HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2007-08-13-20071
1
CITY COUNCIL
ROLL CALL — PRESENT:
A Quorum was present.
ABSENT:
PRESIDING:
Alderman Moran
Alderman Tisdahl
Alderman Rainey
Alderman Hansen
None
Mayor Lorraine H. Morton
August 13, 2007
Alderman Wollin
Alderman Jean -Baptiste
Alderman Wynne
Alderman Bernstein
Alderman Holmes
The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton on Monday, August
13, 2007, at 8:55 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
MAYORAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Morton announced that the Big Ten Network would launch August 30, 2007. The new national network is a
cable/satellite programming service that covers both the athletic and academic content of the Big Ten Conference.
There's a possibility of employment for Evanston residents and advertising events in Evanston.
Mayor Morton reported that Lake City Cleaners, Emerson and Benson, has invested in a new machine, the first to go into
operation in which there are no emissions into the air and no hot liquids used. She congratulated them as commercial
citizens for taking steps to help :hake Evanston a greener city.
Mayor Morton complimented all who worked on the Ladd Arboretum Master Plan which is well written.
Mayor Morton introduced Lewis Jordan, Director of the Cook County Housing Authority and Granata Williams, Director
of the Section 8 program. Mayor Morton reported that the number of Section 8 housing units in Evanston has been
decreasing. Of 118 communities listed in the CCHA report, Evanston has the third largest number of Section 8 housing
vouchers. Winnetka has one. The highest number is in Calumet City and the second highest is in Harvey.
Mr. Jordan and Ms. Williams have worked with Mayor Morton,. CCHA board member Karen Chavers and some
aldermen focusing on increasing communications within communities and holding up standards for landlords and tenants
in their efforts to provide safe, sanitary and affordable housing. "Public housing" signifies that it is not just the job of the
housing authority but all need to work together. The last official communication with the City was about efforts to
designate some buildings as "senior only." High-rise properties on the south have been designated "senior only." They
attempted to get that same designation on north properties and were notified by HUD that they did not show the need to
designate those properties "senior only." They will stay mixed -used and hold themselves and tenants to high standards of
accountability. In reference to the handout, he stated the CCHA contributes almost $100 million in landlord payments
within Cook County annually. It pays Evanston landlords ahnost $500,000 monthly and annually $5.7 million. While they
see the numbers go down, they are appreciative of the openness of the City of Evanston in supporting this program. He
explained the Section 8 program allows tenants to move from one jurisdiction to another. There is a misconception that as
the Chicago Housing Authority demolishes some of their high rises, people are moving to the county. A chart on the
handout does not show a disproportionate number coming from Chicago. They are looking to make public housing an
integral part of the community and spread things out so no community has high numbers of public housing.
Alderman Rainey found Mr. Jordan and Ms. Williams responsive and a pleasure to work with.
CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
City Manager Julia Carroll announced a Special City Council meeting on Wednesday, September 5 at 7:00 p.m. for the
purpose of discussing Public Safety Pension Funds. The Rules Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 4
is moved to Wednesday, September 5 at 6:00 p.m.
2 August 13, 2007
Streets & Sanitation Superintendent Suzette Eggleston announced that refuse and recycling collection would be one day
later due to the Labor Day Weekend with Monday's collection on Tuesday and so forth.
Fall bulk trash pick up days
During fall bulk trash pick up days each Evanston resident is allowed six cubic yards of refuse that will be picked up free
of charge. If the resident has more than six cubic yards, they will be charged a special pick up fee. If refuse is picked up
on Tuesday, bulk trash pick up is Friday, September 21; for Wednesday trash pick ups, bulk trash pick up is Friday,
September 28; for refuse picked up on Thursday, bulk trash pick up is Friday, October 5 and refuse pick ups on Monday,
bulk trash pick up is Friday, October 12. Items must be out by 7:00 a.m. Bulk trash collection replaces the neighborhood
Dumpster program. (Six cubic yards translates into a large sofa and two large chairs, a mattress and box springs or 15 to
20 medium-sized garbage bags filled.)
