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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1991-09-30-1991CITY COUNCIL September 30, 1991 °#''OF EVj k CO. Standing committees meet prior to the official regular meeting. Current members are as follows: Administration Planning & & Public Works Human Services Development Alderman Paden Alderman Esch Alderman Wollin Alderman Newman Alderman Nelson Alderman Rainey Alderman Feldman Alderman Washington Alderman Moran Alderman Fiske Alderman Davis Alderman Drummer Alderman Lanyon Alderman Engelman• Alderman Heydemann Alderman Kent Alderman Brady Alderman Warshaw The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was held on Monday, September 30, 1991, at 9:23 P.M. ROLL CALL - PRESENT: Alderman Fiske Alderman Newman Alderman Paden Alderman Drummer Alderman Davis Alderman Brady Alderman Esch Alderman Heydemann Alderman Washinton A quorum being present. ABSENT: Alderman Moran TARDY: None PRESIDING: Mayor Joan W. Barr MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS: Alderman Kent Alderman Nelson Alderman Wollin Alderman Engelman Alderman Rainey Alderman Lanyon Alderman Feldman Alderman Warshaw Mayor Barr expressed concern with the lateness of the hour that Council meeting was beginning and urged Committee Chairs to conclude business in a more timely fashion. She suggested that if a committee has too much business to cover in the time allotted, that either the committee start earlier or schedule an additional meeting. Mayor Barr announced that Trick or Treat Night was scheduled for Halloween night, Thursday, October 31 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. 1. 21f -2- September 30, 1991 CITIZEN COMMENT: Arlene Schultz, 2733 Prairie Avenue, discussed proposed parking restrictions on Prairie Avenue; said that proposed ordinance 97-0-91 does not reflect the wishes of area residents, who want a 7:00 - 9:00 A.M. No Parking Zone combined -with a two -.hour Residential Exemption Zone; pointed out that split parking restrictions are in effect nearby in Wilmette; said that the proposed ordinance won't solve the area's parking problem; noted that most of the employees of two large businesses on = Green Bay Road park in the neighborhoods after 9:00 A.M.; pointed out that the Zoning Ordinance requires businesses to supply adequate parking for employees and customers; said that the need for parking on Prairie is intensified by the excessive blockage of the alley by Dominick's delivery trucks; urged Council to enact stronger parking restrictions; suggested that most of the residents would prefer a two-hour residential exemption restriction. Meredith Blau, 100 Greenwood Street, said she had appeared before the Council a number of times before to oppose the carving up of large estates and was doing so again; questioned how the subdivision of Evanston's most valuable properties was going to create a better quality of life for all; suggested that increased density will not make it better; suggested that subdivision of large properties will degrade real estate values; questioned why Council rushed to subdivide 144 Greenwood Street instead of imposing a moratorium on subdivisions; it is now a vacant lot with weeds growing on it; chastised those whom she said want to carve up Evanston for their own financial gain; wondered how this will create a better Evanston and offer a better quality of life. MINUTES: Alderman Feldman moved that the minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 16, 1991, as submitted in writing to the members of the City Council, be approved without reading. Seconded by Alderman Warshaw. Motion carried. No nays. COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Barr announced there would be a CLOSED SESSION that evening to deal with pending litigation. . CONSENT AGENDA: (Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Nelson moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with the following exceptions: Docket 265-9B-91, Easement of Access - 715 Sheridan Road; Docket 264-9B-91, Plat of Subdivision - 715 Sheridan Road; Docket 268-9B-91: Ordinance 99-0-91 - ZAC 91-3; Under Purchases, Parking Lot Resurfacing Contract Change Order; Docket 252-9A-91, Fleetwood Jourdain HVAC; Docket 255-9A-91, Banners on Streetlight Poles on Sheridan Road; Docket 257-9A-91: Ordinance 94-0-91 and Docket 244-8B-91: Resolution 74-R-91. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Roll Call. Voting aye - Fiske, Newman, Paden, Drummer, Davis, Brady, Esch, Heydemann, Washington, Kent, Nelson, Wollin, Engelman, Rainey, Lanyon, Feldman, Warshaw. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (17-0) Roll call on Docket 263-9B-91. Voting aye - Fiske, Newman, Paden, Drummer, Davis, Brady, Esch, Heydemann, Washington, Kent, Nelson, Wollin, Rainey, Lanyon, Feldman, Warshaw. Voting nay - none. (Alderman Engelman abstained due to a possible conflict of interest) Motion carried. (16-0). PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: * Docket 263-9B-91: Plat of Consolidation - 2102 Green Bav Road - Consideration of a request from the First Illinois Bank of Evanston for approval of a Plat of Consolidation for property at 2102 Green Bay Road. The consolidation is required by the applicant to permit construction of a commercial shopping center. The Plat of Consolidation is in proper form, and final approval is recommended. