HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2007-07-23-2007yes
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CITY COUNCIL
ROLL CALL — PRESENT:
A Quorum was present.
ABSENT:
PRESIDING:
Alderman Holmes
Alderman Moran
Alderman Tisdahl
July 23, 2007
Alderman Rainey
Alderman Wallin
Alderman Wynne
Alderman Bernstein
Aldermen Hansen and Jean -Baptiste
Mayor Lorraine H. Morton
The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton on Monday, July 23,
2007, at 8:55 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Assistant City Manager Rolanda Russell introduced three new City employees: Carolyn Collopy, Sustainability
Coordinator; Geoffrey Layhe, Risk Manager; and Sol Anderson, Youth Engagement Coordinator.
Fire Chief Alan Berkowsky recognized Father Ken Simpson, the Fire Department's first Chaplain, for his years of
service. Fr. Simpson was reassigned from Sheil Center to St. Clement Parish in Lincoln Park. Chief Berkowsky presented
Fr. Simpson with a plaque of appreciation for his dedication and loyalty to the Evanston Fire Department.
Parks/Forestry & Recreation Director Doug Gaynor announced that the 35 h Annual Lakeshore Arts Festival will be
August 4-5, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., in Dawes Park
Mr. Gaynor acknowledged outstanding efforts by City staff for the international cycling event on Sunday: Tom Twigg,
Transportation Division; assisted by Pat Kegan in GIS; Suzette Eggleston and Glenn Crabtree from Public Works; Bob
Nelson, Fire Department; Tom Cabanski, Police Department worked with Ricky Voss in Parking Enforcement; Petra
Belcher, secretary to the Special Events Committee; Bob Domeker, Recreation Division; Gavin Morgan City Manager's
office; plus the Law and Community Development departments. Estimated attendance was 15,000 to 20,000 people.
Ms. Russell announced that this was Pat Casey's (Management, Business & Information Systems Director) last Council
meeting. He is retiring to go to another city.
MAYORAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Morton stated she has worked with Pat Casey since she was elected Mayor. He is staff to the Liquor Commission
and did the job exceptionally well. She thanked him on behalf of the Council, citizens and herself for his service to the
City and for taking on many responsibilities.
Mayor Morton invited Chris Mailing, owner of Turin Bicycle, to speak about the bicycle race
Mr. Mailing stated the intent was to add to the summer events in Evanston by bringing something new. They attracted
people from all over Chicagoland to experience Evanston's downtown restaurants and shops. He thanked the City for
helping Jim Marsh and himself to make their dream of holding a bicycle race in downtown Evanston a reality. This was
the 10`h day of the 17-day International Cycle Classic, an event they dubbed the Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Grand
Prix of Cycling. At Fountain Square there were Olympic Gold Medal winners and world and national champions from all
over the world. Spectators saw riders from Evanston, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Canada, Mexico,
Holland, Great Britain, Belarus, Argentina, Columbia, Poland and Brazil ride 62 miles in two hours and 10 minutes. The
event involved many people and organizations over the past three years: EVMark, Chamber of Commerce, Chicago
North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau and Downtown Evanston Merchants Association. City staff cooperation was
wonderful. He recognized and thanked Doug Gaynor, chair of the Special Events Committee, Petra Belcher plus other
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staff for supporting their work. Eighty volunteers contributed hours of their time to make the event possible, including
Mayor Morton, the official starter and Assistant City Manager Judy Aiello, who served as a crossing marshal. He and
Marsh look to make this an annual event and anticipate feedback over the next few weeks because they want to see what
they can do better. He thanked Evanston Northwestern Healthcare for its support.
CITIZEN COMMENT:
Georee P. Mitchell. 1229 Emerson St., president of the Evanston Chapter of the NAACP, had questions about
communications and intent. On July 9 he spoke about three issues that were obscured by rancorous comment in retort.
The NAACP over the last 98 years has been victimized by comments, arrests, violence, misstatements and is still here as
an advocate for rights and justice and is not easily intimidated. He stated that private and personal internet sites identified
by wards are inappropriate if they contain the "brand" and identifier "City of Evanston" and additionally are used to
influence other entities. He was not trying to restrict the First Amendment rights of anyone, but to put some reason to the
use of these sites. Identifiers by political entity and names with "The City of Evanston" can be easily confused as an
official City site. He thought it is improper. However, use, is a decision that Council should affirmatively make or
disclaim after deliberation. Forwarding items to others from the site is improper. The Council should address this issue as
well as the use of "City of Evanston." If individuals have sites, they should be truly individual sites and leave off "City of
Evanston." He asked that the Council refer this matter and the issues raised to an appropriate committee for deliberation.