CITIZEN COMMENT:
Susan Ganstur. 1806 Seward St., Director of Development and Volunteer Initiatives for the Community Animal Rescue
Effort, friends of the Evanston Animal Shelter, on behalf of the Board of Directors, she asked volunteers to stand. There
are 150 in -shelter volunteers who contribute about 450 hours a week. She urged passage of Resolutions 42-R-07 and 43-
R-07 to allow the City Manager to enter into a lease agreement with C.A.R.E. that allows their organization to work with
the Evanston Police Department and Animal Control and to enter into a construction agreement with the Facilities
Management Division. When she asked the City Council 14 months ago to share this vision of expanding the animal
shelter, no one knew how it would go. Assistant Corporation Counsel Elke Purze and First Assistant Corporation Counsel
Herb Hill have worked with their attorneys to craft these two agreements. They are excited and honored to formalize their
relationship with the City, and pleased to go forward to develop this vision for an expanded humane facility. On behalf of
all C.A.R.E. volunteers, she stated that these actions show how Evanston is a progressive community.
Les Shindelman. 1572 Maple Ave., treasurer of the Downtown Residents Association recommended several guidelines be
put into the EVMark Implementation Agreement for Special Service District #4. The Association suggested that EVMark
add downtown Evanston residents to both the Board and Executive Board. The number of residents on the board should
be proportional to the amount of residential funding of EVMark's total budget. The City Council, working with EVMark,
will establish a small number of key metrics to measure EVMark's performance versus its mission and track EVMark's
operating effectiveness. The Council will set targets annually for each metric and EVMark will provide periodic reports
tracking each metric and analyzing the results. EVMark will make its operations more transparent to Evanston citizens.
This will involve posting on the EVMark or City website EVMark board meeting agendas, minutes, annual budgets,
monthly financial statements and periodic performance reports. There is no provision for periodic reporting. Additional
concerns are that Section 106 is too restrictive and does not allow the City to use another service provider for downtown
advertising. He found the contract termination terms were expanded and suggested that poor service performance, as
measured by the defined metrics, be added to the list and be the primary reason for termination.
Timothv Schoolmaster. 1454 Elmwood Ave., long-term trustee of the Police Pension Fund, City employee and Evanston
taxpayer, expressed his own opinions about Resolution 39-R-07, the transfer tax referendum. He was pleased with this
proposal and, while it does not solve all the problems, he saw an effort to tackle this problem. The state statute requires
that the pensions be funded by the property tax. This money could be used to pay down debt service or a combination of
other things. He asked that they consider, for those who purchase a new primary residence, maybe 90 days either side of
selling, that this additional tax be waived. As he has traveled around the country, he saw that Florida has an insurance tax
of 1 % that goes into public safety pensions. There are other things they can look at as they move forward.
Dave Ellis. 1319 Grant St., spoke about the transfer tax proposal; noted police and fire pension funding by the City has
been a problem for 25 years. In the past seven years the pension funds have been funded to the City's actuarial level.
Those standards and previous funding inequities have led to Evanston's pension funds to be among the lowest in the
state. Liabilities that are not corrected may cause bond ratings to be lowered, cost the City significant amounts of money
for future borrowing and the possibility of a large property tax increase to solve this problem. One example of how the
City has arrived at this point is in the early 1990s, the City' ,s budget policy was to have a zero percent property tax
increase while maintaining basic services. Part of this was achieved by not transferring the correct amounts of funds from
3 August 13, 2007
the General Fund to the Pension Funds. This under funding problem has compounded over the years to where it is today.
This problem will not correct itself without an infusion of capital, which by state law, is supposed to come from property
taxes. He appreciated City Manager Carroll and Finance Director Matt Grady's recognition of the severity of the problem
and the work to correct this since last January. While the solution to use bonds may have merit, all uses of funding should
be on the table. Bonding is just a structured payment formula and does not address the underlying cause of the liability.
