HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 11, 2023Page 1 MINUTES September 11,2023
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF EVANSTON,ILLINOIS
LORRAINE H.MORTON CIVIC CENTER
JAMES C.LYTLE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Monday,September 11,2023
Present:Councilmember Kelly Councilmember Revelle
Councilmember Harris Councilmember Geracaris
Councilmember Wynne Councilmember Reid
Councilmember Nieuwsma (7)
Absent:Councilmember Burns Councilmember Suffredin
Presiding:Mayor Daniel Biss
Staff Present:Luke Stowe Ikenga Ogbo
Alexandra Ruggie Alison Leipsiger
Audrey Thompson Hitesh Desai
Lauren Ruiz Clayton Black
Greg Olsen
Others Present:Alisa Kaplan,Executive Director Reform for Illinois
David Melton,President of the Board Reform for Illinois
Stephanie Mendoza
City Clerk
Page 2 MINUTES September 11,2023
(II)MAYOR PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS &PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Daniel Biss
National Suicide Prevention +Action Month -September 2023
National Diaper Need Awareness Week -September 18-23,2023
Introduced guest Chris Williams -Elected Councillor -Milton Keynes,England
(III)CITY MANAGER PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Manager Luke Stowe
ADA /Disability Services
Rodent Control Program Update
(IV)COMMUNICATIONS:CITY CLERK
Deputy City Clerk Omar Sheikh
(V)PUBLIC COMMENT
Name Agenda Item /Topic
Mary Rosinski A2,AP2
Written Received Public Comment
CONSENT AGENDA
Items A2,A4,A8,HS1,R1,FB2 and AP2 were removed from the Consent Agenda
Motion:Councilmember Reid
Second:Councilmember Harris
For Action
Items Approved 7 -0
Ayes:Kelly,Harris,Wynne,Nieuwsma,Revelle,Reid,Geracaris
Nayes:None
Absent:Burns,Suffredin
(VI)CONSENT AGENDA -CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
M1.The Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting of August 28,2023 were approved
Staff recommended the approval of the Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting of
August 28,2023.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
Page 3 MINUTES September 11,2023
(VII)CONSENT AGENDA -ADMINISTRATION &PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
A1.City of Evanston Payroll,Bills List,and Credit Card Activity was approved
Staff recommended City Council approval of the City of Evanston Payroll for the period
July 31,2023,through August 13,2023,in the amount of $3,650,596.08,August 14,
2023,through August 27,2023,in the amount of 3,131,776.89.Bills List for August 29,
2023,in the amount of $4,958,084.11.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
A2.A Contract with Jasco Electric Corporation for the James Park Athletic Lighting
(Bid 23-39)was approved
Staff recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a contract
with Jasco Electric Corporation (5515 Wilmot Road,McHenry,Illinois 60051)for the
James Park Athletic Lighting Project (Bid execute a contract with Jasco Electric
Corporation (5515 Wilmot Road,McHenry,Illinois 60051)for the James Park Athletic
Lighting Project (Bid 23-39)in the amount of $1,457,301.00.This contractor has
requested a waiver of the City's M/W/D/EBE goals and Local Employment Program
requirements.
Funding will be from the Capital Improvement Fund 2022 General Obligation Bonds in the
amount of $467,000 and from the 2023 General Obligation Bonds in the amount of
$990,301.
Motion:Councilmember Reid
Second:Councilmember Nieuwsma
For Action
Approved 7 -0
Ayes:Kelly,Harris,Wynne,Nieuwsma,Revelle,Reid,Geracaris
Nayes:None
Absent:Burns,Suffredin
A3.The Hiring of Three Additional Human Resources Positions was approved
Staff sought approval to hire three additional Human Resources positions:an HR
Generalist,a Safety Assistant,and a Classification and Compensation Specialist.
Funding would be from the General Fund,Human Resources Regular Pay line item.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
Page 4 MINUTES September 11,2023
(VII)CONSENT AGENDA -ADMINISTRATION &PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
A4.A One-year Contract Extension with Drexwood Partners LLC for Lobbyist Services
(RFQ 21-44)was approved
Staff recommended the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a one-year
contract extension with Drexwood Partners LLC (1100 N Lake Shore Dr.,Chicago,IL)to
act as the City's lobbyist (RFQ 21-44)in the not-to-exceed amount of $60,000.The
contract extension would be for twelve months,from October 1,2023,to September 30,
2024.
