HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1993-11-22-1993aX,
rrY COUNCIL
November 22, 1993
Standing committees meet prior to the official regular meeting. Current members are as follows:
Administration and Public Works
Alderman Newman
Alderman Heydemann
Alderman Engelman
Alderman Drummer
Alderman Kent
Alderman Holsman
Alderman Guthrie
Alderman Moran
Alderman Feldman
Plannin¢ and Development
Human Services
Alderman Newman
Alderman Guthrie
Alderman Engelman
Alderman Holsman
Alderman Heydemann
Alderman Feldman
Alderman Kent
Alderman Moran
Alderman Drummer
The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was held on Monday, November 22, 1993, at 8:40
P.M. in the City Council Chamber.
ROLL CALL - PRESENT:
Alderman Kent
Alderman Moran
Alderman Holsman
Alderman Feldman
A Quorum being present.
ABSENT: Alderman Engelman
TARDY: None
PREMING: Mayor Lonaine H. Morton
Alderman Newman
Alderman Drummer
Alderman Guthrie
Alderman Heydemann
A video tape recording of this meeting has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the City
Clerk's office.
2 November 22,1993
MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Morton urged the Council to review the Legislative Report Card compiled by the Suburban Mayors Action
Coalition (SMAC) that rates suburban Cook County legislators on how often they supported the group's position
on municipal issues before the legislature.
CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
City Manager Eric Anderson announced that the Civic Center would be closed on Thursday and Friday, November
25 and 26 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Those having Thursday recycling, refuse and yard waste pickup will have
those items collected on Friday. Thanksgiving Day is a parking holiday. Beginning Friday in the downtown area,
the special parking holiday program sponsored by EVMARK will go into effect until December 26. Shoppers can
park free in the parking garages on Saturday and after 10:00 A.M. during the week. Parking will also be flee in
the lot behind the library and in the lower level of the Holiday Inn parking garage on Saturdays and the Friday after
Thanksgiving.
REPORT FROM INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS LIAISON:
Larry Suffredin, Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison, reported on the issues he had worked on in behalf of the City
during the past year. He noted that he had received assistance on various projects from former Republican Senator
John Friedland from the Elgin area; former Democratic Representative Paul Williams from Chicago; Gabriel Lopez,
from Speaker Madigan's staff; former Republican Representative Jim Kirkland; and, after she left office, former
Mayor Joan Barr helped for the last month of the legislative session. During the year there were approximately
250 bills affecting Home Rule or affecting municipalities introduced in the Legislature. He worked in conjunction
with the Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC) and the Illinois Municipal League (DAL) to address those
affecting Evanston. Among the things he was able to accomplish was to get Evanston, which was not on the
original list, on the list to qualify for Environmental Protection Association (EPA) low interest bonds for its sewer
projects. He noted that a major issue of the legislative session was property tax caps and reported that a bill had
been passed that would put a referendum on the ballot next year concerning this issue. He observed that it was an
issue on which the voters needed to be educated and anticipated that, as a result of this, there may be dramatic
changes in the next few years in the way municipalities are funded. He also reported on his efforts to try to
forestall the building of the Howard Street wall. He is currently working with Representative Jeff Schoenberg to
try to get a waiver from the federal requirement banning parking on Green Bay Road (because it was repaved using
federal funds and does not meet federal requirement for width to allow parking.) They are attempting to get
permission to allow parking during non -rush hours. He is also currently assisting City Manager Anderson in
negotiations with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD). They are working to extend all of
Evanston's existing leases with the MWRD, discussing the possibility of leasing additional land and attempting to
get a waiver from the MWRD's river edge criteria. To conclude his report, Mr. Suffredin suggested that a formal
structure that would allow for input from the elected officials on bills before the Legislature would be very helpful
to him.
Alderman Newman, City Manager Anderson and Mr. Suffredin discussed setting up meetings before every
legislative session and the possibility of establishing a small group that could asset on very short notice to address
issues that are moving quickly through the Legislature. Alderman Newman thought that in addition to addressing
state issues, it would be appropriate for the City to provide input to its representatives in Washington, D.C.
concerning issues before Congress that affect cities. He also suggested using Mr. Suffredin's skills to lobby on
issues affecting both the City and the school districts. In response to a question from Alderman Heydemann, Mr.
