HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.19.11
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF EVANSTON, ILLINOIS
LORRAINE H. MORTON CIVIC CENTER
2100 RIDGE AVENUE, EVANSTON 60201
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Monday, September 19, 2011
7:00 p.m.
ORDER OF BUSINESS
(I) Roll Call – Begin with Alderman Rainey
(II) Mayor Public Announcements
Piven Theatre 40th Anniversary Workshop Day Proclamation
(III) City Manager Presentations and Announcements
“10,000 Neighbors Campaign” Presented by Citizen’s Greener Evanston
Car Free Day – September 22, 2011
Green Living Festival – September 24, 2011
National Public Lands Day – September 24, 2011
(IV) Citizen Comment
Members of the public are welcome to speak at City Council meetings. As part of the Council
agenda, a period for citizen comments shall be offered at the commencement of each regular
Council meeting. Those wishing to speak should sign their name, address and the agenda item
or topic to be addressed on a designated participation sheet. If there are five or fewer speakers,
fifteen minutes shall be provided for Citizen Comment. If there are more than five speakers, a
period of forty-five minutes shall be provided for all comment, and no individual shall speak longer
than three minutes. The Mayor will allocate time among the speakers to ensure that Citizen
Comment does not exceed forty-five minutes. The business of the City Council shall commence
forty-five minutes after the beginning of Citizen Comment. Aldermen do not respond during
Citizen Comment. Citizen comment is intended to foster dialogue in a respectful and civil manner.
Citizen comments are requested to be made with these guidelines in mind.
(V) Recess: Special Town Meeting and Budget Discussion
(VI) Reconvene as City Council for Special Orders of Business
(VII) Adjournment
1
City Council Agenda September 19, 2011 Page 2 of 2
9/16/2011 2:17 PM
SPECIAL TOWNSHIP MEETING
(T1) Township of Evanston Organization Structure and Financial Issues Options
Staff recommends Board of Trustees receive report on Township organizational
structure and financial issues and provide direction to staff.
Suspension of Rules is requested for Introduction and Action on Ordinance 2T-
O-11, Proposed Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for Town Purposes for
Second Half of Fiscal Year 2011/12 Ending March 31, 2012.
For Introduction and Action
SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS
(SP1) 2012 Goal Setting Session
Staff recommends City Council consider changes, additions or deletions to the
list of City Council goals.
For Action
(SP2) Health Department Update
Staff recommends that City Council members review the Health Department
update, including: Northwestern University donation; “Let’s Move” video; and
status of Federally Qualified Health Center.
For Presentation
(SP3) West Oakton Committee Report
Staff recommends that City Council members review the West Oakton
Committee Report. In addition the City Manager has written a memo regarding
this subject.
For Action
(SP4) Frank Govern Memorial Golf Course
Staff recommends that the City Council receive this update on the status of the
operation of the Frank Govern Memorial Golf Course.
For Discussion
(SP5) 311 Center 2nd Quarter Report Presentation
Staff recommends that City Council review the 2nd Quarter 311 Report.
For Discussion
(SP6) License Plate Recognition Proposal Presentation
Staff recommends City Council review the License Plate Recognition proposal.
For Discussion
Information is available about Evanston City Council meetings at:
http://www.cityofevanston.org/government/agendas-minutes/agendas-minutes---city-council/index.php.
Questions can be directed to the City Manager’s Office at 847-866-2936. The City is committed to ensuring
accessibility for all citizens; If an accommodation is needed to participate in this meeting, please contact the City
Manager’s Office 48 hours in advance so that arrangements can be made for the accommodation if possible.
2
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING
REGARDING FY 2012 ANNUAL TOWN BUDGET
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
To the legal voters and residents of the Town of Evanston in the County of Cook
and State of Illinois, that a Special Town Meeting of said Town will take place on:
Monday, September 19, 2011
During the hour of 7:00 p.m. in
The City Council Chamber – 2nd Floor
2100 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201
For the transaction of miscellaneous business of the said Town; and after a Moderator
having been elected, will proceed to hear and consider the objects of this special meeting
presented below as items four (4) through seven (7), and decide on such measures as
may, in pursuance of law, come before the meeting; and especially to consider and decide
the following:
1. Call to Order – Town Clerk, Rodney Greene
2. Announcement of Legal Notice Publication – Town Clerk, Rodney
Greene
3. Election of Moderator and Administration of Oath
4. Approval of Minutes of Annual Town Meeting 2011 of April 12, 2011
5. Further Consideration and Action Regarding 2T-O-11, Proposed
Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for Town Purposes for Period of
October 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012 (End of Fiscal Year 2012)
6. Discussion and Evaluation Regarding Township Services and
Government Structure
7. New Business/Other Business
8. Adjournment
3
DRAFT
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011
8:15 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
2ND FLOOR
2100 RIDGE AVENUE
Trustees: Tisdahl, Holmes, Rainey, Braithwaite, Fiske, Wilson, Tendam,
Grover
Township Officials: Township Supervisor Vance, Township Assessor Wilson,
Staff: City Manager Bobkiewicz, Asst. City Manager M. Lyons, Grant
Farrar, City Attorney, Doug Gaynor, Director of
Parks/Recreation/Community Services, Steve Griffin, Director
Economic Development, Shanee Jackson, Management Analyst &
Volunteer Coordinator, Devon Woodard, Development Officer,
Paul Schneider, Director of Transportation
The Township meeting was called to order by Township Clerk Rodney Greene at 8:15
pm. Mr. Greene proceeded to read the public announcement that was placed published in
the Pioneer Press on March 31, 2010. Following the reading of the notice Mr. Greene
then asked for nominations for a Moderator for the meeting. Trustee Elizabeth B. Tisdahl
was nominated and seconded. Clerk Greene then asked if there were any other
nominations from the floor and there were none. A voice vote was taken and Trustee
Tisdahl was elected as the Moderator.
Moderator Tisdahl asked for the Financial Report from Clerk Greene, and he stated he
would only give a reader’s digest version of the totals which are as follows:
Total Revenues
Town Fund General Assistance Fund total
$558,071.00 $1,072,008.00 $1,630,079.00
Total Expenditures
$558,071.00 $1,072,008.00 $1,630,079.00
Beginning of Year balance
$507,207.00 $1,594,035.00 $1,630,079.00
Total Expenditures
$539,286.00 $952,885.00 $1,492,171.00
Beginning of Year Fund Balance
$507,207.00 $1,594,035.00 $2,101,242.00
Total Town & GA Expenditures
2010-2011 Budget 12 months Expenditures Remaining Balance
1,882,477.00 $1,630,079.00 $260,875.00
4
DRAFT Township Meeting 04/12/2011
2
Total GA Revenue
2009-2010 Budget 12 months Expenditures Remaining Balance
$1,253,053.00 $1,072,008.00 $181,045.00
Total GA Summary
2010-2011 Budget 12 months Expenditures Remaining Balance
$19,305.00
Total Payroll
2010-2011 Budget 12 months Expenditures Remaining Balance
$291,068.00 $260,389.00 $30,679.00
Total Administrative Overhead
2009-2010 Budget 12 months Expenditures Remaining Balance
$315,094.00 $285,354.00 $28,017.00
Total General Assistance Payroll
2010-2011 Budget 12 months Expenditures Remaining Balance
$484,086.00 $452,597.00 $31,489.00
Total Work Opportunity Program
2010-2011 Budget 12 months Expenditures Remaining Balance
$8,000.00 $4,577.00 $3,423.00
Total Medical Programs
2010-2011 Budget 12 months Expenditures Remaining Balance
$60,500.00 $41,301.00 $19,199.00
Total Assessor’s Expenditures
2010-2011 Budget 12 months Expenditures Remaining Balance
$148,035.00 $118,743.00 $29,292.00
Total Emergency Assistance Program
2010-2011 Budget 12 months Expenditures Remaining Balance
$ 75,000.00 $27,790.00 $47,210.00
Total Town Summary
2010-2011 Budget 12 months Expenditures Remaining Balance
$26,974.00
Total Community Action Expenditures
2010-2011 Budget 12 months Expenditures Remaining Balance
$324,164.00 $321,209.00 $2,955.00
Total Town Expenditures
2010-2011 Budget 12 months Expenditures Remaining Balance
$648,779.00 $552,278.00 $96,501.00
Moderator Tisdahl asked if there were any questions at the completion of the report by
Township Clerk Greene. There were none and a motion was moved to accept the
Township Financial Report and it was seconded. A Roll Call was taken with a 7-0 vote to
accept, and the motion passed.
ANNUAL REPORT – TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR
The Report by Ms Patricia Vance is attached as part of the written minutes.
5
DRAFT Township Meeting 04/12/2011
3
ANNUAL REPORT – TOWN ASSESSOR
The report by Ms. Bonnie Wilson, Township Assessor, is attached as part of the written
minutes.
A motion for the next Township meeting was suggested for April 10, 2012 as well as an
additional meeting set for September 19, 2011 at 7:00 pm and it was seconded. The
motion was unanimously received by a voice vote.
There being no other business before the Board, Moderator Tisdahl asked for a motion to
adjourn. The motion for adjournment was made and it was seconded. A Roll Call was
made with a 7-0 result, and the meeting ended at 9:10 pm.
____________________________________
Rodney Greene, Township Clerk
_____________________________________
Elizabeth B. Tisdahl, Moderator
6
For Township Meeting of September 19, 2011 Item T1
Township Budget, Organization and Financial Issues
Ordinance 2T-O-11 Proposed Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for Town
Purposes for Second Half of Fiscal Year 2011/12
For Introduction and Action
To: Township of Evanston Board of Trustees
From: Wally Bobkiewicz, City Manager
W. Grant Farrar, Corporation Counsel
Joellen Earl, Director of Administrative Services
Matt Swentkofske, Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator
Subject: Township of Evanston Organization Structure and Financial Issues
Options
Date: September 14, 2011
Recommended Action:
It is recommended that the Township Board of Trustees receive this report and provide
direction to staff.
Summary:
At its June 27, 2011 meeting, the Township Board of Trustees requested that the
Corporation Counsel provide a memorandum on options for dissolution or other
potential structural changes to the Township of Evanston. This memorandum is
attached. Also at this meeting, the Board of Directors requested that the City Manager
investigate what City of Evanston services maybe provided to the Township Supervisor
and Township Assessor to decrease Township administrative costs. An analysis of
these options was prepared by Director of Administrative Services Joellen Earl is also
attached.
At its September 7, 2011 meeting, the City Council’s Human Services Committee
requested information on the current Township offices lease. That information is also
attached.
With this information, staff is requesting that the Township Board of Directors determine
next steps, if any, on potential changes to the Township of Evanston’s organizational
structure and finances.
