HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2001-03-26-2001V61
CITY COUNCIL March 26, 2001
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ROLL CALL - PRESENT: CO. I`,o
Alderman Moran Alderman Wynne
Alderman Rainey Alderman Bernstein
Alderman Feldman Alderman Kent
A Quorum was present.
NOT PRESENT AT Aldermen Engelman, Newman
ROLL CALL:
ABSENT: Alderman Drummer
PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton
The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton Monday, March 26,
2001 at 6:18 p.m. in the Aldermanic Library. Alderman Wynne moved that Council adjourn into Closed Session for the
purpose of discussing matters related to the purchase and sale of real estate and litigation pursuant to 5ILCS Section
120/2 (c) (5), (6) and (11).
(5) The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing
whether a particular parcel should be acquired.
(6) The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body.
(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 — Moran, Rainey, Feldman, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent. Voting nay
- none. Motion carried (6-0).
At 6:37 p.m. Alderman Feldman moved to reconvene into Open Session. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Motion
carried. No nays. Council then recessed so aldermen could attend standing committee meetings.
Police Awards Presentation
Mayor Lorraine Morton and Chief of Police Frank Kaminski presented the awards. Commander Dennis Nilsson
announced Partnership Awards to the following volunteers: Richard Marberry, Virginia Voedisch, Amanda Jones,
Trish Barr, Lester Blair and Lawrence McCarthy. The following neiehborhood reuresentatives were nominated by
Sergeant Sam Pettineo for a Partnership Award: Roberta Hudson, Lester Blair, John Cole, Jerry Rosemond, Delores
Rosemond, Betty Payne, Betty Washington, Yvonne Vanden Avenne, Sharon Woodfork, Sherrill Frost -Brown, Sally
Parsons and Jim Murray. The following police officers were presented Partnership Awards: Reginald Napier and
Carlos Mitchem. Larry McCarthy accepted a memorial plaque for Citizen Police Academy graduates who have passed
on. Officers Terry Straka and Debbie Hakimian were presented with Police Service Commendations. The following
individuals received Citizen Commendations: Bob Schultz, Sarah Curry, David Phillips Sr., Keith McLemore, Jonathan
Jones, C.I. Wiggins, Raymond Collins, John Verbeeck, Eitan Ouzan, Jennifer Ouzan, Ana -Jo Mounce, Pat Keegan, Don -
Walton, Christopher Jones and Christopher Stienagle.
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Commander Charles Wernick announced a Unit Citation to the Clerev Team: Rev. John Norwood, Rabbi Dov Klein,
Fr. Robert Oldershaw, Very Rev. Varoujan Kabaradjian, Rev. Kate Guistolise, Rev. Charles Haines, Fr. James Heyd,
Rev. Hardist Lane, Rev. Charles Sullivan, Rev. Janet Tate and Rev. Yvonne White -Morley. Honorable Mentions were
presented to the following police officers: Steve Goldenberg, Ed Biondi, Angela Hearts -Glass, Carlos Mitchem, Joe
Dugan, Ralph Mieszala, Jeff Devroy, Madonna Grove, Steve Carter, Mark Kostecki, Jeff Jamraz, Mark Vail, Robert
Whitehead, Sean Serviss, Ryan Lambeseder, Jeremy Nieman and Otis Velma.
Commander John Schroeder announced Police Commendations to the following police officers: Lance Lopez, Otis
Velma, Madonna Grove, Steve Carter, Jason Kohl, Robert Mayer, Jeremy Nieman, Chukwuemeka Atum, Alan Belin,
Sean Serviss and Peter Gonzalez -Guerra. The Medal of Valor was presented to Officer Jeff Devroy, a member of the
Northern Illinois Police Alarm System (NIPAS).
Mayor Morton reconvened the Council meeting at 9:25 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
Announcements:
Public Works Director David Jennings announced the resumption of yard waste collection on Monday, April 2; the same
day refuse/recycling is picked up. Yard waste can be placed in yard waste carts or 30-gallon Kraft brown paper bags.
