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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2007-03-12-2007cE U O,x CITY COUNCIL * March 12, 2001 ROLL CALL — PRESENT: Alderman Holmes Alderman Wollin* Alderman Moran.. Alderman Jean -Baptiste Alderman Tisdahl Alderman Wynne A Quorum was present. Alderman Hansen Alderman Bernstein * Alderman Wollin was present via satellite conference call because she was attending a National Cities conference in Washington, D.C. ABSENT: Alderman Rainey PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morfon . The OFFICIAL REGULMEETING of the City Council was calledio. order by Mayor Morton on Monday, Mar AR ch 12;, 2007, at 8:30 p.m. iit the Council Chamber. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Public Works Director David Jennings announced that, the Illinois Department of Public Health. conducts an audit and inspection of the water plant's lab twice annually. Evanstonn s lab scored 100%. He recognized Eleanore Meade, Chemist , and Microbiologist Al Diaz-lVlazarredo and congratulated them on outstanding work. Mr. Jennings invited residents to a Public Information meeting on the Ridge Avenue Project on Tuesday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber where the ;design process and proposed plan would be presented.; He announced that the -Streets & Sanitation Department would change some routes for refuse and recycling pick up effective April 2. Detailed information is available on the City's website.at www.cityofevanston:org and handbills will be distributed to residents, impacted by the change. Mr. Jennings announced that street cleaning and yard waste.pick up would resume on April 2. Streets.swept at night last year will now be cleaned during, the day. He announced starting in April that the City would hold a Bulk Trash Day for each of the four trash, collection districts in lieu of placing a Dumpster in neighborhoods, for. disposal of large items. On, Bulk Trash Day, items are placed on the parkway. There is no hazardous waste collection. The City will continue to have special pick ups. Assistant City Manager Judith Aiello recognized Interim Police Chief Dennis Nilsson, who was attending his last City Council meeting, noted he was hired after returning from Vietnam in 1969; promoted to. sergeant in 1987; promoted to lieutenant in 1990; promoted to commander in 1996; promoted to deputy chief in 2004 and served as Interim Chief of Police from July 2006 until March 16, 2007. She noted he had started community policing in Evanston; served in Patrol, Youth Division, Crime Prevention, Foot Patrol, Traffic, Special Operations, Communications, Support and Administrative Services. He was a founding member of the Regional Community Policing Policy Institute, the lead trainer for the Institute for Public Safety Partnership; an adjunct faculty member at Northwestern University; and presented at the Illinois Criminal Justice Authority on community policing; traveled all over the nation speaking on that topic. He is a certified instructor in anti -terrorism. She stated that Dennis Nilsson has been the heart and soul of the Police Department and will be missed; thanked him and his wife for 37'/z years of service to Evanston. She invited Council and the community to a retirement party in his honor Wednesday afternoon, March 14 in the Parasol Room. Mayor Morton stated that Dennis Nilsson was a man of integrity, unassuming, smart, and really is an educator. She commended him. Mr. Nilsson was proud and happy to have been able to serve the community. 2G � 2 March 12, 2007 Mayor Morton thanked Council members and the community who expressed their condolences on the passing of her sister. She especially appreciated friends as she is the only one left of nine children. COMMUNICATIONS: City Clerk Mary P. Morris announced that voter registration for the April 17 Consolidated Election would close on Tuesday, March 20, 2007. March 21 through April 3 there is Grace Period registration at the Cook County Clerk's office, 69 W. Washington. CITIZEN COMMENT:. John B. Kennedv. 