Memorandum
7
Page 2 of 2
Attachments:
1. Ordinance 2T-O-11 Township Budget Appropriation for Second Half of
FY2011-12
2. September 12, 2011 Memorandum from Corporation Counsel.
3. September 13, 2011 Memorandum from Director of Administrative Services.
4. September 7, 2011 Township Lease Information
5. September 12, 2011 Memo from Assessor Wilson
8
9/15/2011
2T-O-11
AN ORDINANCE
Proposed Budget and Appropriation Ordinance
For Town Purposes, For Second Half of Fiscal Year 2011/2012 Ending
March 31, 2012
WHEREAS, a tentative Budget and Appropriations Ordinance for the
Town of the City of Evanston, Cook County, Illinois, was prepared and filed in the Office
of the Town Clerk; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on the Budget and Appropriation
Ordinance 1T-O-11 on June 13, 2011;
WHEREAS, all persons desiring to be heard on the matter of the budget
were heard, and the Budget was submitted to the Township Board of the Town of
Evanston, Cook County, Illinois;
WHEREAS, the Human Services Committee sitting as certain members of
the Township Board of the Town of Evanston considered the proposed budget at open
meetings in May and June 2011;
WHEREAS, the Township’s fiscal year begins April 1, 2011 and ends
March 31, 2012;
WHEREAS, the Township Board has previously met, considered, and
already approved certain of the Township bills incurred during the second quarter of this
fiscal year;
WHEREAS, the Township Board of the Town of Evanston further
deliberated regarding the proposed budget on June 27, 2011, and in the Township
9
2T-O-11
~2~
Board’s dialog with the Town Board Attorney and the City Manager, discussion was had
regarding approving the Township budget for 90 days, incepting July 1, 2011 and
continuing through September 30, 2011;
WHEREAS, pursuant to 60 ILCS 1/80-60, the Township Board may adopt
all or part of the tentative budget and appropriation ordinance, as the Township Board
deems necessary;
WHEREAS, pursuant to 60 ILCS 1/85-13, the Township Board may
expend funds to provide certain services to the residents of Evanston Township;
WHEREAS, at the June 27, 2011 meeting, via Ordinance 1T-O-11, the
Township Board approved the budget for the Township for the first half of the
Township’s fiscal year, through September 30, 2011;
WHEREAS, the Township Supervisor transmitted to the Township Clerk
on September 14, 2011 the attached line item budget document for the General
Assistance Fund and Town Fund. Exhibit 1; and
WHEREAS, the Township Board convened a Special Township Meeting
on September 19, 2011, to consider the budget and appropriations for the Town of
Evanston for the second half of the fiscal year, October 1, 2011 through March 31,
2012.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF THE TOWN OF THE
CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS:
SECTION 1: That the following Budget for the second half of the fiscal
year commencing September 30, 2011 and ending March 31, 2012 (6 months),
attached as Exhibit 1, be and is hereby approved and adopted.
10
2T-O-11
~3~
SECTION 2: That there is hereby appropriated for use of this Town for
the second half (6 months) of said fiscal year, the following:
FROM THE TOWN FUND, A TOTAL OF $137,876.50
FROM THE GENERAL ASSISTANCE FUND A
TOTAL OF $493,281.50
TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS $631,158.00
SECTION 3: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed.
SECTION 4: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and
after its passage, approval, and publication in the manner provided by law.
Introduced:_________________, 2011
Adopted:___________________, 2011
Approved:
_________________________, 2011
______________________________
Elizabeth B. Tisdahl, Mayor;
Member, Township Board of the Town
of Evanston
Attest:
_______________________________
Town Clerk
Approved as to form:
______________________________
W. Grant Farrar, Town Board Attorney
11
2T-O-11
~4~
EXHIBIT “1”
TOWNSHIP BUDGET
12
TOWNSHIP OF EVANSTONGA SUMMARY Fiscal Year EndingGeneral Assistance Fund - Revenue & Expenditures 03/31/2012 4/1/2010 Proposed 3/31/2011BudgetProposed10/1/2011DescriptionEstimated Actual 2010-2011Variance2011-20123/31/2012===============================================================================================================================================101-000-402.000 Previous Tax Year Levy482,917.00$ 986,553.00$ 503,636.00$ 986,553.00$ 493,276.50$ 101-000-650.000 Interest1,511.00$ 1,500.00$ (11.00)$ 1,500.00$ 750.00$ 101-000-670.000 SSI Reimbursement23,205.00$ 15,000.00$ (8,205.00)$ 15,000.00$ 7,500.00$ 101-000-698.000 Transfer from Fund Balance564,375.00$ 250,000.00$ (314,375.00)$ 192,105.00$ 96,052.50$ ==================================================================================================== Total Revenue1,072,008.00$ 1,253,053.00$ 181,045.00$ 1,195,158.00$ 597,579.00$ ====================================================================================================Client Payments452,597.00$ 484,086.00$ 31,489.00$ 546,041.00$ 273,020.50$ Payroll266,674.00$ 291,068.00$ 24,394.00$ 270,657.00$ 135,328.50$ GA Administrative Overhead285,354.00$ 315,094.00$ 29,740.00$ 276,210.00$ 138,105.00$ Work Opportunity Program (WOP)4,577.00$ 8,000.00$ 3,423.00$ 9,000.00$ 4,500.00$ Medical Payments Systems (MPS)41,301.00$ 60,500.00$ 19,199.00$ 54,750.00$ 27,375.00$ Emergency Assistance Services (EAS)27,790.00$ 75,000.00$ 47,210.00$ 38,500.00$ 19,250.00$ ==================================================================================================== Total Expenditures1,078,293.00$ 1,233,748.00$ 136,401.00$ 1,195,158.00$ 597,579.00$ ==================================================================================================== Net Income (Loss)(6,285.00)$ 19,305.00$ 44,644.00$ -$ -$ ====================================================================================================Page 1 of 1513
CLIENT EXPENSE Evanston Township General Assistance Office Fiscal Year EndingGeneral Assistance Fund - Revenue & Expenditures 03/31/20124/1/2010Proposed 3/31/2011BudgetProposed10/1/2011DescriptionEstimated Actual 2010-2011Variance2011-20123/31/2012===============================================================================================================================================101-011-940.000 Rent Expense149,187.00$ 150,000.00$ 813.00$ 200,000.00$ 100,000.00$ 101-011-790.000 Personal Expense201,712.00$ 210,000.00$ 8,288.00$ 240,000.00$ 120,000.00$ 101-011-990.000 Other Needs197.00$ 250.00$ 53.00$ 250.00$ 125.00$ 101-011-900.000 50/50 Program913.00$ 3,000.00$ 2,087.00$ 3,000.00$ 1,500.00$ 101-011-943.000 Client Contractual Services100,588.00$ 120,836.00$ 20,248.00$ 102,791.00$ 51,395.50$ ==================================================================================================== Total Expenditures452,597.00$ 484,086.00$ 31,489.00$ 546,041.00$ 273,020.50$ ====================================================================================================Page 2 of 1514
PAYROLL Evanston Township General Assistance Office Fiscal Year EndingGeneral Assistance Fund - Revenue & Expenditures 03/31/20124/1/2010Proposed 3/31/2011BudgetProposed10/1/2011DescriptionEstimated Actual 2010-2011Variance2011-20123/31/2012===============================================================================================================================================101-012-702.001 Executive Director72,284.00$ 72,284.00$ -$ 72,284.00$ 36,142.00$ 101-012-702.003 Office Manager43,600.00$ 43,600.00$ -$ 43,600.00$ 21,800.00$ 101-012-702.007 EAS Manager/Case Worker33,500.00$ 33,500.00$ -$ 33,500.00$ 16,750.00$ 101-012-702.008 EAS Administrative Assistant14,128.00$ 13,902.00$ (226.00)$ 13,902.00$ 6,951.00$ 101-012-702.009 Case Coordinator/WOP Counselor27,025.00$ 48,331.00$ 21,306.00$ 48,331.00$ 24,165.50$ 101-012-702.011Confidential Accounts/Personnel Manager59,040.00$ 59,040.00$ -$ 59,040.00$ 29,520.00$ 101-012-702.012 Maintenance Person12,021.00$ 11,933.00$ (88.00)$ -$ -$ 101-012-702.013 Merit Increases5,076.00$ 8,478.00$ 3,402.00$ -$ -$ ==================================================================================================== Total Expenditures266,674.00$ 291,068.00$ 24,394.00$ 270,657.00$ 135,328.50$ ====================================================================================================Page 3 of 1515
ADMINISTRATIVE Evanston Township General Assistance Office Fiscal Year EndingGeneral Assistance Fund - Revenue & Expenditures 03/31/20124/1/2010Proposed 3/31/2011BudgetProposed10/1/2011DescriptionEstimated Actual 2010-2011Variance2011-20123/31/2012===============================================================================================================================================101-013-710.000 Unemployment Tax State4,240.00$ 6,000.00$ 1,760.00$ 4,000.00$ 2,000.00$ 101-013-711.000 FICA19,920.00$ 21,618.00$ 1,698.00$ 19,000.00$ 9,500.00$ 101-013-713.000 IMRF21,652.00$ 19,612.00$ (2,040.00)$ 20,000.00$ 10,000.00$ 101-013-714.000 Medical & Life Insurance59,915.00$ 75,054.00$ 15,139.00$ 65,000.00$ 32,500.00$ 101-013-715.000 General Insurance6,174.00$ 9,000.00$ 2,826.00$ 7,000.00$ 3,500.00$ 101-013-750.000 Supplies12,305.00$ 14,000.00$ 1,695.00$ 14,000.00$ 7,000.00$ 101-013-751.000 Postage1,450.00$ 2,000.00$ 550.00$ 1,500.00$ 750.00$ 101-013-752.000 Printing & Duplicating1,998.00$ 2,000.00$ 2.00$ 2,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 101-013-802.000 Contract Services30,164.00$ 30,000.00$ (164.00)$ 30,000.00$ 15,000.00$ 101-013-803.000 Payroll Processing2,499.00$ 2,500.00$ 1.00$ 2,500.00$ 1,250.00$ 101-013-810.000 Membership/Dues/Subs.573.00$ 800.00$ 227.00$ 600.00$ 300.00$ 101-013-811.000 Advertising1,564.00$ 2,000.00$ 436.00$ 2,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 101-013-812.000 Data Processing26,587.00$ 28,000.00$ 1,413.00$ 10,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 101-013-839.000 Training-$ 5,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 2,500.00$ 1,250.00$ 101-013-840.000 Seminars & Conferences3,398.00$ 4,500.00$ 1,102.00$ 2,500.00$ 1,250.00$ 101-013-845.000 Staff Travel & Mileage1,577.00$ 1,500.00$ (77.00)$ 1,500.00$ 750.00$ Page 4 of 1516
ADMINISTRATIVE Evanston Township General Assistance Office Fiscal Year EndingGeneral Assistance Fund - Revenue & Expenditures 03/31/20124/1/2010Proposed 3/31/2011BudgetProposed10/1/2011DescriptionEstimated Actual 2010-2011Variance2011-20123/31/2012===============================================================================================================================================101-013-919.000 Phone13,522.00$ 10,500.00$ (3,022.00)$ 10,500.00$ 5,250.00$ 101-013-920.000 Utilities9,860.00$ 9,700.00$ (160.00)$ 11,000.00$ 5,500.00$ 101-013-936.000 Equipment Purchase-$ 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 101-013-940.000 Rent64,810.00$ 64,810.00$ -$ 64,810.00$ 32,405.00$ 101-03-942.000 Storage Rental1,955.00$ 2,500.00$ 545.00$ 2,200.00$ 1,100.00$ 101-013-950.000 Contingency161.00$ 1,000.00$ 839.00$ 500.00$ 250.00$ 101-013-981.000 Bank Fees1,030.00$ 1,000.00$ (30.00)$ 1,100.00$ 550.00$ ==================================================================================================== Total Expenditures285,354.00$ 315,094.00$ 29,740.00$ 276,210.00$ 138,105.00$ ==================================================================================================== Page 5 of 1517
WOP Evanston Township General Assistance Office Fiscal Year EndingGeneral Assistance Fund - Revenue & Expenditures 03/31/20124/1/2010Proposed 3/31/2011BudgetProposed10/1/2011DescriptionEstimated Actual 2010-2011Variance2011-20123/31/2012===============================================================================================================================================101-014-745.000 Uniforms/Shoes-$ 500.00$ 500.00$ 500.00$ 250.00$ 101-014-799.000 Other Needs15.00$ 500.00$ 485.00$ 500.00$ 250.00$ 101-014-860.000 Transportation4,562.00$ 5,000.00$ 438.00$ 6,000.00$ 3,000.00$ 101-014-936.000 Equipment Purchase-$ 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ 1,000.00$ ======================================================================================-$ Total Expenditures4,577.00$ 8,000.00$ 3,423.00$ 9,000.00$ 4,500.00$ ==================================================================================================== Page 6 of 1518
