Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2007-10-22-200717 OF EV s CITY COUNCIL * * October 22, 20D7 kca. ROLL CALL — PRESENT: Alderman Wollin Alderman Tisdahl Alderman Jean -Baptiste Alderman Rainey A Quorum was present. Alderman Wynne Alderman Hansen NOT PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: Alderman Moran ABSENT: Aldermen Bernstein and Holmes PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton on Monday, October 22, 2007, at 8:40 p.m. in the Council Chamber. MAYORAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: First Night Evanston Board President Elizabeth Brasher introduced Deanna Shoss, Festival Manager and announced that they have an adult button and a children's button for admittance to events. A contest was held for the design of the children's button. The winner, Max Metzler, 8`h grade student at Chute Middle School, was presented with a certificate. CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS: City Manager Julia Carroll announced that on November 13, the City of Evanston in partnership with the Network for Evanston's Future, will kick off the development of the community's Climate Action Plan from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Civic Center. Evanston's Climate Action Plan will provide a blueprint for reducing our greenhouse gas emissions as an initiative we accepted through the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement, which was signed one year ago. The event will start with a presentation of Evanston's greenhouse gas emissions inventory, followed by a presentation from the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) on the development of Chicago's Local Climate Action plan. After the presentations, attendees will be asked to select and join one of six topic groups. Each group will be co-chaired by members of the community and City who will lead the discussion and development of each topic's objectives and action items. Over the next several months the co-chairs of each section will compile the content and create a framework for Evanston's Climate Action Plan. They hope to have a draft of the plan at the 2008 Earth Day event hosted by the Network for Evanston's Future and the City for final community review. Evanston will be one of the first Illinois communities to finish its greenhouse gas emissions inventory and Climate Action Plan development. This initiative directly supports Goal #5 of the Strategic Plan, which is to protect and optimize the City's natural resources and built environment and lead by example through sustainable practices and behaviors. Assistant City Manager Judith Aiello invited the community to the annual pumpkin decorating day at the Farmers' Market Saturday, October 26. A fanner has donated some 80 pumpkins for children to decorate and take home. Senior Crime Prevention Specialist Amanda Jones, Evanston Police Department, announced the Illinois Triad Award. Illinois Triad is a consortium of law enforcement agencies, sheriff s departments, senior agencies and senior citizens that work together to protect people from crime. Each year the Evanston Police Department submits the name of a volunteer for recognition from Evanston. This year's nominee was Trish Barr, one of two statewide winners to be given the Illinois Senior Volunteer of the Year Award. Ms. Jones enumerated the many volunteer activities of Trish Barr during the past seven years. Chief Richard Eddington presented the award. Mayor Morton proclaimed the week of October 22 Support of Lights -On After School in Evanston C� 2 October 22, 2007 CITIZEN COMMENT: Jonathan Webber. 1735 Chicago Ave., president of Northwestern University Undergraduate Government, spoke about Ordinance 97-0-07 — providing exceptions to the limitations of the presence of minors at certain liquor license establishments where charity fund-raising events are held; stated these events are an important source of fund-raising for many organizations that give to the community. Fund-raisers have included Dance Marathon, Suitcase Party, Dolphin Show, Operation Smile and many others. They look forward to another successful year and of hosting events with what has been and will continue to be a responsible way for underage and of -age students to socialize and help a charity. Patrick Keenan -Devlin. 711 Washington St., former president of the student body at Northwestern, recalled the blue phone ordinance has been in the works since November 18, 2004 when he begged Alderman Tisdahl to tour the City with some Northwestern students. From that night, the City has agreed to install lights to make it safer for students and is a culmination of that event. Council will vote on 53-R-07, authorizing the city manager to sign an agreement with Northwestern University for emergency call box installations. The call boxes serve as deterrents to crime and assist residents in calling emergency services. He was happy that Northwestern has given funds to provide the call boxes. He was glad to see his two favorite institutions working closely together and thanked Chief Lewis, Lucille Krasnow, and Aldermen Wollin, Tisdahl and Moran. Allen `Bo' Price. 