Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-2001-04-10-2001CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL - PRESENT: A Quorum was present. ABSENT: PRESIDING: April 10, 2001 Alderman Rainey Alderman Feldman Alderman Bernstein Alderman Newman Alderman Kent Alderman Drummer Alderman Moran Aldermen Engelman and Wynne Mayor Lorraine H. Morton The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Morton Tuesday, April 10, 2001 at 6:40 p.m. in the Aldermanic Library. Alderman Drummer moved that Council adjourn 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). (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. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Roll call. Voting aye — Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Drummer, Bernstein, Kent, Moran. Voting nay - none. Motion carried (7-0). At 7:16 p.m. Alderman Drummer moved to reconvene into Open Session. Seconded by Alderman Kent. Motion carried. No nays. Council then recessed so aldermen could attend standing committee meetings. Mayor Morton reconvened the Council meeting at 9:40 p.m. in the Council Chamber after the annual Town Meeting. City Manager Announcements: City Manager Roger Crum announced that a Special City Council meeting would be held Monday, April 16, to consider Ordinance 24-0-01- Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment plus an item considered that evening by the A&PW Committee. The Levy Center construction contract, originally scheduled for action on April 16, will be at a later date. Parks & Forestry Superintendent Paul D'Agostino announced the Forestry Division offers private elm tree insurance for American elms to homeowners. It covers the cost of removal of trees infected with Dutch elm disease to the ground level, which costs several hundred dollars for a small tree up to several thousand for a large tree. The insurance is based upon the size of the tree, ranges from $404110 per tree and coverage is for one year. Applications are due no later than Friday, June 1. Beginning in June, Forestry Division employees start scouting elm trees on public and private property looking for symptoms of Dutch elm disease. Once an elm tree is diagnosed with Dutch ehn disease, City ordinance requires that it be removed within 30 days. Applications are in the lobby of the Civic Center or call Forestry Division. at 866-2912 and an application will be mailed. v1� 2 April 10, 2001 Mr. D'Agostino announced that for the 17' consecutive year, Evanston has been designated Tree City U.S.A. for the year 2000. He stated the City has continued to make improvements in its urban forestry program over the past year; staff has maintained the six -year trimming cycle, even though over a month last May was spent on storm damage. Aggressive scouting for symptoms and prompt removal of City -owned trees decreased Dutch elm disease losses. Mr. D'Agostino reported that Evanston had received the Tree City Growth Award for 2000 for the 4' consecutive year. This award is given to communities who go beyond the tree care requirements of the Tree City U.S.A. award and was based upon an increased budget for tree trimming and implementation of the revised management program. He thanked Mayor Morton and City Council for continued support of the urban forestry program and the hard work of staff and presented the Growth Award and Tree City U.S.A. flag to Mayor Morton. Mayoral Announcements: Mayor Morton noted the Human Services Committee was scheduled to meet on April 16 at 7:30 p.m. -The committee chair has indicated there must be a quorum so that business can be conducted. Mayor Morton announced receipt of a communication from Lura Lynn Ryan, wife of Governor Ryan, which asked that people be made aware that April is "Alcohol Awareness Month." Mrs. Ryan asked that adults talk to young persons about the risks of engaging in underage drinking and the long-term effects of alcohol. Mayor Morton proclaimed April 16-22, 2001 - National Community Development Week 27 years of strengthening Evanston's neighborhoods with Community Development Block Grant Funds April 22-28, 2001 - Change the World - Volunteer Week Mayor Morton reported a letter from Daniel Wefler, president of the Lighthouse Park District, in informing the City that the district had obtained an Illinois Heritage Grant for restoration projects at the Gross Point Lighthouse, a national landmark. The grant will be used to rehabilitate the north fog house as a maritime visitor center in keeping with the Lighthouse Master Plan and will permit accommodation of larger groups of visitors to the lighthouse, which was requested by the Evanston Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. Communications: City Clerk Mary Morris reported receipt of a communication from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency concerning Evanston Hospital, which has requested a Clean Air Act Permit Program permit. This permit will be enforced by Illinois EPA and the United States EPA. The permit application has been reviewed and complies with applicable federal