HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.21.15 Minutes
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS
LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Monday, September 21, 2015
Roll Call: Alderman Rainey Alderman Wilson
Alderman Miller Alderman Holmes
Alderman Fiske Alderman Tendam
Alderman Braithwaite Alderman Grover
Alderman Wynne
Presiding: Mayor Elizabeth B. Tisdahl
Dedication of the James C. Lytle City Council Chambers was accomplished with a
proclamation read by the Mayor. This was done in recognition of his two terms as Mayor
and his accomplishments during his terms in office. Mr. Lytle was then presented with the
framed proclamation, and he thanked the Council for the honor as he was not expecting
it. A picture opt was then performed with the ribbon cutting ceremony that included Mr.
Lytle, past Mayor Morton, present Mayor Tisdahl, Aldermen and a host of friends and
relatives. A reception immediately followed the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony.
Mayor Public Announcements and Proclamations
Ms. Portia Davis, the Assistant Youth & Young Adult Program Manager gave recognition
to the 40 participants of the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program . Each
participant received a framed certificate honoring their successful involvement.
Bike and Walk to School Day, October 7, 2015
City Manager Public Announcements
Bike the Ridge, Sunday, September 27 was acknowledged by the City Manager, as he
alluded that Alderman Rainey would give additional information later.
Karen Lyons, Director of Public Library announced Evanston Public Library’s “First
Annual Storytelling Festival”. This will occur October 9-11, 2015, and it is free to all.
There will be nationally known story tellers as well as District 65 and Northwestern
students.
The Community Engagement Director gave recognition of Luke Stowe, Digital Services
Coordinator who will be leaving the employment of the City to return to the public sector.
Communications: City Clerk
Clerk Greene announced the “3rd Annual Cook Off” to be held this Sunday, September
City Council Agenda September 21, 2015 Page 2 of 8
27, 2015. This event will feature the Evanston Police vs. the Evanston Firefighters from
4-6 pm at Whole Foods Market 1640 Chicago Ave. He also mentioned the DaeDae
World Weekend event beginning Friday, 9/25/2015 at Fleetwood with various festivities
from 7-10 pm. Then on Saturday, 9/26/2015 “The Challenge” at 11:30 -1 pm for grades
6-12. From 3-5 pm on Saturday a basketball game between Dae Disciples vs. Team
Old School.
Public Comment
Spoke on Gun Violence
Carolyn Murry made comments concerning the news article in the Chicago Tribune. She
accused the Mayor of statements made and she spoke of the unsolved homicides. She
also gave her suggestions for strategies to the Mayor.
Sharetta Smith had 4 questions (directed to the Police), as well as 4 suggestions to curb
the violence to the Mayor.
Lori Keenan spoke of the DaeDae Weekend events and she thanked Clerk Greene for
making the initial announcement. She also spoke in favor of the proposal from the Evanston
Lake House & Garden group for the Harley/Clarke property.
Betty Ester, spoke in place of Lisa Bamberg
Spoke on Harley/Clarke
Alex Block, shared his organization’s (Evanston Lake House & Garden) thoughts for usage
of the property and making the property presently public.
John Walsh, spoke of the proposal their group have come up with for the use of the
Harley/Clarke Mansion property. He stated they have a business plan and a website.
Mike Vasilko, spoke in support of the property and he encourages the seeking of a for
Profit organization.
Jack Fameska, a 90 year resident spoke of the encroachment of NU and its garage andtold
the council to pay attention.
Diane Williams, is the chair of the Evanston Preservation Commission and stated that
Harley/Clarke is the last of the great houses built before the stock market crash of 1929,
and demolition is not an option.
Marg Rosinsky, stated this property must stay as an open property just like Harms Woods,
as she also recognized one of the Harms family member in attendance.
Barbara Janes, spoke of the many 1000 Yard signs in all nine wards to keep the property
under public control and not to a not-for-profit organization. She also reminded the Council
they are elected to represent the public and to fulfill that obligation.
Mike Lohr, stated he emailed the council with his statements and he is in support ofkeeping
the property out of the hands of privateers, and to keep it open to the public.
Robert Goodman, suggested to look at Cathy in Chicago for consideration of a not -for-
Profit.
Organization, and he too spoke of the shooting last week where his daughter was in
attendance.
Junad Rizky, spoke of the violating of the municipal code for the decisions to sell the
property. He questioned the motivation of the Council and suggested it’s not for the public
Mark White, Spoke of an endowment from the Vivian Myer legacy for the property that
would attract people to Evanston.