Suffredm explained that he had joined both the 1ML and NWMC in lobbying against unfunded mandates. In
response to a question from Mayor Morton, Mr. Suffredin said that, during the new legislative session beginning
January 12, 1994, it would be possible to give Council a weekly update on legislative activity in Springfield utilizing
the DAL and NWMC updates, as well as the legislative information services system terminal in the Civic Center.
That system can print out the text of any bill and provide information on its status. He also pointed out that due
to the fact that Illinois currently has a Democratic House and a Republican Governor and Senate, there is a need
for bipartisanship and a need to join with other communities if we want to move things through the Legislature.
November 22,1993 dl-q
COCATIONS•
City Clerk Davis reported that she had received two communications from the Illinois Department of Revenue
reporting that sales taxes had been collected in the month of September in the amount of $374,771.66 and Auto
Rental Taxes had been collected in September in the amount of $2,696.18.
CONSENT AGENDA:
(Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*)
Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda, with the following exceptions: Docket 266-
11B-93: Waiver of Fees for First Night; Docket 270-11B-93: Ordinance 133-0-93 - Increase in Class C Liquor
Licenses - Luciano's - 2676 Green Bay Road; Docket 273-11B-93: Agreement with H.O.M.E. for Housing
Services; Docket 274-11B-93: Updated Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy and Docket 276-11B-93:
Resolution 111-R-93 -Mayoral Appointments. Roll Call. Voting aye -Kent, Moran, Holsman,-Feldman,.Newman,r.--
Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (8-0)
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* The minutes of the regular meeting of November 8, 1993, as submitted in writing to the members of the City
Council. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0)
ADA11NISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS COAE4ITITEE:
BU IS AND PAYROLL
* Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for the period ending November 23, 1993; for City of
Evanston payroll for the period ending November 14, 1993; and that their payment be authorized and charged to
the proper accounts, summarized as follows:
City of Evanston bills $ 9,672,629.68
City of Evanston payroll $ 1,218,761.59 _
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
PURCHASES:
* Approval of the proposal of Murphy & Jones for City Council Chamber Folding Chairs at a total cost of $12,610.
(Non -Bid Item, Requires a 2/3 Majority Vote)
BID SUMMARY:
Firm Total Cost
Beckley Cardy $12,339
Villa Park, IL
Murphy & Jones $12,620
Park Ridge, II.
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the proposal from Hewlett Packard Corp. for Disaster Recovery Insurance for the City's Computer
Equipment at a total annual cost of $7,824. (five-year agreement). (Non -Bid Item Requires a 2/3 Majority Vote)
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
4 November 22,1993
* Approval of the proposal from Mankoff Equipment for upgrading of the current Petrovend Gasoline Dispensing
System for the Fleet Services Division at a total cost of $11,690. (Non -Bid Item Requires a 2/3 Majority Vote
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL !8-0)
* Approval of the proposal of Rosemont Purchasing for Library Building Project Furniture, Furnishings &
Equipment at a total cost of $1,470,058.56. (Non -Bid Item, Requires 2/3 Majority Vote)
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGFNTDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the proposal from Performance Pipelining to rehabilitate seven Manhole structures at various locations
at a total cost of $12,250. (Non -Bid Item, Requires 2/3 Majority Vote)
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of the proposal from WaterTech, Inc., for a Low -Pressure Amplifier Pump for the Crown Center Ice_
Rink at a total cost of $25,000. (Non -Bid Item, Requires 2/3 Majority Vote)
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) ,
* Approval of Change Order #10 for the Transportation Center which results in a $1,680.55 decrease in the contract
price to Blinderman Construction Company. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL
CALL. (8-0)
* Approval of the proposal of Harr& Environmental Services, Inc., for Consulting Services for the Facilities Plan
for Long -Range Sewer Improvements at a cost of $14,850. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND,
ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Approval of Change Order #1 from W. E. O'Neill Contractors for the Library Project for an increase of $17,395.
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION ANT) ROLL CALL (8-0)
Docket 266-11B-93: Waiver of Fees for First Night - Consideration of a request
from First Night of Evanston that the City Council waive those City Department
costs associated with First Night activities on December 31, 1993. REMOVED
FROM CONSENT AGENDA AND HELD IN COMMITTEE.
*Docket 267-I IB-93: Resolution 112-R-93 - Reserved Parking for Disabled-.