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (16-0) (Alderman Engelman abstained due to a possible conflict of interest.) Docket 265-9B-91: Easement of Consideration of a request from approval of a proposed easement rear lots at 715 Sheridan Road. committee. Access - 715 Sheridan Road - William and Andrea Foote for of access to serve two proposed This docket item was held in J 2 1,h -3- September 30, 1991 Docket 264-9B-91: Plat of Subdivision - 715 Sheridan Road - Consideration of a request from William and Andrea Foote for approval of a Plat of Subdivision for the property at 715 Sheridan Road. The Plat of Subdivision is in proper form. This docket item was held in committee. Docket 266-9B-91: ZAC 91-4 - Amendments re Residential Estate Overlay District - Consideration of the Zoning Amendment Committee's recommendation that the City Council not amend the text and map of the Zoning Ordinance to establish a Residential Estate Overlay District. Alderman Lanyon moved that Council concur with the Zoning Amendment Committee's recommendation. Seconded by Alderman Heydemann. Alderman Newman asked Alderman Lanyon whether there was any report from legal counsel as to whether Council adopting this recommendation would perhaps affect prior actions of Council in regard,to subdivisions. Alderman Lanyon reported that the committee had received no legal opinion on this docket item. Alderman Newman requested that this docket item held over so a legal opinion could be rendered. Seconded by Alderman Paden. At the request of two Aldermen this docket item will be held over until the next meeting. * Docket 267-9B-01: Ordinance 98-0-91 - Designation of Ingraham Park - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 98-0-91, by which the City Council would amend Ordinance 125-0-82 to redefine that portion of the Civic Center site designated as Ingraham Park. * BARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA. Docket 268-9B-91: Ordinance 99-0-91 - ZAC 91-3 - Minimum _ Front Lot Line - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 99-0-91, by which the City Council would establish a minimum front lot line requirement of thirty-five feet in the R1, R2, and R3 Residence Zoning Districts, and not require a minimum front lot line requirement of thirty-five feet in the R5, RSA, R6, and R7 Residence Districts. This docket item was held in committee. Docket 249-9A-91: Temporary Sign Request - Evanston Y.M.C.A. - Consideration 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. 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. Bills and Payroll * Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for the period ending September 25, 1991; for the City of Evanston payrolls for the periods ending September 8 and 22, 1991; and that their payment be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston bills $1,770,136.52 City of Evanston payroll (9/8) 1,173,307.62 City of Evanston payroll (9/22) 1,157,228.30 *APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0) -4- September 30, 1991 PURCHASES * Approval of the second low bid from North Shore Uniform for the City's annual requirement of work clothing for AFSCME Employees at the unit prices bid, for a total estimated cost of $18,586.50. BID SUMMARY: C Bidder Total Estimated Cost Simon Uniform Company $ 17,076.50 Niles, IL North Shore Uniform Service 18,586.50 Evanston, IL J & D Uniform, Inc. 21,593.55 Chicago, IL *APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0) 1 Approval of the purchase of Payroll and Human Resources Software from Information Development Consultants for $24,700. (Sole -source purchase requires 2/3 majority vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL.. (17-0) * Approval of the proposal from Wallace Computer Services for 1992 Vehicle Sticker Application Forms at an estimated total cost of $5,100.00 (Non -Bid Item, Requires 2/3 Majority Vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0) * Approval of the second low bid from Hanson Roofing for the Evanston Art Center Roofing Project at a total cost of $21,800.00 BID SUMMARY: Bidder Western States Construction New Lenox, IL Hanson Roofing, Inc. Evanston, IL L. Marshall, Inc. Glenview, IL Hollander & Co., Inc. Highland Park, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. Total Cost $ 16,735.00 21,800.00 36,175.00 39,500.00 (17-0) * Approval of the low bid from,J.A. Johnson Paving for Hot Surface Asphalt Recycling - Program at a total cost of $204,811.20. BID SUMMARY: Bidder J.A. Johnson Paving Arlington Heights, IL Allied Asphalt Paving Co. Hillside, IL Artley Paving & Constracting Corp. Wheeling, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. Total Estimated Cost $ 204,811.20 208,197.00 216,880.60 (17-0) -5- September 30, 1991 * Approval of the low bid from Advance Mechanical Contractors, Inc. for Water Plant Improvements - Contract B-91 at a total cost of $444,900.00 BID SUMMARY: Bidder Advance Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Racine, WI Kovilic Construction Co., Inc. Chicago, IL Illinois Hydraulic Construction Co. Elgin, IL Base Bid Alternate Bid Total Cost $ 440,000 $ 4,900 $444,900 495,577 5,000 532,900 15,000 Advance Mechanical Systems, Inc. 552,195 17,625 Elk Grove Village, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0) 500,577 547,900 569,820 * Approval of a Change Order to Tech Sales, Inc., to modify the Baler Fled Conveyor at the Recycling Center at a cost of $9,636.84. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0) * Approval of the proposal from Visu-Sewer Clean & Seal, Inc., for Herbicide Application (Root Treatment) to sewer mains throughout Evanston at the unit prices offered for an estimated total cost of $27,414.35. (Non -Bid Item, Requires 2/3 Majority Vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0) * Approval of the low bid from each of the four nurseries listed below for fall plant materials in the amounts specified. Total cost of this purchase is $31,520, which includes $30,869 for the Forestry Department and $651 for the Parks Department. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Shemin Nursery Addison, IL Berthold Nursery Elk Grove Village, IL Arthur Weiler, Inc. Zion, IL Klehm Nursery South Barrington, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. Total Cost $17,500.50 9,398.00 3,455.00 1,166.50 (17-0) * Approval of an amendment to the current contract with Environmental Risk Consultants to cover work associated with preparation of Five Leaking Underground Storage Tank Summary Reports at a total cost of $9,000 and approval of a Change Order #2 to SET, Inc., for additional work to remove and dispose of contaminated soil at a cost of $65,960.32. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0) * Approval of a proposal from SET Environmental Inc., to seek a permit to dispose of Maple Avenue soil at Land Reclamation in Racine, Wisconsin at a cost of $99,525. APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0) Alderman Paden announced that the committee had voted unanimously to not recommend approval of the Parking Lot Resurfacing Contract Change Order from J.A. Johnson Paving Co., for the south end of Parking Lot #20, at a cost of $19,756. Docket 223-8A-91: Residential Exemption Parking District Visitor Permits - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council authorize the issuance of permits for visitors in Resident Exemption Parking Districts. Tabled 219 -6- September 30, 1991 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. Alderman Paden reported that on a vote of 5-1, the Administration & Public Works Committee recommended this and moved Council approval. Seconded by Alderman Nelson. Roll Call. Voting aye - Fiske, Newman, Paden, Drummer, Davis, Brady, Esch, Heydemann, Washington, Kent, Nelson, Wollin, Engelman, Lanyon, Feldman, Warshaw. Voting nay - Rainey. Notion carried. (16-1) 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. Alderman Paden reported that the committee had held this docket item at the last meeting to obtain additional information and the information had been received. The banners are requested for special events and will hang for no more than a total of eight weeks a year. The committee amended the proposal to be specific about which event the banners are requested for, the duration they expect to hang for each event and imposition of a maximum 14-day period per event that they can hang. Alderman Paden moved Council approval of the amended recommendation. Seconded by Alderman Nelson. Alderman Brady requested that this docket item be held over so that all of the specifics can be put into memo form and be concurred to by the appropriate parties. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. At the request of two Aldermen, this docket item will be held until the next meeting. * Docket 269-9B-91: Resolution 77-R-91 - Use of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for Material Testing Services - Consideration of proposed Resolution 77-R-91, by which the City Council would approve the disbursement of $5,000 in Motor Fuel Tax Funds to supplement the City's obligation for testing services on the Gross Point Road Improvement. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0) * Docket 270-9B-91: Resolution 78-R-91 - Belmont Steel Industrial Revenue Bonds - Consideration:of proposed Resolution 78-R-91, by which the City Council would authorize a transfer of interest in the Memorandum of Agreement with Belmont Steel Corporation to the Illinois Development Finance Authority in the amount of $5.5 million in Industrial Revenue Bonds. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0) * Docket 271-9B-91 - Ordinance 100-0-91 - 5-Way Stop - Judson/Grove/Lake - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 100-0-91, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-5, Schedule V, of the Code of the City of Evanston to establish a Five -Way Stop at the intersection of Judson Avenue, Grove and Lake Streets. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA Docket 257-9A-91: Ordinance 94-0-91 - Boot Program Revisions - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 94-0-91, introduced on September 16, 1991, 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. Alderman Rainey moved to amend Ordinance 94-0-91, Section 10-6-15 (A) to read: "Deposits collateral as described in Section 10-6-18 (A) and requests an appearance in the Circuit Court to answer for each violation;" Seconded by Alderman Warshaw. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Paden moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 94-0-91 as amended. Seconded by Alderman Nelson. Roll call. Voting aye - Fiske, Newman, Paden, Drummer, Davis, Brady, Esch, Heydemann, Washington, Kent, Nelson, Wollin, Engelman, Rainey, Lanyon, Feldman, Warshaw. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (17-0) -7- September 30, 1991 * Docket 258-9A-91: Ordinance 95-0-91 - 4-Way Stop - Prairie/Jenks - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 95-0-91, introduced on September 16, 1991, 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. ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0) * Docket 259-9A-91: Ordinance 96-0-91 - Parking Restrictions - 1206 Pitner - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 96-0-91, introduced on September 16, 1991, 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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0) * Docket 260-9A-91: Ordinance 97-0-91 - Residents Only Parking District #7 - Prairie/Jenks - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 97-0-91, introduced on September 16, 1991, 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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0) HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: Alderman Feldman reported that the Human Services Committee had discussed the revisions to the Inter -governmental Agreement that had been submitted to it. The consensus of the committee was to approve the revisions and to forward them for comments to the coalition that had submitted the original agreement. There is the expectation that representatives of the Human Services Committee will meet with the coalition to discuss any differences between their proposal and the committee's. OTHER COMMITTEES: Docket 244-8B-91: Resolution 7.4-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. Alderman Brady, Chair of the Rules Committee, read the following proposed rules changes: Rule 9.11.1: In the event a Council agenda item is defeated in committee, the committee's action must be reported to the City Council, and any Alderman may request the item be placed on the City Council's agenda for the City Council meeting; and Rule 9.11.2: Any Council agenda item tabled by a committee shall be tabled no longer than 90-days without a majority of Aldermen present at the Council meeting approving the continued tabling of said item. At the end of each 90-day period, the continued tabling of said item shall be considered by the City Council. Alderman Brady moved Council adoption of proposed Resolution 74-R-91. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Alderman Rainey said that she hoped this matter would be referred back to the committee and expressed reservations about the proposed rules changes. She suggested that the proposed changes would eliminate the need for committee votes. She also questioned when it was appropriate to request that an item be placed back on the Council agenda. She pointed out that any committee vote that came out with all six committee members against what was proposed, ought to be respected. However, any Alderman should be allowed to refer the defeated matter back to committee for further discussion on one point or another. A standing committee should be empowered to defeat an item. She also questioned what happens after an item has been tabled for 90-days and pointed out that tabling an item in committee was a better way of keeping it off the Council floor than defeating it outright. She said that every item defeated in committee should be brought to Council and explained. 2 9.1 -8- September 30, 1991 Alderman Brady said that a loophole can be found in every rule written and there is always a way to circumnavigate anything. She pointed out that the committee is not the Council, and while she is a strong supporter of the committee system, the whole Council should have the opportunity to vote on every issue brought to it. She suggested that this rule clarifies what the majority wants and what they believe to be their duty as elected representatives. She suggested that the request to place an item back on the yellow agenda, should be made after a meeting and before the yellow, agenda is printed for the next meeting. Alderman Brady urged that Council adopt bott rules because she felt they are in keeping with the spirit of how the Aldermen want the City Council to operate. Alderman Warshaw suggested that -tabling something for 90-days is not a way to kill a docket item, but a way to be forced to address it from time to time. If it lays there too long, Council should take positive or negative action or know why it is allowing