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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1991-09-16-1991Z fJ 1 CITY COUNCIL E V 9�s1 Oak CO. September 16, 1991 Standing committees meet prior to the official regular meeting. Current members are as follows: Administration Planning & & Public Works Human Services Development Alderman B Paden Alderman Feldman Alderman Lanyon Alderman Esch Alderman Washington Alderman Engelman Alderman Wollin Alderman Koran Alderman Heydemann Alderman Newman Alderman Fiske Alderman Kent Alderman Nelson Alderman Davis Ald d erLUG n ra y f, Alderman Rainey Alderman Drummer Alderman Warshaw .The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was held on Monday, September:/ 6, ~1991, at 9:20 P.M. ROLL CALL - PRESENT: Alderman Paden Alderman Drummer Alderman Davis Alderman Brady Alderman Esch Alderman Heydemann Alderman Washington Alderman Kent Alderman Moran A quorum being present. ABSENT: None TARDY: None PRESIDING: Mayor Joan W. Barr CITY MANAGER'S REPORT: Alderman Nelson Alderman Wollin Alderman Engelman Alderman Rainey Alderman Lanyon Alderman Feldman Alderman Warshaw Alderman Fiske Alderman Newman City Manager Eric_A. Anderson announced the appointment of Charmain B. Borys as Director of Planning, effective September 13, 1991. He said that Ms. Borys had served as Interim Planning Director for the past 14 months and has been with the City since 1989. He said he was proud to be associated with an administrator of her caliber and the City is fortunate to have someone with her skills and talent available for promotion. Mayor Barr joined City Manager Anderson in offering congratulations to Ms. Borys. CITIZEN COMMENT: Judith McGuire, 1231 Maple Avenue, supported the removal of parking on the north ..side of Dempster Street between the alley east of Maple Avenue and the alley west of Maple Avenue to improve sight distances and reduce accidents. She said there had been a number of close calls on that street because of the number of children in the area. She urged Council to approve the ordinance. 11-9 -2- September 16, 1991 MINUTES: Alderman Feldman moved that the minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 26, 1991, as submitted in writing to the members of the City Council, be approved without reading. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Alderman Warshaw requested that on page nine, in the middle of the next to last paragraph, that the word "vacant" be inserted before "lots." With that correction, motion carried. No nays. COMMUNICATIONS: City Clerk Kirsten F. Davis announced the receipt of a communication from the Illinois Department of Revenue reporting that the Sales Tax for Evanston for the month of July, 1991, has been reported and collected as follows: Net Municipal Retailers', Use & Service Occupation Tax Collected Net Municipal Sales Tax $ 423,231.20. 0.00 423,231.20 City Clerk -Davis also announced receipt of a communication from the Illinois Department of Revenue reporting that the Auto Rental Tax for Evanston for the month of July, 1991, has been reported and collected as follows: Auto Rental Tax Collected $ 3,069.76 Less 1.6% administration fee 49.11 Amount to be remitted $ 3,020.65 Alderman Nelson referred these .communications to the Finance Director. CONSENT AGENDA: .(Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Nelson moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with the following exceptions: Docket 249-9A-91: Temporary Sign Request - Evanston YMCA; Docket 259-8A-91: Ordinance 93-0-91 Regulation of Contractors' Hours of Operation; Under Purchases: Noyes Center Windows; Docket 223-8A-91: Residential Exemption Parking District Visitor Permits; Docket 252-9A-91: Fleetwood-Jourdain HVAC; Docket 253-9A-91: Energy Alternatives Task Force Recommendations; Docket 254-9A-91: Retirement Incentive Program; Docket 255-9A-91: Banners on Street Light Poles on Sheridan Road and Docket 244-8B-91: Resolution 74-R-91. Roll Call. Voting aye - Paden, Drummer, Davis, Brady, Esch, Heydemann, Washington, Kent, Moran, Nelson, Wollin, Engelman, Rainey, Lanyon, Feldman, Warshaw, Fiske, Newman. Voting nay - None. Motion carried. (18-0) PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: * Docket 246-9A-91: Tent Permit Request - Evanston Historical Society - Consideration of a request from The Evanston Historical Society for permission to erect a tent on the premises at 225 Greenwood Street for a flea market to take place on September 28, 1991. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) * Docket 247-9A-91: Tent Permit Request - United Faith M.B. Church - Consideration of a request from the United Faith M.B. Church for permission to erect a tent on the premises at 1321 Foster Street for a neighborhood crusade to take place on. September 29, 1991. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) * Docket 248-9A-91: Plat of Subdivision - 2332 Prairie Avenue Consideration of a request from Darrell and Alison Pierce for approval of a Plat of Subdivision for property at 2332 Prairie Avenue. The Subdivision is requested by the applicant to combine two separate tax parcels into one lot of record. The Plat of Subdivision is in proper form. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) Docket 249-9A-91: Temporary SiKn Request - Evanston Y.M.C.A. - Considerati-on of a request from the Evanston Young Men's Christian Association for a permit to erect a temporary sign in Fountain Square displaying their fund-raising campaign. This docket item was held in committee. 1 1 I 4t -3- September 16, 1991 Docket 250-9A-91: Ordinance 93-0-91 - Regulation of Contractors' Hours of Operation - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 93-0-91, by which the City Council would modify Sections 4-12-1(C) and 9-5-23(C) of the Code of the City of Evanston with respect to the hours of building construction, repair and demolition. This docket item was held in committee. ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE• Bills and Pavroll * Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for the period ending September 11, 1991; for the City.of Evanston payroll for the period ending August 25, 1991; for City Council payroll for the month of August 1991; and that their payment be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston bills $2,933,021.77 City of Evanston payroll 1,188,544.07 City Council payroll 6,300.00 *APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) PURCHASES Alderman Paden announced that the purchase of Noyes Center Windows had been amended to revise the total cost to $79,120.00, resulting in a savings of almost $12,000. She explained that instead -of going with a four -pane window for the first and second floor, the committee recommended purchase of windows with a single pane with mullions inserted between the double glazed panes to give the illusion of a four -paned window. Building Operations Director Max E. Rubin displayed the window samples to the Council. Alderman Paden moved Council approval of Alternate Bid 1 of $73,070. for first and second floor windows from Mid -America Industrial, Inc., (which, with the addition of Alternate Bid 2 of $6,050. for basement windows, approved at the August 26, 1991 meeting) brings the total cost of window replacement at Noyes Center to $79,120. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Mid -American Industrial, Inc. Elk Grove Village, IL Jensen Window Corp. Bridgeview, IL Builders Architectural Products Northbrook, IL Chicago Glass Co. Chicago, IL Raney Harris Co. Chicago, IL MILCO Palatine, IL Base Bid Alternate Bid 1 Alternate Bid 2 $ 85,420.00 $ 73,070.00 $ 6,050.00 92,452.00 79,020.00 . 6,642.00 97,800.00 99,364.00 9,366.00 109,820.00 96,490.00 7,480.00 127,600.00 99,000.00 6,100.00 140,632.00 118,269.00 13,598.00 American Construction Mgt. No Bid 112,835.00 15,500.00 Chicago, IL Seconded by Alderman Nelson. Roll Call. Voting aye - Paden, Drummer, Davis, Brady, Esch, Heydemann, Washington, Kent, Moran, Nelson, Wollin, Engelman, Rainey, Lanyon, Feldman, Warshaw, Fiske, Newman. Voting nay - None. Motion carried. (18-0) �J -4- September 16, 1991 Approval of the"low bid from Tru-Link Fence for the Lovelace Park Fencing Project at a total cost of $11,999.00 BID SUMMARY: Bidder Base Bid Alternate Bid Total Cost Tru-Link Fence $10,155.00 $10,155.00 $11,999.00 Chicago, IL Fence Masters, Inc. 9,888.00 3,900.00 13,788.00 Blue Island, IL Action Fence 10,490.00 3,160.00 13,650.00 Palatine, IL Midwest Fence 12,601.00 5,610.00 18,211.00 Chicago, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) * Approval of the low bid from PermaSeal, Inc., for Service Center Masonry'Repairs at a total cost of $19,390.00 BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Cost PermaSeal, Inc. $19,390.00 Lombard, IL Berglund Maintenance 22,126.00 Chicago, IL Marion, Inc. 22,289.00 Chicago, IL Raney Harris Co. 23,800.00 Chicago, IL Banner Restoration 24,978.00 Chicago, IL M. G. Midwest Corp. -79,425.00 Chicago, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) Approval of a contract with Howard, Needles, Tammen and Bergendoff for engineering services necessary during construction, including on -site inspection of the Evanston Transportation Center at a cost not to exceed $829,235.00 BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Cost Howard, Needles, Tammen & Bergendoff $ 829,235.00 Envirodyne Engineers, Inc. 998,366.00 Alfred Benesch and Company 1,233,500.00 APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) i 1 i A 1 1 1 -5- September 16, 1991 * Approval of the low bid from Lurvey Sod Farms for Sod for James Park Soccer Field at a total cost of $14,220.00 BID SUMMARY: Bidder Lurvey Sod Farms Dousman, WI Thornton's Sod Nursery Elgin, IL Huber Ranch Sod Farms Schnider, IN Price Per Yard $ .90 .90 .95 Mueller Farms 1.00 Ontarioville, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) Total Cost $14,220.00 14,220.00 15,010.00 15,800.00 Docket 223-8A-91: Residential Exemption Parking District Visitor Periaits. - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council authorize the issuance of permits for visitors in Resident Exemption'Parking Districts. Alderman Paden announced that the committee recommended approval of a $50 fee for annual Residential Exemption Parking District (REPD) Permits, but to reduce this fee by the amount charged for a Evanston vehicle sticker (now $40.00) for a vehicle with a valid City sticker. This means,a vehicle with a valid City sticker would only pay $10.00 for the REPD permit. She explained that the committee was still discussing the concept of providing one -day visitor permits at a fee of $1.00 each. Alderman Paden moved Coucil approval of the $50.00 REPD permit fee, with a $40.00 reduction for those who have a valid City of Evanston sticker. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Alderman Drummer expressed surprise at the number of people in Evanston who have REPD permits and do not have a valid City sticker because their automobile is registered elsewhere. He said that he has a problem with out-of-towners who live here and do not purchase a vehicle sticker. He said that he has long been an advocate of getting' out-of-towners who live here to pay their fair share of wear and'tear on City curbs, streets and parking fines. He commended the committee for their recommendation and said that he hoped the committee would pursue the issue to find a legal way to get temporary residents to buy a parking sticker. Motion carried. No nays. * Docket 251-9A-91: Mason Park Lighting - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Manager be authorized to expend up to $10,000 available from a completed Capital project for the purpose of upgrading security lighting in Mason Park. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) Docket 252-9A-91: Fleetwood/Jourdain HVAC - Capital Improvement - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council allocate $124,000 of undesignated Capital Improvement Program Fund revenue for the Heating/Ventilation/Airconditioning project at Fleetwood/Jourdain Recreation Center. This docket item was held in committee for additional information. Docket 253=9A-91: Energy Alternatives Task Force Recommendations - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council accept the recommendations of the Energy Alternatives Task Force regarding the establishment of a municipal electric system within the city. Alderman Paden moved that Council accept the recommendations of the Energy Alternatives Task Force, and that the Council continue to move forward on three concurrent tracks: I) Franchise Renewal A) The City should identify and appoint a City negotiating team; B) The City negotiating team should meet with the Task Force to identify and develop a list of issues, concerns and strategies for possible use by the City negotiators. 981 ao7 -6- September 16, 1991 11) Municipalization A) The City should direct the Task Force to prepare and release a Request For Proposal (RFP) for a detailed power supply study per the recommendation of Duncan & Allen. The Request for Proposal would be drafted by the Task Force and returned to the Administration & Public Works Committee and City Council for approval prior to its issuance. B) Only after proposals are received and evaluated would a request for funding be pursued from the City Council. III) The Northwest Municipal Conference Model Franchise A) The City should continue to participate in the model franchise negotiations between the Conference and Commonwealth Edison. B) The City should, through its representatives, encourage the Conference to finalize its negotiation and accelerate its preparation of a Model Franchise Agreement for consideration and use by Evanston. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Alderman Newman commended the Task Force for the excellent job it did putting together a program for the City. He said that Commonwealth Edison has a long history of taking advantage of consumers and offered a few examples. He suggested that the City has to be in a position to be taken seriously by Commonwealth Edison, during negotiations and these recommendations allow the City to pursue a strategy on different tracks. He added that he hoped these issues will be widely discussed in the community, so that the Council can obtain guidance from citizens on whether to extend the franchise. Alderman Drummer expressed concern about some of the recommendations and, in response to a question from Alderman Rainey, clarified that his concern was with recommendation 2A. In response to Alderman Drummer's questions, Alderman Rainey explained that the RFP will help the Council get'a handle on what the expenditures will be for the study. The decision to undertake the study will be made after the proposals are received. Alderman Drummer reiterated that he was reluctant to support the cost of a study and said he would have a number of questions before the RFP was brought to the Council. Alderman Lanyon questioned whether the suggestion concerning citizen participation at the bottom of page three was included in the recommendations. Alderman Paden explained that suggestion would,be considered separately. Alderman Lanyon requested that staff check with the Northwest Municipal Conference to determine if any other communities are interested in municipalizing their electrical service. Mayor Barr said it is her understanding that no other communities are considering it at this time. Alderman Newman said he is concerned because this issue had been discussed previously in closed session and asked that a timetable be developed for release of this information to citizens. He suggested that citizen participation has to be part of the process and also recommended that members of the Task Force be named to the negotiating team. Alderman Wollin clarified that the reason that the Energy Alternative Task Force recommendations were discussed in closed session was because they could lead to possible litigation. Mayor Barr pointed out that the Task Force recommendations included a comprehensive citizen participation process. Vote to approve Task Force recommendations I, II, and III. