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CITY COUNCIL * * June 25, 2007
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ROLL CALL — PRESENT:
Alderman Wynne Alderman Tisdahl
Alderman Bernstein Alderman Rainey
Alderman Holmes Alderman Hansen
A Quorum was present. Alderman Moran Alderman Wollin
NOT PRESENT AT
ROLL CALL: Alderman Jean -Baptiste
ABSENT: Mayor Morton
PRESIDING: Mayor Pro Tem Tisdahl
City Clerk Mary Morris announced in the absence of Mayor Morton, nominations for the election of a Mayor Pro Tem
were in order and that, in accordance with Council Rule 14.7, Alderman Tisdahl was next on the list of aldermen by
seniority who have not served as Mayor Pro Tem.
Alderman Moran nominated Alderman Tisdahl and moved that the nominations be closed and that Alderman Tisdahl be
elected Mayor Pro Tem. Seconded by Alderman Holmes. Motion carried unanimously.
The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Tisdahl on Monday,
June 25, 2007, at 8:45 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Public Works Director David Jennings reminded residents of the law regarding 4`h of July placement of chairs and
blankets on Central Street parkways no sooner than 6:00 a.m. Sunday, July 1 and remove by 6:00 p.m. July 4. Roping off
is prohibited and sidewalks cannot be blocked.
Mr. Jennings announced the 4`h of July parade begins at 2:00 p.m. Other activities include family games and a tennis
tournament. The Palatine Concert Band will perform from 7:30-9:00 p.m.; followed by fireworks in Dawes Park at 9:15
p.m. Events are sponsored by the Evanston Fourth of July Association, www.evanston4th.org.
The week of the 4`h Wednesday's and Thursday's refuse/recycling/yard-waste pickups will be collected one day later.
Mr. Jennings invited residents to a public hearing sponsored by the City of Evanston and the Village of Skokie on the
proposed transportation service reductions that may be needed if current funding issues are unresolved. It is scheduled for
Thursday, June 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Representatives from the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA),
Pace and Metra have been invited to present contingency plans, after which public input will be received. CTA has
announced cuts on 63 bus routes, the Purple Line and the Skokie Swift. Pace also announced bus route cuts and Metra
could be forced to raise fares. Comments will be recorded and forwarded to local and state legislators.
CITIZEN COMMENT:
Junad Rizki, 2767 Ridge Ave., stated this Council needs to put to rest the issue of structural problems at Robert Crown
Center. Recently, a new City employee asked if he had seen the problems at Robert Crown. It appeared to him that some
staff are still trying to build up political support to rebuild Robert Crown. When he approached the previous Council and
raised the question that, if Robert Crown had structural problems, the building should be condemned immediately. At that
time a representative of the Recreation Division claimed there were no structural problems. It appears that the issue of
Robert Crown became a non -issue with the Council more focused on the Civic Center misadventure.
In his review of several engineering studies on the structural condition of Robert Crown several years ago, nowhere in the
documents did the engineers claim a serious problem. Yet they recommended repairs of a few hundred thousand dollars.
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They did not recommend spending $20 million to replace the building. Not having been in the building for several years,
he was not aware if conditions have changed.
It appears that no one on staff with any professional qualifications has reviewed the structural issues at Robert Crown.
Nor does it appear that qualified staff are monitoring the condition of the building since no structural repairs appear to
have occurred in the last few years.
A recent press release on the parking garage collapse stated that the City structural engineers have looked at the building.
He was under the impression for some time that the City has no licensed structural engineers on staff. Therefore, he
wanted to know who on staff is qualified to review and monitor the structural condition of Robert Crown. He believed
that the City has licensed professional engineers and architects on staff. He suggested the team of David Jennings, David
Cook and James Wolinski, at minimum, lead a final structural engineering study of this issue with recommendations to
put it at rest. No staff should be made to sign documents stating the condition of Robert Crown. He was concerned that
City staff are being forced to play politics here. Real and professional judgments are not being respected. Given that the
City makes almost $1 million in revenue on the building, there may be a desire to downplay any problems that need
immediate attention.
Robert Crown Center is not a parking garage, but an assembly building with the potential for several thousand people to
be there. If for any reason the roof or a wall falls down when occupied, many people could be hurt.
City employees have the responsibility for dealing with problems, and with the politics the Council has played here on the
Civic Center and the environment of staff reduction, one cannot expect staff to make waves. The Council and Ms. Carroll
have the responsibility to address the issues of structural problems at Robert Crown that keep coming up.
