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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2002-09-23-20021 1 CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL - PRESENT: A Quorum was present. NOT PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: ABSENT: PRESIDING: pF EVgM� kCOt Alderman Feldman Alderman Newman Alderman Jean -Baptiste Aldermen Rainey, Bernstein, Kent None Mayor Lorraine H. Morton September 23, 2002 Alderman Wynne, Alderman Moran Alderman Engelman The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton Monday, September 23, 2002 at 5:17 p.m. in the Aldermanic Library. Alderman Feldman moved that Council convene into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing matters related to litigation, real estate and closed session minutes pursuant to 5ILCS Section 120/2 (c) (5), (6), (11) and (21). Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste. (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. (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 — Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Moran, Engelman. Voting nay — none. Motion carried t6. At 8: 07 p.m. Alderman Wynne moved to reconvene into Open Session and recess. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Motion carried. No nays. Mayor Morton reconvened the City Council at 10:16 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. Announcements: New Director of Purchasing & Contracts Bobbie Tolston-Brown announced the 4`' annual M/W/EBE Vendor Fair/Exhibit Wednesday, October 16. Public Works Director David Jennings announced that "Ride Evanston Week" September 23-27 celebrates Evanston's transportation conveniences with events at CTA and Metra stations to promote public transit use. There would be an open house Thursday, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Main Street Metra Station which is being restored through a CMAQ grant. Finance Director Bill Stafford reported Evanston retained its Aaa bond rating and VMIG I rating. Moody's analysis noted that the City had operating surpluses for the last three years; Council's willingness to balance the budget consistently and strong financial accountability. Moody's also complimented the City on the TIFs and special assessments, which have strong activity and on capital improvement planning. Many cities do no capital improvement planning, while Evanston has done so for years. The Aa I rating was also retained on the water revenue bonds. q6q 2 September 23 2002 He reported that on September 19, the City issued $2.5 million of GO water revenue refunding bonds from which the City saved $205,000 (8.4%) and exceeded expectations. There were two issues of special service area bonds of $3.5 million, which got $112,000 (3.11%) savings. On the $14 million in capital improvement bonds, total interest cost is 4.06%, the lowest in 40 years. On two thirds of the issue, rates were below 3% for the first three years. Mr. Stafford stated the City would go to the market on Wednesday to issue variable rate bonds for the proposed Sherman Avenue garage. The ordinance for adoption that evening would give authority to bid for a cap or swap on those bonds. They are considering a 3% rate swap for five years. A3%rate swap for this year would cost another $525,000, which is too high. They priced a cap at 4.75% with a 7% knockout, which means when interest rates reach 7%, the City would pay. Banks would pay 4.75% up to 7% and after 7% the City would pay. The City can get that for $140,000 for 3-5 years, which is a better and cheaper alternative. Alderman Newman confirmed that water rates have not been raised since 1998 and moved that the financial report be included in the minutes of this meeting. Mayor Morton announced that the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) Administration Building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 13, 2002. Communications: City Clerk Mary Morris announced extended hours for voter registration for the November 5 General Election, Saturdays: September 28 and October 5 from 9:00 a.m. to noon in the City Clerk's office. CITIZEN COMMENT: Tommis Williams, 1301 Brummel St., stated that job discrimination is a growing problem in Evanston for African Americans and asked what Council proposed to do about it. People who live here cannot get jobs. He said that African Americans are turned down and jobs go to outsiders. They cannot get 17% or so of jobs set aside for Evanston residents. Mayor Morton stated the staff person who deals with this would be informed. Alderman Feldman stated the CD Committee would meet October 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the Civic Center where people could get questions answered. Alderman Newman responded to Mr. Williams's assertion that 17% of jobs are set aside for Evanston residents. He understood that 25% is set aside for minority or women owned companies. Under that requirement subcontractors can come from anywhere. He understood projects such as the Hill project can use subcontractors from women and minority groups for the 25% set aside. There is no rule for individuals except Evanston businesses. He has received no information that residents were hired on projects except to build the library; urged that this be cleared up for the community and asked how many residents get jobs due to the program? Alderman Kent suggested that Mr. Williams come to the CD meeting with others who have applied for jobs but have been pushed away; explained that when minority businesses are discussed it isn't about individuals looking for a job. He suggested a discussion on how minority persons can get jobs similar to the sewer program where participants got a union card; acknowledged it is an ongoing problem. Bennett J. Johnson. 