HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2001-05-21-2001CITY COUNCIL May 21, 2001
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ROLL CALL - PRESENT:
Alderman Rainey
Alderman Bernstein Alderman Feldman
Alderman Moran Alderman Newman
Alderman Engelman Alderman Jean -Baptiste
A Quorum was present.
NOT PRESENT AT
ROLL CALL: Aldermen Wynne, Kent
ABSENT: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton
PRESIDING: Mayor Pro Tem Gene Feldman
In the absence of Mayor Morton, Deputy City Clerk Mayre Press announced that nominations for the election of a
Mayor Pro Tem were in order and, that in accordance with Council Rule 14.7, Alderman Feldman is next on the list of
aldermen by seniority who have not served as Mayor Pro Tem. Alderman Rainey nominated Alderman Feldman.
Alderman Rainey moved the nominations be closed and that Alderman Feldman be elected. Seconded by Alderman
Engelman. Motion carried. No nays.
The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Feldman Monday,
May 21, 2001 at 6:40 p.m. in the Aldermanic Library. Alderman Engelman moved that Council adjourn into Closed
Session for the purpose of discussing matters related to litigation pursuant to 5ILCS Section 120/2 (c) (11).
(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.
Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Roll call. Voting aye — Bernstein, Moran, Engelman, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -
Baptiste. Voting nay - none. Motion carried (7-0).
At 7:00 p.m. Alderman Jean -Baptiste moved to reconvene into Open Session. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Motion
carried. No nays. Council then recessed so that aldermen could attend standing committee meetings.
Mayor Pro Tem Feldman reconvened the Council meeting at 8:52 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
City Manager Announcements:
City Manager Roger Crum announced that due to the Memorial Day holiday, all City offices will be closed Monday,
May 28 and City garbage collection services would be delayed one day.
Police Chief Frank Kaminski announced that Wednesday, May 23, 2001, at 7 p.m. in the Parasol Room would be the
graduation ceremony for Class No. 13 of the Evanston Citizen's Police Academy. Everyone is invited to see the
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celebration of about 27 people who have completed the spring session of the academy. Chief Kaminski announced that
May is Police Appreciation Month and Thursday, May 24, 2001, at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers is a Police Appreciation
Day service and a memorial. On behalf of the chaplains, he invited the public to attend. They will be retiring the badge
and star of Lt. Robert Heytow at that ceremony.
Mayoral Announcements:
Mayor Pro Tern Feldman read an explanation.of the new Citizen Comment procedure. There will be two sign up sheets:
(1) for citizens who wish to comment on an item on that evening's agenda and (2) for citizens who wish to make a
general comment. If there are five or less speakers, a period not to exceed 15 minutes shall be provided for Citizen
Comment. If there are more than five speakers, a period not to exceed 45 minutes shall be provided for all comment and
no individual shall speak longer than 3 minutes. The mayor will allocate time among the speakers to ensure that Citizen
Comment does not exceed 45 minutes.
Mayor Pro Tern Feldman proclaimed
National Public Works Week - May 21-25, 2001
Communications: None
CITIZEN COMMENT: None
CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*)
Alderman Rainey moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: Approval of agreement with
Hammerschlag & Company for consulting services for Sherman Avenue Garage; Approval of Idriss Company proposal
for tree -growing services; Approval of proposal of The Meyne Company to provide Phase I1 construction of Levy
Senior Center; Approval of Contract Amendment No. 2 with Harza Engineering; Ordinance 58-0-01 — Amending
Ordinance 38-0-00 (Vehicle Booting); Ordinance 44-0-01 — Amending Title 7, Chapter 9 of City Code and Ordinance
45-0-01 — Amending Title 7, Chapter 10 of City Code. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Roll call. Voting aye —
Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Engelman, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (8-0).
* ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA
MINUTES:
* Approval of Minutes of Regular City Council Meeting of May 7, 2001. * APPROVED- CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0)
ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS:
* Approval, as recommended, of the City of Evanston payroll for the period ending May 10, 2001 and the City of
Evanston bills for the period ending May 22, 2001 and that they be authorized and charged to the proper accounts,
summarized as follows:
City of Evanston payroll (through 5110/01) $1,980,327.02
City of Evanston bills (through 5/22/01) $3,805,700.33
* APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of Ace Coffee Bar Inc. for the 2001 Summer Food Service
Program for Parks/Forestry & Recreation Department at a cost of $71,050. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
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* Approval of the increase to an agreement with EVMARK for landscape maintenance of the central business district
at a cost of $29,094. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the proposal of Marsh & McLennan Companies to provide insurance consulting services at a cost not to
exceed $100,000. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of Change Order No. 2 for the Howard Street Police Outpost project in the amount of $6,463 to Central
Lakes Construction, increasing the contract amount from $213,800 to $220,263. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of Change Order No. 1 for the Fire Station #2 Generator Set in the amount of $4,170.83 to J.W. O'Brien
increasing the contract amount from $33,512 to $37,682.83. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND
ROLL CALL (8-0)
■■ER■
* Special Event — SDrinefield Missionary Baptist Church — Consideration of a request to close a
portion of Darrow Avenue for their first "Taking It to the Streets" afternoon of Gospel music and
praise event on June 23, 2001. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL
8-0
* Special Event — Open House at The Cradle — Consideration of a request to close a portion of
Simpson Street just east of Ridge Avenue from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 24, 2001,
for its annual open house. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-
0)
* Special Event — Fountain Square Arts Festival — Consideration of a request from the Chamber of
Commerce to hold the Fountain Square Arts Festival on Church Street and Sherman Avenue in the
downtown area on June 23-24, 2001. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL
CALL (8-0)
* Resolution 34-R-01 — Evanston Athletic Club Agreement — Consideration of proposed Resolution
34-R-01, which authorizes the City Manager to enter into an extended agreement with the Evanston
Athletic Club allowing Levy Center members to use the EAC facility and services. * APPROVED
— CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Resolution 35-R-01 — McGaw YMCA Agreement - Consideration of proposed Resolution 35-R-01,
which authorizes the City Manager to enter into an extended agreement with the McGaw YMCA
allowing Levy Center members to use the YMCA facility and services. * APPROVED — CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Resolution 36-R-01 — ICMA Retirement Health Savings Plan for Police Sergeants — Consideration
of proposed Resolution 36-R-01, which authorizes the City Manager to implement an agreement
which provides a Health Savings Plan for the Evanston Police Sergeants Association as part of the
collective bargaining agreement effective March 1, 2001. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Resolution 37-R-01 — Easement Agreement — Focus Development — Consideration of proposed
Resolution 37-R-01, which authorizes the City Manager to enter into an easement agreement with
Focus Development Inc. to allow for subsurface footing and caissons on public right-of-way for
construction at 1624 Maple Avenue. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL
CALL (8-0)
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* Resolution 38-R-0I — General Maintenance Motor Fuel Tax Resolution — Consideration of proposed
Resolution 38-R-01, which appropriates $600,000 of Motor Fuel Tax Funds to finance the general
maintenance of city streets. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL
(8-0)
* Resolution 39-R-01 — Series 2000 Bonds Remarketine Agreement — Consideration of proposed
Resolution 39-R-01, which authorizes Legg Mason as the City's remarketing agent for its Series 2000
bonds. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Ordinance 49-0-01 — Amending Title 7, Chapter 13, Section 7 of the Citv Code — Consideration
of proposed Ordinance 49-0-01, which amends Title 7, Chapter 13, Section 7 of the City Code
requiring property owners to disconnect the sewer line at the main when abandoning service.
MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 50-0-01 — Amendine Title 7, Chanter 12. Section 6 of the Citv Code — Consideration
of proposed Ordinance 50-0-01, which amends Title 7, Chapter 12, Section 6 of the City Code
requiring the installation of remote water meter reading devices by the City. * MARKED
INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 51-0-01 — Amendine Title 7, Chanter 12. Section 4 of the Citv Code — Consideration
of proposed Ordinance 51-0-01, which amends Title 7, Chapter 12, Section 4 of the City Code
requiring property owners to disconnect water service at the water main when abandoning service.
* MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT:
* Sidewalk Caf6 Permit — McDonald's. 1700 Orrington Avenue — Consideration of the
recommendation of the Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee to approve a sidewalk caf6 permit
for McDonald's, at 1700 Orrington Avenue. The permit application includes a request to waive the
requirements for reusable food and beverage containers. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Sidewalk Caf6 Permit — JK Sweets. 720'/z Clark Street — Consideration of the recommendation of
the Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee to approve a sidewalk cafe permit for JK Sweets, at
720'/z Clark Street. The permit application includes a request to waive the requirements for reusable
beverage containers. *.APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Sidewalk Cafd Permit — Chipotle Mexican Grill, 711 Church Street — Consideration of the
recommendation of the Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee to approve a sidewalk caf6 permit
for Chipotle Mexican Grill, at 711 Church Street. The permit application includes a request to waive
the requirements for reusable beverage containers. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION
AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Reauest for HOME Funds for 319 Dempster St. — Consideration of Interfaith Housing Development
Corporation's Request for $100,000 in HOME Funds for a complete renovation of 319 Dempster St.
* APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Ordinance 53-0-01 — Amendine the Sien Ordinance. Title 4, Chapter 12 — Consideration of
proposed Ordinance 53-0-01, which amends the Sign Ordinance Title 4, Chapter 12 to extend the
sign amortization period from January 1, 2003 to January 1, 2005. * MARKED INTRODUCED —
CONSENT AGENDA
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* Ordinance 57-0-01 — Amendments to Sidewalk Cafe Regulations — Consideration of proposed
Ordinance 57-0-01, which amends Sidewalk Cafe Regulations (Section 7-2-6 (D)) to provide a
mechanism for the City Council to review requests and allow proprietors of Type 1 restaurants outside
of the core area with liquor licenses to serve liquor in their sidewalk cafes.
* MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
HUMAN SERVICES:
* ADDroval of Township Bills — Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council approve
the Township bills, payroll and medical payments for the month of April 2001 in the amount of
$86,040.05. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Continuum of Care for the Homeless — Consideration of the 2001 Continuum of Care. for the
Homeless, the City's annual strategy for addressing homelessness, for submission to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION
AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
OTHER COMMITTEES:
* HUD Consolidated Plan Annual Performance Report — Consideration of HUD Consolidated Plan
Annual Performance Report (CAPER) for FY 2000/01. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES
ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS:
Alderman Rainey moved approval of an agreement with Hammerschlag & Company, Inc. to provide consulting services
for the design, construction and operation of the Sherman Avenue Garage at a cost not -to -exceed $50,000. Seconded
by Alderman Wynne.
Alderman Rainey reported that the Parking Committee member who voted "no" on this thought it was inappropriate
to award a contract to a member of the committee who had provided volunteer work. Another committee member
mentioned it appeared as though this was a reward for his services. Alderman Rainey stated those who supported the
contract indicated that this was an Evanston resident whose background and expertise they were familiar with. Mr.
Hammerschlag served on the Parking Committee and it is not unusual for experts to serve on committees. He resigned
from the committee and it was because of his expertise he was recommended, not as a reward for previous service.
Alderman Engelman stated that Mr. Hammerschlag is a well -qualified and knowledgeable person who has provided
incredible service to the community as a member of the Parking Committee. He wanted to know if the proposed hourly
rate was consistent with what is customary in this field? Yes. Alderman Engelman asked if they knew for sure that the
City would move forward with the Sherman Avenue Garage or is that dependent on the Klutznick project?
Assistant City Manager Judy Aiello responded that they have all indications to move ahead with the Sherman Avenue
Garage. While it is contingent upon the Klutznick project going forward, the City is at a timeframe that it needs to
proceed with planning for the garage rebuild and need someone with the expertise Mr. Hammerschlag can bring.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste had raised the issue in the A&PW Committee, that perhaps staff was rewarding someone and
setting a particular pattern. Staff assured him that this individual possessed the level of expertise on which they had
come to depend. Alderman Jean -Baptiste felt that for the sake of the project, it was appropriate to support having Mr.
Hammerschlag on the team.
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Alderman Bernstein served with Mr. Hammerschlag on the Parking Committee and witnessed how good he is at his job.
He stated that the Maple Avenue Garage was a wonderful facility, in great part, to Hammerschlag's contribution.
Mayor Pro Tern Feldman pointed out that the Parking Committee, staff and Mr. Hammerschlag had done an astonishing
job with the new Maple Avenue Garage, which is a credit to the community and a beautiful, safe and efficient place for
people to park their cars. He thought it would be unreasonable to ask Mr. Hammerschlag to devote the kind of
professional time that he gave to this community. He felt that the fair way to have him involved a second time was to
ask Mr. Hammerschlag to do it professionally and endorsed the contract.
Roll call. Voting aye —Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Engelman, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste. Voting nay —
none. Motion carried (8-0).
