HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2002-05-20-20023s�
CITY COUNCIL May 20, 2002
„0oL
ROLL CALL - PRESENT:
Alderman Newman Alderman Moran
Alderman Jean -Baptiste Alderman Rainey
Alderman Feldman
A Quorum was present.
NOT PRESENT AT
ROLL CALL: Aldermen Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Engelman
ABSENT: None
PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton
The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton Monday, May 20,
2002 at 5:11 p.m. in the Aldermanic Library. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved that Council convene into Closed Session
for the purpose of discussing matters related to litigation pursuant to 51LCS Section 120/2 (c) (11). Seconded by
Alderman Newman.
(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.
Roll call. Voting aye — Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Moran, Engelman, Rainey, Feldman. Voting nay — none. Motion carried
(6.0).
At 5:40 p.m. Alderman Newman moved to reconvene into Open Session and recess. Seconded by Alderman Jean -
Baptiste. Motion carried. No nays.
Mayor Morton reconvened the City Council at 9:16 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.
Announcements:
Parks/Forestry & Recreation Director Doug Gaynor announced that the move into the new Levy Senior Center (300
Dodge Ave.) would be completed on Monday, June 3. He reminded residents that beach tokens would be available at
the pre -season price of $18 for Evanston and Skokie residents through Friday, June 14. When the five public beaches
open for the season on June 15, the token prices will increase to $26 for residents.
Rev. Kate Guistolise, a chaplain with the Evanston Police Department, announced that May is Police Appreciation
Month. She invited aldermen and residents to attend the department's 41h Annual Celebration of Service. It will also be
a memorial for those who lost their lives during 9/11 and will be Thursday, May 30 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chamber. Rev. Guistolise reported that Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky would make a presentation on 9/11 and the
Police Department's color guard will be a feature.
3�0
2 May 20, 2002
Police Chief Frank Kaminski announced that the Evanston Police would join 11,000 other law enforcement agencies
nationwide in the "Click It or Ticket" campaign to encourage seatbelt use and reduce traffic fatalities. The enforcement
period began that day and continues through the Memorial Day weekend. He noted that more than 25,000 teens alone
die annually in crashes where seatbelts were not used. Chief Kaminski urged everyone to drive safely and use seatbelts.
City Manager Roger Crum announced that City offices would be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27 and that
refuse and recycling pickups would be one day later that week. He noted that it would be a rare parking meter holiday.
Public Works Director David Jennings announced a public hearing on Tuesday, May 28 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chamber to discuss Phase VI — Contract C of the Relief Sewer Project.
Mayor Morton reported on the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) Job Fair held Saturday, May 11 at the
Civic Center. She said about 400 youth showed up and there were not enough jobs for all of the applicants. The Mayor
asked local businesses to come forward and help more young people, between age 14-18, find employment this summer.
Communications: None
CITIZEN COMMENT:
Mimi Peterson, 1008 Ashland Ave., came to lend her voice to those opposed to the proposed traffic signals along Ridge
Ave. She acknowledged the hard work of Gerald Gordon and others who raised the matters of concern to those who live
in the Ridge Historic District. She expressed frustration with the lack of communication and planning that had led to
such as disaster. She asked why was the project permitted to reach this advanced stage before residents were warned
and then, only incidentally, of what it would mean to lose shade trees that have required decades to develop. She
asserted that she was there as both an Evanston and Illinois taxpayer to request that the City take back jurisdiction of
the project and stop proceeding as though it was completely out of the City's hands. She heard aldermen express
concerns about endangering federal funding that had been received and jeopardizing future funding. She stated that,
even with the budget constraints, this issue was too important to be decided based only on money. She cited the
differences between Rogers Park (Chicago) and Evanston along Ridge Ave. She noted in Rogers Park that the placement
of traffic signal poles had left only young trees in some area and there was no canopy to enjoy. Ms. Peterson realized
that state regulations require that traffic signal poles be set back four feet from the curb and that could cause the loss
of a number of trees. She was pleased that efforts were underway to get a waiver from that requirement. She stated it
would be "intolerable" to have new traffic lights that would require the removal of even one tree for mast arm or post
top signals. She suggested that the best solution might be to rebuild the existing traffic lights, while retaining the funds.
