HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2002-01-14-2002l7�
CITY COUNCIL January 14, 2002
ROLL CALL - PRESENT:
Alderman Newman Alderman Moran
Alderman Jean -Baptiste Alderman Rainey
Alderman Bernstein Alderman Feldman
A Quorum was present.
NOT PRESENT AT
ROLL CALL: Aldermen Wynne, 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, January 14,
2002 at 5:43 p.m. in the Aldermanic Library. Alderman Newman 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 Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Bernstein, Moran, Rainey, Feldman. Voting nay — none. Motion carried
6-0 .
At 6:40 p.m. Alderman Feldman moved to reconvene into Open Session. Seconded by Alderman Jean -Baptiste. Motion
carried. No nays. Council then recessed so that aldermen could attend the standing committee meetings.
Mayor Morton reconvened the City Council at 8:58 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.
City Manager Announcements:
Fire Chief Wilkinson thanked Michael Harrington and the Harrington Foundation for a sizable donation to the Fire
Department.
Public Works Director David Jennings announced no refuse/recycling pickups Monday, January 21 (Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day) and that pick-ups would be one day later that week. He announced a public information meeting on
McCormick Boulevard design concepts (Golf Road/Emerson — Green Bay Road portion) on Wednesday, January 30
at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber about proposed realignments of the boulevard. This meeting is a look at the range
of alternative design concepts available for the street and to seek public input.
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Parks/Forestry & Recreation Director Doug Gaynor reminded residents that Christmas tree pickup would continue from
parkways only (no alley pickup) through the week of January 21. He announced a public meeting to discuss the need
for a recreation/community center in Southeast Evanston at Oakton School at 7:00 p.m. January 15. Staff and Alderman
Rainey will be present along with Brailsford/Dunlavey consultants. The meeting is an opportunity for residents to share
their preferences. Focus groups will be conducted on January 16 and 17 at Oakton School on that subject. The
culmination of the first phase will be a survey of area residents. Information from public meetings/focus groups and the
survey will be incorporated into a needs assessment report. If a need is determined, the consultants will recommend three
potential sites and cost of construction and maintenance of such a facility. There is no funding currently available for
the center. More public meetings will be held and a report will be made to Council in the spring.
City Manager Roger Crum announced that the first Budget Workshop is Saturday, January 19, 2002, at 9 a.m. with
primary focus on revenues.
Mayoral Announcements:
Mayor Morton announced that one -hour will be allotted for citizen comment at the budget workshops on major topics
listed for that day. Monday, February 4, a public hearing is scheduled on the budget with three hours for citizen
comment; additional budget workshops are scheduled for January 26, February 2, 9 and 16.
Mayor Morton reported that Fire Division Chief Sam Hunter was presented an award by Evanston's Sister City Belize
for his efforts in sending hurricane relief supplies to the city after Hurricanes Keith and Iris.
City Clerk Mary Morris announced applications for absentee ballots for the March 19 Primary Election for those who
wish to vote by mail are available in the Clerk's office and to call 847-866-2925 for an application.
Communications: None
CITIZEN COMMENT:
Gladvs N. Brver, 550 Sheridan Sq., represented the Transportation Committee of the Evanston Interreligious
Sustainability Circle. Their concern is the proposal for a Type 2 restaurant on the north side of Main Street and the 202
bus. A CTA scheduler indicated that if there were double-parked cars there, it would prevent the 202 bus from getting
through due to oncoming traffic. Despite testimony opposing this, the special use has gone through requiring a security
officer to prevent double-parked vehicles. She said the 202 bus is critical to ETHS students to get to school at 8:00 a.m.
If this passes, she reported a committee of ETHS students has been created who use the bus and who will keep a baseline
of when the bus reaches certain sites along the route and as it approaches the corner of Chicago/Main. They will
continue this after Starbucks opens. Sarah Sundell, a junior is in charge. They will report back to Council about the
special use at this location and the 202 bus in the mornings. She stated citizens have a right to expect that government
will not disturb necessary public transportation routes.
Bettv Sue Ester, 2100 Lake St., reported she enjoyed participating in the recent citizen budget process and recommended
citizens receive the budget beforehand if done again. She urged the City to ask for an extension of the CDBG allocation
for 2002-03 to HUD, noting these funds are to benefit low-income families. She questioned funding of $10,000 for cans
on the street; funds for playground equipment at a public school; funding for home care/daycare and an allocation of
$23,000 to a non -Evanston group.
Pe22v Tarr, 907 Sherman Ave., stated that Starbucks suggested solutions to traffic and safety problems at 519 Main are
testament to the fact that problems already exist there. She noted students walk to/from Lincoln School; soon there will
be demolition and construction of The Main and there is a traffic problem with vehicles exiting to Chicago Avenue from
the bank. She urged Council to reconsider Starbucks. After reading an article in the Evanston Review about giving funds
to a Haitian group, she asked that also be reconsidered because it is not an Evanston group.
