HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2002-10-28-2002S07
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CITY COUNCIL
ROLL CALL - PRESENT:
A Quorum was present.
NOT PRESENT AT
ROLL CALL:
ABSENT:
PRESIDING:
Alderman Newman
Alderman Wynne
Alderman Bernstein
Alderman Jean -Baptiste
October 28, 2002
Alderman Kent
Alderman Moran
Alderman Engelman
Alderman Rainey
Mayor Morton and Alderman Feldman
Mayor pro tern Kent
City Clerk Mary Morris announced in the absence of Mayor Morton, nominations for the election of a Mayor pro tem
were in order and, in accordance with Council Rule 14.7, Alderman Kent was next on the list of Aldermen by seniority
who have not served as Mayor pro tem. Alderman Bernstein nominated Alderman Kent and moved that the nominations
be closed and that Alderman Kent be elected Mayor pro tem. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Motion carried. No nays.
The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor pro tem Kent Monday,
October 28, 2002 at 5:40 p.m. in the Aldermanic Library. Alderman Engelman moved that Council convene into Closed
Session for the purpose of discussing matters related to litigation and closed session minutes pursuant to 5ILCS Section
120/2 (c) (11) and (21). Seconded by Alderman Wynne.
(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.
(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.
Roll call. Voting aye — Newman, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Rainey. Voting nay — none. Motion
carried 7-0).
At 7:08 p.m. Alderman Wynne moved to reconvene into Open Session and recess. Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste.
Motion carried. No nays.
Mayor pro tem Kent reconvened the City Council at 9:08 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.
Announcements:
Public Works Director David Jennings announced that leaf collection had begun. Residents are asked to use either Kraft
paper bags (no plastic bags), yard waste cart or to compost leaves. (Information on composting is available at the
Ecology Center.) Weekend yard waste drop-off is offered through December 15 at the former recycling center Friday,
12-7 p.m., Saturday/Sunday, 8-5 p.m. He reminded all that gasoline powered leaf blowers are allowed through
December 14. Leaves are not to be raked or blown into the streets.
He announced that enforcement of the new extended parking meter hours (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) in downtown will
begin Monday, November 11.
Finance Director William Stafford announced that 2003 applications for vehicle stickers have been mailed; are due
January 10, 2003 and are on sale in the Collector's office with extended hours Saturday, November 2, from 9 a.m. to
noon to coincide with absentee voting in the Clerk's office.
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October 28, 2002
City Manager Roger Crum announced that Evanston's official Trick or Treat hours are Thursday, October 31, from
4:00-7:00 p.m.
Communications:
City Clerk Mary Morris announced that in -person absentee voting for the November 5 General Election would continue
through Monday, November 4, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours on Saturday, November 2
from 9:00 a.m. to noon in the City Clerk's office.
Clerk Morris announced that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Water, would conduct a public
hearing regarding the NPDES permit renewal application from Northwestern University's Central Utility Plant. The
hearing for oral and written comment will be Monday, December 2, 2002, at 2 p.m. in Peck Auditorium LR2,
Technological Institute, 2145 Sheridan Rd. Comment period is open until midnight January 2, 2003. Written comments
may be sent Officer Bill Seltzer, IEPA, Springfield and questions about the NPDES permit to Permit Engineer Ukanno
Foxworth, IEPA, Springfield. For telephone numbers and addresses call the City Clerk at (847) 866-2925.
CITIZEN COMMENT:
Sue Kleinman, 736 Ridge Ave., complained that the Council meeting started late and that people's time who were there
from the community was not respected.
Barbara Gardner,, 1015 Dobson St., Preservation Commission Chairman, reported at the last commission meeting, they
had unanimously affirmed opposition to mast arm traffic signals. She noted Ridge Avenue has traffic signals every
second street and mast arms would be too intrusive. The commission also voted unanimously to have one alternative.
IDOT made an exception for Michigan Avenue regarding mast arm signals because they were so ugly. She hoped they
would go along with staff and consulting parties regarding the one preferred alternative and affirm that decision.
