HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1991-07-08-19911
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CITY COUNCIL.
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July 8, 1991
Standing committees meet prior to the official regular meeting.
Current members are as follows:
Administration Planning &
& Public Works Human Services Development
Alderman
Rainey
Alderman
Drummer
Alderman
Warshaw
Alderman
Paden
Alderman
Feldman
Alderman
Lanyon
Alderman
Esch
Alderman
Washington
Alderman
Engelman
Alderman
Wollin
Alderman
Moran
Alderman
Heydemann
Alderman
Newman
Alderman
Fiske
Alderman
Kent
Alderman
Nelson
Alderman
Davis
Alderman
Brady
The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was held on Monday, July 8, 1991,
at 9:17 P.M.
ROLL CALL - PRESENT:
Alderman Nelson
Alderman Wollin
Alderman Engelman
Alderman Rainey
Alderman Lanyon
Alderman Feldman
Alderman Warshaw
A quorum being present.
ABSENT: Aldermen Drummer and Moran
TARDY: None
PRESIDING: Mayor Joan W. Barr
CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Alderman Fiske
Alderman Newman
Alderman Paden
Alderman Davis
Alderman Brady
Alderman Esch
Alderman Heydemann
Alderman Washington
Alderman Kent
City Manager Eric A. Anderson announced that the Sister Cities Foundation will
meet Tuesday, July 23 at 7:00 P.M. in Room 2404.
AWARD PRESENTATION:
Jerry Adrian of the Illinois Department of Public Health who introduced Dr. Raymond
Flanders, Chairman of the Dental Health Division of the Illinois Department of
Public Health, who presented a Certificate of Commendation to the City of
Evanston. The Certificate recognizes Evanston as one of the municiipalities whose
water facilities are in accord with the Illinois Fluoridation Act. The City of
Evanston is one of only 17 out of 1,000 water plants to receive this 5-year award.
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July 8, 1991
CITIZEN COMMENT:
Phil Scott, 7507 Lowell, Skokie, President of the Preservation League of Evanston,
urged Council to adopt a 90-day moratorium on Plats of Subdivision in areas
designated by the new zoning ordinance as being subject to the estate overlay
provision; suggested that the Council pull Chapter 12 (concerning the estate
overlay zone) out of the new zoning ordinance and have a free and open debate on
that chapter as soon as possible; urged the City to not allow hastily conceived
plans to divide property to go forward in the interim; expressed disappointment
that the Planning & Development Committee took no action on the community's request
for a moratorium on subdivisions; said that the League was keenly interested in the
City of Evanston protecting the sites designated for the overlay zones in the
proposed ordinance; suggested that, with a little creative thinking, the City could
develop a legal way of protecting these sites; said he feels sorry that these sites
will be lost for future generations; suggested that the needs -of -the community
should take precedence over a few individuals who stand to make a profit off these
subdivisions; noted that the Chicago area is very congested and the houses on these
sites were designed to stand on large pieces of property; stressed the -importance
of preserving the three-dimensional legacy of our past; renewed his plea that the
Council accelerate its discussion of Chapter 12 and place in abeyance any action
that might subvert that chapter.
Meredith Blau, 100 Greenwood Street, suggested that there will be permanent and
irreversible harm to the community if the moratorium is not imposed on the
subdivision of its highly visible lakefront properties; questioned whether it is
the role of the Council to guarantee profits to those who wish to subdivide
property or to protect the quality of life for all residents of Evanston; suggested
that Evanston citizens come here for the open space and residential living;
questioned why the neighbors have not been informed about subdivision activity on
these properties when they had requested, by petition and a letter from an
attorney, to be kept so informed; questioned whether the Council was open only to
develpers and not to citizens; said people will be informed as to "who gave our
City away."
Jo Ann Verhoo&, 1305 Forest, questioned whether there is an advantage to see how
many houses and apartment buildings can be put along the lakefront; questioned
whether we need more traffic, more people and more congestion; suggested that what
is happening is totally illogical; said soon people will say "go buy in Evanston,
that is where you can make a fast buck"; questioned why those who cut down trees
come here.
Carol Weigel, 133 Dempster Street, said that she was one of three people who had
gone to the Zoning Department to voice concern about overcrowding the lakefront
neighborhood; expressed astonishment that the plats were granted when she and
others had opposed these zoning changes in an orderly fashion; questioned how long
people paying $18 thousand dollars annually in property taxes will be willing to
continue to live in such a congested environment.