1615 Emerson St., spoke about Resolution 52-R-07, 1817 Church Street. He urged it be sent back to the CD Committee to work out some minor differences. He said it is right to get them straightened out. Judith Treadway. 226 Callan Ave., asked for additional time beyond three minutes. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved to allow Ms. Treadway to speak for additional time. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Motion carried unanimouslv. Ms. Treadway spoke as a former CDBG committee member; requested on behalf of the Westside Citizens District Council that Resolution 52-R-07 be removed from the agenda and sent back to the CDBG Committee for additional review and due process for a formal response from the organization; noted the building has not passed an inspection so it is not eligible for an occupancy permit. Many volunteers from the community have contributed to this effort and conducted fund-raising at other locations. The concept of a Black Heritage House was inspired by the publication, The Shaping of Black Evanston, at the Evanston History Museum. She claimed the perception being promoted is that "nothing has been done" or expecting a nearly $500,000 rehab (estimated) to be done with less than $215,000 is unrealistic and not achievable in six or ten years if funds are not available. Many issues impact the residents of Evanston's West Side that appear not in the best interest of current residents economically and culturally. Blacks have moved from the West Side of Evanston into other parts of the City and many of these legacy relatives still own property there. The resolution to recover this building from a community -based organization is of much concern. She outlined the dates of the CDBG Committee meetings regarding recovery of 1817 Church Street and alleged this "rush" to take this property away from this grass -roots organization gives the perception of ulterior motives. Since 2001, volunteers have struggled to get the project completed. As elected officials, their authority is to adequately review and give due process to any action of the City in this situation. Loretha Henrv. 1930 Brown Ave., stated that Alderman Holmes is not on the CDBG Committee and no representation of the 5`h Ward. She agreed that the recovery of 1817 Church building should be returned back to the committee. They were not notified about being on the agenda month after month. She stated they were up to par on everything that was asked for. If there was a discrepancy, the committee should have let them know and gone beyond sending a letter. Junad Rizki. 2767 Ridge Ave., recently found a small green sticker on his garbage can. He recognized the City is engaged in a contest to win $10,000 for recycled aluminum cans. He considered this a waste of tax dollars on a $189 million budget. How much money has the City spent on this endeavor? What did each one cost; how much time was spent developing the stickers, purchasing them, picking them up, and sticking them on trash cans? Was more than $10,000 spent on this? There is not enough money to replace trash cans, yet staff is putting stickers on them. There is a rat problem with trash. Energy was wasted to produce these things. Eventually they will fall off and end up in a landfill as litter. He believed this program was created by the Sustainability Coordinator and, he was not singling this individual out but, suggested that perhaps, she is trying to justify her job. The Sustainability Coordinator position was created by a grant /% 3 October 22, 2007 and she has to get grant money to keep her job. That money should have used to hire an existing employee that knows the City. A recent article in the Chicago Tribune noted that no other city has a position like this. The reason is that nobody else would spend money on this. Will this position be eliminated in the next budget cycle? If it lasts for ten years, the City will have spent $1 million. He recalled that many praised the long-term sewer project. He found that project raised water/sewer bills four times. At the Green Festival, rain barrels were sold to collect water. People need to understand that the long-term sewer project takes all the water in this town and sends it down the Mississippi River so people's basements don't flood. What is tragic is the cost of water/sewer bills. He read that a woman died on Green Bay Road and the water was shut off. It was not clear how she died. People cannot afford to pay the water bills and taxes here. Tina Galbreath, 2320 Lee St., grew up in the 5"` Ward and raised her family in the 2°d Ward. She is a newcomer to the Black American History Museum project. When Mrs. Henry asked her to help, she did. There is considerable vision now for the Church St. area. When this concept was first conceived, many people avoided that part of town. From the state of the