Vera Chatz. 1430 Ridge Ave., described the various meetings that were held on the Ridge Avenue Traffic Signal Project
and the drafting of a proposed agreement. She thanked staff for their work and was happy with the process. Post top
signals are recommended with larger brighter lights and a jurisdictional transfer of Ridge Avenue from the state to the
city with a request for funds to rebuild Ridge Avenue. She said that despite the state's insistence on mast arm signals,
exceptions have been made. The next step is a public meeting then a meeting of all parties to agree on a single proposal.
She knows that all care about the appearance of the City and thanked all that worked on this project.
Gabrielle Roeder. 936 Ridge Ave., stated that traffic is the lifeblood of commercial districts; suggested that the city
encourage motorists to use business district streets.
Anne O. Earle. 1580 Ashland Ave., stated that she co-authored the Ridge Avenue Historic District nomination in 1982;
pointed out the historic district extends north of Main to Church St. and noted few modern intrusions on Ridge. She
recalled more than 20 years ago residents had fought off installation of Davit -arm street lighting and retained the
Tallmadge lights designed by resident Thomas Eddy Tallmadge. She urged that post -top traffic signals be retained.
CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*)
Alderman Engelman moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with the following exceptions: Resolution 72-R-02
— ComEd Vegetation Management Agreement and Appeal of Site Plan & Appearance Review Decision — 515 Main St.
Seconded by Alderman .Rainey. Roll call. Voting aye — Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Moran,
Engelman, Rainey. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (8-0).
* ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA
MINUTES:
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* Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 14, 2002 and Special City Council Meeting of
October 9, 2002. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS:
* Approval, as recommended, of the City of Evanston payroll for the period ending October 24, 2002 and the City of
Evanston bills for the period ending October 29, 2002 and that they be authorized and charged to the proper accounts,
summarized as follows:
City of Evanston payroll (through 10/24/02) $1,907,148.14
City of Evanston bills (through 10/29/02) $4,927,577.30
* APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of M. Moeschel Construction Company for masonry repairs
(tuckpointing) at the Water Plant at a cost of $154,450.00. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND
ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the sole source purchase for Optio Print Software and Consulting Services at a cost of $57,185.
APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
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* Chanee Order #3 of Phase VI -Contract C Relief Sewer Proiect — Consideration of a
recommendation of Change Order #3 of Phase VI, Contract C Relief Sewer Project, which would
increase the contract amount by $17,059.92, from $5,337,448 to $5,354,547.92. * APPROVED —
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Review of Ridge Avenue Traffic Siena] Report — Consideration of a recommendation to review and
approve the 106 Report for the Ridge Avenue traffic signal project. * APPROVED — CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Resolution 75-R-02 — Avolvine for Desienation as a Section 5310 Public Bodv Provider of
Transportation Services — Consideration of proposed Resolution 75-R-02, which authorizes the City
Manager to apply for designation as a Section 5310 Public Body Provider of Transportation Services.
* APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Ordinance 105-0-02 — Amendine Taxi Ordinance to Permit Global Positionine via Satellite
Computerized Dispatchine Service — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 105-0-02, which amends
Section 3-19-5 of the Taxi Ordinance to permit GPS Dispatching Service. * MARKED
INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 107-0-02 — Borrowine Funds from IEPA for Phase X of Lone Ranee Sewer
Improvement Program — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 107-0-02, which authorizes the City
to borrow funds from the Water Pollution Revolving Loan Fund for Phase X of the Long Range
Sewer Improvement Program. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 108-0-02 — Transfer of Jurisdiction for Vehicle Post -Tow Hearines — Consideration of
proposed Ordinance 108-0-02, which amends Title 10, Chapter 6 of the City Code to transfer
jurisdiction for vehicle post -tow hearings and amend certain other provisions regarding administrative
adjudication. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
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* Ordinance 97-0-02 — Decreasing the Number of Class C Liauor Licenses — Consideration of
proposed Ordinance 97-0-02, introduced October 14, 2002, which amends Section 3-5-6(C)
decreasing the number of Class C licenses, not to exceed 19 at any one time, due to the closing of
Jalapeno Mexican Restaurant, 726 Clark. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA & ROLL CALL (8-0)
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT:
* Approval of Homeless Shelter Exemption — Consideration of request to approve a one-year
extension of the exemption (granted by Ord. 49-0-86) from special use provisions for the homeless
shelter at 607 Lake St. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Ordinance 109-0-02 — Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment: Buildine Lot Coverage — Consideration
of proposed Ordinance 109-0-02, amending the Zoning Ordinance concerning maximum building
lot coverage in the six residential districts. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 110-0-02 — Special Use and Variances for 1945 Darrow (Church Parking Lot) —
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 110-0-02 to grant a special use and variances to permit Faith
Temple Church of God in Christ to use 1945 Darrow as accessory parking. * MARKED
INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
Alderman Bernstein asked that this item be sent back to the committee for further discussion.
OTHER COMMITTEES:
* Resolution 77-R-02 — Retail Space — Consideration of proposed Resolution 77-R-02, which
authorizes the City Manager to execute a retail space lease in the Sherman Ave. Self Park with
Sherman Plaza Venture. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Resolution 78-R-02 — Parking Lease for Health Club in Sherman Plaza — Consideration of proposed
Resolution 78-R-02, which authorizes the City Manager to execute a parking lease with Lakeshore
for the Health Club in Sherman Plaza. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL
CALL (8-0)
* Resolution 79-R-02 — Parkina Lease for the Retail Space in Sherman Plaza — Consideration of
proposed Resolution 79-R-02, which authorizes the City Manager to execute a retail space parking
lease with Sherman Plaza Venture. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL
CALL (8-0)
* Resolution 80-R-02 — First Amendment to Public Improvements Construction Agreement —
Consideration of proposed Resolution 80-R-02, which authorizes the City Manager to sign the first
amendment to the public improvements construction agreement for Sherman Plaza. * APPROVED
— CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Ordinance 99-0-02 — Second Amendment to Redevelopment Agreement — Consideration of
proposed Ordinance 99-0-02, introduced October 14, 2002, authorizing the City Manager to sign the
second amendment to the redevelopment agreement for Sherman Plaza. * ADOPTED CONSENT
AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Ordinance 100-0-02 — Reciprocal Easement and Operating Agreement — Consideration of proposed
Ordinance 100-0-02, introduced October 14, 2002, which authorizes the City Manager to sign a
reciprocal easement and operating agreement for Sherman Plaza. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA
AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
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APPOINTMENTS:
Mayor pro tern Kent asked for confirmation of the following appointments:
Nancy Yalowitz Commission on Aging
1700 Hinman Ave.
For term ending November 1, 2005
Natalie Birk M/W/EBE Committee
576 Sheridan Sq.
For term ending November 1, 2004
Betsi Burns Jacobson Playground & Recreation Board
2408 Ridgeway Ave.
For term ending November 1, 2007
Geraldine Macsai Public Art Committee
1501 Hinman Ave.
For term ending November 1, 2005
Michael Seligman Public Art Committee
332 Custer Ave.
For term ending November 1, 2005
Marie Figaro Taxicab Advisory Board
1123 Emerson
For term ending November 1, 2005
Stina L. Hirsch Taxicab Advisory Board
820-B Dodge Ave.
For term ending November 1, 2005
*APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES
ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS:
* Resolution 72-R-02 — Commonwealth Edison Vegetation Management Agreement — Consideration
of proposed Resolution 72-R-02, which authorizes the City Manager to sign a ComEd Vegetation
Management Agreement outlining acceptable trimming, removal, selection and replacement of trees
in Evanston.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste reported that this item was held in committee.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved approval of $900 for tuition for City employees to Leadership Evanston. Seconded by
Alderman Moran.