Bundled branches of less than 50 pounds, tied with string or rope (not wire), will be picked up weekly. Street sweeping
also resumes Monday, April 2. Residents are asked to observe the red, white and blue signs on streets that have two-
sided parking. Streets with parking on one side are swept four times a year and that program will start in May with signs
posted at least 48 hours in advance of sweeping. Ticketing and towing is done to ensure that streets are cleaned to the
curb. Some streets with two-sided parking that have a heavy demand for parking are posted with temporary signs at least
48 hours in advance of cleaning. Street sweeping schedules are posted on the City's web site: cityofevanston.org. City
Manager Roger Crum announced that voters could locate their polling place by visiting the City's web site.
Mayor Morton announced arrangements for Ellie Kysiak, who passed away Sunday, the wife of Inventure Executive
Director Ron Kysiak.
Mayor Morton proclaimed
April 5, 2001, Suitcase Party Day
In response to Mayor Morton, City Manager Roger Crum acknowledged that the Metra Station at Main Street had
received a grant for a major rehabilitation. Alderman Bernstein reported that John Szostek and the Custer Street Fair
organization have contacted the Union Pacific Railroad with what they planned to do and can fund. The project will be
a total renovation of the train station, which will become a museum and the embankments will be landscaped. Mayor
Morton said the building will have a small space for a theater and termed this a jewel for Evanston.
Communications:
City Clerk Mary Morris announced a communication from the Illinois Development Finance Authority that will meet
on April 19 to consider an application to issue qualified 501 (c)(3) bonds on behalf of Two Arbor Lane. The amount
of the bonds is not to exceed $16 million. Proceeds will be used to finance the construction of a 24-unit apartment
complex, purchase of equipment and machinery for use; to refinance existing debt, capitalize a debt service reserve and
to help pay the cost of issuing the bonds. The project is located near 3200 Grant Street. Absent a resolution from the
City, the IDFA will assume there are no objections to this project.
Ms. Morris announced that in -person absentee voting is continuing in the City Clerk's office weekdays 8:30 a.m.-5:00
p.m. through Monday, April 2 with voting on Saturday, March 31 from 9:00 a.m.— noon.
CITIZEN COMMENT:
Joseph Lew, 1629 Chicago Ave., spoke on behalf of the Levy family and expressed their continued appreciation of the
support of the City Council for Evanston's seniors. He noted the City had placed a considerable amount of resources
and support for the new Levy Senior Center. The Levy family was delighted that this facility will be located in beautiful
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James Park, where people can enjoy it and the park and were pleased to make a gift of $500,000 to bring this project
to realization. They were proud of the diverse senior members and the important part they have played in support of this
project. Mr. Levy thanked the Levy Center staff, Mayor Lorraine Morton, City Manager Roger Crum, Judy Aiello, Doug
Gaynor and his staff. He presented a letter from First Bank & Trust to Mayor Morton and Council, which guaranteed
the $500,000.
Kathleen Gaffnev, 1629 Chicago Ave., chairman of the Advisory Board for the Levy Senior Center, reported the
membership had raised $84,000 and an anonymous donor brought that up to $100,000. The group is writing grant
proposals for special equipment. She invited all to a musical evening fundraiser Saturday, May 5.
Charles R. Smith. 1607 Dobson St., president, Evanston Environmental Association, reported the board had worked with
architects to develop an expansion of the Ecology Center building on that evening's agenda. The cost is $700,000. The
building will be expanded by more than 2,700 square feet for classrooms and meeting space. He termed both the
Ecology Center and the Ladd Arboretum as jewels in Evanston's crown. He said the board was happy to bring this
building forward to add to Evanston's resources. All money raised will be from private funds. They have embarked on
a capital campaign to raise additional funds to ensure it gets built. Construction will start in a few weeks. Mr. Smith
reported the EEA has committed $300,000 toward the project plus a $72,000 grant from the State of Illinois and other
fund raising has netted $31,000. Mayor Morton asked that appreciation be given to all donors to this project.
Ed Goeol, 9750 Kedvale Ave., Skokie, favored approval of the parking study. He related that the parking situation
around the Metra station on Central St., when the signs went up prohibiting parking on the south side of Lincoln St. east
of Green Bay Rd. from 7-9:00 a.m., has made parking intolerable there. He said people who use that station have to
arrive at an early hour to find a parking place; suggested changes are needed to make it feasible to park.