and state air pollution control laws and rules. People who wish to view the project summary or draft permit can obtain them by calling Illinois EPA in Des Plaines at (847) 294-4000. They ask that people call ahead to assure that someone can assist the caller. Before issuing this permit, the Illinois EPA will hold a public comment period which will remain open until May 5, 2001. For further information call the Clerk's office at 866-2925. Report of Canvassing Boards Ms. Morris reported the Municipal Canvassing Board comprised of the Mayor, First Assistant Corporation Counsel and City Clerk and the Township Canvassing Board comprised of the Senior Trustee and Town Clerk had met the previous day and conducted a canvass of the April 3 Consolidated Election. Total votes cast were 9,892 in contrast to the 1997 election when 7,718 total votes were cast. Citywide Mayor Morton was re-elected with 7,632 votes; Mary Morris was re-elected City Clerk with 5,953 votes; Township Supervisor -elect Patricia Vance received 6,409 votes and Township Assessor -elect Sharon Eckersall received 5,969 votes. In the Aldermanic races, Ward 1, Art Newman was re-elected with 837 votes to Allen Drebin's 780 votes; Ward 2, Lionel Jean -Baptiste received 788 votes to 136 votes for Betty Sue Ester; Ward 3, Melissa Wynne was re-elected with 545 votes; Ward 4, Steve Bernstein was re-elected with 912 votes, Mimi Peterson received 314 votes and Peggy Tarr 114 votes; Ward 5, Joe Kent was re-elected with 462 votes to Rochelle Whyte -Washington's 282 votes; Ward 6, Edmund Moran was re-elected with 1,156 votes, Marty Norkett received 543 and Omar Khuri 223 votes; Ward 7, Steve Y7 S 3 April 10, 2001 Engelman was re-elected with 803 votes with Howard Levin receiving 325 votes, Karl Gromelski 185 and Junad Rizki 63 votes; Ward 8, Ann Rainey was re-elected with 424 votes and Ward 9, Gene Feldman was re-elected with 436 votes. CITIZEN COMMENT: Michael Green, 1631 McDaniel Ave., said he moved to Evanston 38 years ago with a place to play. The Zoning Ordinance text amendment will change that because a building will be put on the west side of neighbors. There's a school building to the south, one to the north, ETHS to the east and already a lot of traffic. It seems that this ordinance will allow heavy machinery to be brought, in if needed, in the future along with semi -trailer trucks making deliveries. These streets are not set up for large delivery vehicles. This will add to problematic traffic because there will be scheduled busses and cars all day long. The neighborhood was damaged from the deep tunnel project and now has to worry about more construction. This site is one of the only free spaces that is set up for athletic competitions. He noted soccer is taught and played there. He wishes to live in a suburban environment, sees this neighborhood becoming an urban environment and asked Council to vote "no" on the amendment. Rose Cannon, 745 Brummel St., asked Council to vote "no" on the change District 65 has asked for in the Zoning Ordinance to allow a combined administration!school building. She said within two -three blocks already has 4,000 people going to ETHS, Shore School and King Lab School. She asked Council to protect the rights of residents of McDaniel and within a radius of these institutions. She predicted property values would be severely affected in both the 2"d and 5' wards and residents will look to Council for remuneration for devaluing their property if this building is built. She noted that Council compensated a business that lost money as a result of the construction of the McDougal Littell building and there is an issue concerning the former Duxler site where a condominium being built is affecting a neighbor. A community group is starting to get an assessment of real estate and the effect of the development on property values. She asked Council and District 65 to be responsible for the devaluation of the life of these people. Her group has sought assistance from Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, who has not taken a position, but sent a representative to gather information. State Representative Julie Hamos told them her policy was not to get involved in community issues. She asked Council to look at how this will affect the lives of those who elected them to office. CONSENT AGENDA (Any item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with these exceptions: Approval of the Contract Amendment No. 2 with Harza Engineering; Ordinance 42-0-01 — Moratorium on New Construction — 133 Zoning District; and Ordinance 34-0-01 — Special Use for 1900 Dempster St. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Roll call. Voting aye — Rainey, Feldman, Newman, Drummer, Bernstein, Kent, Moran. Voting nay — none. Motion carried (7-0). * ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT AGENDA MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 26, 2001. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) 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 April 11, 2001 (FY 00-01) and April 12, 2001 (FY 01-02) and that they be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston payroll (through 3/29/01) $1,736,244.39 City of Evanston bills (through 4/11/01 for FY 00-01) $ 464,350.71 City of Evanston bills (through 4/12/01 for FY 01-02) $3,052,526.08 * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) Vq q 4 April 10, 2001 * Approval of Change Order #1 with Great Lakes Landscaping Co., Inc. for renovations at Beck Park, reducing the contract price by $13,565 from $128,176 to $114,520. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) ■■E■■ * Purchase of Land Parcels — Consideration of a recommendation to purchase three parcels of land to make an operationally safe alley north of Central St., east of Lincolnwood Ave. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Ordinance 43-0-01 — Vacation of Portion of Allev east of Custer. north of South Blvd. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 43-0-01, by which the City Council would vacate the alley portion east of Custer, north of South Blvd. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 37-0-01 — Increase in Class C Liquor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 37-0-01, which increases Class C Liquor Licenses from 19 to 20 due to the opening of JTS Inc., dba Northlight Restaurant, 1932 Central St. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 38-0-01 — Decrease in Class C Liquor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 38-0-01, which decreases the Class C Liquor Licenses from 20 to 19 due to the closing of Lindo Mexico, 1934 Maple Ave. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 39-0-01 — Decrease in Class D Liquor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 39-0-01, which decreases the number of Class D Liquor Licenses from 21 to 20 due to a counting error. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 40-0-01 — Decrease in Class D Liquor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 40-0-01, which decreases Class D Liquor Licenses from 20 to 19 due to the change in ownership of Daruma Japanese Restaurant, 2901 Central St. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Ordinance 41-0-01 — Increase in Class D Liquor Licenses — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 41-0-01, which increases Class D Liquor Licenses from 19 to 20 due to the change in ownership of Daruma Japanese Restaurant, 2901 Central St. * MARKED INTRODUCED — CONSENT AGENDA * Resolution 20-R-01 — Amending the Agreement with Evanston Environmental Association for Ecology Center Renovations — Consideration of proposed Resolution 20-R-01, which amends an agreement regarding funding for the Ecology Center renovations. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Ordinance 36-0-01 — No Parking Zone — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 36-0-01, introduced March 26, 2001, which amends Section 10-11-8, Schedule VIII(A) to install a No Parking Zone at the west driveway of 2109 Greenwood St. * ADOPTED CONSENT AGENDA & ROLL CALL (7-0) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: * Sidewalk Cafd Permit/Einstein Bros. Bagels — Consideration of the recommendation of the Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee to approve a sidewalk cafd permit for Einstein Bros. Bagels, 1745 Sherman Avenue. * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) * Sidewalk Cafe Permit/Cafd Express — Consideration of the recommendation of the Site Plan & Appearance Review Committee to approve a sidewalk caf6 permit for Caf6 Express, 500 Main St. APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) 5 April 10, 2001 OTHER COMMITTEES: * Request for Fundine/Evanston Visitors Bureau — Consideration of the recommendation by consensus of the EDC to approve a request from the Evanston Visitors Bureau for annual funding in an amount of $50,000, including a base grant of $34,000 and an opportunity to earn an additional $16,000 based on increases in hotel tax revenue above level received by the City in 2000/01. APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (7-0) APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton asked for confirmation of the following reappointment: Robert Brooks Housing Commission 824 Gaffield Pl. For term ending April 15, 2004 John Sagan Library Board 1314 Forest Ave. For term ending April 15, 2004 * APPROVED — CONSENT AGENDA REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS: Approval of Contract Amendment No. 2 with Harza Engineering for engineering construction services for Phase VI, Contract A of the City's Relief Sewer Project extending the contract duration and increase the compensation ceiling by a total of $346,289. Alderman Moran reported that this item was held in committee. Because'of litigation involving the City and other parties, the committee wished to have a Closed Session at the April 16 meeting to address the contract. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT: * Ordinance 42-0-01 — Moratorium on New Construction — B3 Zonins District. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 42-0-01, which would place a 180-day moratorium on new building construction on Main St. from Sherman east to Hinman, and on Chicago Ave., in the B3 zoning district, north and south of Main St. Alderman Bernstein asked that Ordinance 42-0-01 be marked introduced and referred back to the committee. * Ordinance 34-0-01 — Special Use for 1900 Dempster St. — Consideration of proposed Ordinance 34-0-01, introduced March 26, 2001, which approves a recommendation of the ZBA to grant a Special Use application for two Type 2 restaurants each with drive -through facility. Alderman Bernstein moved approval. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Alderman Bernstein reported that owners of Dempster/Dodge Plaza would demolish the Kids R Us building. They intend to construct two new buildings further south on the lot, which would be two Type 2 restaurants with drive - through facilities. These will not fast food restaurants. Parking concerns were addressed and there will be no ingress or egress other than within the lot, so this will not impact Dempster or Dodge. This is an attempt to revitalize this shopping center. ��i 6 April 10, 2001 Alderman Feldman asked if Pizza Hut would be torn down? Yes. Ingress and egress will be on the west side of the new building. People coming from Dempster will come into an aisle to get to the drive though and out an aisle. Alderman Feldman asked if a Type 2 is a sit down restaurant. Alderman Bernstein stated a Type 2 restaurant is where there is no service at a counter or the table by a waitperson. Questions were asked as to whom the operators would be. Alderman Bernstein explained that one will probably be a pizza restaurant and the other is not known. Alderman Feldman inquired if all the business will be drive through? Alderman Bernstein said there will be some drive -through service, but the primary service will be sit down to accommodate shoppers. Alderman Drummer stated they had been in touch with James Sutphen of Joseph Freed and Associates, Inc., who met with them and they are satisfied the owners have the interest of the community and the center in mind. There will be no new curb cuts and all traffic will circulate within the center so there is no impact on the immediate area. They are pleased with the litter plan (250-ft. radius, pickup required every three hours) and want the City to enforce that. The neighborhood has been involved since Joseph Freed has been redeveloping the center. They are pleased with the. two Type 2 restaurants and don't want to impede the progress of the center, which is more important than what the restaurants are. Neighbors do not want to see an empty shopping center again and want this center to make progress. They believe that will happen. This neighborhood is afforded a $200,000 mitigation fund for the community. As soon as the center is close to being occupied, the neighborhood will work closely with the developer to talk about problems away from the development such as crime and neighborhood watch. There have been conversations with Dick Peach, owner of Dempster Auto Rebuilders, who is developing a merchants association. Alderman Drummer believed with good communication, the center can be brought up to standards they expect so that it will not drag property values down. Most of all they have a plan to address the biggest problem, which is litter on the corner. Alderman Rainey was shocked that neighbors supported two Type 2 restaurants when there are already two there. In any other community there would be an outcry that was an impact, was unnecessary and a standard that could not be met for a special use. She thought if neighbors want two Type 2 restaurants given how it has been laid out, there could be a Dunkin Donuts or a submarine sandwich place and these uses would junk up the corner as opposed to enhancing the shopping center. She did not understand the developer's argument that the drive -through was only going to be for picking up orders previously placed. Alderman Rainey wanted to address safety for the entire community. She noted when somebody enters the center off Dempster and somebody is pulling in/out of a parking space they are in the driving lane and would be target practice for those coming in from Dempster. She noted there is no control in that lot, as there is none in the Sam's, Marshall's lots or at the Target/Jewel lot until she insisted that islands and trees be installed so one could no longer enter off of Howard at the far east and drive straight to the Jewel. That is what people do now at the Dominick's store. Type 2 restaurants are for people in cars. She predicted those cars will generate more accidents than they could imagine. She recalled when meeting with Target and Jewel officials the number of accidents astonished them. When that information was presented, islands and trees were installed, which improved the appearance and safety of the lot. She said if the developer is getting a special use, there should be a demand to reconfigure the lot to make it safer. She asked if there