The transfer tax proposal will not fix the problem; however, any capital that can be paid into the funds without raising
property taxes is a good idea. While affordable housing may be a noble concept, the City should not take on any new
funding until pension funding and infrastructure issues are resolved. The Police and Fire Pensions have not caused the
current problems. The police and firefighters who serve and protect us have always paid their share into these funds as
mandated by state law. It has been easier, historically, for the City to lower its share contributions to achieve a more
attractive annual budget to the community. This happens throughout the nation. As the budget process gets under way this
year, additional ideas should be considered on how the City generates the revenue needed to fix the pension problem. A
few ideas are to look carefully at development plans that would increase the tax base, the possibility of increasing fees for
false alarms, permit fees, vehicle fuel taxes, the real estate transfer tax fee, and a possible use of TIF funds, a portion of
which are dedicated solely to the Police and Fire Pensions. There is also the possibility of meeting with Northwestern
University and asking them to do the right thing and pay their fair share of the pension liability for service the university
has received that directly benefits it and its students. Whatever the final solution and how it is composed, remains to be
seen. Increasing the Real Estate Transfer Tax is a step in the right direction and he supported the proposal.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
Diane Williams, EVMark's Executive Director, gave a presentation on the past, present and future of EVMark. She
explained the concept of downtown organizations dated from the late 1970s and was a reaction to development trends
and urban renewal. They grew in the 1990s with the use of sustainable funding tools. These organizations recognize
downtown's importance to the community. The basis for downtown management organizations is various management
methodologies and models and the recognition of the unique nature of "place" They provide collective benefits and are
public/private partnerships balancing among competing interests and stakeholders.
EVMark is an outgrowth of the Chamber of Commerce and downtown business concerns in the 1980s about downtown's
economy and physical environment. EVMark was formally organized in July 1987 as an Illinois not -for -profit
corporation with 501 (C) (6) tax status and is a property owner organization with a part-time staff. EVMark was
organized to market and manage downtown Evanston as an entity and has a strong partnership with the City.
EVMark is funded primarily by Special Service Area #4. A special service area is the State of Illinois' legal term for a
Business Improvement District. It is a funding tool used throughout the nation and internationally to fund downtown
organizations in an estimated 20 Illinois communities. Special service areas are organized by property owners for three
key reasons: collective benefit, self-interest and competition. She gave two examples of two similar organizations that
both have full-time staffs. Downtown Oak Park, with a budget of $713,000, has $550,000 generated from the SSA and
SSA renewal in process. Elmhurst City Centre has a budget of $900,000 from two SSAs with no sunset provision.
Current by-laws provide for 17-22 board members and three officers with four classes of directors. The largest class is
based upon real estate EAV. Directors serve for a one-year term and there are four board meetings annually. The
Executive Committee has five members and meets monthly. Current board members represent multiple downtown
constituencies. The City is represented by the City Manager and the Director of Public Works. Major employers, such as
Rotary and Golub, are there and the Chamber of Commerce. There are a number of small business owners.
EVMark is the downtown's marketing and management organization. Given EVMark's mission there are two
programming categories — seen and unseen. Management includes managing maintenance contract and working with the
City and other local partners on issues to improve downtown and achieve common goals. EVMark markets to promote
downtown Evanston as a vibrant, attractive and fun place to consumers and investors.
EVMark's key maintenance activities either supplement City services or help the City get services done. Trash and litter
removal is five days a week. There is sidewalk sweeping and cleaning, spring clean-up, landscaping and seasonal
y1�
4 August 13, 2007
maintenance for all plantings in common areas and downtown planters. Services in partnership with the City include
circulating information about construction projects, providing regulatory updates and reminders to the downtown
community plus landscaping maintenance and clean-up in rail areas.
EVMark's key marketing activities include creating and supporting an image and identity for downtown Evanston as a
place to shop, live, work and play; public relations; production of collateral materials; advertising downtown to shoppers,
diners and officer users; cooperative advertising, merchant support and production of special events. Enhanced marketing
services include additional advertising with greater reach; additional collateral materials, additional events and flexibility
to respond to downtown's market as they go forward.
Under enhanced maintenance services, they are looking at adding services such as a fall clean-up, additional sidewalk
cleaning and pressure washing, expanding holiday decorations to new areas and having the flexibility to respond to
maintenance issues as the environment changes.
Future plans include continuing the strong partnership with the City. They anticipate some by-laws changes and the board
is committed to including residents. There are other issues the board needs to deal with concerning governance and
policy. They intend to develop relevant measures for those things that can be measured and will communicate that as they
go through the budget process each year. Fundamentally, they have the same goal to sustain their past success in
downtown Evanston.
CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*)
Alderman Moran moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: Resolution 37-R-07 —
Authorizes the City Manager to Execute an Implementation Agreement for SSA District #4; Ordinance 47-0-07 Class D
Liquor License — Nine Fish Restaurant; Resolution 44-R-07 — Down Payment Assistance Program with HOME Funds &
Affordable Housing Funds; Ordinance 78-0-07 — Amends City Code to Prohibit Windowless Rooms in New
Construction; Major Variation Request — 605 Davis St.; Approval of July 2007 Township Monthly Bills; Study of
Possible Expansion of the West Evanston TIF and Resolution 39-R-07 — Real Estate Transfer Tax Referendum Question.