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Daniel Garrison, 1228 Simpson St., spoke about the proposed planned unit development at 1930 Ridge Ave. He noted
the development has been carefully worked out and is responsive to citizen concerns with the exception of the density
on lot coverage and population. The plan is for 194 units of small apartments, which he suggested, would be suitable
for NU students and, transients in this market. He stated it has been argued mistakenly that it is impossible to have too
much density on a transportation corridor. Due to transportation amenities, pack in as many as possible, which he
thought, would be true if the residents were commuters to downtown Chicago. He suggested people who live there will
have large vehicles. Indications are that the primary clients would be students and the transportation corridor argument
is inappropriate. This site has been compared to Evanston Place and the Park Evanston, which were not comparable
when related to safety. 1930 Ridge is only accessible from one street. Residents believe the density of this site and
population is excessive and that a building closer to 100 units would be more desirable.
Jane Woollev, 425 Keeney St., spoke about 1930 Ridge and stated neighbors, the Plan Commission and the P&D
Committee worked on the Chicago Avenue Plan for several years to determine the number of parking spaces necessary
to meet the needs of an apartment building. This was codified for Main Street and Chicago Avenue. She stated the 1930
Ridge parking plans falls significantly short of meeting those requirements and did not understand why they were
required in her neighborhood but not necessary at this location, which appears to have as bad a parking problem as
southeast Evanston. Going down in density would satisfy neighbors and the same amount of parking with a compromise
on population density would satisfy many needs.
Roberta Hudson, 1941 Dewey Ave., spoke about the proposed development at 1930 Ridge; stated neighbors and block
clubs told the developer the population density is too high and traffic has not been addressed. They have not considered
traffic on Emerson Street where a 71-unit building is going up at Emerson/Dewey, which will add to traffic. She noted
the intersection of Emerson/Ridge has the highest accident rate and the developer wants to bring in more people. She
found it unfair that the developer ignores the wishes of people; predicted the project will attract undergraduate students
and with so many people living close together they will create a miniature city with many social ills. She stated Evanston
deserves far better than this.
Kattivne Bredv, 1727 Brown Ave., stated it was not right for an organization in Chicago to receive CDBG funds and
it did not help children here; said children here need the money more than those in Chicago.
Lionel Cherry, chairman of the Haitian American Association spoke about the residency of this organization. When his
organization appeared before the CDBG Committee, they explained it is based in Chicago and has a branch at the
Haitian Baptist Church, 1309 Elmwood Avenue and can be proven with a letter from the pastor. Their program is not
only for Haitians but to help immigrants who live in Evanston. They have had a presence in the past at Family Focus.
Janet Sullivan, 1300 Rosalie, represented the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, an event in May to celebrate
survivors of cancer, memorialize those who have passed away and to raise money for research. She hoped they would
come at 7:00 p.m. January 24 to the Hilton Garden Inn for an organizing rally. She stated it would bring the community
together and relay teams would be formed to walk for 14 hours through luminaries in memory of individuals.
CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*)
Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: Change Order #4 with
Meyne Company for the new Levy Senior Center, Ordinance 123-0-01 — Map Amendment & Planned Development:
1930 Ridge Ave., Ordinance 122-0-01 — Planned Development at 800 Elgin Rd., Ordinance 121-0-01- Special Use
for 519 Main St. (Starbucks), and Resolution 1-R-02 — Adopting the City's 2002-03 CDBG program budgets. Seconded
by Alderman Moran. 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:
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* Approval of Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting of December 17, 2001 and Special City Council Meeting of
December 4, 2001. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS:
* Approval, as recommended, of the City of Evanston payroll for the periods ending December 20, 2001 and January
3, 2002 and the City of Evanston bills for the period ending January 15, 2002 and that they be authorized and charged
to the proper accounts, summarized as follows:
City of Evanston payroll (through 12/20/01) $1,724,385.49
City of Evanston payroll (through 01/03/02) 1,720,567.98
City of Evanston bills (through 01/15/02) 3,861,242.07
* APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of Change Order #3 with Civil Contractors & Engineers for Phase VIIH of the Long -Range Sewer Project,
reducing the cost by $301,379.10 from $2,470,944.25 to $2,169,565.15. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
OMENS
* Ordinance 115-0-01 —Decrease in Class D Liauor Licenses —Consideration of proposed Ordinance
115-0-01, introduced December 17, 2001, which decreases the Class D liquor licenses from 20 to 19
with the change in ownership from Famile Inc. to RWN Inc., dba Jilly's Cafe, 2614 Green Bay Rd.
* ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Ordinance 116-0-01 — Increase in Class D Liauor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance
116-0-01, introduced December 17, 2001, which increases the Class D liquor licenses from 19 to 20
with the purchase of RWN Inc., dba Jilly's Caf6, 2614 Green Bay Rd. * ADOPTED CONSENT
AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
* Request for Special Housine Funds — Consideration of a request by the Evanston Housing Coalition
for a 120-day interest free loan of $25,150 from the Mayor's Special Housing Funds to buy and repair
126 Clyde, Unit 1; upon sale of the unit, the City would be repaid. * APPROVED — CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Ordinance 120-0-01 — Grantine Evanston Landmark Status to Property at 641 Sheridan So. —
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 120-0-01, introduced December 17, 2001, which would grant
Evanston Landmark Status to the property at 641 Sheridan Sq. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA
AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
HUMAN SERVICES:
Alderman Feldman announced that the Human Services Committee would meet Wednesday, January 16 at 7 p.m. The
main agenda item will be discussion of purchased services and the City Manager's recommendation to cut purchased
services. They have waited for the Budget Policy Committee to make a recommendation or offer guidance, but have
not heard from them. He invited all Budget Policy Committee members to that meeting to participate and offer the
expertise they have developed regarding budget issues and values of the community.
