Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1991-10-14-1991CITY COUNCIL October 14, 1991 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, October 14, 1991, at 9:23 P.M. ROLL CALL - PRESENT: Alderman Brady Alderman Esch Alderman Heydemann Alderman Washington Alderman Kent Alderman Moran Alderman Wollin Alderman Engelman A quorum being present. ABSENT: Alderman Nelson TARDY: None PRESIDING: Mayor Joan W. Barr MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS: Alderman Rainey Alderman Lanyon Alderman Feldman Alderman Warshaw Alderman Fiske Alderman Newman Alderman Paden Alderman Drummer Alderman Davis Mayor Barr announced that Trick or Treat Night is scheduled for Halloween night, Thursday, October 31 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. CITIZEN COMMENT: NONE REPORT FROM LEGISLATIVE LIAISON: Evanston Legislative Liaison, Lawrence Suffredin called attention to the packet that he passed out containing information on two new tax proposals to be considered in the veto session scheduled for later this fall. One proposal by Republican members of the Legislature, would extend tax caps to Cook County. Amendments to this proposal have also been advanced which would eliminate the exemption for Home Rule communities and take away the window for bonding purposes. The second proposal, advanced by progressive Democrats, is requesting that referenda be held in 58 education regions in the state to ask voters w:,ether to substitute a 1% income tax for individuals and a 1.6% income tax for corporations, dollar for dollar to reduce property taxes. -2- October 14, 1991 Me. Suffredin reviewed the boundaries of the proposed legislative remap and noted Evanston would be divided into two districts, giving it two representative and two Senators in Springfield. He said that the map is not final and that there are two court challenges pending on the present configuration. However, as the map is drawn, the southern district of Evanston has the largest number of precincts in it and would probably be able to elect a representative of its choice. Mr. Suffredin commented on the proposed CTA cuts and offered his assistance in opposing them. He pointed out that an amendatory veto by the governor reduced the CTA budget by $6 million dollars, but that reduction was to senior citizen and student subsidies and that those funds would not be available to pay for the proposed cuts, even if the veto was over -ridden by the Legislature. In response to a question from Alderman Brady, he said that it was hard to judge the tax proposal advanced by the Democrats until it's in final form. The views of the two Evanston school districts should also -be sought, he said. Alderman Newman stated that the City should take a position on the proposal and the Cook County tax caps proposal as well. He reminded Council that a discussion had taken place in the Rules Committee as to whether Council members should be more involved in giving guidance to the City's legislative liaison. He said that staff should outline issues for Council members to review and then make recommendations as to how Mr. Suffredin should represent the City in Springfield. Alderman Brady recalled the Rules Committee conversation and said that the Committee had decided that the mayor should take a leadership role in this, in consultation with Aldermen. A regular reporting mechanism needs to be developed for the Council. The Committee felt that a report prior the legislative session, another report toward the end of the session, and a report prior to the veto session were enough to keep Council aware of what was being considered in Springfield. Mayor Barr said that it would be almost impossible to go to Council with every little change in legislation in time to give instructions to Mr. Suffredin in a timely fashion. She said that past practice had been for the mayor and City Manager,, with consultation with Aldermen interested in a particular issue, to work out the City's responses with Mr. Suffredin. In response to questions from Alderman Feldman, Mr. Suffredin made suggestions about a strategy for the City to use in opposing the proposed CTA cuts. He suggested that, since the CTA has said that they would not conduct a public hearing here, the City Council should hold one and relay citizens comments to the CTA Board. He said that the City also needs to analyze the manner in which the CTA' presents data. He reported that both Representative Schakowsky and Senator Berman were making it a priority to work to oppose the cuts and that both intended to testify at the October 30 hearing. He also suggested that Congressman Yates be approached to use his influence in opposing these cuts. He reminded Council that federal support for the CTA has been reduced over the years. He mentioned that a member of the City Council had suggested legislation to Representative