Seconded by Alderman Rainey.
Roll call. Voting aye — Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes. Voting nay —
none. Motion carried (9-0).
ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA
MINUTES:
* Approval of Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of June 7, 2007 and the Regular City Council Meeting of July
23, 2007. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS:
* Approval, as recommended, City of Evanston payrolls for the periods ending July 26, 2007 and August 9, 2007 and
City of Evanston bills through August 14, 2007, authorized and charged to the proper accounts:
City, of Evanston payroll (through 07/26/07) $2,470,717.82
City of Evanston payroll (through 08/09/07) $2,486,657.11
City of Evanston bills (through 08/14/07) $4,782,947.95
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid from Midwest Brick Paving, Inc. (18557 Stateline Rd., Antioch,
IL) in the amount of $129,000 for Brick Layers Project (Bid 08-36). Funding provided by $50,000 from Capital
Improvement Program fund and $79,000 from Tax Increment Financing (TIF). * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
y7S
5 August 13, 2007
* Approval of contract for professional services provided by Gossage Sager Associates (1730 Hinman Ave., Evanston) to
provide an executive search for the Library Director in the amount of 25% of the new Director's salary, not to exceed
$30,000 (RFP #08-41). Funding provided by the General Fund Library account. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval to hire Walker Parking Consultants (505 Davis Rd., Elgin) as a single -source contractor to provide
architectural and engineering services at the Maple Avenue Self Park at a cost not -to -exceed $42,000. Funding provided
by Downtown II Capital Project Tax Increment Financing. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL
CALL (9-0) (Requires a vote of six aldermen for approval.)
* Approval of the Ladd Arboretum Master Plan. Total estimated cost to implement is $4.6 million in 2008 dollars and
with funding anticipated through private donations, grants and City of Evanston CIP funds. * APPROVED - CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Resolution 41-R-07 — Sheridan Road Jurisdictional Transfer from South Blvd. to Isabella St. —
Consideration ofproposed Resolution 41-R-07, which authorizes the City Manager to sign a Letter of
Intent with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to transfer ownership and maintenance of
Sheridan Rd. from South Blvd. to Isabella St. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION &
ROLL CALL (9-0).
* Resolution 42-R-07 — Construction Agreement for the Evanston Animal Shelter. — Consideration of
proposed Resolution 42-R-07, which authorizes the City Manager to execute a Construction
Agreement with Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) for improvements to the Evanston
Animal Shelter.* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Resolution 43-R-07 — Lease Agreement with C.A.R.E. to Overate the Evanston Animal Shelter —
Consideration of proposed Resolution 43-R-07, which authorizes the City Manager to enter into a
Lease Agreement with Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) to operate the Evanston Animal
Shelter. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Ordinance 77-0-07 — Fire Service Charge Rate Increase — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 77-
0-07, which amends Title 7, Chapter 12, Section 8 of the City Code, related to requirements and
charges for water service lines used for fire protection systems. * MARKED INTRODUCED —
CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 80-0-07 — Increase Number of Class B Liauor Licenses — Consideration of proposed
Ordinance 80-0-07, by which City Council would amend Section 3-5-6(B) of the City Code to
increase the number of Class B liquor licenses from 17 to 18 for Omaggio Restaurant, at 1639
Orrington Ave. The owner and manager have completed BASSET training.
* MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 74-0-07 — On -Street Bike Plan — Consideration of Ordinance 74-0-07, introduced July
23, 2007, which amends Section 10-11-16(B), Schedule XVI of the City Code to designate bicycle
routes (marked with signage) and bicycle lanes (designated by pavement markings and signage).
* ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Ordinance 75-0-07 — Increases the Number of Class K Liauor Licenses — Consideration of
Ordinance 75-0-07, introduced July 23, 2007, which amends Section 3-5-6(K) of the City Code to
increase the number of Class K liquor licenses from 0 to 1 due to the opening of Now We're Cookin',
Inc. (1601 Payne St., Evanston). BASSET training has been completed by the owner and managers.
* ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
q�9
6 August 13, 2007
* Resolution 40-R-07 — Expresses DisaDDroval of the decision made by the State of Indiana's
Department of Environmental Management — Consideration of proposed Resolution 40-R-07, which
expresses disapproval of the decision by the State of Indiana's Department of Environmental
Management to allow British Petroleum (BP) to release additional pollutants into Lake Michigan.
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
Ordinance 64-0-07 — Amend Citv Code to Establish .a Citv of Evanston Solid Waste Franchise —
Consideration of Ordinance 64-0-07, introduced July 9, 2007, which amends Section 8-5 and 8-5'/z of
the City Code to establish a City of Evanston Solid Waste Franchise. This franchise would require all
businesses, commercial and larger residential properties to use the hauler selected and licensed by the
City to remove and dispose of their solid waste. NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON THIS ITEM
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT:
* Reauest for Affordable Housing Funds from Connections for the Homeless for HMIS Matching
Funds — Consideration of the Housing Commission recommendation to approve a request from
Connections for the Homeless for $11,035 in matching funds for a HUD -mandated and HUD -funded
Homeless Management Information System for the Evanston Alliance on Homelessness. Connections
.received $10,000 from the Mayor's Special Housing Fund for the same purpose in 2005.
APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Reauest for Affordable Housing Funds from the Housing ODDortunity Development Comoration for
Repairs to 1930 Jackson Ave. — Consideration of the Housing Commission recommendation to
approve a request from HODC for $84,760 to rehab the interior and exterior of a two -flat at 1930
Jackson Ave. HOME funds may not be used as $44,000 was used in 2004 and the affordability period
is still in place. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Ordinance 76-0-07 — Special Use Reauest for a TvDe 2 Restaurant at 1840 Oak Ave. —
Consideration of the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation to approve the application by Dr.
Mark Rosenbloom, on behalf of the Evanston Enterprise Center, LLC, introduced July 23, 2007, for a
special use to establish a Type 2 restaurant at 1840 Oak Ave. The applicant proposed to expand the
operation of the existing Type 1 restaurant to include carryout and delivery business. * ADOPTED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE:
* Special Event — DAR-US-SUNNAH Outdoor Program Picnic — Consideration of approval for the
Special Event Permit application submitted by Ashik Rahman, on behalf of the Bangladesh Islamic
Community of Greater Chicago, for an August 19 picnic at Twiggs Park. * APPROVED - CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
OTHER COMMITTEES:
* Business District Improvement Funding — Recommendation to approve $61,400 in grants to eight
Business District associations through the Neighborhood Business District Improvement Program.
Funding provided by the Economic Development Fund. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Ordinance 60-0-07 — Amends the Citv Code — "Powers and Duties" of Preservation Commission —
Consideration of Ordinance 60-0-07, which amends Subsection 2-9-3(G) of the City Code, "Powers
and Duties" of the Preservation Commission. The commission recommends approval of this ordinance
to allow joint meetings with the Plan Commission for planned developments and joint meetings with
the Zoning Board of Appeals. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
�p
1
1
1
August 13, 2007
APPOINTMENTS:
Mayor Morton asked that the following reappointments be confirmed:
Karen Terry Library Board
1114 Judson Ave.
For term ending August 30, 2010
Brooke L.M. Roothaan Library Board
824 Florence Ave.
For term ending August 30, 2010
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES
ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS:
Resolution 37-R-07 — Authorizes the Citv Manager to Execute an Imn_ lementation Agreement —
Consideration of Resolution 37-R-07, which authorizes the City Manager to execute an
Implementation Agreement with EVMark for consideration of renewing Special Service Area No. 4
Alderman Wollin moved to amend the resolution by removing the last sentence from article V: Term, "It is the intention
of both the City and Corporation that this Agreement will be renewed until the termination of Evanston Special Service
Area No. 4." Seconded by Alderman Holmes. Motion carried. No nays.
Alderman Wollin moved approval of Resolution 37-R-07 as amended. Seconded by Alderman Tisdahl.
Alderman Bernstein understood the board of directors will meet and add residents from the downtown community.