She asked about maintenance funds in the current budget for taking care of streetlights, posts and lamps? She was
irritated that here was another place where capital improvements have not been maintained. She asked everyone to
visualize what the Tallmadge streetlights would look like next to the big, mast arm traffic signals. She imagined that
the outcome would be unsightly and inappropriate. She asked Council to consider what the future of Evanston is and
of the special corridor that is part of the Ridge Historic District. She read a passage from the proposal for that historic
district in the 1980s: "...the district, composed almost entirely of single-family residences of consistently fine design ... is
enhanced by the well -maintained lawns and parkways lined with ornamental streetlights ... and the mature trees that arch
gracefully over the streets." She asked Council to be advocates for the district and work for a reasonable compromise.
Ra Joy, suburban director for Congresswoman Schakowsky and life-long resident, pointed out that this traffic signal
project would impact everyone who lives in Evanston, not only folks who live along Ridge Ave. and in the historic
district. He reiterated her view that "our community should be shaped by choice and not left to chance." He stated that
U.S. Rep. Schakowsky wanted to be part of a process that maintains post top lights along the full length of Ridge Ave.,
maximizes important safety and traffic flow objectives, maintains the federal dollar contribution and minimizes
additional cost to the City of Evanston for any needed changes. He pointed out that until that evening, it had been mostly
a one-sided conversation between the City and IDOT officials. If the Council were given only the City's presentation,
and did not have an opportunity to hear from residents and representatives of the Preservation Commission, the decision
might be a little easier. He thought it important to note that IDOT was partly responsible for the situation they were in.
3� I
3 May 20, 2002
As Ridge Ave. is a federal road and, IDOT was one of the reviewers of Evanston's federal grant application, they
dropped the ball by not identifying that the project takes place in a historic preservation district. There has been no
opportunity for anyone representing the views of the community to express those views to IDOT. He stated that U.S.
Rep. Schakowsky was eager to be a part of that process and to work with state and federal officials to carve out a win -
win situation that would preserve the integrity of the district without losing the federal funding.
Beniamin Chem. 1999 South Campus Dr., is the new external relations chair of Northwestern's Associated Student
Government (ASG) and looked forward to working with the Council. He reported that Alderman Newman had recently
addressed the senate and Mr. Cherry encouraged other Council members, at their convenience, to come and address the
student senate. He appointed two City Council liaisons to be the face of Northwestern ASG: Courtney Brunsfeld and
Jane Lee. He stated that a couple of his main issues are (1) forming a good neighbor policy to present to students who
will be living off campus to impress upon them the notion that their interests are the same as other Evanston residents
and (2) getting NU community service groups more involved in Evanston issues. He noted that many campus groups
have a large "world" view and do great things. He wanted some of those groups to focus on things happening in
Evanston, as it would be beneficial for University/City relations.
Courtnev Brunsfeld, 1999 South Campus Dr., senior ASG liaison to City Council, was excited to work with them over
the next year. As a student, she recognized that relations between NU and the City of Evanston are not the greatest and
the need for improvement. She also saw that it is in the best interest of Northwestern and the City to take steps toward
improving these relations. Ms. Brunsfeld noted that students and Evanston residents often have the same interests and
should work toward a stronger and more unified front; invited City officials and residents to make comments to ASG.
Michele Brodskv. 2509 Noyes St., chair of the Arts Council, wanted to thank City Council and the Human Services
Committee for their attention to the Noyes Cultural Arts Center task force.