Chris Radke, 1922 Central St., has a business on Central St. and requested the parking study. He spoke on behalf of
merchants and said that they enjoy their businesses but that parking is a critical issue. Most clients are retired people
and, during the week, families with children. They hear from clients about parking and if it is convenient they come and
if not, they tend to go to a mall or stay away.
Brooke Miller, 1922 Central St., another business owner on Central St. also requested approval of the parking study.
Rebeccah Seelv,, 2022 Central St., business owner also requested approval to initiate the parking study for Central St.
Gunnar Forrest, 1230 Florence Ave., announced three concerts by senior citizens at the North Shore Retirement Hotel,
Friday evening May 4 and two performances Saturday, May 5. Information on performance times will be published in
the RoundTable and Evanston Review
CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*)
Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: Approval of the construction
contract with Meyne Co. for new Levy Center; Ordinance 3 1 -0-01 — Five -Year Lease of 2022 Central St.; and
Ordinance 24-0-01 — Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Roll call. Voting aye —
Moran, Engelman, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (8-0).
* ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA
MINUTES:
* Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 12, 2001. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0).
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ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS:
* Approval, as recommended, of the City of Evanston payroll for the period ending March 15, 2001 and the City of
Evanston bills for the periods ending March 27 (FY 00-01) and March 28, 2001 (FY 01-02) and that they be authorized
and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows:
City of Evanston payroll (through 3/15/01) $1,724,957.29
City of Evanston bills (through 3/27/01 for FY 00-01) $1,617,710.68
City of Evanston bills (through 3/28/01 for FY 01-02) $1,205,864.27
* APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of Rimon Associates (WBE) to perform the Central Street Parking Study for Public Works at a cost of
$53,517. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of Neetz Bros. Construction for James Park tennis and
basketball court renovations for Parks/Forestry & Recreation at a cost of $164,811. * APPROVED — CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of Super Trucking, Inc. for a three-year contract to supply sand,
stone and debris hauling services for Public Works at an estimated cost of $298,000. * APPROVED — CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of Hawk Enterprises for traffic signal installation at Central
St. and Hartrey Ave. for Public Works at a cost of $73,222.75. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND
ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bid of Rehab Construction for renovations at the Ecology Center
at a cost of $636,585. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of Change Order #1 for the Howard St. Streetscape Project to incorporate additional design fees, increasing
the amount of the intergovernmental agreement with Chicago by $49,983.94. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Snecial Event — Avon Breast Cancer 3-Dav Walk — Consideration of a request to hold the annual
Avon Breast Cancer 3-day Walk and use Garden, Mason, Lovelace and Dawes parks as stations on
June 15-17, 2001. * APPROVED —CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Snecial Event — Rotary Run to the Finish — Consideration of a request from Rotary International to
hold its Run to the Finish from 8:00-10:00 a.m. Sunday, June 10, 2001, from the Rotary building on
Grove St. east to Dawes Park, along lakefront path to Centennial Park. * APPROVED — CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Snecial Event — Evanston Bicvcle Club North Shore Century Ride — Consideration of a7 request
of the Evanston Bicycle Club to hold its 171h Annual North Shore Century Ride in Centennial Park
and use the Lagoon building Sunday, September 16, 2001. * APPROVED — CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Snecial Event — Heartland AIDS Ride 2001 — Consideration of a request to hold the annual AIDS
Ride utilizing Clark Square Park on July 14, 2001. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION'
AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
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* Resolution 14-R-01 — IEPA Community Water Supply Testing Program Agreement — Consideration
of proposed Resolution 14-R-01, which authorizes the City Manager to sign the IEPA Community
Water Supply Testing Program agreement for a three-year program at a cost of S 17,100.
APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Resolution 16-R-0I — TARP Assignment Agreement with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District
(MWRD) — Consideration of proposed Resolution 16-R-01, which authorizes the City Manager to
assign ownership of the structures built as part of Phase IV -A relief sewer project to the MWRD.
APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Resolution 17-R-01 — Lease for Levy Center — Consideration of proposed Resolution 17-R-01,
which authorizes the City Manager to sign a lease renewal for the interim Levy Center extending the
lease until April 30, 2002. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION & ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Resolution 18-R-01 — Capital Improvement Plan Reimbursement Resolution — Consideration of
proposed Resolution 18-R-01, which authorizes reimbursement of expenditures for the FY 2002 CIP
with bond proceeds later in the year. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL
CALL (8-0)
* Resolution 19-R-01 — Agreement with Evanston Environmental Association for Ecology Center
Renovations — Consideration of proposed Resolution 19-R-01 regarding funding for the Ecology
Center renovations. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Ordinance 36-0-01 —No Parking Zone — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 36-0-01, which
amends Section 10-11-8, Schedule VIII(A) to install a No Parking Zone at the west driveway of 2109
Greenwood St. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
* Ordinance 22-0-01 — Special Assessment # 1445 — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 22-0-01,
introduced March 12, 2001, which approves Special Assessment #1445 for alley paving north of
Noyes, east of Orrington Ave. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Ordinance 28-0-01 — Loading Zone at 2008 Dodge and 1416 Dewey, — Consideration of proposed
Ordinance 28-0-01, introduced March 12, 2001, which amends Section 10-11-7, Schedule VII (B)
to install a loading zone at 2008 Dodge and 1416 Dewey (deleting 2211 Emerson). * ADOPTED
CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (8-0
* Ordinance 33-0-01 — Amending Section 11-2-3(A) of the City Code Regarding Liability of Vehicle
Lessors — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 33-0-01, introduced March 12, 2001, which amends
Section 11-2-3(A) of the City Code regarding liability for vehicle lessors registered with the Secretary
of State for parking violations. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (8-0
* Ordinance 30-0-01 — Declaring City Pronertv as Surrolus — Consideration of proposed Ordinance
30-0-01, introduced March 12, 2001, which declares various items as surplus so that the vehicles and
other equipment can be publicly offered for sale at the April 7, 2001 Village of Fox Lake auction.
ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (8-0
* Ordinance 32-0-01 — Amends Section 3-5-6(N) to Provide a Minimum Square Footage for Sale of
Alcoholic Liquor — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 32-0-01, introduced March 12, 2001, which
amends Section 3-5-6(N) of the City Code as to minimum footage required for Class N licenses.
ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA AND ROLL CALL (8-0
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PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT:
March 26, 2001
* Ordinance 34-0-01 — Special Use for 1900 Dempster St. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance
34-0-01, introduced March 12, 2001, which approves a recommendation of the ZBA to grant a
Special Use application for two Type 2 restaurants each with drive -through facility. * MARKED
INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA
APPOINTMENTS:
Mayor Morton asked for introduction of the following reappointments:
Robert Brooks Housing Commission
824 Gaffield Pl.
John Sagan Library Board
1314 Forest Ave.
Mayor Morton asked for confirmation of the following reappointments:
Charles R. Staley
2206 Lincoln St.
For term ending March 30, 2004
Heidi Pawlowski Carey
910 Madison St.
For term ending March 30, 2004
* APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA
Board of Ethics
Preservation Commission
REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES
ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS:
Alderman Moran moved approval of the first phase construction contract with Meyne Co. for the new Levy Center at
a cost of $1,124,345. Seconded by Alderman Feldman
Alderman Moran reported aldermen had learned the City had entered into a general contract for the overall project with
a project budget estimated at $6.5 million. Since that was approved, the general contractor had taken bids from
subcontractors and the cost has gone up to $8.7 million, a one-third increase in the projected budget within the last
several months. The proposal before them was to begin site preparation, which included fencing, dynamic compaction
and installation of a building foundation. The committee discussed briefly how to make up the $2.2 million. Options
mentioned were drawing on the downtown TIF fund, further bond indebtedness or coming to back to Council in next
year's Capital Improvement Program. Staff is trying to reduce the $8.7 million. The committee is looking at holding
a special meeting to consider further reductions. His was the dissenting vote in committee. His concerns are the budget
is over projected costs by one-third and the project has not started. He did not know whether the increases in cost would
stop at $8.7 million. Assurances were received at the committee meeting that because the building has been completely
designed, possible further increases in the budget could be reduced but he continued to have concerns. He was
concerned about dynamic compaction and noted the hope is that it will be successful, but it seemed that issues could
arise concerning that process and the ability of the soil to withstand the project.
