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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2002-07-08-2002yak CITY COUNCIL July 8, 2002 -00 OpO,,k CO. Iti�'1�0 �wOOp0 ROLL CALL - PRESENT: .. mPXyR4r Alderman Rainey Alderman Bernstein Alderman Feldman Alderman Kent Alderman Newman Alderman Engelman Alderman Jean -Baptiste Alderman Wynne A Quorum was present. NOT PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: Alderman Moran ABSENT: None PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton Monday, July 8, 2002 at 8:40 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. Announcements: Public Works Director David Jennings announced the following meetings on the Central Street parking study - Central Street/Lincolnwood Avenue area on Tuesday, July 9 and Central Street/Green Bay Road area on Wednesday, July 10. Both meetings start at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Mr. Jennings announced presentation of the final draft of the Bike Plan at a meeting Thursday, July 11 from 7:00 —9:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Parks/Forestry & Recreation Director Doug Gaynor announced the Ethnic Arts Festival would be Saturday and Sunday, July 20-21 at the lakefront. Mr. Gaynor announced that the dedication of the new Levy Senior Activity Center in James Park would be Sunday, July 21, 2002 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. with demonstrations and refreshments. Alderman Moran was present at this time. Mr. Gaynor recalled in 1999 when planning for this facility began, many seniors wanted to maximize the size of the structure to meet the needs of the senior population as baby boomers attain senior status. Senior citizens offered to raise money for furniture, fixtures and equipment. A committee was formed chaired by Frances Randall. Other committee members Viola Burkhart, Virginia Laura, Virginia Garrett, Gunnar Forest, Lionel Carter, Shelly Wagner, Bob Lockwood, Evelyn Binz and Frederica Whiting spent many hours raising funds. He introduced Fran Randall, 2715 Eastwood Ave., who spoke as a representative of the Levy Senior Center. She thanked the City, City Council, Recreation Division, Alderman Rainey and the social service division, with special thanks to Joe Levy, Jr., his sister Jean London and the Levy Foundation for a wonderful new center. Seniors moved in June 3 and, thanks to a fine staff, programs are q05 2 July 8, 2002 up and running. She introduced committee members Gunnar Forest and Viola Burkhart. There was a wonderful response to their efforts from Evanston seniors and friends with a jump-start gift of $25,000 from Mr. Levy when they had raised $25,000 as a birthday gift to his sister Jean London. Most of the furniture at the center was purchased by this fund. She presented an $85,000 check to the City to cover furniture purchased to date. They have a reserve fund to purchase additional furniture as the need arises. She doubted there is a senior center in Illinois that has had as much input from senior citizens as they have had. Fund-raising efforts would continue as they regroup. She invited all to visit the Levy booth at the Farmer's Market August 24 and to visit the new Levy Center at the grand opening July 21. She called Joe Levy, Jr., forward and stated senior citizens need another bus. Mr. Levy has donated $30,000 for the front end of the bus and now they are raising $30,000 for the other half. Mayor Morton thanked the committee and Mr. Levy for all they have done for the Levy Center. Alderman Feldman stated his experience with development of the Levy Center was enhanced by the participation of senior citizens present and not present; the spirit of that building belongs to them. He agreed with Fran Randall that there probably has not been a building that could be called a "people's building" as much as this one. Almost all the major decisions had a senior influence. Seniors were the driving, creative and spiritual force behind an effort of many years. He described the building as exquisite, a credit to the community and as he walks through the corridors, the spirit of Fran Randall will grace that building for a long time. He thanked her. Mayor Morton proclaimed Saturday, July 13, 2002 Delores Ann Holmes Day in recognition of her 26 years of service at Family Focus. Communications: None CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with this exception: Ordinance 64-0-02 — Granting Temporary 90-Day Extension of ComEd Franchise. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Roll call. Voting aye — Bernstein, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0). * ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of June 24, 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 July 4, 2002 and the City of Evanston bills for the period ending July 9, 2002 and that they be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston payroll (through 07/04/02) $2,009,116.62 City of Evanston bills (through 07/09/02) $1,998,851.34 * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of Comark Government & Educational Sales Inc. for Cisco networking equipment for the [-Net, for Information Systems at a cost of $48,003.23. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) V�6 3 July 8, 2002 * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of Insituform Technologies USA for the 2002 Cured -In -Place Pipe (CIPP) project for the Water & Sewer Division at a cost of $124,622. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of Standard Equipment Co. for the purchase of two refuse trucks for the Sanitation Division at a cost of $164,758, which includes a 48-month/100,000 mile warranty. APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of West Side Tractor Sales Co. for a John Deere wheel loader for the Streets Division at a price of $127,590, which includes 7-year/6,000 hour warranty. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of F&V Cement Contractors for the 2002 Alley Paving Program at a cost of $256,429.25. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of Change Order #2 with Central Lakes Construction Co., Inc. for the Police/Fire Station Headquarters renovation, for a change of scope only; no additional funding required. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) City Manager Roger Crum clarified there was a change in contract price, but the city is well within total funds set aside. ■■■SE * Use of Recycling Center for Storaee — Consideration of a recommendation to use the Recycling Center for storage of City equipment as an alternative to current space being leased at $48,000/yr. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Acceptance of USEPA Grant for Vulnerability Assessment/Avproval of Contract to Perform Assessment — Consideration of a recommendation to accept a USEPA grant of $115,000 for preparation of a vulnerability assessment for the water plant facility; and approving a contract in the amount of $115,000 with Consoer Townsend Envirodyne Engineers to perform the assessment. APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Resolution 55-R-02 — Lease for Housing Options for the Mentally Ill — Consideration of proposed Resolution 55-R-02, which authorizes the City Manager to enter into a lease with Housing Options for the Civic Center annex apartment at 1223 Simpson St. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: * Temporary Sign Request for American Craft Exposition — Consideration of the request of the Auxiliary of Evanston/Glenbrook Hospitals to erect temporary signs and banners for the American Craft Exposition at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion on August 21-25, 2002. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Sidewalk Cafd Permit (Type 2 Restaurant): Ouizno's Classic Subs - Consideration of a recommendation of the Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee to grant a sidewalk cafd permit to Quizno's at 812 Davis St. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0) * Ordinance 57-0-02 — Amending Title 4, Chapter 2 of City Code to Provide for Digital Submission of Construction Documents — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 57-0-02, introduced June 24, 2002, which specifies digital transmission of construction documents for building permits for large- scale projects. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0) 4 July 8, 2002 * Ordinance 63-0-02 — Svecial Use for Tvoe 2 Restaurant — 910 Noves St. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 63-0-02, introduced June 24, 2002, which approves a recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals to grant a special use for an independent sandwich shop at 910 Noyes, subject to compliance with a litter collection plan. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0) AGENDA ADDENDUM * Ordinance 65-0-02 — Svecial Use of 1634 Orrington (Tvoe 2 Restaurant: Ben & Jerrv's)- Consideration of proposed Ordinance 65-0-02, which approves a recommendation of the ZBA to grant a special use to permit a Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream PartnerShop at 1634 Orrington Ave. *MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Newman moved to Suspend the Rules to adopt an ordinance at the same meeting in which it was introduced. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Newman moved approval of Ordinance 65-0-02. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Roll call. Voting aye — Bernstein, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0). APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton asked for introduction of the following appointment: Thomas Prairie Preservation Commission 725 Hinman Ave. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Ordinance 64-0-02 — Grantine Temvorary 90-Dav Extension of ComEd Franchise — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 64-0-02, by which the City Council would approve a three-month extension of the existing franchise with ComEd. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved introduction. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Marked introduced. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved to Suspend the Rules to adopt an ordinance at the same meeting in which it was introduced. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved approval of Ordinance 64-0-02. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Roll call. Voting aye — Bernstein, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Alderman Newman reported committee discussion of a reference about residential tear -downs. He saw that issue as an extension of preservation values. Staff was asked to obtain tear -down ordinances from other communities. Alderman Engelman asked the committee to examine a demolition fee program for affordable housing related to a Highland Park 5 July 8, 2002 ordinance. The committee is still working on binding appearance review, which they hope to have at the August meeting. HUMAN SERVICES: No report CALL OF THE WARDS: 4" Ward. Alderman Bernstein acknowledged the services of walking patrolman Mike Shep who is leaving the Police Department after 30 years and of Marc Mylott, Zoning Division, who is moving to Columbia, SC. He thanked the 4`' of July Association for an incredible day; David Sniader, president, Board of Trustees, Celebration Manager Craig Thompson and all who helped. He commented on an article in May 20, 2002 Crain's Chicago Business, about Church Street Plaza, with more than one million customers in 2001, was ranked at the 17' largest tourist attraction in Chicagoland. That put the plaza ahead of attractions such as the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks and Bears, Chicago's Children's Museum and the Ravinia Festival. He said it is paying dividends and will continue to do so. He expressed condolences to Assistant City Manager Judith