Del Lemke, 2601 Park PI., chair of the Energy Commission, wanted to point out that the City is near the end of the
three-year extension of the ComEd Franchise and would need to decide whether to go forward with another extension
and write the new franchise agreement. He reported that the Energy Commission recommends that they exercise a one-
year extension. There has been good progress with ComEd, the number of interruptions per average customer has
dropped and the average duration per interruption has been cut in half. Mr. Leppke noted that ComEd has restructured
so that there is a group that focuses primarily on the northeast region of Illinois and has become familiar with the
Evanston system. He thought they still needed to hone some of the issues before committing them to another franchise
statement. The commission would like Council to appoint a committee to define what to do within the one-year
extension, because in the letter of agreement that was not clear.
CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*)
Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: Ordinance 49-0-02 —
Decrease in Class B Liquor Licenses, Ordinance 48-0-02 — Increase in Class B 1 Liquor Licenses, Ordinance 43-0-02
— Prohibiting Parking on Same Block after Time Limit Expires, Ordinance 46-0-02 — Binding Appearance Review,
Ordinance 58-0-02 — Zoning Ordinance Amendment, Resolution 38-R-02 — Amend Resolution 33-R-02 to Reflect
Intended Extension of Performance Time and Report from Joint Committee on Ridge Ave. Traffic Signal Modernization
Project. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Roll call. Voting aye — Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent,
Moran, Engelman, Rainey, Feldman. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (9-0).
* ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA
MINUTES:
* Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of May 6, 2002. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
3 �Z
4
ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS:
May 20, 2002
* Approval, as recommended, of the City of Evanston payroll for the period ending May 9, 2002 and the City of
Evanston bills for the periods ending May 21,2002 and that they be authorized and charged to the proper accounts,
summarized as follows:
City of Evanston payroll (through 05/9/02) $1,839,606.18
City of Evanston bills (through 05/21/02) $5,460,951.68
* APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of the Evanston Athletic Club for professional services to
develop a comprehensive health, fitness and wellness program for the Levy Senior Center at a cost of $49,320.
APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid from A. Epstein & Sons International for a Facility
Infrastructure Report for the Robert Crown Center at a cost of $65,025. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid from Open Kitchens for the Summer Food Program at a cost
of $82,320. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
Approval of a bid from Simply Ice Cream for Mobile Lakefront Concessions at a cost of $7,600. * APPROVED —
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
■OMON
* Special Event: Central Street Arts and Craft Fair — Consideration of a request to hold the annual
Central Street Arts and Craft Fair on Central Street on July 13-14, 2002.* APPROVED — CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Special Event: Taste of Armenia Street Fair — Consideration of a request to hold the annual Taste
of Armenia on Clark Street on August 25, 2002. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION
AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Special Event: City of Hope's Walk for Hope — Consideration of a request to hold the annual City
of Hope's Walk for Hope along the lakefront on October 6, 2002. * APPROVED — CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Special Event: 17`h Annual Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival — Consideration of a request to hold the
17`h Annual Evanston Arts Festival at the lakefront on July 20-21, 2002. * APPROVED — CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0).
* Resolution 39-R-02 — Relatina to Prevailina Waaes for Public Works Proiects — Consideration of
proposed Resolution 39-R-02, which relates to the prevailing wages for Public Works Projects
required by state statute. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Resolution 41-R-02 — Possible Reduction of State Shared Revenues — Consideration of proposed
Resolution 41-R-02, which urges the Illinois General Assembly not to reduce the municipal portion
of the state income tax and photo processing tax. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION
AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
263
5 May 20, 2002
* Ordinance 55-0-02 — Increase in Class B 1 Liquor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance
55-0-02, which increases the Class B 1 liquor licenses from 1 to 2 with the addition of 1800 Club.
MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 56-0-02 — Decrease in Class B Liquor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance
56-0-02, which decreases the Class B liquor licenses from 12 to 11 with the subtraction of 1800 Club.
* MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 51-0-02 — Increase in Class D Liquor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance
51-0-02, introduced May 6, 2002, which increases Class D liquor licenses from 22 to 23 with the
addition of Luma Limited, Inc. dba Lou Malnati's Restaurant, 1850-54 Sherman Ave. * ADOPTED
CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Ordinance 52-0-02 — Increase in Class D Liquor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance
52-0-02, introduced May 6, 2002, which increases Class D liquor licenses from 23 to 24 with the
addition of The Noodle Shop Co., Inc., dba Noodles & Company, 930 Church St. * ADOPTED
CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Ordinance 47-0-02 — Increase in Class V Liquor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance
47-0-02, introduced May 6, 2002, which increases Class V liquor licenses from 0 to 1 with the
addition of D&D Finer Foods, 825 Noyes. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Ordinance 50-0-02 — Increase in Class U Liquor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance
50-0-02, introduced May 6, 2002, which increases Class U liquor licenses from 0 to 1 with the
addition of The Presbyterian Homes Organization, dba The Presbyterian Homes, 3200 Grant St.
ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Ordinance 53-0-02 — Decrease in Class D Liquor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance
53-0-02, introduced May 6, 2002, which decreases Class D liquor licenses from 24 to 23 with the
change in ownership for New Japan Oriental Cafd, 1322 Chicago Ave. * ADOPTED CONSENT
AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Ordinance 54-0-02 — Increase in Class D Liquor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance
54-0-02, introduced May 6, 2002, which increases Class D liquor licenses from 23 to 24 due to the
sale of New Japan Oriental Cafd, Inc., dba New Japan Oriental Cafd, 1322 Chicago Ave.
ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Ordinance 26-0-02 — Amending Sections of the City Code ReaardinR Vehicle Stickers —
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 26-0-02, introduced May 6, 2002, which amends Chapter 8,
Title 10 of the City Code pertaining to the wheel tax. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND
ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Ordinance 45-0-02 — Declarina City Property as Surplus — Consideration of proposed Ordinance
45-0-02, introduced May 6, 2002, which declares two vehicles as surplus so that they may be publicly
offered for sale at the Village of Libertyville auction on June 1, 2002. * ADOPTED CONSENT
AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT:
* Sidewalk Cafe Permit (Type 1 Restaurant) — BlueStone, 1932 Central St. — Consideration of a
recommendation of the Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee to approve a sidewalk cafe permit
for BlueStone, 1932 Central. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
6 May 20, 2002
* Sidewalk Cafe Permit (Tvne 2 Restaurant) — Chipotle, 711 Church St. — Consideration of a
recommendation of the Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee to approve a sidewalk cafe permit
for Chipotle, 711 Church St. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Sidewalk Cafe Permit (Tvne 2 Restaurant) — McDonald's, 1700 Orrington Ave. - Consideration of
a recommendation of the Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee to approve a sidewalk cafd
permit for McDonald's, 1700 Orrington Ave. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION &
ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Sidewalk Cafe Permit (Tvne 1 Restaurant) — Tommy Nevin's, 1450 Sherman Ave. — Consideration
of a recommendation of the Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee to approve a sidewalk cafd
permit for Tommy Nevin's, 1450 Sherman Ave. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION
& ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Sidewalk Cafe Permit (Type 2 Restaurant) — JK Sweets, 720'/2 Clark St. — Consideration of a
recommendation of the Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee to approve a sidewalk cafd permit
for JK Sweets, 720'h Clark. * APPROVED —CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
HUMAN SERVICES:
* Consideration of Townshin Bills — Consideration of a recommendation to approve the Township
bills, payroll and medical payments for the month of April 2002 in the amount of $103,293.30.
APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Cultural Arts Grant Fundine Awards — Consideration of the recommendation to award grants for
2002-03 to Evanston arts organizations and individuals at a cost of $43,000. * APPROVED —
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
OTHER COMMITTEES:
* HUD Consolidated Plan Annual Performance and Evaluation Resort — Consideration of the
recommendation of the Housing & Community Development Act Committee to approve the HUD
Consolidated Plan Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for 2001/02. * APPROVED
— CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (9-0)
APPOINTMENTS:
Mayor Morton asked for confirmation of the following appointments:
Thomas R. Carey
1120 Lake St.
For term ending May 30, 2006
Marybeth Schroeder
2734 Asbury Ave.
For term ending May 30, 2005
Linda Laatsch, Ph.D.
