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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2007-11-12-2007CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL — PRESENT: A Quorum was present. ABSENT: PRESIDING: off EV���O --9 *� November 12, 2007 C� Alderman Moran Alderman Jean -Baptiste Alderman Tisdahl Alderman Wynne Alderman Rainey Alderman Bernstein Alderman Hansen Alderman Holmes Alderman Wollin None Mayor Lorraine H. Morton The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton on Monday, November 12, 2007, at 8:45 p.m. in the Council Chamber. MAYORAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Morton proclaimed November 11-17; 2007 Winter -Storm Preparedness Week Mayor Morton asked First Assistant Corporation Herb Hill to speak about revisions to the City Code concerning departments, authority of the City Manager and how that will be handled. Mr. Hill stated that in the code, various departments of the City are named. The City Manager has the authority to appoint all the department directors. The City has been undergoing an internal re -organization with the early retirement program and budget changes. The Code will be updated and a final ordinance will come during budget review. CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS: Public Works Director David Jennings announced that yard waste collection would continue through Thursday, December 13, 2007. He reported that due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, Thursday's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection would be on Saturday. There will be no recycling drop-off on Friday after Thanksgiving. Recycling will resume Saturday and Sunday at the drop off. Mr. Jennings reminded residents of snow parking information available on the City's website, Highlights and the snow information line: 847-864-SNOW. Residents are asked to anticipate snow route bans and emergencies and reminded to not park on snow routes at night. During snow emergencies, people should park on the correct side of residential streets. This year's snow plow painting program called Painting Evanston Plows involved twice as many school participants as last year. All are invited to the Council Chamber on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. when Mayor Morton will give awards. He reported that more than 20 tons of aluminum beverage cans were recycled during the "Evanston CA'N Recycle" challenge in October. The actual cost of advertising was less than $500. Mr. Jennings reported in a blind taste test of West Shore Water Producers Association members, Evanston's water ranked number one. Evanston will compete for best in state in March 2008 at the annual conference of the Illinois section of the American Water Works Association. PUBLIC HEARING: Truth in Taxation Hearing for 2007 Property Tax Levy for City of Evanston and Town of the City of Evanston 2 November 12, 2007 PUBLIC COMMENT: Tim Schoolmaster, 1454 Elmwood Ave., president of Police Pension Fund, spoke in February at budget review; pointed out then that the proposed tax levy was based upon inadequate preparation and tainted figures (which he better understands now). He spoke with and received a letter from the city manager. He stated the levy does not comply with the state statute. This year, only, money will be added next March to make them whole. He objected to it, but appreciated the accommodation and looked forward to Council adopting an appropriate levy. Alderman Bernstein asked for a copy of the letter. City Manager Carroll explained that Council had been told that the new levy based upon the actuarial evaluation was more for 2007 only. Staff recommends Council make up the difference between the earlier pension actuary done at budget time and the new actuary to fund the balance from cash. That was presented at the A&PW Committee and was what she told Mr. Schoolmaster subject to Council approval. They will do it this year because they had no idea the pension would go up as much as it did at the time of the budget. There is money in the General Fund balance to make up the difference for one time only. She will share the letter with Council. In response to Mayor Morton, Ms. Carroll said they were talking about funding beyond 2007. They have a long-term funding obligation to deal with. At the six month budget update, she recommended raising the property tax in 2007 and take the difference in what is actuarially required, and the levy approved by Council at budget time from cash for this one time only. They need to fund at a higher level. Council did not have a chance to discuss taxes so they will keep taxes down for 2007 by using up excess fund balance. Mayor Morton declared the hearing over at 9:00 p.m. CITIZEN COMMENT: Robert Atkins. 2005 Orrington Ave., president of Northwestern Neighbors, stated on March 27 this Council met for about three hours in closed session with developers of a proposed 49-story condominium building at 708 Church Street. June 11, this Council voted to exclude this proposed development from a moratorium on downtown building construction. In response to his request to the Illinois Attorney General to investigate whether the Council's closed meeting with the developer violated the Open Meetings Act, on July 18 the Attorney General's office informed First Assistant Corporation Counsel Herb Hill that in its view, the Council violated Illinois law when they discussed the 708 Church development with the developer in closed session. The letter stated, to ensure full compliance with the act, the Attorney General office recommended that the portion of the minutes relating to the proposed development be made available to the public. On July 24 he filed a Freedom of Information Act request asking the City to produce all tapes, minutes, recordings and other materials -relating to the March 27 meeting. Rather than comply with the Attorney General's recommendation, Council directed Corporation Counsel