building at that time, she was proud of what has been accomplished. It is an ongoing project. Mrs. Palmer took on the task of brick and mortar; walked through water due to the many leaks. She worked with and employed ex -felons and those on General Assistance. Data supported that this is an important piece of our reality and she made certain it was not overlooked. When blacks came to Evanston, primarily, they were the labor force; working-class people much the same as this small grass -roots effort that has tried so hard to put it back and show this could be done by grass -roots people. She was sure the vote on this has been cast for some time. It is the same old city government whether it is taxes, citing violations and penalties to maintain the status quo. She observed Alderman Rainey's demeanor when the group came to the building and she was dismayed. It was obvious there was a closed and negative mindset that influenced others attending. Minorities learn to recognize harried arrogance. It is a shame to fail and continue to penalize those not at the top of the chart. All have worked hard and had hoped Council would permit them to bring this to closure. Mark Witkowski. 309-311 Sherman Ave., is a landlord and brought tenants with him. Today his water was shut off. He cannot afford it. He has had financial problems largely due to an active alderman who has told the Housing Authority of Cook County that he has drug abusers in his building and broken windows. The Housing Authority cut off Section 8 funding for the past four months and he could not collect any rent. He is discouraged about a place that promotes diversity, when there are poor people, of which he is one, and there is no support. How can water be turned off, when it is a central life force? A year ago he applied for rehab money, was turned down and denied credit by the City of Evanston. He asked what would be a more appropriate use for CDBG grant money. He asked for a loan using the property as security and, had he gotten the loan, would have improved the property and increased its value. They give grant money two blocks away so people can buy condos. He did not think that was right. As stewards of the $2 million that comes from CDBG grant funds, he asked them not to forget that people cannot afford condos because they are overpriced. Mayor Morton explained that the City has nothing to do with Section 8 housing. Mr. Witkowski was told by the Housing Authority that they received emails from Alderman Rainey about his property; stated he had passed all the inspections and his property was safe, clean and affordable. Mayor Morton suggested he speak with Community Development Director James Wolinski. Alderman Rainey said the reason Mr. Witkowski was not considered eligible for vouchers at the time of the inspection, was that his property failed the inspection. The Housing Authority distributed moving papers to four tenants. The City had nothing to do with his ineligibility for Section 8 vouchers. One thing about this program is that even if one is poor, they are entitled to decent housing. What they found at 309-11 Sherman was not decent housing. Aaron Maslianskv., 1720 Oak Ave., came to Council because in June he and his wife were walking in the evening and were attacked by 11 teenagers. They identified the assailants to the police and there were no consequences. There have been more attacks in the area where they were attacked. He wanted to bring it to the attention of Council that more police are needed in the downtown and there should be consequences for those attacking. It disturbed him that he feared walking outside his door at night. The most important thing city government should provide is public safety and it is the obligation of the Council to help provide that safety. Mayor Morton stated that all are concerned about this type of behavior. She was concerned about kids beating up police officers and went to the Circuit Court to speak to the chief judge to find out what could be done. She was told they could 2,© 4 October 22, 2007 do nothing unless the police officer was hurt. She stated that lawmakers will have to give them some help. She felt great sympathy for all who are attacked. Mr. Masliansky was told the attackers were between 13-15 years of age. Doree Stein. 