2457 Pioneer Rd.
For term ending May 30, 2006
Environment Board
Library Board
Mental Health Board
1
1
�q�s
36S
[l
1
Stephen Droll
1106 Seward St.
For term ending May 30, 2005
Susan Rundle
1505 Hartrey Ave.
For term ending May 30, 2005
Preservation Commission
Preservation Commission
Mayor Morton asked for confirmation of the following reappointments:
Shirlee Taraki
1864 Sherman Ave.
For term ending May 30, 2005
Gordon Guth
1404 Rosalie St.
For term ending May 30, 2005
APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
Commission on Aging
Ladd Arboretum Committee
■EN■■
May 20, 2002
Alderman Feldman moved to recess as City Council and reconvene as the joint meeting of the A&PW and P&D
committees. Seconded by Alderman Bernstein. Motion carried. No nays.
Alderman Feldman moved to close the joint meeting at 10:47 p.m. and resume as City Council. Seconded by Alderman
Wynne. Motion carried. No nays.
REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES
ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS:
Ordinance 48-0-02 — Increase in Class B 1 Liquor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance
48-0-02, introduced May 6, 2001, which increases Class B1 liquor licenses from 0 to 1 with the
change in classification for The Keg, Inc., dba The Keg, 810 Grove St.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved approval of Ordinance 48-0-02. Seconded by Alderman Engelman.
Alderman Rainey restated that a liquor license is not a right, but a privilege. She was concerned about issuing a license
that would extend the hours of operation to The Keg. She acknowledged that The Keg is a great participating member
of this community, but she did not think that took the place of a well -run establishment. Alderman Rainey related the
numerous calls for service from the Police Department relating to patrons of The Keg. She specifically cited an incident
that occurred on May 10 at 1:15 a.m. A huge fight took place at The Keg that required four squad cars and ambulances
because people were beaten up and hurt. Eight arrests were made. Alderman Rainey noted that Council is being asked
to extend hours on a Thursday night. She suggested giving The Keg a three-month period to see if they can bring down
their calls for service (police) and, if they do, then they would be considered for an extended hour liquor license.
Alderman Rainey was told the reason there has not been a big rush of businesses coming to ask for the 3 a.m. license
was because they want the City to remove the requirement that food be served. It was believed that the business owners
did not want to pay for the people who are doing the cooking. She thought that might be the case. Alderman Rainey
stated that she began the effort to liberalize liquor laws in Evanston. She encouraged D&D Finer Foods to get a liquor
license and asked staff to create an ordinance for groceries where a separate register for liquor sales would not be
required. She pointed out that groceries and others have shown that they are extremely responsible and there has been
3�b
8 May 20, 2002
very little trouble. She noted that The Keg was the exception and that there was trouble there. She was against the Class
B1 liquor license for The Keg.
Alderman Newman stated he was in total agreement. He said if he had to vote that night, he would turn them down and
did not think a three-month waiting period was enough time. He reiterated that serving liquor is a privilege and has
received many police reports on incidents related to The Keg. He felt that the applicant should withdraw. He thought
there was a burden on the applicant to have a plan to avoid demands on law enforcement. Alderman Newman wanted
to see some type of record that there would be no incidents like what happened on May 10.
Mayor Morton asked if these arrests were made for people who were drunk? Or were they just people who were
fighting? She wanted to understand what was the violation? Alderman Newman noted that when he examined the BI
license application and the police reports, there were two liquor violations. He thought it was a fair presumption that
when eight people get into a fight at 1 a.m., that some drinking was going on. Alderman Newman stated those violations
were enough to deny The Keg the privilege of the B 1 license and that they ought to be concerned with keeping their
present license (Class B). Mayor Morton stated that the person who brings forth the charge that a liquor violation has
occurred is supposed to write up the complaint, have it notarized and presented to the Liquor Commissioner. She
reported that she had not received anything on this incident.