Jack Siegel to ask the Attorney General's office to reconsider its position. On October 29, the Attorney General responded to Mr. Siegel as follows: "the view of the Office of the Attorney General expressed in July correspondence remains unaltered. The City violated the Open Meetings Act, reiterated below and we recommend the Council release to the public portions of the closed session related to this matter." Mr. Hill told him that his request would be considered this evening in closed session. Given that the March 27 meeting was not "lawfully closed," the Open Meetings Act does not permit discussion of the release of closed session minutes in closed session. The Act states that it is the public policy of the State of Illinois and intent of the Act, that actions of public bodies be conducted openly. This community expects nothing less. He respectfully requested that his pending request be considered by Council in open session and that it produce minutes, tapes and other materials. Mimi Peterson. 748 Wesley Ave:, attended the Plan Commission's hearings on the Downtown Plan. She discussed the scale and height of various buildings in the downtown and that some were used to justify even higher heights in the proposed downtown plan. These buildings are bringing congestion, traffic and noise to Evanston and changing its character. The issue that concerns her most is the moratorium passed on June 11 that exempted several properties, to allow breathing room for the proposed plan. Concurrently, a proposal to exceed the current plan has been proceeding while the taxpayers spent $236,000 on the downtown plan. The proposed plan recommends up to 42 stories in the core area. The moratorium will expire November 24 at which time building permits can be issued. According to the November 1 Chicago Tribune, the Attorney General's office stated this Council violated the Open Meetings Act when they held a 20 3 November 12, 2007 closed session with a developer, which happened before the moratorium, to discuss acquiring land near Fountain Square, which is the site of the proposed development. This has undermined confidence in government. Her opinion was the plan could have been written to justify a proposal moving through the current process and is designed to bring more dense development here. She urged the minutes be released to bring sunlight to the meeting with the unnamed developer. Jessica Clarke. 1506 Florence Ave., is a working member of the Mason Park Neighborhood Association. They have been meeting since September out of concern for youth and shared a proposal that discusses ideas and their desire to see the field house used to serve the community. The City spent nearly $1 million to renovate Mason Park that includes a new large basketball court, new baseball diamond, new playground equipment, extensive landscaping and a beautifully refurbished field house. The field house has seen little use. Despite the fact that it is centrally air conditioned and heated, with working rest rooms, it has been locked and closed to the community, except for the free lunch program over the summer. The rest rooms are open sporadically. City staff have been involved in their discussions and regularly attended their meetings. They appreciated the Evanston Youth Coordinator and members of the Police Department for their insight. They see it as a positive that Park & Recreation recommends, in a supplemental budget, funding to staff the field house, which is similar to their proposal. They encourage the city manager to provide funding for the Mason Park field house and for City Council to approve the resources to fully staff and equip the field house so that it can be a place that provides free recreational activities. She expressed gratitude to Alderman Lionel Jean -Baptiste for his support and advocacy for youth and children and invited Council members to visit Mason Park field house. Maurice Murray. 1801 Lake St., lives across the street from Penny Park and supported the proposal. Michael Bernard. 1603 Lake St., member of the Mason Park Neighborhood Association, was well aware of the needs of the youth; hoped the suggestions made in the proposal will be considered seriously. Gerald Adler. 2235 Wesley Ave., asked Council to consider authorizing an advisory referendum for ETHS-District 202, to opt out of the federal program, No Child Left Behind, and keep only mandates of the State of Illinois. He regarded the law as ill-advised, poorly drafted and funded, and should be ended and not amended. It is an intrusion into public education. The reason he was rejected for an advisory referendum at District 65 was because he lacked the requisite number of signatures. He was informed that municipalities can authorize advocacy referenda without a requisite number of signatures, which both school districts require. He recommended people read the article "Schoolhouse Crock" in the September Harper's magazine that deals with 50 years of quackery in public schools and the myth that schools will solve every problem. He noted there has been no debate of No Child Left Behind in Congress and there is a danger that it will be renewed. He has not heard this law debated by the presidential primary candidates. He would like the referendum to be held before the November election. As a 38-year teacher veteran, he believed student activity on this referendum would serve students better than the public law passed on the U.S. Constitution. Mr. Hill understood a number of residents wished to speak on Resolution 53-R-07, which was approved at the last Council meeting. The resolution authorized the city manager to enter into a contract with Northwestern to install at various locations blue -light boxes for emergency communication to the City's 9-1-1 center. Could the City Council reconsider that item? Mr. Hill read Rule 22.1 Reconsideration. Resolution 53-R-07 would not be subject to reconsideration. Alderman Bernstein pointed to extraordinary votes where two-thirds of aldermen present may temporarily suspend any rule. Mr. Hill said the Council may vote to suspend the rule and could adopt a rule to allow reconsideration. Alderman Rainey suggested they allow the people to speak to find out what the issues are. Carolvn Smith. 