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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2002-03-11-2002CITY COUNCIL OF EV.1f f_� ��l' ---cr—= ti(105 �Og1k O CO. ROLL CALL - PRESENT: Alderman Engelman Alderman Rainey A Quorum was present. NOT PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: Aldermen Kent, Wynne, Bernstein ABSENT: Alderman Moran PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton March 11, 2002 Alderman Feldman Alderman Newman Alderman Jean -Baptiste The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton Monday, March 11, 2002 at 6:13 p.m. in the Aldermanic Library. Alderman Feldman moved that Council convene into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing matters related to litigation and closed session minutes pursuant to 5ILCS Section 120/2 (c) (11) and (21). Seconded by Alderman Rainey. (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 Section 2.06. Roll call. Voting aye — Engelman, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Bernstein. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (6-0). At 6:50 p.m. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved to reconvene into Open Session. Seconded by Alderman Bernstein. Motion carried. No nays. Council then recessed so that aldermen could attend standing committee meetings. Mayor Morton reconvened the City Council at 8:55 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. Mayor Morton proclaimed March 2002 National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Announcements: City Clerk Mary Morris announced the 2002 Primary Election would be Tuesday, March 19 with polls open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Voters who will be out of Cook County, serving as an election judge or in an official election capacity, or are disabled can vote absentee in -person in the City Clerk's office weekdays through Monday March 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday March 16 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. People with questions about their voter registration are asked to call the Clerk's Office at 847-866-2925. Communications: None zQq 2 March 11, 2002 CITIZEN COMMENT: Debbie Hillman, 1118 Sherman Ave., recommended that mass transit information, such as schedules and route maps be included routinely at all relevant zoning hearings and she gave a basic description of Evanston's current public transportation services. She noted in reading the ZBA transcripts on the proposed Starbucks at Main/Chicago that no one present had accurate knowledge of the bus route/schedule; saw as a larger issue that this inadvertent ignorance translates into an overemphasis on traffic and parking accommodation in city planning. She thought most residents support public transit as a general principle and it is in everyone's interest to have fewer vehicles here. She pointed out that when decisions are made about zoning, land -use and new development, that transit seems to be overlooked. She was puzzled as to why the City installed permanent newspaper boxes at one of the busiest bus stops, the northwest corner of Church and Sherman (Panera Bread). She suggested that the City have a procedure for including basic transit information at all relevant hearings, including descriptions of transit options within a half -mile radius; information on planned transit changes or proposals for new bus shelters/benches and bulletin boards for posting route information. Hal Mead, 2205 Maple Ave., with Evanston's Electric Future, Education Committee, reported that in 1976 a group of citizens began to discuss what could be done to live more compatibly with the environment and an area that could be significantly improved was wasteful use of energy — thus began a community project in alternative energy published by the Evanston Environmental Association in 1978. He served on that committee and they hoped to insulate the Ecology Center, install solar collectors, a wind generator for the center and educate the public on what could be done. He noted varied reactions to the energy and ecological crises. Many ignore it while others pay lip service but it's business as usual. Others have formed groups that actively support changes they believe are needed in the near future. That was a generation ago and since then there have been many changes in the environment and people's thinking. He stated a four -kilowatt wind generator was installed on a 60-ft. tower at the Ecology Center in 1982. This system worked for a time supplying a small amount of electricity to the center. For years it has not worked. This system could not compete with conventional forms of energy generation. Now wind energy is the fastest growing way to produce clean electrical energy. He stated soon there probably would be a commercial wind farm producing electricity in Illinois within two -hours of Chicago. The Education Committee proposes to replace the old wind system at the Ecology Center with a new larger more efficient wind electric generating system. The new system would provide the