505 Hinman Ave., a community volunteer, she became ill and experienced heavy medical expenses that has allowed her to see things from the other side. She spent last summer in a nursing home and found Ombudsman Nancy Flowers to be a godsend. There was no hot water. Hot dogs were served without buns. Toilet tissue was inadequate. Her roommate, a woman in her 90s, fell out of bed more than once. Ms. Flowers came four nights in a row to make sure that the woman was safe. She thanked Ms. Flowers and her staff; CEDA Neighbors at Work for repairing her porch railing. She has an autoimmune disease and sometimes can't get around too well. She will apply for a rehab loan so taxes do go for good things; thanked Rafael Molinary, Human Relations, who has mediated disputes in her neighborhood; thanked the Police Department for hanging out in Parking Lot #1. She noted this summer there was graffiti on a wall at Calvary Cemetery that was quickly painted over. She thanked the Fire Department and all the people at the City who work hard; noted the City almost lost Max Rubin. She worked for the City years ago and if you needed something done, you asked Max. She has no money now and would not be present if people at the City had not helped her. CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Moran moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: Professional services contracts to: Wolff Landscape Architecture — Crown Tennis Court/Lighting Reconstruction; Site Design Group, Ltd. — Foster Field and Torgerson Park renovations; Thompson Dyke & Associates — Lighthouse Landing ADA Improvements; and Resolution 52-R-07 — 1817 Church. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Roll call. Voting aye — Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen. Voting nay — none. Motion carried. (7-0). ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 8, 2007. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: * Approval, as recommended, City of Evanston payroll for the period ending October 18, 2007 and City of Evanston bills through October 23, 2007, authorized and charged to the proper accounts: City of Evanston payroll (through 10/18/07) $2,274,946.99 City of Evanston bills (through 10/23/07) $3,897,634.99 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid for 2007 CIPP Lining Contract B (Bid No. 08-54) to American Pipe Liners, Inc. (301 W Grand Lake Blvd., West Chicago) in the amount of $203,655. Funding provided by the Sewer Fund. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid for 2007 Structure Lining (Bid No. 08-55) to National Power Rodding Corp. (2500 W Arthington St., Chicago) in the amount of $45,320.04 Funding provided by the Sewer Fund. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Recommend award of the engineering design services contract for the Evanston/Wilmette Distribution System Inter connection (RFQ 08-32) to MWH Americas, Inc. (380 Interlocken Crescent, Broomfield, CO) in an amount not -to - exceed $289,628. The design cost will be split evenly between Evanston and Wilmette. Funding of Evanston's portion ($144,814) provided by the Water Depreciation, Improvement & Extension Account. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) 21 5 October 22, 2007 * Approval of the purchase of two vehicles using State of Illinois bid #263; an SUV in Facilities to be replaced by a hybrid SUV and #300, a van in the Fire Department to be replaced with a crew -cab pickup. Funding provided by FY 07/08 Capital Outlay Budget. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) *Approval of Change Order #1 to the agreement with Doyle & Associates (800 S Wells St, Chicago) for Phase Three Architectural Services for the Filter Maintenance Shop and Administration Office Expansion project in the amount of $18,000. Phase Three provides for architectural and engineering services during the construction of the project. This change order will increase the not -to -exceed amount from $77,000 to $95,000. Funding provided by Water Depreciation, Improvement & Extension Account. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (7-0) , *Approval of Change Order #2 to the agreement with Doyle & Associates (800 S Wells St, Chicago) for Phase Three Architectural Services for the Filter Maintenance Shop and Administration Office Expansion project in the amount of $3,500. Phase Three provides for architectural and engineering services during the construction of the project. This change order will increase the not -to -exceed amount from $95,000 to $98,500. Funding provided by Water Depreciation, Improvement & Extension Account. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (7-0) *Approval of Change Order #3 to the contract with Scale Construction, (2101 S Carpenter St, Chicago) to provide coal tar pitch roofing systems on the East Office addition roof and West Shop addition roof for a total of $26,070. This change order will increase the contract amount from S2,464,835 to $2,490,905. Funding provided by Water Depreciation, Improvement & Extension Account. * APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (7-0) *Approval of Change Order #1 to the contract with Muller & Muller and Associates (700 N Sangamon, Chicago) for architectural services for Fire Station #5 (2930 Central St.) in the amount of $75,562.07. This change order will increase the contract amount from $210,269,08 to $365,831.15. Funding provided by Capital Improvement Plan. * APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL 17-01 *Approval of Change Order # 1 to the contract with Central Lakes Construction (749 Pinecrest Dr, Prospect Heights, IL) to provide various additional services related to the new construction of Fire Station #5 (2930. Central St) in the amount