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OTHER COMMITTEES:
* Resolution 2-R-02 — Reallocation of Unexpended CDBG Funds — Consideration of proposed
Resolution 2-R-02, which amends the 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000 CDBG Programs and
authorizes reallocation of unexpended funds for those years to the 2002-03 Program. * APPROVED
— CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES
ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS:
Alderman Rainey moved approval of Change Order #4 with the Meyne Company for the new Levy Senior Center
construction, increasing the contract price by $69,521 from $6,827,630 to $6,897,151. Seconded by Alderman Feldman.
Alderman Rainey noted $8.7 million is budgeted for this project.
She reported availability of answers to numerous questions about this change order asked by the committee.
Roll call. Voting aye —Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Rainey, Feldman. Voting nay — Moran,
Engelman. Motion carried (7-2).
A&PW Committee report. Alderman Rainey reported a presentation by Administrative Hearings Director Wayne Moran
on administrative adjudication and that efforts have generated funds they otherwise would not have. With only parking
tickets being adjudicated, they have $160,000 of revenue over expenses. There have been few complaints and Council
will soon receive a report on the amount of staff time saved. They received a report on garbage cans and will request
that the two companies making injected molded receptacles conduct a survey here using only those cans to see if they
can withstand squirrels.
Alderman Feldman praised the adjudication program just on the basis of how many City employees do not have to spend
time in court and are on the street enforcing the law and making inspections. He noted the program brings in additional
revenue, better enforcement and use of staff time and decisions are made in the community. He stated the initial
investment in software was made this year, which is reflected in the cost with more revenue anticipated in the future.
He thought the program was fair and accessible.
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT:
Ordinance 123-0-01 — Map Amendment & Planned Development: 1930 Ridge Ave. — Consideration
of proposed Ordinance 123-0-01, which concerns the findings and report of the Plan Commission
to rezone property into R6 District and grant a planned development for construction of a 194-unit
residential complex.
Alderman Kent reported the committee voted 3-2 to introduce the ordinance. He moved that Ordinance 123-0-01 be
introduced as amended from R6 to R5 zoning and an amending page 6 that deals with affordable housing. Seconded
by Alderman Newman.
Roll call to introduce. Voting aye —Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Moran, Engelman Rainey, Feldman.
Voting nay — Kent. Motion carried (8-1).
Alderman Newman moved that Alderman Kent be allowed time to address the proposed development at 1930 Ridge
Avenue. Seconded by Alderman Wynne. Motion carried unanimouslv.
Alderman Kent stated the community does not want to see development there. Zoning of R6 and R5 was discussed in
committee but was not a concern of the community. He thanked the developer for coming to meetings, listening to the
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neighbors and going to four stories. The community did not want 194 units in six -ten stories and doesn't want 194 units.
The underground parking is an excellent idea but does not give Council the right not to think about what will happen
in this community and the impact of 194 rental units. The affordable component came about because people worked
together. He said with this developer there have been significant changes, but this project is not the right one for this
area. They have been told they cannot come down from 194 units. Parking issues were raised by neighbors because
residents on Leon, Simpson and Maple fought for residential parking. It is not a fiction — there is no place to park. The
Chamber supported this project, but he has never seen the Chamber come out and help them clean up the alleys. People
come and talk about what is right in a community they don't live in. He understood support for the project, but some
kind of "real time" must be given here to nearby residents. It is not that residents don't want a development, they don't
want a development of this size. They know this will serve the mall at Emerson/Ridge, Noyes Street, Buffalo Joe's and
Walgreen's but he thought they could do the same with 125 units and not 194.
Alderman Kent stated that Mr. Aaronson has said he would work on affordable housing and with the Interfaith Housing
Center. He suggested that Mr. Aaronson work with nearby churches, the Evanston Neighborhood Conference and area
groups that have worked on housing because those groups work with area residents. During the Plan Commission
meeting the question was asked what if this building becomes condominiums. He asked if, legally, this property could
be prohibited from being sold as condominiums for 10-20 years, which would help the community and did not think
that took anything away from the developer. They know the developer has many large apartment complexes that they
have not sold but this is Evanston. What happens elsewhere tends to get mixed up here. Alderman Kent asked what
security will look like? They ask because they have a thick log of complaints that make residents distrust Northwestern
students who live in this area. He was not saying the plan was bad because there are community rules included. Maybe
because of good management this building will be a success and maybe the problems with students are due to living
in houses that are over populated without good management. For himself and the community this was not over and they
are not trying to stop anything. If the votes are to develop this property, speaking to the developer and Chamber, he
asked them to support hiring another building inspector, not talk about it. Maybe that would help the neighborhood catch
up and solve some current problems. He wants Council to understand where the community is coming from and believes
there is something appropriate for this location. He asked them to reconsider 194 units.