1119 Hinman Ave., spoke about the upcoming April .17 election and the two referendums on the ballot on the same question, which was highlighted in a recent RoundTable editoriatin which the Council's question seemed at minimum confusing and at worst misleading. By Council members own statements, the $31 million figure is not correct, (the real figure being two-thirds of that amount). Council said they.will educate "residents about the real cost, the cost they . really meant. But the Council cannot use City resources to communicate.this discrepancy to'the voters and he doubted that many. of the aldermen have the time and resources to spend on this effort. Will they print flyers and how will they - distribute them? Will they raise money to place ads in the local press? How will -'they raise: funds to pay for this? Looking realistically-at.what needs to be done to -educate Evanston'residents as to their real intention, rather than what is printed on the ballot, is a daunting task. Say7-10,000 residents actually vote in this election. How will Council be assured that a "no" vote is based upon the revised figure or is the actual vote a "no" vote for the wrong figure of $31 million. Likewise, is a "yes" vote for the higher or, lower figure? If Council is sincemabout tapping -into the sentiments of voters, how will anyone know how to interpret, the results, irrespective of the effort that Council and the press put into educating voters that what is printed on the ballotis not really $31 million, but actually $20 million or some other figure: Unfortunately, the.referendum question cannot be changed and it might be withdrawn. If Council withdrew their. question,, that would leave the citizens' question. He understood that Council thought the group's version was a "feel good" question without dollars mentioned.. Who wouldn't vote for their question? He stated that was not the case. Their group never intended to float a question without facts and some estimates behind it. They were organizing a campaign to do just that. At the last Civic Center Committee meeting; he communicated that they want to work with the City to arrive at realistic costs. It made no sense for the City to come 'up with one figure:for the roof and -their group another. He proposed that they work together on estimates and projections and look at the details together and come up with some realistic scenarios that everyone can believe. That includes estimates of what it will cost to build a new Civic Center. If they are putting this before the voters, both sides of the equation, $20 million for $20 million.has to be examined. -He urged Council to swallow their pride and voluntarily remove the confusing question. Then let. all focus on presenting real facts, figuresand scenarios. Let residents vote `.`yes" or "no" to the remaining question: "Shall the City of Evanston municipal government rehabilitate and. continue to reside in the Civic Center.located at 2100 Ridge?" CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Moran moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these. exceptions: Ordinance 3-0-07 — Special Assessment No. 1489 — Alley Paving and Ordinance 30-0-07 — Re-establish the moratorium on new construction building permits .in the revised Moratorium Area for thirty (30) days: Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Roll call. Voting aye — Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay —none. Motion carried (8.01. ITEMS APPROVED ON- CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Special City Council Meetings of February 5 and February 19, 2007 and the Regular City Council Meeting of February 26, 2007. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston payroll for the period February 22, 2007 and City of Evanston bills for the period ending February 27, 2007, authorized and charged to the proper accounts: 3 March 12, 2007 City of Evanston payroll (through 03/09/07) $2,212,770.47 City of Evanston bills (through 03/12/07) $3,118,495.87 City of Evanston bills (through 03/13/07) $ 32,737.90 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the contract to Scott Balice Strategies (20 N. Wacker Dr., Chicago) as financial advisors for the City of Evanston for a three-year period. The fee is $1.00 per bond. Funding is provided by bond proceeds. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the contract to purchase four (4) police cars for a total cost of $105,397. This includes two (2) police packages 2007 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor sedans from Landmark Ford (2401 Prairie Crossing Dr., Springfield) in the amount of $51,298; one (1) Dodge Charger Police Pursuit sedan from Bob Ridings (931 Springfield Rd., Taylorsville, IL) in the amount of $28,499 and one (1) Dodge Charger Administrative Model in the amount of $25,600. Prices are reflective of State of Illinois Bid Specifications. Funding provided by FY 2007-08 Fleet Services budget. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Resolution 9-R-07 — Intent to Reimburse CIP 2007-08 Expenditures from Proceeds of an Obligation — Consideration of proposed Resolution 9-R-07, which resolves that the City of Evanston expects to reimburse or pay the CIP 2007-08 expenditures with proceeds of an obligation, the maximum principal amount of which will be $12 million. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Ordinance 1-0-07 — Special Assessment No. 1487 (alley paving) — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 1-0-07, which authorizes construction of local improvement known as Special Assessment No. 1487 the paving of the alley north of Kedzie St. and east of Michigan Ave. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 2-0-07 — Special Assessment No. 1488 (alley paving) Consideration of proposed Ordinance 2-0-07, which authorizes construction of local improvement known as Special Assessment No. 1488 the paving of the alley north of Clark St. and east of Chicago Ave. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 20-0-07 — Establish Class Z Liquor License — Wine/Beer Tasting at Wine Educational Venue — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 20-0-07, which amends Section 3-5-6 of the City Code to create a Class Z liquor license to allow for wine/beer tasting on the premises of a cooking school, education wine school or educational wine class. * MARKED INTRODUCED- CONSENT AGENDA PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: * Ordinance 32-0-07 — Inclusionary Housing Ordinance — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 32-0- 07, which would amend Title 5, Chapter 6 of the City Code to include an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved to Suspend the Rules to adopt an ordinance at the same meeting at which it was introduced. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried unanimously. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved approval of Ordinance 32-0-07. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Roll call. Voting aye — Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay —none. Motion carried (8-0). 3 C0 5 4 March 12, 2007 * Ordinance 33-0-07 — Extends the Moratorium on the Issuance of Construction Buildine Permits in the West Evanston TIF District— Consideration ofproposed Ordinance 33-0-07, which re-establishes the moratorium on new building construction in the revised Moratorium Area for thirty (30) days, to expire on April 12, 2007. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved to Suspend the Rules to adopt an ordinance at the same meeting at which it was introduced. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried unanimouslv. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved approval of Ordinance 33-0-07. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Roll call. Voting aye — Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay —none. Motion carried (8-0). * Reauest for uD to $5,950 in Families in Transition Funds for One Year from Connections for the Homeless — Consideration of the Housing Commission recommendation to approve the application from Connections for the Homeless for a rental subsidy through the Mayor's Special Housing Fund for a family under the 40% of Area Medium Income and the agency will provide supportive services. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE * ADDroval of February 2007 Township Monthlv Bills — Consideration of a recommendation to approve the Township bills, payroll and medical payments for the month of February 2007 in the amount of $85,787.60. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Resolution 2-R-07 — ADDroval of the Evanston Youth Council — Consideration of proposed Resolution 2-R-07, which establishes an Evanston Youth Council in support of the Strategic Plan and in support of the Youth Engagement Initiative. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton asked that the following reappointments be introduced: Lois Roewade Arts Council 933 Maple Ave. Kurt Schauer Arts Council 933 Asbury Ave. Robert Romain Board of Ethics 1108 Harvard Tr. Janet P. Sullivan Human Relations Commission 1300 Rosalie St. Thomas Prairie Preservation Commission 625 Madison St. Katherine Best Public Art Committee 1426 Chicago Ave. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA 3h� 5 March 12, 2007 REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Ordinance 3-0-07 - Special Assessment No. 1489 (alley pavinO Consideration ofproposed Ordinance 3=0-07; which authorizes construction of local improvement known as Special Assessment No. 1488 the paving of the alley north. of Noyes St. and east of the CTA. tracks (Noyes Court). Alderman Holmes reported that this item was held in committee. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance 30-0-07 - Maior Variation Reaue't for 2045 Brown Ave. = Consideration of the Zoning. Board of Appeals recommendation to giant a major variation for 29.off-street parking spaces for a .: religious: institution at 2045, Brown Ave.. Alderman Jean -Baptiste. asked that Ordinance 30-0,07 be "marked introduced." Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved to Suspend the'.Rules to adopt an ordinance at the same meeting at which it was 'introduced.. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried unanimously.; ' Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved approval "of Ordinance 33-0-07.. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Roll call. Voting aye = Holmes, Moran, Tisdahl, Hansen, Wollin, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay —none. Motion carried (8-0). CALL OF THE WARDS: T 5`h Ward. Alderman Holmes invited all to the regular 5`h Ward meeting this Thursday at Fleetwood-Jourdain at 7:00 p.m: She acknowledged Deputy Chief Nilsson; thanked him for his wonderful service and said it had been a pleasure to work with him. She was elated that they would see a new face Brown and Simpson with the purchase of 2045 Brown Ave. 6`h Ward. Alderman Moran asked staff to return to Council at the next meeting with a proposed ordinance to adopt the recommendations of the Housing Commission regarding a Housing Trust Fund and procedures. He thanked Dennis Nilsson for his great work over the years. As chair of the 911 Committee, he noted that Deputy Chief Nilsson has been there the whole time as a supporter. and wise counsel. He wished him well in his teaching endeavors. 71h Ward. Alderman Tisdahl joined in thanking Deputy Chief Nilsson, who has done a terrific job; came to a 7d' Ward meeting on crime ,and was wonderful He has, been there every time he was needed. On behalf of students, before they graduate, those who requested the blue lights would like a 911 meeting on the blue lights. 81h Ward. No report. 91h Ward. Alderman Hansen said it was a tremendous experience to work with Interim Chief Nilsson and she was proud to have worked with him. She thanked him for his years of service and wished him good luck. Vt Ward. Alderman Wollin added her congratulations for a happy retirement to Interim Chief Nilsson and welcomed him to the world of education. She seconded Alderman Tisdahl's request to see action on the blue lights. 2"d Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste thanked Chief Nilsson; said his unassuming disposition sometimes may have been misleading because of the wealth of information and leadership that he provided to the City. He appreciated his work. 61-9 6 March 12, 2007 Alderman Jean -Baptiste acknowledged that evening.they approved a resolution to set up an Evanston Youth Council to further integrate youth into the City. Sheila McCorkle worked hard under the leadership of Judith Aiello and this is another milestone in reaching out to youth and doing for them what they've deemed important. 3rd Ward. Alderman Wynne thanked Chief Nilsson for all his years of service to Evanston; said that he will be missed and his wealth of experience at the Police Department: 4`h Ward. Alderman Bernstein reminded everybody to register to vote and vote. Of every tax dollar, 68 cents goes to the two schools, so school board members are important. He wished good luck to the Evanston Wildkits basketball team, which is on its way to the state championships Alderman Bernstein made a reference to the Human Services Committee. reeardine the eround feedinE_ ordinance. which Drohibits feedine birds and animals on the eround. This is beine subverted by Dersons putting troughs on the eround and feeding. He asked that the ordinance be modified in some way to deal with the troughs. He made a reference to the Plan Commission. which is dealinE with lot sizes: There are numerous situations where there are coach houses behind Drincival dwelling units. The code does not allow two Drincinal dwelline units on one lot or to have flaw lots. which means the dwelline has to front the street to be a legal accommodation. People live in coach houses . and current law does not prohibif the. conversion of two units into a two unit condominium. The State of Illinois authorizes them and banks make loans on them. This would take rental Dronertv and turn it into a fee eeneratine_ taxable, . DroDerty and the owner could divest him or herself of the nronerfy. All rules would atiDly. , Alderman Bernstein said that Dennis'Nilsson. was the first walking patrolman in Evanston in the Nichols neighborhood. and endeared himself to people living there.. He knew everybody's name. His children and others called ChiefNilsson by his first name and came to him with information. He said the City would miss him terribly :and wished him good luck: Mayor Morton made an inquiry about available housing funds. Community Development Director Jim Wolinski'stated -. that there is $2.2 million in Home Funds and $90,000 in the Demolition Fund. There being no. further business to come before the Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn and the Council so moved at 9:•12 p.m. Mary P. Morris; City Clerk.. A videotape recording of this meeting has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the City Clerk's office. 1 1