1229 Emerson St., clarified that Mr. Williams, a union member for 28 years, was talking about his plight. Contractors who have contracts with the City discriminated against Williams. He said the city fathers and mothers have a responsibility for the City. As head of the local NAACP, he is an advocate and a black who has lived here most of his life. He has seen the other side of the City that reminded him of Charles Dickens who wrote stories because he wanted citizens of London to understand that dysfunction and treatment of children affected all in England. Evanston has people living on the west and south sides of town who use drugs, have a negative relationship with law enforcement and are primarily black. He said from experience, once they get somebody from 17-25 years of age into gainful employment, they lose interest in "that corner." They see millions of dollars flow through Evanston and have not held contractors' feet to the fire to make sure they hire black kids and get them off the street, which would eliminate many social problems and improve Evanston's civic health. y70 3 September 23 2002 CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with the following exceptions: Resolution 70-R-02 — Adopting a New Energy Policy, Ordinance 85-0-02 — Life Safety/Sprinkler Retrofit and the appointment of Richard Robles Wug, Human Relations Commission. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Roll call. Voting aye — Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Moran, Engelman. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0). * ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 9, 2002 and the Special City Council Meeting of August 26, 2002. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS:, * Approval, as recommended, of the City of Evanston payroll for the period ending September 12, 2002 and the City of Evanston bills for the period ending September 24, 2002 and that they be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston payroll (through 09/12/02) $1,876,953.09 City of Evanston bills (through 09/24/02) $3,610,089.01 * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of Leisure Equipment Inc. for 10 right-hand drive vehicles, plus warranty and service manuals, for the Parking Enforcement Division of Public Works at a cost of $268,350. APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of Skender Construction Co. for the demolition/reconstruction of Fire Station #3 at a cost of $2,353,752. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the bid Asbestos Contained Materials Company for asbestos abatement at Fire Station #2 at a cost of $27,430. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of Contract Amendment 43 to the agreement with Harza to provide geotechnical baseline reports for portions of Phases VIII, IX & X of the Long Range Sewer Plan at a cost of $78,150. Funding would be by the Sewer Fund initially and, eventually by reimbursement to the eligible limit of the IEPA loan. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) ■■■■■ * Resolution 68-R-02 — IL Public Museum Capital Grant — Consideration of proposed Resolution 68- R-02, which authorizes the City Manager to sign the statement by the Public Museum CEO for an IL Public Museum Capital Grant Application for Noyes Cultural Arts Center renovation. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 93-0-02 — Two -Way Traffic/Washinpton St. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 93- 0-02, which amends Section 10-11-4, Schedule IV(A) of the City Code to establish two-way traffic on Washington St. between Dodge Ave. and the Fire Station #4. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA 471 4 September 23 2002 * Ordinance 94-0-02 — Four-Wav Stop: Ewine Ave. and Colfax St. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 94-0-02, which amends Section 10-11-5, Schedule V(D) of the City Code to establish a four-way stop sign at Ewing and Colfax. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 95-0-02 — Repeal of No Parking Loading Zone Restriction — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 95-0-02, which amends Section 10-11-7, Schedule VII(B) of the City Code to repeal the Loading Zone at 1316 Fowler Ave. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 96-0-02 — Vacation of Portion of Forest Avenue — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 96-0-02, which authorizes the vacation of a portion of Forest Ave. south of South Blvd. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 86-0-02 — Declaration of Surolus Property — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 86-0- 02, introduced September 9, 2002, which declares various City items as surplus property so that the vehicles and other equipment may be publicly offered for sale at the Lake County Municipal Auction on October 5, 2002. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 91-0-02 — Reeardine the Offerine of Vehicles for Sale on the Public Wav — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 91-0-02, introduced September 9, 2002, which would allow the sale of vehicles on the street by persons not engaged in the business of selling vehicles and deletes the prohibition of "For Sale" signs in.vehicles parked on the street. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 92-0-02 — Interest Rate Cap Ordinance — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 92-0-02, introduced September 9, 2002, which authorizes one or more agreements to limit the interest rate to be paid on a portion of GO Variable Rate Demand Bonds, Series 2002. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: * Ordinance 90-0-02 — Special Use for 2201 Oakton St. (Tvve 2 Restaurant) — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 90-0-02, introduced September 9, 2002, which approves a recommendation of the ZBA to grant a special use to permit a McDonald's "snack station kiosk" in Home Depot. *ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 87-0-02 — Amendment to BOCA Building Code — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 87-0-02, introduced September 9, 2002, which approves a recommendation to limit the means and procedures for the driving of sheet piling. *ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 88-0-02 — Extension of Special Use Permit for Sherman Plaza Planned Development — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 88-0-02, introduced September 9, 2002, which approves the request of Sherman Plaza Venture LLC to extend the Special Use Permit for the planned development of Sherman Plaza for a four -month period. *ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA & ROLL CALL (9-0) APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton asked for introduction of the following appointments: Erin Breen Chrusciel Arts Council 1102 Dempster St. i Dr. Jerry L. Garner Arts Council 623 Sheridan Rd. 5 Delores A. Holmes Arts Council 1715 McDaniel Ave. Dean L. Francis Human Relations Commission 310 Church St.. Robert Jacobi Public Art Committee 1712 Ashland Ave. Lyn Delli Quadri Public Art Committee 2321 Thayer St. i Alan J. Miller Taxicab Advisory Board 151 Ashland Ave. Mayor Morton asked for confirmation of the following appointments: Linda Cooper Commission on Aging 1500 Chicago Ave. For term ending October 1, 2005 Mary Friedl Commission on Aging 1313 Cleveland St. For term ending October 1, 2005 Blair Laden Commission on Aging 1864 Sherman Ave. For term ending October 1, 2005 i Ellyn Vogel Commission on Aging 2035 Harrison St. For term ending October 1, 2005 Derek R. Supple Environment Board 912 Hamlin St. For term ending October 1, 2006 Sara Ashmore Diggs Housing Commission 2014 Dodge Ave. For term ending October 1, 2005 Lisa M. James 801 Monroe St. For term ending October 1, 2005 Jill M. Dressner 1410 Chicago Ave. For term ending October 1, 2005 Heather N. Crabtree 2122 Dewey Ave. For term ending October 1, 2005 September 23 2002 Housing & Community Development Act Committee Human Relations Commission Taxicab Advisory Board q?3 6 September 23 2002 Mayor Morton asked for confirmation of the following re -appointments: Linda DeWoskin Library Board 1121 Dobson St. For term ending October 1, 2005 Jean M. Perry Library Board 2200 Bennett Ave. For term ending October 1, 2005 John F. Vail Library Board 2310 Central Park Ave. For term ending October 1, 2005 *APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Resolution 70-R-02 — Adoptine a New Energv Policy — Consideration of proposed Resolution 70-R- 02, which approves a recommendation of the Energy Commission and Environment Board to replace and expand the Energy Policy adopted by the Council in 1995. Alderman Jean -Baptiste reported that this item was held in committee. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: * Ordinance 85-0-02 — Life Safetv/Sprinkler Retrofit Ordinance — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 85- 0-02, which amends Section 4-5-2 of the Evanston City Code with modifications to Section F-502 and F- 503 of the BOCA National Fire Prevention Code concerning life safety/sprinkler retrofit. Alderman Bernstein reported that this item was held in committee. AGENDA ADDENDUM OTHER COMMITTEES: Approval of Recommendation to Convene as a Committee of the Whole — Consideration of a recommendation to convene the City Council as a Committee of the Whole at a future date, for the purpose of discussing and providing direction to the City Manager regarding the FFY 2003/04 budget. Alderman Engelman, Chairman, Budget