2436 Prairie Avenue - Consideration of proposed Resolution 112-R-93, by which
the City Council would authorize the City Manager to establish a reserved
parking space for the disabled at 2436 Prairie Avenue. * ADOPTED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Docket 268-IIE-93: Ordinance 132-0-93 - Vacation of Portion of Allev -
2010 Grev Avenue - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 132-0-93, by which
the City Council would vacate a portion of the alley north of Foster Street and
west of Grey Avenue to allow for the construction of a garage on the property
at 2010 Grey Avenue. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA,
* Docket 269-11B-93: Ordinance 134-0-93 - Decrease in Class D Liquor
Licenses - Luciano's - 2676 Green Bav Road - Consideration of proposed
Ordinance 134-0-93, by which the City Council would amend Section 3-5-6 of
the Code of the City of Evanston to decrease the number of Class D Liquor
Licenses in effect by one to reflect the change in License Class of Luciano's
Restaurant, 2676 Green Bay Road. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT
AGENDA
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November 22,1993 q
Docket 270-1113-93: Or iirance 13.3d1-93 - Increase in Class C Liquor
Licenses - Luciano's - 2676 Green Bav Road - Consideration of
Ordinance 133-0-93, by which the City Council would amend Section 3-5-6 of
the Code of the City of Evanston to increase the number of Class C Liquor
Licenses in effect by one to allow for the issuance of a License to Luciano's
Restaurant, 2676 Green Bay Road. REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA.
Alderman Heydemann introduced proposed Ordinance 133-0-93. Marked Introduced.
* Docket 271-IIB-93: Ordinance 135-0-93 - Sale of Permits for Lot #60 -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 135-0-93, by which the City Council
would amend Section 10-11-11, Schedule IX, of the Code of the City of
Evanston to allow for the sale of parking permits in Parking Lot #60, 1234
Chicago Avenue. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA
* Docket 272-IIB-93: Ordinance 136-0-93 - Sale of Surolus Vehicles -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 136-0-93, by which the City Council
would authorize the sale of two additional surplus vehicles to be included in the
Northwest Municipal Conference Auction on December 4, 1993. * MARKED
INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA
Alderman Heydemann moved to Suspend the Rules in order to adopt an ordinance introduced the same evening.
Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Motion carried. No nays.
Alderman Heydemann moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 136-0-93, introduced this evening.
Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Roll Call. Voting aye - Kent, Moran, Holsman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer,
Guthrie, Heydemann. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (8-0)
* Docket 252-11A-93: Ordinance 121-0-93 - 4-Wav Ston - Asburv/Noves -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 121-0-93, introduced on November 8,
1993, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-5, Schedule V(D),
of the Code of the City of Evanston to establish a Four -Way Stop at the
intersection of Asbury Avenue and Noyes Street. * ADOPTED - CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-01
* Docket 253-11A-93: Ordinance 126-0-93 - 3-Wav Stop - Colfax/Prairie -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 126-0-93, introduced on November 8,
1993, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-5, Schedule V(C),
of the Code of the City of Evanston to establish a Three -Way Stop at the
intersection of Colfax Street and Prairie Avenue. * ADOPTED - CONSENT
AGENDA MOT10N AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Docket 254-11A-93: Ordinance 127-0-93 - Tax Levv for Special Service
District #4 - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 127-0-93, introduced on
November 8, 1993, the Supplemental Tax Levy for Special Service District #4,
which serves the Downtown Area, by which the City council would approve the
recommended budget for EVMARK and authorize the 1993 Tax Levy.
* ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-01
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HUMAN SERVICES C0NflWr TEE :
November 22,1993
Docket 273-11B-93: Agreement with H.O.M.E. for Housing Services -
Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council authorize the City
Manager to enter into an Agreement with Housing Options (H.O.M.E.) for
housing services for persons with mental illness, utilizing $4,850 in Fiscal Year
1993-94 Mental Health Board and Community Purchased Service Funds.
REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA.
Alderman Guthrie moved approval of the recommendation. Seconded by Alderman Heydemann.
In response to questions from Alderman Kent, Director of Health and Human Services Terry explained that the
funding on tonight's agenda is for the operation of scattered site apartments, which ACORN operated and are
located in various areas throughout the city. None of H.O.M.E.'s operations will take place at the old ACORN
site of 909 Foster Street. He reported that he had been in contact with the Fireman's Park neighbors and clarified -
that the agency now operating a limited program out of 909 Foster is called Trilogy and is based in Chicago. They
have not sought any City or Mental Health Board funding. He noted that Trilogy serves the chronically mentally
ill, but is not operating a frill drop -in program at that site. The future of the site is in doubt because the building
is up for sale and the closing is expected to take place in December.