Approval of the proposal of the Idriss Company to provide tree growing services for Parks/Forestry & Recreation at a
not -to -exceed cost of $262,500 to be paid over the next 6-7 years, contingent on tree growth rates.
Alderman Rainey reported that this item was held in committee.
Alderman Rainey moved approval of the proposal of The Meyne Company to provide Phase II construction of the Levy
Senior Center at a cost of $5,638,583, with a guaranteed maximum construction price of $6,762,928, and authorization
to proceed with the development of the Levy Senior Center for a maximum project cost of $8,515,786. Seconded by
Alderman Wynne.
Alderman Rainey noted that drawings of the new Levy Senior Center were available and the architect was present to
answer any questions.
Alderman Engelman saluted the contributions that Mr. Levy had made to the Evanston community. As he understood
the project, it was a 35,000 sq. ft. footprint with about a 9,000 sq. ft. courtyard, which means a 25,000 sq. ft. building.
He noted they would spend $6.7 million constructing this building or $250 sq. ft. for the shell. Alderman Engelman felt
the cost was more than he had expected to spend for the Levy Center and more than the community should spend for
this project in this location. He recalled earlier discussions about the numbers for the senior center and they had talked
about $4-6 million. Now, they were at $8.5 million for the project, which didn't include the cost of housing the Levy
Center temporarily in downtown. Alderman Engelman believed that cost was more than $1 million. He noted it didn't
include the cost to shuttle seniors to the new facility and acknowledged that the transportation itself had been donated
by Mr. Levy. Alderman Engelman pointed out when they were rebuilding the police and fire headquarters --the basic
services everybody in this community gets: police and fire --Council said they would not spend more than $3.5 million.
When the plan came in at $4.5 million, it was put on hold and it is still on hold. Alderman Engelman reiterated that he
felt $8.5 million for the new senior center was too much.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste commented on the level of M/W/EBE participation in the new Levy Center project. He will
monitor whether the City is being equitable in how contracts are awarded to those who are part of Evanston's diverse
community. Alderman Jean -Baptiste reported the level was 30%, which he was pleasantly surprised to learn and wanted
to share that information with the community.
Alderman Rainey stated that the new Levy Center would be more than a senior center. She said it would be the new City
contribution to building in this community. She stated that the City has to be proud of this building and pointed out that
they are skimping on a few things. Alderman Rainey said the facility would be a showcase for seniors on the North
Shore. She noted that every senior in the City of Evanston would be invited to join and encouraged seniors to do so. She
stated that it would be a place where families could go on weekends and have parties. Alderman Rainey reported that
was mentioned in committee that weddings could be held in the new facility. Presently there is no such facility in the
community where that kind of thing can happen. She pointed out it would be a highlight in James Park, would bring
attention from all around and be a moneymaker. Alderman Rainey remarked that the senior population in Evanston is
growing tremendously and, if seniors are not deserving of a quality building, she did not know who would be. She noted
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that seniors are as deserving of good programs and space as are young children in schools. Alderman Rainey pointed
out that everyone involved with this project has "given until it hurts" to bring it in at a reasonable price.
Mayor Pro Tern Feldman wanted to know how Alderman Engelman concluded that they are spending too much on the
new Levy Center? He stated that he has never been involved in a City project where there has been so much public
participation in decision making as this one and thought that spoke to the quality of the product. Mayor Pro Tern
Feldman felt the citizens had expressed a desire for a building they could be proud of and that would meet their
purposes. He defended the money spent on the interim Levy Center and- said it was as good a substitute as they could
find. He pointed out that the funds spent on an interim location would have added to the final cost no matter what they
did. Mayor Pro Tern Feldman stated that this building would be around for a long time. It will be a shining light at night
and many activities will be held there. He compared it to the Public Library as a source of pride in the community. He
stated they want this building to be exactly that way and asked for the Council's support.
Alderman Engelman pointed out that he supports the Levy Senior Center and would urge 7' Ward residents who are
seniors to support the center. He thought it was great that they are constructing a building that is a shining example of
how we feel about our seniors and an architectural piece that will enhance not only the neighborhood, but also the
reputation of the community. Alderman Engelman hoped that they would do that for every public works project and that
all would be top quality. He stated they have to balance what they can do and the new senior center would cost $850,000
year in debt service for 20 years. When he puts it on the balance, he finds it wanting.
