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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2007-05-14-2007Of EV���O CITY COUNCIL * May 14, 2007 n�kca ROLL CALL — PRESENT: Alderman Hansen Alderman Bernstein Alderman Wollin Alderman Holmes Alderman Jean -Baptiste Alderman Moran A Quorum was present. Alderman Wynne Alderman Tisdahl ABSENT: Mayor Morton and Alderman Rainey PRESIDING: Mayor Pro Tem Jean -Baptiste 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 Jean -Baptiste was next on the list of aldermen by seniority who have not served as Mayor Pro Tem. Alderman Holmes nominated Alderman Jean -Baptiste and moved that the nominations be closed and that Alderman Jean - Baptiste be elected Mayor Pro Tem. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Motion carried unanimouslv. The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Jear_�-Baptiste on Monday, May 14, 2007, at 9:48 p.m. in the Council Chamber. MAYORAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Pro Tem Jean -Baptiste introduced Rev. Eliezer M. Tendero, who on behalf of the Clergy and Chaplain Team of the Evanston Police Department, invited all to the Police Appreciation and Memorial Ceremony on Thursday, May 17, at 3:00 p.m. in front of the police station at 1454 Elmwood Ave. Mayor Pro Tem Jean -Baptiste shared a letter from Senator Jeff Schoenberg announcing that the State of Illinois had awarded a $1 million grant to Evanston/Skokie School District 65 for capital improvements to enhance the environmental health of the district's older buildings. He thanked Senator Schoenberg and the legislature. CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS: Health & Human Services Director Jay Terry announced that the Health Department will serve as a drop-off site for the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) Prescription Drug and Sharps Disposal Program. The program is for residentially -generated unused prescriptions, expired over-the-counter drugs, and needles known as "sharps." Identification of the drugs is required and people are urged to black out personal information. Public Works Director David Jennings invited all to the Farmers' Market Saturday, May 19,,which will feature Public Works Day. People can meet equipment operators, see demonstrations, and enjoy giveaways and free food from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be information on the 50150 sidewalk program, water testing, and street sweeping. In celebration of Armed Forces Day, CDs and books will be collected and taken to the North Shore Veterans Medical Center. City Manager Julia Carroll noted that Friday evening there was a collapse of a 30 x 70 foot pre -cast roof of the parking garage adjacent to condominiums at 1718 Oak Ave. The building site was closed and secured. All condo units were evacuated. She thanked the Fire, Police and Office of Emergency Preparedness for all they did to help residents. The Red Cross was brought in and nearby churches helped. The City is working with an independent structural engineer to review the buildings and parking deck to ensure that when it is safe, people can be allowed back in the building. Community Development Director James Wolinski announced that the Preservation Commission invites the community to a free presentation: "Financial Benefits of Historic Preservation: Local, State and Federal Incentives." This event and discussion, lead by Richard F. Friedman and Anne B. Voshel, is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, in the Linden Room of the Levy Senior Center. q 0 1 2 May 14, 2007 Mayor Pro Tern Jean -Baptiste Proclaimed: "National Women's Health Week," May 13-19 "National Public Works Week," May 20-26 CITIZEN COMMENT: Carlis B. Sutton. 1821 Darrow Ave., spoke about the adoption of the West Side Master Plan for Sub -Areas 1, 2,& 3. He stated it would adversely affect the neighborhood by increasing gentrification; acknowledged that single family homes have been removed from this plan. His concern is that the development will bring an increase in property values. There is no plan currently that would meet the needs of people who want to continue to live in that area. He asked that if they adopt a plan to put on adjoining homes mainly in Ward 5, precincts 4 and 5, and let them have not only notification but the opportunity to express their concerns about maintaining their property. His mother is 86 years old and should not have to move because somebody wants to put in a street. Others are also concerned. They are not opposed to development but are opposed to being removed from Evanston. Bettv S. Ester. 2114 Darrow Ave., stated that the Citizens Lighthouse Community Land Trust was made a CHODO that day and they were honored. They hope to be the recipient of some funds from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Ifthey receive funds, no one has to worry about recapture or reinvestment. Those funds will be retained. People who go into the land trust homes will receive an equity benefit. She invited all to a meeting at the Civic Center, Room 2404, Saturday, May 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon to learn about "Getting Ready to Buy an Affordable Home in the Future." She thanked Aldermen Holmes and Moran for attending their first annual meeting; reported that the Land Trust gave an award to Alderman Moran for his long-time support of affordable housing. Tina Paden. 