was any request about the number of police calls from the current fast food restaurants and will these restaurants be open 24 hours? Alderman Drummer thanked Alderman Rainey for her concerns. He said they have looked at the traffic pattern there for some time and wanted to wait until more tenants come in to see what the patterns will be. There is an elaborate landscaping plan for this center. He did not want to hold this up and noted a representative of the developer was present and asked to have a recess so the matter could be discussed. In response to Mayor Morton, Alderman Drummer stated that Joseph Freed owns the shopping center. The Council recessed at 10:35 p.m. and reconvened at 10:50 p.m. Alderman Drummer moved that Ordinance 34-0-01 be held for consideration at the Special City Council meeting on Monday, April 16, 2001. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. At the request of two aldermen, this item was held over. HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: No report 1 ysz 7 April 10, 2001 CALL OF THE WARDS: Alderman Rainey asked Council to help the 8' Ward and the City, wherever there are multi -family rental buildings. There is an outcry from the tenant community, neighborhood groups and people displaced from rental housing. She wanted to revisit the idea of licensing landlords. They keep hearing that Evanston is losing affordable housing due to condominium conversions. She has maintained for years that there is no affordable housing in Evanston by government standards (HUD). In the last two years, 72 units of rental housing have been lost in.the 8' Ward due to the City closing down rental buildings because landlords avoided fines, judges who patronized those landlords, landlords who did not know what they were doing and landlords who were renting to people who had no business living in other than a penitentiary. That represents four buildings in two years. This week the City will close down a nine -unit building in the 8' Ward which has 11 children living there and these people will be on the street. This is not due to condominium conversions but due to rotten landlords who are uncontrolled and ungoverned and allowed by the courts to defeat the City's property standards code and its inspectors. The final solution is when the gas and water are cut off and Jim Wolinski's property standards crew and police shut down the building. The City has already spent $8,000 on this building by putting people up at the Holiday Inn because the landlord did not pay the gas bill of $18,000. He owes the City in excess of $6,000. She said the only real solution to this is based on the condition of the property. If, under licensing, it does not meet certain standards, the City can go in and sticker units so they cannot be rented and the landlord's ability to collect the rent is closed down. In the case of the building the City is going to close down, tenants were told not to pay the rent. The tenants say they have to pay the rent because they are frightened of the landlord. These are tenants without hot water and heat. If they are able to enforce the City's rule against bankruptcy, there will be no water on Monday. She asked Council to overlook the cries of the respectable landlords here. Licensing will not affect them in any way and may actually save some rental housing for Evanston. The minute this building is closed and foreclosed, there are people waiting to buy it and convert it to condominiums because nothing else can be done with it. They were told by property standards people and the housing planner when they entered this building there were roaches underfoot everywhere. In units where children lived there was no furniture, only mattresses on the floor. She said this landlord has been in court month after month. The judge said if this man does not admit guilt, he could not impose a fine. They have another one who said he cannot do anything because the landlord is in bankruptcy. There is a partnership where one declares bankruptcy so nothing can be done. That one comes out of bankruptcy, the next day the partner goes into bankruptcy so they have everybody frozen in time. Bankruptcy and other shenanigans would not affect licensing so the City could go in and literally board up a unit to prevent the landlord from renting sub -standard units. Alderman Rainev made a reference to the P&D Committee to consider the issue of licensing landlords. She said the only inconvenience to landlords is they will have to disclose who owns and insures the building. Alderman Feldman stated the conditions described by Alderman Rainey are unacceptable and the City cannot go on this way. This is a losing battle and the City is allowing people to frame the issue in a way that paralyzes the Council. Something must be done to end this. It does the City no good to have that kind of reputation and is cruel and unusual punishment to allow people to live that way. On top of it, these landlords make money off of.people's misery. Nothing that they do is working. They can no longer think of the 8' Ward