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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2008-10-27-20081 1 CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL — PRESENT: A Quorum was present. PRESIDING: Alderman Wollin Alderman Jean -Baptiste Alderman Wynne Alderman Bernstein Mayor Lorraine H. Morton October 27, 2008 Alderman Holmes Alderman Moran Alderman Tisdahl Alderman Rainey Alderman Hansen The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton on Monday, October 27, 2008, at 9:05 p.m. in the Council Chamber. MAYORAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Morton announced that the Halloween Trick -or -Treat hours for this Friday were 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. She asked that residents leave their lights on for the children so that they will have a safe, wonderful fun Halloween. She then told the Council and the audience that she requested a presentation on the agency of CEDA. Robert Wharton President and CEO for ten years, has worked with CEDA for 25 years. The offices are located on the 19t' and 20t' floors at 208 S. LaSalle St. They have more than 200 facilities and is one of the largest human services agencies in Cook County and the largest not -for -profit Community Action Agency in the country. Mayor Morton introduced Mr. Wharton to the Council and the audience. Mr. Wharton stated that CEDA has over 200 sites around the county operating more than 40 programs that they offer. He remarked that the first thing they do is to hire good people, which is an important thing to do in any organization. Secondly, they believe in planning because the programs are based on the human needs of the community. Thirdly, they use technology to create the efficiencies is very important looking at the various systems. They can not generate resources without looking at the programs they supply. The mission is to help families to become more self-sufficient. Some of the programs they supply are: early childhood development, WICK for mother's nutritional values, youth, Family development, senior citizens meals, families in crisis, and loan money to small businesses. There is a work relationship between what we do and the programs they offer. He was glad to be here and is a former Evanstonian. Mayor Morton then introduced Pat Vance, who runs the agency in Evanston. Ms. Vance works with CEDA Neighbors at Work, and its new Director Mr. Hecky Powell. A video showed programs supplied by Supervisor's office and CEDA. They assist low-income families and others through various programs and projects such as WICK, which teaches nutritional values; Head -Start along with District 65 working on fatherhood initiatives, employment counseling, utility bill payments, teaching energy conservation, and senior services such as the "Handyman" program, which assists with snow removal and similar odd jobs for the senior population. Mayor Morton thanked Ms. Vance and Mr. Wharton for coming out to share information about CEDA with the Council and the public. She also recognized Mr. Wharton's accomplishments in his position of President and CEO of CEDA. October 27, 2008 SPECIAL ART DONATION: Mr. John Bizer presented the City with an art donation that belonged to his mother Martha, who passed away recently. In her memory he gave a beautiful print of Fountain Square. He wanted the print to be hung in the Levy Senior Citizens Center in Evanston eventually as its final home. Alderman Hansen stated that the gentleman was a 96 Ward resident and then proceeded to give a description of his mother to the public and the Council. CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS: City Manager Rolanda Russell had one announcement from Housing & Human Services by Director Evonda Thomas. A foreclosure prevention workshop sponsored by National City and City of Evanston. Presentation will be presented by National City Mortgage Company, Chicago Legal Clinic, and Interfaith Housing. It will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Parasol Room of the Civic Center. COMMUNICATIONS: City Clerk Rodney Greene announced that Evanston is having a great voter turnout, with more first-time voters and older voters plus a mixture of all ages. With today's count of 724 voters, the total from October 13 until that day is 6,607 voters who have come through these doors of the Civic Center. As reported by Cook County Clerk David Orr, Evanston ranks as the fifth highest early voting site in Suburban Cook County. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS * Recommend approval of the contract with Product Architecture + Design (1608 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago) for the schematic design, design development, construction documents preparation and construction oversight of the remodeling of the North and South branches of the library in the amount of $52,500. Funded by the Capital Improvement Program. Alderman Moran moved approval of this item and was seconded by Alderman Bernstein. Alderman Rainey stated she wanted our libraries to be beautiful no matter where they are. She emphasized that she spends a lot of time at the Dempster/Dodge Shopping Center, and there are some beautiful vacant spaces there with a park and a huge parking lot with many empty spaces that are completely renovated. She felt that this would be a perfect spot for a branch library. It is easy to get to for everyone. Alderman Wynne she would like to have libraries in Evanston, especially at a time when we are talking going to green. The good thing about the South Branch is that it is on the El and Metra lines along Chicago Ave. It's also within walking distance of two elementary schools and one middle school. The South Branch is in a good location now. Alderman Jean -Baptiste believed that when they talked about the West Side library, it would be after they renovated the Robert Crown Recreation Center, but he didn't know when that would be. One thing that Alderman Tisdahl indicated was that they do not spend more than is available. He supported the proposal but hoped that the