Ordinance 121-0-01 - Special Use for 519 Main St. (Starbucks) — Consideration of proposed
Ordinance 121-0-01, introduced December 17, 2001, which grants a Special Use for a Type 2
restaurant (Starbucks) at 519 Main St.
Alderman Kent moved approval of Ordinance 121-0-01 as amended in Section D by deleting "if, prior to issuance of
a final certificate of occupancy." Seconded by Alderman Feldman.
Roll call. Voting aye — Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Bernstein, Kent, Moran, Engelman Rainey, Feldman. Voting nay —
Wynne. Motion carried (8-1).
Ordinance 122-0-01 — Planned Development at 800 Elein Rd. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance
122-0-01, introduced December 17, 2001, which approves a recommendation of the Planning &
Development Committee to grant a planned development for construction of a nine -level office and
parking structure.
Alderman Kent moved approval of Ordinance 122-0-01 as amended by substituting Sections 13 and 14 in their entirety.
Seconded by Alderman Feldman.
Alderman Rainey wanted to be sure that P&D Committee members are confident the building appearance will be similar
to the 1800 Sherman building. She noted substantial progress on construction has to be made within two years after
approval of this ordinance; asked the period of time that money will be generated for the TIF since this is in the
Downtown II Research Park TIF and how much will this project contribute to the parking garage? Mr. Crum noted the
TIF ends in 2008. She asked if any consideration was given to completion of this project? If this project is underway
in two years, she noted, was there anything to prevent the developer from slowing down or stopping? Alderman
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Engelman said the requirement is not only to commence construction but diligently pursue construction. They cannot
slow down or stop it. The developer believes it will take 18 months to construct this building. It may take longer
depending upon materials, weather during winter months, etc. What is in the ordinance is that the developer must start
construction within two years and diligently pursue it thereafter. If not, their grants are lost under the ordinance unless
Council chooses to extend them.
Roll call. Voting aye —Newman, Jean -Baptiste, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Rainey, Feldman. Voting
nay — none. Motion carried (9-0).
OTHER COMMITTEES:
Resolution 1-R-02 — Adoptine the Citv's 2002-03 CDBG, HOME Investment Partnerships and
Emergencv Shelter Grants Prop -ram Budeets — Consideration of Resolution 1-R-02, which adopts the
City's 2002-03 CDBG, HOME Investment Partnerships and Emergency Shelter Grants program
budgets and approves the One -Year Action Plan for 2002-03.
Alderman Rainey moved approval. Seconded by Alderman Bernstein.
Alderman Rainey explained entitlements from HUD included $2,399,000 for CDBG, $503,000 for HOME Investment
Partnerships, $83,000 for Emergency Shelter Grants and the reallocation of $274,070 from previous years balances. She
noted an error on the grand total. The correct amount is $2,798,000.
Alderman Rainey praised the CD Committee for an excellent job in assisting Evanston taxpayers in financing more City
projects than ever before, which left some agencies without the funding they desired because the City had great need.
In the past they left infrastructure funding in CDBG target areas to the last and therefore did not allocate funds. This
year money was allocated for streetlight upgrades and alley paving in CDBG target areas. She addressed controversy
in the Haitian community and was distressed about comments attributed to her in the Evanston Review. She never said,
"they don't have time to study each project." She said the Haitian project came to the committee, which thoroughly
scrutinized it and questioned the location. This group has a project in Chicago, which is duplicated in Evanston. The
Haitian proposal provided met the standards to receive an CD allocation. She also told the Evanston Review, that under
no circumstances would these proposals and work -product on a monthly/quarterly basis on this project, receive one
penny if it does not meet the criteria and follow the proposal presented to the City. She stated that Council and citizens
have nothing to fear, that on many occasions the CD Committee had not made allocations where money was
appropriated because reports were not provided or it was determined they did not meet standards for funding. Should
this group not meet the standards for CD funding, they will not receive money. She explained that money is meted out
on a monthly or quarterly basis, based on the agreement. Nobody is getting a check for $23,000 immediately. She said
all organizations receive regular funding based on reports to staff and guaranteed that this program would be watched
carefully. She thanked citizens and aldermen who served on the committee.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste stated he is a member of the Haitian American Association and has an interest. Therefore, he
would abstain from voting on this matter. He affnmed that the CDBG Committee scrutinizes every organization to make
sure that everyone does what they say they will do; was available to respond to any requests for information.