items to lay on the table for a period of time. Alderman Rainey suggested that before Council cleans up the business of the standing committees, it ought to clean up the business of the total body. She referred to "Items For Future Consideration" on the back of the Council agenda. Alderman Rainey moved to divide the question. Seconded by Alderman Paden. Motion carried. Alderman Newman said that any Alderman can move to take an item off the table and suggested that a 90-day rule is not necessary. In response to a question from Alderman Feldman, First Assistant Corporation Counsel Hill reported that a motion to take an item from the table was not debatable. Alderman Feldman pointed out that taking an item from the table would require a two-step process - first, a motion and a second to take it from the table and then a motion and a second to discuss the substance of the docket item. Alderman Brady clarified that the proposed rule change would only address items tabled in committee. She said that after 90-days, an item would be placed on the Council agenda to discuss whether it should continue to be held in committee or whether it should be discussed by the whole Council. Alderman Engelman pointed out that several of the "Items For Future Consideratio" on the back of the Council agenda had been tabled in committee. He expressed some puzzlement that several items on the front of the agenda, which had been held in committee, were slated for action this evening. He agreed that Council should be able to look at an item tabled for 90-days whether by a committee or by the Council, and suggested that Council should be able to debate the substance of those docket items as well to be better able to reach a decision. Alderman Heydemann suggested that the intent of both parts of this rule was to take decision -making away from the committees and put it back into the Council where it belongs. Alderman Feldman wondered about the possibility of placing the tabled motion back on the committee agenda after 90-days for the committee discuss whether or not to bring it to Council. The Committee would then have to report its decision to the City Council that same evening. That way they would reaffirm their original decision, or make a decision to take the item off the table to begin debate on the substance of the matter. Alderman Rainey suggested that the Rules Committee should direct each standing committee which has tabled items to report back to the Council every 45, 60 or 90-day why that item should continue to be tabled in committee. She also suggested that Council should look at its tabled items every 45, 60 or 90-days. She stated that any rule that creates this much discussion is a terrible rule and should go back to the committee. She pointed out that there is a logic to good rules and there appears to be no logic to this rule. Alderman Newman observed that the Rules Committee apparently is not sure how these rules will work. He also pointed out there seems to be a problem with the tabled items on the Council agenda in that some of them. are labeled as "Tabled in Committee," yet they are on the Council agenda. He said there is clearly confusion over these rules and it is unfair to expect the Aldermen to vote on rules when it is not entirely. clear what their implications will be. Alderman Newman moved to send both rules back to committee. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. �22 -9- September 30, 1991 Alderman Brady said that this had been a good discussion which had brought out excellent points and possibly a couple of weaknesses in the rules. She suggested that this discussion was a good example of why a committee should not be allowed to keep a docket item from Council discussion. The Council discussion will allow the committee to bring back a rule that is clearer. Alderman Davis pointed out that if a committee does not have full attendance at a meeting, then it is possible for three people to keep the full Council from considerating a docket item. She also suggested that the Rules Committee consider requiring a vote of the Council to remove an item defeated in Committee from the Council agenda. Alderman Rainey reminded the Council that what it had just done was to send this Resolution back to the Rules Committee to deal with it again, which recognizes that the Committee is the best body to handle this matter. She also suggested that any Alderman who wants an item considered by a committee again, should be able to refer it back to the committee. Alderman Newman suggested that the Council take it's lead from the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Judiciary Committee forwarded the Thomas nomination to the Supreme Court to the whole Senate, even though the committee vote was 7-7, would normally have defeated the nomination in committee. He pointed out that it is very commonplace in legislative bodies for legislation to be killed in committee and suggested that perhaps the Rules Committee could provide the Council with a historical perspective. He questioned whether it was fair that the previous Council had elected the current Rules Committee and suggested