of $69,152.95. This change order will increase the contract amount from $4,578,000 to $4,647,152.95. Funding provided by Capital Improvement Plan. * APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (7-0) * Ordinance 95-0-07 — Reduction of Class B Liauor Licenses — Consideration ofproposed Ordinance 95-0-07, 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. * MARKED INTRODUCED— CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 96-0-07 — Reauest to Declare Vehicles Sumlus Pronertv — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 96-0-07, which declares certain City vehicles as surplus property to sell them at auction in December 2007. They include four (4) police vehicles and one (1) fire vehicle. Auction to be held in Lake County by Obenauf Auctioneers on Saturday, December 1, 2007. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 97-0-07- Provides Excentions to the Limitations of the Presence of Minors at Certain Liauor License Establishments — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 97-0-07, whereby the City Council would amend Section 3-5-1 l(F) of the City Code to provide exceptions to the limitations of the presence of minors in certain liquor license establishments where charity fund-raising events are held. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Rainey moved to Suspend the Rules in order to adopt an ordinance at the same meeting at which it was introduced. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Rainey moved the ordinance be amended as follows: "SECTION 3: That the City Manager or her designee shall provide the City Council with a quarterly report on all fundraisers held pursuant to this section." SECTION 3 is 2Z 6 October 22, 2007 renumbered to be SECTION 4. SECTION 4 is renumbered to be SECTION 5. The motion was seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Alderman Rainey moved approval of Ordinance 97-0-07 as amended. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Roll call. Voting aye — Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen. Voting nay — none. Motion carried. (7-0). * Ordinance 98-0-07 — Reduction of Class C Liquor Licenses — Consideration ofproposed Ordinance 98-0-07, 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 of Asado Brazilian Grill, located at 1012 Church St., Evanston. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA OTHER COMMITTEES: * Resolution 53-R-07 — Authorizes the Citv Manager to sign an agreement with Northwestern Universitv for Emergencv Call Box installations — Consideration of proposed Resolution 53-R-07, which authorizes the City Manager to sign an agreement between Northwestern University (NU) and the City of Evanston; NU to install nine emergency call boxes in eight locations and the City to accept them after installation (cost equals $82,000). Funding for installation provided by NU. * APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (7-0) * Ordinance 99-0-07 — Establishment of a Pubic Hearine date for the tnronosed Boundary Extension Amendment to the West Evanston TIF District #6 — Statutory requirements to amend Tax Increment Financing districts mandate a public hearing and the formation and convening of a Joint Review Board. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved to Suspend the Rules in order to adopt an ordinance at the same meeting at which it was introduced. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved approval of Ordinance 99-0-07. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Roll call. Voting aye — Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen. Voting nay — none. Motion carried.(7-0). APPOINTMENTS: * Mayor Morton asked that the following appointments be introduced: Brooks Harding 2719 Hurd Ave. Sarah Rosenbloom 870-A Forest Ave. Housing Commission Mental Health Board * Mayor Morton asked that the following appointments be confirmed: Shannon Epplett Arts Council 618 Hinman Ave. For term ending October 30, 2010 Dr. Marie Alatalo Arts Council 1218 Central St. For term ending October 30, 2010 1 1 1 eq-3 7 October 22, 2007 Justin Moore Civil Service Commission 705 Hinman Ave. For term ending October 30, 2010 Michelle Murray Civil Service Commission 1036 Dewey Ave. For term ending October 30, 2010 Jacquelin A. Cody Commission on Aging 1615 Emerson St. For term ending October 30, 2010 Martin Egelston Commission on Aging 2402 Ridgeway Ave. For term ending October 30, 2010 David Grumman Energy Commission 1332 Forest Ave. For term ending October 30, 2011 Susan Besson Environment Board 1300 Isabella St. For term ending October 30, 2011 Joan Raisner Human Relations Commission 810 Washington St. For term ending October 30, 2010 Eleanor Rodger Human Relations Commission 1730 Hinman Ave. For term ending October 30, 2010 Daniel T. Pyne Ladd Arboretum Committee 400 Ridge Ave. For term ending October 30, 2010 Sara J. McMurray Plan Commission 1234 Elmwood Ave. For term ending October 30, 2010 Suzanne Farrand Preservation Commission 1459 Asbury Ave. For term