Shelia Sullivan, read a letter from her organization SEA. She stated you can’t move
forward when the community is against it, and to keep the property public and the zoning as
open space.
City Council Agenda September 21, 2015 Page 3 of 8
Lou Harms, an eighty six year old gentlemen who showed a diagram of the Evanston area
of where the signs had been placed.
Linda Damaster, presented a breakdown of the total cost to renovate the property. We
should not give the wealthy favors, they owe us favors.
Anna Roosevelt, she stated her support of the Evanston Lake House & Garden’s proposal.
Ellie Federsen, reminded the council of the 6-3 vote two years ago against privatizing the
property, and it’s up again as an issue.
Carl Shered , is a gay male who was thankful for all the blue & yellow signs, and hope
to keep open spaces for the public to maintain the diversity & safety.
Spoke on the Howard Street Theater
Judy Kemp, spoke of the importance of multiple cultural district in the arts for Evanston.
Fran Joy, who is on the Arts Council and is in favor of the theater on Howard Street.
Items not approved on Consent Agenda:
SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS
(SP1) Recommendations to Determine Next Steps for the Harley Clarke Property
Staff recommends that City Council: 1) direct the City Manager to prepare a draft
Request for Proposals (RFP) in accordance with further direction on the future
utilization of the Harley Clarke property; 2) return to the City Council with this
draft RFP on October 19, 2015 for further discussion; and 3) set a date(s) for the
open house prior to the return to City Council.
For Discussion
(SP2) Staff will provide an update on the street lights for the Emerson/Ridge/Green Bay
Improvement Project. As part of the project the existing street lights need to be
relocated because of the sidewalk widening and intersection reconfiguration.
For Discussion
(A3 ) Approval of Design and Architecture Services for the Proposed Howard
Street Theatre
Staff recommends City Council direct the City Manager to seek bids for design
and architectural services to develop conceptual and bid -level drawings for the
Howard Street Theatre to be located at 717-723 Howard Street. Staff further
recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to spend up $40,000
for these services, provided by the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Funding is provided by the Howard/Ridge TIF District Account
330.99.5860.56010.
For Action
(A4) Resolution 85-R-15, Utilities Easement Agreement with the Northwestern
University for Colfax Street and Orrington Ave.
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution 85-R-15 granting a
utility easement to Northwestern University to cross the east -west alley located
north of Colfax Street and east of Orrington Avenue to accommodate an
City Council Agenda September 21, 2015 Page 4 of 8
electrical duct. The easement will be granted for a 50 -year period. Northwestern
University will fund the project and will be assessed a utility easement fee of
$5,500 which equals $100 annually plus a 10% administration fee for the
duration of easement.
For Action
(A5) Resolution 96-R-15, Contract Extension with Groot Industries for Solid
Waste Collection
Staff recommends City Council adoption of Resolution 96 -R-15 authorizing the
City Manager to execute contract amendments to waste services agreements
with Groot Industries (2500 Landmeier Road, Elk Grove Village, IL) and to renew
these agreements. All agreements include a decrease in monthly cost for the first
year.
For Action
(P2) Ordinance 119-O-15 Granting Zoning Relief for a 70’ Building Height for a
Concrete Plant Enclosure for Ozinga RMC, 2525 Oakton Street
The Zoning Board of Appeals and staff recommend City Council adoption of
Ordinance 119-O-15 granting zoning relief to construct a 70’ high concrete plant
enclosure where a maximum height of 60’ is allowed in the I3 General Industrial
District for Ozinga RMC at 2525 Oakton Street. The ZBA found the proposal
meets all standards for variations. The application complies with all other zoning
requirements. This ordinance was introduced at the September 15, 2015 City
Council meeting.
For Action
CONSENT AGENDA
(M1) Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 15, 2015
For Action
ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
(A1) Approval of Single Source Purchase of Genetec License Plate Recognition
System from Federal Signal Corporation
Staff recommends City Council approval of the single source purchase of a
Genetec License Plate Recognition (LPR) system from Federal Signal
Corporation (2625 Federal Signal Drive, University Park, IL) in the amount of
$50,500. Funding is provided by the Parking Fund, Account 505.19.7005.65515.
For Action
(A2) Approval of Contract with ESI Consultants, Ltd. For the Howard Street
Traffic Signal & Intersection Improvement Project (RFP 15-51)
Staff recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a
contract with ESI Consultants, Ltd., (1979 N. Mill Street, Suite 100, Naperville, IL)
in the amount of $59,500 to provide engineering services for a traffic signal and
City Council Agenda September 21, 2015 Page 5 of 8
intersection improvement project on Howard Street. Funding is provided by the
Howard/Hartrey TIF Fund, Account 310.99.5500.65515/415430.