perhaps that there was some unhappiness with the composition of the current Administration & Public Works Committee. He suggested that the composition of a committee during one two-year period is not the reason for the Council to change its own rules. Notion carried. No Nays, to send this docket item back to the Rules Committee. APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Barr asked for confirmation of Jane Baker, 1431 Seward Street, for appointment to the Commission on Aging, for the term ending September 15, 1994. Alderman Feldman moved Council confirmation of this appointment. Seconded by Alderman Warshaw. Motion carried. No nays. Mayor Barr asked for confirmation of Helen Leister, 2601 Bennett Avenue and of Catherine Spriegel, 629 Haven Street, for reappointment to the Commission on Aging, for the terms ending September 15, 1994. Alderman Drummer moved Council confirmation of these reappointments. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Notion carried. No nays; Alderman Fiske announced that there had been a successful Noyes Street Business Association Festival and acknowledged the role Alderman_Newman had had in the Fest. He reported that more than a thousand people had participated. Events of this kind contribute to the vitality of the business community and the security and livability of the neighborhood. He thanked Mayor Barr for the opportunity to be her official representative last Saturday to greet the Minister of External Affairs from the Republic of India, who was here at the invitation of the President of Rotary International. Alderman Newman announced that on Wednesday, October 2, at 8:00 P.M. at the First Methodist Church, the Southeast Evanston Association will conduct a forum about the new zoning ordinance relative to the central business district. He invited everyone to attend and hear the discussion. Alderman Newman thanked the Arts Council for their cooperation and support of the Noyes Street Fest, which he termed a great success. Alderman Newman commented about a newspaper article which discussed the possibilty of closing 23 "EL" stations. He noted that three of the least used stations are in Evanston: Noyes, Foster and Dempster Street stations. He requested that staff go on the offensive to find the cost of keeping those three stations open by use of automatic tellers. He requested that that information be available in time for the public hearings that will be held October 28 and 29. 2 9 S -10- September 30, 1991 Alderman Newman commented about an editorial in the Northwestern Daily concerning the effect closing the bar in the Student Union would have on students. He said he found it sad that the writer would attempt humor around discussing an incident where someone had been severely injured due to underage drinking. He thanked Mayor Barr for scheduling a quick response to Alderman Esch's Reference concerning that matter at the last meeting. Mayor Barr pointed out that a hearing on this matter would have been scheduled withol, Alderman Esch's Reference. However the problem is the availability of a witness. She said that the driver's criminal trial has not yet been resolved and is scheduled for in early November. She said that the City cannot conduct a hearing before the trial is held, and that's why it has not been scheduled before this. Alderman Drummer commented that he didn't think the Rules Committee was trying to change the rules because of the composition of any committee and reminded the Council that the present Rules Committee had assigned Aldermen to their committees. He said that all that one had to do was to look at the back of the Council agenda and see how long some of the items had been sitting on the agenda. He said it was time to take some action. It is not a question of holding 18 Aldermen hostage, but the citizens of Evanston, who need Council to produce in an efficient manner. Alderman Drummer reminded Council that two weeks ago he had reported on an attempt to establish activities for young men in the Mason Park neighborhood. He reported that Mason Park neighbors and Fleetwood-Jourdain Center staff have helped in organizing a basketball league to fill in the time before the winter basketball season starts. Alderman Drummer said that they now have six teams with 120 boys and have had requests to place 40 to 50 more boys. He said they hoped to take full advantage of this and planned to offer the young men more than just running up and down the court shooting hoop. He said that he had heard around town that there is too much basketball, but said he had trouble getting anyone to come out for ballet lessons. He said there were 12 coaches in one league and 15 coaches in the other league. There are many committed coaches, one of whom coaches in four different leagues. He said other coaches are still needed and asked anyone who could help to come and give them a hand. Those who work with the young men understand how important their work is. Alderman Esch thanked Mayor Barr for the explanation of why there had been a delay i the hearing on the Northwestern University bar. She said publicity about the proble was