CLIENT MEDICAL Evanston Township General Assistance Office Fiscal Year EndingGeneral Assistance Fund - Revenue & Expenditures 03/31/20124/1/2010Proposed 3/31/2011BudgetProposed10/1/2011DescriptionEstimated Actual 2010-2011Variance2011-20123/31/2012===============================================================================================================================================101-016-721.000 Hospital Inpatient8,157.00$ 5,000.00$ (3,157.00)$ 10,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 101-016-722.000 Hospital Outpatient2,384.00$ 8,000.00$ 5,616.00$ 4,000.00$ 2,000.00$ 101-016-723.000 All Other Physicians1,491.00$ 3,000.00$ 1,509.00$ 3,000.00$ 1,500.00$ 101-016-724.000 Drugs10,290.00$ 30,000.00$ 19,710.00$ 15,000.00$ 7,500.00$ 101-016-725.000 Other Medical8,760.00$ 4,000.00$ (4,760.00)$ 10,000.00$ 5,000.00$ 101-016-726.000 Glasses663.00$ 500.00$ (163.00)$ 1,000.00$ 500.00$ 101-016-727.000 Emergency Room Physician171.00$ 1,000.00$ 829.00$ 250.00$ 125.00$ 101-016-728.000 Psych Outpat/Mental Assessment2,894.00$ 2,000.00$ (894.00)$ 3,500.00$ 1,750.00$ 101-016-729.000 Transport/Ambulatory Services-$ 500.00$ 500.00$ 500.00$ 250.00$ 101-016-730.000 Catastrophic Insurance3,175.00$ 3,500.00$ 325.00$ 3,500.00$ 1,750.00$ 101-016-731.000 X-Rays3,316.00$ 3,000.00$ (316.00)$ 4,000.00$ 2,000.00$ =================================================================================================== Total Expenditures41,301.00$ 60,500.00$ 19,199.00$ 54,750.00$ 27,375.00$ ==================================================================================================== Page 7 of 1519
Emergency Assistance Services Evanston Township General Assistance Office Fiscal Year EndingGeneral Assistance Fund - Revenue & Expenditures 03/31/20124/1/2010Proposed 3/31/2011BudgetProposed10/1/2011DescriptionEstimated Actual 2010-2011Variance2011-20123/31/2012===============================================================================================================================================101-017-760.000 Housing Assistance21,570.00$ 60,000.00$ 38,430.00$ 30,000.00$ 15,000.00$ 101-017-761.000 Food Assistance2,197.00$ 5,000.00$ 2,803.00$ 2,500.00$ 1,250.00$ 101-017-920.000 Utilities4,023.00$ 10,000.00$ 5,977.00$ 6,000.00$ 3,000.00$ ==================================================================================================== Total Expenditures27,790.00$ 75,000.00$ 47,210.00$ 38,500.00$ 19,250.00$ ====================================================================================================Page 8 of 1520
TOWN SUMMARYEvanston Township Fiscal Year EndingTown Fund - Revenue & Expenditures 03/31/20124/1/2010Proposed 3/31/2011 Budget Proposed 10/1/2011Description Estimated Actual 2010-2011 Variance 2011-2012 3/31/2012===============================================================================================================================================202-000-402.000 Property Tax Levy143,357.00$ 275,753.00$ 132,396.00$ 275,753.00$ 137,876.50$ 202-000-402.500 Replacement Property Tax61,467.00$ 50,000.00$ (11,467.00)$ 50,000.00$ 25,000.00$ 202-000-650.000 Interest337.00$ -$ (337.00)$ -$ -$ 202-000-698.000 Transfer from Fund Balance347,117.00$ 350,000.00$ 2,883.00$ 20,000.00$ 10,000.00$ ==================================================================================================== Total Revenue552,278.00$ 675,753.00$ 123,475.00$ 345,753.00$ 172,876.50$ ====================================================================================================Assessor's Office114,894.00$ 148,035.00$ 33,141.00$ 148,564.00$ 74,282.00$ Supervisor75,462.00$ 81,030.00$ 5,568.00$ 85,519.00$ 42,759.50$ Community Purchased Services321,209.00$ 324,164.00$ 2,955.00$ 60,000.00$ 30,000.00$ Community Action Programs27,003.00$ 45,550.00$ 18,547.00$ 42,650.00$ 21,325.00$ Legal Fees15,100.00$ 50,000.00$ 34,900.00$ 5,000.00$ 2,500.00$ ==================================================================================================== Total Expenditures538,568.00$ 598,779.00$ 60,211.00$ 341,733.00$ 170,866.50$ ==================================================================================================== Net Income (Loss)13,710.00$ 76,974.00$ 183,686.00$ 4,020.00$ 2,010.00$ ====================================================================================================Page 9 of 1521
ASSESSOR Evanston Township Fiscal Year EndingTown Fund - Revenue & Expenditures 03/31/20124/1/2010Proposed 3/31/2011BudgetProposed10/1/2011DescriptionEstimated Actual 2010-2011Variance2011-20123/31/2012===============================================================================================================================================202-021-702-004 Assessor8,000.00$ 8,000.00$ -$ 8,000.00$ 4,000.00$ 202-021-702.005 Deputy Assessor25,096.00$ 45,000.00$ 19,904.00$ 44,845.00$ 22,422.50$ 202-021-702.006 Assessor Assistant31,504.00$ 31,620.00$ 116.00$ 33,000.00$ 16,500.00$ 202-021-702.010 Part-Time Assistant2,500.00$ 2,500.00$ -$ 8,155.00$ 4,077.50$ 202-021-710.000 Unemployment Tax-State2,541.00$ 1,000.00$ (1,541.00)$ 3,000.00$ 1,500.00$ 202-021-711.000 FICA/Medicare Tax Expense4,547.00$ 5,300.00$ 753.00$ 5,300.00$ 2,650.00$ 202-021-713.000 IMRF735.00$ 4,700.00$ 3,965.00$ 1,000.00$ 500.00$ 202-021-714.000 Medical & Life Insurance5,829.00$ 10,586.00$ 4,757.00$ 6,400.00$ 3,200.00$ 202-021-750.000 Supplies3,530.00$ 2,000.00$ (1,530.00)$ 3,000.00$ 1,500.00$ 202-021-751.000 Postage284.00$ 1,000.00$ 716.00$ 500.00$ 250.00$ 202-021-752.000 Printing and Duplicating725.00$ 1,000.00$ 275.00$ 1,500.00$ 750.00$ 202-021-755.000 Sid Well Maps378.00$ 400.00$ 22.00$ 400.00$ 200.00$ 202-021-802.000 Contract Service 3,103.00$ 4,750.00$ 1,647.00$ 4,000.00$ 2,000.00$ 202-021-803.000 Payroll Processing1,839.00$ 1,300.00$ (539.00)$ 1,510.00$ 755.00$ 202-021-809.000 Dues & Subscriptions391.00$ 1,000.00$ 609.00$ 500.00$ 250.00$ Page 10 of 1522
ASSESSOR Evanston Township General Assistance Office Fiscal Year EndingTown Fund - Revenue & Expenditures 03/31/20124/1/2010Proposed 3/31/2011BudgetProposed10/1/2011DescriptionEstimated Actual 2010-2011Variance2011-20123/31/2012===============================================================================================================================================202-021-841.000 Travel/Education1,285.00$ 1,500.00$ 215.00$ 2,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 202-021-919.000 Phone1,769.00$ 2,500.00$ 731.00$ 2,025.00$ 1,012.50$ 202-021-920.000 Utilities3,037.00$ 2,450.00$ (587.00)$ 3,500.00$ 1,750.00$ 202-021-935.000 Equipment Maintenance1,122.00$ 2,500.00$ 1,378.00$ 2,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 202-021-936.000 Equipment Purchase-$ 2,000.00$ 2,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 500.00$ 202-021-940.000 Rent16,679.00$ 16,679.00$ -$ 16,679.00$ 8,339.50$ 202-021-950.000 Contingency-$ 250.00$ 250.00$ 250.00$ 125.00$ ==================================================================================================== Total Expenditures114,894.00$ 148,035.00$ 33,141.00$ 148,564.00$ 74,282.00$ Page 11 of 1523
SUPERVISOR Evanston Township Fiscal Year EndingTown Fund - Revenue & Expenditures 03/31/20124/1/2010Proposed 3/31/2011BudgetProposed10/1/2011DescriptionEstimated Actual 2010-2011Variance2011-20123/31/2012================================================================================================================================202-022-702.000 Supervisor Salary13,400.00$ 13,400.00$ -$ 13,400.00$ 6,700.00$ 202-022-711.000 FICA/Medicare1,165.00$ 1,100.00$ (65.00)$ 1,165.00$ 582.50$ 202-022-713.000 IMRF376.00$ 930.00$ 554.00$ 376.00$ 188.00$ 202-022-802.000 Contractual Services-$ -$ -$ 4,000.00$ 2,000.00$ 202-022-804.000 Legal352.00$ 500.00$ 148.00$ 1,500.00$ 750.00$ 202-022-805.000 Auditing Services20,000.00$ 28,000.00$ 8,000.00$ 22,250.00$ 11,125.00$ 202-022-806.000 Accounting Services31,278.00$ 30,000.00$ (1,278.00)$ 31,278.00$ 15,639.00$ 202-022-809.000 Dues & Subscriptions5,407.00$ 3,000.00$ (2,407.00)$ 5,500.00$ 2,750.00$ 202-022-936.000 Equipment Purchase-$ -$ -$ 2,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 202-022-841.000 Travel/Conference3,431.00$ 4,000.00$ 569.00$ 4,000.00$ 2,000.00$ 202-022981.000 BankingFees53.00$ 100.00$ 47.00$ 50.00$ 25.00$ ==================================================================================================== Total Expenditures75,462.00$ 81,030.00$ 5,568.00$ 85,519.00$ 42,759.50$ ====================================================================================================Page 12 of 1524
COMMUNITY PURCHASED SERVICES Evanston Township Fiscal Year EndingTown Fund - Revenue & Expenditures 03/31/20124/1/2010Proposed 3/31/2011BudgetProposed10/1/2011DescriptionEstimated Actual 2010-2011Variance2011-20123/31/2012===============================================================================================================================================202-023-917.500Collaborative Supportive Housing Program3,512.00$ 3,512.00$ -$ -$ -$ 202-023-903.000 Childcare Network of Evanston50,000.00$ 50,000.00$ -$ 5,000.00$ 2,500.00$ 202-023-917.501 Family Focus19,800.00$ 19,800.00$ -$ 5,000.00$ 2,500.00$ 202-023-917.502 Legal Assistance Foundation31,504.00$ 31,504.00$ -$ 5,000.00$ 2,500.00$ 202-023-917.503 YOU25,000.00$ 25,000.00$ -$ 5,000.00$ 2,500.00$ 202-023-905.000James B. Moran Center/ CommunityDefender28,512.00$ 28,512.00$ -$ 5,000.00$ 2,500.00$ 202-023-906.000 Housing Options22,000.00$ 22,000.00$ -$ 5,000.00$ 2,500.00$ 202-023-917.504 Shore Community Services8,865.00$ 11,820.00$ 2,955.00$ 5,000.00$ 2,500.00$ 202-023-908.000 Evanston Northshore YWCA6,600.00$ 6,600.00$ -$ -$ -$ 202-023-909.000 Child Care Center of Evanston16,016.00$ 16,016.00$ -$ 5,000.00$ 2,500.00$ 202-023-910.000 Connections For The Homeless24,200.00$ 24,200.00$ -$ 5,000.00$ 2,500.00$ 202-023-911.000 Infant Welfare Soceity25,000.00$ 25,000.00$ -$ 5,000.00$ 2,500.00$ 202-023-912.000 North Shore Senior Services35,200.00$ 35,200.00$ -$ 5,000.00$ 2,500.00$ 202-023-913.000 Metropolitan Family Services25,000.00$ 25,000.00$ -$ 5,000.00$ 2,500.00$ ==================================================================================================== Total Expenditures321,209.00$ 324,164.00$ 2,955.00$ 60,000.00$ 30,000.00$ ====================================================================================================Page 13 of 1525
COMMUNITY ACTION Evanston Township Fiscal Year EndingTown Fund - Revenue & Expenditures 03/31/20124/1/2010Proposed 3/31/2011BudgetProposed10/1/2011DescriptionEstimated Actual 2010-2011Variance2011-20123/31/2012===============================================================================================================================================202-024-901.000 Community Action Programs6,445.00$ 24,900.00$ 18,455.00$ 12,000.00$ 6,000.00$ 202-024-902.000 Veteran Services558.00$ 650.00$ 92.00$ 650.00$ 325.00$ 202-024-916.000 Summer Youth Program20,000.00$ 20,000.00$ -$ 30,000.00$ 15,000.00$ ==================================================================================================== Total Expenditures27,003.00$ 45,550.00$ 18,547.00$ 42,650.00$ 21,325.00$ ====================================================================================================Page 14 of 1526
LEGAL Evanston Township Fiscal Year EndingTown Fund - Revenue & Expenditures 03/31/20124/1/2010Proposed 3/31/2011BudgetProposed10/1/2011DescriptionEstimated Actual 2010-2011Variance2011-20123/31/2012================================================================================================================================202-025-804.000 Legal Services15,100.00$ 50,000.00$ 34,900.00$ 5,000.00$ 2,500.00$ ==================================================================================================== Total Expenditures15,100.00$ 50,000.00$ 34,900.00$ 5,000.00$ 2,500.00$ ====================================================================================================Page 15 of 1527
1
To: Members of the Evanston Township Board
From: W. Grant Farrar, Township Board Attorney
Subject: Township Organization and General Assistance
Date: September 12, 2011
Purpose
We analyze issues regarding the Township Fund, the General Assistance Fund and
General Assistance Program, township staffing and services, the township budget, and
township dissolution. This opinion is an informed overview of the legal context of these
issues. Given the very complex interplay of numerous statutes, much more evaluation
and research into these areas is necessary. We note that consideration of the legal
context aside, cooperative efforts between the City and Township may address these
issues in an alternative manner, and cooperative efforts which may have been
undertaken in the past could further inform this analysis. Lastly, the possibility exists
that legislation could be introduced and adopted in Springfield to create an alternate
form of township government in Evanston.
