HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.16.15 Minutes
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS
LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Monday, March 16, 2015
7:00 p.m.
Roll Call: Alderman Braithwaite Alderman Tendam
Alderman Wynne Alderman Rainey
Alderman Wilson Alderman Burrus
Alderman Holmes
Absent: Alderman Grover
Presiding: Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl
Mayor Tisdahl called the Regular Meeting of the City Council to order at 7:05 pm after the
Roll Call determined a quorum was represented. Alderman Fiske arrived after Roll Call.
Mayor Public Announcements
The Mayor announced the Northwestern Women’s basketball team won their game and
have moved on to participate in the tournament this Friday (according from the report
from City Manager Bobkiewicz).
City Manager Public Announcements
Assistant City Manager Lyons introduced Mr. Kevin Lucas to talk about “Neptune IQ:
Online Water Customer Web Portal”. Mr. Lucas stated this will be a website the residents
can track water usage. The older meters will be exchanged out for the newer models.
Only persons with their account info will be able to make changes.
NICOR Construction Update was presented by NICOR reps Artie Shimen and Dan
Kellogg. They own and maintain 34,000 miles of natural gas pipelines. She intro duced a
new concept “Investing in Illinois”. This is a nine year program to access and improve the
system.
Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) Update was presented by
David VanVooren.
Communications: City Clerk
City Clerk Greene mentioned the early voting begins Monday, March 23, 2015 and
continues through April 4, 2015. He also mentioned changes to obtaining your Transfer
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10/24/2013 6:42 PM
Tax Stamps.
Citizen Comment:
These persons spoke on item SP2:
Nate Kipnis is a member of Citizens Greener Evanston who urged the Council to make
the Benchmark proposal a reality. He also stated he love Evanston.
Eleanor Revelle President Citizens Greener Evanston supports the Benchmarking
Ordinance. This will assist Evanston to reduce the usage and energy costs.
This resident spoke on a variety of items:
Junad Rizki commented on the Mayor’s possible act of raising taxes while placing blame
on the Governor, but he claims it is the Council’s mismanagement of the City’s funds. He
talked about the water sales and contracts, yard waste mishandling as a well as issues
around Harley/Clarke and other various topics.
SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS
(SP1) Solid Waste Options
Staff will present options for improving the solvency of the Solid Waste Fund.
The options will include exploring a joint operations venture with another party
and a review of alternatives from the existing waste hauler.
For Discussion
Director Suzette Robinson gave a presentation on the plans of the overview services for
upcoming operations. All contracts expire this October but the Commercial Franchises
have a five year renewal. She stated this was just a brain searching presentation and
not one looking for approval.
(SP2) Building Energy Benchmarking Report
Members of the Utilities Commission wish to advise the City Council about the
Committee’s benchmarking initiative and requests City Council support and
direction on the continued development of benchmarking.
For Discussion
Richard Langley the Utility chair presented the committee’s report on their findings and
the importance of approving the Benchmarking Report. This report was to track the
energy consumed in existing buildings and comparing it to other buildings of similar
size.
(SP3) Wholesale Water Sales and Utilities Department Capital Project Update
Staff will present information on wholesale water sales and current and future
Utilities Department Capital Projects.
For Discussion
Mr. Stoneback, Director Utilities gave an update on the various projects the water dept.
is preforming along with the water sales and maintenance of the infrastructure. He also
acknowledged the assistance with his staff.
(SP4) Resolution 32-R-15 Urging the Governor and the Illinois General Assembly
to Protect Local Government Revenue Fund
Mayor Tisdahl and staff recommend adoption of Resolution 32-R-15 Urging the
Governor and the Illinois General Assembly to Protect Local Government
Revenue Fund.
For Action
Alderman Rainey motioned to approve the resolution for the governor and it was
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10/24/2013 6:42 PM
seconded by Ald. Wynne. Ald. Wilson then amended the motion and it was accepted
with a Voice Vote the motion was approved with the amendment from Ald. Wilson.
(SP5) FY2014 Year End Financial Report
Staff recommends City Council accept the unaudited year-end Financial Report
for FY 2014 and place on file.
For Action
Alderman Rainey motioned to have this item held over until the next Council Meeting
and it was seconded by Ald. Burrus. A Voice Vote approved the motion and it was held
over.
Call of the Wards
No one had any reports from their wards.
A motion to convene to Executive Session to discuss minutes was presented by Ald.
Wilson and it was second. A Voice Vote approved the motion and the meeting ended at
10:03 pm.
Submitted by,
Hon. Rodney Greene, MMC
City Clerk