1122 Emerson St., agreed with Carlis Sutton's statements. She stated there was never any notice sent to her. When attending a community meeting, they were told to pick A, B or C and not given a choice. Who is buying the $400,000 homes, yet they say people won't have to move out. She rents to low income people and won't be able to continue because she can't afford to rent to them. She used to have 10 Section 8 tenants and now has 2.On Section 8, they are saying this area is too low income to get the maximum rent. She wondered why they were pushing this through so fast. She attended the Central Street Planning process and they listened to the community; wondered why they could not have the same treatment. Many people who have lived here a long time will have to move. Julie Ganev. 927 Noyes St., Outreach Director, Next Theatre, 927 Noyes, invited all to come and participate in a civic - based performance the theater will stage next weekend. Last fall, she went into the community to find people to explore issues of development, housing, affordability and gentrification in Evanston and Rogers Park. The 15-person ensemble includes a developer, real estate agents, affordable housing advocates and long-term residents from every socioeconomic class. Together they have created an original play called "If This Neighborhood Could Talk" to be performed Saturday, May 19, 4:00 p.m. at Next Theatre and Sunday, May 20, 2:00 p.m. at Lifeline Theater in Rogers Park. Barbara Janes. 802 Colfax St., asked that Council place a moratorium on all development projects in the downtown area. They are about to hire consultants at a cost of more than $200,000 to study what should happen downtown. In addition, the Plan Commission has a Downtown Plan Committee that has been working for more than a year on what should happen downtown. If big chunks in the downtown become off limits for future planning, what sense is there in spending money on a consultant. Council put a moratorium on development in the Central Street area while a consultant worked with citizens, council and staff to come up with a plan that almost everybody is comfortable with. Tonight they are voting on extending the moratorium on the West Side TIF. The reasons cited in the ordinance are: allow time for the City Council to review the Plan Commission's report and conduct its own consideration of possible re -zoning and related issues that may be presented in said report and "would serve the public health, welfare and safety by allowing for the completion of the above described task." She asked did it not make sense to put a moratorium on the downtown while the consultant and the Downtown Plan Committee of the Plan Commission finish their work. There is nothing far enough along in the approval process that would be impacted negatively by such a moratorium. What is to prevent another developer from coming along with a competing development proposal? The consultants say they would complete their work by October. Downtown will be there for the next hundred years. Why can't we wait and get it right. -� 02 May 14, 2007 CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Moran moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: professional services contract with EDAW Inc. for Phase 1 engineering services for the Evanston Lakeshore Reconstruction Project; Ordinance 47-0- 07 — Increase in Number of Class D Liquor Licenses — Nine Fish Restaurant; Resolution 22-R-07 — Establish Guidelines for Management/Use of Funds from the Affordable Housing Fund; West Side Master Plan for Sub -Areas 1, 2, & 3; and Ordinance 46-0-07 — Extension of West Side TIF Moratorium Seconded by Alderman Bernstein. Roll call. Voting aye —Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl. Voting nay —none. Motion carried (8-0). ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of April 16, 2007 and the Regular City Council Meeting of April 23, 2007. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston payroll for the period May 3, 2007 and City of Evanston bills through May 15, 2007, authorized and charged to the proper accounts: City of Evanston payroll (through 05/03/07) $2,266,998.11 City of Evanston bills (through 05/15/07) $2,670,542.65 F * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the professional services contract with EDAW Inc. (303 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago) for master planning services for the Lakefront and Corridor Reconstruction Project Master Plan in the amount of $206,487. Funding provided by CIP ($146,821) and CIP contingency fund ($59,666). * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the professional services contract with EDAW Inc. (303 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago) for Phase I engineering services for the Lakefront Reconstruction Project in an amount of $111,001. Funding provided by CIP ($22,200) and the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program ($88,801). * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the proposal for Revcon Technology Group (1715 Cortland Ct., Addison) for parking access and revenue control system improvements at the Church Street, Maple Avenue and Sherman Avenue parking facilities in the amount of $821,152. Funding provided by the Downtown TIF Capital Project Fund and Parking Bond Funds. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid for the purchase of library furniture from Corporate Concepts, Inc. (500 Water Edge, Oak Creek Center, Lombard) in the amount of $68,859.33. Funding provided by the Library's "Room to Grow" fundraising campaign. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid for the 2007 MFT Street Resurfacing Program to J.A. Johnson Company (1025 E. Addison Ct., Arlington Heights) in the amount of $1,180,176. Funding provided by 2007 Motor Fuel Tax Funds. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid for hauling and disposal of debris for the Water & Sewer and the Streets & Sanitation divisions to G & L Contractors (7401 N. St. Louis Ave., Skokie) in the amount of $195,150. Funding provided by the Water Fund, the Sewer Fund and the General Fund. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) 4 May 14, 2007 * Approval of Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with MWH Americas, Inc. (380 Interlocken Crescent, Broomfield, CO) to provide engineering services during construction of the Basin S82B Contract 1 Relief Sewer Project. This amendment will increase the not -to -exceed amount by $16,488, from $1,071,277 to $1,087,765. Funding provided by the Sewer Reserve Fund. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Resolution 3-R-07 — Authorize the Donation of Certain Sumlus Citv-Owned Personal Property — Consideration of Resolution 3-R-07, which grants to Belize City the donation parking meters that are no longer in use and would later be scrapped and 18 box springs, mattresses and frames that have been in storage for three years. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Resolution 17-R-07 — Authorize the Citv Manager to execute a Suberant Agreement with Cook Countv to Durchase Emergencv Traffic Control Eauioment — Consideration of proposed Resolution 17-R-07, which authorizes the City Manager to execute a grant agreement with Cook County to purchase an electronic portable message board, traffic trailer and related equipment in an amount not - to -exceed $34,560. Funding provided by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Resolution 24-R-07 — Authorizes the Citv Manager to Sign a Local Agencv Agreement with IDOT — Consideration of proposed Resolution 24-R-07, which authorizes the City Manager to execute a local agency agreement for federal participation with the Illinois Dept. of Transportation (IDOT) to j ointly initiate the Evanston Lakefront Corridor Reconstruction Project. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Ordinance 48-0-07 — Increase the Number of Class B Liouor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 48-0-07, which amends Section 3-5-6(B) of the City Code to increase the number of Class B liquor licenses from 16-17 due to the opening of Blu, 1710 Orrington Ave. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 49-0-07 — Increase the Number of Class D Liauor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 49-0-07, which amends Section 3-5-6(D) of the City Code to increase the number of Class D liquor licenses from 24 to 25 due to the opening of Tacos del Lago, 822 Clark St. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 55-0-07 — Authorizes the Sale of Citv-Owned Sumlus Personal Pronertv— Consideration of proposed Ordinance 55-0-07, which authorizes the sale of City -owned personal property at the Lake County Division of Transportation Auction to be held June 2, 2007, at 600 W. Winchester, Libertyville. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Wollin asked aldermen not present at the A&PW Committee meeting to review the Police Summer Plan and the actions that will be adjusted for the summer months. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: * Ordinance 40-0-07 — Rename and Amend Title 4. Chanter 22 "Affordable Housing Demolition Tax and Affordable Housing Tax Fund" and Transfer Balance of the Mavor's Special Housing Fund into the Newlv Renamed Affordable Housing Fund — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 40-0-07, which, based on a recommendation from the Housing Commission, transfers the balance of the Mayor's Special Housing Fund into the newly renamed Affordable Housing Fund. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 56-0-07 — Special Use Reouest for 1245 Chicago Ave. — Consideration of a Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation for approval of a Special Use request to establish a membership organization. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA 7 q 5 May 14, 2007 * Sidewalk Cafes for TvDe 1 and TvDe 2 Restaurants — Consideration of the Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee's recommendation for approval of the sidewalk cafe for Kansaku Restaurant, 1514 Sherman Ave. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Ordinance 53-0-07 — Special Use Request for 1713 Benson Ave, — Consideration of a Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation for approval of a Special Use request to expand the existing commercial recreation facility. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Tisdahl moved to Suspend the Rules to adopt an ordinance at the same meeting at which it was introduced. The motion was seconded. Motion carried unanimouslv. Alderman Tisdahl moved approval of Ordinance 53-0-07. The motion was seconded. Motion carried unanimouslv. * Ordinance 54-0-07 - Special Use Request for 1613-1615 Benson Ave. - Consideration of a Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation for approval of a Special Use request to establish a Type 2 restaurant (smoothie bar within the existing General Nutrition Center, 1613-1615 Benson Ave.). MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: * Ordinance 41-0-07 — Annual Township Budget — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 41-0-07, whereby the City Council, acting as Township Trustees, approve the annual budget of Evanston Township for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2007 and ending March 31, 2008, in the amount of $1,329,912, * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * ADDroval of April 2007 Township Monthly Bills, — Consideration of a recommendation to approve the Township bills, payroll and medical payments for the month of April 2007 in the amount of $142,562.69. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA OTHER COMMITTEES: * Recommendation from the Economic Development Committee to approve an annual funding request of $63,654 submitted by Chicago's North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau. The funds have been included in the 2007-08 City Budget as a planned expense of the Economic Development Fund. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) APPOINTMENTS: * Mayor Pro Tem Jean -Baptiste asked that the following appointment be introduced: Marcia Achenbach Mental Health Board 711 Roslyn Pl. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Alderman Wollin moved approval of the professional services contract for consulting services for downtown planning, including a revised downtown plan, zoning recommendations, a real estate market study, a parking utilization study and a pilot study for form -based coding on selected blocks with Duncan Associates (117 N. Jefferson, Chicago) in the amount of $236,324. Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste. 4 o� 6 May 14, 2007 Alderman Holmes requested they establish a moratorium downtown to coincide with planning. First Assistant Corporation Council Herb Hill suggested that a resolution be prepared on a moratorium for the next Council meeting. Roll call. Voting aye — Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl. Voting nay —none. Motion carried (8-0). Ordinance 47-0-07 — Increase in Number of Class D Liouor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 47-0-07, which would amend 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, 2426 Main St. Alderman Wollin reported that this item was held in committee. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Resolution 22-R-07 — Establishes Guidelines for Management and Use of Funds from the Affordable Housing Fund — Consideration of proposed Resolution 22-R-07, which establishes guidelines for the management and use of funds from the Affordable Housing Fund. Alderman Tisdahl reported that this item was held for a new draft to be prepared. West Side Master Plan for Sub -Areas 1.2 & 3 — Consideration of a recommendation to City Council for adoption of the Master Plan. Alderman Tisdahl read into the record the following: "Council requires the development of a plan to mitigate the displacement of residents, gentrification and other similar impacts resulting from the development and re -development of property inside of Sub -Areas 1, 2 and 3." Alderman Tisdahl moved approval of the West Side plan. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried. No nays. Ordinance 46-0-07 — Extension of West Side TIF Moratorium— Consideration ofproposed Ordinance 46-0-07, which would extend the moratorium in the West Side TIF for an additional 45 days. Alderman Tisdahl moved to remove Ordinance 46-0-07 from the agenda. The motion was seconded. Motion carried unanimously. CALL OF THE WARDS: 91h Ward. Alderman Hansen announced that Don Baker of Y.O.0 was honored for his public service by the Chamber of Commerce last month and congratulated him for all he has done for the Evanston community. ls` Ward. Alderman Wollin announced a meeting at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, at the Public Library to talk about the new Relief Sewer Project Basin 2B Contract. Contractors, engineers and city officials will be present. Alderman Wollin announced that the May 17 NU/City Committee meeting was cancelled. She praised the Next Theatre as a cutting -edge gem and urged attendance at the collaborative performance on Saturday, May 19 at 4:00 p.m. announced earlier by Julie Ganey 2"d Ward. Mayor Pro Tern Jean -Baptiste announced a Taxicab Advisory Committee meeting on Wednesday, May 23 at 6:00 p.m. at the Civic Center. He explained there has been growing conflict among Evanston taxi drivers and taxis from other communities. The owners who control communications have been allocating work to drivers from other suburbs. He asked that naives of persons who want to serve on the M/W/EBE Committee be submitted to Mayor Morton. They have operated with two or three members recently. 