Committee, stated the committee was asking for a special meeting of City Council, meeting as Committee of the Whole, on an acceptable date, to discuss with staff what areas/programs the Council would consider acceptable for staff to examine for service cuts, if necessary, to bring in a balanced budget under Council guidelines. Wednesday, October 2 or 9 were recommended dates. Alderman Engelman moved that a meeting be set for one of the two dates. Seconded by Alderman Bernstein. Alderman Newman was not sure that Council was ready for this meeting. At the budget retreat he recalled they were presented with a doomsday deficit budget projection of nearly $3.5 million and told that was based on a 5% increase in wages and 0% increase in real estate taxes. He said to know the parameters of the problem, they have to know the assumptions; suggested a chart with one side showing what happens with 0-5% increase in real estate taxes and the other side with 0-5% increase in wage increases. He thought once they know what the projected deficit may be, they can 4�y 7 September 23 2002 formulate revenue increases or cuts necessary to balance. If they think they have a $3 million problem, staff would have to look at a broader set of programs than if the deficit was $750,000. He did not think there would be a 0% increase in real estate taxes. He wanted to meet with real numbers available, including revenue for six months. Without this information he does not know what the problem is and did not want to give staff direction. He thought that last year, an unintentional mistake by the Budget Committee, was the scope of the problem, which was described in a way that made the City Manager go into budget cutting mode. Many people got concerned about certain programs being cut. Last year they were told they had a $2.5 million deficit and came in with $900,000. Until they have actual numbers he thought this session would be difficult to give direction. If there is a narrower problem than $3.5 million, the scope of cuts would be smaller and less fear in the community. He welcomed the opportunity to get together, participate and wanted information in advance of the meeting. Alderman Engelman recalled last year a $2.5 million deficit was predicted when they balanced the budget for this year. The $950,000 surplus came at the end of the preceding fiscal year, which ended February 2002. The year they were budgeting with the $2.5 million deficit is fiscal 2002-03, the present year. Personnel costs are 75% of the General Revenue budget. For every 1% in personnel costs, (all personnel are up for raises this year) is $450,000. For every 1% of real estate tax increase is $280,000. If the increase was 3% rather than 5% that would save $900,000 but they would still have a $2.6 million problem. If the property tax increase was at a tax cap of 1.8% that would be $500,000 and a $2 million problem. Even going to 34%, it is still $1.5 million problem. Add to that the concept that they need to address the systemic problem so they don't have an annual problem of expenditures rising faster than revenues. They need to examine whether or not Evanston can continue to afford all the programs it funds. It is in that spirit that the Budget Committee felt it important to have a dialogue within Council, not necessarily to say to cut this or that program, but to give the City Manager some direction on what areas Council is willing to have him explore so an analysis can be done on what impact those cuts would have, how much they would save, etc. He said whether it is $3.5 million or $1.5 million it is still a problem. Alderman Newman recalled at the retreat that Alderman Engelman wanted to go forward with $20 million for a new Civic Center. Council was told mid -year they would eat $2-3 million last year and reserves would go down, but that was not where they ended up. He said they relied on revenue projections last year and there was no question that staff made valuable adjustments. The numbers were not there on projections and on what actually happened. He said Council took bold action on the budget last year, which Moody's acknowledged and was a reason for the Aaa bond rating. A problem he sees is during the year they come up with expenditures. Some criticized the $4 million software purchase that went through without one objection. He objected and wanted to know how it would be paid for; acknowledged staff had worked to see that the software purchase would not impact property taxes. He said certain large expenditures are being requested, such as the Civic Center, but the proposers have not come up with a way to pay for it other than the property tax. He was concerned about numbers, whether the starting point of $3.5 million deficit, is accurate based on the prior year's experience. He asked for an option before the meeting and accurate numbers to begin the discussion. City Manager Crum acknowledged that the numbers are not yet real numbers and Alderman Engelman was correct that the budget would not balance. He suggested they meet October 9 when they will have preliminary numbers