Aiello on the passing of her father. Mayor Morton stated that Evanston's July 4" celebration is ranked third in the nation after Boston and Washington, D.C. 5" Ward. Alderman Kent offered congratulations to Delores Holmes on a well -deserved retirement, noting she has done a lot for many people. He expressed congratulations to Marc Mylott on moving forward. He reported his first ride along with police late at night and could not say enough for the job patrol officers are doing. He asked the Forestry Division to look at Dodge Avenue from Emerson to Church streets, which is very dark, to consider cutting back trees or possibly removing some trees. This would help police officers. This street has absentee landlords; people moving in who are not concerned about quality of life along with shootings, which frighten residents. He has discussed with police the concept of having a community watch encompassing several streets in this area that have been afflicted by drugs and gangs. They hope to get two -three people on those streets to stand up, identify wrongdoers and call the police. He pointed out that when the officers are gone people are frightened. He thought recommendations would come from those people about Adam Perry Park on Hovland Court. They made a stand about a back -alley mechanic who was clogging up the alley. Residents are trying to get improvement on Dodge, Lyons, Brown and Hovland Court. 6" Ward. Alderman Moran invited all to the parking study meetings the next two evenings in the Council Chamber. The parking consultants and staff will be present. Thursday night there will be a meeting with preliminary returns on how to make Evanston a more bicycle friendly community. Alderman Moran was glad to see recent news reports of Mayor Daley's interest in extending the Lake Shore Drive corridor north from Hollywood to Evanston. He said this is an exciting project for Chicago and Evanston; thought it would promote a corridor, of which Evanston will be the terminus, and allow continuation of a lakefront system of biking and jogging paths all the way downtown. He hoped the Mayor finds the money to do it. He commented on announcements from Inventure on objectives they hope to develop in the next few years. One is an effort to assist in attacking the problem of school district's heavy dependence upon property taxes with the hope of gaining some relief and possibly offering some legislative solutions. He applauded Inventure's efforts to work collaboratively to assist in economic development of Church/Dodge and Howard Street corridor which need to be community -wide projects. Alderman Moran congratulated the Police Department in clearing up some 20 cases of vandalism that occurred in April. He said there were several nights of vandalism where people threw bricks and ripped off mirrors from vehicles„ About 25 cars were hit. There has been a break in the case and he hoped they would get some restitution. 4�9 6 July 8, 2002 He congratulated all who participated in the Latino Leadership Program spearheaded by the Human Services Department, particularly Aracely Canchola, Latino outreach specialist. 7" Ward. Alderman Engelman remarked that in less than six months the City Manager is required to submit to City Council his proposed operating and capital improvement budgets for next year. At the last Council meeting he asked that the Rules Committee set up a meeting to discuss the CIP early this year, but the July Rules Committee meeting was cancelled. He stated it would be helpful to meet before the end of July and certainly before the end of August to discuss priorities each alderman has for capital improvements for next year and the near future so the Budget Committee can get a jump-start on that issue. He thought Mr. Crum also wanted to discuss the impact of litigation upon the budget in Executive Session. He reported that Assistant to the City Manager Maureen Barry was working with previous facilitators to find a convenient date and asked all Council members, before leaving that evening, to tell Ms. Barry when they will not be available. He suggested a Monday, Saturday or Friday to meet. 8`h Ward. Alderman Rainey announced that Housing & Community Development Act Committee (CDBG) would hold a public and needs hearing on next year's funding on Tuesday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. She urged people to come with proposals for fair/low-income housing or area of interest to testify which has a lot to do with how funding is allocated. She made a reference recently to P&D Committee that board ups be time -limited, noting every board up requires additional police attention. She made a new reference to the P&D Committee to consider board uDs due to the serious Droblems thev cause in the communitv. She noted that Binding Appearance Review has to do with the appearance of a community and what it says to other people. Nothing says anything worse about a community than boarded up buildings and nothing takes more police time than a boarded up building. She asked the committee to revisit the issue of board ups; also asked thought be given to if a boarded uv building within a time frame allowed, has more than three police calls, the owner be reauired to have a Drivate securitv firm stationed on the vroverty so the police department is not attending to that building. She also pointed out boarded up buildings cause problems for neighbors as well. Alderman Rainey said Dobson-Brummel Park is a small park with a tot lot where neighbors gather. A few years ago this park was planned with neighbors selecting equipment and colors. Since that time, the park has been plagued by vandalism, not by the community that uses the park, but by people passing through who are destroying it piece by piece. Plastic parts have been melted. There is terrible graffiti and the slide has been replaced several times. The Parks Division has suggested removing the equipment. On July 3, a witness observed three young boys around 12-13 years old removing posts from this park and a destroying rope and ladder climbing equipment. She personally offered a $100 reward to anyone under 18-years of age who provides information to her, in strict confidence, as to who did this. She stated this must stop and taxpayers cannot continue to pay for destruction by vandals. 