Alderman Rainey opposed the use of taxpayer funds to pay for employees to attend Leadership Evanston. She found
it ironic that $900 in tuition is paid for a staff member to attend this program to get training by a senior staff member.
She noted that people who are with non-profit organizations who attend this program do not pay $900. She suggested
if a staff person wishes to attend Leadership Evanston, they pay from their pocket. She did not think that Leadership
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Evanston provides anything for a City employee; was told this program helps people get a better understanding of the
community, so they can volunteer and take leadership roles. Employees would not be volunteering to serve on boards.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste understood that there is an array of experts from the City and the community who participate
in this educational process to update new hires to better serve residents.
Alderman Moran spoke in favor of Leadership Evanston; disagreed with Alderman Rainey on the worth of the program.
He said that people come from all over the community who are entering leadership roles. He said the real reason to bring
emerging leaders is to meet each other and so they understand how various institutions here relate. He noted that
frequently leadership seminars charge $1,000 a day. For $900, there is a year's worth of training. He was grateful to
Leadership Evanston for taking on this role.
Alderman Newman stated they ought to support leadership training but not with taxpayer money. He believed the City's
training budget should be used to gain expertise in particular fields for staff. He called it a great program but that it does
not add anything tangible to City employees. He has attended and thought it was not training but a discussion group.
Alderman Wynne favored sending City employees to the training. She has served on panels at Leadership Evanston and
recalled that many discussions were about City Council type issues. The last meeting she attended was about the
consensus decision -making process, which she found fascinating. She thought the training was not about particular
techniques but City employees, who are in the public sector, would benefit from how people interact with others. She
stated that leadership is a skill; noted the organization offers an in-depth history of Evanston. She supports Leadership
Evanston and that employees have access to this training.
Alderman Rainey stated there was no hope for the City budget; said this is not a program for taxpayer's money and it
wastes people's money. She pointed out to send one employee to this would take nearly a third of a $3,000 tax bill. She
said that nobody is trashing Leadership Evanston and if it is so helpful to the employees they should pay.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste thought there was unanimity that this was a valuable program and they were voting whether
or not to pay this bill. There was a question as to at what level they should pay, which could be discussed another time
in committee.
Alderman Bernstein urged they vote to pay the bill and discuss whether to reduce the money for training or if they want
people to participate. He saw it as an opportunity for participants to look outside their own area.
Alderman Newman said he would vote to pay this; recalled they had reduced money for training last year. He said this
throws open how those funds are used. He wanted to see employees trained with specific skills that relate to their jobs.
Roll call. Voting aye — Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Rainey. Voting nay — none.
Motion carried (8-0).
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT:
* Anneal of Site Plan and Annearance Review Decision —515 Main St. — Consideration of an appeal
from Legacy Development concerning the siting of an emergency generator at the aforementioned
address.
Alderman Bernstein reported that this item was held in committee.
Alderman Engelman, Budget Policy Committee Chairman, moved to hold a special City Council meeting on November
18 for the purpose of discussing the budget and a special City Council meeting on December 9 for the City Manager's
evaluation. Seconded by Alderman Bernstein. Motion carried. No nays.
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Alderman Engelman invited residents who think taxes are too high, are concerned where the City gets its money and
where it goes, or have something they believe the City should be doing, or is not doing, to come to the next Budget
Outreach meeting Wednesday, October 30 at 7:00 p.m. at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center on Foster Street.
CALL OF THE WARDS:
V Ward. Alderman Newman stated that evening was monumental for downtown Evanston as they took the last step
to move forward on the Sherman Plaza project. He recalled six years ago when a RFP was put out for the Sherman block
and the City received one proposal from someone who suggested a Boston Chicken. After the Hill project came forth,
a parking study was done, the Parking Committee recommended replacing the Sherman Avenue Parking garage and
have a project to make downtown even better. More special things will occur after this project is built. There will be
a new parking garage with 1,300 parking spaces, more than 200,000 square feet of retail and 229 new condominiums.