Stamata Blanas. 1720 Maple Ave., representative of Kiwanis Club of Evanston, is chair of its "Faces of Evanston" photo
contest. Citizens are asked to submit photographs of Evanston within a three-month period to show what Evanston is
about. People can submit their photos on line at: www.facesofevanston.com. There will be cash prizes. The contest poster
features photographs that show what aldermen think about their ward that makes Evanston special.
Travis Marlatte. 1122 Maple Ave., owns The Things We Love, 814 Davis St., and chairs the Downtown Evanston
Merchants' Association. He stated that the downtown clearly requires a level of support greater than a typical
neighborhood. Special funding is required and the Special Service Area #4 is an appropriate mechanism. He encouraged
Council to approve the modification and renewal of SSA#4 with a commitment of additional funds from the City. Those
City funds are appropriate as the downtown area belongs and benefits the entire city, not just downtown property owners.
Blanket statements of "manage and market" imply more responsibilities than the budget has been able to support. With
the added funding, they must be careful to spend wisely for all stakeholders. A more open operational framework of
EvMark is needed, with accountability to all stakeholders. Specially, he asked for periodic budget reviews; periodic
operational reviews that are open to the public; oversight of the direction and quality of marketing, advertising and
events; clarification of its roles and responsibilities. The management and marketing of downtown needs and deserves the
opportunity for comment from all stakeholders including the community at large. He asked staff and the City Council to
construct an agreement that clearly defines EvMark's roles and responsibilities with all stakeholders downtown involved
in its planning and operation including: property owners, tenants (residents and business); residents, Chamber of
Commerce and the City. He encouraged Council not to approve full funding for Fountain Square renovation.
Tina Paden. 1122 Emerson St., defined "word." She stated the most important definition is to be as good as one's
"word." Live up to one's promise. The developer for buildings at 1881 Oak and 1890 Maple has broken his word and
failed by continuously switching his donation amount for 1890 Maple according to what the vote may be. He is not
working for the betterment of the community when there is much opposition to these two projects and not telling the truth
about when he is going to build. She hoped that City Council will keep their word of honor, solemn promise and oath, by
representing a majority of the community and deny a time extension for 1881 Oak and deny the 1890 Maple project.
Let the current building at 1890 Maple stand and let the citizens' vote on this important transitional area of the City and
reject these two projects. When they make a decision about 1890 Maple, consider whether the alleyway is large enough
for emergency vehicles.
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3 June 25, 2007
Maureen Posner. 1720 Maple Ave., a condo owner, opposed development on Emerson and Maple and time extension for
1881 Oak because it will have a negative effect on the quality of life for her and many Evanstonians, not just those who
live within 1,000 feet of these buildings. She checked the area's zoning before purchasing her condominium. As a
transition area on Emerson, she was told that the height permitted was 85 feet, approximately eight stories. That seemed
reasonable and would not affect congestion. She foolishly thought the City would adhere to its plans. They were blind
sided by the 1881 Oak building height and density and now there will be another forming a wall. It is a slap in the face to
neighbors to the north. Even Mr. Okren said on June 26, 2006 at a P&D Committee meeting, "that reasonable spacing
between taller buildings is also preferred as an alternative to tall buildings in tight clusters." He was commenting that
high rises in Evanston are not built next to each other. She guessed that the character of Evanston has changed since then.
Many people in the area will be living in shadows a large part of the day, including the north side of Emerson and Ivy
Court. The developer tried to tell them there would be no shadows. She has taught trigonometry and has sophomores who
know better than that. In fact, they could calculate the length of the shadows. The density plan for Emerson is well above
Sherman Plaza or Optima Views, a ridiculous concept for this area. Again, she quoted Mr. Okren, "Density is also an
issue but density is purely a quantitative concept. How many units per acre, it's not good or bad, it's just a number. If
density was such a bad thing it wouldn't also have the highest prices." That makes little sense when talking about
people's lives. Profit is also a quantitative concept. A few months ago the Tribune's business section had an article titled
"U.S. Housing Starts Plummet." Vacancy rates are the highest since the Census Bureau started keeping statistics in 1956.