Alderman Moran recalled a Council meeting where they affirmed that the highest priority was to work on revitalization
of the Church/Dodge area, which he continues to support. He stated there was a proposal before the CD Committee from
E-Town Ventures, which described its project as revitalization of Church/Dodge with the focus on Church between
Brown and Darrow. This group seeks to enhance job skills, employment training, healthy after school programs,
reduction of the digital divide (community media center), resources for senior citizens without Internet access to learn
to use email, acquire and improve retail/community space at Church/Dodge to promote a healthy community image,
which he saw as an important set of principles. E-Town did not receive any funding. This came after a sting operation
by Evanston Police and Cook County Sheriff's Department, which led to the arrest of 19 people, many juveniles, for
selling narcotics at Church/Dodge. The Evanston Community Defender, which provides criminal defense, is funded with
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$80,000. He would rather spend money on economic development, job skill training, creating a healthy environment,
working on lessening the digital divide and helping senior citizens. He stated that E-Town Ventures has made a big
investment, purchased property there and indicate they want to go forward. He thought the City should help them. On
the award to the West Side Citizens Council to do work on the building at 1817 Church Street for the Evanston Black
American Heritage House. He studied their proposal for $300,000, which is needed to get the building in shape so that
it could be used. The award was $112,500. He thought it fine to have a Black American Heritage House, but did not see
what could be accomplished with $112,500. Substantial work is needed to make the building habitable and he does not
know how it will be funded and at the pace of the initial funding, did not know when it could be made habitable. A few
years ago there was disagreement over CD funding to rehab a school playground. In this program there is a proposal
to rehab the Dewey School playground for $70,000. At the time he thought there was an understanding with District
65 that they would do their projects and the City, which is under tremendous monetary pressure and has millions of
dollars of need, would work on City projects. The District would pay for its playgrounds. He knows in the $27 million
referendum significant funds were to be devoted to playground rehabilitation. Taxpayers voted overwhelmingly for it.
He did not think the City should devote CD funds to playground projects for District 65. He noted the Fire Department
has a project to buy a van for $32,000, which should be funded by the City. It was not needed and the City could not
afford it. The committee voted $22,000 for this. He did not think it fell within what CD projects are about. He expressed
discouragement by the proposal and saw many important projects where work is needed that were turned back or funded
minimally. He saw needs in target areas that are woefully underfunded or not funded and could not endorse it.
Alderman Rainey announced the program must be submitted to HUD January 15. She reported they had 12 meetings
on this; had in excess of $4 million in requests and a little more than $2 million to allocate. She noted they have
everybody's priorities submitted to them, then they allocate limited resources to those priorities. One reason they have
aldermen and citizens from target areas is to have a meeting of the minds as to how to allocate the funds. E-Town
Ventures and Community Defender were evaluated. Minutes will indicate that the Community Defender was told that
this is conceivably the last year they will receive CD funds. They were given fair warning, as the committee did not want
to cut them off on the spot. Hopefully they will take that seriously and make other arrangements. Next year E-Town
could ask for funding and that is encouraged. The committee saw no program. She noted some wealthy individuals have
purchased property and promised to do good things at Church/Dodge. She stated they did not have enough money. On
the West Side Citizens Association and 1817 Church Street building, the committee thought it important to support that
project -- $112,000 would allow them to do work throughout the year and did not believe they could complete the
project within a year. She stated the award to the Fire Department was not for a van, but for a "fire safety house." It is
a vehicle that is taken to schools to teach children and citizens how to avoid losing life in a fire. Other communities have
this. She thought it important and qualified for CD dollars. The other $10,000 will be financed by the Foreign Fire Tax
Board. It will be used throughout the community and can be rented to other schools/communities. Evanston has rented
a fire safety house in the past and found it was popular. Alderman Rainey thought the committee did an excellent job.
Alderman Engelman appreciated the hard work of the chairman and CD Committee to try to balance needs. He noted
that Alderman Rainey answered most of Alderman Moran's questions but not those regarding District 65. His concern
with the allocation of $112,000 to the West Side Citizen Association is that they will never get to where they are going.
This $112,000 would be put in a building that still was not useable and needed another $200,000 to make it useable and
even more money to make it into a museum and education center. He asked if the $112,000 is contingent on raising
additional money over time? He saw that the District 65 proposal is a match: CD funds $70,000 and District 65 uses
$150,000 from referendum funds. He said there are a number of items in the City budget where they ask the schools
to participate. If the District is not willing to participate in what the City asks for — such as school crossing guards,
liaison at the high school — maybe this money should be used for that purpose. He understood other monies could be
used for school crossing guards.
Mayor Morton asked who at the West Side Citizens Association would receive CD funds? CDBG Grants Administrator
Sally Lufkin stated it is a non-profit organization. The president is Laretha Henry; another officer is Bettye Palmer and
Mamie Smith is a member. Ms. Lufkin stated the West Side Citizen District Council is receiving funds and doing a black
technology center. They applied for funds for the museum and technology center. Mayor Morton recalled the City sold
this building to that organization for $1. Ms. Lufkin confirmed that a plan for use of funds is presented to the CD
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Committee and that CD funds are disbursed as work is completed.
Alderman Kent supported the CDBG Committee's work and said they have tried to find ways to keep organizations that
receive funds accountable. He was pleased there was concern about Church/Dodge. He has had many conversations with
E-Town and hoped they will come in and make changes. He said it was the same for the Heritage House and the Hill
Development. He did not think Church/Dodge would change in two -three years. He said they would do $112,000 more
than they did with the initial $38,000 grant. He said Heritage House came to CDBG because they started with nothing.
This funding helps them get a leg up so they can begin to think about ways to raise funds. He said the work has started
and has never stopped. He stated reports on progress of the museum are missing and he will provide those. He asked
them to be patient with E-Town, the Hill Development and the museum.