He recalled the confidence Council had in the Hill project despite some concerns in the community and the word used
was "connectivity" which they have plenty of to the downtown. There are more plans in the works for Orrington
Avenue. He said this is an exciting time for Evanston and thanked all staff members who worked on this, especially
Roger Crum and Judy Aiello. Alderman Newman moved that namine of the new earaee be referred to the Parkine
Committee. Motion carried. No nays.
Alderman Newman reported attending the Budget Policy Committee meeting and noted memorandums are out stating
the City is $3-5 million short. He has met with the City Manager and Finance Director and reviewed with them almost
all the key projections in the budget. He suggested that on November 18 they focus on projections. He thinks the gap
is closer to $3 million and did not see how they could get out of this by just raising taxes. He said they will have to make
significant sacrifices on spending priorities they like. They need to get in touch with the projections and get a handle
on what the real problem is so they can solve it. He said there are tough decisions to be made and many jobs will have
to be looked at which is painful. He asked Mr. Crum to distribute the projections before the meeting.
2nd Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste understood that they were to have a report from ETHS regarding their training
program because TIF funds go to Districts 65 and 202. He noted resources are scattered for training and guidance for
young adults at ETHS and Youth Job Service. At the CD Committee they have encouraged the Youth Job Service to
stay in close touch with ETHS so they can reach more youth. He noted the Ben & Jerry Partner proposal, which is a
collaborative effort to provide entrepreneurial, management training, business development and long-term guidance.
He reported the CD Committee had a special meeting to discuss access to training and work; thought there are many
resources but they are scattered. He did not think they were managing the perception that these resources are available
in the community. He would like to hear about ETHS programs.
He stated a good friend's 19-year old son was shot near Howard St recently. The family wished to extend appreciation
to the Evanston Police Department, which took special care to reach out to the young man's sisters and family. The
North Shore Task Force has been on top of this from the beginning and also worked with the family. He said it was
unfortunate that they cannot prevent these events from happening.
3`d Ward. No report
4" Ward. Alderman Bernstein reported attending a meeting of the newly formed District 65 Foundation, which will
supplement resources for District 65.
He reported a meeting on the Civic Center's future was cancelled due to a budget outreach meeting the same night and
will be rescheduled; thanked Facilities Management Director Max Rubin for the Civic Center analysis. He said a
committee of aldermen will investigate the concept of a Civic Center. At the retreat, all agreed it was an important
concern due to $20 million in repairs required for the present structure. He thanked colleagues for their vote on the
Ridge Avenue Traffic Signal project. He said it was the beginning of a lengthy process that will restore post -top signals.
He noted the City Manager's evaluation is December 9 and asked staff to forward evaluation forms to each alderman.
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He wished all a happy and safe Halloween and urged all to vote on November 5.
5`" Ward. Mayor pro tern Kent urged all to come to the Wednesday, October 30 Budget Outreach meeting at 7:00 p.m.
at Fleetwood-Jourdain Center. He announced Monday, November 4 there would be a District 65 meeting on a 5" Ward
school and it was important for ward residents to attend.
6" Ward. No report.
7" Ward. No report.
8`" Ward. Alderman Rainey spoke of the murder that took place in an 8" Ward alley; said it appeared to be a gangland
hit and this has to stop.
Regarding the budget, she noted 141 lines of EMS calls to NU properties since January 1, 2002. These are calls made
by fire trucks, ambulances and EMS trained personnel financed by the taxpayers of Evanston. She stated something has
to be done and the community cannot continue to subsidize a university that has a $3 billion endowment for 441
police/fire calls since January 1, 2002. She said this university has to pay for the services it receives. The community
cannot afford to pay for services to a non -taxpaying entity.
9" Ward. No report
There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor pro tem Kent asked for a motion to adjourn. The
Council so moved at 10:18 p.m.
Mary P. Morris, .
City Clerk
A videotape recording of this meeting has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the Citv Clerk's office
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