It will take months to get rid of the excess inventory. According to two real estate agents, there are 556 condominiums for
sale in Evanston and that counts only those listed with agents. Rental statistics are hard to come by, but the prices here are
too high for undergrads. She stated that the City needs to slow down the addition of new development. Congestion and
traffic are becoming problems. The infrastructure was not planned for what is being allowed in Evanston. Planning and
zoning in effect for years should be honored and respected. There is a good deal of wisdom behind it. The new
development and higher taxes are pushing lower and moderate income families out. Evanston's most valuable quality, its
diversity is disappearing. Decision makers must stop following the dollar and listen to the people.
Stamata Blanas. 1720 Maple Ave., had conversations with several dentists and doctors that day to go together and
purchase the 1890 Maple Avenue building. The reason doctors and dentists need that building is because three out of the
four office buildings in downtown Evanston are not accessible for the disabled, let alone have rest rooms for the disabled
on every floor. A modern building is needed. There was positive feedback and they would like the opportunity to speak to
the building owner to purchase 1890 Maple and keep it as a professional building. She was told if they can find nine
leases, they can purchase the building. She asked the City to hold back on 1890 Maple. She was disappointed on 1881
Oak; noted citizens were not notified of a public hearing; suggested they do an internal investigation as to why.
Bettv Ester,, 2114 Darrow Ave., honored and thanked Alderman Ann Rainey for encouraging words given to her. They
have served together on the CDBG Committee. At Rainey's urging, Betty Ester persevered and tonight they have the
Citizens Lighthouse Community Land Trust's first project. She thanked Alderman Rainey for not wavering her stand.
CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*)
Alderman Moran moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: 2007 CIP Street Resurfacing
Project — Bid from A. Lamp Concrete Contractors; Funding to Change the Existing Fountain Basins at Fountain Square;
Resolution 33-R-07 — Transfer Funds from the General Fund into the CIP; 2526 Jackson Ave. -Parking Variation
Request; Time Extension of the Planned Development Ordinance 80-0-06 for 1881 Oak Ave.; and Ordinance 45-0-07 —
Planned Development for 1890 Maple Ave. Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste.
Roll call. Voting aye — Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste. Voting nay —
none. Motion carried (9-0).
ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA
MINUTES:
* Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of June 11, 2007. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
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ADMINISTRATION &PUBLIC WORKS:
Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston payroll for the period June 14, 2007 and City of Evanston bills through
June 26, 2007, authorized and charged to the proper accounts:
City of Evanston payroll (through 06/14/07) $2,281,662.38
City of Evanston bills (through 06/26/07) $4,164,377.60
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
Approval of a contract for Organizational Development, Leadership Training and Teambuilding services with AZ
Consultants and Alea Associates (708 Leonard St., Madison, WI) in an amount no to exceed $30,000. Funding provided
by the Citywide Training Budget. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of the contract for Phase II Engineering Services for the Twiggs Park Expansion and Bike Path
Reconstruction Project to URS (100 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago) in the amount of $73,759.31. Funding provided by CIP
funds ($14,751.86) and SAFTEA-LU High Priority funds ($59,007.45). * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of the contract for Phase III Engineering Services for the Twiggs Park Expansion and Bike Path
Reconstruction Project to URS (100 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago) in the amount of $18,457.68. Funding provided by CIP
funds ($3,691.54) and SAFTEA-LU High Priority funds ($14,766.14). * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION
& ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of proposal from Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. (850 Forest Edge Dr., Vernon Hills, IL) to provide
engineering services related to the 2008 Water Main and Sewer Improvement project for the not -to -exceed amount of
$305,039.05. Funding provided by the Water Depreciation, Improvement & Extension account. * APPROVED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Resolution 29-R-07 — Onen Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant Application
for the Redevelopment of Foster Field — Consideration of Resolution 29-R-07, which authorizes the
City Manager to sign the 2007 OSLAD grant application through the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources. There is $1 million in the 2009-10 CIP Fund for Foster Field. Transferring $400,000 to the
2008-09 CIP Foster Field budget will produce a match for the 2007 OSLAD grant. * APPROVED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Resolution 31-R-07 — Authorizes a Joint Agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation
(IDOT) and T.Y. Lin International for Construction Engineerin¢ — Consideration ofResolution 31-R-
07, which authorizes the City Manager to sign the Joint Agreement with the Illinois Department of
Transportation (IDOT) for 20% participation of the implementation cost of the on -street bike plan and
