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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2007-04-10-20073 7S 1 CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL — PRESENT: A Quorum was present. ABSENT: PRESIDING: EV� CQ ISY�r Alderman Tisdahl Alderman Rainey Alderman Hansen Alderman Wollin None Mayor Lorraine H. Morton April 10, 2007 Alderman Jean -Baptiste Alderman Wynne Alderman Bernstein Alderman Holmes Alderman Moran The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton on Tuesday, April 10, 2007, at 9:35 p.m. in the Council Chamber. MAYOR'S PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Morton announced that a ceremony commemorating the 20`h anniversary of The Avenue of the Righteous would be held Sunday, May 20, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the Civic Center's Council Chamber. John Pawlikowsi, OSMPhD, from the Catholic Theological Union, will be the major speaker and talk about "Rescuing Goodness, Can it be Taught?" Mayor Morton asked the cost of insurance for ash trees. Parks/Forestry & Recreation Director Doug Gaynor responded that there is no insurance program for ash trees. COMMUNICATIONS: City Clerk Mary P. Morris announced that early voting for the April 17 Consolidated Election continues through Thursday, April 12. In -person absentee voting would be held Friday, through Monday at 69 W. Washington, Chicago and at the Circuit Court on 5600 Old Orchard Rd., Skokie. CITIZEN COMMENT: Ted Loda. 1314 Washington St., founded the Citizens Think Tank, which educates citizens about public policy issues through public forums. Last May, the first forum on homelessness was held. He invited all to a second forum at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, May 20 at the Levy Center on the topic of Islam. Speakers will talk about Islam and the world view, handouts and free copies of the Koran translated into English will be available. Kevin McKenna. 2106 Maple Ave., opposed moving the municipal government out of the Civic Center; found the concept terrible, the process flawed and the result awful. He said this is a beautiful building, in a beautiful setting with lots of room. The rush to move out is based on a rigged report prepared by a developer. Council voted to move without considering the alternatives. There is a serious lack of information about alternative costs, how much a new building would cost and how to pay for it. There has been dishonesty about the cost of renovating this building. He was critical of the referendum question stating a $31 million cost to renovate this building and urged Council to reconsider the idea. Leigh MacIsaac. 1123 Noyes St., stated that, to her, Evanston's town square is the backyard of the Civic Center. When Council said there is no money to rehab the Civic Center and needed to move out, was to say they are going to sell our town square. She has heard that there is $140 mullion in capital needs and the City spends $10-12 million annually in capital improvements and has to prioritize. Eventually the $140 million will be spent in 14 years. Why must there be a revenue source to renovate the Civic Center. Why not spend a little money to take care of immediate needs and wait a few years to get on the priority list? A historically land marked building in the town square is high on her list ofpriorities. Residents are told they must raise taxes or sell the building and TIF the property to raise funds. She thought the priorities are mixed up. She read from the Conivrehensire General Plan; suggested they maintain existing assets and fight harder to keep green space; urged staff to find a way to stay. 2 April 10 2007 Padma Rao. 2246 Sherman Ave., raised objections (factual and legal) to the proposal to pave an alley connecting the north and south parts of Noyes Court extending east to Sherman Avenue. The proposal passed through the A&PW Committee and Council, which voted in favor of the proposal. Ms. Rao asked that serious matters be taken seriously by Council; suggested that money for alley paving would be better spent on youth programs, so the entire city benefits. Sandv Whitelev. 1205 Noyes Ave., wanted to see the Civic Center preserved and was especially concerned that the park would continue to be a park. She did not understand why residents have to give up the park. Alderman Bernstein stated that Council had been open about plans for the Civic Center. The park land has never been at risk. The initial analysis for the Civic Center and whether it should be renovated was done by the architects that produced the Doyle Report. He wished that people would listen, ask questions and attend meetings before making erroneous statements. The allegations were misleading and wrong. The Civic Center has National Landmark status, but is not locally land -marked, which is determined by the City Council. If this building is sold, Council would give special consideration to someone who wished to retain the building. Nobody wants to move, but this and prior Councils, voted unanimously to move. A fund is needed for the Civic Center building. Bob Loweth. 