MINUTES:
Alderman Feldman moved that the minutes
submitted in writing to the members of
reading. Seconded by Alderman Nelson.
COMMUNICATIONS:
of the Regular Meeting of June 24, 1991, as
the City Council, be approved without
Motion carried. No nays.
City Clerk Kirsten F. Davis reported that 2 letters had been received protesting
the use of animals in research experiments at Northwestern University.
Alderman Nelson referred those communications to the Police Services Committee.
CONSENT AGENDA: (Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Nelson moved
Council approval of the Consent Agenda with the following exceptions: Docket
173-6B-91: Ordinance 58-0-91 and Docket 198-7A-91: City Council Budget Policy for
FY 1992-93 and FY 1993-94. Roll Call. Voting aye - Nelson, Wollin, Engelman,
Rainey, Lanyon, Feldman, Warshaw, Fiske, Newman, Paden, Davis, Brady, Esch,
Heydemann, Washington, Kent.. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (16-0).
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July 8, 1991
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HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE:
* Docket 188-7A-91: Resolution 60-R-91 - Agreement with District 65
Consideration of proposed Resolution 60-R-91, by which the City
Council would authorize the City Manager to enter into an Agreement
with Evanston/Skokie School District #65 covering use of facilities.
* ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (16-0)
ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE:
Bills and Payroll
* Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for the period ending July 2,
1991; for the City of Evanston payroll for the period ending June 30; for City
Council payroll for the month of June 1991; and that their payment be authorized
and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows:
City of Evanston bills $2,698,665.11
City of Evanston payroll 1,243,006.27
City Council payroll 7,290.00
*APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (16-0)
PURCHASES
* Approval of the low bid from Tri-Angle Maintenance Service, Inc. for Library
Janitorial Services at a total cost of $21,480.00.
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder
Tri-Angle Maintenance, Inc.
Waukegan, IL
American Cleaning Service
Chicago, IL
Imperial Service Systems, Inc.
Villa Park, IL
Mid -America Building Service
Carol Stream, IL
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL.
Total Cost
$ 21,480.00
22,944.00
22,992.00
42,780.00
(16-0)
* Approval of the second low bid from Tri-Angle Maintenance Service, Inc. for Civic
Center Janitorial Services at a total cost of $39,921.48.
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder
American Cleaning Service
Chicago, IL
Tri-Angle Maintenance Co.
Waukegan, IL
Imperial Service Systems, Inc.
Villa Park, IL
Mid -America Building Service
Carol Stream, IL
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL.
Total Cost
$ 37,056.00
39,921.48
39,921.72
54,540.00
(16-0)
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July 8, 1991
* Approval of the low base bid from National Roofing Corporation for Crown Center Roof
Repairs at a total cost of $297,510.00
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder
Brown & Kerr, Inc.
Wheeling, IL
National Roofing Corp.
Chicago, IL
Marian Prof Constr.
Chicago, IL
Coleman Roofing, Inc.
Chicago Heights, IL
American Roofing & Repair
West Chicago, IL
Hanson Roofing
Evanston, IL
Knickerbocker Roofing
Harvey, IL
L. Marshall, Inc.
Glenview, IL
Base Bid (Siplast) Option 1
$264,810.
$297,510.
330,835.
331,750.
380,400.
420,000.
319,700.
374,500.
Option 2 Total Cost
$264,810.
297,510.
319,700.
330,835.
331,750.
374,500.
380,400.
420,000.
Riddiford Roofing Co. 429,809. 429,809.
Arlington Heights, IL
APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (16-0)
* Approval of the bid from Pressure Concrete Construction Co., Florence, Alabama, for
Combined Sewer Rehabilitation on Green Bay Road from Emerson Street to Simpson Street
at a total cost of $328,970.50 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL.
(16-0)
* Approval of a proposal from Desman Associates for Engineering Services for Lot 14 -
Holiday Inn Restoration Services at an estimated total cost of $20,000. * APPROVED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (16-0)
* Docket 189-7A-91: Resolution 61-R-91 - Evanston/Northwestern
University JULIE Agreement - Consideration of a request that the City
Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an Agreement with
Northwestern University for the location of underground facilities.
* ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (16-0)
* Docket 190-7A-91: Ordinance 68-0-91 - 1991 Property Tax Levy -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 68-0-91, the 1991 Tax Levy
Ordinance, which deals with the property tax portion of the 1991-92
Budget. Following is a table which compares proposed 1991 levies,
payable in 1992, with 1990 tax levies, payable in 1991:
1990
Fund Levy
General $ 15,172,727
Fire Pension 1,223,310
Police Pension 1,557,725
SUB -TOTAL $ 17,953,762
Debt Service (1) 5,225,907
TOTAL $ 23,179,670
1991
Levy
$ 15,705,939
1,280,806
1,630,938
$ 18,617,683
5,471,523
$ 24,089,206
Percent
Increase
3.5%
4.7
4.7
3.7%
4.7
3.9%
(1) The Debt Service Levy is not included in the Ordinance since it is
levied automatically by the County by reference to approved Bond
Ordinances. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA.
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* Docket 191-7A-91: Ordinance 76-0-91 - Metropolitan Water Reclamation
District of Greater Chicago Sewer Repair on Chicago Avenue - Consideration of
proposed Ordinance 76-0-91, by which the City Council would grant permission to
the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago to perform sewer
repair work on their interceptor sewer on Dempster Street from Hinman Avenue to
Chicago Avenue and on Chicago Avenue from Dempster Street to Lake Street.
* MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA.
* Docket 192-7A-91: Ordinance 77-0-91 - Class B Liquor Licenses -
Consideration`of proposed Ordinance 77-0-91, by which the City Council would
amend Section 3-5-6 of the Code of the City of Evanston to decrease the number
of Class B Liquor Licenses by one since Orphans of Evanston, Inc., has decided
not to go into business at 818-822 Clark Street.* MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT
AGENDA.
* Docket 193-7A-91: Ordinance 79-0-91 - One -Way Alley - Sherman/Noyes -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 79-0-91, by which the City Council would
amend Section 10-11-4, Schedule IV(B), of the Code of the City of Evanston to
change the north -south alley west of Sherman Avenue and south of Colfax Street
from two-way operation to one-way southbound. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT
AGENDA.
Docket 21-lA-91: Ordinance 7-0-91 - Increase in Parking Ticket Fine for
Snow Violations - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 7-0-91, by which the
City Council would amend Section 10-11-17(C) of the Code of the City of
Evanston to increase the fine for parking on designated snow routes during a
snow emergency from $25 to $75.
Alderman Rainey moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 7-0-91. Seconded
by Alderman Nelson. Alderman Rainey announced that the Committee had amended
the Ordinance to make the additional $50 penalty applicable after 60-days
instead of 30-days.
Roll Call. Voting aye - Nelson, Wollin, Engelman, Rainey, Lanyon, Feldman,
Warshaw, Fiske, Newman, Paden, Davis, Brady, Esch, Heydemann, Washington,
Kent. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (16-0).
* Docket 183-6B-91: Ordinance 69-0-91 - Milburn Street Parking,
Restrictions - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 69-0-91,
introduced on June 24, 1991, by which the City Council would amend
Section 10-11-9, Schedule IX(Q), of the Code of the City of
Evanston to prohibit overnight parking on Milburn Street between
Sheridan Road and the dead end east. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (16-0)
* Docket 184-6B-91: Ordinance 70-0-91 - No Left Turn
-Milburn/Sheridan - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 70-0-91,
introduced on June 24, 1991, by which the City Council would amend
Section 10-11-3, Schedule III(A), to prohibit northbound left
turns from Sheridan Road to Milburn Street between 4:00 P.M.and
6:00 P.M. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (16-0)
* Docket 185-6B-91: Ordinance 71-0-91 No Parking -.
Bryant/Leonard - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 71-0-91,
introduced on June 24, 1991, by which the City Council would amend
Section 10-11-8, Schedule VIII(A), of the Code of the City of
Evanston to prohibit parking on the west side of Bryant Avenue
from Leonard Place to the first alley north. * ADOPTED - CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (16-0)
* Docket 186-6B-91: Ordinance 72-0-91 - R.E.P.D. "A" Boundary
Change - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 72-0-91, introduced
on June 24, 1991, by which the City Council would amend Section
10-11-10, Schedule X, of the Code of the City of Evanston to
expand Residential Exemption Parking District "A" to include
portions of Central Street, Milburn Street, and Sherman Avenue.
* ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (16-0)
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* Docket 187-6B-91: Ordinance 73-0-91 - R.E.P.D. "E" Boundary
Change - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 73-0-91, introduced
on June 24, 1991, by which the City Council would amend Sections
10-11-8, and 10-11-10 to expand Residential Exemption Parking
District "E" to include portions of Lincoln Street and Brown
Avenue, and to restrict parking on the east side of Brown Avenue
between Lincoln and Colfax Streets. = ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (16-0)
Docket 165-6A-91: Ordinance 65-0-91 - Increase in Class C
Liquor Licenses - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 65-0-91,
introduced on June 10, 1991, by which the City Council would amend
Section 6-5-1 of the Code of the City of Evanston to increase the
number of Class C Liquor Licenses by one in order to issue a Class
C License to Albert, Inc., 1850 Sherman Avenue.
Alderman Rainey moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 65-0-91. Seconded
by Alderman Nelson.
Alderman Newman expressed his concern about the manner in which the ownership
of Yesterdays Restaurant was being transferred. He questioned whether the
City had been notified as required by our ordinances. He also questioned
whether the current owner could oversee compliance with our other ordinances,
such as requiring food to be served with each alcoholic drink, when he was not
on the premises. He said that there was not enough time to verify all
statements in the affidavits presented to Council this evening and asked that
this matter be held over again.
Mayor Barr said that the matter had been held at the last meeting and could
not be held in the same fashion at this meeting. Alderman Newman disagreed
about the method of holding the item over.
Alderman Rainey recommended that this item not be held over until the -next
meeting because no further facts would be available. She moved to refer this
Ordinance back to the Liquor Commission. She said it was a good idea for the
Commission to look over the matter again and come back to the Council with
more information. Seconded by Alderman Nelson.
Mayor Barr announced that Alderman Newman's motion was out of order because
the previous meeting's minutes show that the docket item was held over by two
Aldermen, and, according to Council rules -- an item cannot be held over
again in the same fashion. She explained that she had only received the
affidavits today and had immediately passed them along to Council. Mayor Barr
also reported that Corporation Counsel Hill had done further checking, in
response to Alderman Newman's questions earlier that evening, and determined
that the assets of the restaurant had been transferred but the ownership had
not. The title will not transfer until Mr. Rompza obtains a liquor license
from the City of Evanston. In the interim, the restaurant has been operating
under a management agreement.
Alderman Nelson withdrew his second.
Alderman Newman said that, if the Corporation Counsel's interpretation is
correct, then we have an ordinance which allows a restaurant which is
operating with a valid liquor license to transfer its assets to another owner
and bypass the notification requirements of the ordinance. He said that there
is a very good reason why the City of Evanston wants to be notified when there
is a change in management and a change in partnership. We don't want people
who do not actually control the premises to have a liquor license. He said
that the ability to comply with -our ordinance was transferred to someone else
in this case. He questioned whether someone who doesn't own the assets has
the ability to comply with our ordinance that requires food to be served with
liquor. He said that we either have a problem with notification or a problem
with the way our ordinance is written. He reminded Council of the problems
between the old owner of the restaurant and the neighbors. He also wondered
whether the new owner should be entitled to a liquor license under the current
circumstances, given the uncertainty over whether the proper notification was
made.
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Mayor Barr clarified that the new owner applied for the license last fall but
processing was delayed by the required Police check, and the Gulf War delayed
the F.B.I. Fingerprint Check. She said that delay was not the fault of either
Mr. Weil or Mr. Rompza. She said that she knew about the problems that
Yesterdays had had with the neighbors in the past.
Alderman Newman again raised the question as to whether the City had gotten
notice within ten days of the transfer of the assets, and emphasized that the
City is entitled to notice within ten days. He said that he construed the
ordinance differently than the Corporation Counsel and questioned whether we
may be granting a license to someone who has violated our ordinance. He said
that the Council was entitled to have all the information it needs before
voting, and getting affidavits the same night as the meeting does not give the
community a reasonable chance to respond to some of the factual claims made in
them.
Corporation Counsel Hill reported that with respect to the food service
operation, he had discussed that issue with the owner and his attorney. They
explained that a management agreement for the operation of the restaurant had
been in place and that the owner's operations manager was in charge of the
kitchen, food service, liquor service and had the authority to comply with all
ordinances. Mr. Hill also explained that the notification requirement in the
ordinance was triggered by a change in ownership of the entity holding the
license. He said that in this case, it was a contingent sale, based'on the
ability of the new owner to obtain a liquor license. He suggested that
perhaps the ordinance may need to be amended to cover this type of situation
in the future.