Vote on the motion. Motion carried. No nays.
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
Docket 274-11B-93: Undated Comorehensive Housing Affordability Strateev -
Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council approve the Updated
Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) which is needed in order
to receive Community Development Block Grant Funds, as well as other HUD -
related housing activities. REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA.
Alderman Newman moved Council approval of the recommendation. Seconded by Alderman Heydemann.
Alderman Kent indicated that he had some concerns about the recommendations and moved to hold the docket item
over until the next meeting. Seconded by Alderman Newman. In response to a question from Alderman Newman,
Director of Building and Property Services, Jim Wolinski, noted that the CHAS was required to be submitted to
HUD by December 31, 1993. At the request of two aldermen. this docket item will be held over until the next
meetine.
* Docket 275-IIB-75: Plat of Subdivision - 2760-66 Hampton Parkwav -
Consideration of a request from Boulevard Bank, N.A., as Trustee under
Agreement #9065 dated August 10, 1989, for approval of a Plat of Subdivision
for the property at 2730-66 Hampton Parkway. The Plat of Subdivision is in
proper form, and final approval is recommended. * APPROVED - CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-01
* Docket 261-IIA-93: Ordinance 125-0-93 - Amendment to Fee Schedule -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 1254)-93, introduced on November 8,
1993, by which the City Council would amend Ordinance 78-0-90, as amended
by Ordinance 77-0-93, in order to provide a lower filing fee for certain types
of fence variation requests. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION
AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
7 November 22,1993
Xqq
On behalf of the Planning and Development Committee, Alderman Newman made the following references to the
Plan Commission:
1.) To consider amending the definition of "through lot' contained in Chapter 18 of the Zoning Ordinance, as well
as any related provisions, in order to clarify the application of said definition to properties.
2.) To consider amendments to Chapter 3 and Appendix D of the Zoning Ordinance, as well as any other related
provisions to provide:
1. That notice provided to the neighbors be the same for all forms of relief and
that said notice be mailed to property owners within a radius of the subject
property, inclusive of public roads, streets, alleys and other public rights -of -
way, as determined by the Plan Commission; and
2. That when a published notice is required, failure of delivery of mailed notice -
to neighbors shall not invalidate the public hearing; and
3. That this .: L... be incorporated with the earlier reference to the Plan
Commission which was approved on September 27, 1993.
Alderman Newman reported that the committee bad held an extensive preliminary discussion on Alderman
Holsman's reference concerning the inspection process and is considering a review of how inspections are done in
the both the CD area and non -CD areas. He also noted that the committee is considering the possibility of a
licensing fee for inspections. He requested input from Council members and the mayor.
OTHER COM11H1TEES:
* Docket 264-11A-91: Resolution 107-R-93 - Amendment to Council Rule
9.9.3 on Aldermanic References - Consideration of proposed Resolution 107 R-
93, by which the City Council would amend Council Rule 9.9.3 to allow
Aldermanic References to be made during City Council and Council Committee
meetings. Council Rule 3.1 states that requested changes in Rules must be
distributed to members of the Council at least one week in advance of the vote
thereon. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL,
(8-0)
Docket 276-11B-93: Resolution 111-R-93 - Mavoral Anaointments -
Consideration of proposed Resolution 111-R-93, by which the City Council
would amend City Council Rules pertaining to the appointment of Aldermen to
Boards, Commissions, and Council Committees. In accordance with Council
Rule 3.1, proposed Resolution 111-R-93 and a descriptive memorandum were
transmitted to Council on November 15, 1993 for consideration on November
22, 1993. REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA.
Alderman Heydemann moved Council adoption of proposed Resolution 111-R-93. Seconded by Alderman
Drummer.
Alderman Feldman noted that the changes in this proposed resolution were made pursuant to a reference he had
made to the Rules Committee for clarification of the current Rules. He felt that the changes proposed were an
abdication of responsibility for C . ,'. , .. , eats by members of the Council and said that he found the recommendation
to be unacceptable. He felt that it was not a clarification, but a dramatic change and would eliminate almost any
contribution, prerogative or responsibility that the Council currently has for appointments. He also felt that it
eliminated the possibility of Council establishing its own committees. He urged his colleagues to vote against the
resolution.