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Paden moved that Council direct the Task Force to develop and implement a comprehensive citizen participation process. Seconded by Alderman Nelson. Motion carried. No nays. Docket 254-9A-91: Retirement Incentive Program - Consideration of a staff recommendation that the City Council authorize the City Manager to implement a Retirement Incentive Plan for eligible City employees. Alderman Paden moved that Council authorize the. City Manager to implement the Retirement Incentive Program as detailed in a memo dated August 26, 1991. Seconded by Alderman Nelson. 1 1 991 -7- September 16, 1991 Alderman Rainey expressed concern that this program was not sufficient to encourage staff members to retire and suggested that it might encourage staff who were getting ready to retire to delay it, until December 1 to take advantage of the program. She said that the provision allowing early retirees to purchase additional months of health insurance coverage was not a new incentive, but already available to staff. She wondered if an analysis had been made of who on the City staff would take advantage of this incentive program. She suggested that three months pay was not enough of an incentive for someone to retire who could work for an additional year or so and build up pension credits. City Manager Anderson said that a similar program had been implemented in 1985 with considerable success. He said that the plan had been discussed previously in budget review sessions for the current budget. He said that there are a number of staff in the City who have the option of retiring now, next month or next year and this will be an incentive to encourage them to retire. He suggested that somewhere between two and four people had been identified who might delay retirement to take advantage of this program, but that the majority of people who will use this program will be taking early retirement. He also pointed out that some of the positions vacated by retirees will have to be replaced. In response to a question from Alderman Rainey, City Manager Anderson clarified that a number of people who might take advantage of this program were identified by the inquiries they made relative to retirement benefits. Alderman Rainey said she would support this if the City Manager would guarantee that the Council will get a detailed analysis of who the people were who chose to participate in both parts of this program. Alderman Newman said he didn't think there was enough information in the memo and said he would like to see how the program worked in 1985. He said he felt that Police and Fire pensions were very lucrative and he didn't think this program would serve as an incentive for Police Officers and firefighters to retire. He also pointed out that Police and Fire pensions allow their membership to retire with full benefits as early as age 52. He also raised a question about the time limit of 21 days to make the decision. He said that was not a long enough time to make such an important decision. He also suggested that if 20 Police and Fire positions become vacant, their positions will have to be filled again. He said that while he commended the City Manager for wanting to institute management reform to save the City money, it is Council's responsibility in the long run. He said that he needed more information to be able to vote on the issue tonight, so he will vote no. Alderman Moran said that he supported the proposal and commended the City Manager for taking the initiative and trying to save the City money. He said it was important for the City to take a look at successful techniques used in private industry. He pointed out that this technique has been very effective in the private sector and this is a humane way to cut costs, not draconian, but voluntary, and employees will be well advised by the City administration about their rights are under this proposal. He said it was the kind of proposal the City needs to see more of. The City needs to get off the mark on it if the City is going to make progress on reducing the budget. Alderman Heydemann supported the recommendation and said that she had done some conservative numbers projections. If ten people retired earning $20,000, the City would save $200,000, and, if only half of those people would have retired anyway, it would still be a savings of $100,000. She pointed out that she had projected a modest salary and usually people who have been at the City for a number of years, make considerably more than $20,000 annually. Even if those people are replaced, they are replaced with people earning less, so the City will still save money. Alderman Rainey said she was aware.of two employees who had decided to stay two extra months because it would earn them an additional $12,000 each. She suggested that this program is fraught with danger, was not much of an incentive, and said she hoped that the City "doesn't get taken." Alderman Feldman said he had some concerns that had already been articulated; one with the amount of information that Aldermen were given; another with the time in which people have to make a decision. He supported the idea of an incentive program, but questioned whether this particular program will work. He. said that in spite of his concern, he would vote for it be he wanted to give the City Manager a vote of confidence. The City will be able to determine in the next few months whether it will work and do the necessary fine tuning if it isn't working. Motion carried. 