construction administration fee with T.Y. Lin International (5960 N. Milwaukee, Chicago) in the
amount of $335,774. Funding provided by Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program
($268,618) and CIP Funds ($67,156). * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL
CALL (9-0)
* Resolution 32-R-07 — Local Agencv Agreement for Federal Participation with IDOT — Consideration
of Resolution 32-R-07, which authorizes the City Manager to sign a Local Agency Agreement for
Federal Participation with IDOT to jointly initiate the Twiggs Park Expansion and Bike Path
Reconstruction Project. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Ordinance 65-0-07 — Storm Water Control — Consideration of Ordinance 65-0-07, which adds
Chapter 24 to Title 4 of the City Code to establish regulations for the control of storm water. The
current storm water control regulations have been enforced by policy in the Public Works Department
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and there is a need to place these regulations in the City Code. * MARKED INTRODUCED —
CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 67-0-07 — Extends for an Additional 12 Years. 4 Months and 18 Days. until December
31.2019. Expanding the Territory and Providing Services for Special Service Area #4 — Consideration
of Ordinance 67-0-07, which extends (years) and expands (area) Special Service Area #4 for an
additional 12 years, 4 months and 18 days, until December 31, 2019. Funding Special Service Area #4
includes the Washington National TIF District Special Tax Allocation Fund (STAF), the Downtown II
TIF District STAF, the Economic Development Fund and any other appropriate Council -approved
funding source. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 69-0-07 — Easement Agreement — 1615 Hinman Ave. and 415/422 Davis St. —
Consideration of Ordinance 69-0-07, by which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to
execute an easement agreement with Mather LifeWays and The Georgian for construction of a tunnel
and porte-cochere and for temporary construction easements within the public right-of-way off Davis
St. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 61-0-07 — No Parkine Anv Time on Michigan Ave. between Hamilton St. and Burnham
Pl. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 61-0-07, introduced June 11, 2007, which amends Section
10-11-8, Schedule VIII(A) of the City Code to prohibit parking on the west side of Michigan Ave.
(east leg) and the east side of Michigan Ave. (west leg) between Hamilton St. and Burnham Pl.
ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
AGENDA ADDENDUM
* Resolution 34-R-07 — Prevailing Wages — Consideration of Resolution 34-R-07, which passes the
prevailing wage requirement of the State of Illinois. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION
& ROLL CALL (9-0)
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT:
* Reauest for $180.000 in HOME Funds for the Evanston Housing Coalition— Consideration of a staff
recommendation to approve the request for $180,000 in HOME funds for exterior rehab on Wesley
Apartments at 2014, 2018 and 2024 Wesley Ave., a total of 24 units. * APPROVED - CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Reauest for $15.000 in HOME CHDO Operating Funds for Citizens' Lighthouse Community Land
Trust — Consideration of a staff recommendation to approve the request for $15,000 in HOME CHDO
Operating Funds for the Citizens' Lighthouse Community Land Trust. * APPROVED - CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Request for $99.500 in HOME Funds for Citizens' Lighthouse Communitv Land Trust —
Consideration of a staff recommendation to approve the request for $99,500 in HOME Funds for the
Citizens' Lighthouse Community Land Trust to purchase a property that is for sale on the open market
in lieu of foreclosure. The Land Trust would work with its developer partner to rehab the property and
sell it at an affordable price through the Land Trust. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION
& ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Plat of Re -subdivision for 101 Hamilton Street — Consideration of a recommendation from the Site
Plan & Appearance Review Committee for approval of the plat of re -subdivision for the property at
101 Hamilton St. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
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* Sidewalk Cafe for Tvne 1 Restaurant at 1930 Central Street — Consideration of the request for a
sidewalk cafe for the Royin Sushi Bar located at 1930 Central St. The Site Plan & Appearance Review
Committee has recommended approval. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL
CALL (9-0)
* Ordinance 62-0-07 — Extends the Moratorium for New Construction on Central St. from Ashland to
2200 Central for 95 Days — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 62-0-07, introduced June 11, 2007,
which would extend the moratorium for an additional 95 days, for an expiration date of October 12,
2007. The current Ordinance 31-0-07 extended the moratorium for new construction on Central St. for
120 days and will expire on July 8, 2007. The Plan Commission will begin review of the Central Street
Plan on June 13, 2007. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Ordinance 63-0-07 - Extends the Moratorium for New Construction on Green Bav Rd. from Isabella
to Lincoln for 94 Days - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 63-0-07, which would extend the
moratorium for an additional 94 days, for an expiration date of October 12, 2007. The current
moratorium for new construction on Green Bay Rd. expires on July 9, 2007. The Plan Commission