Schakowsky which would require the CTA to hold public hearings within a certain distance of any facility change in a certain area. Alderman Newman said that Aldermen should be consulted more frequently on legislative positions. He urged the City to develop a proactive agenda and not to just react to issues they arise. He said that all eighteen aldermen should participate in setting the agenda of the legislative program in Springfield and called for an organized mechanism to enable that to happen. Mr. Suffredin explained that in the past he has given a daily update on bills affecting Evanston to the mayor and staff. He said that his primary job is to work to support Ordinances and Resolutions passed by the City Council. His basic directives are to protect the prerogative of Home Rule and to protect the City of Evanston in the Legislature. He said that he would be pleased to have guidance from the City Council on the tax cap proposals. He responded to a question from Alderman Drummer about whether there were my proposals to further erode state support of various public aid benefits, by saying that he had conferred with Director of Health and Human Services Terry and Public Aid Director Bradley and that there does not appear to a budget battle looming over this issue in the veto session. -3- October 14, 1991 r C Alderman Warshaw stated that the City should develop a legislative agenda and take a proactive stance on issues before the Legislature meets.. She suggested that this could be done through the Rules Committee, with the help of other interested Aldermen. Mayor Barr referred this request to the Rules Committee and directed them to develop a format for legislative work. She said that she wanted to be present when the Rules Committe considers this reference. In response to a request from Alderman Lanyon, City Manager Anderson agreed to provide a weekly synopsis of legislative activity for inclusion in the weekly Aldermanic packet. MINUTES: Alderman Feldman moved that the minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 30, 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: City Clerk Kirsten F. Davis announced that In -Person Absentee voting for the November 5 School Board Election would begin in her office the next day, Tuesday, October 15 and continue through Monday, November 4. The office also will be open on two Saturdays, October 26 and November 2 for absentee voting from 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 NOON. CONSENT AGENDA: (Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Davis moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with the following exceptions: Docket 249-9A-91, Temporary Sign Request - Evanston Y.M.C.A.; Docket 265-9B-91, Easement of Access - 715 Sheridan Road; Docket 264-9B-91, Plat of Subdivision - 715 Sheridan Road; Docket 266-9B-91, ZAC 91-4 - Amendments re Residential Estate Overlay District;_Docket 268-9B-91, Ordinance 99-0-91 - ZAC 91-3; and Docket 250-9A-91: Ordinance 93-0-91. Seconded by Alderman Brady. Roll Call. Voting aye - Brady, Esch, Heydemann, Washington, Kent, Moran, Wollin, Engelman, Rainey, Lanyon, Feldman, Warshaw, Fiske, Newman, Paden, Drummer, and Davis. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (17-0) Bills and Payroll * Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for the period ending October 9, 1991; for the City of Evanston payroll for the period ending October 6, 1991; for the City Council payroll for the month of September 1991; and that their payment be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston bills City of Evanston payroll City Council payroll for September *APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. $2,519,574.23 1,182,896.40 6,300.00 (17-0) -4- October 14, 1991 PURCHASES * Approval of the low bid from A-1 Roofing Co. for a new roofing system at Fire Station #1 at a total estimated cost of $74,946.00. BID SUMMARY: Bidder A-1 Roofing Elk Grove Village, IL F.J.A. Christiansen Roofing Corp. Carol Stream, IL Qualified Roofers, Inc. Chicago, IL 011son Roofing Co., Inc. Aurora, IL Total Estimated Cost $ 74,946.00 75,970.00 77,596.00 83,450.00 James Mansfield & Sons Co., Inc. 105,543.00 Lyons, IL *APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0) * Approval of the low bid from Land and Lakes Yard Waste Reclamation, Inc., for composting Evanston yard waste on eight separate dates, beginning in December, 1991, and ending in May, 1992, at a total cost of $21,200.00. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0) * Approval of the low bid from Alvord Burdick and Howson for Design Engineering Services for a Zebra Mussel Control System at a total cost of $147,000.00. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL.. (17-0) ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE: * Docket 272-10A-91: Annual Y.M.C.A. Foot Race - Consideration of a request from the McGaw Young Men's Christian Association for permission to hold their Annual Foot Race on City streets on Sunday, November 3, 1991. *APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0). * Docket 273-10A-91: 1991-92 Capital Improvement Projects - Consideration of the City Manager's recommendation that the City Council approve the 1991-92 Capital Improvement Budget to be funded with currently available undesignated General Obligation Bond revenue. *APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0). * 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. On September 16, 1991, this matter was held in committee. At the September 30, 1991, meeting it was held over at the request of two Aldermen. *APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA ARID ROLL CALL. (17-0). * Docket 274-10A-91: Resolution 79-R-91 - Parking for Wheelchair -Bound - 1411 Dobson - Consideration of proposed Resolution 79-R-91, by which the City Council would establish a reserved parking space for a handicapped resident at 1411 Dobson Street. *ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROL CALL. (17-0). * Docket 275-10A-91: Resolution 80-R-91 Northwestern Universitv Homecoming Parade - Consideration of proposed Resolution 80-R-91, by which the City Council would assume liaibility for the closure of Sheridan Road and approve the request of Northwestern University to hold its annual Homecoming Parade on October 26, 1911. *ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0). -5- October 14, 1991 5 Docket 223-8A-91: Ordinance 10,E 0-91 - Residential Exemption Parking District Visitor Permits - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 101-0-91, by which the City Council would authorize the issuance of permits for visitors in Resident Exemption Parking Districts. Also included in this item is a revision of Section 10-4-5-1(B) of the Code of the City of Evanston which will establish a $10.00 fee for an AnnualREsident Permit and a 20 cents charge for each Visitor Permit. At the August 12 and 26 and September 16 and 30, 1991 meetings, this matter was held in Committee. *MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA. _ * Docket 276-10A-91: Ordinance 104-0-91 - Sale of Surplus Vehicles. - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 104-0-91, by which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to advertise the availability and sale to the highest bidder of four surplus vehicles which have been confiscated by the Police Department. *MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA. * Docket 271-10A-91: Ordinance 100-0-91 - 5-Way Stop - Judson/Grove/Lake - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 100-0-91, introduced September 30, 1991, 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. *ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA NOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0). PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Docket 249-9A-91: Temporary Sign Request - Evanston Y.N.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. At the September 16 and 30, 1991 meetings, this matter was held in Committee. Alderman Lanyon moved that this docket item be removed from the agenda. Seconded by Alderman Warshaw. Notion carried. No nays. Docket 265-9B-91: Easement of Access - 715 Sheridan Road - Consideration of a request from William and Andrea Foote for approval of a proposed easement of access to serve two proposed rear lots at 715 Sheridan Road. This docket item was held in committee. 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. At the September 30, 1991, meeting this matter was held over at the request of two Aldermen. Alderman Lanyon moved to table this docket item until October 28. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Notion carried. No nays. 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. At the September 30, 1991, meeting this matter was held over in Committee. Alderman Lanyon introduced proposed Ordinance 99-0-91. Marked introduced. -6- October 14, 1991 * Docket 277-10A-91: Ordinance 102-0-91 - ZBA 91-21-V(R) - Variation - 1027 Sherman, - Consideration of the Zoning Board of Appeals' recommendation that the City Council grant the application of Alan Kistler (owner) and the Youth Organization Umbrella, Inc. (prospective tenant) for a variation from the use regulations of the Zoning Ordinance to permit use of the two storefronts and a portion of the second floor of the building for a youth counseling office and ancillary uses on property at 1027 Sherman Avenue. *MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA. Alderman Lanyon moved suspension of the rules to permit a vote on the adoption of proposed Ordinance 102-0-91, introduced at this meeting. Seconded by Alderman Brady. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Lanyon moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 102-0-91. Seconded by Alderman Brady. Roll Call: Voting Aye - Aldermen Brady, Esch, Heydemann, Washington, Kent, Moran, Wollin, Engelman, Rainey, Lanyon, Feldman, Warshaw, Fiske, Newman, Paden, Drummer and Davis. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (17-0). * Docket 267-9B-01: Ordinance 98-0-91 - Designation of Ingraham Park - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 98-0-91, introduced September 30, 1991, by which the City Council would amend Ordinance 125-0-82 to redefine that portion of the Civic Center site designated as Ingraham Park. *ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0). 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. At the September 16 and 30, 1991, meetings, this matter was held in Committee. Alderman Lanyon reported that this docket item was being held in committee to develop language which will set decibel levels for certain hours during the day which would be binding on the contractors when the permit is issued. If they do not conform, they will be in violation of their permit. OTHER COMMITTEES: *Docket 277-10A-91: Township Monthly Bills - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council approve the bills for Evanston Township for the month of September 1991, in the amount of $118,690.64 . *APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (17-0). AGENDA ADDENDUM: Docket 278-10A-91: Organization of Response to Proposed CTA Cuts in Service - Consideration of service cuts proposed by the Chicago Transit Authority. City Manager Anderson said that last Saturday the Council had expressed its desire to take a leadership role opposing the cuts to Evanston rail and bus service proposed by the CTA Board. He called Council's attention to the memorandum included in tonight's packet which suggests a process and provides a group of options for action to carry Evanston's message to the CTA. The first recommendation is to meet with the Chairman and Executive Director of the CTA. It was the consensus of the Council to meet with them on Thursday, October 24, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. Alderman Newman complimented staff on development of the recommendations. He pointed out that in the past several years the CTA h,ls spent a considerable amount of money upgrading the CTA station at South Boulevard and now they are recommending it be closed. He stressed the importance of all Aldermen attending the public meetings regarding these cut -backs. He questioned whether the special meeting of the City Council, scheduled for October 30, would be changed to allow Aldermen to attend the Public Hearing scheduled by the CTA at Loyola University. a 3/ -7- October 14, 1991 City Manager Anderson said that that meeting had been cancelled and would be rescheduled after the October 28 Council meeting. Alderman Feldman suggested that the City approach Northwestern University to seek their assistance in opposing the cuts. City Manager Anderson reported that he had already spoken to a Senior Vice President at NU and the University is doing an analysis of the impact these cut -backs will have on it. Mr. Anderson also reported that the City is analyzing the impact of these cuts on various businesses, institutions, neighborhoods and companies in Evanston. Alderman Engelman reported that he had spoken to an administrator at Evanston Hospital and they had determined that the cuts would directly affect 450 employees. Those employees would be seriously impacted by the loss of night rail and Sunday bus service. The hospital is urging employees to attend the CTA Public Hearing on the 30th. Alderman Engelman urged Council members and the public to contact the trustees of the hospital and the trustees of affiliated hospitals, to,request that they use their influence and political connections to put pressure on the CTA Board to rescind the proposed cuts. He also asked that corporate leaders who live in Evanston, and who work out of the City, also use their political influence. City Manager Anderson continued his review of the recommendations to Council, which include holding a public hearing in Evanston to develop testimony to take to the October 30 CTA-sponsored hearing; to prepare and circulate petitions opposing the proposed cuts in various neighborhoods and businesses; develop a series of statements to present at the public hearing; develop support from political officeholders, businesses and residents; having Aldermen and other Evanstonians attend the October 30 Public Hearing at Loyola; continuing pressure and contacts on CTA Board Members. He also said that the City was in the process ofdeveloping its own information on ridership. Alderman Brady said that there was tremendous political value in the City holding a public hearing to organize the troops and prepare testimony for the October 30 hearing. She suggested that