Alderman Rainey moved to refer this license back to the Liquor Commission.
Seconded by Alderman Newman. Roll call. Voting aye - Engelman, Rainey, Fiske,
Newman, Paden, Kent. Voting nay - Nelson, Wollin, Lanyon, Feldman, Warshaw,
Davis, Brady, Esch, Heydemann, Washington. Motion failed. (6-10).
Alderman Rainey said that she hoped when a liquor license in her ward comes
before the City Council in the future, that her colleagues will support her
efforts to find out all that she needs to know about the owner. She said no
one has a right to a liquor license and suggested that the Council be a little
bit more careful about how they issued them. She stated that she thought that
the applicant was probably all right, but felt that the Liquor Commission had
not done a thorough job investigating. She said she did not think it was
wrong to be stringent and that the Council owes it to the people in the ward
to bring an applicant who is beyond reproach. She said she was not asking the
Council to deny the license, but was asking the Council to reconsider sending
it back to the Liquor Commission. Roll call on proposed Ordinance 65-0-91.
Voting aye - Nelson, Wollin, Engelman, Lanyon, Feldman, Warshaw, Davis, Brady,
Esch, Heydemann, Washington, Kent. Voting nay - Rainey, Fiske, Newman, Paden.
Motion carried. (12-4).
Alderman Newman made a Reference to the Administration & Public Works
Committee to 1) review the entire Liquor Ordinance, especially the provisions
dealing with the transfer of ownership; and 2) review the amount of
information that the Council is getting from the Liquor Commission at the time
of approval. He said he found the information inadequate and not sufficient
time was allowed to raise concerns. He said there needed to be new
requirements put into effect that will say when the Council gets what
information. Alderman Newman also questioned whether the new owner was aware
of the conditions that the Zoning Board of Appeals had put on Yesterdays when
it was allowed to remain at that location. He also hoped that the new owner
would abide by the conditions, as well as meet with the neighbors.
Mayor Barr said that at the time the new owner appeared before the Liquor
Commission, she suggested to him that he meet with the neighbors and he had
already agreed to do so.
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Docket 160-6A-91: Ordinance 60-0-91 - Decrease in Class C
Liquor Licenses - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 60-0-91,
introduced on June 10, 1991, by which the City Council would amend
Section 6-5-1 of the Code of the City of Evanston to decrease the
number of Class C Liquor Licenses by one due to the closing of
Campus Inn, Inc., 1850 Sherman Avenue.
Alderman Rainey moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 60-0-91. Seconded
by Alderman Nelson. Roll call. Voting aye - Nelson, Wollin, Engelman, Rainey;
Lanyon, Feldman, Warshaw, Fiske, Newman, Paden, Davis, Brady, Esch, Heydemann,
Washington, Kent. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (16-0).
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
* Docket 194-7A-91: Temporary Signs - Consideration of a
request by the Auxiliary of Evanston/Glenbrook Hospitals to erect
three temporary signs advertising and directing patrons to the
American Craft Exposition at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion.
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (16-0)
* Docket 195-7A-91: Over the Rainbow Financing Restructuring, -
Consideration of a recommendation from the Housing Commission to
grant -a request from Over the Rainbow Association to restructure
the remaining $50,000 balance of their loan in'order to assist
them with unanticipated expenses. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (16-0)
* Docket 196-7A-91: Evanston Housing Coalition re Mortgage
Revision - Consideration of a request from the Evanston Housing
Coalition to amend the current mortgage documents to facilitate
the utilization of low -income-tax credits.* APPROVED - CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (16-0)
* Docket 101-4B-91: Municipal Use Zoning Exemption re Citv
Recycling Center - 2222 Oakton Street - Consideration of a
recommendation to City Council to exempt the proposed Recycling
Center from compliance with the side yard and rear yard
regulations of the Zoning Ordinance. The property is zoned M4
Restricted Manufacturing District.* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (16-0)
* Docket 197-7A-91: Ordinance 75-0-91 - ZBA 91-1-V(R) -
Variation - 1830 Ridge Avenue - Consideration of the Zoning
Board of Appeals' recommendation that the City Council grant the
application of S.R. Frolichstein (contract purchaser) for a
variation from the use regulations of the Zoning Ordinance to
permit conversion of the existing building into a twenty -unit
dwelling with accessory off-street parking on the property at 1830
Sherman Avenue. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA
Docket 173-6B-91: Ordinance 58-0-91 - ZBA 91-2-V&SU(R) -
Variation and Special Use - 322 Sherman And 355 Ridge -
Consideration of the Zoning Board of Appeals' recommendation that
the City Council grant the application of The Sisters of St.