Funding will be provided by the General Fund (Account of $60,000 for FY 2023 and a
remaining balance of $35,000.Funding for the work to be performed in 2023 will need to
be budgeted in the 2024 a has which budget Advocacy -100.13.1300.62227 Services),
$60,000 for FY 2023 and a remaining balance of $35,000.Funding for the work to be
performed in 2023 will need to be budgeted in the 2024 budget.
Motion:Councilmember Nieuwsma
Second:Councilmember Reid
For Action
Approved 7 -0
Ayes:Kelly,Harris,Wynne,Nieuwsma,Revelle,Reid,Geracaris
Nayes:None
Absent:Burns,Suffredin
A5.A 1-Year Contract Extension with MC Squared Energy Services LLC to Provide
Services to an Aggregated Group was approved
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a one-year
contract extension for the Extended Term Agreement Amendment No.1 to the existing
Master Agreement to Provide Services to an Aggregated Group between the City of
Evanston and MC Squared Energy Services LLC.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
A6.Resolution 48-R-23 Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Contract for the
Purchase of Real Property at 1821 Lake Street was approved
Councilmember Harris recommended adoption of Resolution 48-R-23,Authorizing the
City Manager to Execute a Contract for the Purchase of Real Property Located at 1821
Lake Street for $200,000.
West Evanston Tax Increment Finance (TIF)account #335.99.5870.65507.As of June 30,
2023 the TIF has a balance of $2,709,406.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
Page 5 MINUTES September 11,2023
(VII)CONSENT AGENDA -ADMINISTRATION &PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
A7.Resolution 49-R-23,Authorizing the City Manager to Sign an Intergovernmental
Agreement for Participation in the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS Master
Agreement)was approved
Staff recommended City Council adoption of Resolution 49-R-23,Authorizing the City
Manager to Sign an Intergovernmental Agreement for Participation in the Mutual Aid Box
Alarm System (MABAS Master Agreement).
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
A8.Resolution 52-R-23,Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Collective
Bargaining Agreement Between the City of Evanston and the American Federation
of State,County and Municipal Employees,Council 31,AFL-CIO for and on behalf
of Evanston City Employees Union,Local 1891 was approved as amended
Staff recommended City Council adoption of Resolution 52-R-23,ratifying the collective
bargaining agreement with the City and the American Federation of State,County and
Municipal Employees,Council 31,AFL-CIO for and on behalf of Evanston City Employees
Union,Local 1891 (hereafter referred to as "AFSCME").
Motion:Councilmember Reid
Second:Councilmember Harris
Councilmember Nieuwsma moved to correct section 9.9 Overtime of the AFSCME
agreement to be four hours instead of two hours
Motion:Councilmember Nieuwsma
Second:Councilmember Reid
Motion Passed 7 -0
Ayes:Kelly,Harris,Wynne,Nieuwsma,Revelle,Reid,Geracaris
Nayes:None
Absent:Burns,Suffredin
For Action
Approved as Amended 7 -0
Ayes:Kelly,Harris,Wynne,Nieuwsma,Revelle,Reid,Geracaris
Nayes:None
Absent:Burns,Suffredin
Page 6 MINUTES September 11,2023
(VII)CONSENT AGENDA -ADMINISTRATION &PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
A9.Ordinance 80-O-23,Amending Section 10-11-5(C),Schedule V(C)of the Evanston
City Code,“Three-Way Stops”(Three-Way Stops at Wesley Avenue and Cleveland
Street)was approved for introduction
Staff recommended adoption of Ordinance 80-O-23,Amending Section 10-11-5(C),
Schedule V(C)of the Evanston City Code,“Three-Way Stops”(Three-Way Stops at
Wesley Avenue and Cleveland Street).This ordinance will establish a 3-way stop control
at the intersections of Wesley Avenue and Cleveland Street.
For Introduction
Approved on Consent Agenda for Introduction
(VIII)CONSENT AGENDA -PLANNING &DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
PD1.Ordinance 15-O-23,Amending Title 7,Chapter 8 Concerning the Protection of Trees
on Private Property was adopted
The Environment Board and staff recommended City Council adoption of Ordinance
15-O-23,Amending Title 7,Chapter 8,Concerning the Protection of Private Trees.