500 - 8 November 22,1993
Alderman Holsman indicated that he had voted for the changes in committee, but had second thoughts about taking
away advice and consent from the Council for everything except citizen appointments. He did not recall discussing
the issue of special Council committees in the Rules Committee meeting. He `stated that he would vote against the
resolution.
Alderman Newman urged the'aldermen to vote down the changes proposed and send the issue back to the Rules
Committee. He felt that the committee had made its mistake in not negotiating the rules changes with different
segments of the Council. He felt that the rules should be a result of consensus. He opposed making committee
terms coterminous with Council terms, because he thought that newly elected members of the Council would be
discriminated against in committee assignments. He enumerated several instances in which he felt Council oversight
of mayoral appointments of aldermen would be useful and would assure fairness and equity for all members in the
appointment process. He urged the aldermen to vote against these changes.
Alderman Heydemann said that she supported these changes to the Rules because the members of the Council are
elected by ward and comprise a body of equals, while the mayor is elected by - and represents - the City as -a -
whole. She felt that it was not conducive to good government practice for aldermen to be passing judgment on their
peers.
Alderman Drummer noted that these changes were adopted by the committee by a 5-0 vote and that aldermen not
on the committee participated in the extensive discussion of these rules changes. He felt that Alderman Heydemann
had stated the rationale for the changes very clearly and thought that at the committee meeting everyone present
appeared to agree that aldermen should not sit in judgment of their peers. He felt that the committee had responded
to the reference and that the proposed changes had taken all the mystery out of the appointment process. He felt
that it is not appropriate for aldermen to have the ability to second-guess the mayor as to which alderman serves
on which committee.
Alderman Feldman stated that the mayor's powers have been established by tradition over a long period of time and`
don't need enhancement. He questioned whether it is wrong to assume that aldermen should not sit in judgment
of their peers, when judgment is obviously used by a mayor in making committee assignments. Judgment always
comes into play in making these kinds of selections, and (in making his reference) he had hoped that a different kind
of criteria could have been established. He said that Council should not hesitate to make judgments. He did not
want to take away any prerogatives from the people of the Ninth Ward by taking away the ability of aldermen to
provide advice and consent.
Alderman Guthrie was surprised that this recommendation had come out of committee. She felt that advice and
consent did not involve sitting in judgment of one's peers as much as it provided a check. She felt that the City
had always been fortunate in having mayors who reflected the will of the general population, but was concerned
that if a future mayor was elected who wished to wield more authority than provided in the past, then these deletions
would allow for that. She felt that the s.,..Y.-...:-dations were short-sighted and urged Council to defeat the motion.
Mayor Morton noted that amendment or repeal of Council Rules required a 2/3's majority vote of the elected
aldermen (6).
Roll call. Voting aye - Moran, Drummer, Heydemann. Voting nay - Sent, Holsman, Feldman, Newinan, Guthrie.
Motion failed (3-5)
Alderman Feldman restated his original reference to the Rules Committee to consider clarification of the rules
regarding, the mayor's and Council's roles regarding appointments.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
Docket 277-11B-93: Resolution 110-R-93 - Council Rule oertaining-to
Aldermanic Debate. - Consideration of proposed Resolution 110-RA3, as
proposed by Alderman Newman, by which the City Council would delete
language from the Council's Rules that provides a mechanism for limiting
9 November 22,1993 D I
aldermanic speech to five minutes. This matter was considered by the Rules
Committee during its November 1, 1993 meeting. The Rules Committee chose
to make no change to the existing Council Rule. At the request of three
Aldermen, this matter has been placed on the Council's Agenda. In accordance
with Council Rule 3.1., which requires that proposed Rule changes be
distributed to Council at least one week in advance of the vote thereon, a copy
of proposed Resolution 110-R-93 and a descriptive memorandum were
transmitted to Council on November 11, 1993.
Alderman Newman moved to hold this docket item over until the next meeting. Seconded by Alderman Kent.
At the request of two aldermen this docket will be held over until the next meeting_
APPOINTMENTS:
Mayor Morton asked Council confirmation of appointment of John R. Twombly, 1614 Greenwood Street,..to_the—.
Property Services Board, for term ending November 30, 1996.
Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of this appointment. Seconded by Alderman Holsman. Motion carried.
No nave.
Mayor Morton asked Council confirmation of the reappointment of Kevin Rielley, 2121 Pioneer Road, to the Plan
Commission for a term ending December 31, 1996.
Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of this appointment. Seconded by Alderman Holsman. Motion carried.
No nays.