31 ao9 -8- September 16, 1991 Docket 255-9A-91: Banners on Streetlight Poles on Sheridan Road - Consideration of a request from Northwestern University's Alumni Association for permission to furnish, install, and maintain banners on streetlight poles on Sheridan Road. This docket item was held in committee for more information. * Docket 256-9A-91: Closing Dartmouth Place for Tennis Tournaments - Consideration of a request from Northwestern University for permission to close Darmouth Place for two upcoming tennis tournaments. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) * Docket 257-9A-91: Ordinance 94-0-91 - Boot Program Revisions - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 94-0-91, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-6 of the Code of the City of Evanston to provide certain changes in the City's Boot Program. These changes include the ability to boot vehicles on Fridays and a revision in the notice requirements. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 258-9A-91: Ordinance 95-0-91 - 4-Way Stop '- Prairie/Jenks - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 95-0-919 by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-5 of the Code of the City of Evanston to change. the Prairie/Jenks intersection from a two-way stop to a four-way stop. MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 259-9A-91: Ordinance 96-0-91 - Parking Restrictions - 1206 Pitner - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 96-0-91, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-8 of the Code of the City of Evanston to prohibit parking at 1206 Pitner Avenue for a handicapped resident. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 260-9A-91: Ordinance 97-0-91 - Residents Only Parking District #7 - Prairie/Jenks - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 97-0-91, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-8 of the Code of the City of Evanston to establish Residents Only Parking District #7 in the Prairie/Jenks neighborhood. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 235-8B-91: Ordinance 89-0-91 - Snow Emergency Penalties - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 89-0-91, introduced on August 26, 1991, by which the City Council would modify Section 10-4-13-(D) of the Code of the City of Evanston to clarify the definition of Snow Route Parking Ban and Snow Emergency. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) * Docket 236-8B-91: Ordinance 90-0-91 - Renewal of Lekotek's Lease - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 90-0=91, introduced on August 26, 1991, by which the City Council would renew Lekotek's lease of Civic Center office space for the 3-year period October 1, 1991 through September 30, 1994. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) * Docket 237-8B-91: Ordinance 91-0-91 - Parking Prohibition - Dempster/Maple - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 91-0-91, introduced on August 26, 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 at all times on the north side of Dempster Street between the alley east of Maple Avenue and the alley west of Maple Avenue to improve sight distance and reduce accidents. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) * Docket 238-8B-91: Ordinance 92-0-91 - Snow Emergency Towing - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 92-0-91, introduced on August 26, 1991, by which the City Council would modify Section 10-4-13(E) of the Code of the City of Evanston to make towing an option, not mandatory, in snow emergencies. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) Lip alo -9- OTHER COMMITTEES: September 16, 1991 Docket 244-8B-91: Resolution 74-R-91 - Proposed City Council Rules re Committee Reports to Council - Consideration of proposed Resolution 74-R-91, by which the City Council would implement changes in Council procedures for consideration of Council agenda issues defeated or tabled in Committee. City Council Rule 3.1 requires that proposed changes in City Council Rules be distributed at least one week in advance of the vote on the Rule Change. In accordance with City Council Rule 3.1, this Resolution is scheduled for Council consideration on September 16, 1991. Alderman Drummer, Chair of the Rules Committee moved Council adoption of proposed Resolution 74-R-91. Seconded by Alderman Wollin. Alderman Rainey requested that this docket item be held over. Seconded by Alderman Lanyon. At the request of two Aldermen this docket item will be held until the next meeting. Docket 261-9A-91: Resolution 76-R-91 - Amend City Council Rules re Communications - Consideration of proposed Resolution 76=R-91, by which the City Council would amend City Council Rule 2.1(D) concerning the reporting of communications to the City Council. Rule 3.1 requires that proposed changes in City Council Rules be distributed at least one week in advance of the vote on the Rule change. Accordingly, proposed Resolution 76-R-91 is scheduled for Council consideration on September 30, 1991. No Action. Alderman Drummer asked that proposed Resolution 76-R-91 be removed from the Council Aggnda and referred back to the Rules Committee for further consideration. Seconded by Alderman Fiske. Motion carried. No nays. * Docket 262-9A-91: Township Monthly Bills - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council approve the bills for Evanston Township for the month of.August 1991 in the amount of $110,296.54. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Barr asked Council confirmation of Howard W. Melton, 2423 Park Place, for reappointment to the Economic Development Committee, for term ending May 15, 1994. Alderman Drummer moved Council confirmation of this reappointment. Seconded by Alderman Nelson. Motion carried. No nays. Mayor Barr asked Council confirmation of Kim J. Koehn, 1041 Ridge Avenue, for appointment to the Evanston Preservation Commission, for term ending December 30, 1994. Alderman Drummer moved Council confirmation of this appointment. Seconded by Alderman Nelson. Motion carried. No nays. Mayor Barr asked Council confirmation of Suzanne Calder, 1509 Asbury Avenue, for appointment to the Housing Commission, for term ending July 7, 1994. Alderman Drummer moved Council confirmation of this appointment. Seconded by Alderman Nelson. Motion carried. No nays. Mayor Barr asked Council confirmation of Susan B. Johnson, 1029 Asbury Avenue and Sandra Donaldson, 1836 Hartrey Avenue, for -reappointment to the Human Relations Commission, for terms ending August 19, 1994. Alderman Drummer moved Council confirmation of these reappointments. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Motion carried. No nays. Mayor Barr asked Council confirmation of Frederick D. Malkinson, 822 Clinton Place, and of Matthew.J. Brackett, 201 Brown Avenue for reappointment to the Library Board, for terms ending July 1, 1994. Alderman'Feldman moved Council confirmation of these reappointments. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Motion carried. No nays. Mayor Barr asked Council confirmation of Michael Kerns, 2129 Sherman Avenue, for appointment to the Mental Health Board, for term ending June 1, 1995. Alderman Drummer moved Council confirmation of this appointment. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Notion carried. No nays. alI -10- September 16, 1991 Mayor Barr introduced the name of Jane Baker, 1431 Seward Street, for appointment to the Commission on Aging. Mayor Barr introduced the names of Helen Leister, 2601 Bennett Avenue and of Catherine Spriegel, 629 Haven Street, for reappointment to the Commission on Aging. Alderman Feldman passed out thank you notes to the Mayor and Aldermen drawn by children who live near Reba Park. He said that he had recently attended the dedication of the Park after its renovation, where he received a framed copy of the thank -you drawing. He reported that the children and other people of the area were grateful to the Council, the CD Committee and all those who enabled the money be spent wisely. The renovation has dramatically changed the atmosphere of the block. At a recent neighborhood meeting which he attended, the foot patrolman reported that a Park which was a dangerous place to be in the early evening, is now a place for families to gather and community meetings to be held. He said he was happy to report that success story. Alderman Feldman called Council's attention to a release from the Reba Place Fellowship that they had received a grant to aid elderly citizens in the area. Alderman Rainey said that the thank you was the nicest thing that had happened to her that day and that no one had thanked her for anything in a long time. She emphasized that the Reba Park renovation is exactly how the City should be spending Community Development Block Grant funds(CDBG). It is a Ridgeville Park District park that has been improved by CDBG funds. She suggested that Council keep these successes in mind as they approach the season when they will be looking at proposals for using CD dollars. She pointed out that the renovation of Brummel Park was CDBG money well spent. Alderman Wollin reported that the Police Services Committee meeting had been changed to October 2. She also reported that the Emergency Telephone Board will meet Thursday, September 19 at 7:30 P.M.4 Alderman Wollin announced that the Illinois EPA will conduct a hazardous waste collection of citizens' paint cans, solvents and pesticides in Wilmette Saturday, October 5 at the Wilmette Public Service Garage, 710 Laramie, which is located south of Lake Street near the expressway. She said that the Environmental Control Board had looked at doing a similar pickup.but discovered that the liability was so large that no individual individual city could do it. She asked that the Public Works Director and the Recycling Coordinator publicize this in the community. Alderman Moran thanked the Energy Alternatives Task Force for all the work they had done on the proposals and for the presentation they made to Council•the previous. week -end. Alderman Heydemann thanked the Human Relations Commission for sponsoring