For Action
(A6) Ordinance 124-O-15 Authorizing 2015 A and B General Obligation Bond
Issue
Staff recommends adoption of Ordinance 124-O-15 providing for the issuance of
the FY 2015 A and B bond issues as follows: 2015 A General Obligation Bond
not-to-exceed $14,000,000; and 2015 B General Obligation Refunding Bond not -
to-exceed $11,475,000. The ordinance will be completed and signed after the
bond sale date, which is tentatively scheduled for October 15, 2015.
For Introduction
(A7) Ordinance 110-O-15 Amending Title 10, Schedule XVII of the Evanston City
Code to Increase Parking Violation Penalties
Staff recommends that City Council adopt Ordinance 110 -O-15, amending Title
10, Schedule XVII, of the Evanston City Code, “Parking Violation Penalties”,
Section 10-11-17. The amendment will increase the penalty for various parking
fines. This ordinance was introduced at the August 31, 2015 City Council meeting,
and referred back to the Administration and Public Works Committee for the
September 15, 2015 meeting.
For Action
(A8) Ordinance 107-O-15, Limited Parking on Lincoln Street
The Transportation and Parking Committee and staff recommend that City
Council adopt Ordinance 107-O-15 establishing limited parking, no longer than
four (4) hours between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Monday through
Friday, on Lincoln Street (north side, Ridge Avenue west to Sanitary District
Canal). This ordinance was introduced at the September 15, 2015 City Council
meeting.
For Action
(A9) Ordinance 108-O-15, Parking Meter Zone at Chandler-Newberger Parking
Lot 21.
The Transportation and Parking Committee and staff recommend that City
Council adopt Ordinance 108-O-15 adding twelve (12) meters at Parking Lot #21,
1028 Central Street – Chandler-Newberger Center. The maximum limit for these
meters shall be fifteen (15) hours per day between the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 6 :00
P.M. at a rate of $0.25 per hour. This ordinance was introduced at the September
15, 2015 City Council meeting.
For Action
(A10) Ordinance 116-O-15, Implementing a Reorganization and Consolidation of
the Executive Departments in the City of Evanston
Staff recommends City Council adoption of Ordinance 116 -O-15 to amend Title
1, Chapter 9 of the Evanston City Code of 2012 as a legislative enactment
implementing organizational realignment and consolidation of th e City’s
Executive Departments to ensure a stable City Budget, and that community
City Council Agenda September 21, 2015 Page 6 of 8
standards for City services and livability are met. This ordinance was introduced
at the September 15, 2015 City Council meeting.
For Action
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
(P1) Ordinance 117-O-15, Granting a Special Use for a Financial Institution, First
Bank & Trust, at 520 Main Street
The Zoning Board of Appeals and staff recommend City Council adoption of
Ordinance 117-O-15 granting special use approval for a ground floor Financial
Institution, First Bank & Trust, in the C1a Commercial Mixed Use District and the
oDM Dempster-Main Overlay District. Based on the September 15, 2015
Planning & Development and City Council meetings, the Ordinance has been
updated for the hours of operation to exclude Sundays since the proposed
Financial Institution will be closed on Sundays, and for all employees to park off -
site at 935 Chicago Avenue as required by the approved Chicago & Main
Planned Development. This ordinance was introduced at the September 15,
2015 City Council meeting.
For Action
(P3) Ordinance 109-O-15, Amending Firearm Range Licensing Requirements
Staff recommends City Council adoption of Ordinance 109-O-15 to amend
licensing regulations applicable to Firearm Ranges within Title 3 of the City
Code to add application requirements, license conditions, insurance
requirements, and right of inspection. This ordinance was introduced at the
September 15, 2015 City Council meeting.
For Action
Alderman Rainey motioned for approval of the Consent Agenda and it was seconded by
Alderman Holmes. A Roll Call vote was 8-0 (Alderman Braithwaite left
the Dias @ 9:45 and returned @ 9:50 pm) and the Consent
Agenda was approved.
Items for discussion:
(A3 ) Approval of Design and Architecture Services for the Proposed Howard
Street Theatre
Staff recommends City Council direct the City Manager to seek bids for design
and architectural services to develop conceptual and bid-level drawings for the
Howard Street Theatre to be located at 717-723 Howard Street. Staff further
recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to spend up $40,000
for these services, provided by the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Funding is provided by the Howard/Ridge TIF District Account
330.99.5860.56010.
For Action
Alderman Rainey motioned for approval it was seconded. It was approved with a
7-2 vote.