Alderman Bernstein directed Council to page 3, article 106, and moved inclusion of the following: "EVMark Services,
Two Programming Categories — Seen and Unseen— Management, manage maintenance contract, work with the City and
other local partners on issues to improve downtown, Marketing, promote downtown Evanston as vibrant, attractive and
fun to consumers and investors. EVMark's Key Maintenance Activities, Services supplementing City services, Trash
and litter removal five days per week, Sidewalk sweeping and cleaning, Spring clean-up, Landscaping and seasonal
maintenance for all plantings in common areas, Downtown planters. EVMark's Key Maintenance Activities, Services
in partnership with the City, Circulate information about construction projects to downtown community, Provide
regulatory updates and reminders to downtown community, Landscaping maintenance and clean-up in rail areas.
EVMark's Key Marketing Activities, Create and support the image and identity for downtown Evanston— shop, live,
work, play, Conduct public relations, Produce collateral publications, Advertise downtown to shoppers, diners and office
users — in general circulation, electronic meeia and trade publications — On radio and using location -based opportunities,
Cooperative advertising and merchant support, Produce special events. Enhanced Marketing Services, Additional
advertising, Greater "reach", Additional collateral materials, Additional events (one or two), Flexibility to respond to
downtown's market and Enhanced Maintenance Services, Currently maintaining much of expanded SSA area,
Improved plantings and seasonal care, More planters with four season plantings, Additional sidewalk cleaning and
pressure washing, Add fall clean-up, Expand holiday decorations to new areas, Purchase of street accessories such as
trash receptacles or banners, Flexibility to respond to maintenance issues as environment changes" from the presentation
given by Diane Williams. The motion was seconded.
First Assistant Corporation Counsel Herb Hill suggested, with inclusion of the metrics, that they give a 30-day notice to
cure which is consistent with City contracts.
City Manager Carroll asked how often Council wants these reported on. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved to include in the
amendment that EVMark report every six months to the City Council. Seconded by Alderman Bernstein.
8 August 13, 2007
Voice vote on the amendment, motion carried. no nays. Voice vote on amended resolution, motion carried. no nays.
Ordinance 47-0-07 — Increases the Number of Class D Liauor Licenses — Consideration of Ordinance
47-0-07, which amends Section 3-5-6(D) of the City Code to increase the number of Class D liquor
licenses from 23 to 24 due to the opening of Nine Fish Restaurant Inc. (2426 Main St., Evanston). The
owner and manager have completed BASSET training.
Alderman Wollin stated this was inadvertently marked for introduction and was already introduced so it is for action. She
moved approval of Ordinance 47-0-07. The motion was seconded.
Roll call. Voting aye — Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes. Voting nay —
none. Motion carried (9-0).
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT:
Resolution 44-R-07 — Institute a Down Pavment Assistance Program with HOME Funds and Local
Affordable Housing Funds — Consideration of a staff recommendation to reserve $185,000 in HOME
Funds and $155,000 in Affordable Housing Funds for a pilot down payment program that would
provide forgivable loans of up to $30,000 to households under 100% AMI buying a home in Evanston.
Alderman Tisdahl moved approval of Resolution 44-R-07 as amended. The amended part is Section III, General Rules
and Terms of Eligibility. 14. "If the application is not received within 120 days of the recipient's death, the loan must
start accumulating interest at a rate of one half of the 30-year Treasury Bond as issued monthly. If the property is left to
one or more minors, the loan shall not become due until one year after the first minor becomes 21-years old or until the
property is transferred to a third party, whichever occurs first." Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste.
Roll call. Voting aye — Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes. Voting nay —
none. Motion carried (9-0).
Ordinance 78-0-07 — Amends Citv Code to Prohibit Windowless Rooms in New Construction —
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 78-0-07, which would amend Section 4-2-2 of the City Code,
from a reference from Alderman Wynne to eliminate windowless habitable spaces in new construction.
Alderman Tisdahl reported that this item was held in committee.
Maior Variation Reauest for 605 Davis Street — Consideration of a Zoning Board of Appeals "no"
recommendation (2-2) to approve the request by Tim Sheridan, with permission from 605 Davis, LLC
(owner), for a major variation to construct a one-story commercial building at 605 Davis St. The
proposed building would require one short, off-street loading berth and the applicant requests zoning
relief from this requirement to allow zero loading berths on the subject property.
Alderman Bernstein reported there was no recommendation from the ZBA, resulting in no ordinance to vote on. The
committee agreed to approve the variation. An ordinance will be prepared for the September 10, 2007 meeting.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE:
ADDroval of Julv 2007 Township Monthly Bills — Consideration of a recommendation to approve the
Township bills, payroll and medical payments for the month of July 2007 in the amount of $94,538.08.