Alderman Feldman stated that anyone could make a case for changing an allocation and those not on the CD Committee
were not part of the discussions. After all the work, it is hard to institute a change but it could be done. He found sitting
in on a meeting where something is discussed is the best way to affect it; knows that CD discussions are lengthy and
in-depth. He said the Dewey School playground is on school property but he saw it as a community investment and a
neighborhood playground, which is an asset to any community. He recalled when money was given to 2nd and 9`h wards
by Home Depot, residents requested it be used for a new playground at Dawes School. So they discussed whose
responsibility it was to provide a playground. He thought if they waited for District 65 to put in a playground, it won't
happen. He was glad the CD Committee allocated money for that playground and all could be proud of it.
Alderman Newman thought there was a misunderstanding about how CD funds can be used. If this were a community
with less than 50,000 population, District 65 would have the right to apply to the state for CD funds. The reason the City
allocates them is that the City is an agent for the federal government with a population more than 50,000. He said these
funds do not belong solely to the City to improve its budget situation. He said more children (350 of which half are
minority children) would use the Dewey playground in one day, more than will use a City park in one month. He
thought parents want quality at their schools and the Dewey playground represents that. When he hears now is the time
to get money from District 65, he noted the City has 20 different taxes. The City is raising $400,000 on parking fines;
has multi -million taxes for utilities and cellular phones. He said that District 65 is considering $3.6 million in cuts and
has three sources of funds: federal and state governments, which are fixed, and the property tax, which is capped. He
thought this is the worst time to try to get money from District 65; that the City should be thinking how they could help
District 65. Strong schools and excellence is what Evanston is about. The idea of looking out pnly for themselves is
something he rejects. Eliminating payment for crossing guards is not a good idea at this time. If anyone thinks E-Town
is the answer to Church/Dodge that is not the view he will hand over for the future of that area. E-Town was given
$10,000 in economic development funds and all hope they will grow and eventually they may get money. In the past
money was poured into ECDC at Church/Dodge.
Alderman Bernstein explained this is a consensus budget; described the process, noted the committee is limited by what
they are able to fund and they did their best.
Alderman Rainey noted interest in parts of this allocation. She explained that CDBG money helps fund battered
women's shelter, rehab of street lights, the Community Defender program, civil legal services, the homeless shelter and
playgrounds. She explained the $70,000 is enhancement money for Dewey playground would not be spent unless the
district spends $150,000 on the playground first. Every penny they have in this program is due to low-income people
who live here and is called "entitlement money" because there are needy people who require assistance. She noted over
the years, partial projects were funded in phases such as Family Focus and that building has almost been rebuilt with
CDBG funds. Funding in phases was not a negative way to do business and funding capital projects in phases is better
than not funding them at all.
Alderman Engelman asked, as a policy, if they fund projects in installments? He asked is the $112,000 the first
installment of a $350,000 project to make the building useable? Then there is another set of projects to put into the
building. Regarding funding projects by other taxing bodies, he was elected to do the best job for the City. He did not
presume to know the problems of District 65 and how to solve them. He had four children who went through District
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65 and has his opinions. As a policy, he thought they should not fund other taxing bodies' projects when the City has
the needs it has.
Alderman Feldman said there has always been another taxing body on the CDBG allotment (Ridgeville Park District)
and called CDBG funds the community of Evanston's money not the City's.
Roll call. Voting aye —Newman, Jean-Baptiste,Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Rainey, Feldman. Voting nay — Moran,
Engelman. Alderman Jean -Baptiste abstained due to a possible conflict of interest. Motion carried (6-2-1)
CALL OF THE WARDS:
V Ward. Alderman Newman asked for a budget memo on the reduction of $50,000 for Dutch elm disease program; an
explanation of the reduction in the park ranger program and why the booting revenues are not up to projections. He understood
the City spends $85,000 annually on Central Street for the six football games. He noted that is funded in overtime by the Police
Chief and it needs to appear as a budget item annually. He said Council needs to decide if it is going to fund police officers
on Central Street for the football games.
He reported a positive response from downtown merchants on how the panhandling ordinance is working; congratulated Chief
Kaminski, Officer Steinhoff, others who work downtown and the Entry Point Program.
He reported attending Budget Policy Committee meetings and thought overall they conveyed problems of the City into the
community and received citizen input. He was not sure the process was the most productive. Part of what the committee asked
citizens to do was come up with $2.5 million in cuts but there is an additional $1 million in cuts spread around the budget that
cannot be fully explained. He asked if it has been decided to cut the Dutch elm program or decrease park rangers? They hav
a complaint from the Levy Center signed by members about staff cuts. He asked if the $1 million in cuts goes into effe
without discussion? He recalled asking for a memo January 7 from all department heads detailing cuts in their departmen
that are included in that $1 million so Council members understand it. No time has been spent on that by any committee and
said the problem is really $3.6 million.
He proposed the city manager make reductions among exempt employees of $360,000. He explained no member of staff would
make less money, but raises would be cut in half. He thought it important for people all around the City to make sacrifices and
this suggestion in no way reflected on his appreciation of the hard work of exempt employees. He also wanted the proposed
increase in the vehicle sticker raised from $5 to $10 making it $60 for an additional $150,000 in revenue. That totals $510,000.