ending October 30, 2010 Joshua Barney Public Art Committee 1940 Orrington Ave. For term ending October 30, 2010 David Forte Public Art Committee 2008 Isabella St. For term ending October 30, 2010 * Mayor Morton asked that the following reappointments be confirmed: )l 8 October 22, 2007 Louis J. Weathers Commission on Aging 1738 Brown Ave. For term ending October 30, 2009 Ellen Schrodt Library Board 2801 Sheridan Pl. For term ending October 30, 2010 Anne Gauthier Mental Health Board 231 Burnham Pl. For term ending October 30, 2011 Jordan M. Cramer Preservation Commission 2607 Park Pl. For term ending October 30, 2010 Ann Calhoun Dienner Preservation Commission 1034 Sheridan Rd. For term ending October 30, 2010 Emily Williams Guthrie Preservation Commission 730 Judson Ave. For term ending October 30, 2010 Robert A. Creamer Zoning Board of Appeals 1500 Oak Ave. For term ending October 30, 2012 * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA. REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Approval of the recommendation to award the professional services contract for the Crown Tennis Court and Lighting Reconstruction Project (RFP 08-48) to Wolff Landscape Architecture (307 N Michigan Ave, Chicago). The project amount is $21,530 and funding is provided by the Capital Improvement Plan, FY 08-09. Alderman Rainey reported this item was held in committee. Alderman Rainey moved approval of the recommendation to award the professional services contract for the Foster Field Renovation Project (RFP 08-48) to Site Design Group, Ltd. (888 S Michigan Ave., Chicago). The project amount is $69,225 and funding is provided by a Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant and by the CIP, FY 08-09. Seconded by Alderman Wollin. Alderman Rainey reported this is a $1,050,000 project. Mayor Morton, Parks/Forestry & Recreation Director Doug Gaynor and Ms. Carroll discussed the Request for Proposals, the generic professional consulting services agreement and that each contract would be adapted for each park project. Roll call. Voting aye — Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen. Voting nay — none. Motion carried. (7-0). 2S 9 October 22, 2007 Alderman Rainey moved approval of the recommendation to award the professional services contract for the Lighthouse Landing ADA Improvement Project (RFP 08-48) to Thompson Dyke & Associates (213 W Institute Pl, Chicago). The project amount is $47,800 and provided, by the CIP, FY 08-09. Seconded by Alderman Tisdahl. Roll call. Voting aye — Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen. Voting nay — none. Motion carried. (7-0). Alderman Rainey moved approval of the recommendation to award the professional services contract for the Torgerson Park Renovation Project (RFP 08-48) to Site Design Group, Ltd. (888 S Michigan Ave., Chicago). The project amount is $32,370 and funding is provided by the CIP, FY 08-09. Seconded by Alderman Tisdahl. Roll call. Voting aye — Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen. Voting nay — none. Motion carried. (7-0). OTHER COMMITTEES: Resolution 52-R-07 - 1817 Church - Consideration of proposed Resolution 52-R-07, which would initiate action to recover the property at 1817 Church Street that was deeded to the Evanston Westside Citizens District Council, Inc, in May 2001. Alderman Rainey moved approval of Resolution 52-R-07. Seconded by Alderman Tisdahl. Alderman Jean -Baptiste reported the CD Committee reaffirmed its commitment to the objective. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved that on page 3, to insert: "WHEREAS The Evanston City Council reaffirms its commitment to the objectives of establishing an African -American Museum at 1817 Church Street for the benefit of all Evanstonians." Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Motion carried unanimouslv. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved that on page 4, SECTION 3 read: "That the City Council shall use its best efforts in collaboration with community organizations, including but not limited to, the Evanston Westside Citizens District Council and others, private entities, etc., to establish an African -American Museum at 1817 Church Street." Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Motion carried unanimously. Alderman Rainey wanted to see this project go to the Planning & Development Committee as overseer of the project because there are funds. Due to this project's expense, she did not think the CD Committee could fund additional dollars. Alderman Rainey moved approval of Resolution 52-R-07 as amended. Seconded by Alderman Tisdahl. Voice vote. Motion carried. No nays. Mayor Morton asked if there should be a review of this for citizens. First Assistant Corporation Counsel Herb Hill stated this was based upon past history and the resolution is based upon a series of deeds between the City and the Evanston Westside Association in which the City in 2001 deeded the property to that entity for $1 and agreed if the museum was not opened and