Alderman Newman made a reference to the A&PW Committee to establish a system where every liquor violation eoes
to the Liquor Commission. He stated the need to get reports on liquor violations in general and whenever someone
applies for a liquor license, there ought to be a description of what the violations were, when they have occurred and
what the establishment has done to correct the behavior of the violations.
Alderman Newman made a substitute motion to table Ordinance 48-0-02 for three months. Seconded by Alderman
Bernstein.
Roll call. Voting aye — Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Rainey, Feldman. Voting nay — Moran,
Engelman. Motion carried (7-2).
Ordinance 49-0-02 — Decrease in Class B Liquor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance
49-0-02, introduced May 6, 2001, which decreases Class B liquor licenses from 13 to 12 with the
change in classification of The Keg, Inc., dba The Keg.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved approval of Ordinance 49-0-02. Alderman Bernstein moved to table that ordinance also.
Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Motion carried. No nays.
Ordinance 43-0-02 — Prohibitine Parkins on Same Block after Expiration of Time Limitation —
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 43-0-02, introduced May 6, 2001, which prohibits the
sequential parking of a vehicle on the same block after the expiration of the time limitation at which
the vehicle was parked.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved approval of Ordinance 43-0-02. Seconded by Alderman Wynne.
Alderman Feldman understood that if a person moves out of a block and down the street, they could park with this
ordinance, but they could not park on the same block. He asserted that if someone has to find an empty spot (to move
the car into) and if there are empty spots available, then the idea of this ordinance doesn't work. He did not see how they
could justify saying one could take up a space in Evanston for as long as one wanted, provided the person keeps moving
the car across streets. Alderman Feldman remarked that the signage to instruct about this ordinance would involve
"linguistic gymnastics" and he did not think it would work.
Public Works Director David Jennings responded that the intent of the ordinance was to curtail employees, who work
downtown, from routinely switching parking spaces with their coworkers. He pointed out that such activity was a
9 May 20, 2002
violation of the two-hour limit and he viewed this ordinance as a means to enforce the intent of that law. Mr. Jennings
reported they had discussed in the Parking Committee a concept of doing the whole downtown as a zone as well as the
concept of narrowing that zone to just one block. He stated that it was true that a person could cross an intersecting street
and defeat the intent of this ordinance. What he had hoped to do was look at the severity of meter feeding or repetitive
parking in the same area of downtown and provide a means to enforce turnover.
Alderman Feldman noted if there was a conspiracy among downtown employees to trade spaces on the same block, what
would prevent them from doing the same thing by crossing streets. Mr. Jennings responded that they could. Alderman
Feldman appreciated that staff and the Parking Committee were thinking about solutions to this, but did not believe the
proposed ordinance was the answer.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste said that he agreed with Alderman Feldman's comments.
Alderman Newman reported that on the Parking Committee is the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, the
head of the small business association and two another members of the Chamber. What they had discussed in committee
was the groups of employees who purposely breaking the law -- they wipe tires clean and move their cars. The net effect
of it is that there isn't the turnover that is needed in the downtown. He asked if the value of having turnover downtown
was one that the City wants to promote or do they want to allow the spirit of the parking law to be denigrated? Alderman
Newman challenged people to go to the area near Potbelly's (Davis/Sherman) and see if they can get a parking space
at any time of the day. City staff have identified part of the problem is because employees shuffle their cars and do not
comply with the two-hour limit law. He asked if preventing these violations was a value or should they not pursue this?
Alderman Engelman agreed that employees taking up valuable turnover space are a significant problem in the
downtown. He thought that one could consider this a significant problem and still be against this. He agreed with
Alderman Feldman that this ordinance was not the way to solve the problem. Alderman Engelman thought it would only
be solved with the help of employers. He thought it could be addressed with the punitive actions they have taken and
with some "carrot and stick" approaches. This would involve incentives to employers to ensure that their employees
have off-street parking available. He also had serious concerns about the constitutionality of this ordinance.
Alderman Rainey agreed with everything aldermen Jean -Baptiste, Engelman and Feldman said.