(A4) Resolution 85-R-15, Utilities Easement Agreement with the Northwestern
City Council Agenda September 21, 2015 Page 7 of 8
University for Colfax Street / Orrington Ave.
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution 85-R-15 granting a
utility easement to Northwestern University to cross the east -west alley located
north of Colfax Street and east of Orrington Avenue to accommodate an
electrical duct. The easement will be granted for a 50 -year period. Northwestern
University will fund the project and will be assessed a utility easement fee of
$5,500 which equals $100 annually plus a 10% administration fee for the
duration of easement.
For Action
Alderman Rainey motioned for approval it was seconded by Alderman Holmes. It
was approved with a 9-0 vote.
(A5) Resolution 96-R-15, Contract Extension with Groot Industries for Solid
Waste Collection
Staff recommends City Council adoption of Resolution 96 -R-15 authorizing the
City Manager to execute contract amendments to waste services agreements
with Groot Industries (2500 Landmeier Road, Elk Grove Village, IL) and to renew
these agreements. All agreements include a decrease in monthly cost for the first
year.
For Action
Alderman Rainey stated this item was held in committee to have further
discussion with Groot.
(P2) Ordinance 119-O-15 Granting Zoning Relief for a 70’ Building Height for a
Concrete Plant Enclosure for Ozinga RMC, 2525 Oakton Street
The Zoning Board of Appeals and staff recommend City Council adoption of
Ordinance 119-O-15 granting zoning relief to construct a 70’ high concrete plant
enclosure where a maximum height of 60’ is allowed in the I3 General Industrial
District for Ozinga RMC at 2525 Oakton Street. The ZBA found the proposal
meets all standards for variations. The application complies with all other zoning
requirements. This ordinance was introduced at the September 15, 2015 City
Council meeting.
For Action
Alderman Holmes motioned for approval and it was seconded. The vote was 9 -0
and the motion was approved.
SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS
(SP1) Recommendations to Determine Next Steps for the Harley Clarke Property
Staff recommends that City Council: 1) direct the City Manager to prepare a draft
Request for Proposals (RFP) in accordance with further direction on the future
utilization of the Harley Clarke property; 2) return to the City Council with this
draft RFP on October 19, 2015 for further discussion; and 3) set a date(s) for the
open house prior to the return to City Council.
For Discussion
Acting City Manager, Johanna Leonard presented the various ideas for improving
the Harley Clarke Property. The final discussion was to hold until October 12th.
City Council Agenda September 21, 2015 Page 8 of 8
(SP2) Staff will provide an update on the street lights for the Emerson/Ridge/Green Bay
Improvement Project. As part of the project the existing street lights need to be
relocated because of the sidewalk widening and intersection reconfiguration.
For Discussion
Mr. Lyons introduced Sat Nagar who gave a presentation of the options of lights to be
more pedestrian and bike friendly. The Council gave permission to move forward with
the plan of the spacing.
CALL OF THE WARDS:
Ward 8, Alderman Rainey stated it was upsetting for the backbiting of Aldermen to other
Aldermen. We should not have any of that. The Council has shown a lack of leadership
tonight and we need to make some decisions. The Levy family gave a $28,500 check to
go for the purchase of the new center. She also mentioned the 9 -1 Bike the Ridge on
Sunday morning.
Ward 9, Alderman Miller thoughts the discussion was great and looking forward to
working with the Aldermen for two weeks to hatch out what to do with the Harley/Clarke
Mansion.
Ward 1, Alderman Fiske mentioned a late delivery of the invitation from Northshore
Village.
Ward 2, Alderman Braithwaite spoke of the two funerals this week as he extends his
condolences to the families.
Ward 3, Alderman Wynne had no report.
Ward 4, Alderman Wilson announced his community meeting to discuss parking around
three schools 6:30 pm on October 7th.
Ward 5, Alderman Holmes extended her condolences to the Jackson family, and she
stated they work on issues raised by Ms. Smith daily.
Ward 6, Alderman Tendam also felt tonight was a disappointment. He would like to see
more passion to the more important issues other than Harley/Clarke.
Ward 7, Alderman Grover announced the Kits Cats & Kids block party is Thursday 5:30.
The bands of Northwestern and ETHS will be playing together. She also thanked the Art
Council for hosting the meeting last Thursday. She congratulated the Council for now
serving in the James Lytle Council Chamber proudly.
A motion to adjourn was moved and seconded. A voice vote was taken and the meeting
ended at 10:26 PM.
Submitted by,
City Clerk, Rodney Greene, MMC