Executive Summary
• The Illinois Constitution and relevant statutes allow for the dissolution of
townships pursuant to a successful public referendum passed in a general
election. However, the Constitution and relevant portions of the Township Code
conflict regarding the necessary procedures for placing a referendum on the
ballot and whether a referendum may dissolve a single coterminous township.
Based upon the applicable precedent that is discussed herein, we believe
Evanston Township may be dissolved upon passage of a referendum question
regarding same. Further research is necessary to confirm this initial assessment.
• General Assistance is provided by Evanston Township pursuant to the General
Assistance Code. The Township Board has auditing, accounting and taxing
powers in relation to General Assistance. While the Township Supervisor, as ex
officio supervisor of General Assistance, has administrative power over General
Assistance, the Township Supervisor must maintain records detailing the use of
public funds and must submit reports regarding the use of public funds to the
Township Board annually and at the request of the Township Board. Further
evaluation is required regarding consolidation, assumption or transfer of General
Assistance functions.
Memorandum
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• If the Township were dissolved, the Township Board would likely have the power
to enter into an agreement with the City to administer a General Assistance
Program. However, more evaluation of this course of action is needed.
• While the Township Board has oversight over Township finances through its
auditing, accounting and taxing powers, the Supervisor and the Assessor are
tasked with handling staffing matters in the General Assistance Office and in the
Assessor’s Office, respectively.
Background & Analysis
I. The Township Board & Status of Legal Representation In the Township
The Evanston City Council, sitting as the Township Board of Trustees for the
coterminous township of the Town of Evanston, approves the Township’s annual
budget. 60 ILCS 1/15-50. It is the legislative arm of the Township. The Township
Supervisor and Township Assessor are elected officers of the Township.
The powers of the Township Board are exercised by the City Council, and the Mayor, as
presiding officer of the City Council, is also a member of the Town Board and presides
over Township Board meetings. See, IL Atty.Gen.Op. 97-025 (1997). The Township
Supervisor has no authority to participate in proceedings of a City Council sitting as a
township board. Id.
This department issued two opinions regarding the dual representation as Corporation
Counsel and Township Attorney on May 26 and June 29, 2011. In light of the vigorous
debate regarding the proposed Township Budget during the Township meeting on June
27th, and the Board’s direction to me to opine regarding the dissolution of the Township,
there was a concurrent conflict of interest implicating the Law Department’s role as
“Township Attorney”. The Law Department represents the Township in an
organizational capacity, and not any one individual officer or constituent of the
organization. Accordingly, this department withdrew from representing the Township as
the “Township Attorney”. We continue to advise the legislative arm of the Township, the
Township Board, as to legal matters.
II. Township Budget
The Township’s fiscal year began April 1, 2011 and ends March 31, 2012. The first half
of the fiscal year elapses on September 30, 2011. The Township Board has previously
met, considered, and already approved certain of the Township bills incurred during the
first half of the fiscal year.
The Board deliberated regarding the proposed budget on June 27, 2011, and in the
Township Board’s dialog with the Township Board Attorney, discussion was had
regarding approving the Township budget for 90 days, incepting July 1, 2011 and
continuing through September 30, 2011. Pursuant to 60 ILCS 1/80-60, the Township
Board may adopt all or part of the tentative budget and appropriation ordinance, as the
Township Board deems necessary, and pursuant to 60 ILCS 1/85-13, the Township
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Board may expend funds to provide certain services to the residents of Evanston
Township.
Pursuant to its statutory authority at the June 27th meeting, the Township Board
approved the budget for the Township for the first half of the Township’s fiscal year
through September 30, 2011 with total appropriations of $631,153.00. From the Town
Fund, the Town Board approved a total appropriation of $137,876.50. From the
General Assistance Fund, the Town Board approved a total of $492,276.50. This
appropriation equated to 50% of the Township’s proposed budget and was approved via
ordinance 1-T-11.
At the September 19th meeting, it is necessary to consider and approve the second half
of the fiscal year budget for the period of October 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012. This
office will prepare the cover ordinance for the budget, Ordinance 2T-O-11. However, it
is not involved with, and has no comment on, the budget line items prepared by
Supervisor Vance or Assessor Wilson.
III. Dissolving an Illinois Township
The City of Evanston and the Township share the same boundaries, making the City
coterminous with the Township. Cook County contains 30 townships. Of those 30
townships, five townships – Berwyn, Cicero, Evanston, Oak Park, and River Forest –
are coterminous with a city, village, or town. How a single coterminous township may
be dissolved is a question of law complicated by conflicting provisions in the Township
Code vis-à-vis the Illinois Constitution and Election Code.
The Illinois Constitution authorizes the dissolution of a township via referendum in the
following manner:
The General Assembly shall provide by law for the formation of townships
in any county when approved by county-wide referendum. Townships may
be consolidated or merged, and one or more townships may be dissolved
or divided, when approved by referendum in each township affected.
All townships in a county may be dissolved when approved by a
referendum in the total area in which township officers are elected.
[emphasis added]
Article VII, Section 5 of the Illinois Constitution of 1970.
It is clear that Article VII of the Illinois Constitution authorizes the dissolution of one or
more townships by referendum in each township affected. Thus, under Article VII,
Evanston Township could be dissolved by a dissolution referendum approved in the
township affected, i.e., Evanston Township. According to the Illinois Election Code 10
ILCS 5/ et seq., referenda authorized by Article VII of the Illinois Constitution with
respect to units of local government may be initiated by the public body or voters.
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Any such public question may be initiated by the governing body of the
unit of local government by resolution or by the filing with the clerk or
secretary of the governmental unit of a petition signed by a number of
qualified electors equal to or greater than 10% of the number of
registered voters in the governmental unit, requesting the submission
of the proposal for such action to the voters of the governmental unit at a
regular election. [emphasis added]
10 ILCS 5/28-7.
However, there is a clear conflict between the referendum authorized in Article VII of the
Constitution, and the language in the dissolution provisions of the Township Code.
Specifically, the Township Code only provides for the dissolution of township
organization county-wide. 60 ILCS 1/25-5. For the dissolution question to reach the
ballot, at least 10% of the registered voters of each township must petition the county
board to certify the continuation question for a referendum. Id. (Emphasis added). In
order for dissolution to prevail, a majority of the votes in at least three-fourths of the
townships, containing at least a majority of the population in the county, must cast their
vote against the continuance of township organization. 60 ILCS 1/25-10. We note that
a tenet of statutory construction holds that a specific statute such as the Township Code
speaking to townships, will control over a general statute such as the Election Code.
However the Illinois Constitution’s enabling language must be the first port of call in any
analysis. We opine that the Illinois Constitution is clear and overrides the inconsistent
language in the implementing statute, the Township Code. We found only one Illinois
circuit court decision which considered this issue, such opinion which accords with our
conclusion.
Prior to Public Act 89-365, effective August 18, 1995, the Township Code required only
that a majority of the votes cast on the question of township continuation be against
continuation in order for township organization to be dissolved within a county. In 1995,
citizen groups challenged the “three-fourths” addition to 60 ILCS 1/25-10 in DuPage
County. On June 3, 1996, a DuPage county judge issued an order and opinion
declaring 60 ILCS 1/25-10 unconstitutional. Send Township Officials Packing v. DuPage
County Election Commission, 95 MR 750 (18th Jud. Cir. 1996). Judge Byrne specifically
held that referendum approval is not required by a majority in each township to abolish
all township government in a county. It follows that a court would conclude that if
Evanston voters desired to abolish the township, the outcome is not dependent upon
what other voters in Cook County townships desired to do. Lastly, despite the 1996
opinion, 60 ILCS 1/25-10 remains unchanged. We also note P.A. 97-0611 signed by
Governor Quinn in August 2011. Public Act 97-0611 provides for voter referendums to
abolish township road districts in Cook County, with townships assuming the powers of
the road district. While this bill does not apply to Evanston as there is no township road
district, it is an indication of the fact that the General Assembly has considered and
approved of combining and dissolving certain township functions in Cook County.
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Given the legal contradictions between Article VII of the Illinois Constitution, which
allows for the dissolution of a single township, and the Township Code, which allows
only for dissolution of township organization county-wide, there are additional practical
considerations which touch upon dissolution. The peculiarity of township organization in
Cook County, as opposed to the 84 other Illinois counties with township organization,
likely makes attaining the “three-fourths” majority requirement of 60 ILCS 1/25-10
impossible, and provides additional grounds for distinguishing the statute. Delegates at
the 1970 Constitutional Convention recognized the distinctiveness of Cook County
townships, and even recognized that Chicago has townships, but that they are inactive.
And of course, a coterminous township such as Evanston is distinctive when
considering statutory issues.
In short, the Constitution and the implementing statutes regarding township dissolution
are complex and contradictory. Yet based upon the clear language of the Illinois
Constitution, we conclude at this preliminary juncture that a referendum may be placed
on the ballot in Evanston Township which asks the voters to approve or disapprove of
township discontinuation. Pending further direction by the Board, we caution that
further legal evaluation and analysis of this issue is required if a referendum is to be
pursued. The due process considerations attendant to the elected township officials
must also be considered.
IV. General Assistance Program
Statutory Background
General Assistance is administered pursuant to the Illinois Public Aid Code 305 ILCS
5/1 et seq. In counties under township organization, the Public Aid Code places
administration of General Assistance in townships. This opinion is limited to
consideration of the legal ramifications of the provision of General Assistance and does
not speak to administrative issues which are the subject of a separate analysis.
Article 6 of the Illinois Public Aid Code is the general Public Assistance statute directing
eligibility and detailing forms of aid. 305 ILCS 5/6 et seq. On its own terms, Article 6
does not state with specificity which governmental bodies must administer General
Assistance; rather, Article 6 pertains to “each unit of local government subject to this
Article,” without defining units of local government. [emphasis added] 305 ILCS 5/6-1.