Francis Health Services, Inc., a not -for -profit corporation,
d/b/a/ St. Francis Hospital, to permit:
(1) a special hospital use for expansion of the hospital campus;
(2) a special hospital use for construction of a proposed child
care institution and accessory play lots, on the premises;
and
(3) variations from the rear yard, side yard, and yard
obstruction regulations of the Zoning Ordinance to permit
construction of a proposed child care institution with-
out supplying the required 25-foot rear yard and 25-foot
south side yard setbacks, and installation of a proposed
pre-school play lot to serve said child care institution
in the required south side yard on the property at 322
Sherman Avenue.
The property is zoned R6 General Residence District.
This docket item was held in committee.
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* Docket 174-6B-91: Ordinance 59-0-1 - ZBA 91-6-V&SU(R) -
Variation and Special Use - 1555 Oak Avenue - Consideration of
proposed Ordinance 59-0-91, introduced on June 24, 1991, by which
the City Council, in accordance with the Zoning Board of Appeals'
recommendation would grant the application of The Presbyterian
Home for a variation from the yard obstruction regulations of the
Zoning Ordinance, and for a special use to permit construction of
a canopy over the driveway on the property at 1555 Oak Avenue.
The property is zoned R7 General Residence District. * ADOPTED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (16-0)
Alderman Warshaw reported the major topic of discussion during the Planning &
Development Committee meeting was whether or not to issue a moratorium on
subdivisions of property. She said that many citizens had spoken on both
sides of the issue and some had spoken to further enlighten the Council about
the dilemma being faced. The result was that the Committee voted unanimously
to not impose a moratorium but to work on this issue through the Zoning
Ordinance procedure.
Alderman Newman expressed his disappointment about the action of the
committee. He said that part of the problem on Greenwood Street was created
by the Zoning Commission and Council, which are encouraging owners to hurry up
with their applications before the estate overlay district takes effect. He
said that residents in this area feel that the City has not been responsive to
them and their concerns about several issues - such as employees of downtown
businesses using the lakefront as a parking lot; a succession of festivals on
the lakefront that the neighbors object to; and additional problems with
Police protection. Now residents of the area are afraid that the neighborhood
is in danger of becoming congested. He said residents are only trying to
maintain what they have and the City cannot seem to find a way to help them.
He wished that the City could be more creative and suggested that perhaps
Council needs to discuss the estate overlay district sooner. He said that you
cannot tell people who show their commitment to the City by paying high taxes
that the City can't help them. He said that he hoped that all the neighbors
will turn out for the hearing on July 29 and show the Council that they do
want an overlay district.
Alderman Brady said that she lived on Greenwood and walked to the beach every
weekend. She clarified that the 144 Greenwood property was 54,000 square feet
and would be divided into two lots, one of 38,000 square feet and one of
16,400 square feet. The property at 202 Greenwood is 53,400 square feet and
the request for subdivision will include three lots, one of 35,000 square feet
and two additional lots in excess of 9,000 square feet.
OTHER COMMITTEES:
Docket 198-7A-91: City Council Budget Policy for Fiscal Year
1992-93 and Fiscal Year 1993-94 - Consideration of a
recommendation that the City Council adopt a Budget Policy for
Fiscal Years 1992-93 and 1993-94 which specifies that the City of
Evanston cap its overall property tax assessment at the levy
established for FY 1991-92.
Alderman Brady, Chairman of the Budget Policy Committee reported that the
Budget Policy Committee recommended that the Council approve the modifications
to Budget Policy recommended by the City Manager. City Manager Anderson then
made a slide presentation on the background and proposals for budget policy
modifications. The recommendations to modify the 1992-1994 Budget Policy are:
1. In each of the next two years, the City Manager's target is to
present to Council a budget which requires no increase in the
City property taxes paid by Evanston property owners;
2. The City Manager must reach the target for the Proposed Budget
with the following priorities and constraints:
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A. While the systems for service delivery may be reorganized,
there shall be no reduction in existing service levels;
B. All position reduction shall be accomplished through
attrition;
C. Reliance on one-time revenues will be eliminated by the end
of the 1993/94 budget year;
D. Council policy concerning the use of the income tax surcharge
in 1991/92 shall remain in place (anything in excess of the
$750,000 which has been budgeted will be used for property tax
relief);
E. Police and Fire Pension Funds may be reconsidered separately
from this modification.