Roll call. Voting aye — Newman, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay — Jean -Baptiste, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Rainey,
Feldman. Motion failed (3-6).
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT:
Ordinance 46-0-02 — Bindine Appearance Review — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 46-0-02,
which approves a recommendation of the Plan Commission to incorporate binding appearance review
within the purview of the Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee and adopt the Site Plan &
Appearance Review Design Standards.
Alderman Newman reported that Ordinance 46-0-02 was held in committee.
Ordinance 58-0-02 — Zoning Ordinance Amendment — Consideration of the recommendation from
the Plan Commission to include the definition of funeral homes and a recommended list of permitted,
special use and prohibited districts.
Alderman Newman asked that Ordinance 58-0-02 be marked introduced and referral back to the committee. Seconded
by Alderman Engelman.
OTHER COMMITTEES:
10 May 20, 2002
Resolution 38-R-02 — Extension of Performance Time to CDBG Service Agreement with Fleetwood-
Jourdain Art Guild — Consideration of amendment to Resolution 33-R-02, between the City of
Evanston and Fleetwood-Jourdain Art Guild, to authorize the City Manager to extend the performance
time specified in the purchase of service agreement for CDBG funding for the Evanston Black
Historic Sculpture Garden.
Alderman Rainey asked that this item be held until the next CDBG committee meeting. Seconded by Alderman Kent.
Report from the A&PW and P&D Joint Committee on the Ridge Ave. Traffic Signal Modernization
Project — Consideration of the recommendation made by the Joint Committee with respect to the
Ridge Ave. Traffic Signal Modernization Project.
Alderman Newman moved to hold this item until a Special City Council meeting on Monday, June 3, 2002, at 6 p.m.
Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Motion carried. No nays.
CALL OF THE WARDS:
1" Ward. Alderman Newman welcomed the Northwestern students who attended that evening. He commented on his tour of
the new Levy Senior Center and said it looks good. He noted that staff did a terrific job of bringing that project to fruition. He
thought the building was one they could be proud of and would bring a lot of wonderful use to people in the community.
Alderman Newman reported that many people came to downtown Evanston the past weekend. He urged the City Manager to
have police officers direct traffic at the Maple Avenue Garage between the hours of 7:00-8:00 p.m. He noted there is a second
entrance to the garage at University St., but did not think people could see the signage. He stated that to maintain the reputatio
that Evanston has outstanding parking at the garage and in its downtown, they needed good enforcement of those regulations
Alderman Newman wanted to make it clear on the Ridge traffic light project that he did appreciate the efforts made by staff.
He thought a program was needed on capital improvement projects to alert Council to the need for comment by the
Preservation Commission. He cited that there is a preservation coordinator on staff and a Comprehensive General Plan that
places emphasis on preservation and a Preservation Ordinance that calls for comment by the commission. He made a reference
to the P&D Committee to have capital vroiects flagged for preservation issues to avoid the situation they had that evening.
2"d Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste reiterated his concern for balance on the issue of the traffic signal project along Ridge Ave.
He urged everyone to consider the long-term impacts of the options that will be presented in two weeks. He stated they needed
to balance all of the issues, concerns and the interests of citizens, particularly in the times of this tight budget.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste wanted to share his excitement about the kind of activism that is going on in his ward. He reported
the Canal Park Neighbors met with the Darrow neighbors to share experiences on how to maintain a strong neighborhood. The
Dewey/Dodge neighbors across the street from Dempster Plaza met with Freed & Associates to talk about a balance between
the interests of the shopping center and those of the neighborhood. He said the neighbors on the 1700 and 1800 blocks of
Wesley and Ashland will meet to talk about neighborhood issues. He has attended each of these meetings and was excited
because people are taking ownership to maintain, preserve and protect their quality of life.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste reported that on June 3 and June 10, he intended to put before Council a resolution on reparation. He
would first go through the Human Services Committee and then come before the Council. He hoped to get information to them
in the short term, did not want them to be surprised and that they would approach it with an open mind. He referred to the UN
Conference Against Racism, which he had attended in South Africa, where the slave trade and colonialism where declared as
crimes against humanity. He noted that the declaration stated as well that it should always have been so. He reported that the
declaration further stated that former slave -owning states ought to take up reparation and that it would be on the agenda.