operating within nine months the property would be re -conveyed back to the City. The City Council found that the museum did not open within the nine -month period of time. It is clear that a Certificate of Occupancy has not been issued and it is 2007, well beyond the nine -month period. The resolution empowers the Law Department to properly record the deed later this week. CALL OF THE WARDS: 1s` Ward. Alderman Wollin invited the public to the NU -Citizens Committee meeting the next evening at 7:30 p.m.; thanked Northwestern University for getting the blue lights installed, especially around the El stations. She thanked the speaker who described being attacked; stated that this problem is being looked at seriously to make downtown streets safer by working with police, youth and outreach workers to stop this irresponsible behavior. She is committed to do everything she can to alleviate it. w 10 October 22, 2007 Alderman Wollin reported that Aldermen Rainey, Tisdahl and she accepted the Fire Department's invitation to go to the Chicago Fire Academy on Saturday where they participated in some emergency exercises. Aldermen Wollin and Rainey were observers while Alderman Tisdahl suited up and went through all the exercises with her partner, Alderman Ariel Reboyras of Chicago's 30d' Ward. Alderman Tisdahl climbed a ladder to the top of a five -story building. It resulted in a greater awareness of the dangers and responsibilities of firefighters and admiration for Alderman Tisdahl. 2"d Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste expressed condolences to Alderman Holmes and family. He hoped she would find comfort because they are here for her. The wake is Tuesday at Halliburton Funeral Home from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday is viewing from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and the funeral 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Church at Clark and Oak Street. He appealed for volunteers to serve on the M/W/EBE Committee and to send their applications to Mayor Morton. The goal is to have an African -American Museum. He believed the broadening of the collaboration means they can access more resources, capital funds and achieve the noble objective that the activists of the Evanston West Side Citizens Council have worked toward. The project is not abandoned and the commitment is to make government more accountable toward achieving that objective. 3`d Ward. Alderman Wynne offered deepest sympathy to Alderman Holmes and her family. She reported on Abrahim Parlak, the Turkish Kurd who had been accused of being a terrorist after he was granted asylum by the U.S. government in 1994. That day the 6`h Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati heard the oral argument on the case. There is no decision yet. There is a bill for private citizenship in Congress. Abrahim is still fighting and has a large group of supporters. Alderman Wynne congratulated the ETHS Freshmen A and B football teams. 6ch Ward. Alderman Moran added his condolences to Alderman Holmes on the loss of her husband. He reminded residents of a meeting on Tuesday, October 30 at the Presbyterian Home, James Room at 7:00 p.m. on the lakefront visioning process. He thanked fellow alderman for voting for the blue light initiative and Patrick Devlin, who brought the issue to Council three years ago. He thanked NU Police Chief Bruce Lewis and staff and the people in the Information Technology Division who worked with the City. 71h Ward. Alderman Tisdahl extended sympathy to Alderman Holmes and her family. She was thinking about them and wished them well. 8th Ward. Alderman Rainey also wished Delores Holmes well. She reported that the building at 415 Howard is now 17 stories high and the roof is almost completed. Alderman Rainey announced a lakefront visioning meeting on Thursday, November I at 7:00 p.m. at the Levy Center. She commented on the Chicago Fire Academy event attended by Aldermen Wollin, Tisdahl and herself. Alderman Tisdahl was heroic and was cheered on. There were people there from Washington state and as far away as Australia. 9`h Ward. Alderman Hansen said her prayers and thoughts were with Alderman Holmes. At 10:30 p.m. Alderman Wynne moved that Council convene into a Executive Session to discuss matters related to personnel and litigation pursuant to 5 Illinois Compiled Statutes 120/2 ( c) (1) and (11) as follows: Z2,7 11 October 22, 2007 2. All meetings of public bodies shall be public meetings except for the following: (1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees ofthe public body, or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. (11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting. Seconded by Alderman Hansen. Roll call. Voting aye — Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen. Voting nay — none. Motion carried. (7-0). There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn and the Council so moved at 11:02 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 1