Generally, “unit of local government” is a broad term that includes municipalities,
townships, special districts, and certain units, and Article 2 circularly defines “unit of
local government” as every county, city, incorporated town or township charged with the
duty of providing public aid under Article 6. 305 ILCS 5/2-14. Applying the general
definition of “unit of local government” to include a municipality in this context is
incompatible with the Public Aid Code’s broader legislative scheme. Specifically, Article
12, which directs the administration of the Public Aid Code, provides that local
governmental units shall provide funds for and administer the programs of Article 6
(Public Assistance), without defining those units. 305 ILCS 5/12-3. That same article,
however, further categorizes Public Assistance administration based on the existence of
township organization within a county. Id. In counties with township organization the
“various towns” provide funds for and administer Public Assistance programs. Id. In
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counties without townships, county government funds and administers Public
Assistance. Id. This specific categorization therefore defines townships and counties
as the local governmental units “subject to” Article 6. Moreover, under the Code,
township supervisors are ex officio Supervisors of Public Assistance. 305 ILCS 5/12-
21.2.
Roles of the Township Board and Supervisor
Under the Public Aid Code and the Township Code, the township board has accounting,
auditing, and taxing powers in relation to the General Assistance Fund. The board has
the authority to consent to expenditures of the supervisor beyond the tax monies raised
for the purpose of providing general assistance, to audit the supervisor’s accounts as
supervisor of general assistance, to raise money by taxation for the general assistance
fund, to transfer funds from the general fund to the general assistance fund (if not
earmarked for other purposes), and to contract with other governmental entities or non-
profit corporations. Johnson v. Town of the City of Evanston, 350 N.E.2d 70, 75 (1st
Dist. 1976).
Under the Public Aid Code, the supervisor of General Assistance may appoint
employees necessary to provide public aid and may prescribe the compensation and
duties of those employees. 305 ILCS 5/12-2. The supervisor may receive and payout
tax money allocated for General Assistance, must keep records, and must submit
annually and as required by the township board reports detailing the administration of
the General Assistance Program. Id. The supervisor must keep accurate records
pertaining to the payout of public funds, and that information must be made available to
the township board as auditors of those expenses. Wayne Township Board of Auditors
v. Vogel, 386 N.E.2d 91, 94 (2nd Dist. 1979).
Possible City Involvement in the General Assistance Program
In the instance of a dissolved township, it will be necessary for another general purpose
unit of local government to transfer over and then administer the necessary programs,
in this case, it could be the City. We opine that this could be possible in the case where
the township electors voted to dissolve the township. See, IL Atty.Gen.Op. 97-021. It is
necessary to further consider the possibility that the City could administer General
Assistance, and its possible funding powers, in the context of its home rule authority,
particularly where the Public Aid Code is ambiguous relative to this issue.
Another option to investigate is whether the coterminous City of Evanston could
administer General Assistance without dissolving the township. The township board
has the statutory authority to reach an agreement with another governmental entity to
provide General Assistance services to residents of the Township. 60 ILCS 1/85-13.
Specifically, the township board may either expend funds directly or may enter into a
cooperative agreement or contract with any other governmental entity, to provide social
services for the poor and aged. 60 ILCS 1/85-13(G). Individuals in the General
Counsel’s office and in Human Capital Development at the state Department of Human
Services are unaware of any township in Illinois engaging in an intergovernmental
agreement with a municipality for the administration of Public Assistance. Given the
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potential scope and related issues of an intergovernmental agreement, it will be
necessary to exhaustively research and vet these issues if this course of action is
recommended.
V. Alternate Form of Township Government
Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin recently spoke to the possibility that
legislative action in Springfield could create an alternate form of township government in
Evanston. This course of action may provide for a transition period for coterminous
township services and tie into the principles of intergovernmental cooperation discussed
in this opinion. The Township Code may be able to be amended to carve out a distinct
status for coterminous Evanston Township.
VI. Conclusion
We opine that dissolution of Evanston Township may be provided for by referendum,
consistent with the Illinois Constitution. Service levels in the context of the statutory
schemes require further investigation, however, we note that the Illinois Constitution
provides for, and favors, intergovernmental cooperation among various units of local
government.
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To: Wally Bobkiewicz, City Manager
From: Joellen C. Earl
Subject: Review of Township Budget
Date: September 13, 2011
As requested, I have reviewed all of the available documents related to the Township’s
budget, specifically the budget as submitted for the year ending 03-31-2012 and the
memorandum prepared for the Human Services Committee by Evonda Thomas,
Director of the Health Department, dated May 17, 2011.
I have consulted with the City’s Accounting and Human Resources staff and well as with
the Corporation Counsel. While the question of dissolution of the Township remains
open, a review of the administrative costs associated with the operation of the Township
reveals that there may be some opportunities for cost savings if cooperative efforts are
established between the City and Township of Evanston. I have attached a
spreadsheet that contains all of the administrative line items with associated costs and
possible opportunities that exist for consideration and cost savings.
On Wednesday, September 7, 2011 we met with the Township and provided my
preliminary analysis of the budgets and potential cost savings. As a result of the review,
we scheduled a follow-up meeting for Monday, September 12, which I attend at the
Township Supervisor’s Office. At that time, we reviewed additional budget detail and
discussed potential areas of savings by coordinating some efforts to provide
administrative support to the Township and Assessor’s Offices.
The opportunities that are presented on the attached spreadsheet assume that the
Township budget is absorbed into the City budget, the benefits of which are as follows:
1. The Township budget would be treated as a separate fund within the City of
Evanston, such as the Water, Sewer, Solid Waste and Parking. The
Township budget would be available for public inspection on the website,
similar to the City’s other budget documents.
2. Accounts payable functions would be combined, thus resulting in cost savings
and the generation of a comprehensive bills list that includes all Township
expenses.
Memorandum
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3. If legally possible, a Township fund would be included as part of the City’s
annual audit, thus significantly eliminating the expense on behalf of the
Township.
4. Payroll services would be offered through the City, thus eliminating the
expense on behalf of the Township.
5. IT services would be offered through the City, thus significantly reducing or
eliminating the expense on behalf of the Township.
The figures on the attached spreadsheet contain the best case scenario, which includes
savings of just over $85,000 should these changes be implemented. Also, any potential
savings related to the reduction of personnel at the Township have not been included.
Prior to implementing any of these opportunities, it is recommended that the following
occur:
1. The following IT items be implemented:
a. PC, Printer and phone support be provided by City staff rather than by
the current contractor – there is a 30-day cancellation provision with
the current provider.
b. Networking service be provided by utilizing the City’s wireless
connection from either Fire Station 4 or Robert Crown. There is a one
time cost of about $3,000 to set up the network.
i. Provide Internet access, file storage and backup, and email.
ii. Review and discontinue current contractual obligations with
network and email providers.
c. Further review phone service options – either through the City’s
Internet connection or Cisco VOIP solution.
2. Determine if the Audit can be completed legally in conjunction with the City.
3. Extend Office Depot pricing via the Finance Division to the Township and
Assessor’s Offices.
4. Allow the Township and Assessor to store files in a City facility to eliminate
the fee paid to Public Storage.
5. Review the Xerox copier lease to determine if the lease could be discontinued
and the service provided in conjunction with the City lease of copier
equipment.
6. Review the Pitney Bowes arrangement with the Township and Assessor to
determine if the service could be combined with the City.
7. Eliminate the yearly alarm fee charged by the City of Evanston to the
Township.
Finally, it would be advisable to change the fiscal year of the Township to coincide with
the City’s calendar year fiscal year so all of the financial documents can be developed,
administered and reviewed within the same timeframe.
Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information.
36
Township Budget
General Assistance Administrative Overhead
Proposed Annualized
Account Number Description 2011-2012 Cost Savings Comment
101-013-802.000 Contract Services* 30,000.00 10,000.00 See Below for Detail
101-013-803.000 Payroll Processing 2,500.00 2,500.00 Transfer to City
101-013-812.000 Data Processing 10,000.00 9,000.00 Transfer to City - 30-day cancellation provision
101-013-981.000 Banking Fees 1,100.00 1,100.00 Transfer to City
101-013-942.000 Storage Fee 2,200.00 2,200.00 Transfer to City
Assessor
202-021-802.000 Contract Service 4,000.00 3,450.00 Transfer to City - IT Support/Software
202-021-803.000 Payroll Processing 1,510.00 1,510.00 Transfer to City
Supervisor
202-022-802.000 Contractual Services 4,000.00 4,000.00 Transfer to City - Web Development
202-022-805.000 Auditing Services 22,250.00 22,250.00 Transfer to City
202-022-806.000 Accounting Services 31,278.00 31,278.00 Transfer to City
202-022-981.000 Banking Fees 50.00 50.00 Transfer to City
108,888.00$ 87,338.00$
Monthly Annual
Description Detail Cost Cost Comment
*Contract Services Xerox Copier 623.05 7,476.60 Five-year Lease
Ptiney Bowes 201.00 2,412.00 Lease expires 11/30/11
NJS-VisualNet GA 2,800.00 Maintenance and Technical Support of Software
Alarm Detection 2,012.16
Groot 55.31 663.72
Hinckley Springs 45.16 541.92
Tyler Technologies 875.60 Software Maintenance Fee
COE Alarm Fee 30.00
Janitorial Services 530.00 6,360.00
Telephone Maintenance 1,000.00
Unanticipated 5,828.00
30,000.00$
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For the City Council Meeting of September 19, 2011 Item SP1
2012 City Council Goal Setting
For Action
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Wally Bobkiewicz, City Manager
Subject: 2012 City Council Goal Setting
Date: September 14, 2011
On September 20, 2010, the City Council held a goals setting session and set thirteen
goals for 2011. These goals are:
Affordable Housing
Budget Planning
Capital Improvement Program Planning
Street and Alley Infrastructure
Climate Action Plan
Economic Development
Water Sales Issues and Neighborhood Revitalization
Efficiency and Effectiveness of Services
Transparency of City Operations
Federal/State/Regional Government Affairs Agenda
Lakefront Development
Northwestern University
Police and Fire Pension Funding Issues
Robert Crown Center Improvements
Safety Issues
Crime Prevention
Youth Engagement
Staff will make a presentation on the progress of goals implementation and then ask the
City Council to consider changes, additions or deletions to this list.
Please accept the following thoughts on changes, additions and deletions to the current
goals as the City Council considers goals for 2012. Also attached is a copy of the City’s
2006 Strategic Plan.
Memorandum
52
2
Goals to Remain – Much work is being done and continues to need to be done in the
following areas and I would recommend that these goals be retained for 2012:
Affordable Housing
Capital Improvement Program Planning
Climate Action Plan
Economic Development
Northwestern University
Police and Fire Pension Funding Issues
Robert Crown Center Improvements
Safety Issues
Youth Engagement
Goals to Be Removed - The following goals I believe have been addressed and
successfully folded into the City’s general operations. While these are all certainly
important areas, they may no longer need the designation as a City Council goal:
Budget Planning
Federal/State/Regional Government Affairs Agenda
Lakefront Development
Goal to Be Evaluated – The City Council Goal “Efficiency and Effectiveness of
Services” has largely been attached to the implementation of 3-1-1 and our government
transparency efforts. With the successful implementation of 3-1-1 and our recognized
leadership statewide in government transparency, this goal could continue with
additional work on efficiency and effectiveness issues in other areas or be removed
from the City Council goals list.
New Goals to Be Considered –
Citizen Engagement: The City has made great strides in these areas over the
past couple of years, however more work needs to be done to continue to
have Evanston be a national leader in innovative ways of engaging our
residents.
Community Partner Collaboration: The City has been working to leverage
existing resources in different ways this past year, most specifically through
the appointment of a Development Officer. I believe it is important for the City
to consider expanding these efforts to work more closely with government,
business and non-profit partners in the community to further identify ways to
leverage our existing City resources to meet community needs.
53
3
Development Services/Design Review – This goal could evaluate the City’s
current development application and design review procedures and
implement changes as necessary.
Innovation – This goal could identify ways to encourage and implement
innovative programs and initiatives in the City.
Job Training/Employment Issues – This goal could identify ways that the City
can coordinate resources for job training and better employment opportunities
for all of our residents along with measureable objectives.