the forum last Saturday concerning housing on the North Shore. She said it was well attended and informative. She reported that a lot of issues were presented that had more than one right side to them. She said that she found that one more time, Evanston is ahead of the rest of the communities on the North Shore and is closer to doing to the right thing,than the others. She reported that it was an educational and rewarding morning. Alderman Esch spoke about an issue that had recently come to her attention. It was a serious automobile accident involving students who had been drinking at a liquor establishment licensed by the City of Evanston. She asked the Mayor what is the City's usual way of handling such an incident. The accident occurred April 26, 1991. Mayor Barr reported that she was unaware that the accident victims had been drinking of a Northwestern facility before the accident until nearly a month after the accident occurred. As soon as she became aware of the connection, she asked the Police Department to check.the establishment for underage drinking. During the summer, two checks were made but no violations were found. She said that additional checks will be made this fall. If there is a pattern of violation, then serious steps will be taken. In response to another question from Alderman Esch, Mayor Barr reported that one person, who was not a student, suffered permanent injury in that accident. Alderman Esch reported that there had been a similar incident involving an establishment with a liquor license issued by the City and that establishment had been closed down. She questioned the lack of action on the City's part concerning this incident. 9V g"/2- -11- September 16, 1991 Mayor Barr emphasized that on any report of liquor license violation, the City needs to do an independent check to see if there is an ongoing pattern of practice, so that it will stand up in court. The checks conducted during the summer yielded no infractions. Additional checks will be made now that the school year is beginning. Mayor Barr reported that there had been an instance of a restaurant on Chicago Avenue selling liquor without'a license and the City is now in court with the owners. She also reported that there was another incident with a "B" liquor license holder selling liquor without food, as required, and an independent check verified this and his license was suspended for one day. Alderman Esch said that her concern is that there is the greatest chance of serving minors in a.liquor establishment on the University campus, and it behooves the management of that establishment to make sure no minors are served. She reported that the students involved in the accident in question were around 18 or 19 years old. She said that the young people involved in that incident were willing to state that they had been drinking in a university facility. She questioned whether the City has a regular procedure to handle violations which assures equal treatment of all who are in violation of the liquor control ordinance. Alderman Drummer commented on the laying of James Park Soccer Field sod by volunteers saying it was an innovative effort by Superintendent of Recreation Richard Grodsky a la Penny Park. Alderman Drummer agreed with Alderman Rainey that the renovation of Reba Park was one of the best ways to use CDBG money; a place where large numbers of people benefit from it. He said that the process these renovations have taken on in parks has served to unite several communities. He said that he looked forward to being able to continue that work through the CDBG funds. Alderman Drummer said that the slaying of a young man in Mason Park had raised the emotions of area citizens and that he and Alderman Paden had met with neighbors to address their concerns. He reported that the neighbors wanted the lighting in the park upgraded (which was addressed tonight), better programs in the parks and voiced the desire to assist the City and the youth in the community. He reported that they were making significant progress on all those aims. He pointed out that one reason everything worked so well, was due to the assistance of the Recreation Department. He said that they heard the call and went right to work to assist the community. He reported that a draft for an interim basketball league had been presented that evening. The league will fill in the time between the beginning of school and the regular winter league. There will be two new leagues; one is expected to have 60 high . school students and the other league will have 18-24 year olds. People from the neighborhood have volunteered to be coaches, timekeepers and scorekeepers. Alderman Drummer reported that as a kickoff to a Neighborhood Watch Group, there will be a major cleaning and uplift of the park this coming week -end. Alderman Drummer also pointed out that the killing in the park was incidental to the park itself and no indication of what is happening in the neighborhood surrounding it. He said that other neighborhoods have problems too, and he hopes they will take note what the neighbors near Mason Park are doing and will attempt to assist the Police Department, Recreation Department and the entire community in solving some of the problems with youth. He particularly thanked Don