Ecology Center between 1/3 and 2/3 of its electric power and would have a 10-20 kilowatt generator installed on a 100-120 ft. tower. The power would be used by the Ecology Center or sent back to the electric grid. The total cost is well under $50,000 and would pay for itself within a few years. He said an Illinois Grant Program can help pay up to half the cost of installing this system. The committee has talked to the Ladd Arboretum Committee, the Site Plan and Appearance Review Board concerning the project and received tentative approval to proceed. They will present their formal proposal to the community surrounding the Ecology Center in the near future. He stated this demonstration project is to show what is possible to produce clean electricity, reduce dependence on use of coal and natural gas, which produces pollution and contributes to global warming. This is a small step toward moving to a country that could provide 20% of its energy needs through renewable sources by 2020 if they have the will and vision to do it. Madelvn Ducre,, 1929 Foster St., alleged some police officer threaten the livelihood of some families in her neighborhood. She acknowledged there are dysfunctional families here and does not condone deviant or unruly behavior by children or adults. The community wants fair treatment and justice across the board and quality police officers in their neighborhood. She noted there are some fair and understanding officers and they are respected. She stated she will not tolerate harassment and urged Council to look into this matter. She reported that youth have been harassed for wearing their pants down, which is their thing and they will get over it; noted youth make mistakes. She has spoken with Chief Kaminski and with Aldermen Rainey and Newman. She said youth are not getting respect. She came that night because her son was embarrassed in front of his children when he was stopped by a police officer because his car was loud. . CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: Resolution 15-R-02 — Authorization to Sign Parking Lease for Retail Parcel, 17-0-02 — Amends Sections of City Code Concerning Animal License Fees, Ordinance 21-0-02 — (Amends Ordinance 6-0-02) Revise Parking Fines, Ordinance 22-0-02 — Amends 299 3 March 11, 2002 Sections of City Code Regarding Recycling Collection Fee, Ordinance 13-0-02 - Special Use for 337 Howard (Type 2 Restaurant: Subway), Ordinance 19-0-02 — Special Use & Variances for 101 Asbury (CVS Pharmacy) and Ordinance 14-0-02 — Amendment to Type 1 Street Regulations. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Roll call. Voting aye — Kent, Engelman, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (8-0). * ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 25, 2002 and Special City Council Public Hearing of February 4, 2002. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: * Approval, as recommended, of the City of Evanston payroll for the period ending February 28, 2002 and the City of Evanston bills for the period ending February 26, 2002 and that they be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston payroll (through 02/28/02) $1,786,173.92 City of Evanston bills (through 03/12/02; FY 01-02) $3,070,523.25 City of Evanston bills (through 03/13/02; FY 02-03) $ 111,226.28 * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL 18-01 * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of Chicagoland Paving for tennis and basketball court improvements for Parks/Forestry & Recreation at a cost of $141,800. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid for a three-year sewer maintenance contract from National_ Power Rodding Corp. for the Water & Sewer Division at a cost of $544,240. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid for the annual rental of an excavator and loader for the boat ramp from S.E.S., Inc. for the Recreation Division at a cost of $19,660. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of Vermeer Midwest Inc. for one portable brush chipper for Parks/Forestry &Recreation at a cost of $20,000. *APPROVED —CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. for one fire engine/pumper and warranty for Fire Dept. at a cost of $370,079. * APPROVED —CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0). * Approval of the purchase of trees for spring planting from the Suburban Tree Consortium in the amount of $22,120.73 for Parks/Forestry & Recreation. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of Change Order #6 with the Meyne Company for the new Levy Center construction, decreasing the total contract amount by $2,971, from $6,892,875 to $6,889,904. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of Additional Architectural Services #1 for Fire Station #3 renovation, in the amount of $5,920 to Yas/Fischel Partnership, increasing the contract amount from $149,700 to $155,620. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) = 4 March 11, 2002 * Approval of Amendment #2 to the professional services contract for Beck Park with SmithGroup JJR, for the Beck Park renovation project, increasing the amount by $2,800. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) ■■■■■ * Special Event: Evanston Bicvcle Club North Shore Century Bike Ride — Consideration of a request from the Evanston Bicycle Club to hold its 18' annual North Shore Century Ride using the Lagoon Building and surrounding areas of Dawes Park on Sunday, September 22, 2002. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Resolution 19-R-02 — Approval of a Tiered Approach to Corrective Action-Obiectives Agreement — Consideration of proposed Resolution 19-R-02, which authorizes a Tiered Approach for Corrective Action -Objectives Agreement (TACO) with BP American, Inc. regarding cleanup of leaked fuel from an underground tank at gas station formerly at 1826 Dempster St. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Resolution 16-R-02 — Joint Agreement with IDOT — Consideration of proposed Resolution 16-R-02, which authorizes the City Manager to sign a joint agreement with IDOT for Phase II Engineering for the Asbury Avenue bridge. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Resolution 17-R-02 — Allocation of MFT Funds — Consideration of proposed Resolution 17-R-02, which authorizes the allocation of $107,000 in Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the Phase II Engineering Study for the Asbury Avenue bridge project. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Ordinance 18-0-02 — Amending the Sidewalk Cafe Ordinance — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 18-0-02, which amends Section 7-2-6 (D) (3) I of the City Code increasing the annual permit fee for sidewalk cafes. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 20-0-02 — Vacation of Prooertv — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 20-0-02, by which the City Council would approve the vacation of a portion of an alley north of Howard St. and east of Asbury Ave. for a parking lot for CVS Pharmacy at the northeast corner of Howard/Asbury. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 16-0-02 — Declaring Citv Propertv as Surplus — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 16-0-02, introduced February 25, 2002, which declares various items as surplus so that the vehicle and other equipment can be publicly offered for sale at the April 6, 2002 Village of Fox Lake auction. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Ordinance 10-0-02 — Special Assessment #1447 — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 10-0-02, introduced February 25, 2002, which approves Special Assessment #1447 for alley paving north of Harrison St., east of Poplar Ave. through the Special Assessment Process. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Ordinance 11-0-02 — Special Assessment #1448 — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 11-0-02, introduced February 25, 2002, which approves Special Assessment #1448 for alley paving north of Payne St., east of Dewey Ave. through the Special Assessment Process. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (8-0) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: * Ordinance 88-0-01 — Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment: Required Parkine/Multi-family 361 1 1 5 March 11, 2002 Residential — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 88-0-01, which approves a recommendation of the Plan Commission to amend the Zoning Ordinance regarding required parking for multi -family residential uses. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA HUMAN SERVICES: * Approval of Township Bills — Consideration of a recommendation to approve the Township bills, payroll and medical payments for the month of February 2002 in the amount of $69,543.68. APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton asked for introduction of the following appointments: Seymour LaRock 1023 Hinman Ave. Kyra Walsh 1907 Lincoln St. Marvin D. Juliar 425 Grove St. Arts Council M/W/EBE Development Committee Economic Development Committee Mayor Morton asked for introduction of the following reappointments: Michelle L. Brodsky Arts Council 2509 Noyes St. Benjamin H. Schapiro 911-Emergency Telephone System Board 150 Dewey Ave. Mayor Morton asked for confirmation of the following appointments: Theodore E. Gantos, I1 1321 Ashland Ave. For term ending March 30, 2006 Joann Teagan 429'/z Custer Ave. For term ending March 30, 2004 Les Jacobs 319 Kedzie St. For term ending March 30, 2005 Energy Commission M/W/EBE Development Committee Public Art Committee AGENDA ADDENDUM * Plat of Davis/Church Second Resubdivision — Consideration of a recommendation from the SPARCC to grant a plat of second resubdivision for the land generally between Church St. on the north, Davis St. on the south, the CTA embankment on the east, and the Metra embankment on the west, to facilitate sale of retail space along Church Street to Arthur Hill Co. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) �02 6 March 11, 2002 * Resolution 20-R-02 — Release of Redevelopment Agreement — Consideration of proposed Resolution 20-R-02, which authorizes the City Manager to enter into a release of redevelopment agreement with Davis Church Office Development, LLC for release of the redevelopment agreement with Davis Church Office Development, LLC on the retail parcel south of Church Street. APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) BUDGET VETO Mayor Morton read her veto of the Fiscal Year 2002-03 City of Evanston Budget concerning a salary increase to non - represented employees. She vetoed line/account 1100 10100 so as to make possible Council's approval of an increase of $180,000, amending the amount budgeted from $1,275,000 to $1,455,000; line/account 60 3006, so as to make possible Council's approval of a $180,000 increase in projected permit fee revenues, amending the amount in the budget from a revenue of $1,975,000 to $2,155,000. The changes requested did not require any increase in the property tax. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved that Council approve an increase in salary to non -union employees by ''/2% to become effective June 1, 2002, (1/2% above the 3% increase already approved), an increase to line/account 1100 101000 by $67,500 amending the amount budgeted from $1,275,000 to $1,342,500; line/account 60 3006 be increased by $67,500 in projected permit fees revenue amending that line item in the budget from revenue of $1,975,000 to $2,042,500. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Alderman Rainey expressed disappointment with the veto message; thought the message would be about saving money. She did not understand what was going on with staff that came in and said there is really more revenue; said this action made her lose some respect for the information given at the last meeting. She asked how could Council trust the information given on revenue/expenditures when all of a sudden there is new money being generated by permit fees. It looked like Council was not told the whole truth on the budget. As Council considered the budget, she heard staff saying they did not want to over project revenues. She believed in treating union and non -union employees the same and was the first aldermen to voice that sentiment. She would support the Mayor's veto if it had a positive impact on the taxpayers but there was nothing and she could not support the change. City Manager Roger Crum recalled that staff reported building fee revenues of $2.3 million in January and the amount allocated was a conservative number. Alderman Engelman supported the Mayor's veto and would have supported a more forceful message that would have talked about the high property tax increase and the need to address the City's systemic problem that can only be addressed by looking at service deliveries, which was debated many times. In regard to the proposal by Alderman Jean - Baptiste, which seeks a compromise between the Mayor's message and what the Council passed on February 25, while appreciating the intent, he could not support it. He too opposed the creation of two classes of employees. Whether it is $180,000 or $90,000 that is being saved, he said two classes of employees are being created and the unrepresented class includes the lowest paid employees, the most vulnerable and also senior staff who receive much more but are at meetings until the wee hours as is Council. He said it was important to keep all employees on a level playing field so that when they go into negotiations with labor groups they can be in a position to treat all groups equally. He acknowledged the need to address cost -of -living increases. Roll call. Voting aye — Kent, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay — Engelman, Rainey. Motion carried (6-2). In response to Alderman Newman, First Assistant Corporation Counsel Herb Hill said the budget was approved with approval of the two segments. If Council chose to reaffirm, it could, but was not necessary. Mayor Morton explained she wanted to veto the entire budget to do something for taxpayers, but did not have time to find something to put in its place. She said it took a great deal of time to find money for an additional increase for staff, which she thought this Council really wanted and recommended by the City Manager initially. Im 7 March 11, 2002 REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Resolution 15-R-02 — Authorization to Sien Parking Lease for Retail Parcel — Consideration of proposed Resolution 15-R-02, which authorizes the City Manager to enter into a Parking Lease with Church Street Plaza LLC for the retail parcel south of Church St. Alderman Rainey moved approval. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Alderman Rainey reported typographical errors on page one and two for correction. The last line refers to the City of Evanston as "tenant" and Church Street Plaza as "landlord." Tenant and landlord should be switched. Alderman Engelman seconded the amendment. Motion carried. No nays. Ordinance 17-0-02 — Amendine Sections of Citv Code Concernine Animal License Fees — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 17-0-02, which amends sections 9-4-3 and 9-4-4 Title IX to increase animal license fees and change requirements to fiscal year. Alderman Rainey moved introduction. Alderman Rainey moved to Suspend the Rules for the purpose of adopting an ordinance at the same meeting at which it is introduced. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Rainey moved adoption. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Roll call. Voting aye — Kent, Engelman, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (8-0). Ordinance 21-0-02 — Amendine Ordinance 6-0-02 — Revised Parking Fines — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 21-0-02, which amends Ordinance 6-0-02 pertaining to revising the fine for No State Registration to comply with the Illinois Vehicle Code. Alderman Rainey moved introduction and explained the fine was increased to $35, the state of Illinois sets a cap at $25, so they have to reduce the fine. Alderman Rainey moved to Suspend the Rules for the purpose of adopting an ordinance at the same meeting at which it is introduced. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Rainey moved approval. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Roll call. Voting aye — Kent, Engelman, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (8-0). Ordinance 22-0-02 — Amendine Sections of the Citv Code Regarding Recvcline Collection Service Charge — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 22-0-02, which amends Section 8-5-13 of the City Code to increase recycling collection service charges. Alderman Rainey moved introduction. She explained the committee was concerned about the charge that would be automatically adjusted to match the contract in the future. Their understanding of what was done during budget deliberations was to raise the fee by $1.86 to $2.86 per month to reflect the actual cost of recycling. They did not understand this to be an ongoing increase, no matter the cost of recycling. The committee believed that this is an annual financial matter so that phrase was removed and $2.86 per month inserted instead. Marked introduced. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Ordinance 13-0-02 — Special Use for 339 Howard St. (Type 2 Restaurant: Subway) — Consideration 3b4 8 March 11, 2002 of proposed Ordinance 13-0-02, which approves a recommendation of the ZBA to grant a special use permit for a Subway restaurant at 339 Howard St. Alderman Newman moved that this ordinance be marked introduced and referred back to the in committee. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Ordinance 19-0-02 — Special Use & Variances for 101 Asbury Ave. (CVS Pharmacv) — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 19-0-02, which approves a recommendation of the ZBA to grant a special use and yard variances for a CVS Pharmacy with drive -up window. Alderman Newman moved that this ordinance be marked introduced and referred back to the in committee. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Ordinance 14-0-02 — Amendment to Tvve 1 Street Reeulations — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 14-0-02, introduced February 25, 2002, which extends by one year the sunset provision on Title 4, Chapter 19 of the City Code, regulating Type 1 Streets along which fences may be placed along street lot lines. Alderman Newman moved approval. Seconded by Alderman Kent. Alderman Engelman is philosophically against front yard fences and opposed this amendment because it eliminated the sunset provision. The ordinance was passed a year ago to allow Council to designate Type 1 streets and in the year this has been in effect only one Type 1 street was approved. The reason for the sunset provision was to see what allowing front yard fences would do and he did not think they had an opportunity to see how it works. Alderman Newman said they would have an opportunity to see how it works after they see some areas in neighborhoods where fences go up. If they find the ordinance is destroying how the community looks, anyone can refer the matter to the P&D Committee to revisit the ordinance. He saw no need for the sunset provision. This applies anywhere in Evanston when somebody comes to the City and applies for a Type 1 street designation. Roll call. Voting aye — Kent, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein. Voting nay — Engelman. Motion carried (7-1). HUMAN SERVICES: Alderman Feldman reported the Human Service Committee would meet with the Human Relations Commission and Library Board to discuss effectiveness and history of activity. He noted the question of branch libraries, while put to rest this year, will not go away and the need to explore the concept of a West Side branch library. CALL OF THE WARDS: 5`h Ward. Alderman Kent appreciated the Mayor's veto message, noting she got some movement but did not think she got what some of them wanted to see. That might include everybody on Council and that was significant movement that would create reductions for every taxpayer. He said they need to go forward with the Budget Policy