Visual and Performing Arts – This goal could set specific priorities and
measureable objectives for the City’s role in the visual and performing arts in
the community.
Attachment:
City of Evanston Strategic Plan
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For City Council meeting of September 19, 2011 Item SP3
West Oakton Development Committee Report
For Action
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Steve Griffin, Director of Community and Economic Development
Craig Sklenar, General Planner
Johanna Nyden, Economic Development Planner
Subject: West Oakton Development Committee Report
Date: September 15, 2011
This memorandum summarizes the work and discussions of the West Oakton
Development Committee. This Committee was charged with reviewing and considering
redevelopment scenarios for City-owned property at 2310 and 2222 Oakton Street
(commonly known as the former Evanston Recycling Center and the Evanston Animal
Shelter). This document provides insight to the strengths and weaknesses of each
redevelopment scenario that was discussed at the meeting. Additionally it provides
estimates of costs for each redevelopment based on industry benchmarks for
construction and redevelopment costs.
Background
The West Oakton Development Committee formed in May of 2011 to study and conduct
due diligence on the potential redevelopment options for the Recycling Center and
Evanston Animal Shelter Properties located at 2310 and 2222 Oakton Street (an
approximately 1.81 acre site). This committee formed after a series of development
activities and potential redevelopment opportunities occurred in 2011; they included:
- Gordon Food Services placing a portion of the property located at 2424
Oakton Street (just west of the City-owned property) under contract with the
goal of building a 13,000 square foot. GFS Marketplace. GFS seeks to open
this store in the third quarter of 2012.
- America Youth Soccer Organization of Evanston (AYSO) and the Evanston
Baseball and Softball Association (EBSA)’s proposal to the City Council to
lease the former Recycling Center and reuse the facility as an indoor soccer
and baseball facility.
Memorandum
63
General Site Conditions:
The City-owned properties, zoned in the I-2 Industrial district, comprise a site that is
1.81 acres. The I-2 Industrial district is intended to provide sites for light manufacturing
and light industrial uses under controls that minimize any adverse effects on property in
nearby residential, business, and commercial districts. Under current zoning, uses such
as restaurants, retail establishments, and light industrial uses are permitted as-of-right.
Currently present on this site, is a 13,000 square foot steel frame structure that formally
operated as the Evanston Recycling Center. The Center closed in 2010 when
operations were contracted to a third party. On the western portion of the site is the
Evanston Animal Shelter, a 2,300 square foot facility. This facility is operated dually by
the City’s Animal Control Bureau and the Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.).
The Animal Control Bureau is responsible for handling requests and complaints from
citizens dealing with domestic and wild animals. C.A.R.E., a nearly 25 year old
volunteer organization, handles all adoptions of abandoned dogs and cats to new
owners. This facility no longer suits the demands of the operation of a modern animal
shelter. C.A.R.E. and the City of Evanston have entered into an agreement to support
the rehabilitation of this facility to meet the needs of a modern animal shelter. The
proposed redevelopment of this property includes an expansion that doubles the size of
the space, creating a modern and safe facility for animals that are abandoned to be
adopted by new owners.
In August 2007, City Council authorized two agreements that relate to the animal
shelter. The first was an agreement governing the cost-sharing and rehabilitation of the
animal shelter: Resolution 42-R-07 “Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a
Construction Agreement by and between the City of Evanston and Community Animal
Rescue Effort Friends of the Evanston Animal Shelter, Inc.”. The second was an
agreement authorizing a lease between the City and C.A.R.E.: Resolution 43-R-07
“Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Lease Agreement by and between the City
of Evanston and Community Animal Rescue Effort Friends of the Evanston Animal
Shelter, Inc.”. Exhibit F of these resolutions entitled “Executed Construction
Agreement” and signed by then City Manager Julia Carroll on October 26, 2007 details
the financial commitments that the City of Evanston has agreed to concerning the
renovation and expansion of the current Evanston Animal Shelter (Exhibit F is attached
to this memorandum). Based on the agreement, the City is responsible for providing up
to $500,000 toward the rehabilitation of the facility. Since the execution of this
agreement, the City has included the cost of $500,000 for this project in their Capital
Improvement Plan and will issue General Obligation Debt once a final design is
selected.
Finally, a community garden shares the southern border of the property. This garden is
owned and operated by the City of Evanston. Demand is high and relocation of these
facilities could mean plants that have been cultivated here for years would not survive
the move. The community garden space was not contemplated as part of the 1.81 acre
site during the West Oakton Development Committee discussions.
64
Mayoral-Appointed Committee
The West Oakton Development Committee first met on May 26, 2011 to discuss initial
ideas and concepts for the site. A full list of names is included in the Attachments.
During the first meeting, the following ideas were generated as potential redeveloped
uses for the site:
- Indoor Sports Facility
- Retail Development
- Skate Park
- Arts Center for ETHS Students
- Salt Storage/General Storage Facility (city facility)
After the first meeting, the Committee met three more times, one meeting each in June,
July, and August. At each meeting the Committee considered the strengths and
weaknesses of each proposed redevelopment scenario. The June meeting also
included a site visit so each Committee member could better understand the existing
configuration of buildings at the site.
The Committee held its final meeting on August 31, 2011. At that time, three concepts
were discussed. The Committee’s research and development of three potential
redevelopment concepts for the site include:
- Option A: Indoor Sports Facility Concept
- Option B: Commercial Retail Concept
- Option C: Satellite Municipal Services Center Concept
The following attachments provide information on the Committee, the minutes of the
meetings, and the details of the concepts, including conceptual layouts of parking and
site improvements. The details of the concepts are intended to provide information to
the City Council on the potential redevelopment of City-owned properties. The
information provided is based on current research and best practices for development
and construction.
Items listed under “General Cost Considerations” are the construction cost items that
are required for that option to develop. Items listed under “Development/Redevelopment
Opportunities and Constraints” are cost items or administrative tasks that are needed to
be considered to fully develop the concept.
Attachments:
- Redevelopment Scenarios
- Minutes from West Oakton Development Committee Meetings
- West Oakton Committee Member List
- AYSO/EBSA Proposal for an Indoor Sports Facility
65
Option A: Indoor Sports Facility Concept
The first concept is to convert the former Recycling Center into an indoor sports facility
to be operated and managed by a not-for-profit entity. AYSO and EBSA seek to bring
an indoor sports facility to Evanston and as such have developed a proposal to do this.
The renovation of the facility includes the conversion of the space into an indoor sports
field, renovation of the bathrooms, installation of air conditioning, and construction of a
flex party room for rental. In conjunction with the expansion planned for the Evanston
Animal Shelter, this concept provides for a consolidated 58 space parking lot between
the two structures and the removal of the current entry for the Evanston Animal Shelter.
Per the City’s Zoning ordinance, the indoor sports facility would require a minimum of 26
parking spaces.
General Cost Considerations
• As proposed by EBSA and AYSO, the City will not be required to incur any costs
for the development of the indoor sports facility.
• Under this option, the Animal Shelter’s addition would be constructed. The
estimated for the addition costs per square foot are $300. In total the Animal
Shelter expansion would cost approximately $1,000,000 to $2,000,000.
• Currently a portion of the site is unpaved; this scenario as proposed by AYSO
and EBSA does not contemplate the costs to create a parking lot. There are 58
66
parking spaces proposed, the sports facility needs a minimum of 26 parking
spaces. The cost per space is between $7,000 and $8,000.
Development/Redevelopment Opportunities and Constraints
• Plan Commission and City Council would have to complete a map amendment to
the site to accommodate this use. Currently the I-2 zoning does not allow an
indoor sport facility in permissible uses.
• AYSO and EBSA would operate this facility. The City of Evanston would not be
responsible for the management of this new facility. Currently the former
Recycling Center is used for storage of various City materials and equipment.
Under this proposal these items would need to be relocated. The proposal
includes a monthly payment of $4,000 to the City to fund the costs to store the
equipment in a new location.
• This site has been contemplated as the potential location for a new salt dome/city
storage space. Under this proposal, the City would not be able to use this facility
for that use and would need to find another location. The estimated cost for the
salt dome construction in a new location (not inclusive of the cost of land
acquisition) is $1,200,000.
• Under the Agreement with C.A.R.E., the City would provide $500,000 for the
expansion of the Animal Shelter at the current location.
67
Option B: Commercial Retail Concept
This concept includes the relocation of the Evanston Animal Shelter, demolition all
existing structures on the site and the development of two, 6,000 square foot retail pad
sites. This concept would include parking for 112 vehicles and the consolidation of
entry points from currently three to one at the signalized intersection on Oakton Street.
General Cost Considerations
• The costs for demolition are presumed to be paid by the purchaser of the
property seeking to complete retail redevelopment.
• This scenario contemplates that the Animal Shelter and City Storage needs
would still need to be covered by the City.
Development/Redevelopment Opportunities and Constraints
• The potential revenue from the sale of the site to a private developer could be
used to help offset the relocation and construction costs of the new Animal
Shelter and Storage facility or salt dome.
• Based on recent sales of nearby property, the 1.81 acre site could be valued
between $1,265,000 to $1,898,000 (approximately $16.00 to $24.00 per square
foot). A professional appraisal has not been completed for this property.
• Estimated annual property taxes for a retail usage of this size are between
$80,000 and $120,000. Approximately 20 percent of the property tax revenue
are City of Evanston taxes and would be added to the City’s General Fund.
• Depending on the potential reuse, the site may not need to be rezoned. The I-2
Industrial district allows for Restaurant Type 1, Restaurant Type 2, and retail
goods or services establishments.
68
• To ensure that the Animal Shelter is relocated in a timely and efficient manner,
the concern of the duration of the sale of the properties is of a concern due to the
current economic climate.
69
Option C: Satellite Municipal Services Center
For the past year, the City’s Public Works Department has worked to identify a new
location for the City’s salt dome. The current salt dome located at 2020 Asbury Avenue
is nearing the end of its functional life and as such a new option needs to be developed.
The utilization of the former Recycling Center as a combined salt dome and storage
facility was contemplated as a way to meet the needs of the City’s salt storage. Two
new structures totaling 9,300 square feet would be constructed on site to store
equipment for Public Works and the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Departments. The Animal Shelter will expand on their site and keep their current
parking facility.
General Cost Considerations
• Under this option, the Animal Shelter’s addition would be constructed. The
estimated costs per square foot are $300. In total the Animal Shelter expansion
would be approximately $1,000,000 to $2,000,000.
• The estimates to rehabilitate the Recycling Center are estimated to be
approximately $250,000. This includes the construction of a new partition wall,
installation of louvers for ventilation, protective coating for roof trusses, concrete
barriers around the interior perimeter of the facility, epoxy coating resurfacing of
the floor and architectural services to prepare contract documents.
70
• This option also contemplates the addition of 9,300 square foot indoor storage.
The cost to construct this is approximately $400,000.
• The installation of a liquid deicing facility would be constructed in the existing
structure on site. This on site facility – which is to create a liquid deicing mixture
to pre-treat roads prior to major snow events – would replace the City’s current
practice of purchasing deicing liquid from the Village of Winnetka and would
allow the City to use this method to a larger extent during snow events. The
construction cost of this facility would be approximately $100,000 to $250,000.
• The parking areas for this site would cost per parking space between $7,000 and
$8,000.
Development/Redevelopment Opportunities and Constraints
• Phased construction of site possible. Phased construction of this site concept
allows for the investment of capital costs to be spread over multiple years.
• Construction costs of new facilities will be incurred by the City of to provide
$500,000 for the expansion of the Animal Shelter at the current location.
• If the salt dome is not constructed at this location, the cost (not inclusive of the
purchase of property) could be an expense up to $1,200,000.
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APPROVED
Page 1 of 2
West Oakton Development Committee – City of Evanston
MEETING MINUTES
WEST OAKTON DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Thursday, May 26, 2011
7:00 P.M.
