programs will be covered. She remarked the biggest issue is the incompetence at the administrative level, which was illustrated by the Township audit. Alderman Jean -Baptiste withdrew his motion. Alderman Holmes asked if they could follow Alderman Wynne's suggestion to have the Township Supervisor meet with them at the January 2009 Rules Committee, where they could call a Special Board of Trustees meeting. Interim First Assistant Corporation Counsel Elke Purze confirmed that they need to meet as trustees and said that they must pass the ordinance that evening. In response to Mayor Morton's questions, she stated that it's due at the County by the last Tuesday of the month (to be included with the tax rolls). Ms. Purze suggested another option would be to adopt a one-time tax abatement for the surplus. Mr. Lyons explained that they had adopted a number of abatement ordinances at the previous Council meeting, this levy could be abated and designate "no source" so that the cap has not changed and it would be one-time only. This abatement ordinance would have a February 28, 2009 deadline, which would allow for time to meet with the Township Supervisor. -� 5 4-{ December 8, 2008 Alderman Moran moved to adopt Ordinance 123-0-08 as written, convene a meeting of the Board of Trustees and, if it is determined that there is a surplus, abate that amount. The motion was seconded. Voice vote. Motion carried. Roll call. Voting aye — Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance 130-0-08 — Grants a Special Use for a Multi-Familv Residential and Commercial Mixed - Use Planned Development with Enclosed Accessory Parking Located at 631-749 Chicago Avenue in the C 1 a Commercial Mixed -Use Zoning District— Consideration of proposed Ordinance 130-0-08, for which the Plan Commission recommends approval of a Special Use in the form of a Planned Development at 631-749 Chicago Avenue (Evanston DevCo/AMLI Development). Alderman Moran moved to include an amended Section 3 (D) Employment of Local Construction Workers: "The Application shall cause the general contractor and subcontractors to hire no fewer that five (5) residents of the City of Evanston to work on the construction of the Planned Development authorized by the terms of this ordinance, with preference given to qualified minorities, women, and/or unskilled workers. The goal of hiring these workers shall be to provide them with gainful employment for a reasonable period of time during said construction and to mentor each of them. To effect said mentoring, the Applicant shall cause the general contractor to assign an employee as a mentor to help said resident workers acquire the skills and experience necessary for them to continue working in the same or similar jobs after their work on the Planned Development authorized by the terms of this ordinance is complete." Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Voice vote. Motion carried. Alderman Moran moved to Suspend the Rules in order to adopt an ordinance at the same meeting at which it was introduced. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Voice vote, motion carried unanimouslv. Alderman Moran moved approval of Ordinance 130-0-08 as amended. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Roll call. Voting aye — Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0) Recommend approval of $67,066 in additional HOME funds in conjunction with a range of activities to assist four affordable ownership developments (Reba Place Development Corporation, Evanston Community Development Association, Citizens' Lighthouse Community Land Trust and Econ Housing Corporation) complete sales by June 30, 2009. The funding consists of $33,566 in interest subsidy, $8,000 for marketing and $25,500 for broker incentives and these HOME funds will be supplied by HUD. Alderman Moran stated that in committee they amended this item to allow for $30,000 as an interest subsidy for three affordable ownership developments (Reba Place Development Corporation, Evanston Community Development Association and Citizens' Lighthouse Community Land Trust). He said that the funds left out of the amendment will be reconsidered after the next Housing Commission meeting. Alderman Moran moved approval of this item. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Roll call. Voting aye — Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0) 9 December 8, 2008 Recommendation to Approve the Draft Downtown Plan as Revised by the Plan Commission - Recommend approval of the Draft Downtown Plan as revised by the Plan Commission. Ordinance 127-0-08 — Amends the Text of the Zoning Ordinance by Adding Section 6-15-15. "oWE West Evanston Overlav District" and Section 6-15-16. "WE 1 West Evanston Transitional District" — Consideration of a Plan Commission recommendation for approval of text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to add a new zoning district "WE 1—West Evanston Transitional District" and a new overlay district "oWE—West Evanston Overlay District" to Chapter 15—Special Purpose and Overlay Districts. Ordinance 128-0-08 — Amends the Zoning Mao to Re -zone Certain Properties Pursuant to the West Evanston Physical Plannine and Urban Infill Design Master Plan — Consideration of a Plan Commission