Council is true to its words and does not spend more than the allocated funds. Alderman Bernstein stated he, too, will support the proposal, but is concerned that we are still improving someone else's building. He would like to be able to hold the landlord's feet to the fire. The City has been a good tenant and will be for another 20 years or as long as they can get in there. They should ask him (the landlord) to do what he can do. City Manager Russell stated once they have a complete package, staff will go to the property owner and negotiate a longer lease. Alderman Bernstein said the City Manager is to negotiate strongly with the landlord so that they do not pay a larger rent. -3'2-'3 3 October 27, 2008 Alderman Rainey stated that an agreement was to get the design and recommendation from the architect before negotiating with the landlord, they might need more or less. Let's support the $52,000. Secondly, an email she received asked why they were auctioning off the eastside of the library and wanted to know if we were auctioning off the library. Elke Purze stated that this was a sell by bid according to the City Code. They can do it by negotiation or by bid. Minimum bid is what Alderman Bernstein wanted. Alderman Rainey stated she was talking to the Mayor, so she continued by asking was this an auction? Attorney Elke Purze stated that this was a bid pursuant to the City Code. We could do it by negotiation or do it by bid. Alderman Wollin wanted to inform the Council that the Landlord was willing, it is the most economical place to be and we have to make it ADA accessible. They have come on time and under budget every single time. She has no fear whatsoever that this project will not be funded. Alderman Tisdahl stated that we are all supporting this so please let's vote. Alderman Moran repeated the motion to approve SP 1 in the amount of $52,000 for the North and South Libraries. Roll call. Voting aye — Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0). CITIZEN COMMENT: AGENDA ITEMS Junad Rizki, 2756 Ridge Ave., started talking about the SP 1 approval and he presented his credentials as a Masters in Architecture from University of Michigan, and a Master in Engineering from the University of Michigan, and a licensed Architect in the state of Illinois and 25 years of experience. He doesn't feel that staff and Council know what they are doing. He doesn't blame staff but there should be an estimate before you start any work, and there is no estimate. Mary Therese Staub, 2627 Broadway Ave., spoke about the extension of 1700-1720 Central St. to stress that the owner should shovel the snow from the sidewalk because many pedestrians complained about falling down because no one would be out there to remove snow from sidewalks. Please take this into consideration before approving the extension. Jeff Smith, 2724 Harrison St., spoke on his concerns about the distribution of CHDO funds. He expressed respect for the Council and its leadership, and quoted various numbers of people, tax dollars and the various ways tax dollars are spent. He stated they have improved the housing stock in Evanston where the house is located. He suggested that the City is adjusting long-term problems with the land trust. He acknowledged that Alderman Rainey was correct and this is a subsidy. Alderman Tisdahl is correct, too, it is becoming very expensive. Anytime an extension is granted or a zoning variance is given, the City is creating a subsidy for the property owner or developer. He would like to see the government give the same opportunities to affordable housing as they do to non -affordable housing. CITIZEN COMMENT: NON -AGENDA TOPICS Jim Kollross, 2686 Sheridan Rd., a new Evanston resident, talked about the installation of cable equipment in front of his home. It was installed illegally, without a permit and in violation of City Code and the City's Franchise Cable Agreement. He was unsuccessful in obtaining any clarification, so he sought outside legal advice and was told, in fact, that this installation was illegal. He distributed documents and pictures of his concerns surrounding his property. He asked the Council to take a look at this situation and that the illegal equipment be removed. He wanted the City to make Comcast adhere to all the Codes that others are required to do. He also stated that the Legal Department, which is to protect the citizens' rights, allowed this to go through and that the City Council obtain outside counsel to look at this situation. Sharon Eckersall, 2519 Ashland Ave., gave information concerning property taxes and stated that people can receive a reduction if they have lived in their homes for ten years and make less than $100,000/year. This LONG—TIME OCCUPANT EXEMPTION may be obtained from the property assessor at the Skokie Court House and it will be 4 October 27, 2008 deducted while you are there. This has to be done by November 3, 2008. Alderman Holmes commented on the workshop that Ms. Eckersall presented in the 5 h Ward and how she was so informative to her and the audience, concerning information that she and many others were not aware of. Interim City Manager Russell commented on the statement made by the previous speaker. She clarified that staff did review it and they (vendor) did not need a permit. Staff will respond to the citizen in writing. Alderman Wollin asked Ms. Eckersall if people heard this for the first time tonight and have already paid their property taxes, what could they expect. Ms. Eckersall stated they would have to apply for a refund and a certificate of error. Alderman Bernstein wanted to know where and what building she was directing people to go. Ms. Eckersall responded by directing people to the County Assessor's Office either at Skokie Court House or Downtown Chicago. She also asked that citizens to report back with their outcomes. Jeanne Lindwall, 625 Library Pl., wanted to comment on property tax being transferred to the General Fund, she hoped that her following statements would be considered. There are four components of the property tax levy and she quoted the amount from last year's levy. She stated the four components: Corporate General Fund, Bonds and Interest, Police Pension, and Fire Pension. There is no real description of what the budget and levies are to be in any given year. She wanted to know why the City was borrowing money that they are paying interest on to pay for current operating expenses. She stated that they should be more honest about spending, if they are using General Fund dollars to supply salaries and provide the operating capital, the City ought not to pretend that the Capital Improvement dollars don't count towards the General Account Fund --it is all the same tax levy. Mayor Morton interrupted the speaker to tell her the time was up and asked if she had a written copy of her statements. RJ Coleman. 