Mavor Morton referred this matter to the Rules Committee.
Junad Rizki. 2767 Ridge Ave., reported on July 14 his daughter and friend were traveling on Dewey south of Robert
Crown Center and at Dewey and Washington a group of young African -American males were standing. One threw a part
from a bicycle into the car window slightly touching his daughter's arm. She called 911. He posted the incident on
Alderman Rainey's website. Mimi Peterson responded that the comer of Washington and Dewey has had problems for
years and this was nothing new. A few days later his wife met a woman at Evanston Hospital and was told her car
window was shot out by BB gun pellets in the same area. Hehas heard of rocks being thrown at cars and damage from
pellet guns in other areas. Recently someone was attacked in downtown Evanston and beaten to the ground. These are the
minor criminals in Evanston and when they turn into adults, they murder people. Most on Council would like to forget
about the poor woman who was murdered violently in her home and stabbed multiple times. What about the
Northwestern student raped in her apartment recently? It is very likely that police do not have the DNA processed for
either of these crimes.
One alderman thought that Evanston was becoming Winnetka in an editorial he wrote about affordable housing. Mr.
Rizki disagreed. Police are called public safety in other suburbs. In Evanston, citizens are not safe even in their homes.
Council's response to crime isn't good. He thought that staff and Council will announce appointment of a new youth
coordinator as if it that might solve some problems here, which he thought was another misuse of tax dollars.
Last year the Police Department asked for more than a million dollars to add another unit to deal with the crime hot spots
here. It was dropped and forgotten. He felt that Council did not support police. Recently an alderman suggested that
police complaint forms be handed out at recreation buildings. He saw that as a waste of taxpayers' money. He suggested
at a recent meeting that they ought to know who is complaining and if the complainers have criminal records.
In a recent Evanston Roundtable article, he noted that the Youth Job Center wants to deal with ex -offenders coming back
to Evanston. They claim 18% of their clients return to crime versus 54% not in the program. He did not think Council
should support this. Last year he filed a Freedom of Information Act request to ask police how many people they have
arrested 100 times. It appeared to him that Council does not really deal with crime here.
Terri Shenard. 150 Barton Ave., former District 65 school board member, gave a history of her community involvement
in education since 1983, when she and her husband moved to the 8th Ward. Their two children attended Oakton and
Chute schools. She served on PTAs at Oakton and Chute. In 2000, the NAACP presented her with its Community Service
Award. She was presented the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. excellence in community leadership award by the Minority
Resources Corporation. She co-chaired the District 65 Strategic Planning Committee from 2001-03; co-chaired Citizens
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for District 65 Bond Referendum in 2001. She chaired the YMCA's Southeast Exploration Task Force in 2001. They
identified locations for suitable child care as well as before and after school child care. She has served on the School for
Little Children North; chaired the curriculum committee for African -American Achievement Committee of District 65.
Currently, she is a board member of Foundation 65 and in 2006 she and her husband Lloyd were recognized at Family
Focus as, people who make a difference. She related her years of community service because she was deeply offended by
the 8t' Ward alderman referring to her as a meddler regarding education of children at Oakton Elementary School.
Judith Treadway. 226 Callan Ave., resident since 1990, parent of a student who went through both school districts;
Education Committee Chair, Evanston/North Shore Branch of the NAACP. She gave more information regarding the
academic performance of African American students at Oakton School, the only predominantly African -American student
population in District 65. At the July 9 Council meeting an alderman commented that "none of the African -American
students at Oakton can read." The statement is erroneous and was said to inflame the already critical concern about
academic performance of African -American students at Oakton School. She stated that the use of the internet to receive
internal communications of an organization or school and subsequent readers of those a -mails by non -city or non -school
personnel is inevitable. A result is a massive amount of information in the e-mail/internet community because of the lack
of professionalism by a teacher's part to release internal e-mail to staff only and the responses being ready and responded
to by many. In the process of exchange of information from June 20- 29 she and another NAACP Committee member
were called "meddlers" and all African -American parents at Oakton were referred to as "failures."
These are harsh and hurtful words, not the words of a person who wishes to "build bridges of communication and
working for change", but words to generate divisiveness and discord among those who work to maintain and improve the
academic success of all District 65 students.
