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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2008-11-10-200833 0 1 1 CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL — PRESENT: A Quorum was present. PRESIDING: Alderman Jean -Baptiste Alderman Wynne Alderman Bernstein Alderman Holmes Mayor Lorraine H. Morton November 10, 2008 Alderman Moran Alderman Tisdahl Alderman Rainey Alderman Hansen Alderman Wollin The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton on Monday, November 10, 2008, at 9:14 p.m. in the Council Chamber. MAYORAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Morton had no announcements for the Council. CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS: Interim City Manager Russell had some announcements and called upon Suzette Eggleston. Public Works Superintendent Suzette Eggleston first mentioned the Evanston *Can* Recycle contest that ended October 30, and the City collected just under 40,000 pounds of aluminum cans (which is about the same amount collected last year). There was a contest among the recycling routes and the winner would be the first route to receive the 65-95 gallon recycling bins. The contest winner was 4-2-Route and the bins will be in place by the end of February. It was a close race. Collection for yard waste ends on December 4. Collect all yard materials in the Kraft yard bags or compost on -site. Sweeping, blowing or raking leaves in the street is illegal. Trash collection for Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) will be done Saturday, November 29. The recycling collection and condos will be collected on Friday. Mrs. Russell introduced Patrick Keegan (GIS Manager) who was just appointed as president of the ILGRSA. It is a not - profit organization that focuses on professional development. They look to expand understanding and growth of effective geographic systems throughout Illinois. She congratulated him. Amanda Jones is the Senior Crime Specialist with the Evanston Police Department. The Illinois TRIAD Senior Volunteer of the Year is Mr. Lawrence McCarthy. He has volunteered since graduating from the Citizen Police Academy in 1996. He has a lifetime commitment to service. He also formed a block club to respond to some of the issues in the community. Mrs. Russell then introduced Carolyn Collopy, the Sustainability Coordinator, and Pam Finnegan, committee member, to present the Evanston Climate Action Plan. Carolyn Collopy discussed the benefits of green jobs for many persons and that pollution reduction and increased air quality have a direct affect on our health. The City of Evanston is ranked sixth in the U.S.A. for improving and acting on reducing gas fumes and pollutants. When the City Council unanimously voted to have the Mayor sign the Mayors' Protection Agreement in October 2006, it was the first step the City of Evanston took to address climate control. The number of cities now involved the agreement exceeds 800. Ms. Collopy gave statistical data concerning the pollutants November 10, 2008 and how to decrease them. The program will be more effective when the partnerships with the community and businesses in Evanston are implemented. This is not a policy, but is actually a plan. Any policies to be made would require the approval of the Council. Pam Finnegan stated that by harnessing bio-fuels, hybrid -technologies and raising grant funds to retrofit diesel engines that would decrease carbon emissions. To increase public transit is proposing a strategy to create a pass so that Evanston residents could ride free on trains and buses within the city limits. Increasing energy efficiency standards in building codes has huge potential savings without cost for the City (this was evident in the State of California). The City of Evanston has already taken other steps to conserve energy by distributing over 18,000 compact florescent bulbs with no cost to the City. She also strongly urged the Council to take the Wind Generation Feasibility Study under consideration. They urged the Council to accept the Climate Control proposal. Alderman Rainey said the Council receives many, many reports, but this is the most comprehensive and all-inclusive one she has ever seen. She thanked Ms. Collopy and those involved for a great report. Alderman Tisdahl wanted to know how many cities were involved in the plan and where they are in the process. Ms. Collopy stated there were more than 800 cities and Chicago was the first just last month to unveil its plan. Evanston is number two, and the other cities that did sign the Mayors Agreement have not progressed as far yet. They group also did not spend any monies, but invested a lot of time. Also said we need to focus on the low cost items first, that can be done now along with the partnerships of the community, residents and businesses. Mayor Morton asked if the wind farm proposal is a possibility in Evanston, due to the number of people who are against the idea. Ms. Collopy responded that wind farms are possible from the data they have acquired thus far. They will probably have to work with Chicago and other entities, and gather in funds to make it