7 May 14, 2007 He thanked Sue Guderley, Dennis Marino and others who worked hard on the West Side Evanston Plan. It is a great plan. Mayor Pro Tem Jean -Baptiste noted a Youth Summit was held on Saturday. He thanked City Manager Carroll for support and Assistant City Manager Judy Aiello for leadership and implementation. He was relaxing last Friday when he was called about the collapse at the Roszak project at Clark/Oak. He saw Alderman Holmes, who worked with the Mt. Zion Church to help those displaced; Judy Aiello was there and he was particularly impressed with Fire Chief Alan Berkowsky. He was a field general and pulled everything together. He took charge; did briefings and dealt with Chief Hunter, who dealt with the displaced. He thought they had clear and expert control. 3`d Ward. Alderman Wynne invited all to the Young Evanston Artists (YEA) festival in the upcoming weekend at Dempster and Chicago. It is a family event displaying the artistic talents of Evanston public school youth. She announced a 3`d Ward Town Hall meeting on Thursday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium of Lincoln School. 41h Ward. Alderman Bernstein invited all to attend the Citizen Police Academy graduation on Thursday evening at the Ecology Center at 7:00 p.m. 51h Ward. Alderman Holmes congratulated Alderman Moran as the first recipient of an award for supporting affordable housing given by the Citizens Lighthouse Community Land Trust. She congratulated Jean Scruggs and other City staff who were honored for their service that totaled 1,010 years. She invited all to the 5`h Ward meeting Thursday, May 17, 7:00 p.m. at Fleetwood-Jourdain and to stop by Family Focus to see a new exhibit from Dino Robinson and Shorefront on the history of Foster School. She added her thanks to Pastor Peterson at Sojourner Church and Reverend Scurlock at Mt. Zion for opening up their churches on Friday night. 61h Ward. Alderman Moran called attention to the fact that the Evanston Library is an amazing institution where some large projects are funded, not by tax dollars, but by private contributions from people who appreciate what the library means to citizens. He thanked the people who raised $70,000 to buy furniture for the library. 7`h Ward. Alderman Tisdahl announced a 71h Ward meeting on Tuesday, May 22, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. primarily for Grant Street neighbors, but all are welcome. The Police Department will be there and discuss crime. Alderman Tisdahl made a reference to staff to come with suggestions to the next Civic Center Committee to engage the. citizens in a dialogue about the Civic Center's future. She made a reference to Citv Manager Carroll to Dut for consideration on the next meeting agenda the ioint resolution. that District 65 and 202 Dassed on school funding, If Council decided to support it, a letter could be sent to our legislators in support of it. If they could reduce reliance on the property tax by school districts and increase state funding, that would be helpful to everyone in Evanston. Alderman Tisdahl thanked Senator Schoenberg for the $1 million he got for District 65 for capital improvements. City Manager Carroll explained she was out of town on Friday. The federal government requires training on the National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) which was what Chief Berkowsky was using Friday night. The City Council must be trained on NIMS and will be contacted by Emergency Preparedness Manager Max Rubin. At 9:45 p.m. Alderman Bernstein moved that Council convene into a Executive Session to discuss matters of real estate and litigation pursuant to 5 Illinois Compiled Statutes 120/2 ( c) (5), (6) and (11) as follows: 4 6-7 b May 14, 2007 2. All meetings of public bodies shall be public meetings except for the following: (5) The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired. (6) The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body. (11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting. Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste. Roll call. Voting aye — Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl. Voting nay —none. Motion carried (8-0). There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Pro Tern Jean -Baptiste asked for a motion to adjourn and the Council so moved at 10:08 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. E d