Committee with some things they put in place and acknowledged the process and budget were not perfect. He reported on February 17, the Black American Heritage House had a fabulous turnout for its first fundraiser in conjunction with the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Theatre. He thanked all who were involved and contributed. The first newsletter, the North Star Newsletter, in honor of Frederick Douglas, will be published February 25. He reported the Plan Commission had met the past Thursday and involved many people who would not ordinarily have com together. People from the 2"1 Ward will be involved and more residents need to be involved. He said information would b forthcoming about improving quality of life and economic development. 30S 9 March 11, 2002 6" Ward. No report. 7t6 Ward. Alderman Engelman announced a Budget Policy Committee meeting at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 20 to begin work on the 2003-04 budget. The agenda is to review all suggestions made by citizens groups, staff and Council during budget deliberations. Council and the public are invited to attend. He was heartened by Alderman Feldman's announcement that the Human Services Committee will meet with the Library Board to look at library issues because there are budget issues. He reported at the last Economic Development Committee meeting the results of a feasibility study on a performing arts/music/theater in the former Central Street movie theaters. Renovation of those structures would cost between $13-14 million and possibly more. While it is a daunting figure, he said it was not so to leaders of Light Opera Works and Dance Center Evanston, which said they would examine and explore the figures. It raised challenges for those groups and for City Council in that the groups are looking for zoning relief, which would significantly impact residents. In addition to construction problems, which could entail blocking off the end of an alley for a period of time, the most significant zoning issues are an 80-ft fly on the building for scenery and off-street parking. He hoped that both businesses and residents in the 7' Ward continue to follow this and planned to convene a neighborhood meeting after spring vacation/school recess to discuss impacts of these issues. He concluded, saying the good news is this may be doable even through the figures are big. 8" Ward. Alderman Rainey reported 18-20 graffiti incidents in a two-day period. The vandal was caught and charged with 11 counts of vandalism. The vandal was caught because a neighbor had a $50 video camera on his garage facing the alley and the vandal, unbeknownst to him, was videotaped as he reached up and sprayed so it was impossible to deny it. This person is 17 years old and will go to court Friday. She stated there was a neighborhood effort to catch the vandal who bought the spray paint at Home Depot, a violation of the "spray -paint" law. She encouraged the police chief to begin conducting sting operations on spray paint sales. She pointed out that anybody who is out defacing private property puts a burden on homeowners. There are cases where spray paint has not come off. She will go to court and expects this vandal to pay for graffiti removal and hoped others who go to court will expect the same. She warned vandals that they will be caught and they cannot go out and destroy others' property. Those who want to vandalize their own room should do so. She reported another shooting in the 8' Ward. 9" Ward. Alderman Feldman reported on a recent community meeting attended by about 40 people with staff and police present. The budget, downtown, new construction or theaters were not mentioned. What was discussed was street lighting, tree trimming, city services and neighbors who don't shovel their walks or mow their lawns, don't handle their garbage correctly, people who speed and ignore stop signs and youth who don't respect neighbors/elderly, police or teachers. He said when people step outside their door, that is the area that they are most concerned with. He said the immediate neighborhoods needed to be the focus. He now has requests for speed humps on north/south streets. 1" Ward. Alderman Newman made a reference to the Plan Commission to consider elimination of bed/breakfast businesses as a special use in R1 and R2 districts in the Zoning Ordinance. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Voice vote, motion carried. No nays. Alderman Newman recalled extensive minutes on the bed/breakfast issue in spring 1993 and asked that those be forwarded to the Plan Commission. He asked the City Manager to schedule a Council meeting regarding the money not programmed in the Capital Improvement budget and further briefing on the financial software purchase. He noted there has been much talk about the Levy Center costs. He noted Wilmette; population 28,000, in 1995 spent $10 million on a senior center and currently is spending $10 million to fix up swimming pools at Centennial Park across the border from Evanston. During that same period, the Skokie Park District committed $45 million to their park system. During budget deliberations it was noted the Parks Division has been extraordinarily successful in getting grants. Because of the time spent to get grants, he suggested that those monies stay in the department that applied for the grant. He suggested, without hiring another employee, that the City Manager's office submit a number of grant applications on behalf of the Capital Improvement budget. He stated that grant writing needs to be done throughout the organization and asked for a report on that. 2"d Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste thanked Council for baptism by fire (the budget). The process made him realize that Evanston is a city of big heart and shoulders and that the City does everything for everybody. He hoped in the process they 36� 10 March 11, 2002 don't become patronizing and engender needs as opposed to trying to resolve and troubleshoot some of the problems. He hoped in the next year they can look at the list of priorities they developed at a goal -setting session. He noted at the Plan Commission meeting, there is general development coming in the 5°i and 2nd wards. With citizens involved, he thought they will see progress in areas such as Church/Dodge. Alderman Jean -Baptiste wanted to revisit the West Side library issue; noted they wrestled with the need for branch libraries; wanted to make sure the needs of the various communities are met and they move forward. He has met various candidates during the election and has mentioned a West Side library and other such institutions. He knows the City's budget won't support a West Side branch but the need is there and they can find resources. He hoped the budget process did not alienate anyone but made them all stronger. 3'd Ward. Alderman Wynne looked forward to the next Budget Policy Committee meeting and said their progress makes the future budget less painful. She announced many people in the 3`d Ward were aware of a meeting scheduled by the Plan Commission about the Dominick's site, which is off the agenda for the Wednesday meeting and plans are being re-evaluated. She reported the South Branch library has attractive new awnings. Alderman Wynne hoped the vandal caught in the 8`h Ward was the one who has been defacing property in the 3`d Ward. She receives many calls about graffiti and calls them in; said the 3`d Ward had the highest number of graffiti incidents of anyplace in Evanston; hoped the $50 video camera gives people an idea of what they can do. People's Market was recently hit. 4" Ward. Alderman Bernstein thanked Hal Mead for his presentation on energy; appreciated Debbie Hillman's comments and suggested they make transit information available to special use applicants where traffic/parking impact is a consideration. He announced 1314 Ridge Avenue would go to an open outcry auction May 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Gardens Hotel. The property will be sold with a covenant that it be on the tax rolls and will be sold without conditions. He noted retention of the residential character was something the school district had no say in but the City does. Alderman Bernstein attended a meeting of Washington Neighbors where John Szostek, of Custer Street Fair, said he was picking up building permits for restoration of the Union Pacific station that was built in 1908. He said $2.5 million in private funding was procured to enhance the brick on the east side of the building and totally restore the old doors and windows. When completed, they will have capacity for a railroad museum, a second -level waiting area and a 45-seat theater in the south portion. He stated a constituent sent Council a challenge to give the community hope, which he has accepted. He said Evanston is not a city of residents versus business. He said the process began with the Budget Policy Committee and must go forward, which means people must become aware of all the City does. He will try, with help from the Small Business Association and the Chamber's small business section, to see if the summer job program could be privatized with a cooperative effort. He reported that the Small Business Association, the Hill Company and Northwestern University invited him to investigate a kiosk system that would be interactive and allow people attending the movies to know what is happening in the rest of the community. He reported attending the new 18-screen theater in Skokie and said there was a big difference between that one and the theater in Evanston. He was excited about what is happening downtown and said there is hope for Evanston. While it is on the ropes due to the economy, he thought Evanston was coming back strong when condominiums come online in the future and the sewer debt is paid off, Evanston will shine. There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn. The Council so moved at 10:28 p.m. Mary P. Morris, City Clerk A videotape recording of this meeting has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the City Clerk's office.