will begin review of the Central Street Plan on June 13, 2007. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE:
* Resolution 27-R-07 — Donation of Sumlus Eauinment — Consideration of Resolution 27-R-07,
whereby the City Council would authorize the donation of surplus health clinic furniture and
equipment to the Cook County Department of Public Health. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Authorization of a Pavment of $30.000 to R.S. Hoover and Associates for Leeal Services for
Evanston Township — Consideration by the Evanston City Council, acting as Trustees of Evanston
Township, of a payment of $30,000 to R.S. Hoover and Associates for legal services. * APPROVED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
OTHER COMMITTEES:
* Ordinance 29-0-07 — Amends Section 1-10-4(C )(3) of the Citv Code. "Standards of Conduct:
Conflict of Interest" — Consideration of Ordinance 29-0-07, which amends the City Code, Section 1-
10-4(C ) (3), Code of Ethics as it applies to Conflict of Interest. * MARKED INTRODUCED —
CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 68-0-07 — Extends the Electric Franchise with ComEd for Three Years — Consideration
of Ordinance 68-0-07 and the recommendations of the Electric Franchise Negotiating Team and the
Energy Commission to extend the electric franchise with ComEd for three years, from July 14, 2007 to
July 14, 2010, subject to a Letter of Agreement with ComEd with specified obligations. * MARKED
INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
APPOINTMENTS:
* Mayor Pro Tem Tisdahl asked that the following appointment be confirmed:
Robin Schuldenfrei Plan Commission
1002 Hinman Ave.
For term ending June 30, 2010
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
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REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES
ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS:
Alderman Wollin moved approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid for the 2007 Capital Improvement
Program Street Resurfacing Project from A. Lamp Concrete Contractors (800 W. Irving Park Rd., Schaumburg) in the
amount of $3,090,783.50; Funding provided by the 2007-08 Capital Improvement Program Funds. Seconded by
Alderman Jean -Baptiste.
Alderman Rainey would vote against this contract due to the poor quality of work done by this firm last year. Once
residents complained, A. Lamp fired the supervisor and things improved. There are 3%2 streets being paved under that
contract. These streets were put in to be done in another contract by staff.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste supported this contract and asked others to vote for it. This contractor paved streets in the 2nd
Ward last year and had problems. They took their criticisms to the Public Works Director and he met with the contractor
and asked them to improve. The company did not have a competent supervisor on -site, which was rectified. Staff was not
as vigilant as they should have been. A consultant came in to manage the project. He believed the criticisms raised toward
this company had made it more responsible. He thought disapproval would mean a setback for a number of projects.
Alderman Hansen also would vote against this contract due to problems in the 9's Ward, although the company made
good on complaints by residents.
Alderman Bernstein asked if this contract is denied due to this contractor not being responsible, what happens. First
Assistant Corporation Counsel Herb Hill understood the second low bidder was disqualified because they did not meet
M/W/EBE requirements. The City has the option to go to the third lower bidder, but the costs between the low bidder and
the third low bidder is $500,000. The Council can go with the third low bidder or reject all bids and go out for a new bid.
Alderman Rainey explained that she and Alderman Hansen were not asking to reject this bid. They were trying to make it
clear that they did not want a repeat experience with this contractor. She was willing to have no paving if it meant A
Lamp would pave streets. They were saying to keep their eyes open and thought they would get citizen complaints.
Because of complaints, the City had to hire a full-time supervisor to oversee the work. They were told, more or less, that
there is nothing they can do and cannot go to either of the other bidders.
David Jennings explained that staff recommended this contractor because they had improved over time. They did not
perform well on the original contract last year. There were two contracts. Staff brought management to the A&PW
Committee and Council voted to hire them for the next job and they continued to improve. Through that process, paving
of Dodge and Dempster, the contractor's performance improved, so there was no basis for not qualifying for this work.
They were not problem -free, but performed on time and within budget.
Roll call. Voting aye — Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste. Voting nay— Rainey, Hansen.
Motion carried (7-2).
Approval of staff s recommendation to fund a change of the existing fountain base at Fountain Square into planters.
Alderman Wollin reported that the committee voted to temporarily make Fountain Square more attractive and visitor
friendly. In October a beautiful piece of art will be installed across from the fountain. Planters did not fit in a place called
Fountain Square. The Committee voted unanimously to allocate $224,000 (TIF funds) to repair the electrical and
drainage and bring Fountain Square back to a water -filled center. Alderman Wollin moved that $224,000 in TIF funds be
used to repair Fountain Square. The motion was seconded.