For Action
Adopted on Consent Agenda
PD2.Ordinance 75-O-23,Special Use for a Convenience Store,Dempster Snack Shop,
and a Special Use for a Type 2 Restaurant,Windy City Flavors,in the B1 Business
District at 1806-1808 Dempster Street was adopted
The Land Use Commission recommended the adoption of Ordinance 75-O-23,a Special
Use for a Convenience Store,Dempster Snack Shop,and a Special Use for a Type 2
Restaurant,Windy City Flavors,in the B1 Business District at 1806-1808 Dempster
Street.The Convenience Store (existing)incurred a variety of Health Department
violations over the past year.However,recent inspections have found compliance with all
City regulations;therefore,the proposed special uses meet the Standards for Approval for
special uses.
For Action
Adopted on Consent Agenda
Page 7 MINUTES September 11,2023
(IX)CONSENT AGENDA -HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
HS1.Resolution 53-R-23,Extending the Effective Date of Ordinance 24-O-23,the
Evanston Fair Workweek Ordinance,to January 1,2024 was approved
Staff recommended City Council adoption of Resolution 53-R-23,Extending the Effective
Date of Ordinance 24-O-23,the Evanston Fair Workweek Ordinance,to January 1,2024.
Motion:Councilmember Nieuwsma
Second:Councilmember Reid
Councilmember Harris called the question
Councilmember Harris withdrew her motion to call the question
For Action
Approved 7 -0
Ayes:Kelly,Harris,Wynne,Nieuwsma,Revelle,Reid,Geracaris
Nayes:None
Absent:Burns,Suffredin
(X)CONSENT AGENDA -RULES COMMITTEE
R1.Ordinance 56-O-23,Adding Title 1,Chapter 13,Section 5,"Small Donor Matching
System for Fair Elections"was approved for introduction as amended
Councilmember Geracaris and the Rules Committee recommended adoption of
Ordinance 56-O-23,creating a Small Donor Matching Fund for Fair Elections.
Motion:Councilmember Geracaris
Second:Councilmember Reid
Councilmember Geracaris moved to amend the ordinance with the following:
1.Ranked Choice Voice (RCV)changes throughout.Reinstated original
language throughout the ordinance to allow for the possibility that RCV will
not be implemented in time for the next election.Affected provisions:
1-13-5-1 (“Primary Consolidated Election”;“Election Cycle”),1-13-6A,
1-13-6B,1-13-5-8A,1-13-5-9C.
2.1-13-5-1.Definition of "Qualifying Period."Shortened the qualifying period,
starting it on October 1 before a consolidated election year instead of at the
beginning of the election cycle.
3.1-13-5-1.Other definitions.Added definition of "Primary Consolidated
Election"in case RCV is not implemented,and changed definition of
"Election Cycle"to better align with the program given the new Qualifying
Period.Added a definition of "Independent Expenditure"because the term is
referenced in another part of the ordinance;does not affect ordinance
substance.
Page 8 MINUTES September 11,2023
(X)CONSENT AGENDA -RULES COMMITTEE
R1.
(cont.)
Ordinance 56-O-23,Adding Title 1,Chapter 13,Section 5,"Small Donor Matching
System for Fair Elections"was approved for introduction as amended
4.1-13-5-3A.Percentage of budget for funds allocation.The previous draft
allocated $68,750/year or 1/40 of a percent,whichever was greater.This
would have resulted in a significantly higher allocation than $68,750 because
of the recent increase in Evanston's budget.The new version accounts for
that by reducing the budget allocation percentage from 1/40 of a percent to
1/60 of a percent.1/60 of a percent of the 2023 budget is $65,333.For now,
the allocation will be $68,750/year since that is greater than $65,333.
5.1-13-5-5D.Contributions before the qualifying period.Given the newly
shortened qualifying period,added language clarifying that contributions
gathered before the qualifying period will not be matched.They will,however,
be limited to $150 for participating candidates.
6.1-13-5-7A.Added language clarifying that participating candidates may not
accept contributions from anyone planning to do business with or planning
to seek non-residential zoning variances.Struck provision barring
participating candidates from accepting contributions from lobbyists given
the current lack of Evanston lobbyist registration.
7.1-13-6A.Given the newly shortened qualifying period,added language
clarifying that only contributions received during the qualifying period will be
matched.Also added language clarifying that newly unopposed candidates
will not be eligible for matching funds.
8.1-13-5-11I.Interest on personal loans to campaign committees.Added
provision barring participating candidates from collecting interest on
personal loans to their campaign committees.
9.1-13-5-14.Debate sponsors.Added that program debate sponsoring
organizations must be "non-endorsing"in addition to nonpartisan.