2231 Asbury Ave., suggested Council consider quality of life for current and future citizens of Evanston. Quality of life is a triangle consisting of a host city to an international university of highest quality, an urban center and a family friendly community. He thought this current balance is under siege. The urban development that has occurred in the past ten years has changed the perception of Evanston. The issue on whether to renovate or relocate is being cast with the perception that this balance is under threat. Council needs to consider what they would lose if they relocate, and he thought that would be that Evanston has been able to keep that triangle in balance by being a first-class university host city with a vibrant Church Street area and a family friendly community. If they relocate, he thought Evanston would be perceived as a more urban center and change this balance. He hoped they could retain Evanston's unique quality. Joan Safford. 1618 Wesley Ave., 40 year resident, said they came and returned to Evanston because citizens are heard. There is respect for diversity and understanding of need for some changes. She was a League (of Women Voters) observer when the municipal government was on Oak Avenue; found the transformation that occurred when municipal government moved to this building was due to pride that 2100 Ridge had been saved and it also presented a face that was easy for the public, transportation and parking, which has been important. When she came back after an absence, she thought it important that this face be presented and that none of the alternative sites proposed present a face of the City the way this building and park do. She was troubled that they don't have reliable figures; thought that was a reason for discontent and distrust of the process. She wants care and study on the cost of moving; urged that the figures be accurate and there be recognition that if the government moves, there will be a sacrifice of the presentation of the past 30 years. Mimi Peterson. 748 Wesley Ave., recalled that in 2003, citizens were told there would be no tax increase with the issuance of $60 million in bonds for capital improvements. Council raised the debt limit by more than 33% from $75 million to over $100 million, which translates into borrowing more money based upon the City's Home Rule authority to raise taxes. She alleged the City's portion of the tax bill has increased close to 35% over the last eight years and the main reason is the increase in debt seivice-that is similar to living on a credit card. She felt that this argument was relevant to saying that the City could build a new Civic Center for free, which is not true. Many boast about Evanston's Aaa bond rating, which has been misused. When officials issued $14 million in bonds this year, Moody's downgraded the outlook from stable to negative, because there is a better than 50% chance that Evanston's bond rating will be downgraded in three years. It appears that it is not financially feasible for the Council to move from its present location due to the expenses it would incur. It has been shown it would be less costly to stay and renovate than to move. Liz Lubv. 721 Foster St., resident since 1968, came here because of the enthusiastic participation of residents in the community. Ed and Rosemary Pabst, her aunt and uncle were do-gooders. She loves Evanston for its beauty and the lake; stated that it is unequalled in the Chicago area, except for Oak Park. She did not want to lose the balance and perception of this community. Giving up this building is important to consider. When the municipal government moved into this building, it made a statement of caring about history and education. She has talked to no one who thinks that it is a good idea to move from 2100 Ridge. She urged Council to revisit relocating the Civic Center suggested no more development here. There is no community like Evanston anywhere. 3 April 10 2007 John Zbesko.,1120 Noyes St., went to a meeting about the Civic Center in the last century and since that time there has been no consensus reached on the Civic Center, its location, cost and how it will be paid for. Different alternatives have been presented by developers or preservationists. He has little confidence in any of the projected numbers. The contention over the Civic Center has reached a climax with a substantial grassroots organization and City Council in dueling referenda. Meanwhile there is a new crop of potholes, playing fields are swamp -like due to spring rains and the Civic Center continues to deteriorate. Too much time has been spent trying to decide what to do with the Civic Center; advised Council to punt; budget enough money to repair the building and move on to more pressing problems. This building has stood for 80 years and served Evanston for 30 years; was well built and, with some tender loving care, will last until there is a consensus among Evanston residents, not the special interest groups. CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Moran moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: approval of a Request for a Time Extension for the Planned Development at 1603 Orrington Ave. and a Request for a Subdivision Plat for 1037- 1041 Florence Ave. Seconded by Alderman Bernstein. Roll call. Voting aye — Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Hohnes, Moran. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0). ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA, MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 26, 2007 and the Special City Council Meeting of March 27, 2007. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston payroll for the period April 5, 2007 and City of Evanston bills through April 10, 2007 (FY 2006/07) and April 11, 2007 (FY 2007/08), authorized and charged to the proper accounts: City of Evanston payroll (through 04/05/07) $2,281,823.29 City of Evanston bills (through 04/10/07 FY 06/07) $ 650,164.72 City of Evanston bills (through 04/11/07 FY 07/08) $1,010,444.79 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid for the 2007 Sewer &Water Main Improvement Program contract from DNB Construction Co. (741 N. Michigan Ave., Villa Park) in the amount of $463,483.50. Funding provided by the Capital Improvement Program, and the Water and Sewer funds. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid for the Megowen Park Renovation Project from Great Lakes Landscape Co., Inc. (434 E. Devon Ave., Elk Grove Village) in the amount of $297,543. Funding provided bythe CIP. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid for the 2007 50/50 Sidewalk & Curb Replacement Program from Suburban Concrete Inc. (6 Sequoia Rd., Hawthorn Woods, IL) in the amount of $130,836. Funding provided by the CIP. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid for the Smith Park Renovation Project from Pedersen Construction Inc. (936 Holmes Ave., Deerfield) in the amount of $369,875. Funding provided by CDBG (07/08) and the CIP. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) 4 April 10 2007 * Approval of the contract renewal for Green Bay Road Landscape Maintenance with KGI Landscaping Company (P.O. Box 265, Skokie) in an amount of $53,802. Funding provided by the 2007/08 General Fund budget. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) *Approval of the purchase of 328 trees for spring planting from the Suburban Tree Consortium (West Central Municipal Conference, 1127 S. Manheim Rd., Westchester) in the amount of $69,226. Approval of an additional purchase for the contractual planting of 100 of the trees through STC, in the amount of $8,800 (total expenditure for trees/planting is $78,026). Funding provided by General Fund. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 15-R-07 — Authorize the Citv Manager to Execute a Letter of Understanding with the Village of Wilmette — Consideration of proposed Resolution 15-R-07, which authorizes the City Manager to execute a Letter of Understanding with the Village of Wilmette regarding a proposed 36- inch diameter interconnection between the two municipalities' water distribution systems. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0). * Ordinance 38-0-07 — Amends Citv Code to Add a Loading Zone — Oakton School Drivewav — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 38-0-07, which would amend Section 10-11-7, Schedule VII(B) of the City Code to add a loading zone on Austin St. from a point 60 feet west to a point 160 feet east of the Oakton School driveway, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: * Ordinance 36-0-07 — Special Use and Maior Variation Reauest for 1560 Oak Ave. — Consideration of a Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation to grant a special use and major variation for a cultural facility at 1560 Oak Ave. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 37-0-07 — Landmark Designation for 1414 Davis St. — Consideration of a recommendation from the Preservation Commission to designate 1414 Davis St. as an Evanston Landmark. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 39-0-07 — Extension of West Side TIF Moratorium — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 39-0-07, which extends the moratorium in the West Side TIF district for an additional 35 days. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Tisdahl moved to Suspend the Rules to adopt an ordinance at the same meeting at which it was introduced. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Motion carried unanimouslv. Alderman Tisdahl moved approval of Ordinance 39-0-07. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Roll call. Voting aye — Tisdahl, Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Holmes, Moran. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0). * Sidewalk Cafes for (2) Tvr)e 1 and (1) Tvpe 2 Restaurants — Consideration of the Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee's recommendation for approval of the sidewalk cafe applications of Trattoria D.O.C. (706 Main St.), Bat 17 (1709 Benson Ave.) and Linz & Vail (2012 Central St.) restaurants. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE * ADDroval of March 2007 Township Monthlv Bills — Consideration of a recommendation to approve the Township bills, payroll and medical payments for the month of March 2007 in the amount of 379 5 April 10 2007 $104,503.13. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) APPOINTMENTS: * Mayor Morton asked that the following appointments be introduced: Katy Bradford Arts Council 2605 Prairie Ave. Bruce Nelson Housing Commission 2632 Central Park Ave. Joanne Zolomij Housing Commission 1021 Brown Ave. Sarah H. Breen Housing & Community Development 811 Chicago Ave. Audrey Faye Henderson Housing & Community Development 714 Reba Pl. * Mayor Morton asked that the following reappointment be confirmed: Mark Sloane Playground & Recreation Board 1417 Lincoln St. For term ending April 15, 2012 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Request for a Time Extension for the Planned Development at 1603 Orrington Ave. — Consideration of a request from Golub & Company for a time extension and confirmation for project phasing for the planned development at 1603 and 1629 Orrington Ave., approved by Ordinance 57-0-05. Alderman Tisdahl reported that this item was held in committee. Reauest for a Subdivision Plat for 1037-1041 Florence Ave. - Consideration of the Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee's recommendation for approval of the request for a subdivision plat for 1037-1041 Florence Ave. Alderman Tisdahl moved approval of this item. The motion was seconded. Roll call. Voting aye — Rainey, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bemstein, Holmes. Voting nay— Tisdahl, Moran. Motion carried (7-2). CALL OF THE WARDS: 7t' Ward. No report. 81h Ward. Alderman Rainev made a reference to the Human Services Committee regardine the use of cell phones in vehicles. 6 April 10 2007 Alderman Rainey noted that the Township Assessor's office (funded by taxpayers) keeps its door locked due to danger. By locking the door, the public is kept out. If this corner is too dangerous, she urged that the police presence be intensified there. The door needs to be unlocked as other businesses there whose doors are unlocked. She asked the Police Department to deal with it. She commended new Chief Eddington, based on reports from Brummel Park neighbors who have indicated that things are calming down and are seeing an increase is Police presence. Ste Ward. No report. 1" Ward. No report. 2nd Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste was insulted by the tone of citizens who commented on the Civic Center, a matter Council has discussed for a long time. A report triggered the recommendation not to rehabilitate the Civic Center. They had analysis, open discussions, a consultant's advice, heard from neighbors and citizens, and established a framework for moving forward when they find an alternative site. They agreed to retain all of the green space and would favor a developer that would retain this building. An alternate site has not been identified. He thought they listened to constituents and have been open. They may stay if they don't find an alternative site. He did not believe they had been deceptive about raising the bond cap. He saw the 33% increase of taxes over eight years as 4% per year and reasonable considering the obligations Council confronts. It is true there are potholes, but a significant amount of money has been allocated for streets. A look around shows that Dodge, McCormick and other streets have been paved and they are moving forward. Overall, people may disagree with Council. He resented the insults hurled that they have abused power. He urged all to vote on April 17 as the community elects new school board members He announced an Evanston property tax seminar at the Levy Center on Monday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m. He urged women to speak out against the comments made by Don Imus about the Rutgers University Women's Basketball Team; thought they need to learn from this experience. 3rd Ward. Alderman Wynne also discussed the tone of the citizens who spoke. Council has been listening and none of them ever wanted to move. The City needs to pave the streets. They raised the bond cap so that they could improve streets and parks. She knows all love the architectural history of Evanston. One of her constituents suggested they create a state-of-the-art green building for a new Civic Center to look forward. Here is a chance to demonstrate looking forward. She thought the response to Don Imus by the Women's Basketball team of Rutgers University was the way to go. 41h Ward. Alderman Bernstein encouraged all to vote. While taxes have been raised, he noted that 69 cents of every tax dollar goes to public education in Evanston. He 'heard a real distrust and cynicism about leaders. Nobody is excited about the face of