3. If the City Manager is unable to reach the established targets within
the constraints established, he will return to the Council with a
budget proposal that reaches the target (no increase) and clearly
states the service reductions and/or layoffs that doing so would
require.
4. Before beginning preparation of the 1993/94 Budget, the Budget
Policy Committee will review the results of the 1992/93 budget
process and confirm the 1993/94 budget targets and constraints.
Adoption of this Policy will require the elimination of more than $5 million
in expenditures over the next two years, the majority of it in the first year.
In response to a question from Alderman Rainey, City Manager Anderson said
that everything will be reviewed in all funds of the City, including capital
improvements. The budget team will conduct an analysis of the entire City
organization.
City Manager Anderson in response to a question from Alderman Heydemann, said
that reductions in force will first be made through attrition, but if a
position becomes superfluous, every effort will be made to use the individual
in that position to a different part of the organization. He pointed out that
we have two and a half fiscal years to accomplish that goal.
In response to a question from Alderman Davis, he said that capital
improvements scheduled for this fiscal year would be carried out but, that
nothing beyond this year is written in stone and a thorough review will be
conducted of all proposed capital improvement projects.
In response to a further question from Alderman Rainey, City Manager Anderson
said some capital improvements may be able to be underwritten by other funds
than property taxes. We need to look at things in different ways. We need to
look at the total package supported by property taxes and expenditures for
capital improvements can help or hurt that part. We are looking at everything
as part of a single unit. Vote on budget policy, motion carried. No nays.
Alderman Brady noted that it is important for the City Council to show its
support for the City Manager in this effort. She said that we as a Council
need to let him know that he has our full support and best wishes to carry
through this difficult budget process.
Docket 199-7A-91: Township Monthly Bills - Consideration of a
recommendation that the City Council approve of Evanston Township
bills for the month of June 1991 in the amount of $87,453.75.
APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (16-0)
* Docket 200-7A-91: Resolution 32-R-91 - Township Signatories
- Consideration of proposed Resolution 32-R-91, by which the City
Council would designate signatories for financial transactions for
Evanston township.* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL
CALL. (16-0)
APPOINTMENTS:
Mayor Barr asked for confirmation of Jane Colleton, 1724 Wesley Avenue and
Samuel Favors, 1501 Maple Avenue, for reappointment to the Housing and
Community Development Act Committee, terms to expire May 1, 1994. Alderman
Heydemann moved Council approval of these reappointments. Seconded by Alderman
Paden. Motion carried. No nays.
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Mayor Barr introduced the name of Scott W. Cleave III, 1802 Colfax Street, for
appointment to the Housing Commission.
Mayor Barr introduced the name of Robert K. Costello, 2135 Sherman Avenue, for
reappointment to the Police Pension Board.
Mayor Barr introduced the name of Judy Ferguson, 712 Michigan Avenue, for
appointment to the Farmers' Market Commission.
Mayor Barr introduced the name of Diane Petkus, 1110 Davis Street, for
appointment to the Farmers' Market Commission.
Mayor Barr introduced the name of Theresa Gimpel, 1319 Brummel Street, for
appointment to the Arts Council.
Mayor Barr introduced the name of Andrew J. Heindel, 742 Asbury Avenue, for
appointment to the Library Board.
CALL OF THE WARDS:
Alderman Warshaw made a Reference to the Administration & Public Works
Committee to develop a policy that the City can use to regulate parking in all
heavily impacted areas of the City and to possibly consider making them
Evanston residents only parking districts.
Alderman Warshaw also wished happy birthday to Aldermen Rainey, Washington,
Paden and herself.
Alderman Rainey announced that the July 9 meeting of the Mayor's Special
Parking Committee had been cancelled.
She noted that on July 22, the Administration & Public Works Committee would
conduct a Public Hearing on the Budget at 7:00 P.M.
Alderman Engelman congratulated the Evanston Fourth of July Association for
its excellent parade and fireworks display. He thanked the residents of the
700 and 800 block of Monticello and residents of Girard and Harrison for
inviting him to their block parties on the 4th of July.