2118 Orrington Ave., was surprised to hear about the blue lights. Nobody asked her or neighbors who have to live with them about the lights. Some articles say they are throughout the City, but they aren't. They are in her neighborhood. She was asked about parking, speed humps and about many things. This seems like one they should not have to find out about afterwards. She was showing a house on Orrington and a couple noticed a blue light across the street and wondered if that was to call the police and asked if this is a bad neighborhood. She said it was not and that police records are open for anybody to see. David Schoenfeld. 2039 Orrington Ave., represented the Northwestern Neighbors Board and serves on the NU -Citizen Committee. He asked Council to reconsider the blue light resolution and allow discussion. He spoke with a neighbor at 31 4 November 12, 2007 Noyes and Orrington who had no idea that a blue light was going to be near her house. He noted taxpaying citizens in their neighborhood walk the same streets as students. Their teenage and college age children keep the same hours as the students. Most students have the same interest in security as he does. Yet, they have serious concerns that have never been addressed. If these boxes provided such great security, many other neighborhoods need them more that his, yet they are in no other neighborhood. He served on the CD Committee for seven years and it was a perfect funding venue for those boxes, yet the police never came and asked for them. They were asked for surveillance cameras. They were adamant that neighbors should be asked if they wanted cameras. That has not happened here. They have concerns about the cost, appearance and stigmatizing effect. Those who have college -age kids know the main purpose of the blue lights is to satisfy the concerns of parents of prospective students. The doubtful utility of these things causes them serious concern. The City may be agreeing to fund a recruiting and marketing effort by Northwestern into perpetuity. They are of no benefit to the neighbors and are, in fact, a significant cost. They were told some changes could be made and should be. Those changes lead to other questions. Putting lights on Noyes necessitates discussion at the NU -Citizens Committee. Changing the agreement would necessitate a reconsideration. This Council needs to recognize there must be discussion and reconsideration by the people who will bear the cost. Jeanne Lindwall. 625 Library Pl., noted there has been periodic discussion over the last two years about installing blue light phones. The ASG asked that they be installed at CTA stations. In 2006 there was discussion at the 9-1-1 Committee about installing them at CTA stations and possibly at lakefront locations. In May, Alderman Moran talked to Eugene Sunshine and they agreed to install blue -light phones between Dempster and Central Street. Anyone who has followed this recognizes that installing blue light phones at CTA stations is worth considering. The problem she saw was that the August 23 meeting of the 9-1-1 Committee, there was a shift from phones at CTA stations to neighborhoods. This meeting was not on the web calendar of meetings. Nobody knew it was being proposed. Alderman Wollin was not notified. There was no opportunity for community discussion. There is a Community Conversation the next evening and she passed around a postcard announcing the meeting. She has asked for statistics on blue lights. Ms. Lindwall stated there are 40 or 50 blue lights on the campus and four on streets immediately adjacent to residential neighborhoods. She has asked for the number of calls placed on those phones. She thought they had been in about two years. During the first six months there were no calls. Subsequently there were a few calls. Barbara Janes. 802 Colfax St., encouraged Council to reconsider this because there has been no public discussion and residents are asked their opinions on lots of things. This affects their neighborhood. Perception is important as was illustrated by the family looking at a home on Orrington. She has gone from the Civic Center to her home at night alone and started thinking, was the neighborhood safe? She was on a level of alert that she would be in a third -world country. That's not the way residents of their neighborhood want to live their lives. If there is a real issue about safety, there are alternate methods other than the blue -light phones. The Daily has full page ads asking for students cell phone numbers because every student has a cell phone. If there is an emergency they can contact everybody. Every student has a cell phone. If they are nervous they can call 9-1-1. As somebody said, the City will incur an ongoing expense. She read the budget deficit is $2.2 million. This is not the time for the City to take on additional expenses without citizen input. She urged reconsideration of this and to have pros and cons on potential locations before entering into a contract. Kate Pascale. 620 Church St., is in external relations for ASG at Northwestern; said the blue -light phones are of great value to the student body. Not all students have cell phones. Those that do may not have access to them at night. They find value and comfort in having the blue -light phones available in the neighborhood. Northwestern is trying to partner with the community to meet a perceived need and provide more security in neighborhoods. They are a deterrent to crime and don't have to be used daily or weekly. Students asked for these years ago. She was not aware of NU releasing any statistics on the use of blue -light phones. NU offered to fund the blue lights and she hoped the City would install them after a dialogue. Patrick Devlin. 