He suggested not cutting the branch libraries for $200,000, another $150,000 be allocated to cable and to continue working
on relocating the studio. He noted cable funds come from franchise fees of over $440,000 that is paid by cable subscribers.
He suggested that cable subscribers are entitled to use of that money for cable activities. It is not paid by the general population
but by cable subscribers. He recommended reducing the $150,000 cut to the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre/children's theater
and funding it with $100,000. The theater could keep $30,000 in revenue. The reduction would be made up by the venue used.
Alderman Kent suggested using the new Levy Center or going to Noyes Cultural Arts Center. He thought they should not pay
double rent at Family Focus. He also recommended bringing back one police officer for the middle schools. He believes there
is consensus on Council not to cut the branches and it was well meaning by staff to suggest the cut, but closing branches does
not have community consensus. He noted the $85,000 spent annually on Central Street for football games is the cost to operate
one branch library and believed his suggestions have support of much of the Council.
2"" Ward. Alderman Jean -Baptiste shared Alderman Newman's position on saving the branch libraries, Fleetwood-Jourdain
Theatre and not cutting cable. He wants the Summer Youth Employment Program preserved, because he believed if kids are
neglected in the summertime the .community will pay for it in other ways. He noted the CDBG process was difficult and
requires a lot of give and take and the budget process would be similar.
He noted the next day was Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday and that he was a significant model for Evanston, which is th' most diverse community outside of Chicago. He thought they could be proud of the fact that no one faces hostility due to the
race, beliefs or nationality here, but need to fight to preserve diversity and equity. He has spoken often of issues that they need
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to give leadership to collectively and over time will be addressed. He urged them not to sit back and observe the rainbow, but
that they promote and encourage equitable development of their children.
He announced the next day at Family Focus, a group of ad hoc citizens will meet to take a self-critical look at the state of black
Evanston on youth and education. He said many are asleep and have not raised their voices regarding the educational gap that
exists between black and white children. He recognized this is the task of Districts 65 and 202, nevertheless it is every citizen's
concern. The more people who are vigilant on this, the more they will reach educational equity. They will also address the
family. While most families pass on positive values, there are parents who have given up on their children. They want to see
if there is something they can do about that. They will also discuss community. There are many organizations: CEDA, Family
Focus, NAACP and others, yet there are many problems that need to be addressed. There is the issue of drugs in the community
and a lot of counter -productive behavior. All are invited to the meeting at 6:30 p.m. He stated it was important to remind
children that Dr. King was a courageous man who was on the cutting edge and who stood up to give of himself to bring about
change. Unless all participate in that process, they will go backwards.
3" Ward. Alderman Wynne announced a meeting on Thursday, January 17 at 7:00 p.m. at Lincoln School where Dubin
Development Company, the purchaser of the former Dominick's site at Chicago/South, will make a presentation about a
proposed planned unit development of townhouses.
4`h Ward. Alderman Bernstein thanked the Budget Policy Committee for a good first effort; thought citizens were energized
and urged them to attend the first budget workshop on Saturday, January 19.
! He recalled Pat Gregory's appearance before Council describing a fire at her home and who asked why the fire hydrant in front
of her house was not functioning. He contacted her and she has not had a response. He asked that she receive a response and
requested a memo on what the City does to make sure all hydrants function.
He referred to the Relay for Life Rally on January 24 at the Hilton Hotel; said there are many cancer survivors in the
community. The rally is scheduled to discuss what the program is about and urged people to come.
He announced that Aldermen Wynne, Moran, Mayor Morton and himself would be waiters/waitresses at a fundraiser for
SOAR, a mentoring program sponsored by the Evanston Police Department and McGaw YMCA. The event is Saturday,
January 26 and tickets can be obtained froip aldermen, Mayor or police chief.
5" Ward. Alderman Kent reported residents met with the Plan Commission January 10 with housing, economic development
and public safety the top three issues in the 5' Ward. Now they will break into small groups to address these issues.
6" Ward. No report
7" Ward. Alderman Engelman reported the Budget Committee completed its outreach to the community; thanked
committee members and staff for their hard work and other aldermen who came to the meetings. He found it an
educational experience for the committee and citizens who appreciate the difficult choices Council must make. He hoped
to have a written report before the first budget hearing on Saturday and gave a brief synopsis on trend thinking from
the citizen group meetings that relates directly to community purchased services. He said if they looked at rankings,
service cuts were not particularly palatable and what they wanted to look at was revenue enhancements. When they did
the budget balancing exercise, four of five groups included purchased service cuts as one of the choices to meet the $2.5
million budget balancing. There will be more statistics in the final report.
He agreed with Alderman Newman that closing branch libraries would not happen. From a library science perspective
it may make sense in a community of eight square miles. However there is a human impact to closing libraries,
especially the north branch, which provides benefits to users and is a mainstay as a business.
He confirmed that Alderman Newman did not want to cut crossing guards. He agreed with Alderman Jean -Baptist that
the Summer Youth Employment Program was high on his list to retain. He noted one focus group said that program
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12 January 14, 2002
could be done for one -fifth of the cost, which he suggested be explored.