She quoted last year's data from the Illinois Student Assessment Test scores; gave Council a comparison of third grade
test scores in reading at seven elementary schools in District 65: Dawes, Dewey, Kingsley, Lincoln, Oakton, Washington
and Willard and the percentage of students on the Free or Reduced Lunch Program. At Oakton, 41.4% of the P graders
meet or exceed standards. At Washington and Willard, 50% of the P graders meet or exceed standards in reading. None
of these test scores are anything to brag about. In fact, they should be alarmed, especially since two of the schools have
much smaller numbers of African -American students arid, not having other impacting factors, such as the highest rate of
transitional families in any school population, that 50-55% of the African -American students in P grade did not meet
reading standards. She urged them to look at other schools where African -American students met or exceeded reading
standards in the 64-74% range. Not excellent, but much better. Criticizing citizens who volunteer to serve this community
by advocating for equity in education or parents who may lack education or resources to support their children's
education does not solve the problem or help improve outcomes.
Ms. Treadway suggested that all are better served when emotional outbursts are reserved when someone is wrong and
acquiesce to being enlightened and encouraged to join in making positive change in the community. She invited all to
join advocates for equity in education at the next District 65 school board meeting on Monday, August 6. The recent
Supreme Court Ruling to eliminate "race" as a singular criteria for placement of students in schools to effectuate racial
balancing will be discussed.
Travis Marlatte. 614 Davis St., owns The Things We Love, congratulated Chris Mailing of Turin, the sponsors and
cooperating organizations for the results of their hard work to bring an international bike race to Evanston. It went
smoothly and everyone he talked to was excited about it. All the merchants he spoke with indicated that sales were low
compared to a typical Sunday. He suggested that while these events are exciting for residents and visitors and a great
marketing tool for downtown, merchants pay a price, hopefully, for the greater good. As downtown merchants, they
support continued efforts to make Evanston a vibrant, energetic community including bringing the race back year after
year. He asked that they keep merchants in mind as they plan events, development and capital improvements.
He stated that an annual submission of a report and budget was not sufficient oversight for EVMark, which plays such an
important role for downtown Evanston. What other corporation exists that does not make at least quarterly reports to its
stakeholders or stockholders? He also missed the "approval" part of the budget process. He noted without goals for
performance, it would be difficult to defend any withholding or downward adjustments of EVMark's funding. He noted
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that people don't know how the board operates or what the board decisions are. He acknowledged that EVMark has
performed many of its duties well.
He took issue with EVMark creating ads that create strong brand recognition for EVMark rather than downtown
Evanston. Brand recognition should go toward downtown Evanston.
He stated that recent Tribune advertising for the Super Summer Sale next weekend is pretty good. What merchants ask
for in an agreement between the City and EVMark are mechanisms to ensure that EVMark stays on focus and performs
its duties in full view of public scrutiny.
Mayor Morton suggested that it would be good for EVMark to give a special presentation to Council about what they
have done to maintain and promote downtown Evanston.
Mayor Morton requested that copies of the 1989 Downtown Plan be distributed to aldermen.
Police Chief Richard Eddington referred to a speaker who had commented on a serious crime. The offender was taken
into custody Saturday and charged with criminal sexual assault, home invasion and residential burglary. The Council has
nothing to do with the speed with which DNA samples are processed. The Evanston Police Department gathers the
evidence and DNA is processed by the State of Illinois Lab.
CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*)
Alderman Moran moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: Construction contract with
Chicagoland Paving Contractors for tennis and basketball court improvement; Resolution 37-R-07 — Authorizes the City
Manager to Execute an Implementation Agreement; Ordinance 47-0-07 Class D Liquor License — Nine Fish Restaurant;
Ordinance 64-0-07 - City of Evanston Solid Waste Franchise; Ordinance 27-0-06 — Text Amendment to Create a Mixed -
Use Zoning District (MUE); and Ordinance 28-0-07 — Plan Commission Recommendation for a Zoning Map
Amendment. Seconded by Alderman Rainey.
Roll call. Voting aye — Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Wollin, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay —none. Motion carried
(7-Ol.
ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA
MINUTES:
* Approval of Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of June 20, 2007 and the Regular City Council Meeting of
July 9, 2007. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0)
ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS:
* Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston payroll for the period July 12, 2007 and City of Evanston bills through
July 24, 2007, authorized and charged to the proper accounts:
City of Evanston payroll (through 07/12/07)
City of Evanston bills (through 07/24/07)
$2,854,143.46
$1,471,652.26
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0)
Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid from Hallett & Sons Movers (7535 W 59`s St., Summit, IL) in the
amount of $36,280 for moving the Library collections and furniture. Funding provided by Library book sales.
APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (7-0)
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* Approval of contract for the 2007 ADA Ramp Program with Schroeder & Schroeder Inc. (7307 Central Park Ave.,
Skokie) in the amount of $45,240 for construction of accessible ramps at street intersections. Funding provided by
Community Block Development Grant (CBDG) funds. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL
CALL (7-0)
* Approval of contract for the 2007 Alley Paving Project with DNB Construction Company (741 N Michigan Ave., Villa
Park) in the amount of $548,529. Funding provided by Community Block Development Grant, General Obligation Bonds
and Special Assessment funds. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (7-0)
* Approval of contract with J.A. Johnson Paving Company (1025 E Addison Ct., Arlington Heights) in the amount of
$261,861.25 to resurface four streets that were excluded from the 2007 CIP Street Resurfacing Program. Funding
provided by the CIP Resurfacing Fund. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (7-0)
* Approval to enter into an 18-month single -source service agreement with an 18-month and 5-month optional additional
service periods with ThyssenKrupp Elevator (2305 Enterprise Dr., Westchester, IL) in the amount of $2,500/month or a
total of $102,500 for the Sherman Plaza Elevator Service Agreement. Funding provided by the Parking Fund.
APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (7-0)
* Approval to enter into a professional consulting agreement with Ross Barney Architects (10 W Hubbard St, Chicago) to
provide Architectural and Project Management Services for the Civic Center as outlined in RFP 08-26 in the amount of
$154,450. Funding provided by CIP funds. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (7-0)
* Approval of Change Order No. 1, which increases the architectural services contract with Nagle Hartray Danker Kagan
McKay Penney Architects, Ltd. 130 W Monroe St., Chicago) for the Library Youth Services Renovation Project by
$22,240 from $230,198 to $252,438. Funding provided by the Library's "Room to Grow" Fund-raising Campaign.
APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (7-0)
* Approval of Change Order No. 1, which increases the construction contract with W.B. Olson, Inc. (3235 Arnold Lane,
Northbrook) for the Library Youth Services Renovation Project by $12,762 from $1,213,619 to $1,226,381. Funding
provided by the Library's "Room to Grow" Fund-raising Campaign. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION &
ROLL CALL (7-0)
* Resolution 35-R-07 — 2008/09 — 2012/13 Capital Improvement Program — Consideration of
Resolution 35-R-07, which authorizes approval of the FY 2009-20013 Capital Improvement Program
for the City of Evanston. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (7-0)
* Resolution 38-R-07 — Letter of Intent with the Illinois Department of Transportation— Consideration
of Resolution 38-R-07, which authorizes the City Manager to sign a Letter of Intent with IDOT
regarding the scope and City funding participation in the Emerson Street Bridge Project over the North
Shore Channel. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (7-0)
* Ordinance 74-0-07 — On -Street Bike Plan — Consideration of Ordinance 74-0-07, 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). * MARKED
INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 75-0-07 — Increases the Number of Class K Liauor Licenses — Consideration of
Ordinance 75-0-07, 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. * MARKED
INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
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PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT:
* Reauest for an Additional $126.865 in HOME Funds for ECDA's Condo Conversion at 736-38
Dobson St. — Consideration of the recommendation from the Housing Commission to approve the
request from the Evanston Community Development Association (ECDA) for additional HOME
subsidy for costs not included in the original development budget for the six -unit condominium
conversion and rehab project at 736-38 Dobson St., increasing the total subsidy from $360,000 to
$486,865 or approximately $80,000481,000 per unit. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION & ROLL CALL (7-0)
* Ordinance 76-0-07 — Special Use Reauest for a Tvpe 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, 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. * MARKED INTRODUCED —
CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 70-0-07 — Text Amendment to the Substandard Lot Reeulations — Consideration of the
findings and report of the Plan Commission and staff recommendation, introduced July 9, 2007, to
amend the Zoning Ordinance to create new regulations for the development of substandard lots.
ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (7-0)
* Ordinance 72-0-07 — Grants Evanston Landmark Status to the Buildine at 318-20 Dempster St. —
Consideration of a recommendation from the Preservation Comrission, introduced July 9, 2007, to
designate the building at 318-20 Dempster as an Evanston Landmark. * ADOPTED - CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (7-0)
APPOINTMENTS:
Mayor Morton asked that the following reappointments be introduced:
Karen Terry Library Board
1114 Judson Ave.
Brooke L.M. Roothaan Library Board
824 Florence Ave.
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES
ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS:
Alderman Wollin moved approval of the construction contract with Chicagoland Paving Contractors Inc. (225 Telser Rd.,
Lake Zurich) for the FY 2007/08 Tennis and Basketball Court Improvement Project in the amount of $399,999.99. The
three parks are Bent, Larimer and Mason. Funding provided by CIP funds. Seconded by Alderman Wynne.
Originally, the committee had no information on whether MBE requirements were met. Since then Purchasing Manager
Jewell Jackson indicated compliance with this requirement in a memo and a letter of intent. Mayor Morton asked how
they would comply and the percentage of compliance. Assistant City Manager Rolanda Russell said the plan meets all
obligations. Mayor Morton referred to a past lawsuit regarding MBE compliance. Superintendent of Parks & Forestry
Paul D'Agostino stated the contractor would meet the required 25%.
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Roll call. Voting aye — Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Wollin, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay — none. Motion carried
7-0 .
Resolution 37-R-07 — Authorizes the City Manager to Execute an Im_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
(Ordinance 67-0-07).
Alderman Wollin reported that this item was held and would be brought back at the August 13, 2007 meeting.
Ordinance 47-0-07 — Increases the Number of Class D Liquor 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 reported that the manager had resigned and the owner expects a baby in August. When the owner is
gone due to the birth, no one on -site would have BASSET training. Mayor Morton noted that the Liquor Commissioner
has imposed BASSET training that is not required by law. The fact that the woman is pregnant is a personal issue. The
owner has met the requirements. Pat Casey stated they have communicated with the applicant that she needs to hire a
manager, get that person fingerprinted and, if possible, BASSET trained. Mr. Casey noted the establishment has been
open and allows BYOB. They have operated that way for six months. Alderman Wollin asked that this be held.
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 Ciry 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.
Alderman Wollin reported the committee asked that an RFP be prepared. The ordinance needed some reworking and
would be brought back on August 13.
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT:
Ordinance 27-0-07 — Text Amendment Creates a Mixed -Use Zoning District (MUE) — Consideration
of the findings and report of the Plan Commission, introduced July 9, 2007, to eliminate the existing
transitional manufacturing districts and create one new mixed -use zoning district called MUE.
Alderman Tisdahl moved an amendment, changing from Permitted Use to Special Use the following: "community center,
cultural facility, educational institution, private recreation center, and religious institution." Seconded by Alderman
Holmes.
Roll call. Voting aye — Holmes, Tisdahl, Rainey, Wollin, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay— Moran. Motion carried (6-1).
Alderman Tisdahl moved approval of Ordinance 27-0-07 as amended. The motion was seconded.
Roll call. Voting aye — Holmes, Tisdahl, Rainey, Wollin, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay — Moran. Motion carried (6-1).
Ordinance 28-0-07 — Plan Commission Recommendation for a Zoning_ Man Amendment -
Consideration of the findings and report of the Plan Commission, introduced July 9, 2007, to rezone
areas currently within the MU and MUE transitional manufacturing zoning districts into the MUE
mixed -use zoning district.
Alderman Tisdahl moved amendment of Ordinance 28-0-07 by removing the following pin numbers: 11-19-117-002-000
through i 1-19-117-063-0000. Seconded by Alderman Holmes. Mayor Morton asked why they were removed. Alderman
Tisdahl stated it was a scrivener's error.
Voice vote motion carried.
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Alderman Tisdahl moved approval of the zoning map. Seconded by Alderman Holmes.
Roll call. Voting aye - Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Wollin, Wynne, Bernstein; Voting nay - none. Motion carried
7-0 .
CALL OF THE WARDS:
51h Ward. Alderman Holmes thanked Pat Casey for the help he provided her in the 5`h Ward; congratulated Doug Gaynor
and staff on the Ethnic Arts Festival.
She reported the Evanston Youth Initiative held a candlelight vigil and prayer service last Thursday; reminded people that
it will take all to make a difference in Evanston; invited those who have not, to join Partnering for a Safer Evanston.
Alderman Holmes offered congratulations to Betsy Jenkins at Fleetwood-Jourdain, who is in Washington, D.C. at the
National After -School at Work Conference representing the State of Illinois group as its president.