711 Washington St., an alumnus of NU, was student body president in 2005-06 and called attention for the City and NU to partner to install the blue phones in neighborhoods throughout the City. He appreciated that residents were not consulted on this issue; believes Council speaks for citizens. The Chief of Police speaks for the citizens. Chief Lewis speaks for NU students. This was a historic collaboration of two great institutions partnering to make the community safer and NU students safer. He heard that evening that students don't have the same interest as residents who continue to live here. He termed that a false statement. NU students are concerned. The other statement was that these 22 �, 0". 5 November 12, 2007 phones are "just in my neighborhood." He saw this as a starting point to install these phones elsewhere in Evanston. NU has shown a commitment to keep residents and students safe. He hoped that the City would divert funds for initiatives like this one. These phones are a small investment for an extra layer of safety not provided by cell phones. He urged fellow residents not to make this a political issue — and not to make safety of residents something to campaign on. Steuh Yiu. 714 Foster St., spoke about two armed robberies in front of her apartment. She believed the blue -light boxes deter crime and help people feel safer. She understood that residents should be consulted and appreciated the lights. Kathv Lin. 714 Foster St., reported two robberies in front of her apartment this summer that happened at 11:00 and 12:00 at night. Somebody going out for coffee could have run into this, so it is not limited to students. Safety in Evanston is a big concern. She was excited that a lot of people came to talk about safety. Everybody's opinions should be considered. The boxes and phones they want to put into the City are more than just boxes and phones. She thought they could be pretty sure that no crime would be committed near a blue phone. As a tour guide, she talks to many parents who are concerned about the safety of their son or daughter at NU. This is more than appeasing parents, who are aware that most campuses have blue lights. She thought it would be more dangerous without blue lights. When she walks on Foster she wonders if there will be another armed robbery. Fear should not be blocked, but precautions taken to stop the fear from taking over. She urged Council, in the event of reconsideration, to think about the safety of all involved. Jane Evans. 813 Gaffield St., has worked with NU officials for 17'/z years to keep conversations and relationships moving forward; has attended most of the Community Conversations. She was active in the project, Keep the Lights on, working with both residents and students; a project she introduced to provide night illumination by keeping on porch lights. She went door to door and spoke to each household about the project and it was successful. She recommended that blue phones be added at El stops because it would benefit all El riders and not only between Dempster and Central, but at every CTA station. Safety for all is her concern. She was saddened that NU officials bypassed residents before contacting the 9-1-1 Committee about their proposal. This oversight made many feel disrespected. She said the areas in question are not the property of the university. What do blue phones say about their neighborhood? Is their area more dangerous than other areas? Would it not be better to consult residents about placement of these phones? She suggested some locations for the blue lights. Before spending this money, do they know how often they are used and if they work? She guaranteed that every student who walks by her house between midnight and 3:00 a.m. is talking on a cell phone; asked if students are being overserved? Will blue phones really address these issues? Would patrols be more effective? Should NU hire more police officers? She asked that this proposal be reconsidered so that residents can share their concerns. She asked would Council members like a blue phone in front of their home. Anita Remiias. 2311 Sherman Ave., opposed the blue light boxes off campus. She learned of this matter the day after the last Council meeting when several neighbors discussed approval of the blue lights. Prior to that, there was no notice and no community meeting about the lights. She asked why there was no information. When she read the staff memo she learned that the 9-1-1 Committee approved blue light phones at its August 23 meeting. Neighbors should have known about that meeting. The web calendar did not list a meeting on that date. According to the website the 9-1-1 Committee reports to the A&PW Committee. However, the matter was sent directly to Council. The process that allows several opportunities for citizen comment was short circuited except for students and NU administration. There were no comments from the Preservation Commission. A similar situation occurred regarding streetlights on Ridge Avenue and, due to resident demands, the matter was finally referred to the Preservation Commission for review. When the phones are installed, the wording in the resolution places all responsibility for maintenance on the City and none on NU. Has the Council considered that? All remember the litigation that ensued when emergency telephones at Ryan Field were out of order. Assistance to the dying athlete was delayed. That litigation cost NU about $15 million. What happens when a blue - light phone is out of order and the City is slow or unable to respond to a call from an NU student? It is nightmare waiting to happen and our pockets are not as deep as Northwestem's. She raised these issues because she and her neighbors think they are important and no one has addressed them. Council has the responsibility to look carefully at what the City is getting from this deal and explain why her neighborhood must accept blue lights when they don't want or need them She suggested they reconsider their vote. Alderman Bernstein moved pursuant to Rule 26. D (Council Rules) to Suspend the Rules with respect to reconsideration of the vote taken at the last Council meeting on Resolution 53-R-07. The motion was seconded. 