Alderman Moran thought the motivation to do this was good, but there was no way to bring the fountain to an acceptable
level because it is not up to community standards and needs a complete redesign. The City should hang on to its money
for a good purpose and a final resolution of restoring Fountain Square to a place they can be proud of.
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Alderman Rainey said the fountain would be restored to the way it was when it was built. Staff said it could be done. This
fountain has been in a state of decay for many years. In the winter water pipes froze and that knocked out the electrical.
The $224,000 is in the $4 million TIF balance. This is the kind of expenditure people want to see made from those funds.
To fill the fountains with dirt was unacceptable. She encouraged Council to spend TIF dollars on restoration of Fountain
Square and make everybody happy especially Mayor Morton.
Roll call. Voting aye — Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste. Voting nay— Moran.
Motion carried (8-1).
Resolution 33-R-07 — Transfer Funds from General Fund to the CIP, — Consideration of Resolution 33-
R-07, which requests a transfer of $2,475,000 from the General Fund balance to the Capital
Improvement Program fund to cover construction costs for the Animal Shelter renovation and
construction of Fire Station #5.
Alderman Wollin moved approval of Resolution 33-R-07. The motion was seconded.
Alderman Moran noted that $475,000 of these funds are committed to construction of the animal shelter. CARE, a private
group that runs the shelter, has considerable fund-raising capability and probably could raise another $100,000. He
suggested moving $100,000 from the City's share of $475,000 into the Affordable Housing Fund.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste said staff is putting together an ordinance and he wanted to ensure that Evanston residents are
employed on this project. Ms. Carroll said that could be done on the animal shelter renovation as it has not been bid.
Alderman Rainey recalled that the Council had made clear to CARE that they would share in the cost of the renovation.
To renege on this is outrageous. This is a group of residents, with some from Skokie and Rogers Park, who commit hours
and hours a week of volunteer work to the shelter. The City receives free service from CARE. If they pulled out, they
would have to hire staff to run the shelter or close it.
Alderman Moran said there was no way CARE would abandon its work. Everybody has compassion for abandoned
animals, but he argued employing some of this money for human beings was not an odious idea. He did not think they
had $500,000 in the Affordable Housing Fund.
Roll call. Voting aye — Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste. Voting nay —
none. Motion carried (9-0).
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT:.
2526 Jackson Ave. — Parking Variation Request — Consideration of a no recommendation from the
Zoning Board of Appeals request for a major variation to make six open parking spaces in the rear lot.
Alderman Tisdahl reported that this item was held. Staff will provide an ordinance at the next meeting.
Request for a Time Extension of the Planned Development Ordinance 80-0-06 for 1881 Oak Ave., —
Consideration of a request from Carroll Place LLC for a one-year extension of Section 6-12-1-7(A),
which requires a planned development to be issued a building permit and construction begun within
one year of the passage of the planned development ordinance. Carroll Place LLC has requested an
extension until July 12, 2008. The 1881 Oak planned development is a mixed -use project of 165
dwelling units, 247 enclosed parking spaces and a maximum height of 185 ft.
Alderman Tisdahl moved approval of this item. Seconded by Alderman Holmes. Voice vote. Motion carried.
Ordinance 45-0-07 — Planned Development Request for 1890 Maple Ave.. — Consideration of a Plan
Commission recommendation, introduced May 29, 2007, to approve a planned development request
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for the property at 1890 Maple Ave. as a mixed -use commercial and multi -family residential project.
Alderman Tisdahl moved approval of Ordinance 45-0-07. Seconded by Alderman Bernstein.
Alderman Wollin moved to amend the ordinance to indicate if the developer goes from rental to condominium ownership
the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance would be triggered. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Voice vote. Motion carried.
At the last P&D Committee meeting, Alderman Tisdahl asked the developer, if he determined that retail space for the
second floor was not viable, would he consider office space as well and he said that he would. Therefore she moved to
include this language: "If the applicant determines that retail use for the second floor commercial space is not viable, the
applicant shall use reasonable efforts to cause such second floor space to be used for commercial or office uses. If the
applicant determines that a commercial or office use for the second floor space is not viable." Seconded by Alderman
Wollin. Voice vote. Motion carried.
First Assistant Corporation Counsel Herb Hill stated that because the P&D Committee did not vote as a committee on the
option for commercial, retail or residential units, he suggested the specific grant for these options be read into the record.