Evanston changing. It has a small geographic area and the community, if it is to grow, must grow upward. Some of the comments may be about the changing face of Evanston. It was never the intention to make it such, but to maintain a high quality of life here. For the past eight years they have interacted with residents and tried to do the right thing. It is not easy to find a new location and they may have to stay here for want of a better location. He noted the Friends of the Civic Center estimate the cost of rehab to stay here is $13 million. The annual capital improvement budget is $10 million. That means that more than the entire capital budget would be used and other things would suffer. He said the Robert Crown Center is not in good condition. The first analysis for rehabbing this building was estimated at $17 million in 1998 (the Doyle Report). The cost has escalated by $11 million. When they wanted to expand the parking lot, neighbors were unhappy. He stated that Council has only the best interest of Evanston at heart; urged them to disagree, but don't get personal. Reasonable people can differ. He stated they were trying to remain flexible for the. benefit of the City. �3Fi April 10 2007 5"' Ward. Alderman Holmes reported that on March 31, Fleetwood-Jourdain celebrated its 50a' anniversary. She invited Council to a workshop for block clubs at the Police Department, from 1 to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 14; invited all to the 5a' Ward meeting on April 19 when they will meet the newest Assistant City Manager, Finance Director and Chief of Police. Commissioner Larry Suffredin will also be present to talk about the re -assessment of property. She urged constituents to appeal their increased assessments. 61e Ward. Alderman Moran invited all to a joint meeting of the P&D Committee and the Plan Commission on Thursday evening, April 12 to consider the preliminary proposal for a long-term Central Street plan. He reported a discussion was held about subdivision of lots; urged attention be given to creation and passage of a subdivision ordinance, which is common in most municipalities. The absence of such means decisions are ministerial acts and there can be no discussion, which could be avoided in the future through the adoption of a subdivision ordinance. Alderman Moran noted this is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week As chairman of the Emergency Services Board he commended the people who work as telecommunicators; noted that Communications Coordinator Perry Polinski has been with the City 26 years. The week is dedicated to telecommunicators who aid and provide 9-1-1 assistance to callers. In 2006, 56,000 9-1-1 calls were answered and 65,000 non -emergency calls. More than 52,000 police and fire calls were dispatched. The term "9-1-1" is often associated with rapid emergency response, poise under pressure, aid and compassion in times of distress and critical decision -making within seconds. Many people don't stop to think about these seemingly nameless, faceless individuals until they experience actual emergencies themselves. These professionals make the difference between life and death in many instances. He asked all to join in recognizing the hard work and dedication of the staff of the Evanston 9-1-1 Communications Center. Dan Capesius,16 years of service; Steve Jackson, 8 years of service; Erik Casey and Julie Jensen, 7 years of service; Richard Clucas, 8 years of service; Curt Kuempel, 7 years of service; Joe DesJardins, 6 years of service; Jesse Ramsay and Lynn Fishman, 17 years of service; James Solomon, Phillip Gonzales and Michael Stonequist, 16 years of service; Carl Hasten, Linda Thompson and Deborah Hakimian, 17 years of service; Christopher Voss, 8 years of service; and Jeffrey Holdren and Tory Wideman, less than 1 year of service. He congratulated and thanked each for their service. He reported on a talk at the main Library by David Stevens, leader of Norther Ireland's Corrymeela Community. Mr. Stevens spoke about the coming together in Northern Ireland within the government. He gave the particulars that came together and understood the underlying forces. Some were interested in conflicts in other places and he wove those into his theme. Mr. Stevens said that all know what needs to be done. The question is --how would they get there. An Evanston resident had asked him to speak. It was a fascinating evening and an example of the good things that happen here. At 11:00 p.m. Alderman Berstein moved that Council convene into a Special Executive Session to discuss matters of personnel and closed session minutes pursuant to 5 Illinois Compiled Statutes 120/2 ( c) (1) and (21) as follows: (1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body, or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. (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 Holmes. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn and the Council so moved at 11:26 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.