33 6 November 12, 2007 Roll call. Voting aye —Jean-Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin. Voting nay —Holmes, Moran. Motion carried. (7-2). Alderman Rainey pointed out an error on the City's web page. The 9-1-1 Committee does not report to the A&PW Committee. Alderman Wynne moved to reconsider Resolution 53-R-07. The motion was seconded. Alderman Wollin stated it was unfortunate the way this matter came to Council. Nobody received minutes of the 9-1-1 Committee meeting. Alderman Holmes and she were not consulted. Yet she believes that blue lights are a strong deterrent to crime. If residents read the daily crime reports, as all aldermen do, and the stories of students approached by persons with guns in our neighborhoods, they would think differently about the need for blue phones. Many victims have their cell phones and wallets taken. The elderly, students and residents need to be protected. She supports the blue light phones that the 9-1-1 Committee has worked on for four years. She thought the Community Conversation meeting the next evening would be on blue lights. She was happy to have input from neighbors but asked them not to pretend they are a stigma and somehow reflect that Evanston has a problem, because, Evanston has a problem. There are off -campus issues and behavior she has worked on with landlords, students and the university to make neighborhoods friendlier and safer. Alderman Tisdahl stated she made a reference to the 9-1-1 Committee well before Aldermen Wollin and Holmes were on Council. They had no way of knowing that her reference was to have blue phones only at the CTA stations. This was discussed with police and they believe the phones are effective. Students would like them all over. They compromised and turned that down. She was thrilled blue phones were on the agenda at the last meeting because it has taken years. She apologized for not questioning placement in the neighborhood. She would vote to reconsider but supports blue phones at CTA stations. Alderman Jean -Baptiste thought the issue is whether there should be open discussion about where blue lights should be placed. Three years ago, when an NU student kicked open the door of a residence thinking that was where the party was and when there were mobs of students in the streets and possible criminal activities by Evanston residents against NU students, the City took measures. It sat down with NU to increase collaboration and took various measures to address the issue of safety. Whether there should be blue -light phones throughout the City at certain locations, there is a responsibility to try and resolve some of the issues in the community. Thinking that technical measures fix crime, he suggested that it minimizes crime. Committing a crime against another person in front of a camera or blue -light phone can happen. What is being done to address crime throughout Evanston? We have the movement, Partnering for a Safer Evanston, and its purpose is to make all understand that safety and security is everybody's business. He suggested they need to broaden the discussion. It is not about "your" neighborhood because it is safe and to leave them alone. It is really about maintaining safety, minimizing crime, identifying the trends. He would vote to reconsider. Alderman Holmes was not aware of Alderman Tisdahl's reference; supports blue phones and cameras, anything that will deter crime. She sent e-mails, heard from some 51h Ward residents and took into consideration not just crimes to students, but also residents. She did not have information from the 9-1-1 Committee; trusted Aldermen Moran and Rainey to have given consideration to this. Every alderman cannot attend every meeting and be involved in every committee. She trusted the chiefs and staff who worked with NU to make these decisions. She would not vote for reconsideration. Mayor Morton said at one time Northwestern police were not given permission to conduct police work in the 5`h Ward. She was on Ridge Avenue and was accosted, and was saved by a man walking two dogs. Crime is prevalent here. She said that each alderman receives a police report on crimes committed daily. It is broken down by address and whether the perpetrators were apprehended. The Evanston and NU police have made a serious effort to alleviate crime. A real estate agent came to see the house next to hers on Darrow Avenue, saw people hanging out across the street and wasn't interested. She would love to have a blue light and was surprised that people look negatively on them. Three aldermen spoke with the chief judge of the juvenile court to do something about crime. She stated that Council had been conscientious about doing something about crime in Evanston. Just that day, police apprehended 11 or 12 juveniles. Ri 7 November 12, 2007 Alderman Hansen supported the blue lights and any measure that would deter crime. She was dismayed to hear the discussion has gone on since 2005, and the decision to put blue lights in neighborhoods was done at a meeting that was not on the calendar. She would support reconsideration to determine if that were true and what has been going on. One speaker was part of these discussions since 2005, so questioned that it was a surprise to some neighbors that these lights are going into their neighborhoods. She suggested they be at an alley opening rather than in front of a house. Alderman Moran planned to attend the Community Conversation meeting the next evening at Library Place; stated that public safety and crime deterrence are important government functions. Government must do what it can to