Alderman Moran moved approval of the Township Monthly Bills. Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste
Alderman Rainey moved that they remove from the bills the expenditure of a $400 payment to Rotary for membership
dues. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Alderman Rainey wanted this removed because it is not a proper use of public
funds. Voice vote motion carried. no nays.
9 August 13, 2007
Alderman Moran moved approval of the Township bills as amended. The motion was seconded.
Roll call. Voting aye — Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes. Voting nay —
none. Motion carried (9-0).
OTHER COMMITTEES:
Studv of Possible Expansion of the West Evanston TIF — Recommendation to approve a study of a
potential expansion of the West Evanston Tax Increment Financing District at a cost of $30,000 to
include property north of Emerson to Simpson, within or along the abandoned Mayfair Railroad Right -
of -Way. A one -block expansion of the TIF east of Dodge, along Dempster, will be evaluated also.
Kane McKenna would perforin the eligibility study and draft redevelopment plan and project as well
as appropriate notification requirements. Funding provided by the Economic Development Fund.
Alderman Wynne reported that Alderman Jean -Baptiste wants to have a discussion about making further possible
changes to the borders of the TIF and asked that this be held until the September 10, 2007 meeting.
Resolution 39-R-07 -- Real Estate Transfer Tax Referendum Ouestion — Consideration of a motion
directing staff to prepare a public notice for a hearing to consider Resolution 39-R-07, which would
instruct the City Clerk to submit for the February 5, 2008 ballot a referendum to propose an increase in
the Real Estate Transfer Tax with additional revenues dedicated to the Evanston Police and Firefighter
Pension Fund.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved approval of Resolution 39-R-07. Seconded by Alderman Rainey.
Alderman Moran cited several reasons for not voting for this. There is plenty of time to do it. He noted a meeting is
scheduled for September 5 when Council will receive a recommendation on how to address the pension shortfall; was
sure that all realize this is a significant problem that Council must address in the immediate future. A three-week delay
will not cause any problem. He praised Ms. Carroll and Mr. Grady for working hard on this and being proactive, noting
that the City has not been as active as it should have been on this.
If the referendum passes, there is a projected increase of $800,000 a year in the transfer tax. It has been suggested the
pension shortfall is $100 million. It would take 125 years to pay off $100 million at the rate of $800,000 a year so this
would not be a comprehensive solution to the problem. This tax is associated with the sale of real estate and, in many
instances, is followed by a citizen's departure from Evanston. Making up a $100 million shortfall, in his opinion, needs to
be voted upon by the entire citizenry of Evanston. It is a huge long-term financial commitment. He looks for linkages
between the burden and the benefit of a tax imposed on citizens. In this instance, the burden would fall on people leaving
Evanston, when the benefit falls upon the community.
Alderman Moran noted Council tried once before to get an increase in the real estate transfer tax in order to accelerate the
affordable housing fund. In that instance $800,000 would have meant a meaningful infusion of funds for a program in its
initial stages. There was a short period of time to advocate for the increase in the transfer tax, yet 48% of the voters were
for it. At the time they were approving various components of an affordable housing plan, which has since been done and
they are moving forward with that plan. That evening there were three separate affordable housing actions approved by
Council. An increase in the transfer tax to support that would be a huge leap forward for affordable housing. He thought
this motion is premature and may not be the best way to go. He urged them not to vote this evening.
Alderman Tisdahl stated the motion is not premature. For 25 years the City has under funded the police and fire pension
funds. It is ironic that Alderman Moran links that to an affordable housing issue. The two are not linked. Affordable
housing, in theory, is supposed to bring people such as teachers, police and firemen to our community, which voted for
affordable housing, while ignoring the pensions of people who have worked long and hard and risked their lives for this
community. Evanston is not trying to attract police and firefighters to the community. It is not premature after 25 years to
look for a solution to this problem. City Manager Carroll wants this as part of the solution, however, she cannot campaign
q�3
10 August 13, 2007
for it and it may not pass. Another reason this is not premature is that a problem with the affordable housing referendum
was lack of time. That is the precise reason she asked to have this discussed now. By passing it that evening they can
assume it will be on the ballot and can start discussing this in September and October long before the presidential
primary. The reason they are proposing this referendum is that this community owes its firemen and policemen the
pension it has promised them. This is exactly the right time to do this. As far as linkages go, homeowners have had the
benefit of police and fire protection services for the whole time they have been here and have not paid their fair share.