a reality. She also said that the first step is to prove it is feasible. Alderman Jean -Baptiste asked how did she recruit all of the volunteers and what are their roles in the group? Ms. Collopy answered that with great help from the Network for Evanston's Future, they selected the community co- chairs, and she worked internally to get people to join. Most of the strategies came from the community. Alderman Wynne wanted to thank all the people who volunteered for the program and she wanted to know what we could tell people they can do in their households to conserve energy. Is there a top 10 list? Ms. Collopy said she came up with a 13 item list to convey to the community. Alderman Holmes wanted to continue promoting the Talking Farm so they can grow food locally to sell here in Evanston. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved to accept the Evanston Climate Action Plan as presented tonight. It was seconded by Alderman Bernstein. Voice vote was unanimous. Motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS: The Clerk had no announcements. CITIZEN COMMENT: AGENDA ITEMS Elliot Zashin, 715 Asbury Ave., thanked the Council for their assistance to get the project off the ground. They went to many of the festivals trying to inform everyone in Evanston about greening the City. They also want the residents to know that the Council has accepted the Climate Action Plan. "R 1� L 3 November 10, 2008 Mayor Morton spoke about a contest where the students, with their families, thought of ways to save energy in their homes. It was done in the homes but recorded in the school. This could be a resource to get into the schools. Mr. Zashin stated that they already have committees working on that, but what they really need is for the Council to say that residents are needed to partner with them, that this is a community activity. Gladys N. Bryer, 550 Sheridan Sq., noted that they are wearing these buttons that say 13%by 2012 and people will begin to ask what is this? This will afford volunteers the opportunity to express the plan in a way that they will become awed Michael Vasilko, 2728 Reese Ave., asked the Council to postpone the expenditures for A3.1 and A3.2 because of the financial difficulties the City is experiencing now. He suggested that these funds be disbursed at a later date when the City is in a better financial state. Also, the expenditures for A10, Al 1 and Al2 will go for tax levies, which are not to be used to bail out the Police Pension and Fire Pension Funds as implied by the Blue Ribbon Committee. They could use those monies to pay for other items and take care of these later. Junad Rizki, 2767 Ridge, stated that the City gave $16,000 to the affordable housing group, but the money could be used better with the housing problems here to better maintain them. He would like to know what the $5,000 to the National Rifle Association was. He also did not see the reason for placing police cameras all over town. They should have better ways to spend the money more wisely. CITIZEN COMMENT: NON -AGENDA TOPICS Junad Rizki, 2767 Ridge Ave., felt that the City should make it clear to those running for office about the compensation they will be receiving. He would also like clarification on expenses for city officials. Is there a list of acceptable expenses for city officials? Will the City pay for someone who wants to go to Washington to lobby. He is worried about the person who works for Northwestern that is also running for alderman. He wanted some of the issues that may occur clarified and thought that the Council should ask some questions. Maybe Legal should also get involved. CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Moran moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: purchase/implementation of a Digital Video Surveillance System for EPD; purchase of Portable Overt Digital Surveillance System and network products for the Howard Street TIF District; Resolution 70-R-08 — FY 2010-14 Capital Improvement Program; Draft Downtown Plan — Revised by the Plan Commission; and Township Annual Audit. The motion was seconded. Roll Call. Voting aye — Aldermen Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0) ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 27, 2008. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: * Approval, as recommended, City of Evanston payroll for the period October 26, 2008, and City of Evanston bills through November 11, 2008, as authorized and charged to the proper accounts: City of Evanston payroll (through 10/26/08) $2,248,354.29 City of Evanston bills (through 1 l/11/08) $2,940,616.51 * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) 33 4 November 10, 2008 *Resolution 57-R-08 Authorizing the Citv Manager to Sien a Contract for Electrical Power Supply for 2008 thru 2010 - Consideration of proposed Resolution 57-R-08, which authorizes the CityManager to sign a contract between the City of Evanston and one of the two following electricity providers: Integrys Energy Service or Mid -American Energy, based on proposed actionable pricing and contract terms to be provided on November 10, 2008 for electrical power supply for 24 months beginning December 1, 2008 in an amount not -to -exceed $3,085,000. Funding will come from each applicable approved operating budget for each of the 23 affected facilities. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 58-R-08 Authorizes the Citv Manager to Sign a Local Aeencv Agreement for Federal Participation with Illinois Department of Transportation for the Twiees Park Exnansion and Bike Path Reconstruction Proiect - Consideration of proposed Resolution 58-R-08 authorizing the City Manager to sign a local agency agreement for federal participation with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the Twiggs Park Expansion and Bike Path Reconstruction project. APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 115-0-08 - Authorizes the Sale of Citv Sumlus Fleet Vehicles Owned by the Citv of Evanston - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 115-0-08, which declares various equipment and vehicles as surplus property to be sold at public auction. * MARKED INTRODUCED -CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 116-0-08 - Decreases the Number of Class D Liouor Licenses - Nine Fish Restaurant - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 116-0-08, which amends Section 3-5-6 (D) of the City Code to decrease the number of Class D liquor licenses from 22 to 21 due to the closing of Nine Fish Restaurant, Inc. (2426 Main Street). * MARKED INTRODUCED -CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 118-0-08 - Amends Citv Code Relating to Parkin Lot #53. 100 Chicago Avenue - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 118-0-08 amending Section 10-11-12:Schedule XI; Reserved Parking Space Areas and Section 10-11-11 Schedule XII; Parking Meter Zones of the City Code to re- designate City Parking Lot #53 from a metered zone to a reserved parking space area. * 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 Bernstein. Voice vote, motion carried unanimouslv. Alderman Holmes moved approval of Ordinance 118-0-08. Seconded by Alderman Tisdahl. Roll Cali. Voting aye — Aldermen Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0) * Ordinance 122-0-08 2008 City of Evanston Tax Lew - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 122- 0-08, annual property tax levy for General Fund, Police Pension Fund and Fire Pension Fund. * MARKED INTRODUCED -CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 123-0-08 2008 Township Tax Levv - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 123-0-08, annual property tax levy for Evanston Township. * MARKED INTRODUCED -CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 124-0-08 2008 SSA #4 Tax Lew - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 124-0-08, annual property tax levy for SSA #4. The funding source is the Special Service Area #4 taxing district in the Central Business District. * MARKED INTRODUCED -CONSENT AGENDA say 5 November 10, 2008 * Ordinance 112-0-08 Snow Emereencv Parking Violation Penaltv - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 112-0-08, introduced October 27, 2008, which amends Section 10-11-17 (C) of the Evanston City Code to increase the snow emergency vehicle fine and penalty from $25.00 to $35.00. ADOPTED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: * Anvroval of October 2008 Township Monthly Bills — Consideration of a recommendation to approve the Township bills, payroll and medical payments for the month of October 2008 in the amount of $83,307.68. * APPROVED -CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Recommend approval of purchase, implementation, and three year maintenance of Digital Video Surveillance System (RFP 09-15) for the Police Department from Current Technologies Corporation (CTC) (400 Eisenhower Lane North, Lombard) in the amount of $267,107.51. Funding provided by the Capital Improvement Plan. Alderman Holmes moved for approval and seconded by Alderman Tisdahl. Roll call. Voting aye- Alderman Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin. Voting nay none. Motion carried (9-0). Recommend approval of the sole -source purchase and installation of a Portable Overt Digital Surveillance System (PODSS) and network products from RMS Technology Solution, LLC (135 Arlington Heights Rd., Buffalo Grove) for the Howard Street TIF District in the amount of $49,740. Funding provided by the Howard Street Tax Increment Financing District account. Alderman Rainey spoke to Council about the need for this equipment and asked why they were making her beg for this item. She mentioned some factors of what is going on at Howard Street and also spoke of the vandalism that occurs in that area. She wanted to submit an amendment for a second camera to fulfill the promise to the owners. Mayor Morton said that precedence would be set if they go ahead and vote for something when they don't have the funds or a price for the service. Alderman Rainey didn't want to wait, she wanted to take care of it now; get the electrical done and order the second camera later. The Howard Street TIF can only be used in this narrow district. Mrs. Russell stated that Bruce Slown has a few comments