3" Ward. Alderman Wynne reported on the Budget Committee meeting, which lacked a quorum, where they discussed wit _
staff a number of issues identified at the prior month's meeting. The committee recommended having a separate meeting to
3 6q
11 May 20, 2002
strategize for the Capital Improvement Program, perhaps having a meeting in June that would be devoted to the CIP.
Alderman Wynne shared information on Laps for Lincoln, a fund-raising event at Lincoln School in which about 300 students
ran laps for the school. They raised close to $10,000 for teacher stipends to spend on classroom projects and other PTA events.
4th Ward. Alderman Bernstein offered kudos to the Summer Youth Employment Program, he had attended the Job Fair and
was pleasantly surprised. He described the incredible energy from volunteers and a high level of participation among the young
people who were looking for jobs. He reiterated what the Mayor opened the meeting with -- a call to businesses to please
cooperate. Northwestern University and the City of Evanston were there in force, but additional jobs are needed for the youth
here. He said that in his block alone there would be enough work, such as cleaning basements, to accommodate one or two
students for the summer. He cited the need for a citizen coordinator to coordinate the efforts and find jobs. He mentioned that
some of the youth showed up for the Job Fair at 5 a.m.
Alderman Bernstein offered kudos to the students who participated in the Young Evanston Artists festival that past Saturday.
This time he was looking at the work from the perspective of the parent of a teacher whose 4'h grade students created the works.
Lastly, he congratulated the 12 Justin Wynn Memorial Fund Leadership Award winners, who received a trophy and camp
scholarship. The awards are given to fourth graders who demonstrate outstanding leadership at each school in District 65.
5" Ward. No report
6`h Ward. Alderman Moran extended condolences to Alderman Engelman on the passing of his father. He noted that one of
the best remembrances at the service was given by Josh Engelman, Steve's son and a product of the Evanston school system.
He also noted the YMCA -City Youth in Government program was in operation that evening and Jane Engelman, Steve's
daughter, was the acting alderman for the 7`h Ward. He listened to the Mayor's and Alderman Bernstein's reports on the SYEP
and heard from the Northwestern students and was struck by the contributions that young people can bring to the community.
He welcomed and encouraged the involvement of all of those young people.
7" Ward. Alderman Engelman wanted to thank everyone on the Council, members of City staff and the public who extended
condolences to him and his family on the passing of his father.
8" Ward. Alderman Rainey extended condolences to Alderman Engelman. She reported on attending court that day regarding
the case of a graffiti artist who had vandalized 11 homes. She stated that when they went to court over the last three months,
they knew that more than restitution was desired, which did not seem quite right for the time and expense that this 17-year-old
boy had cost all of the graffiti victims. They did not want him to go to jail, but wanted to make an impact on him so he knew
what he had done was very inappropriate. Judge Garritt Howard handed out a sentence that day and told the young man that
he violated all of the victims' properties, cost them time and money, offended taxpayers and took up City staff time. Alderman
Rainey hoped if parents of kids who vandalize other people's property were listening, they will know that this judge gave this
boy two years of supervision. She reported that sentence requires him to check in once a month at the Skokie court (social
services division) and on every visit, this child has to pay $25 (a fee for supervision). In addition, he was sentenced to 30 days
(8 hours each) of community service and to make full restitution to the private homeowners and the City of Evanston. The
judge warned the youth that, if he were to be caught doing any graffiti during this two-year period, his sentence would be
reversed. Alderman Rainey felt that the young man got the message, will not vandalize and, hopefully, would tell his friends.
91h Ward. Alderman Feldman extended condolences to Alderman Engelman. He reported that the day before his family had
a party for his son Eric, who just graduated from law school.
There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn. The Council so moved
at 11:45 p.m.
Mayre Press,
Deputy 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