a Saturday would be probably be the best day to do so. After a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the Council to hold the hearing on Saturday, October 26 at 9:00 a.m. In response to a question from Alderman Heydeman, City Manager Anderson said that petitions would be available the next day. Alderman Drummer suggested that notices of the hearings be posted on cable. Alderman Lanyon suggested that the CTA Board be invited to the City's public hearing on the 26th. Alderman Davis suggested that notices of the proposed cut -backs and petitions be mailed to all neighborhood organizations, and not just those in the affected areas. In response to a question from Alderman Feldman, City Manager Anderson said that the City would be coordinating efforts with the University, both hospitals and the Chamber of Commerce. Alderman Brady urged the City make up a flyer to inform citizens of the proposed cuts and also urged the Evanston Review to help the City inform citizens about the proposed CTA cuts and the schedule of hearings. Alderman Engelman expressed concern that Evanstonians might vent all their frustrations at the hearings on the 24th and 26th and not attend the hearing on the 30th. He stressed the importance of a large turnout at the CTA Public Hearing on the 30th at Loyola and suggested that the City might consider providing buses to take people to the hearing. Alderman Fiske suggested that the City urge citizens to take the "El" to the CTA public hearing. Alderman Drummer reviewed the proposed dates of meetings and urged the Council an citizens to not take an adversarial tone in their discussions with the CTA Board. Alderman Warshaw seconded Alderman Fiske's suggestion to take the "El" to the hearing because it is difficult to get to and from the Civic Center by bus in the evening, due to scheduling. Alderman Heydemann suggested that the City commission buttons that would say "Evanston Needs the CTA, The CTA Needs Evanston." Mayor Barr said that, judging by the comments she had just heard, she felt it was the consensus on the Council that the City go ahead with the program proposed by the City Manager. APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Barr introduced the name of Robert K. Fickes, 833 South Boulevard, for appointment to the Commission on Aging. ,;k 3 2-- -8- October 14, 1991 Alderman Lanyon called Council's attention to a Chicago Sun -Times article, placed on the Aldermen's desks that evening, concerning the municipalization of electric service in Evanston. He reported that he had received several inquiries about when Evanston was going to do this. He reminded Council that at the September 16 meeting, he and Alderman Newman had expressed concern about involving the public in this process as soon as possible. He stated that it reflects badly on the Council when information leaks out from a confidential report, and urged the City to release the report to the public as soon as possible. He said it would preserve the City's integrity on a issue that deserves public input. Alderman Rainey requested that the City Council direct the Finance Director to purchase nine lottery tickets in the name of the City for the Wednesday drawing of the $60 million lottery prize. Alderman Wollin reported that this morning, she had been on an Illinois Municipal League panel on ethics in government. She said the copies of the Evanston Ethics ordinance which she had brought were snapped up by other communities at a furious pace. A fellow panelist who is an attorney, said it was the best municipal ethics ordinance he had ever seen and was a model for other communities. She said that she was proud to be from a community that values ethics - especially in recent days. Alderman Heydemann welcomed Y.O.U. to their new building on Sherman Avenue and said that the Fourth Ward was honored to have such a prestigious organization there. Mayor Barr and Alderman Esch joined her in welcoming Y.O.U. to their new home. Alderman Brady reminded the Aldermen of the Budget Policy meeting on Wednesday, October 16, and invited all to attend. She reported that the Committee would be discussing capital assets and leases. Alderman Drummer said that the Housing and C.D. Committee meeting scheduled on the yellow agenda for tomorrow at 7:30, will meet at 7:00 P.K. He also announced that at the November 6 Township Committee meeting, the Committee will discuss wh for Evanston should become a receiving Township of the state of Illinois. Alderman Fiske said that in his continuing campaign for courtesy and friendship, he was calling Council's attention to Alderman Drummer's comments on minding our manners with the CTA. He suggested that in case the CTA representatives come with an agreeable mind, we don't want to turn them off. 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 10:27 p.m. KIRSTEN F. DAVIS CITY CLERK I 1