Alderman Engelman urged all to attend the Bryant Ballet Chicago benefit performance on Sunday, February 17 at
Fleetwood-Jourdain.
8" Ward. Alderman Rainey asked when staff would respond to budget memo requests? Mr. Crum said Wednesday.
She requested a report from the library director evaluating the quality of programs and services at each branch library;
number of households using each library and the actual savings of closing both branches not just first year savings. What
does the City spend to operate its branch libraries? To make a good decision, she thought it important to know who uses
the branch libraries. She has heard from many people that the branches should be closed and that the City has a
wonderful main library.
She reiterated that Southeast Evanston area would have meetings Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Oakton School
this week, which would produce interesting information. She was asked about the timing of this since they are talking
about how poor the City is — yet they are having these meetings. She said nobody is being misled that there are funds
to build a recreation/community center but that Representative Julie Hamos obtained state funds to conduct this study
because they are not sure the community supports having such a facility. If they support a center what would be the
nature of a center they would support? She. stated this is a fact-finding mission.
She stated this Thursday there is a judicial sale of 125 Callan Avenue, which is a nine -unit building owned by Reverend
Armstrong. She reported the boarding of that building, and the fire that caused boarding of the building next door owned
by Mr. Zipperstein, meant police calls there have plummeted by 80%. Surrounding neighbors have reported newfound
peace. She would attend the sale with Stan Janusz.
Alderman Rainey asked Council to consider the addition of an average of $25 monthly for all City employees, including
unions, towards health insurance. This would generate $250,000. She recognized some are contractual employees and
asked that they step up and they are not exempt from the financial misery facing this city. If it requires opening up the
contract, she said fine. If they are the decent unions she thinks they are, they can agree to come forth and agree. Her
suggestion includes all who have health insurance.
9" Ward. Alderman Feldman supported keeping branch libraries open and will not vote for reduced funds to ECMC.
He was interested in the report from the Budget Policy Committee on community outreach and more interested in the
committee's response to the citizens groups. He expected that the committee would make a recommendation to Council
regarding budget policy and that it would examine results of the meetings then advise Council and the city manager on
budget policy. He has not heard any policy. He said the chair of the Human Services Committee had written to the chair
of the Budget Policy Committee about making important decisions and there was no response. He found that difficult
to accept. The Human Services Committee wanted the advice and opinion of those charged to work nine months to give
them that opinion. He was interested in what the Budget Policy Committee was supposed to do in advising Council on
policy and help the Human Service Committee wrestle with decisions that will affect hundreds of residents. He thought
they were less because of it and hoped they would attend the Wednesday Human Services Committee meeting.
He reported attending the Century Theatre and meeting the manager who told him the owners are pleased with its
success and that it is one of the best in the country. It keeps getting better and is a star attraction on the North Shore.
They get the best films. The Rhythm Room is successful and they are considering expanding it. They would like to have
even more screens. He recalled the gloom predicted with 14 screens but it is working out beautifully. He reported that
people come from downtown Chicago and Highland Park. He found restaurants jam-packed and people do cross under
the viaduct. Predictions on traffic and lack of connectivity have not occurred. The garage was filled to capacity recently.
Alderman Feldman stated that Council wanted the city manager to produce a budget with cuts and revenue
enhancements. There are differences in accepting the manager's suggestions, but he appreciated the manager's
suggestions and staff efforts because that was what he was asked to do.
13 January 14, 2002
Alderman Engelman found Alderman Feldman's comments unfortunate. He said the Budget Policy Committee's job
is to recommend policy to Council. Its job was not to decide how the manager's proposed budget should be changed
or do the job of other committees. He recalled the chair of Human Services Committee calling him and stating that he
had the votes to approve the suggested community purchased service cuts and was asked to support it before the
committee heard what citizens groups had to say. Now he was hearing that it was unfortunate they had to wait for citizen
comments before they gave a recommendation on what's going on with the proposed cuts. He was confused about what
he had to do to make the Human Services chairman happy. They will have the report of the trends that showed up from
the citizens groups and individual aldermen will express insights they learned from these experiences. He did not believe
it was ever the Budget Policy Committee's job to make a particular comment as a group on each of the city manager's
proposed cuts as P&D or A&PW committees might when a matter is brought before them. The city manager's budget
is not proposed to the Budget Policy Committee, which then holds hearing on it and makes recommendations to Council.
Alderman Newman stated the problem was lack of communication. The reason the Human Services Committee sent
out the request was if the $227,000 is not allocated at the Human Services Committee, it will be thrown to the whole
Council to do. The manager recommended a cut of $227,000 in community purchased services and mental health for
an additional $150,000. If they wish them to come before Council they will. He recalled the Human Services Committee
came up with $50,000 in cuts several years ago and could not get one more vote. So if there is no support for that cut,
why should they spend time trying to allocate it? A special Human Services Committee was set up for January 17 and
now they will have to skip that meeting. He asked the city manager to cancel the Wednesday meeting and if there is a
need for that cut, the entire Council will try to figure it out.
There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn. The Council so moved
at 11:58 p.m.
Mary P. Morris,
City Clerk
A videotape recording of this meetin¢ has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the Citv Clerk's office.
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