Wirth, Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, for -the efforts he had made. Alderman Drummer discussed the confirmation hearings of Judge Thomas and said that he was impressed with the process and the candidate. He said he hoped people had listened, grown and gained in wisdom and knowledge. He said he thought Mr. Thomas was'° very much the all American boy and looked forward to his confirmation. Alderman Paden supported Alderman Drummer in his comments about the activities concerning Mason Park and thanked Don Wirth for all his efforts. She asked that anyone else who can make a contribution to help boys from ages 14 to 25 to contact either of them. Alderman Paden reported that she had received over 500 signatures from people in the City of Evanston who support the building of a fire station on the West Side. She reminded the Council that the West Side has the most fires and the most deadly fires. She reported that she had given the signatures to Christopher Johnson, staff to the Administration & Public Works Committee, to share with the City Manager. She said that when the City has a new Fire Chief in place, it will be time to make serious efforts to build the fire station that has been promised to that community. -12- September 16, 1991 Alderman Newman thanked Alderman Esch for her comments that evening. He reported that - he had attended a meeting in the 1st Ward earlier that evening where there were 15 residents with specific complaints about Northwestern University students drinking in buildings adjacent to their homes. He questioned why that one (liquor violation) incident wasn't enough to trigger action by the City and asked if there is some legal opinion to that effect. He said that one incident in this case led to a serious accident. The University must understand its responsibility to the rest of the community on this. issue. He said that by the next Council meeting, he hoped there will be a report on the April accident and followup. He asked whether there will be a hearing in regard to this license. Alderman Newman announced that there will be a Noyes Street Festival on Sunday, September 22, in Talmadge Park near the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. This is the first project of the newly formed Noyes Street Business Association. He invited all to attend. He pointed out that the Evanston Arts Council has worked hard to assist this struggling business community to get this project off the ground. He thanked Arts Council Executive Director Joseph Zendell, for the support that he and the artists at the Noyes Center have given to the business association. Alderman Newman reported that he has received many calls about roller blading and a number of complaints about bicycling in the downtown area. One call had come from a family in Springfield, IL whose 85-year old mother, a resident of the Georgian, had been hit by a bicycle, and ended up spending over a week in the hospital. Alderman Newman made a Reference to the Police Services Committee to consider how the ordinances concerning bicycling in the downtown area are being enforced and whether they are being enforced sufficiently to meet the needs of the senior citizens who reside in the downtown area. Alderman Fiske welcomed Northwestern University students back to Evanston. He pointed out that whilewe have our differences and differences with the University, the students are a vital part of the community and they contribute a great -deal to the life of Evanston. Alderman Fiske reported he had attended a block party in his neighborhood last week -end, and thanked Alderman Newman for his attendance as well. He said he recommended block parties and aldermanic attendance at them. Alderman Fiske seconded Alderman Newman's invitation to the Noyes Street Festival and thanked him for his inspiration that was behind the organization of the Noyes Street Business Association. He said that, however he would not characterize the business community there as "struggling," but one that needs attention, as all our business communities do. Alderman Fiske reported that a constituent thought she observed that there is increased air traffic over Evanston and had heard that there was a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plan to try to use alternate routes which would result in additional air traffic over Evanston. He said he had asked staff to find out if there were any such plans, and reported that staff has lodged a complaint with the appropriate authorities concerning increased noise from air traffic over Evanston. He also asked if anyone else perceives that there has been an increase in air traffic, that they share that information with him. Alderman Fiske observed that it meant a great deal to Alderman Rainey to receive a thank you that recognized the work she has done, so he offered his personal thanks for all the hard work she has done as an alderman and for the kindness and courtesies she has extended to him. He said that it was important to take the time to express gratitude and extend courtesy. He also offered his thanks to all of his colleagues for all of their efforts in behalf of the community. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Barr asked for a motion to adjourn. The Council so moved and adjourned at 10:40 P.M. KIRSTEN F. DAVIS CITY CLERK 99