Evanston Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Avenue, Aldermanic Library
Members Present: Alderman Ann Rainey (Chair), Alderman Mark Tendam, Alderman
Donald Wilson, Ryan Garton, Dylan Gephart, Gayle Lovinger, Mark Metz
Members Absent: Allan Speer
Staff Present: Steve Griffin, Doug Gaynor, Suzette Robinson, Johanna Nyden, Craig
Sklenar
Presiding Member: Alderman Ann Rainey, Chairman
1. INTRODUCTIONS & COMMITTEE MEMBER’S THOUGHTS
With a quorum present, Chairman Rainey called the meeting to order at 7:01P.M.
2. COMMITTEE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Chairman Rainey opened the meeting by asking each member to introduce themselves
and provide their background and thoughts concerning the sites commonly referred to as
the Evanston Recycling Center and Animal Shelter.
3. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INTERESTS TO DATE
Economic Development Planner, Johanna Nyden, provided an update on the site and
the surrounding properties. The property at 2424 Oakton has seen recent development
activity; however the southern part of the property has yet to be developed.
Approximately 7.5 Acres left to develop at this property. There is still interest in the
outlots at the Home Depot property located north of Oakton Street. While attending the
International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Convention in April, staff heard from
several retailers were interested in any available/developable property in this area of
Evanston.
4. HIGHEST AND BEST USES
Discussion of the highest and best uses for these properties related to the zoning
regulations that are attached to the property. There was discussion concerning whether
or not a recreational facility would be allowed on the property due to its zoning of I2.
Staff will research this issue for the June 7 meeting.
5. BRAINSTORM POTENTIAL USES OF PROPERTY
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APPROVED
Page 2 of 2
West Oakton Development Committee – City of Evanston
Members of the committee presented ideas of what the uses of the property could
be. Staff noted that parking and pedestrian access to the site is of a concern.
Ideas generated at the meeting included:
- An indoor soccer facility
- An indoor baseball/softball facility
- An arts center for ETHS students
- A Skate Park facility
- New retail outlets along Oakton
The Animal Shelter’s needs and ideas were presented at this meeting as well.
Gayle Lovinger informed the committee that the Animal Shelter is looking to
double the capacity of the current facilities while realigning the uses interior to the
existing building to better suit a no kill shelter operation. The original shelter was
designed as a pound. The City has entered into an agreement to fund 50% of the
redevelopment of the Animal Shelter. The Evanston Police Department also
operates Animal Control out of this building.
6. CONFIRMATION OF DATES, TIMES & PLACES OF FUTURE MEETINGS
June 7, 2011 was set as the next meeting date. The Committee has agreed to meet on
site at the Recycling Center first for a tour of the ground and then reconvene back at the
Levy Center to conduct business of the Committee.
7. NEXT STEPS
The next steps of the committee are to tour the site, generate final ideas and meet to
discuss the concepts to move forward.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting Adjourned at 8:13 PM.
The next meeting of the West Oakton Development Committee will be Tuesday, June 7,
2011 at 7:00 P.M., Evanston Recycling Center, 2308 Oakton Street, Evanston, IL.
Respectfully Submitted,
Craig D. Sklenar, AICP
General Planner, Community and Economic Development Department
73
APPROVED
Page 1 of 2
West Oakton Development Committee – City of Evanston
MEETING MINUTES
WEST OAKTON DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday June 7, 2011
7:00 P.M.
Evanston Recycling Center, 2308 Oakton Street, Evanston, IL
Members Present: Alderman Ann Rainey (Chair), Alderman Mark Tendam, Alderman
Donald Wilson, Dylan Gephart, Gayle Lovinger, Mark Metz
Members Absent: Allan Speer, Ryan Garton
Staff Present: Marty Lyons, Steve Griffin, Doug Gaynor, Suzette Robinson, Johanna
Nyden, Craig Sklenar
Presiding Member: Alderman Ann Rainey, Chairwoman
1. SITE TOUR
The WODC toured the Recycling Center with City staff. In addition, the Committee was
given a tour of the Animal Shelter on the property by Gayle Lovinger.
2. RECONVENE AT LEVY CENTER – LIBRARY ROOM
The Committee reconvened at the Levy Center at 7:30PM.
3. BRAINSTORM IDEAS
The Committee reconvened at the Levy Center to discuss two concept options presented
by City staff to the Committee. Option A was a concept to renovate the Recycling Center
into an indoor sports facility. A parking lot consisting of 56 spaces would be developed
between the Evanston Animal Shelter and the new facility. Option B would be to
redevelop both the Evanston Animal Shelter facility and the Recycling Center Facility into
space that could accommodate about 20,000 sq. ft. of retail outlets. Chairwoman Rainey
requested that any concepts brought forth to the committee need to have financial
information included in the presentation. Discussion of the potential use of the Recycling
Center facility as a salt dome storage facility also took place. City staff will present this
option at the July meeting of the Committee.
4. NEXT STEPS
Next steps were discussed in conjunction with the ideas presented at the meeting. City
staff will continue to refine ideas and provide financial data pertaining to each concept.
This information will be presented at the next meeting.
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APPROVED
Page 2 of 2
West Oakton Development Committee – City of Evanston
5. CONFIRMATION OF DATES, TIMES & PLACES OF FUTURE MEETING
The next meeting of the West Oakton Development Committee Meeting will be
Wednesday, July 20 at 7PM at the Levy Senior Center Library Room.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned 9:15PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Craig D. Sklenar, AICP
General Planner, Community and Economic Development Department
75
APPROVED
Page 1 of 2
West Oakton Development Committee – City of Evanston
MEETING MINUTES
WEST OAKTON DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Wednesday July 20, 2011
7:00 P.M.
Evanston Levy Senior Center, Library Room, 300 Dodge Avenue, Evanston, IL
Members Present: Alderman Ann Rainey (Chair), Dylan Gephart, Gail Lovinger, Mark
Metz, Ryan Garton
Members Absent: Allan Speer
Staff Present: Marty Lyons, Steve Griffin, Doug Gaynor, Paul Schneider, Johanna Nyden,
Craig Sklenar
Presiding Member: Alderman Ann Rainey, Chairwoman
1. SITE CONCEPT IDEAS/DISCUSSION
a. Option A: Indoor Sports Facility Concept
Representatives from AYSO and the Evanston Baseball & Softball Association presented
their concept for an indoor Sports Facility. The concept is to develop an indoor sports
facility that will accommodate needs for soccer and baseball training in the winter months
as well as be a facility to use year round for training.
Questions ranged from parking requirements to zoning implications and the operations
numbers of this facility. Representatives will provide a more detailed package of
information at the August meeting.
b. Option B: Commercial Retail Concept
c. Option C: Municipal Services Center
d. Option D: Municipal Services Center with Amenities
Steve Griffin, Director Community and Economic Development, presented the three other
development ideas. Option B was to remove both the existing recycling center structure
and the animal shelter and replace with 2, 6,000 sq. ft. retail outlets. Option C & D
accommodated the proposed salt storage facility in the existing Recycling Center structure
while adding additional storage shelters on site. Option D replaced the middle structure
with a Garden Center for the community gardens adjacent to the property.
More Detailed Analysis was requested by the committee to be able to fully evaluate these
fully. Cost implications of removing the animal shelter and relocation of the salt dome to
another location will need to be evaluated as well.
2. PRESENTATION OF SITE CONCEPTS TO CITY COUNCIL
After discussion of the four concept ideas, it was determined that more detail was needed before
any presentation to City Council were to be made. The next meeting of the West Oakton
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APPROVED
Page 2 of 2
West Oakton Development Committee – City of Evanston
Development Committee will be held on August 31, 2011. Detailed financial analysis of each
concept will be presented at this time.
3. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned 9:15PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Craig D. Sklenar, AICP
General Planner, Community and Economic Development Department
77
NOT APPROVED
Page 1 of 2
West Oakton Development Committee – City of Evanston
MEETING MINUTES
WEST OAKTON DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Wednesday August 31, 2011
7:00 P.M.
Evanston Levy Senior Center, Library Room, 300 Dodge Avenue, Evanston, IL
Members Present: Alderman Ann Rainey (Chair), Dylan Gephart, Gail Lovinger, Mark
Metz, Allan Speer
Members Absent: Alderman Mark Tendam, Alderman Donald Wilson, Ryan Garton
Staff Present: Steve Griffin, Doug Gaynor, Suzette Robinson, Johanna Nyden, Craig
Sklenar
Presiding Member: Alderman Ann Rainey, Chairwoman
1. SITE CONCEPT IDEAS/DISCUSSION – Financial Analysis
All site concepts were further evaluated from the July 20, 2011 meeting. These studies
included more financial and operational detail than the July meeting along with
Opportunities and Strengths of each concept.
a. Option A: Indoor Sports Facility Concept
General Planner Craig Sklenar began the presentation explaining the site design of Option
A. The concept is to develop an indoor sports facility that will accommodate needs for
soccer and baseball training in the winter months as well as be a facility to use year round
for training. In addition, the construction of a new parking lot facility between the Animal
Shelter and the new sports facility would be included in the cost. The Animal Shelter
would be expanded on site. Updated numbers concerning the build out of the sports
facility were provided at this meeting.
Questions included why so much parking was provided when the sports facility would only
need 26 parking spaces. The concept site included 58 parking spaces total. The Animal
Shelter would be using some of these spaces as well but the group conceded that more
landscaping and parking space reduction could happen with this concept.
b. Option B: Commercial Retail Concept
Option B proposes to remove both the existing Recycling Center structure and the animal
shelter and replace with 12,000 to 18,000 square feet of retail outlets. This option would
require the relocation of the Animal Shelter and would put the 1.81 acres of land back on
the tax rolls.
Questions for this concept included the understanding of the time it would take for the land
sale to go through versus the timetable for the Animal Shelter to relocate/rebuild. They
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NOT APPROVED
Page 2 of 2
West Oakton Development Committee – City of Evanston
also questioned the marketability of this property to private developers and whether the
land could be leased as is to other businesses that might need the space.
c. Option C: Satellite Municipal Services Center - Baseline
d. Option D: Satellite Municipal Services Center
Options D accommodates the proposed salt storage facility and a new liquid deicing
facility in the existing Recycling Center structure while adding 9,300 square feet of
additional storage on site.
It was determined that Option C was really just a Phase 1 of Option D and that it should be
dropped from consideration.
Questions arose concerning the environmental impacts of storing salt at this location.
Concern was also voiced on the deicing liquid that would be produced on site and what
precautions would be made to prevent leakage or salt being swept to the gardens directly
south of the facility. Public Works Director Suzette Robinson said she would provide
literature on the deicing liquid composition and studies on its effects to the environment.
2. PRESENTATION OF SITE CONCEPTS TO CITY COUNCIL
After discussion of the four concept ideas, it was determined that the three concepts
(Options A, B and D) would be presented to the City Council on September 19, 2011.
3. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned 9:03PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Craig D. Sklenar, AICP
General Planner, Community and Economic Development Department
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WEST OAKTON DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Committee Members:
Alderman Ann Rainey - Chair
Alderman Mark Tendam
Alderman Donald Wilson
Ryan C. Garton
Dylan Gephart
Gail Lovinger
Mark Metz
Allan Spear
Staff Support:
Steve Griffin, Director of Community and Economic Development
Doug Gaynor, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Suzette Robinson, Director of Public Works
Craig Sklenar, General Planner
Johanna Nyden, Economic Development Planner
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To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Wally Bobkiewicz, City Manager
Subject: West Oakton Development – Option B: Commercial Retail Concept
Date: September 15, 2011
The City Council will be considering the recommendations of the West Oakton
Development Committee on September 19, 2011. I encourage the City Council to direct
staff to pursue Option B: Commercial Retail Concept.
The City’s property along Oakton Street directly across from vital existing retail
development lends itself perfectly to pursue a like commercial retail development on the
City property. A new development at this location could bring needed tax revenue to
the City and jobs for Evanston residents in an established commercial area. The
planned Gordon Food Services facility immediately adjacent to these properties only
enhance future development opportunities.