91h Ward. Alderman Feldman reported on a trip to Scandinavia where he was unprepared for the opulence and size of city halls in Stockholm, Sweden and Oslo, Norway. He noted the Nobel Prize awards dinner is given in the lobby of the Stockholm city hall and described art works there. He was glad to be back in Evanston. Mayor Morton pointed out that Evanston's Council Chamber is an art gallery. 1" Ward. Alderman Newman was glad to support change orders for the fire/police headquarters; thanked Larry Suffredin and state legislators for getting $1 million to put into that project. He praised the Police Department for excellent work downtown -- an aggressive panhandler was apprehended after a robbery and taken off the street. He said that July 4`h was a great day all over the community; the 4`h of July Association does a wonderful job and the City's contribution to the 4`h of July is highly valued in the community. He thanked staff and the Police Department for doing a wonderful job and making everything run smoothly. Alderman Newman stated he would be on a family vacation on July 21 and congratulated the seniors who were present earlier. He especially thanked Joe Levy and said the site was selected by Mr. Levy, who wanted a site with a single -story building and accessible parking without having to go through a lengthy debate on siting downtown. Some V Ward residents were 911 7 July 8, 2002 disappointed the Levy Center did not remain downtown, but he believed it was in the best interest of Evanston to move the Levy Center to south Evanston into James Park, which is becoming a first-class park. The new Levy Center building has turned out wonderfully. A great offshoot is the contribution of a bus by Joe Levy, which has provided access to grocery stores to some of the poorest people in town who appreciate the help. In conversation with Mr. Levy, he told him that even if he had not donated $1 the building should be named "Levy" because of the contributions he has made to Evanston. He said that Joe Levy, Jr., had gone above and beyond with his financial contributions to the City. He was happy to be part of putting together that building part of the recreation system and was principally financed by the success of the south end of the Research Park. He noted that former Lot # 18 will generate $1.3 million in taxes annually and the City built a great facility in the south end of town due to economic development successes. He thanked all who contributed to the $85,000; those who use the center were the movers and shakers in designing the building. He also praised the architect. While he will miss the facility's dedication, he thanked all who were involved. 2"" Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste remarked on the recent passing of Robert Mackey, Jr., who grew up in Evanston and was an excellent athlete at ETHS who helped earn a state championship in basketball in 1968. A graduate of Marquette University, he joined the ABA and performed well, then came back here and developed problems. He also remembered other men who were outstanding high school athletes such as Carlos Matthews, who did not maximize their potential as human beings and fell prey to the streets for significant periods of their lives. He noted, with the retirement of Delores Holmes, that John Turner would become director of Family Focus. He grew up here and is a mental health expert. He said that Mr. Turner will be great asset at Family Focus and a good model for young men. Alderman Jean -Baptiste thanked Chief Kaminski and Parks/Forestry & Recreation Director Doug Gaynor for their support of the traditional picnic at the Canal Park area on July 4. He said this event is celebrated with different flavors of Caribbean -based islands. The picnic went on safely and was a success. He reported that morning he was at the Skokie Court because the Darrow Neighbors (between Main/Dempster) went to court due to a young man who was destabilizing the community. The court acknowledged the presence of these neighbors and made the young man understand that there is a limit to what the community will put up with. He recalled that the Levy Center originally was a youth center. On many occasions he has heard youth ask what there is to do in Evanston. Many go to movies then go home. He suggested they think about replacing the youth center to provided social activities and outlets for youth to come together and enjoy. Alderman Jean -Baptiste again reported that Builder's Square is bringing the neighborhood down; asked for some assistance to impress upon the current management/owners to do something about the situation. He received a call from a neighbor near that building who believes there is a rat infestation there. 3" Ward. Alderman Wynne thanked the Parks/Forestry & Recreation Department for a terrific job in renovating the Synder Tot Lot on Hinman Avenue, a small park. She said there were a number of meetings about the park that were well attended. She praised the renovation with a passive park and playground area. It was rededicated June 30 and neighbors are appreciative of the hard work of City staff. A community gathering place, the park now is covered with children. She thanked Mike Shep for his services to the 3`d Ward, noting he will be missed; said farewell and thanks to Marc Mylott for his contribution to the City and whose professionalism and dedication she appreciated. There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn. The Council so moved at 9:50 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. 1 I