to make so that they will have the correct dollar amount and won't have to come back to Council again. Mr. Slown stated the estimate for another camera is $30,500, but he doesn't know the cost to put electrical into a light pole at Howard Street. Alderman Rainey stated she is so concerned about this because this was the most important camera and it can't function without the equipment on the roof of the tall building. Mayor Morton asked was there an additional cost for the camera to provide the power? Alderman Jean -Baptiste stated that in committee it was decided to see how this first camera worked first. The specific proposal is not before them. He said everyone is ready to support the proposal but not the way Alderman Rainey has presented it. November 10, 2008 Alderman Rainey requested to have the proposal held over for the next meeting until it can be amended properly. The motion was second by Alderman Bernstein. At the request of two aldermen. this item will be held over until next meetine. Resolution 70-R-08 FY 10 —14 Capital Improvement Program - Consideration of proposed Resolution 70-R-08 approving the proposed FY 10-14 Capital Improvement Program of the City of Evanston. Alderman Holmes reported that this item would be held and return on the 11/24/08 agenda for action. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: 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. Alderman Wollin reported that this item would be held and dealt with at a Special Planning & Development Committee meeting on December 4, 2008. HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: Acceptance of Township Annual Audit - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council acting as Township Trustees accept the results of the Year Ended March 31, 2008 Financial Audit of Evanston Township. Alderman Tisdahl moved approval of the audit, seconded by Alderman Hansen. Alderman Rainey suggested that this be discussed in Human Services as there are numerous material weaknesses. She asked that the audit be sent back to the Human Services Committee. All agreed. CALL OF THE WARDS 2nd Ward. Jean -Baptiste had the opportunity to go to Florida to try and deliver the 5% voting of the Haitian vote. It was a great experience. 3d Ward. Alderman Wynne had nothing to report. 4th Ward. Alderman Bernstein was very proud of our nation on Tuesday. Northwestern students can step up and help provide consulting services to the Affordable Housing Plan without taking any money out of our pockets. He also wanted to invite all to the Evanston Police Citizen Academy's Graduation on Thursday, November 13d' at the Rotary Club. He suggested that everyone take the course. 51h Ward. Alderman Holmes stated that America grew up on Tuesday, Election Day. She invited all to the Levy Center on Thursday 7-9 p.m. co -sponsored by the CHDO's and next Thursday is the Ward 5 meeting. 61h Ward. Alderman Moran commented on the passing of Studs Terkel and will miss him. He congratulated the four Lincolnwood schools for scoring so highly in state ratings as reported recently. He visited Waverly, MS to assist in the rebuilding of the town. 71h Ward. Alderman Tisdahl mentioned all of the Evanstonians who were in Indiana. She noted it was a long night but Indiana also turned blue. 81h Ward. Alderman Rainey wanted to schedule a meeting about Property Tax Exempt Institutions for Tuesday, November 25, 6 P.M. in the Aldermanic Library. 91h Ward. Alderman Hansen was astounded by the people who were waiting in line before going to work to make their vote count. Everybody was so excited to get out and vote. '_�"3 CP 7 November 10, 2008 1" Ward. Alderman Wollin said that her freshman class was smiling all day and all week --they are our future. The Special Budget meeting will be at the Levy Center. Alderman Rainey thought this is a mistake and that all of these meetings should be here (at the Civic Center). Mrs. Russell commented that the January and February meetings will be televised, but the first two will be at the Levy Center. Alderman Wollin said that the comiriunity conversation meeting on November 19, at 7 p.m. in the Family Institute on the third floor, where neighbors of Northwestern get together about three times or four times a year. They talk about working together in the neighborhood, so she is inviting all to come out and participate. She is sorry that Donna Stuckert was leaving because she has made a striking success of keeping everyone in the loop with information and her website. Alderman Hansen wanted to say thank Donna Stuckert also for taking the position and turning it out in a professional way. She was always ready, willing and able and those will be some big shoes to fill for whoever takes over for her. She was also pleased and took pictures of the ballot, it was a wonderful evening. Mayor Morton said that Alderman Hansen spoke for all of us. She asked if there was any other business before the Council and since no one answered, she asked for a motion to adjourn; the Council so moved at 10:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 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 1 1 1