and see what the gap looks like and start to determine agreement on magnitude of the problem and if a deficit of at least $1.5 million some direction would be useful. Mr. Crum said they would have some preliminary numbers in advance of that date. All departments have been asked to return a status quo budget with no increases unless absolutely necessary. Those numbers are due at the end of September and will be added for total expenditures on which they can overlay personnel cost increases within the first few days of October. Mr. Stafford will review revenues, recognizing they are five months ahead of the start of the next fiscal year. Assumptions will be discussed. They will not have final numbers. Alderman Rainey was interested in the current revenue figures, especially from the state. Mr. Crum stated staff would have actual numbers by October 9. Alderman Newman said if direction has gone to staff not to have an increase, which does not include cost of living, they might get another significant number; did not know what departments would have to cut to meet that direction. Mr. Crum said it is a status quo budget with the same number of people. Alderman Newman thought departments might have 4 75 8 September 23 2002 to cut by eliminating something and the status quo number will be an additional number. He asked by that direction what number would be generated? Mr. Crum thought at least $1.5 million. Alderman Newman was hearing that without cutting any programs, there may not be a need for cuts if the gap is $1.5 million. He thought with the various scenarios they may find the scope of the problem is smaller and if so, it would narrow what they want to look at. To fully understand direction, they need real numbers. They have three variables. What will department heads cut? What is the rate of the real estate tax increase? What is the cost of living increase? Alderman Bernstein explained a status quo budget means the same program and people with cost versus last year's cost. The intent of the Budget Committee was to discuss in October rather than February. Assumptions are always used. Instead of advising the City Manager to cut everything, which was done last year, and some of those cuts were not accepted, they are asking Council, given the need for cuts, which cuts they would be willing to make and want to give staff time to have more meaningful input. Direction was given last year, but unfortunately not followed through, because too many items were taken off the table. Alderman Wynne agreed noting that even the best data will change some. She said the discussion needs to start now to give better direction to staff so that deliberations in January are more productive in terms of public policy and decision making. They want to eliminate last minute decisions. She agreed that accurate data is needed; urged they meet October 9 and start the discussion, which was the reason for forming a Budget Committee. Alderman Moran and Alderman Rainey agreed. Alderman Feldman's concern was that they throw things on the table that are not close to reality and, to make decisions, having as much information as possible as they near the deadline works better for him. Cutting programs in August, September or October causes a lot of anxiety in the community. He saw what it took to get close to consensus at budget time. There is no program the City does that is not essential but that does not mean they can afford it. If a program is cut, there will be a cost; did not see anybody with a good cut. He wanted to see somebody suggest cutting a program that legions of people depend upon or need. The deficits they are talking about involve substantive cuts and people are concerned. He had doubts that people would say this early what they might be forced to do later. Alderman Wynne stated this Council must develop political will and all agree the way they do budgets is terrible. She did not hear a solution from Alderman Feldman; heard him saying to wait until the end of February and then make these difficult decisions. What they are trying to do is get some political will so they make these decisions when they have enough time. She pointed out that no one has a "good" cut but Council has a problem they are trying to solve and are trying to give themselves enough time to make better decisions. She urged them to try this way and if doesn't work, go back to the old way. She stated the community wants them to have some political will. They would not all be popular but could explain how they are arriving at these decisions. They want to make budget decisions in a more thoughtful, analytical way to hopefully achieve a better result. Alderman Rainey raised a point of order that they were holding the meeting instead of discussing the date. Alderman Engelman made a substitute motion to have the meeting October 9. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Alderman Jean -Baptiste understood the purpose of the meeting was to make an objective analysis of reality. What are revenues/expenditures and from there determine whether they have a surplus or deficit. He was not coming to get "political will" but to know ahead of time and understand the questions he needs to ask. He wanted to know if "fat" exists in current programs and staffing; did not think they would make decisions about cutting. Mayor Morton confirmed that Alderman Jean -Baptiste wished to have a full report from staff. Alderman Kent could not attend due to an open house. Mr. Crum stated Council would get information in first -cut form, realizing it is early in the year and would have early totals of departmental initial input, the six-month results on Friday before October 9. Alderman Newman stated when he hears about "political will" that he could not get five votes to study privatizing sanitation. He respected Budget Committee members but said they were passing the buck; wanted to see them resolve one issue of a cut and not come to other aldermen for political will. In his years on Council, the first cut suggested is always the Community Defender. He thought the Budget Committee was bringing the other four aldermen in to try and form a consensus while some were looking for real numbers before scaring the community. He said these are tough � 76 9 September 23 2002 issues. If the Budget Committee had one recommendation of what to cut, then they would have a recommendation of what their political will should be. He thought there was plenty of political will in this Council. Voice vote, motion carried unanimously. ` APPOINTMENTS: 1 Richard Robles Wug Human Relations Commission 936 Judson Ave. Alderman Newman asked to have this appointment removed from the Consent Agenda. Mayor Morton asked that she be contacted before the meeting when somebody wishes to remove a name from appointments. Alderman Newman supported Mr. Wug's appointment. His concern was about appointments of individuals who have little experience living here. He thought to be on a board or commission, people need to learn about neighborhoods and schools to advise Council and, in many instances, need to be familiar with and have experience in the community. He was concerned about the limited experience of many recent appointees to boards and committees; asked that more deference be given to length of service in the community. He noted many appointees have expertise. Mayor Morton agreed with Alderman Newman; said she does not get many applications and those she receives are from people who have been here as little as six months. Long-term residents are not applying. She appoints because some of the boards and committees need enough people to have a quorum. She acknowledged this is a serious problem. Alderman Feldman moved to place for appointment introduction, Mr. Richard Robles Wug to the Human Relations Commission. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Motion carried. No nays. CALL OF THE WARDS: 8" Ward. Alderman Rainey reported another shooting on Howard Street; that neighbors had one positive presence and will have another on Thursday at Howard/Elmwood. She challenged the Evanston Review to report what is happening in the community; said it does not help solve problems when they hide the fact of extraordinary violence. She has read other Pioneer Press publications that report what is going on in their communities. She noted more space in the Evanston Review is devoted to people in formal attire than to community problems. She thought the reason for the success of the Evanston RoundTable and the Evanston Express was due to their coverage of the community; said people cannot care about issues or solve problems unless they are told what they are, which is a responsibility of the press. She announced a public hearing Monday, September 30 to amend the Fair Housing Ordinance to make housing choice vouchers, as source of income, a protected class. This means a landlord cannot reject out of hand a rental applicant because they have a Section 8 voucher. They can deny them as they can deny black people, homosexuals, transgenders and families. They can be denied a rental if they are not otherwise qualified. She stated some Council members are telling landlords this is the worst thing that could happen in Evanston. She challenged all who have a conscience and are concerned about affordable housing to support this amendment. She noted it is the only institutionalized means of providing affordable housing in this country. She stated that all rental property in Evanston is unaffordable to anyone of low or very low income. She noted for those who support diversity, almost all Section 8 voucher holders here belong to a minority and to step up to the plate. The amendment says nothing about requiring rentals to people with a voucher just as no one is sued for not renting to black people, gay people, women with children or to transgender people. All the law says is they cannot be denied the right to apply for accommodations. If they have been evicted, have bad credit, their children are gang bangers and known graffiti artists and trashed the last apartment, a landlord does not have to rent to them. She said nobody has been more vigilant with severe tenant screening than she has, which she supports 100%. She has seen buildings and neighborhoods filled with rotten tenants who are not necessarily Section 8 certificate holders. She noted buildings at 119 Clyde and 120 Clyde have many Section 8 tenants and are impeccably maintained. She reported a landlord who had 100% Section 8 tenants just sold his broken down, deteriorated 18-unit building for $1.2 T/7 10 September 23 2002 million. She did not think Section 8 tenants had any effect on property value, especially if one talked to the buyer. She encouraged all who care about remaining rental housing being available to people who can make the community diverse, to support this amendment. 