Alderman Feldman agreed that a 30% increase in cost was a serious matter; noted that staff has embarked on a value "
engineering analysis in which they hope to bring the cost down and were investigating funding for increased costs as
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the result of the analysis. He noted that cost overruns are common, especially when there is a gap between the estimate
and getting bids and thought this one was particularly difficult. He stated if the original cost was estimated at $8.4
million he would have voted for it because it is the right building on the right site for the right people. He would have
voted for it because it came about due to a unique architectural policy. He noted the sensitivity to the senior citizens who
will use the building and that these people spent a lot of time making decisions about this building. They were
instrumental in creating size, layout, programming, colors, tile, materials and, with their advice and the architect's,
translating that does justice to the community it represents. He observed they often don't have a chance to build a public
building. He noted Council was willing to spend the money necessary to have a library that is a credit to the community.
There were many ways that building could've been cut and, as a result, they would have had a building nobody could
be proud of. He said this senior center would be the kind of building that senior citizens will want to go to and will
attract new members. He urged colleagues to build a building all will be proud of.
Alderman Rainey stated the advantage here is they have design drawings so they know what will be in the building. No
new ideas will be coming in. She thought this project was not over budget except on paper. She pointed out one of the
greatest criticisms of the proposed District 65 building was that it was presented to the school board at a cost of $99 a
square foot. It is easy to get a project passed when it is low balled, then time after time change orders are issued on the
up side. She noted these projections are the highest. The contractor and architect will sit with each subcontractor who
has bid and they will negotiate every price. It is believed there are some misunderstandings and duplication of charges.
They believe this number will come down and she did not think it fair to say they were over budget. Council will be
asked to vote on the projected final number. She had every confidence that the final cost will be under $8.7 million.
Mayor Morton confirmed that this contract was only for this portion of the project. Alderman Rainey explained that
neighborhood meetings were held about dynamic compaction and surrounding homes were videotaped inside and out.
Mayor Morton asked who would pay if homes or the synagogue were damaged? Alderman Rainey was sure that every
precaution had been taken. Mr. Crum confirmed the contractor is liable for damages, which is in the contract.
Alderman Feldman said the reason to act swiftly was if the dynamic compaction was not begun immediately, they will
lose it for the summer, which would escalate cost and complicate matters.
Roll call. Voting aye — Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent. Voting nay — Moran, Engelman. Motion
carried. (6-2)
Mayor Morton confirmed that the building permit fees of $50,000 had been waived.
Ordinance 3 1 -0-01 — Five -Year Lease of 2022 Central St. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance
31-0-01, which authorizes the City Manager to enter into a five-year lease for the City -owned
storefront at 2022 Central St. with Rebecca Seely d/b/a Perennials.
Alderman Moran moved approval. Seconded by Alderman Engelman.
Alderman Engelman moved that they amend the ordinance by substituting the lease in their packet for the lease that was
introduced two weeks ago, which adds language that requires the tenant to pay 1/12 of the real estate taxes every month.
Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Motion carried. No nays.
Roll call. Voting aye — Moran, Engelman, Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Wynne, Bernstein, Kent. Voting nay — none.
Motion carried (8-0).
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT:
Ordinance 24-0-01 — Zonine Ordinance Text Amendment — Consideration of proposed Ordinance
24-0-01, by which City Council would approve the recommendation of the Plan Commission to
amend Chapter 18 "Definitions" of the Zoning Ordinance to be explicit in including within the
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defmition the offices and support facilities of a public school district when these are a zoning lot
substantially used for classrooms.
Alderman Wynne reported the committee vote was three and one abstention. Alderman Wynne moved approval.
Seconded by Alderman Feldman.
Alderman Wynne explained the committee had taken a lot of testimony and discussed the matter but that Alderman
Drummer, in whose ward this change would occur, was not present. He had some concerns and, as a courtesy to him,
they decided not to bring this to a vote that evening. The next regular Council meeting would be on April 10 during
spring break when several Council members would be absent; also District 65 has a construction schedule and would
like to open in August 2002. The committee suggested a Special Council Meeting be held Wednesday, April 4.
