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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2002-02-11-20022,51 CITY COUNCIL February 11, 2002 d1O EV,��� V�A � Owk CO. 1V ROLL CALL - PRESENT: Alderman Bernstein Alderman. Feldman Alderman Kent Alderman Newman Alderman Moran A Quorum was present. NOT PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: Aldermen Wynne, Rainey, Jean -Baptiste ABSENT: Alderman Engelman PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton Monday, February 11, 2002 at 6:15 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 Bernstein. (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 — Bernstein, Kent, Moran, Feldman, Newman. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (5-0). At 7:04 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 the standing committee meetings. Mayor Morton reconvened the City Council at 8:55 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. City Manager Announcements: City Manager Roger Crum reminded residents who have a vehicle registered in the state of Illinois that Friday, February 15, is the deadline to purchase a 2002 City Vehicle Sticker at the City Collector. By consensus of the Council a Special City Council meeting will be held Monday, February 18 at 7:00 p.m. for a budget workshop preceded by a Human Services Committee meeting at 6:00 p.m. The Rules Committee meeting was cancelled. City Clerk Mary Morris announced that Tuesday, February 19 is the last day for voter registration for the March 19 Primary Election; the Clerk's office would be open Saturday, February 16, from 9:00 a.m. to noon to register voters. People with questions about their registration status should call the City Clerk at 847-866-2925. 2 S q 2 February 11, 2002 Communications: None CITIZEN COMMENT: Rachel Gold. 1505 Greenleaf St., spoke as representative of Evanston's Energy Future, a new group committed to a clean, efficient and reliable local energy policy. As the City renegotiates the franchise agreement with ComEd, they suggest the City look at the success of Chicago's franchise agreement. Chicago has a commitment from ComEd to purchase 20% of electric power from renewable sources. Evanston should not let the opportunity to secure this kind of commitment from ComEd pass by and has a responsibility to taxpayers to reduce the use of electricity in City buildings and buy energy from clean sources. She urged the City to make renewable sources for electrical power and energy retrofits a priority during franchise negotiations. David Glatt, Dave's Italian Kitchen, 1635 Chicago Ave., strongly opposed the proposed tax on food in restaurants. He called it regressive and an unfair burden upon consumers least able to pay. It puts Evanston restaurant businesses at a competitive disadvantage when they face more competition from other communities. He said it was unfair to tax only one small sector of the business community; recognized the need for more revenue and suggested the burden be spread on the entire business community to be fair. Mike Sieia, Trattoria Demi, 1571 Sherman Ave., stated it was unfair to single out restaurants for the proposed food tax. He pointed out that independent restaurant owners make Evanston rich but the owners are not getting rich. CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: Ordinance 6-0-02 — Revised Parking Fines, Plat of Subdivision: Former Mayfair Right -Of -Way and Ordinance 9-0-02 - Designation as Type 1 Street. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Roll call. Voting aye — Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Moran, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (8-0). * ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of January 28, 2002 and Special City Council Meeting of January 19, 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 January 31, 2002 and the City of Evanston bills for the period ending February 12, 2002 and that they be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston payroll (through 01/31/02) $1,731,972.11 City of Evanston bills (through 02/12/02) $2,008,597.82 * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid from Direct Fitness Solutions for fitness equipment for the Levy Senior Center and Fleetwood-Jourdain Center at a cost of $94,336.38. Funding for Levy ($49,408.89 is from Levy building project funds and within budgeted allocation); funding for Fleetwood-Jourdain ($44,927.49 is from (1) CDBG appropriated funds and (2) the Sprint Tower restricted account). * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) 3 February 11, 2002 * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of Pinel Andrews Construction for renovation of Snyder Park at a cost of $130,130. Funding source is 2001-02 GO Bonds. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of Pinel Andrews Construction for renovation of Harbert Park at a cost of $61,210. Funding source is 2000-01 CDBG program. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of Change Order #5 with the Meyne Company for the new Levy Senior Center construction, decreasing the total contract amount by $4,276, from $6,897,151 to $6,892,875. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) OMENS * Special Event — American Cancer Society Relay for Life — Consideration of a request to hold the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in James Park from noon on May 31 to noon on June 1, 2002. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Special Event — Rotary Race to the Finish — Consideration of a request from Rotary International to hold a run from 8:00-9:15 a.m., June 9, 2002, from the Rotary building to Dawes Park and along the lakefront to Raymond Park. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Resolution 7-R-02 — Easement Agreement for 624 Davis St. — Consideration of proposed Resolution 7-R-02, which authorizes the City Manager to sign an easement agreement with 624 Davis St., LLC to allow for a subsurface footing on the r-o-w at 624 Davis St. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0). * Resolution 8-R-02 — Illinois Bicycle Path Grant — Consideration of proposed Resolution 8-R-02, which authorizes the City Manager to sign the Certification Statement for an Illinois Bicycle Path Grant application for Harbert Park. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Resolution 9-R-02 — Motor Fuel Tax Resolution — Consideration of proposed Resolution 9-R-02, the Motor Fuel Tax Resolution, for $270,000 in MFT funds for traffic signal upgrades at Dempster/ Elmwood and Sheridan/Main. * APPROVED —CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0) * Ordinance 5-0-02 — Decrease in Class O Liauor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 5-0-02, which amends Section 3-5-6(0) of the City Code to decrease the number of Class 0 liquor licenses from 5 to 4 with the closing of Safeway Inc., dba Dominick's Finer Foods, 525 Chicago Ave., * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 7-0-02 — Expansion of Residential Parking Only District — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 7-0-02, which amends Section 10-11-18, Schedule XVIII of the City Code to expand Resident -Only Parking District 14 to include the 2000 block of Wesley Ave. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 8-0-02 — Expansion of Two -Hour Limited Parking and the Resident -Exempt Parking District — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 8-0-02, which amends Section 10-11-10, Schedule X of the City Code to add two-hour limited parking in the 1700 block of Wesley Avenue (west side) and adding that area of Wesley Avenue to Resident -Exempt Parking District M. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA 2© 4 February 11, 2002 * Ordinance 4-0-02 — Loadine Zone at 2102 Jackson — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 4-0-02, introduced January 28, 2002, which amends Section 10-11-7, Schedule VII(B) of the City Code to establish a loading zone at 2102 Jackson Ave. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Ordinance 1-0-02 — Reduction of Speed Limit on Residential Streets — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 1-0-02, introduced January 28, 2002, which approves a 25 mph city-wide speed limit (from current 30 mph) on streets on which the speed limit has not previously been increased or decreased by Ordinance and which are not under State jurisdiction. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (8-0) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT * Ordinance 3-0-02 — Special Use for 803'/z Chicago (Seattle Sutton) — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 3-0-02, introduced January 28, 2002, which approves a recommendation of the ZBA to grant a Special Use to permit a Seattle Sutton Healthy Eating Distribution Store as a Type 2 restaurant at 803 %2 Chicago Ave. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Ordinance 2-0-02 — Special Use for 1100 Davis St. (Tvoe 2 Restaurant: Coffee Shot)) — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 2-0-02, introduced January 28, 2002, which approves a recommendation of the ZBA to grant a Special Use to permit a coffee shop as a Type 2 restaurant at 1100 Davis St. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (8-0) APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton asked for introduction of the following appointments: Howard Solotroff Arts Council 1109 Hinman Ave. Francis Baumgart Housing Commission 1317'/z Oak St. Sharon Y. Bowie Plan Commission 1907 Dodge Ave. Mark Sloane Playground & Recreation Board 1415 Lincoln St. Marvin D. Juliar Preservation Commission 425 Grove St. Mayor Morton asked for introduction of the following reappointments: Nancy H. Segal Civil Service Commission 404 Greenwood St. John Macsai Sign Review & Appeals Board 1501 Hinman Ave., REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES 26/ 5 February 11, 2002 ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Ordinance 6-0-02 — Revised Parking Fines — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 6-0-02, which amends Section 10-11-17, Schedule XVII of the City Code to increase certain parking fines. Alderman Rainey moved introduction of Ordinance 6-0-02. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Alderman Rainey reported much discussion about the various fine increases. The committee asked that a clean copy of the ordinance with amendments be returned to the committee at the next meeting. Marked introduced. Alderman Newman asked to hear the amendments. Alderman Rainey stated the committee wanted to see the financial impact of the following amendments: blocking driveway changed from proposed fine of $35 to $50; no permit in city lot proposed increase from $35 to $40; some increase in the fine for double parking. Alderman Feldman stated these amendments would not have a major budget impact; other violations were discussed such as blocking sidewalks. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: Plat of Subdivision: Former Mavfair Right -of -Way — Consideration of a recommendation of the Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee to grant a plat of subdivision for the former Mayfair right-of- way between Foster and Emerson streets. Alderman Kent reported that this item was held in committee. The owner was asked to come in for clarification. Ordinance 9-0-02 — Designation as Type 1 Street — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 9-0-02, which designates Dewey Avenue from Simpson Street north to Twiggs Park as a Type 1 Street allowing front -yard fences. Alderman Kent moved introduction of Ordinance 9-0-02. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. This item was marked introduced. Alderman Moran stated he would defer his remarks until the next meeting. CALL OF THE WARDS: 3" Ward. No report. 4`h Ward. Alderman Bernstein recalled a meeting about the head tax a year ago where there was positive energy from non- profits that would be impacted by such a tax; promises were made by those organizations and, in a subsequent Budget Policy Committee meeting, more promises were made. He asked that non-profit organizations make voluntary contributions to the City or a tax-deductible contribution to one of the agencies that receive funds through the Mental Health Board or community purchased services because of the City's budget crisis. He noted no one on staff is seeking grants; proposed that the City encourage people to write for grants for the City on a commission basis and asked that proposal be researched to see if it is feasible. He heard that Next Theatre owes the City $15,000 in rent, and, if correct, wondered why? He also heard there was consternation at Next Theatre, which do not want the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. If $15,000 behind in rent, he did not know how long they would have that venue. Alderman Bernstein made a reference to the A&PW Committee to out some teeth in a board -up ordinance. which could include demolition of the property. He reported in the 4' Ward a single family has been boarded up and vacant for 12 years in an area where a family could move in and generate rent. A cancer survivor, he asked others to join his Relay for Life Team, in a 24-hour process to raise funds for cancer research and to call him at 847-328-0800 to be on his team. 262 6 February 11, 2002 5" Ward. Alderman Kent announced a meeting of the Plan Commission at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center on February 21 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss a comprehensive plan for much of the 5' Ward. Alderman Kent made a reference to the P&D Committee to reexamine the Transitional Manufacturing-Emnlovment (MUE) districts in the Zoning Ordinance. Two suggestions from area residents and business owners are to look at prohibited and non - prohibited uses and the floor area ratio. 6" Ward. No report. 7" Ward. No report. 8' Ward. Alderman Rainey spoke about the Pennsylvania Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Plan noting the situation in Philadelphia was different than here. The city had the state legislature behind them, threatening the non -profits that have billion dollar endowments, that they would soon lose their non-profit status because they could not meet standards for being a non-profit. They were then encouraged to pay a percentage of the property's assessed value. In turn they were able to reduce that percentage by giving a percentage of the assessed value back to the community in services. It worked well. In Evanston, they are counting on people's good conscience and not getting it. Alderman Rainey thought there was an ethical issue among grant writers on procuring grants as described by Alderman Bernstein. She recalled making a reference to the P&D Committee a year ago on boarded -up properties. She suggested a law that would prohibit the use of plywood, etc. on any boarded up property for more than a designated period of time and sanctions imposed such as having the building demolished or whatever could be done. She reported Rev. Armstrong's building at 125 Callan was in foreclosure and the judge set a date for sale. From 1993, when the building was purchased by partners Rev. Armstrong and Willie Battle, until this past year there was not a month when one or the other partner was in bankruptcy, which had the effect of allowing them to never pay gas, electric or the mortgage. Due to changes of judges, the last period when Battle or Armstrong could not file for bankruptcy allowed a window for the gas company to shut off the gas, the City to board the building up and the mortgage company to foreclose and go to sale. Prior to the confirmation date, Willie Battle filed for bankruptcy, which has stalled the sale again and means that property could be boarded up another year. She stated anything unique the committee could suggest on board -ups would be appreciated greatly as few board -ups are sad cases. Most have to do with people not caring for their property and tenants. Alderman Rainey announced Brummel Park Neighbors would meet on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at the police outpost. 