helpful in itself. Alderman Kent thanked Superintendent of Recreation Richard Grodsky and Director of Parks, Forestry and Recreation Donald Wirth for arranging with Family Focus Director Delores Holmes to use some computers at Family Focus. He commented that it will give children who don't have access to computers in their homes the opportunity to use them outside of school. He asked whether all the dates that the computer lab will be open had been determined and asked for them. He also asked whether District 65, Family Focus or Fleetwood-Jourdain Center had done any publicity or circulated up any flyers about the new program. He further requested that the Family Focus computer lab program be publicized in the Arts & Recreation magazine. Alderman Kent commented he was aware of three homeless families and wondered if it was possible for the Human Services Committee or the Human Relations Commission to inquire whether the old nurses building on the grounds of the Over the Rainbow facility would be available for use by homeless families. Alderman Kent announced that he and Joseph Brooks of Joey Movers are getting in the holiday spirit and expect to feed 100 needy families over the holidays. He said that he would be calling on his colleagues to contribute to the effort. Alderman Nelson clarified that within the next few weeks a shallow tunnel will be dug and other sewer improvements will be taking place under Payne Street where it runs through the 6th and 7th Wards. He hastened to add that the yellow ribbons around the trees are for other purposes and that no trees will be removed during the sewer improvement projects. Alderman Wollin reported that there was a schedule conflict between 2 meetings scheduled on October 2. She surveyed the Aldermen on the Police Services Committee and determined that a majority would be able to meet at 6:00 P.R.. Alderman Wollin announced that the Township Committee meeting would remain at 7:30 P.K. 22, -11- September 30, 1991 Alderman Engelman advised Council that Evanston now has a kinder, gentler public utility. That is Commonwealth Edison, which is in the middle of a $15 million dollar project to upgrade electric services in the City. He reported that a number of constituents in the Ward had raised questions about the work being done in the area, so to respond to those concerns his seatmate, Alderman Wollin, had arranged a Ward meeting between the residents, Aldermen and representatives of Commonwealth Edison last Sunday. At that meeting the Commonwealth Edison representatives agreed that whenever new poles, lines and transformers are being installed in a neighborhood, the utility will notify residents in writing. Commonwealth Edison also agreed to discuss landscaping and screening of their new installations with residents. Alderman Engelman said that since Commonwealth Edison is going to be upgrading their service in each Ward, he wants the Council to be aware of what the company has agreed -to do in his Ward. Alderman Lanyon said he wanted to pay tribute to Evanston's outstanding grass roots participation last Saturday. He reported that 291 volunteers turned out to lay sod at James Park and the City now has two new soccer fields. 15,000 square feet of sod was laid by volunteers, beginning with 100 people at 7:00 A.M., and continuing throughout the day until 4:00 P.M. The effort was supported by the Evanston Soccer Association and the American Youth Soccer Organization. He reported that everyone who turned out to help lay sod, including the City Manager, got a sodbuster tee shirt. The Recreation Department provided lunch and food throughout the day to keep up volunteers' strength. He praised it as an outstanding volunteer effort on the part of Evanston citizens. Alderman Warshaw reported that she would miss seeing Alderman Feldman on week -ends since block party season is over. However, she reported that there was a new organization in the 9th Ward that began when the Aldermen were putting together the project that resulted in the Custer Street townhouses. They are citizens who have organized so well that they recently held a meeting to discuss the new zoning ordinance and the parts that will impact their neighborhood. Alderman Warshaw implored all those who have clout relative to the new legislative map to use it to try to keep Evanston in one district. She said she hated to see Evanston divided into two or three legislative districts. After a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to meet as a group of eighteen to discuss Council reorganization on Wednesday, October 30 at 7:30 P.M. Mayor Barr reminded Council that the Community Form would take place on Saturday, October 12 at 9:00 A.M. and urged them to be present. Alderman Feldman moved that Council go into CLOSED SESSION. Seconded by Alderman Warshaw. Roll Call. Voting aye - Fiske, Newman, Paden, Drummer, Davis, Brady, Esch, Heydemann, Washington, Kent, Nelson, Wollin, Engelman, Rainey, Lanyon, Feldman, Warshaw. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (17-0) The Council so recessed at 10:40 P.M. and adjourned from CLOSED SESSION AT 11:00 P.M. KIRSTEN F. DAVIS