Add to Section 9, after the language inserted by the amendment: "Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in
this Ordinance the applicant shall have the option to construct additional residential units instead of the second floor of
commercial space and in such event to modify the number of parking spaces and loading spaces provided for the subject
property to satisfy the applicable requirements of the Zoning Ordinance as determined by the City staff during the
permitting process. The applicant must exercise said option prior to installing the foundation on the subject property or
forfeit said option."
Add a new paragraph #15 to read as follows: "Except as otherwise provided for in this Ordinance, all other applicable
regulations of the Zoning Ordinance shall apply to the subject property and remain in full force and effect with respect to
the use and the development of the same." Mr. Hill asked that the amendments be added to the moving motion.
Alderman Hansen said it was a good project and design; liked that it is rental. They have started the downtown plan and
will create a plan on what the downtown should be involving the entire community, which has been requested for several
years. People have seen downtown planning as piecemeal. She would not be serving the community if she voted for a
project while they continued to discuss what should happen downtown. They would be cheating residents and she was
unwilling to do that. Some of the projects they have approved might not fit into this plan. With the community effort, they
can take those projects and blend them into a downtown plan that all can be proud of. She would not vote for this project.
Alderman Rainey stated one of the things that happened when a moratorium was imposed on downtown building: three
projects were in the pipeline and those were not included. She asked how they can take a project that has been through
the Plan Commission, P&D Committee and is on the Council floor and say that it is included in the moratorium. She
noted that students have no trouble finding rentals but people of low and moderate income do. The major reason she
supports this project is because it adds to the housing stock and, due to its location, will free up lots of affordable rentals.
They jeopardize themselves when they say they cannot support this because of the downtown planning process.
Alderman Wynne opposed the project; was opposed to the 1881 Oak Avenue project because it was inappropriately sized
for that location and voted against time extension for 1881 Oak. When Council voted to approve the 1881 project, there
was discussion that the 18-story building would be the only one. One of the reasons staff has recommended 1890 Maple
is because of the mass of 1881 Oak. That is what she and many others feared would happen when 1881 Oak was
approved. That is why people don't have faith in Council and the planning process or that they can withstand the weight
of development. As much as rental property is needed in this community, they don't need it so badly that they bend and
nibble at the edges of the Zoning Ordinance and what they have on the books as appropriate zoning.
Alderman Bernstein supported the project; said it was the best development in appearance and is needed. He said that
public sentiment favors 1890 Maple. Council has been doing things on an ad hoc basis and this project should rise or fall
on its merits. This is not the kind of project they should wait around for. The building's quality will make the City richer.
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10 June 25, 2007
Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved to hold this over. Seconded by Alderman Bernstein. At the reauest of two aldermen
Ordinance 45-0-07 was held over.
CALL OF THE WARDS:
3d Ward. Alderman Wynne announced the Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday is
cancelled. She previously made this reference and it was not acted upon. She made a reference to the Plan Commission to
consider not Dermittine windowless bedrooms unless it is an adaptive re -use.
Alderman Wynne encouraged residents to take public transportation to see the 102 globes in Chicago that deal with
global warming. They are located from Belmont Harbor to the museum campus with three at Sears Tower.
4`h Ward. Alderman Bernstein spoke of the positive feelings he got at the downtown planning meeting and saw
preservationists and developers at the same tables.
He announced the Civic Center Committee meeting set for this week was cancelled and would be rescheduled in July.
Alderman Bernstein invited all to celebrate the 4'h of July celebration. The parade starts at Central Park and Central at
2:00 p.m. and is the best.
5`h Ward. Alderman Holmes expressed condolences to the Gregory family, Monica, Clarence, Peggy and Kathy on the
loss of Robert Gregory, Sr.
She spoke of the great gospel music at the celebration of the 125d' anniversary of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church. The day
before the Unity Scholarship Celebration was held at the 2nd Baptist Church. She urged people to take the fourth Sunday
in June to see the number of scholarships given and African -American students on the honor roll.
Alderman Holmes congratulated the Hartrey Block Club on its first year anniversary.
She invited residents to the Evanston Youth Initiative at ETHS on Saturday June 30, from 2-4:00 p.m. They will hear Mr.
Victor Woods, a nationally recognized motivational speaker who is featured in Ebony magazine, at a parent workshop
She invited people to come to Beaucoup, a new facility, for Stepping Step Dancing at northeast corner of Church/Dodge
at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. The event is sponsored by the Evanston Community Development Corporation.