Alderman Newman stated that the police and fire station project is not on hold and they have $1 million from the State
of Illinois to aid in the project. City Manager Crum confirmed that was correct and hoped to get some additional funds
to finish the project. Alderman Newman said what they needed to look at, in terms of the Levy Center, is what other
communities are doing in recreation and senior centers. He cited the Devonshire Center in Skokie and the Wilmette
senior center on Glenview Road as examples of fine buildings with multiple uses in those communities. Alderman
Newman thought the question to ask is will Evanston have the same type of high quality buildings? He felt the answer
ought to be "yes." Is Evanston going to have to spend like amounts of money that other communities are spending to
have high quality buildings in 2001? He thought the answer to that is also "yes." Alderman Newman noted that they
have put a significant amount of property on the tax rolls so that this relocation could be completed. He pointed out that
the new facility would be located in a part of town that is already off the tax rolls and deserves to have a high quality
building to be part of James Park. He felt the building would be used 365 days a year —on weekends and weeknights
it would be a community center. He felt confident that they are doing the building right.
Roll call. Voting aye —Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste. Voting nay — Engelman.
Motion carried (7-1).
Approval of Contract Amendment No. 2 with Harza Engineering for the design engineering services for Phases VIII,
IX and X of the City's Relief Sewer Project, increasing the design cost for the Phase 9A project by $49,581.
Alderman Rainey moved to table this item until the June 11, 2001 City Council meeting. Seconded by Alderman
Engelman. Motion carried. No nays.
Ordinance 58-0-01 — Amendine Ordinance 38-0-00 (Vehicle Bootine) — Consideration of proposed
Ordinance 58-0-01, which amends Ordinance 38-0-00 to extend the Sunset Provision on the booting
of vehicles on private property an additional 45 days to July 11, 2001.
Alderman Rainey asked that this item be marked introduced.
Alderman Rainey moved to Suspend the Rules to adopt an ordinance at the same meeting at which it is introduced.
Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Motion carried. No nays.
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8 May 21, 2001
Alderman Rainey moved approval of Ordinance 58-0-01. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Roll call. Voting aye —
Wynne, Bernstein, Kent, Engelman, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Jean -Baptiste. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (8-0).
Ordinance 44-0-01 — Amending Title 7, Chapter 9 of the Citv Code — Consideration of proposed
Ordinance 44-0-01, introduced May 7, 2001, which amends Title 7, Chapter 9 of the City Code to
authorize the City Manager or his or her designees to issue tickets to enforce the promulgated and
posted rules and regulations of the Recreation Board designated in this Chapter (through the
Administrative Adjudication process).
Alderman Rainey moved to approve Ordinance 44-0-01. Seconded by Alderman Engelman.
Alderman Rainey stated that she is an outspoken advocate of Administrative Adjudication and has no problem with that
part of the ordinance. One of the biggest complaints she gets from her ward regarding recreation in Evanston is from
people who think that just because they are taxpayers and residents that they can take a bat and ball or soccer ball and
go to a city park and play. When they do that, they are accosted by either the Police Department or the Park Ranger and
told they will be ticketed if they don't get off that field because (1) they are not regulation and (2) they do not have a
reservation. Alderman Rainey said there have been incidents where people have been very close to being arrested. When
she first heard of this a year or so ago, she was mortified that people could not go and have a pickup game on a public
field, in a public park in the City of Evanston. She felt some rules are too restrictive and asked for discussion on this.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste supported Alderman Rainey's position. He stated that some members of his community have
approached him and asked that there be greater access to the parks. He understands that they have to strike a balance
between the overuse of the parks and having parks accessible to the community for recreation. He supported holding
the item over for more discussion and to devise something that is more user friendly.
Alderman Newman wanted to know if one of the things to be regulated through Administrative Adjudication is walking
one's dog off -leash in a park? Yes. He mentioned that there is a park in the 1st Ward that is surrounded by
condominiums where a sign is posted that says "No Ball Playing" (Raymond Park). Alderman Newman pointed out that
Tallmadge Park, which is empty nearly every morning where one can play baseball, but also is used as a dog run. He
does not see Administrative Adjudication as changing the regulations, but how they are enforced. He pointed out that
people can walk and play with their dogs off -leash at the Dog Beach, but it is not welcome at other beaches or in the
parks. He feels that some of these rules need to be regulated.