provide for the safety and well-being of citizens. When this was considered, there was no other objective than to enhance the safety of Evanston's citizens. Patrick Devlin brought this issue before the 9-1-1 Committee when he was student body president two or three years ago. It has been discussed at many meetings that were publicly noticed and open. There are a good number of blue -light phones that are rotated on the campus and in neighborhoods and he never heard a complaint before this evening. In the university community, there is the sense that these phones are a strong deterrent to crime. How many times are they used? The real question is how many times they are not used because no crime is being committed. Cell phones are not the answer. Aldermen get a crime report daily and there is crime in every ward. Anybody who suggests safety is irrelevant is wrong. He did not know if those who have a negative image of the university think this isn't true, but he is on record, that when students live here, they are residents and citizens entitled to protection. The Evanston Chief of Police and Northwestern University Police Chief, the 9-1-1 Committee, and staff of both police departments worked on this. This is a City program. Students brought the issue to the City. He spent a lot of time negotiating with the university and it has committed $82,000 to buy and install these phones. Those worried about liability should consider the 9-1-1 system. The blue -light system's liability is small in comparison to the 9-1-1 system. NU was generous to offer funding and it took a lot of work. He conducted the negotiation and it was positive. He would stick with this and work with everybody. The resolution requires that the City have full insurance coverage on this, which will cost little. He thought blue lights are good at the El stations as well as in the community away from El stations. He thought other areas would welcome blue lights if they could find a funding mechanism. There was never intent for these lights to be intrusive and no one has ever told them that they are. He looks at this as an opportunity to see what the lights can do for the community and help people feel and be safer in Evanston. Roll call. Voting aye —Jean-Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin. Voting nay— Holmes, Moran. Motion carried. (7-2). Alderman Wynne moved to send 53-R-07 to the 9-1-1 Committee to put on their agenda for the next meeting. The motion was seconded. Motion carried. no nays. Mr. Hill ask that staff be instructed to contact Northwestern University, communicate what happened that evening and request no further action so it may be discussed with no further legal action. City Manager Carroll has signed the contract. Alderman Wollin did not know when the 9-1-1 Committee would meet again. Because of the time of the year and getting things into the ground, Alderman Wollin moved to amend the resolution to go forward with the five blue lights at the El stations. The motion was seconded. Motion carried. No nays. Ms. Carroll stated the neighborhood call boxes are slated for Sherman/Elgin Road, Sherman/Hamhn, Simpson/Maple and Orrington/Noyes. The amendment covers call boxes at the El stations at Davis, Foster, Noyes and Central. CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Moran moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: Consulting services contract with Kirby Simmering (849 N Franklin, Chicago) for Cultural Arts Corporate Sponsorship Representation at a cost of $45,000 plus a 10% commission on new or increased donations. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Roll call. Voting aye —Jean-Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin. Voting nay — none. Motion carried. (9-0). 35 November 12, 2007 ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 22, 2007. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: * Approval, as recommended, City of Evanston payroll for the period ending November 1, 2007 and City of Evanston bills through November 13, 2007, authorized and charged to the proper accounts: City of Evanston payroll (through 11/01/07) $2,263,371.29 City of Evanston bills (through 11/13/07) $3,172,025.21 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Recommend award of maintenance and service agreement with Revcon Technology Group (1715 Cortland Ct., Addison, IL) for parking access and revenue control equipment at the Sherman Plaza Self Park for the period November 15, 2007 to December 31, 2008 in the amount of $5,925/month or $79,987.50 for the contract period. Funded by the Sherman Plaza Parking Fund. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Recommend award of professional services contract to Wolff Landscape Architecture (307 N Michigan Ave, Chicago) for the Crown Tennis Court and Lighting Reconstruction Project (RFP-08-48) in the amount of $21,530. Funded by the Capital Improvement Plan, FY 08/09. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid for the 2007 Large Diameter Sewer Cleaning to American Hydro Services (4235 Green Bay Rd., Kenosha, WI) in the amount of $22,255.25. Funded by Sewer Fund. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 54-R-07 — Reauest Assistance from the Illinois EPA, — Consideration of proposed Resolution 54-R-07, which requests assistance from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to conduct an environmental investigation at the proposed construction site of the Animal Shelter addition. Funded by a grant from IEPA (no cost to the City). * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 55-R-07 — General Obligation Debt Property Tax Abatement, — Consideration of proposed Resolution 55-R-07, which abates bond issue, Series 1999 in the amount of $3,226,775. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 56-R-07 — General Obligation Debt Property Tax Abatement — Consideration of proposed Resolution 56-R-07, which abates bond issue, Series 2000 in the amount of $2,797,500. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-01 * Resolution 57-R-07 — General Obligation Debt Property Tax Abatement — Consideration of proposed Resolution 57-R-07, which abates bond issue, Series 2002 AB/C in the amount of $3,260,000. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 58-R-07 — General Obligation Debt Property Tax Abatement, — Consideration of proposed Resolution 58-R-07, which abates bond issue, Series 2003 in the amount of $742,631.25. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-01 * Resolution 59-R-07 — General Obligation Debt Property Tax Abatement — Consideration of proposed Resolution 59-R-07, which abates bond issue, Series 2004 in the amount of $104,900. 1 L 1 I I ff 9 November 12, 2007 * APPROVED - CONSENT .AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 60-R-07 — General Obligation Debt Propertv Tax Abatement — Consideration of proposed Resolution 60-R-07, which abates bond issue, Series 2004 B in the amount of $438,806.26. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 61-R-07 — General Obligation Debt Pronertv Tax Abatement — Consideration of proposed Resolution 61-R-07, which abates bond issue, Series 2005 in the amount of $1,405,200. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 62-R-07 — General Obligation Debt Property Tax Abatement — Consideration of proposed Resolution 62-R-07, which abates bond issue, Series 2006 in the amount of $68,500. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 63-R-07 — General Obligation Debt Property Tax Abatement - Consideration of proposed resolution 63-R-07 for abatement of bond issue, Series 2007 in the amount of $1,952,524.50. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-01 * Ordinance 100-0-07 - City of Evanston FY 2007-08 Tax Levv — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 100-0-07, for the FY 2007-08 property tax levy for the General Fund, Police Pension Fund and Fire Pension fund. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 101-0-07 — SSA #4 FY 2008-09 Tax Levv — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 101- 0-07, for the FY 2008-09 property tax levy for the Special Service Area #4 taxing district in the Central Business District. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 102-0-07 — Townshin FY 2007-08 Tax Levy. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 102-0-07, for the FY 2007-08 property tax levy for Evanston Township. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 96-0-07 — Reauest to Declare Vehicles Surplus Propertv — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 96-0-07, introduced October 22, 2007, which declares certain City vehicles as surplus property to sell them at auction in December 2007. They include five (5) police vehicles and one (1) parks vehicle and trailer, and one (1) fire vehicle. Auction to be held in Lake County by Obenauf Auctioneers Saturday, December 1, 2007. * ADOPTED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL_ CALL (9-0). * Ordinance 95-0-07 — Reduction of Class B Liauor Licenses — Consideration ofproposed Ordinance 95-0-07, introduced October 22, 2007, whereby the City Council would amend the City Code to reduce the number of Class B liquor licenses from 17 to 16 due to the closing of Wolfgang Puck Cafe restaurant, located at 1701 Maple Ave., Evanston. * ADOPTED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0). * Ordinance 98-0-07 — Reduction of Class C Liauor Licenses — Consideration ofproposed Ordinance 98-0-07, introduced October 22, 2007, whereby the City Council would amend the City Code to reduce the number of Class C liquor licenses from 25 to 24 due to the closing ofAsado Brazilian Grill, located at 1012 Church St., Evanston. * ADOPTED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0). PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT * Reauest from Connections for the Homeless for Families in Transition Funding — Consideration of the Housing Commission recommendation to approve the Connections for the Homeless request for a 3� 10 November 12, 2007 second year of rental subsidy of up to $5,160 for its sponsored family. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Reauest for Additional Funds from Reba Place Development Comoration for Rehab - 602 Mulford - Consideration of the Housing Commission recommendation to approve the request from Reba Place Development Corporation for an additional $80,000 in HOME subsidy funds to help defray the additional $123,000 in costs for the required fire suppression system in its affordably price condominium conversion. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE * Approval of October 2007 Township Monthly Bills — Consideration of a recommendation to approve the Township bills, payroll and medical payments for the month of October 2007 in the amount of $93,042.99. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 44-0-07 — Amends the Residential Landlord/Tenant Ordinance — Consideration of Ordinance 44-0-077, which would amend Section 5-3-2-A of the City Code to add the defmition "Material Non -Compliance" and Section 5-3-10-A by requiring that a current copy of this ordinance be attached to every landlord/tenant written rental agreement and that there be an acknowledgement of receipt on the lease agreement. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA APPOINTMENTS: * Mayor Morton asked that the following appointments be confirmed: Brooks Harding Housing Commission 2719 Hurd Ave. For term ending November 15, 2010 Sarah Rosenbloom Mental Health Board 870-A Forest Ave. For term ending November 15, 2011 * Mayor Morton asked that the following appointment be introduced: Timothy M. Angell Housing Commission 1432 Wesley Ave. * Mayor Morton asked that the following re -appointment be introduced: Betsi Burns Jacobsen Playground & Recreation Board 2408 Ridgeway Ave. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA. REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Alderman Rainey moved approval of the recommendation to award consulting services to Cultural Arts Corporate Sponsorship Representative with Kirby Simmering (849 N Franklin, Chicago) in the amount of $45,000 plus a 10% commission on new or increased donations. The annual commission is not to exceed $40,000. Funded by the General Fund. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. l 1 November 12, 2007 Alderman Rainey recalled the Arts Council came to Council during budget deliberations this year and asked for this because they contended that all concerts and events should be sponsored by corporate and private sponsors. They are projecting $85,000, which covers salary and commission. Alderman Bernstein asked if they have an amount made in the past. Is there a baseline? Parks/Forestry & Recreation Director Doug Gaynor stated they have a list of donations and contributors that won't be duplicated by the fund-raiser. Alderman Bernstein noted there is no minimum requirement. Alderman Rainey stated it is a one-year contract. Roll call. Voting aye —Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin. Voting nay — none. Motion carried. (9-0). CALL OF THE WARDS: 2°d Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste congratulated the Mason Park Neighborhood Association for their proposal to use the field house and hoped funds could be found so they can use the field house. He made a reference to the Citv Manaeer reeardine an item in the International Code that reauires two and three flat owners to install individual boilers for each unit even if thev have a new furnace. The basis for this is to minimize the spread of germs from one unit to the next. He did not know if there have been studies on the impact of forced air furnaces. A number of owners are being taken through the adjudication process to force them to add additional furnaces. Many owners are marginal and some have a vacant unit. He asked for a temporary suspension on enforcement until they determine the true benefits of this policy. Alderman Jean -Baptiste said that throughout the City neighbors are organizing to direct youth in a different way. A crucial ingredient of that is some intervention with families. Most studies that have examined youth that have gone astray note the role of family in stabilizing these young people. He referred Ms. Carroll to articles in the National League of Cities publication showing many municipalities have been pro -active in this area. He suggested Evanston needs to think how they can intervene and what is available so families can be stronger. 4th Ward. Alderman Bernstein knows that Council members are concerned about safety and they must acknowledge that crime is everywhere. His concern is that they create a safe Evanston rather than enhance a perception of safety. The presence or absence of a camera or blue lights will not stop all crime. Where there no devices, people remain vigilant. Vigilance is probably the best way to avoid becoming a victim of crime. 71h Ward. Alderman Tisdahl invited the community to American Legion Post 42 for the 21"Annual Pancake Breakfast for Evanston's neediest from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at 1030 Central Street. 81h Ward. Alderman Rainey wanted to hear more about the policy that Alderman Jean -Baptiste spoke about. There are many two flats in her ward and she was sure many are serviced by one boiler. She reported two shootings in the 8d' Ward in one month in one small neighborhood. Council never discusses crime. She is concerned about crime in the I" and 5`h wards, but there are other issues. In reading the Township bills tonight, she found an expenditure to a landlord for $750. There is an Emergency Assistance fund that was turned over to the Township. This landlord came to Council recently and complained that his Section 8 certifications were taken away. She sent Council a letter explaining this person's history in the 8`h Ward. He is the only person on the nuisance list and received this sum from Emergency Assistance. This man owes several thousand dollars in fines. She believed this was to put a new tenant in. There needs to be communication between the Township and the City. Mayor Morton asked if those expenditures are presented at the Human Services Committee. Yes. 91h Ward. Alderman Hansen noted that the bike paths are in and thanked staff for implementing the bike plan. She thought they are working well on Dodge Avenue. She wished all a happy Thanksgiving. �a 12 November 12, 2007 Alderman Jean -Baptiste noted Alderman Rainey had found that the Township was paying a landlord on the City's nuisance list. At A&PW Committee bills were paid that aldermen did not want paid. He suggested staff look at that. It is important for aldermen to consider each bill unless it is an emergency. Ms. Carroll explained checks are held until the next day and released after the bills list is approved. Bills that have an asterisk are paid ahead. At 11:15 p.m. Alderman Bernstein moved that Council convene into an Executive Session to discuss matters related to closed session minutes pursuant to 5 Illinois Compiled Statutes 120/2 ( c) (21) as follows: 2. All meetings of public bodies shall be public meetings except for the following: (21) Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section2.06. The motion was seconded. Roll call. Voting aye —Jean-Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin. Voting nay — none. Motion carried. (9-0). At 11:25 p.m. Alderman Wynne moved that Council convene into open session. The motion was seconded. Motion carried unanimouslv. Alderman Moran moved that the closed session minutes of March 27, 2007 be released to the public. Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste. Motion carried unanimouslv. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn and the Council so moved at 11:29 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. 1