She thought a link had occurred due to the service the Police and Fire departments have given to this community and it is
time that was acknowledged. She urged passage. -
Alderman Jean -Baptiste agreed that something must be done for the police and fire pension funds, but thought they
needed to wait to hear what the manager proposes and take up the discussion, instead of voting now.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste requested that this item be held. Seconded by Alderman Bernstein. This item was held at the
reauest of two aldermen until September 10. 2007.
CALL OF THE WARDS:
6th Ward. Alderman Moran kept thinking of the tragedy in Minnesota last week and noted the general tendency to push
infrastructure to the side as it seems so permanent. The bridge failure was an example of a community needing to take
stock of their infrastructure and understand its importance. Evanston has a lot of work ahead of them with $300 million in
capital needs. He suggested that Council not lose sight of the goal of keeping streets in good condition, paving and
maintaining alleys and doing all that is necessary to have a safe and aesthetically pleasing community.
81h Ward. Alderman Rainey congratulated C.A.R.E. for their hard work. They are model citizens and contributing to the
infrastructure with support from the City. On the referendum for the pension funds, people have to pay it. There is a
correlation to affordable housing and not one way to create affordable housing. There is not one way to fund the pension
funds, because it causes less pain to some segments. She saw the referendum as only one part of the solution to the
pension funds; found it interesting that the head of the police pension fund and another person active in Local 431
supported this notion. She was disappointed that it was held over.
9'h Ward. Alderman Hansen reminded all that children will return to school soon and urged drivers to be cognizant of
school zones.
1" Ward. Alderman Wollin thanked EVMark for its years of hard work on behalf of downtown; described EVMark as
always responsive when she called with a problem.
2°d Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste recalled Alderman Rainey discussed in the A&PW Committee the lack of assistance
provided to town home owners who run into difficulties and need emergency assistance to care for their property. He was
called recently by a constituent who lives in an eight -town home community that encountered a major sewer backup and
the contractor stated parkway tree roots had broken the lines. It appeared the part of the pipes that belong to the City also
ruptured. The City's claims department said it had no responsibility for tree roots or for the breakage of the pipe
belonging to the City. The cost to each owner is $3,000. He made a reference to the Citv Manaeer to look further into that
specific problem to see if they can develop some method of assistine_ town home owners who don't belone to
associations.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste explained there is a Million Father's March on the first day of school. The concept is for fathers
to take their children to school the first day. In Evanston, through the Youth Initiative organization, they decided to take
that on. Council members will receive letters urging them to go to a school that day. This is a way to encourage fathers to
be involved with their children's education. Mayor Morton asked if there are surrogate fathers. He explained they are
asking church members to participate.
41h Ward. Alderman Bernstein thanked Helen Roberts of the Evanston Child Care Center, who is retiring and will be
missed.
11 August 13, 2007
He reported that Bill Andrews, Evanston's former animal warden had passed away. Linda Curtis, a former police officer
here had succumbed in her battle with cancer. Al Orenstein, a 40` Ward resident, had passed away. Orenstein was
formerly the principal at Kilmer School in Chicago and recently mentored at Oakton School.
51n Ward. Alderman Holmes also thanked and said good by to Helen Roberts, who was a breath of fresh air and had
taught her grandson.
She encouraged men and women to participate in the Million Father's Back to School program She wanted to see
parents' faces on September 4`t' at 8:00 a.m. at E.THS and then at either a middle or elementary school.
Last Tuesday was National Night Out. She thanked the summer youth workers who did a great job of serving and
cleaning up.
Alderman Holmes welcomed Autobam to the 5`h Ward. They have a used car lot on the 1600 block of Emerson and a
storage facility on the north side. It is not permanent and will be there a few years.
She reported that the musical "Serafma" was nominated in five categories by the Black Theater Alliance.
Thursday will be the regular 5`h Ward meeting at 7:00 p.m. She congratulated the new Church/Dodge Merchants
Association; urged people to visit Boocoo and try their delicious food.
At 10:15 p.m. Alderman Bernstein moved that Council convene into a Executive Session to discuss 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.
Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste.
Roll call. Voting aye — Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes. Voting nay —none.
Motion carried (8-0).
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn and the
Council so moved at 11:17 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