Alderman Bernstein thought that they were not creating the rules, but indicating that to the extent there are rules they
will be enforced. He did not see any problems with the ordinance as written; said it is limited and simply states that the
City Manager can enforce the regulations which Council sees fit to pass. He did not think the ordinance prohibited
people from making maximum use of the parks.
Alderman Engelman asked if it was customary for advisory boards to pass rules and regulations? He did not recall that
Council approved them. Parks/Forestry & Recreation Director Doug Gaynor responded that the Recreation Board is a
policy board and he believed that there are provisions for that board to pass ordinances and recommend them to City
Council. If within 21 days there is no action taken by Council, it becomes law. Alderman Engelman stated that what
concerned him was whose rules and regulations would be enforced through the Administrative Adjudication process?
He noted that Alderman Rainey's point highlighted the issue, because he did not remember being asked to approve these
regulations. Alderman Engelman supported a hold or a reference back to the Human Services Committee. He felt there
was a need to re-examine the rules and regulations that are being promulgated.
Alderman Rainey reiterated that her concern was for families and children who use parks without a reservation —that
they should not be arrested. She referred to the rule called "Park Use" which does not allow for use of parks other than
by organized groups or by reservation and thought they needed to look at those rules.
9 May 21, 2001
Ordinance 45-0-01 — Amending Title 7, Chanter 10 of the Citv Code — Consideration of proposed
Ordinance 45-0-01, introduced May 7, 2001, which amends Title 7, Chapter 10 of the City Code and
gives the City Manager and his or her designees authority to enforce the provisions of this Chapter
(through Administrative Adjudication).
Alderman Rainey seconded Alderman Jean-Baptiste's request and asked to hold both ordinances. At the request of two
aldermen Ordinances 44-0-01 and 45-0-01 were held.
City Manager Crum said staff would provide the rules and the procedure for changing and modifying those rules. Mr.
Gaynor clarified that the Recreation Department does not prohibit pickup games (parents with young children) using
any of their fields. Residents do not have to fear being arrested or ticketed for using a field without a permit. Mr. Gaynor
reiterated that the rules do not prohibit individuals from using the park and noted that the permitting procedures are for
organized groups, not for pickups.
Alderman Rainey said that she could provide a list of people from her ward that this has happened to.
Alderman Kent asked for a list of specialty parks (referring to the example cited by Alderman Newman) to let them
know what is and is not allowed in those parks.
Mayor Pro Tern Feldman held up a huge "thank you" card from the Levy Center staff to the Mayor and City Council
in appreciation of their approval of the budget for construction.
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT:
Alderman Engelman reported that the committee had an extended discussion regarding proposed amendments to the
sidewalk cafd regulations and they would vote on them at the next meeting. The amendments will provide a mechanism
to allow sidewalk cafds in the residential areas to serve liquor. The City has not granted any permits to do that, which
would be handled separately.
HUMAN SERVICES: No report
CALL OF THE WARDS:
Alderman Wynne wished Mayor Morton a speedy recovery and to come back soon.
Alderman Bernstein echoed good wishes for Mayor Morton. He recounted watching sanitation workers remove an
enormous amount of discarded furniture and household items from the alley left by a neighbor who had moved.
Alderman Bernstein felt that the workers' time could be better spent not having to make such removals and it stretched
the limits of what other taxpayers should pay. He made a reference to the A&PW Committee to look into a fee for
special nick ups of furniture and other household goods. Alderman Bernstein expressed condolences to the family of
Timothy McGuire, a constituent, on his passing.
Alderman Kent made a reference to the A&PW Committee to examine the Dolicies to cite residents for the following:
overgrown grass on the Darkwav, barked cars on the Darkwav, barked cars straddling the easement and Darkwav, not
allowing residents to trim trees on the Darkwav, and residents not picking uD litter/debris on the Darkway. Yet, if
residents have a sewer problem largely caused by roots from City parkway trees, the City takes no responsibility for
those tree roots. He noted that neighbors are stuck with having to hire a plumber and bills of $4,000-5,000 or more.
Alderman Kent hoped that if the City cannot change that policy for the better, with some examination and discussion
they can offer some assistance for these neighbors. He asked A&PW to look at that nolicv also. He wished Mayor
Morton a speedy recovery.
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10 May 21, 2001
Alderman Engelman offered best wishes to the Mayor. He expressed deep condolences to the family of Edna Summers,
who passed away that afternoon and noted she was a great public servant to this community.