1" Ward. Alderman Newman reported a landlord with a lot of property in the 8`h Ward told him that mandating landlords to accept Section 8 vouchers would be a disaster. He said there are real reasons to oppose the ordinance on Section 8 that have nothing to do with racism, anti -tenant or lack of sensitivity to other genders. It is a mandate for landlords with any size housing from coach houses to two -three flats because the maker of the amendment consulted with nobody on Council. If they choose not to participate in the Section 8 program, they will be subject to investigation and prosecution by the Human Relations Commission. Then the Human Relations Commissioner, without Council consent, can initiate a complaint. Citizens will have to hire attorneys to defend themselves against a City action. He said it was more complicated and has far reaching implications. Landlords who oppose it are not bigots, unpatriotic or bad people and have a right to oppose it. He thought the Evanston Review does a good job of reporting crime in Evanston and the last thing needed was to have crime splashed on the front page. He expressed concern about lack of progress in hiring African Americans in the Fire Department; wanted a comparison of minority hiring in fire and police departments. He asked the City Manager to report if the City needs another ambulance. He made a reference to the A&PW Committee to consider an amendment to the film Dolicv to allow blocks where 75% of residents support an additional shoot bevond. three shoots so thev could have more shoots. He suggested on the budget educational outreach that they get the Township Assessor and the person in charge of re- assessments here for a public meeting to try to understand how the re -assessment process affects tax bills. He gave credit to staff and Council on retaining the City's Aaa bond rating. Last year six voted to raise the City's share of property taxes by 7%, had the courage and political will, with severe criticism from other Council members who thought that was outrageous. Moody's specifically cited that, indicating strong confidence in the City. He said bond raters look at willingness to raise revenues when facing difficult budget problems. Alderman Newman reported attending a NU orientation for some students who were told the City does not allow trick or treating at Halloween. He told them there is trick or treating at specific hours and welcomed the students back. 2"d Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste added the Evanston Sentinel to papers here that tell the truth; congratulated the Evanston Review for its cover featuring anti -war protestors. He recommended the Review highlight achievements rather than crime; said many youth do great things here and if the majority stand upfront they can defeat crime in the community. He asked those concerned with whether the City is enforcing the call for contractors who receive public funds and reaching the 25% participation objective by hiring women, minorities, Evanston -based businesses and blacks to attend a special CD meeting on October 8. They need to make an assessment to see if they can fix that. He expressed concern about images; noted that Bennett Johnson had said that black youth are pushing drugs here. While he acknowledged that the majority arrested for pushing drugs are black, those youth don't import the drugs. He thought they needed to focus on where the real problems lie. He recalled when Chief Kaminski reported the arrest of several dozen street level drug dealers, he asked if police investigated who brings drugs into the community and Chief Kaminski said he was working on that. He thought it important to get jobs for youth and focus on putting the big drug dealers out of business. He said drug dealing does not equal black youth. On Alderman Rainey's presentation about the amendment to the Fair Housing Ordinance, which he supports, he had a problem with the association of blacks, gays and transgender people as negative and automatically black. The majority of black people here are not on Section 8. He opposes a war against Iraq; said only American citizens who stand up can stop it. y78 11 September 23 2002 5" Ward. Alderman Kent read the September 2 City Beat article about purchasing 1816 Darrow, which had a homebuyer seminar September 21. He said there were no flyers on this and wanted to know who came; asked for the next