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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1988M I N U T E S CITY/CHAMBER COMMITTEE January 21, 1988 MEMBERS PRESENT City: Ald. Lorraine Morton Chamber: Ald. Ann Rainey Ald. John Rudy City Mgr. Joel M. Asprooth Others: Judith A. Aiello, Asst. City Mgr. Ruth S. Smalley, Chamber Assoc. V.P. MEMBERS ABSENT: Ald. betty Paden Ald. Majorie Wold Presiding: Ald. Lorraine Morton PROPOSED 1988-89 CITY BUDGET Alison Barkley George J. Cyrus, Jr. Lawrence H. Stone Exec.V.P. Ira Golan Bruce K. Goodman Raymond Grady City Manager Joel M. Asprooth highlighted the fact that, although the allowable tax increase over the former budget based on Council resolution is 3.1%, the actual proposed tax increase is 4.3%. This is because the City Council approved a one --time increase formula to help replace revenue sharing funds. DOWNTOWN PARKING As the larger employers do not fdel shuttle bus service is needed to transport displaced employees from the Church/Chicago parking lot, consideration will be given to an alternate shuttle service for patrons of retail merchants and professionals. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN CITE' PARKING GARAGE The Administration & Public Works Committee will be addressing the costs for additional security and appearance of the Sherman Avenue Parking Garage. Ruth S. Smalley . MINUTES CITY -CHAMBER COMMITTEE October 20, 1988 MEMBERS PRESENT City: Mayor Joan W. Barr Chamber: Alison Barkley Aid. Lorraine Morton George J. Cyrus, Jr. Aid. John Rudy Bruce K. Goodman City Mgr. Joel M. Asprooth Raymond Grady Others: Bruce Zimmerman, Asst. City Mgr. Lawrence H. Stone Norman Gerstein, Church/DodgeMerchants Exec.Dir. Ira Golan Howard Melton, Sherman/GroveMerchants Becky -Powell, Emerson Merchants Joan Sable, Central St. Merchants Alex Sproul, Main/Chicago Merchants Ruth S. Smalley, Assoc.Exec.Dir., C of C MEMBERS ABSENT Aid. Betty Paden Aid. Ann Rainey Ald. Marjorie Wold Presiding: Alison Barkley, Co -Chairman GENERAL APPEARANCE IN EVANSTON BUSINESS DISTRICTS Co -Chairman Alison Barkley, in her introductory remarks, made mention of two concerns. One, continuing to maintain the good appearance of the business areas and, two, retaining this upkeep during the peak summer months. City Manager Asprooth reported that the present sidewalk brick pavers eventually will have to be replaced with full -depth pavers. A decision will have to be made eventually as to what to do with the brick sidewalk areas. The current plan is to replace 2,000 sq. €t. of brick pavers next summer with concentration on the Orrington/Church area. The City has access only to a three-year supply of replacement pavers. A discussion followed regarding continued replacement of the thin pavers and the need for a long-range plan to be developed. City Manager Asprooth stated this issue should be directed to EVMARK and reminded the group that the Special Service District ordinance can be amended. It was the consensus that action is needed now. Asst. City Mgr. Bruce Zimmerman reported on the present City mainte- nance program -- Building Operations; Maintenance of Fountain ware area (weekly) kiosks repair, solar baskets(empyting twice per Streets: Sidewalks/street cleaning (Mon -Fri); sweeps streets an leek) sidewalks Sun. a.m. in downtown Evanston; empties solar baskets Sundays a.m. Note: Include liners in solar baskets as soon as possible. Traffic Enqineering: Responsible for traffic signals s street lights; parking system including garage and surface parking. George Cyrus asked about the upkeep of the kiosks. Ira 'Jolan replied that EVMARK is responsible. It was stated that the City contributed $3500 for Holiday decorations last year, as well as City personnel to install the fountain Square tree and wreaths throughout the business districts. ` City -Chamber Committee Page 2 October 20, 1988 GENERAL APPEARANCE IN EVANSTON BUSINESS DISTRICTS (continued) It was stated that there is an ordinance requiring property owners to clean the parkways. ACTION: A letter will be sent to property owners informing them of their obligation to remove weeds, keep the light posts in front of their businesses -clean, keep windows clean, refrain from throwing their own trash in public solar cans, sidewalk snow removal. Remind businesses that the appear- ance of the business areas helps generate business. In addressing the sidewalk problem, Mayor Barr stated that as soon as possible a meeting of the EVMARK Board should be convened to discuss the funding. Also, the City Council should address this issue. These two groups should act as quickly as possible to work out a program. POSSIBLE ACTION: Establish an ordinance preventing businesses from placing trash in sidewalk containers. REPORTS FROM AREA BUSINESS DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES Central Street: Joan Sable feels the business area is in good condition. The merchants plan to install a sign to better identify the Central/Stewart public Park- ing area. Area merchants are displeased with the increased parking meter fee from 10� to 25G per hour. The Post Office on Central St. has not been removing sidewalk snow during the winter season. Sherman/Grove: Howard Melton requested additional trash containers in the area. There is a problem with one of the area merchants who empties store trash in the sidewalk solar basket. Church/Dodge: Norman Gerstein stressed the need for more trash containers. Chicago/Main: Alex Sproul stated there is a need for more meter enforcement. Employees continue to feed the meters. More trash cans are needed in the area. Very few merchants have taken advantage of the availability of monthly parking in the City lot. Emerson: Hecky Powell reported that the primary concern is lack of enforcement of parking meter violations. City Parking Garage ACTION: Send a letter from the Chamber to the Manager request- ing retention of the parking ban until 10:00 a.m. on the first level of the City Parking Garage. Signage at Parking Garage Entrances: A notice that addi- tional public parking is available on Maple. Mayor Barr requested employers to strongly urge employees not to meter feed. mij�11itijyl' 1 911'" 1' 1I111p , 1111 1111 „rill '%' City -Chamber Committee Page 3 October 20, 1988 GENERAL APPEARANCE IN EVANSTON BUSINESS DISTRICTS (continued) Co -Chairman Barkley summarized action to be taken: EVMARK and the City should immediately proceed to establish a long range plan for sidewalk improvement and the City should con- sider putting extra effort to replace pavers in Spring 1989 to compensate for diverted maintenance in 1988. City Parking Garage signage indicating locations for additional parking. A letter from the Chamber to City Manager Asprooth regarding the continuation of a first floor ban on parking until 10:00 a.m. in the City Parking Garage. A Chamber letter to ground level businesses regarding maintenance of property in front of the businesses (removing weeds, keeping light posts clean, keeping windows clean, refrain from throwing their own trash in public trash containers, sidewalk snow removal.) The City to utilize solar cans with liners wherever possible. Next City -Chamber Meeting: Thursday, November 17, 1988 7:30 a.m. - Chamber Board Room Meeting adjourned.