9" Ward. Alderman Feldman announced receipt of an analysis of economic development projects and what they would produce in terms of additional tax base and equalized assessed value prepared by Assistant City Manager Judith Aiello. He stated in the next three years, due to mixed used developments such as Chicago/Main, 1421 Sherman Ave., 1834-40 Ridge Ave., 1935-39 Sherman Ave., 1210-38 Chicago Ave., 1004-10 Church St., 800 Davis St., 602-08 Hinman Ave., 1511 Monroe St. and 2 Arbor Lane will provide approximately $30 million additional in EAV. In 2008, as a result of completion of the downtown TIF the city will achieve a new EAV of $82, 164,328. In 2013, as a result of the Southwest TIF, the City will achieve an additional $9,492,394. In 2015, there will be an additional $16,965,647 from the Howard/Hartrey TIF and from the Washington National TIF in 2017, there will be an additional $51,242,621. The City is delighted with this and so are the school districts, which will benefit dramatically. As he traveled around Evanston that day, he thought about the amount of work by staff, often unrecognized, and too often not commented upon. He praised staff for their professionalism and thanked Ms. Aiello, Mr. Crum, Economic Development staff, and every department that brings developments to fruition for making Evanston proud. 1" Ward. Alderman Newman thanked City Manager Crum and Health & Human Services Director Terry for a memo on bird control, an issue of concern to many of his constituents. He referred the memo to the Human Services Committee for further consideration. a- 3 7 February 11, 2002 He reported a discussion about the NU landfill at the P&D Committee meeting — noted among the materials was a communication from NU vice president for business Kerr in the early 1960s expressing appreciation for the City's action that the resolution by the City would make the University's job easier when taking the request to the state legislature. A criticism by the current NU business manager to the trustees is the Council's lack of institutional memory. What was significant about the landfill project was that first awareness of it was through a press release issued Friday. The University has done considerable review and the project is permitted under the City's Zoning Ordinance, yet NU's faculty and student body were in the dark until Last Friday. He emphasized that the development plans by the University . are of keen interest throughout the community and within the University community. He mentioned they found, in discovery, in the lawsuit that the University had planners draft a plan for the entire strip of Sheridan Road between University and Orrington and kept it secret for years. Many people in the I" Ward are concerned about development plans whether permitted under zoning or not and want meetings to be held to give input. He shares that concern with faculty and students who were not given an opportunity to comment in advance. Alderman Newman said a report from the Police Chief shows that the crime rate here is the lowest in 29 years. Violent crime down 33%; the overall crime index went down 14.5% and, although there is a decline in crime nationally, he also attributed the effort of Council in expanding the police force to deal with housing issues; efforts by the police chief to attain help from the County Sheriff's police force to take a pro -active approach here and some of the economic development policies created more traffic and opportunities for residents. He thanked the chief, police force, and City Manager for this accomplishment. He recalled when Council went through the approval process for the Hill project, the consultant, U.S. Equities, predicted that Evanston would have one million people visit Evanston annually. He announced two million people visited Evanston last year according to the Chamber of Commerce. He said the Chicago White Sox do not draw two million people a year. The Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks or Bears don't generate that number even if they sold out every game. He said some questioned Evanston's ability to compete while he urged they go forward and try, which they did with positive results. He asked for follow-up information from staff on the numbers. 2"d Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste supported .Alderman Bernstein's comments to get the non-profit sector involved to assist by sharing with the City and giving to agencies it supports. He proposed that they structure the City's relationships with non- profits through the Rules Committee, establish a liaison committee between the City and non-profit sector and negotiate a real relationship with reciprocity throughout the year. A concern that emerged from the budget process was how the City allows some to benefit to the detriment of others. He stated the Evanston Arts Center has a lease on City property for $1 a year for 25 years, which must be re -negotiated to generate a greater contribution. He thought the governing body at the arts center would be open to explore negotiations and asked Mr. Crum to look into that. He termed the police report excellent and hoped Chief Kaminski would share the information with the community. He thought it important that all understand there is some progress in reducing crime. He commended neighborhood organizations that play a front-line role: St. John's Neighbors, Canal Park Neighbors, Dewey Community Conference and Dewey -Darrow Neighbors, who make a significant contribution in keeping the community safe. He pointed out other areas are barraged by criminal activity and hoped the City could go there and see how people feel about the progress they are making because not all feel there is progress in reducing crime. The need is to find out if there is more that can be done to improve quality of life. Alderman Jean -Baptiste reiterated an earlier suggestion that the City establish a radio program — Radio Evanston -- to communicate better with constituents because they were limited by available tools. 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 meetine has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the Citv Clerk's office.