She urged residents to drive by and look at the work done at Church Street Village.
6`' Ward. Alderman Moran expressed joy that Council had approved contracts that will lead to establishing a bike path
system in Evanston that he predicted will be used in all seasons.
He had read an article in The Reader titled, "Where would Jesus Park" about a closed system for bicycle riding on
Sundays that started in Guadalajara, Mexico and spread to Bogota, Columbia. The closed seven -mile loop has no
automobiles and people can walk, jog, or ride their bicycles from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It has been very successful and
resulted in vendors and church groups that participate. Chicago has sent people to study this and will try to do it.
71h Ward. Alderman Tisdahl wished everybody a happy 4`h of July. Northwestern students, who are concerned about the
Purple Line are out of town, so it would be wonderful to reach out to the administration to come to the public hearing.
8`h Ward. Alderman Rainey was concerned about how people would learn about the public hearing on June 28.
She reported out of control use of firecrackers and fireworks in the 8 h Ward. It is youth, not adults. Fireworks and
firecrackers are illegal in Evanston. Can a juvenile receive a ticket for fireworks use? Mr. Hill said they could. Alderman
Rainey asked the City Manager to consult with the Police Chief about giving tickets to people who use fireworks. She
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11 June 25, 2007
cited the terrible injuries that result from fireworks use and that, due to dry conditions, they could have grass fires. She
stated there should be zero tolerance for fireworks especially when handled by children.
She invited all to an 8d' Ward meeting at the Police Outpost on Howard Street. They will get information on the Triple
Threat operation, which was extremely successful and the shooting that took place behind the Outpost.
Alderman Rainey asked how the Youth Initiative on Saturday was being advertised and could they encourage youth to
attend. Alderman Holmes stated it is for parents and would provide flyers.
Ms. Carroll' said they just found out about the public hearing that day and had gotten agreement from all three
transportation companies to send representatives. They asked Representative Hamos to come. The three transit agencies
will make presentations, public comment will be taken and a court reporter will record all public comment and it will be
sent to the governor and legislators to show strong opposition to the Purple Line cuts and other transit cuts. Skokie
residents will also come and speak. A press release will be issued tomorrow. They want expressed opposition to the cuts
and to support long-term funding of regional public transportation.
91h Ward. Alderman Hansen acknowledged that Brad Yatabe's last day is on Friday and wished him well.
Saturday at 9:30 a.m. they will celebrate renovation of Sargent Park, Elmwood/Reba, and at 10:15 a.m. the Monroe Tot
Lot on Monroe Street east of Asbury.
1" Ward. Alderman Wollin reported the death of Jan Laughlin, a wonderful environmental lawyer who had a great affect
in reducing pollution in this area. She expressed special condolences to her family.
She remarked the Suzette Eggleston, Streets & Sanitation Superintendent, came up with a creative solution to lack of
Dumpsters due to fear of contamination by the Emerald Ash Borer for students who were moving out. Students could call
in and trucks were sent out. That was a good plan.
Alderman Wollin was delighted to attend the celebration of the 125d' anniversary of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church; reported
that the Fountain Square Art Fair drew many visitors.
2"d Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste announced that the July 2 Rules Committee meeting was cancelled.
He thanked Stamata Blanas for the photographic contest. It was good to see the many perspectives on Evanston and
hoped the project continued.
He reported his family organized kite flying in James Park and asked that this be put on as an annual event at James Park.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste said the Youth Initiative group is marching in the 4d' of July parade and urged more youth be
encouraged to join. He suggested brochures be passed out about having fun safely in the summer.
He reported that YAM just received recognition from U. S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters for best practices for youth -
adult activities. CDBG has awarded some funds to YAM for the past few years. YAM works under the direction of Ken
Rogers. For the past 20-30 years, they have taken high school students on college tours.
At 10:45 p.m. Alderman Holmes moved that Council convene into a Executive Session to discuss matters of personnel,
litigation and closed session minutes pursuant to 5 Illinois Compiled Statutes 120/2 ( c) (1), (11) and (21) as follows:
2. All meetings of public bodies shall be public meetings except for the following:
(1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal ofspecific employees ofthe public body,
or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee ofthe public bodyor
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
12 June 25, 2007
the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.
(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 Bernstein
Roll call. Voting aye — Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste. Voting nay —
none. Motion carried (9-0).
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Pro Tern Tisdahl asked for a motion to adjourn and
the Council so moved at 11:15 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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