I am concerned that the City fulfill its commitment to the Community Animal Rescue
Effort (C.A.R.E) to expand the City’s animal shelter. Preliminary discussions with the
Village of Skokie seem promising to develop a joint partnership with them for a new
animal shelter. I believe the City must identify a new location for the animal shelter and
an appropriate funding mechanism for it before moving forward with a commercial retail
development on that site. If it is not feasible to develop such a plan, then I believe only
the Recycling Center site should be considered for retail development.
The City’s needs for additional economic activity are well known. However, our options
for sites for new retail development are very limited. The conversion of this City
property already adjacent to existing retail to new development is exactly the kind of
project that the City needs in order to generate needed tax revenue to fund important
quality of life services and produce new jobs for Evanston residents. I urge the City
Council to direct staff to pursue Option B: Commercial Retail Concept.
Memorandum
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For City Council Meeting of September 19, 2011 SP4
Frank Govern Memorial Golf Course
For Discussion
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Wally Bobkiewicz, City Manager
Subject: Update on Implementation of Resolution 37-R-11: Expressing Legislative
Findings Regarding the Status of the City’s Sublease with the Evanston
Wilmette Golf Course Association for the Frank Govern Memorial Golf
Course
Date: September 14, 2011
Recommended Action:
It is recommended that the City Council receive this update on the status of the
operation of the Frank Govern Memorial Golf Course.
Summary:
On June 13, 2011, the City Council adopted Resolution 37-R-11 regarding the operation
of the Govern Memorial Golf Course.
The City had been working with the Board of Directors of the Evanston Wilmette Golf
Course Association for several months to address unpaid water service charges for the
golf course. The long term inability of the Association to pay its water bills brought into
question the ongoing viability of the Association to operate the golf course. Staff
believed it was appropriate for the City to take several actions to ensure the future
operation and upkeep of the golf course property.
Resolution 37-R-11 addressed these issues as follows:
1. Staff would evaluate the terms and conditions of the existing sublease
between the City and Association to determine if conditions exist for
termination of the sublease and report back to the City Council on
September 1, 2011. If conditions do exist for termination, staff
recommends that termination occur on December 31, 2011.
2. City Council would hold in abeyance past due water service charges and
withhold future charges through December 31, 2011. Staff believes this is
appropriate because the cost of the City to assume control and maintain
Memorandum
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the subleased property exceeds the value of the water consumed by the
golf course.
3. The City Manager and the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community
Services would investigate costs associated with maintaining the golf
course property as open space/park land, and also investigate other uses
of the property consistent with it remaining a golf facility/open space/park
land.
Since the adoption of this resolution in June, staff has reviewed the terms and
conditions of the existing sublease between the City and Association to determine if
conditions exist for termination of the sublease. Staff has determined that conditions do
not exist for termination of the sublease.
The Board of Directors of the Evanston Wilmette Golf Association has been working to
ensure the long term viability of the golf course over the past several months and has
submitted the attached report on their efforts.
The Golf Association’s water charges continue to accumulate. As of the last billing
period, total outstanding water charges are $17,794.37.
Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services Doug Gaynor continues to work
with the Golf Association on opportunities to maximize usage of the golf course. These
discussions continue. While no specific plans are in place for 2012, staff believes that
the operation of the golf course is improved and the Golf Association will be able to
continue operations in 2012. It is unclear today the impact of payment of water charges
on operations in 2012. Staff is recommending that the City Council review the issue of
payment of water services at the golf course at its December 12, 2011 meeting when
additional information should be available from the Golf Association on its future plans.
Attachments:
Report from Evanston Wilmette Golf Association
Resolution 37-R-11
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09/12/11
To: Wally Bobkiewicz, City Manager
City of Evanston
From: John S. LoSasso, President
Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association
Subject: Update on 2011 Golf Season and Preliminary Plans for 2012
As we approach the end of the 2011 golf season, I am pleased to report that since the change in
management in mid June of this year, we have seen continued improvement in the condition and
appearance of the course and have also significantly improved our financial position. Our
promotional efforts and the positive response we continue to receive from patrons of the course
have resulted in greens fee revenues that are markedly greater than for comparable periods last
season. We are now current on all accounts payable and the city's decision to hold billings for
water service in abeyance through this season have been essential to this condition. We are on
track to finish the season with sufficient revenues to carry us through the winter and open on
schedule for the 2012 Golf season.
Looking to the future, we have been working upon plans to launch a substantial Capital
improvement drive and will announce the opening of that drive shortly. The budget for this
campaign will detail plans to upgrade and reconfigure greens and fairways. We are seeking input
from golf course architects and other professional in various aspects of the golf industry on
alternatives under consideration that will provide new options and challenges for golfers at all
levels. Progress to date takes into account account substantive observations that were made in a
study completed by a graduate student team at the Kellogg School of Management.
Also envisioned in the goals of the Capital Improvement drive will be relocation of the pro shop
and golf cart staging area from their present location directly west of Evanston Hospital to the
first floor of the building occupied by the American legion, and adjacent areas. Tentatively, we
would replace our gas driven golf carts with electric carts.
We are in discussion with several, well-qualified restaurant operators on alternative plans to
provide high quality food service concessions at the course. There are many examples of such
concessions associated with other area golf courses and our setting lends itself well to several
option, all of which we believe would be well-received by area residents and would not only
benefit the golf course by providing additional interest and revenue, but also be an attractive
addition to the Evanston restaurant community.
Our plans have been the subject of discussion with individuals and agencies who have either
provided substantial support to the golf course in past years, or knowing of our plans outlined
here have responded positively. We have also been in discussion with a person, will known and
respected in the Evanston and greater north suburban community, who anticipate will participate
in our campaign as honorary chairperson,
We have made real progress on the foregoing, but final details are still in process. Specifics on
the level and purpose of funding we will seek, the identity of persons, partners and others who
who will be part of this venture, will be available in our next report to the Council.
I hope that this status report if useful in your deliberations and concerns about the future of the
golf course and the Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association.
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For City Council Meeting of June 13, 2011 Item H5
Resolution 37-R-11: Regarding Status of Frank Govern Memorial Golf Course
For Action
To: Human Services Committee
From: Wally Bobkiewicz, City Manager
Subject: Resolution 37-R-11: Expressing Legislative Findings Regarding the Status
of the City’s Sublease with the Evanston Wilmette Golf Course
Association for the Frank Govern Memorial Golf Course
Date: June 7, 2011
Recommended Action:
Human Services Committee recommends consideration of Resolution 37-R-11
regarding the City’s sublease with the Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association for
the Frank Govern Memorial Golf Course. The resolution is presented with revisions per
instructions of the Human Services Committee on June 6, 2011.
Summary:
The City has been working with the Board of Directors of the Evanston Wilmette Golf
Course Association for several months to address unpaid water service charges for the
golf course. The Association currently owes $12,280.53 in charges. The Board hoped
to be able to agree to a repayment plan in April, but has notified the City that it does not
have the resources to do so. The long term inability of the Association to pay its water
bills brings into question the ongoing viability of the Association to operate the golf
course. Staff believes it is appropriate for the City to take several actions to ensure the
future operation and upkeep of the golf course property.
Staff is recommending adoption of Resolution 37-R-11 to address these issues:
1. Staff would evaluate the terms and conditions of the existing sublease
between the City and Association to determine if conditions exist for
termination of the sublease and report back to the City Council on
September 1, 2011. If conditions do exist for termination, staff
recommends that termination occur on December 31, 2011.
2. City Council would hold in abeyance past due water service charges and
withhold future charges through December 31, 2011. Staff believes this is
appropriate because the cost of the City to assume control and maintain
Memorandum
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the subleased property exceeds the value of the water consumed by the
golf course.
3. The City Manager and the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community
Services would investigate costs associated with maintaining the golf
course property as open space/park land, and also investigate other uses
of the property consistent with it remaining a golf facility/open space/park
land.
Staff will continue to work with the Association Board of Directors to resolve the golf
course’s financial issues and alternative approaches the Association may consider for
the operation of the golf course.
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6/3/2011
5/30/2011
37-R-11
A RESOLUTION
Expressing Legislative Findings Regarding the Status of the City’s
Sublease with the Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association for the
Frank Govern Memorial Golf Course
WHEREAS, since 1919 the City has leased (“the Master Lease”) certain
real property (“the Demised Premises”), from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation
District of Greater Chicago, formally known as the Sanitary District of Chicago (“the
District”), with its principal office located at 100 East Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611;
and
WHEREAS, since 1919 the City has sublet the a certain portion of the
Demised Premises, to the Evanston-Wilmette Golf Course Association, Inc., with its
principal office located at 1030 Central Street, Evanston, Illinois 60201, hereinafter (“the
Association”), formerly known as the Evanston Community Recreation Association, Inc.,
for use in connection with the Association’s operation of a public fee golf course,
commonly known as the Peter Jans Golf Course (“the Sublease”); and
WHEREAS, the said Sublease with the Association has been amended
from time to time; and
WHEREAS, said public fee golf course consists of eleven (11) holes
located in the City of Evanston and seven (7) holes located in the Village of Wilmette;
and
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37-R-11
~2~
WHEREAS, as permitted by the Master Lease, said Sublease between
the City and the Association runs concurrently with the Master Lease until May 31,
2032; and
WHEREAS, the Association owes the City $12,280.53 (Twelve Thousand
Two Hundred Eighty and 53/100 Dollars) in past due water service charges as of May
11, 2011; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 6(a) of the Sublease, the Association
must pay annually to the City 25% of 11/18ths of the Association’s annual net income
for each calendar year; and
WHEREAS, the past due water service charges owed to the City by the
Association constitute a substantial deficiency in the continued operation of the Golf
Course; and
WHEREAS, if the Association is unable to fulfill its obligations under the
Sublease in the short term, the City will be obligated to maintain the Demised Premises
at a level which will protect the health and safety of City residents at a cost that will
exceed the past due water service charges; and
WHEREAS, due to the aforementioned deficiency, the City Council may
find that a Sublease of that certain portion of the Demised Premises to the Association
may no longer be in the best interest of the City of Evanston, and that it is necessary
and proper for the City to review and consider the issues that may result if it continues
with the Sublease.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS:
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37-R-11
~3~
SECTION 1:That the abovementioned recitals are hereby found as fact
and made a part hereof.
SECTION 2: The City Manager and Corporation Counsel are hereby
authorized and directed to evaluate the terms and conditions for terminating the
Sublease with the Association in such fashion as may be determined to be in the best
interest of the City and approved as to form by the Corporation Counsel.
SECTION 3: The City Manager and Corporation Counsel will report to
the City Council on or after between September 1, 2011 and October 31, 2011 with his
their findings with respect to the Association’s obligations under the Sublease. This
report shall also evaluate the City’s right to terminate the Sublease, said termination
which the City Manager will recommend be effective as of December 31, 2011. The
City and the Association shall continue to meet during this time to assess other options
as well.
SECTION 4: That the City agrees to hold in abeyance all past due and
owing water service charges of the Association that are payable to the City. Further,
the City will not seek immediate payment for any water service charges incurred by the
Association from the effective date of this Resolution through December 31, 2011, but
expressly reserve the right to do so.
SECTION 5: The City Manager and the Director of Parks, Recreation,
and Community Services are hereby authorized to investigate costs associated with
maintaining the Demised Premises as open space/park land, and to also investigate
other uses of the Demised Premises consistent with it remaining a golf facility/open
space/park land.
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37-R-11
~4~
SECTION 6: All other fees, charges, and annual income payments
incurred by the Association payable to the City or any other third-party as required by
the terms of the Sublease or the Master Lease shall remain in full force and effect. The
City shall not be responsible for any fees or costs that have been or may be incurred by
the Association that are payable to any other third-party.
SECTION 7: That this Resolution 37-R-11 shall be in full force and effect
from and after the date of its passage and approval in the manner provided by law.
_______________________________
Elizabeth B. Tisdahl, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________
Rodney Greene, City Clerk
Adopted: __________________, 2011
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