1719 Lake St., came to give public thanks for the support of the Mason Park Field House, with the initial funding from the City it heightened the community's interest. There is a great vision for the park. Paula Ketcham. 1524 Grove St., president, Mason Park Advisory Board, said that the programming has seen an increase to 45-60 kids a day. The partnership with the YWCA is for 20 kids to get free swimming lessons. They now have wireless access for the computers, which was promised from District 65 and the community is on board with the programming. Jessica Clarke, 1506 Florence Ave., wanted to thank all for the support for Mason Park, and the commitment that everyone has for the kids who are not part of their ward. Even though the community is going through changes, the children have benefited. She presented Alderman Jean -Baptiste with a pen set for all of his continued assistance and guidance to the program. Bettv Ester, 2114 Darrow Ave., invited Council and the community to a meeting at the Levy Center on November 13 at 7 p.m. "Affordable Housing Community Forum." Also, CEDA Neighbors at Work and Interfaith Housing will be in attendance to talk about foreclosures. Junad Rizki, 2756 Ridge Ave., talked about the plan set forth by Northwestern University. When they build these buildings on the south end of the campus, there will be no access for citizens. City staff should review these kinds of things that the university wants to do as they will have an impact on cost to the City. CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Moran moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with no exceptions. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Roll call. Voting aye — Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0). ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA 5 October 27, 2008 MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of May 19, 2008, and the Regular City Council Meeting of October 13, 2008. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: * Approval, as recommended, City of Evanston payroll for the period October 12, 2008, and City of Evanston bills through October 28, 2008, as authorized and charged to the proper accounts: City of Evanston payroll (through 10/12/08) $2,208,101.09 City of Evanston bills (through 10/28/08) $2,771,199.82 * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Recommend approval for the City to enter into a new three-year service agreement with Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. (585 Slawin Ct., Mount Prospect) for the maintenance and upgrade of the Building Automation Systems (BAS) installed at the Police Department and the 9-1-1 Center in the amount of $22,500. Funded by the Facilities Management and the 9-1-1 Center annual operating budgets. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Recommend approval of the five-year, sole -source maintenance and service agreement with Revcom Technology Group (1715 Cortland Ct., Addison) for parking access and revenue control equipment at the Church Street Self -Park in the amount of $2,270/month or $31,780 for the first 14 months. Funded by the Church Street Garage fund. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Recommend approval of the five-year, sole -source maintenance and service agreement with Revcom Technology Group (1715 Cortland Ct., Addison) for parking access and revenue control equipment at the Maple Avenue Self -Park in the amount of $4,590/month or $59,670 for the first 13 months. Funded by the Maple Avenue Garage fund. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Recommend approval for a change to the project scope to stabilize and preserve the Evanston Art Center Coach House and approve a change in scope for the project architect to alter the drawings for re -bid. Funded by the Capital Improvement Program. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 112-0-08 — Amend Title 10 - Snow Emergencv Parkine Violation Penaltv — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 112-0-08, which amends Section 10-11-17 (C ) of the City Code to increase the Snow Emergency vehicles parked illegally fine and penalty from $25 to $35. * MARKED INTRODUCED -CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 114-0-08 — Authorizes the Issuance of Not to Exceed $20 Million GO Bonds. Series 2008D, for the Citv of Evanston — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 114-0-08, which authorizes the adoption of a Bond Issue/Refunding Ordinance and selection of underwriter for 1999 General Obligation (GO) Bond refunding. * 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. The motion was seconded by Alderman Moran. Voice vote, motion carried unanimously. Alderman Holmes moved to approve Ordinance 114-0-08, seconded by Alderman Rainey. Mayor Morton asked if this had to be done now and was told yes. Alderman Rainey explained not to go to market immediately, but to put it up before the two agencies so as to generate interest. When the time comes they will be ready. The City will not go to market unless it can get three percent. 