10.1-13-5-15C;1-13-5-16B &C.Administrative Hearing Officer.Shifted
investigatory and hearing responsibilities from the Evanston City Clerk to the
City's Administrative Hearing Officer.
11.Miscellaneous typos and minor corrections.
Motion:Councilmember Geracaris
Second:Councilmember Reid
Motion Passed 6 -0
Ayes:Kelly,Wynne,Nieuwsma,Revelle,Reid,Geracaris
Nayes:None
Absent:Harris,Burns,Suffredin
Page 9 MINUTES September 11,2023
(X)CONSENT AGENDA -RULES COMMITTEE
R1.
(cont.)
Ordinance 56-O-23,Adding Title 1,Chapter 13,Section 5,"Small Donor Matching
System for Fair Elections"was approved for introduction as amended
For Introduction
Approved for Introduction as Amended 5 -1
Ayes:Kelly,Wynne,Nieuwsma,Revelle,Geracaris
Nayes:Reid
Absent:Harris,Burns,Suffredin
(XI)CONSENT AGENDA -FINANCE &BUDGET COMMITTEE
FB1.Review of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report 2022 was accepted and
placed on file
Staff recommended that the City Council approve and place on file the Annual
Comprehensive Financial Report for FY 2022.
For Action:Accept and Place on File
Approved on Consent Agenda to Accept and Place on File
FB2.FY 2023 Mid-Year Financial Report was discussed
For Discussion
Motion:Councilmember Reid
Second:Councilmember Nieuwsma
For Discussion
Discussed
(XII)APPOINTMENTS
AP1.Appointments to Boards,Commissions,and Committees was approved
The Mayor recommended City Council approval of the appointments of Thomas Ahleman,
Samantha Steele,and Charles Smith to the Preservation Commission,Christina S.
Escobar to the Equity and Empowerment Commission,and James Cahan to the
Environment Board.
For Action
Approved on Consent Agenda
Page 10 MINUTES September 11,2023
(XII)APPOINTMENTS
AP2.The Reappointment of David Schoenfeld to the Northwestern-City Committee was
approved
The Mayor recommended the City Council's reappointment of David Schoenfeld to the
Northwestern University-City Committee.Mayor Biss recommends suspending City
Council rule 5.2,which indicates that a board or commission appointee may be
reappointed only once.
Councilmember Revelle moved to suspend City Council rule 5.2,which indicates
that a board or commission appointee may be reappointed only once
Motion:Councilmember Revelle
Second:Councilmember Wynne
Motion Approved 4 -1 -1
Ayes:Kelly,Harris,Wynne,Nieuwsma,Revelle
Nayes:Reid
Abstain:Geracaris
Absent:Harris,Burns,Suffredin
Motion:Councilmember Kelly
Second:Councilmember Wynne
For Action
Approved 4 -1 -1
Ayes:Kelly,Harris,Wynne,Nieuwsma,Revelle
Nayes:Reid
Abstain:Geracaris
Absent:Harris,Burns,Suffredin
(XIII)CALL OF THE WARDS
Ward 1:No Report
Ward 2:2nd Ward Meeting will be rescheduled (per Mayor Biss)
Ward 3:No Report
Ward 4:No Report
Ward 5:Absent
Ward 6:Absent
Ward 7:No Report
Ward 8:8th Ward Meeting 6:00 PM September 28
Page 11 MINUTES September 11,2023
(XIII)CALL OF THE WARDS
Ward 9:Office Hours September 29 9:00 -11:00 AM Reprise Roasters;
Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff Fleetwood-Jourdain 5:00 -9:00 PM
(XIV)EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilmember Nieuwsma led City Council into Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(a)
to discuss agenda items regarding workers compensation and minutes review.These agenda
items are permitted subjects to be considered in Executive Session and are enumerated
exceptions under the Open Meetings Act,with the exceptions being 5 ILCS 120/2(a)c(12)and
(21).
Motion:Councilmember Nieuwsma
Second:Councilmember Wynne
Convene into Executive Session 8:24 p.m.
Motion Passed 6 -0
Ayes:Kelly,Wynne,Nieuwsma,Revelle,Reid,Geracaris
Nayes:None
Absent:Harris,Burns,Suffredin
(XV)ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Biss called a voice vote to adjourn the City Council meeting,and by unanimous vote,the
meeting was adjourned at 8:56 p.m.