Alderman Engelman also announced that on August 19, the Planning & Development
Committee would address sections of the proposed new zoning map that had been
held over from previous consideration. He requested that Council members look
at the map, which is a blueprint for our future. If this zoning ordinance
lasts as long as the last one, this means we're writing an ordinance and
drawing a map to the year 2020. He asked the Aldermen to look at the map not
in terms of today, but in terms of where the City, the Wards and the
neighborhoods will be in 30 years. He urged them to come to the Planning &
Development Committee with recommendations to discuss before the map is
brought to the full Council.
Alderman Wollin said that the Police Services Committee meeting was not
cancelled and will meet on Thursday, July 11 at 7:30 P.M.
She announced that Chief Ernest Jacobi will be leading a contingent of 12
Evanstonians to Champaign for an intensive leadership training session on
gangs and drugs, which is sponsored by the office of Juvenile Justice and
Delinquency Prevention. It will be a 5-day session on inter -agency
cooperation and it is expected that participants will bring back to Evanston
some knowledge and experiential process that can be applied to reach youth in
the community. As Chairman of the Police Services Committee, she thanked
Alderman Kent, Director of Health & Human Services Terry and other civic
leaders who will be giving of their time to get this training.
Alderman Nelson announced that Research Park Inc., will present their annual
report to the community on Wednesday, July 31 from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at
1033 University Place. There will be a presentation and a tour of all Park
facilities. He commented that all the other buildings in the Park are fully
rented and the new building at 1033 University is 40-50% rented.
Alderman Kent commented on the recent fire at Foster and Maple Avenue and
recalled that he had experienced two fires as a child. He reported that he
had talked to residents of the buildings that had burned and they had
complimented the Fire Department fire fighters for putting out a fire that was
burning out of control when they arrived. He said that while he hated to
sound like a TV commercial, he urged everyone who does not have a fire alarm
to get one immediately. He reported that a fire alarm had saved the life of
one resident who was sleeping at the time the fire began and the alarm woke
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her.
Alderman Kent asked that the Township provide him with the following
information: 1) how many citizens there are currently on general assistance;
2) how many years each of them has been on general assistance and 3) how many
have been hired by the City of Evanston.
Alderman Heydemann thanked the Fourth of July Association (both volunteers and
staff) who were responsible for all Fourth of July activities. She reported
that she had had a wonderful time marching in the parade and wondered why more
Council members had not joined her and Aldermen Fiske and Esch in marching.
She said that next year she would be happy to talk to Council members at the
end of June to encourage them to take part.
Alderman Esch reported that she had recently met with two industrialists who
suprised her with their comments about how much they enjoy doing business in
Evanston. They had commented that Evanston has never really marketed one of
the best things about doing business here - its labor force. She said that one
businessman reported he paid $86,000 in taxes, but that it was a welcome
expense because this was the best labor market he had ever done business in.
He said he could always find good help here. As soon as there is an upturn in
the economy, he said he would like to put up another building.
Alderman Davis congratulated Alderman Brady on her newest grandaughter who was
19-hours old .
Alderman Fiske echoed his colleagues thanks to the Fourth of July Association
and said that he enjoyed marching in the parade in civilian clothes.
He said that a number of Aldermen had heard a lot about preservation this
evening and he wanted to comment on it. He reported many comments came from
both people's heads and hearts. He said that the issues addressed this
evening are emotional issues which are also profoundly real and substantial
issues. The City Council has to look at the question of preservation in terms
of fairness and in terms of preserving an environment that is important to
everyone who lives in Evanston. In order to make these decisions wisely, it
is important to encourage different points of view to be expressed.
Disagreement is a very wholesome thing. He urged everyone who is moved to
participate in the dialogue on the subject to do so with passion, if
necessary, but also to listen very carefully to what those who do not share
their views have to say. That will enable all of us to understand things and
react to them in ways that will promote the fairest solutions to what are
frequently very difficult problems.
Alderman Fiske noted with disappointment the withdrawal of former Alderman
Wyandt from consideration as a Recreation Board member. He said that Mr.
Wyandt represents a public spirited individual who demonstrates a capacity to
serve this community well, to express himself clearly and to act responsibly
in the City of Evanston. He said that while he was disappointed with Mr.
Wyandt's withdrawal, he respected his choice in doing so, but regretted it.
There being no further business, the Mayor asked for a motion to adjourn. The
Council so moved and adjourned at 10:53 P.M.
KIRSTEN F. DAVIS
CITY CLERK
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