61h Ward. Alderman Moran wished Father Ken Simpson the best of luck in his new assignment and was sorry he won't
be here. He was a great chaplain to the Fire Department and a good leader of the Sheil Center community at NU.
He wished Pat Casey well; said it was a pleasure to work with him; recalled working with him on the 911 Committee and
projects that grew out of that committee that lead to partnering with Northwestern University, such as the fiber optic deal
and recent installation of a radio transmitter at Ryan Field, which saved the City about $250,000. Pat was instrumental in
making those things happen and was only one part of the many jobs that Pat Casey had.
Alderman Moran noted the City is moving toward having a bike plan, a real step forward for Evanston. Some are
skeptical about bike plans in a northern city, but those familiar with Madison, WI, know they have had a strong bike plan
for decades. He congratulated Rajeev Dahal, Traffic Engineer and John Burke, Traffic Engineering Director, and others
who worked on this plan with IDOT and looked forward to its implementation.
7`' Ward. Alderman Tisdahl thanked Pat Casey for all the work he has done for the City. She relied on him and
appreciated all that he has done.
She asked the City Manager to help by joining the City of Chicago in fighting British Petroleum's dumping of ammonia
and industrial sludge into Lake Michigan. This is drinking water and beaches. Evanston must do its part to protest this
outrageous change that was approved in Indiana.
81h Ward. Alderman Rainey said that Pat Casey is a terrific guy and has handled many different assignments for the City.
She recalled attending a 911 conference in southern Illinois with Pat; thanked him for his leadership and shepherding
alcohol related matters. She wished him good luck and advancement; said that West Milwaukee is lucky to get him.
She announced the 8`h Ward will have a meeting on youth Thursday and the new youth coordinator will be present.
Alderman Rainey congratulated the Evanston Community Development Association. She went through the condominium
building Sunday and found it beautiful. Anybody interested in affordable condominiums of two or three bedroom units
cost $100,000 for low income and $165,000 for a three -bedroom, two -bath unit for 80% of median income.
As an alderman who represents a ward where half of the ward is in the attendance area for Oakton School, only 41 % of
the students are reading at an acceptable level. She would be remiss if she did not get involved because it affects the
community that she represents. Nobody wants to attend a school or live in an area where there is so much failure. Her
only involvement was to create an awareness of this problem and generate the ability to get resources to turn things
around. These are 2006 figures and they know the 2007 numbers are worse. It breaks her heart that people are offended
when she is concerned about that.
1" Ward. Alderman Wollin reminded all (noting Emerson is a bike route) that in 2008 the Emerson Street bridge will be
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demolished and replaced by IDOT. Plans anticipate that this will be a one-year project.
She announced that the Heartland Alliance will do an action forum on "moving from poverty to opportunity" on July 31
at the YWCA from 6-8:30 p.m. Children are welcome and food will be provided. They will talk about jobs, health care,
housing and other critical topics.
She reported Oakton Community College received a $125,000 grant from the Joyce Foundation for its "Shifting Gears
Program," which helps get people into jobs. They partnered with the Presbyterian Homes to move frontline health care
employees up the career ladder. Oakton was one of eight community colleges selected.
Oakton College offers courses at ETHS including free programs on how to become a citizen and English as a Second
Language (ESL).
3rd Ward. Alderman Wynne thanked Pat Casey for his service. She learned a great deal from him about budget and
finance and wished him the best of luck.
She noted that many have attended (downtown) planning sessions. The final meeting on Saturday was fascinating. She
appreciated the fact that so many citizens had participated in the process. This morning she attended a Lakefront Master
Planning meeting and found the session productive. She noted that kayakers and motor boaters came together on some
issues; urged continued participation in these meetings.
4`h Ward. Alderman Bernstein agreed with Alderman Tisdahl's reference to the City Manager and referred it to the
Human Services Committee to have a resolution Dreuared.. He spoke with Debra Shore, Evanston's representative on the
MWRD the day before and she is exploring the possibility of impacting the Indiana legislature. Evanston has a great
responsibility because of serving water to others and it is important that lake water be kept clean.
He made a reference to the Citv Manager regarding hazardous waste removal;. noted latex paint can be left open to dry up
and then put in the regular garbage. Oil -based paints and turpentine cannot be put in the waste stream.
Alderman Bernstein found Pat Casey competent, caring and dependable; remarked that Evanston is losing a good man.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn and the
Council so moved at 10:18 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.
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