recommendation for approval of map amendments to change the base zoning district designations for several properties within the West Evanston Plan area as specified in the West Evanston Plan Zoning Implementation document, Base Zoning District Changes map and to designate properties currently within the West Evanston Plan area to be included in the oWE West Evanston Overlay District as specified in the West Evanston Plan Zoning Implementation document, West Evanston Zoning Overlay map. Alderman Moran reported that the above three items were held in Committee. Assistant Corporation Counsel Kenneth Cox reported item P3 regarding the Downtown Plan would be continued until a special Planning & Development Committee meeting scheduled for Friday, January 9, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chamber CALL OF THE WARDS 4th Ward. Alderman Bernstein extended holiday greetings to everyone. He thanked Amanda Jones for her wonderful service. He reported that there is a program for seniors who need help with snow shoveling and encouraged them to call Nancy Flowers at the City. Young people are available to shovel show for a small fee. 5th Ward. Alderman Holmes said that Amanda Jones would be missed. She thanked Alderman Wollin for her report from the National League of Cities She reported that IDOT opened the bidding for the Twiggs Park Bike Path on December 5 and that bids are due by January 16, 2009. Alderman Holmes said work on the project would begin in the spring with completion in a few months. She invited everyone to the 5`h Ward's meeting December 18, which will be their annual holiday party. Happy holidays. 61h Ward. Alderman Moran wanted to salute everyone from the affordable housing groups who were present that evening. He noted that they have worked under difficult circumstances for a noble cause. He extended holiday good wishes to everyone. Alderman Moran called attention to the servicemen and servicewomen who are far away from home during this season and expressed gratitude. Peace on Earth. 7th Ward. Alderman Tisdahl asked the City Manager to let them know what the City's greatest infrastructure needs are so they can inform Evanston's congresswomen and senator. She urged the City to get this information to Jan Schakowsky and Dick Durbin and ask that the money comes directly to the City of Evanston rather than going to Springfield. Alderman Tisdahl extended condolences to the family of Dr. Martin, a former principal at Kingsley School, who passed recently. She noted he was a wonderful principal and dearly loved. 81h Ward. Alderman Rainey wished Happy Holidays to everyone. She reported that President -Elect Obama had commented that his team was looking for "shovel ready" projects to fund. She echoed Alderman Tisdahl's urging to provide projects to Evanston's federal elected officials. 10 December 8, 2008 91h Ward. Alderman Hansen reported the 9`h Ward would meet at the Levy Center on Wednesday, December 10, at 7 p.m. to discuss traffic on Oakton Street. Staff from the City's Transportation Division would be present. Happy holidays. I" Ward. Alderman Wollin pointed out that there are portions of Sherman Avenue that are not paved because it has been too wet and cold. There are raised manhole covers and gravel on the road that could damage snowplowing equipment and potentially dangerous for pedestrians. She has been assured that there is one asphalt vendor that will remain open until December 12 and can be fixed. She noted that the weather poses a similar problem for completing the striping on Ridge Avenue. She hoped those problems would be resolved and they can have a happy, safe and peaceful holiday. 2"d Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste wished all Happy Holidays. He reminded Interim Community Development Director Dennis Marino to meet with West Side activists to learn about the issues they have on their mind. He noted that meeting with business owners was important as well as individuals and he would make himself available for those meetings. 3rd Ward. Alderman Wynne again wished Mayor Morton a happy birthday and remarked that she wants to be like her when she grows up. Alderman Wynne thanked Council for suspending the rules to adopt the planned development ordinance for Chicago Avenue. She thanked Steve Ross and his team; noted it was the textbook way a developer should come into a community. She thanked Amanda Jones for a job superbly done and that she was irreplaceable. She noted that Amanda's spirit and professional were such a gift to the community. She wished Happy Holidays to everyone. At 10:59 p.m. Alderman Bernstein moved to convene into Executive Session to discuss matters related to personnel and litigation pursuant to 5 Illinois Compiled Statutes 120/2 (c) (1) 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. (11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed 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. Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste. Roll call. Voting aye — Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0) There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn and the Council so moved at 11:47 p.m. Mayre Press, Deputy 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