Alderman Engelman announced a Budget Policy Committee meeting on May 30. He noted the Parking Committee
meeting on May 23 at 6 p.m. would be important to 7' Ward residents as it addresses issues of parking restrictions in
residential areas. Alderman Engelman pointed out that one block east of Green Bay Road is the last block that has open
parking and all cars have been pushed there, which has badly impacted that neighborhood. He spoke of the law of supply
and demand and how different areas of Evanston are impacted differently. He recognized that the committee is
undertaking a study to determine how to resolve that problem in the long run. However, these residents in this one block
are asking for relief in the short run.
Alderman Engelman announced that the Economic Development Committee would meet May 23 at 8 p.m. and discuss
the issue of a feasibility study for a performing arts and dance center at the old Evanston Theatres. He encouraged
anyone with an interest to attend and urged the committee to act swiftly on that issue.
Alderman Rainey wished good luck to Mayor Morton. She gave a status report on the Howard Street Police Outpost.
She termed it a "second shining light" in the City and said Chief Kaminski had assured her that furniture has been
ordered. She stated there were would be a grand opening in which everyone could participate.
With regard to Alderman Bernstein's query for AP&W on sanitation pick ups, Alderman Rainey pointed out that the
committee reviewed a list of practices of the Sanitation Division over the years (e.g. picking up concrete, lumber, etc.)
and marked some items where the practice should cease. She stated they could revisit that issue and would see that
everyone gets a copy of the analysis.
Alderman Rainey announced the second monthly 8`h Ward softball game would be June 21. She encouraged family
activities in the parks and has been assured that it's legal. People can play in any park that is not in use by someone who
has reserved it or by an organized sports team.
Mayor Pro Tern Feldman conveyed his condolences to the family of Edna Summers and noted that she gave a great deal
of her adult life to the community.
Regarding special trash pick ups, Mayor Pro Tem Feldman noted that people move and dump things they don't want.
He observed that it happens a lot in both apartment buildings and residences.
Alderman Newman asked the City Manager for a list of the rules that would be enforced through Administrative
Adjudication. He wanted to know how long these rules have been on the books. Alderman Newman requested a report
on the money spent for police protection on downtown streets other than Maple Avenue. He noted that several sidewalk
cafes were approved and wanted to ensure that there is an appropriate amount of resources downtown east of Church
Street Plaza.
Alderman Newman pointed out that the 7' Ward has the most restrictive parking scheme in the City. People cannot park
on any street east of Ridge unless they are a resident of that particular street. He noted that residents of the IS', 5'h and
6' wards cannot park anywhere around the Metra station at Central Street because of the restrictive parking rules.
Alderman Newman stated one could not argue that there is not enough parking for commuters and employees, when
it is not allowed on the streets. He said the Parking Committee will examine the issue of the special protection given
to the residents of the 7' Ward that is not afforded to the residents of south Evanston who drive to the Main Street Metra
station. Near Main Street, anyone who has an Evanston vehicle sticker can park there during restricted hours. If you live
in the 7' Ward near the Central Street Metra station, you cannot park on those streets unless you are a resident on that
particular block and he thought that was unfair to most of north Evanston. Alderman Newman invited all who are
interested to attend the Parking Committee meeting.
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11 May 21, 2001
Alderman Jean -Baptiste wished Mayor Morton well in her recovery. He sent his condolences to the family of Edna
Summers and noted that she was an example for all to follow.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste reported that they had an appreciation party for people who helped with his election campaign
and if anyone was missed, it was a matter of human error. He put out a call to residents of the 2"d Ward to continue to
get organized. He urged those who are organized to pull more people into their groups to improve the quality of life.
Alderman Jean -Baptiste stressed that by organizing, people get to fight for ownership of their community. He pointed
out that it was a minority of the community who caused destabilization and, to the extent that the majority is organized,
they can intervene to preserve the neighborhoods. He asked to take information on City of Evanston programs outside
of the City offices and into the neighborhoods.
Alderman Rainey made a reference to staff reeardine the Breen boxes that are showins un all over town. The boxes are
receptacles for donations of clothing and household items that she thought could be potential eyesores.
There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Pro Tern Feldman asked for a motion to adjourn. The
Council so moved at 10:27 p.m.
Mayre Press,
Deputy City Clerk
A videotape recordine of this meetine has been made part of the aermanent record and is available in the Citv Clerk's office.
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