Alderman Wynne moved that a Special Meeting of the City Council be held Wednesday, April 4 from 5-6:00 p.m. with
Ordinance 24-0-01 as a Special Order of Business. Seconded by Alderman Feldman.
Voice vote, motion carried.
Alderman Rainey protested the date, stating she could not be present. Alderman Wynne said this was done to
accommodate Alderman Drummer and the construction schedule of the project. Alderman Newman suggested the date
be changed so that Alderman Rainey could be present. Alderman Rainey stated she favored the project and, given the
importance of this matter, did not see why they could not vote on it that night and did not want to hold up the project.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: No report
CALL OF THE WARDS:
City Council members expressed their condolences to Ron Kysiak and family on the loss of Ellie Kysiak.
Alderman Moran thanked Council for approving the contract for the parking study, noting it would focus on the
Central/Green Bay area and the west Central commercial district. He said a rigorous outline of information gathering
had been prepared and they expect a report in about 10-12 weeks with solutions to parking in those areas.
Alderman Engelman, too, thanked Council for approving the parking study, which is needed badly. He thanked Joe
Levy and his family for their tremendous generosity to the City.
Alderman Rainey also thanked Joe Levy and his family, calling him one of the grandest people in the community.
Alderman Rainey thanked the nearly 40 people who came to a Positive Presence March during a snowfall last Friday
evening to make a statement about recent gunfire in the neighborhood. She thought the community appreciated it and
called the march a stand for civility.
Alderman Feldman congratulated and thanked Jim Murray and Sally Parsons, who have chaired the world's largest
crime watch organization. He thanked all who worked on the newsletters and participated in meetings and marches.
Alderman Feldman, too, thanked Joe Levy for "this fountain," noting he comes up with the right thing at the right time
and that all appreciate his gift.
Alderman Newman stated that Joe Levy was an integral part of the process for the new Levy Center, including selection
of site and working with seniors. Having his support was a credit to the Council. He appreciated that Mr. Levy has
dedicated himself to making Evanston a better place.
Alderman Newman talked about cost overruns on different projects. He noted comments made about the Maple Avenue
regarding what it was supposed to cost and what it ended up costing. He said a second rate garage could've been built.
The Sherman Avenue garage built in 1967 was crumbling in 1998 and they learned from it. An expert on the Parking
9 March 26, 2001
Committee told them they could spend to have a 30-year or a 50-year garage. They could have built a garage without
security, appropriate graphics or lighting. However the projects are done, each is different. Council was told the new
Levy Center would cost $5-6 million. He did not know what happened, but thought people were working in good faith.
He believed the building an important commitment to the community and would be important to south Evanston. He
thought Council should recognize they are building a quality building in a good place. He would have preferred some
other place but they would not have the $500,000 gift if they had waited two -three years to find another site. He said
these projects are not easy and wanted more consistency on the numbers generated up front.
Alderman Wynne added her thanks to Mr. Levy for his wonderful contribution to the City. Alderman Wynne thanked
the Parks Division for getting the new Burnham Shores playground open. She said that the contractor should be hired
as often as possible. The work was done beautifully without problems.
Alderman Bernstein sent kudos to Mr. Levy, terming him "one among many." Alderman Bernstein reminded residents
with alternate side parking to move their cars for street cleaning so they don't get a $25 fine.
Alderman Kent found the evening inspirational and thanked Mr. Levy for his gift to the City. He also commented on
the many wonderful police officers who received awards that evening for their work in the community.
Mayor Morton observed that there were more people in attendance for the police awards than ever before. She found
it wonderful to hear which police officers have saved lives, prevented burglaries and apprehended people. She thought
it took an awards ceremony to see what the Police Department does in the community and citizen participation.
Alderman Feldman was overjoyed to see so many people given awards for bravery, heroism and commitment. While
they often hear about crime statistics, they don't often hear how people respond to make the community better. He was
gratified to see neighbors and friends so committed to this community.
There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Morton adjourned the meeting at 10:42 p.m.
Mary P. Morris,
City Clerk
A videotape recordine of this meetine has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the Citv Clerk's office.
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