22-a 6 October 27, 2008 Roll Call. Voting Aye - Alderman Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen. Voting nay - none. Motion carried (9-0). PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: * Consideration of a Request for an Additional Two -Year Extension for 1700-1722 Central Street ADDroved Planned Development — Consideration of a request for an additional two-year time extension for the 1700-1722 Central Street Planned Development (Ordinance 7-0-07), which currently expires April 5, 2009. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Recommend Allocation of HOME CHDO ODeratine Funds — the Housing Commission and staff recommend that $81,830 in HOME funds reserved for the operating grants to Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) be awarded to Evanston's five CHDOs on an equal basis. APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Planned Development and Mae Amendment —1031 Sherman Avenue — Consideration of a Planning & Development Committee (July 14, 2008 meeting) recommendation of denial for a Map Amendment and Planned Development at 1031 Sherman Avenue. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: * ADDroval of September 2008 Township Monthly Bills — Consideration of a recommendation to approve the Township bills, payroll and medical payments for the month of September 2008 in the amount of $72,002.29. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) OTHER COMMITTEES: * Annual Fundine for EvMark — FY 2009-10 — Annual funding request for $132,000 from EVMARK to bridge the operational budget funding gap. City Council agreed to fund the difference between the tax levy for the Special Service District #4 and its budget in an amount not to exceed $138,000 annually. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton asked for reappointment introduction of the following: Chris G. Robuck Board of Ethics 807 Davis St. Audrey Soglin Kihm Civil Service Commission 1202 Church St. Christopher Stewart Library Board 1206 Dewey Ave. CALL OF THE WARDS 1" Ward. Alderman Wollin stated that two weeks ago on October 16, Ricardo from Suzaki Consultants presented the Evanston Campbell's draft plan for the next 50-70 years. At that time they took a number of questions and said they would have another meeting. This meeting for public comments will take place on October 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Room 2200. It was a plan that came from the faculty, staff and students of Northwestern University and Suzaki Consultants. The plan approved by the University. 32 14 7 October 27, 2008 2"d Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste said he was speechless from the gift that he received. He felt that what goes on in their respective communities there is work to be done and the same kind of attitudes by the many of the residents of the City who want the neighborhoods to be safe. It is only a very small group of people who try to destabilize, who try to disrupt the good things that are the focus of groups trying to accomplish. He thanked them for the gift on behalf of City Council. 4th Ward. Alderman Bernstein said when they have discussions in the future with the CHDOs, ask the City Manager to invite the bankers of the CHDOs. He thanked Aldermen Hansen and Rainey for a beautiful day of biking on The Ridge. 61h Ward. Alderman Moran stated he had biked The Ridge yesterday, enjoyed the day and told his wife that they ought to do this every weekend. He also thanked everybody for voting the appropriations for renovation of the branch libraries. He will invoke his right not to run for the alderman for the coming term. It has been 18 years and he felt it time for someone else to pick up the standard. He will not be going away and will be around. He also introduced Norm, who was a great influence on him to run for alderman in the first place. 71h Ward. Alderman Tisdahl told Alderman Moran that she was shocked and sad, but wanted him to know no one in Evanston and no one on this Council will ever think you've lost your passion for Evanston. She also said to Mr. Greene that she was asked by her constituents to be sure that you know what a great job you are doing with Early Voting, how much they appreciate and love it. They can't understand why she hasn't voted yet. 81h Ward. Alderman Rainey said that she, too, has gotten communications from constituents indicating how easy it was to do early voting, how polite everyone was and how there were long lines but how swiftly they moved. She guessed because everyone was voting for Barack and moving fast. She wanted to thank so many people for the Bike of Ridge event: The Mayor and Byron for cutting the ribbon and being such a trooper, Elke, St. Nick's Church, YMCA, Ridgeville Park District, the CERTS group from the EPD, Oakton PTA; Aldermen Holmes, Moran, Wollin, Hansen and Bernstein; the Weiner and Still Champion gave free coupons for meals, and everybody who volunteered (more than 80 volunteers), Doug Gaynor, John Burke, Police Chief and all. Benchmark Construction provided all of the barriers, and they set them up and took them down. 9th Ward. Alderman Hansen wanted to thank John Bizer and his family for donating an original print of Fountain Square. She was just amazed at the Mason Park group; they had a problem and got together to solve it. She thanked Alderman Rainey for all the help she contributed to Bike the Ridge because she couldn't do this by herself. People kept saying how great it was and how they should do this again. Maybe next year, but not every Sunday. Alderman Wollin just wanted to say to Norm that she has his grandson in her political science class and he is a wonderful student. So she was sure the tradition would go on. At 10:56 p.m. Alderman Bernstein moved to convene into Executive Session to continue discussing matters related to real estate pursuant to 5 Illinois Compiled Statutes 120/2 ( c) (5). 2. All meetings of public bodies shall be public meetings except for the following: (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. Seconded 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). There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn and the Council so moved at 11:11 p.m. Rodney Greene, 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. 1