as a repository of conditions that are accepted. None would accept this if this kind of violence was done in front of their face. He said Alderman Rainey and people all over the 8`' Ward see this. If they are talking about making the parks and schools better, here is a basic need that people have to have before even that. There has to be a certain standard of dignity in their lives. He stated they cannot allow these people to get away with this. He was willing to listen to any scheme that would make this better. He intends to look at this closely and he hoped the P&D Committee will take a thorough look at this. He thought there was little left in the City's bag of tricks and that people are suffering. Evanston is going downhill in that area. They have seen this for a long time. This does not cost money but takes resolve and courage and he thought they should do it. - Alderman Newman stated he would attend the Human Services Committee meeting April 16. He took his daughter to the Burnham Shores Park on the weekend; noted it was full of young children and praised the Parks Division for their efforts in rehabbing that park. 4 6 8 April 10, 2001 Alderman Newman noted in 1997, three new aldermen were elected over incumbents. In this election he thought the electorate had reaffirmed the current power structure. He thought tough decisions including but not limited to relocating the Levy Senior Center to south Evanston, the Hill project, the Sherman Plaza project, the Northeast Evanston Historic District and actions regarding the referendum on the ballot were made over the past four years. He was grateful to 1 st Ward residents who took the high road and acted in the best interests of the City; looked forward to the next four years. Alderman Drummer congratulated colleagues. He thought the voters spoke loud and clear and they all have much to be proud of. He noted only those there know how much work goes into satisfying this job. He said all work beyond the call of duty and deserved to be re-elected. He looked forward to watching Council on TV. He stated Council is in good hands for the next four years. Alderman Bernstein thanked 4' Ward voters for putting their faith in him and pledged to be worthy of that faith in the next four years; congratulated all who were elected. He said running a race was difficult; that he learned a lot and grew from the experience. He complimented the Council and looked forward to going in a similar direction. He said this Council has varying personalities, people with passion who care deeply about the community. Alderman Kent congratulated all who were elected including those who were unopposed. He thanked 5°i Ward residents who voted and for being home when he went door to door. He gained a wealth of ideas and suggestions and would respond to all of them. Meeting people who don't go to neighborhood or Council meetings who were aware of what is going on encouraged him. He wanted to start by looking at the current zoning in the 5'' Ward regarding residential zoning as to what is allowed. He said it is attractive for developers to come in, but the majority of developers that have come in have done little to support the character of the neighborhood and be honest with their plans to the Building Division. He thought they all played games with the Cook County Housing Authority. It does not mean development will stop there. One thing that came through with his visits was that it is important for homeowners to have some control so that when developers come, they have to come through the community. During June/July, the Plan Commission will visit the 5' Ward and talk to various organizations and concerned residents about what they envision to maintain the neighborhood and make changes. They will talk about small business districts as well as residential. They believe it is important to keep affordable housing. Alderman Kent made a reference to the Plan Commission to begin to investigate reducing the current zoning allowed in the 5' Ward residential areas. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Motion carried. No nays. He knew the P&D Committee is working on the B3 areas and will look for a response in the summer. Alderman Moran stated that political races are interesting events; called this election an exhausting and trying process but tremendously productive. People get out, have debates, candidates come together and it is a tremendous way to connect with people. He was particularly impressed by the many positive ideas that came forward. He hoped they will all be able to work together in a positive fashion so they can preserve the things all love about Evanston and enhance the quality of life of the people who live here and they represent. He looked forward to working with everybody over the next four years. There being no further business to come before Council, Mayor Morton adjourned the meeting at 11:15 p.m. Mary P. Morris, City Clerk A videotape recording of this meeting has been made nart of the permanent record and is available in the Citv Clerk's office. 1