date for a home seminar and that it be on a weekday rather than Saturday. He reported two large, out of control parties (75-80 NU students) over the weekend in the vicinity of Simpson/Maple and Simpson/Sherman with one arrest. He will send addresses of the parties to Mr. Banas and Ms. Krasnow at NU. He recalled in the past the police had a party car that went to certain addresses and he asked Chief Kaminski to reinstate that. He asked that the Dangerous House Ordinance in the A&PW Committee be examined by Law and Police departments. It is designed to give police more teeth to deal with some of the outrageous parties. Alderman Kent made a reference to the Police Department to examine the public drinking ordinance and if there is a way to enforce it. He was told they have an open cup ordinance in Ann Arbor Michigan, which is enforced. He stated when a resident calls the Police Department about a student party, it should not be considered something that all college kids do. He thought they should draw a line as to what is acceptable behavior. Youth on the streets at 2-3:00 a.m. with music blasting is not acceptable. He hopes to see the Dangerous House Ordinance at the committee soon. 9th Ward. Alderman Feldman responded to Alderman Wynne's comment about doing budgets badly. Outside of pressure and discomfort, he thought Council has made thoughtful budget decisions over the years. The people he hears from don't like the decisions. He would be interested in a process that increases the quality of the decisions. He associates that with a lot of information and sufficient time. As long as he can remember when there is a crisis (meaning revenues less than expenses) they have had last minute horse -trading, rushes on the phone and balancing interests to reach consensus. If there are other ways, why haven't they found them? He said that he thought of the Budget Committee and the reason for it was to make decisions in advance. Alderman Wynne said he did not have an alternative plan. He said the committee was his plan. He predicted that the reason they will wait until the last minute to finalize the budget is because of the nature of the beast. When they are near a deadline and forced to make a decision is a lot different than now. If they learn something at that meeting that would be good. To give the City Manager direction to cut without a consensus was wrong. He reiterated there are good reasons why they do what they do on the budget. 3`d Ward. Alderman Wynne appreciated Alderman Feldman's comments and he may have a better understanding of human nature than she. She thought they do better as a public policymaking body when they don't feel intense pressure and have more opportunity to discuss pros and cons. She wished she could recall decisions in the last five budget years that were made in haste or made choices, upon reflection, she would not have made. She thought, to the public, it appears Council makes last-minute decisions based on whoever comes with the biggest number. Other political bodies may do this, but she did not think it always produced the best public policy. She noted this year they have a structural deficit and must address that. That is what they are trying to do by having an earlier meeting so they can discuss long- range issues. They need to take their eye off the immediate horizon, and if they can solve the distant problems, the immediate horizon is easier to deal with. She said they need to start the discussion and give direction to the City Manager that staff can work with. She recalled times when they discussed $10,000 items, a waste of time. She urged all to attend; to try and change the approach for better decisions. 4" Ward. Alderman Bernstein reported on the proposed sprinkler ordinance. The P&D Committee has received a lot of information from the Fire Department that showed older buildings should have sprinkler systems. The ordinance was presented that evening and questions were raised about cost/benefit analysis of infrastructure improvements that would come about due to this ordinance. Many residents who came before them pointed out they may be providing an uneven playing field for properties such as hotels. The committee asked the Fire Department to do an analysis from inception and ask if fire/safety is really needed and in what categories such as housing, hotels and gather additional information so they can address whether the economics really justify the result. There is a question of priorities and economics which they want to get a handle on. Alderman Newman thanked Joe Kent, who represented his block at Sherman/Simpson, for his keen alerts on what happened the last week on behalf of his family and the neighbors; suggested they might want to look at the alcohol policy and restrictions on the main campus. ��9 12 September 23 2002 Alderman Bernstein welcomed students back and invited them to visit downtown Evanston. Vh Ward. No report 7" Ward. No report There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn. The Council so moved at 1:12 a.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. 1