Mayor Morton introduced the following names for appointment:
Louise V. Sanborn, 1624 Chancellor Street Environment Board
Brian Charron, 1204 Madison Street Cable Commission
Sarah Stegemoeller, 812 Monticello Place Plan Commission
Jerry B. Wallack, 3030 Grant Street Plan Commission
In response to questions from Alderman Feldman, Assistant City Manager Aiello reported that in order to meet the
deadline set by the Council, the Energy Commission has been meeting every week. Subcommittees have been
developed and have begun to work. The Commission meets alternating Mondays and Tuesdays at 7:15 A.M.
Minutes will be distributed to Council.
MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Morton announced that there would be Closed Session to deal with pending litigation and land acquisition.
CALL OF THE WARDS:
Alderman Holsman reported that the Clyde/Callan/Brummel neighbors had held another meeting and thanked all
the City officials who attended. He noted that the group had established subcommittees that would be coming to
the City with recommendations soon.
O10 November 22,1993
Alderman Holsman also reported that he has been trying to set up a meeting between the Howard/Hartrey neighbors
and the developers of that site. He said that he had a tentative date of December 1, and if it works -out, fliers
announcing the meeting will be distributed to the neighbors.
Alderman Holsman made reference to a recent fire at 231 Callan and noted that the Fire Department had told him
that some of the damage could have been prevented if the doors had been up to code and had closed automatically.
He felt this illustrated some of what was needed in this area relative to inspections and stricter code enforcement.
Alderman Feldman made reference to a letter from the Southeast Evanston Neighbors Association which requested
that the public hearing scheduled for December 13th on the Washington National Insurance property be postponed.
He noted that they had made the request because the Balcor Report on the feasibility of the Buck Project was not
ready by November 15 as previously scheduled. He felt that it might be appropriate to postpone the hearing because
citizens needed the information in the report to make informed comments on the project.•
City Manager Anderson clarified that the public hearing was on whether the Washington National property would
be eligible to be a Tax Increment Financing District (M and was separate and apart from consideration, ofvthe.,..,_.....
Buck project. He said that the Balcor Report will be considered by the Economic Development Committee on
December 15th. No action will be required on that report before the second meeting in January. The combination
of the comments from the public hearing, the Balcor Report and the recommendations of the Economic Development _
Committee will all come together to be considered by Council during the second meeting in January. He expressed
reluctance to postpone the hearing because some of the legally required public notices have already gone forward.
He expected the Balcor Report to be available December 6. He noted that Council had the option of not closing
the public hearing on the 13th and continuing it to the first meeting in January. It is also possible to set additional
time aside at a January meeting to receive citizen comment on the report after it has been reviewed by the Economic
Development Committee.
Alderman Feldman said he would like to see the hearing continued to another time. He suggested that possible
alternate development of the site was a legitimate question for the TIF Hearing. The amount of City contribution
might be another issue people would like to address at the hearing and whether that would be justification for a TIF.
He felt that the Council needed to be as flexible as possible on this issue and to share as much information with the
public as possible.
City Manager Anderson emphasized that the December 13th hearing would not be the only opportunity for citizen
input on this project, but there would be opportunity for comment at other Council meetings and at the Economic
Development Committee meetings. He hoped to have a list of the costs that the City will be requested to bear for
this project ready by the next Monday, November 29.
Alderman Newman noted that Mayor Morton had introduced two new names for appointment to the Plan
Commission. He reminded the mayor that a number of boards and commissions had associate . _ ;,,.. t r..s and
encouraged her to consider those members, who were serving without a vote, for appointment when future vacancies
occur.
Alderman Newman expressed concern that a number of residential buildings have been included in the proposed
new Special Service District #5 and said that he had raised a number of questions about that with staff. He ..
cautioned that on December 13, considerable time might be required to respond to all the questions that might be
raised by residents of those buildings at the public hearing. He urged Council to be prepared to spend a great deal
of time taking public comment during the two public hearings on December 13, because the issues they are
addressing are of major importance to the community.
Alderman Drummer reported that his wife and son had finally been able to return home from Louisiana and things
were going well. He thanked everyone for their support and their � b of concern.
Alderman Guthrie reported that the eastern portion of Main Street had been paved and was open once again
following the sewer construction.
Alderman Guthrie also reported that she had received a hard-hat tour of the new library construction site the
previous Saturday and thought that it was necessary to be inside the new building to fully appreciate how much t
larger it is than the old library. She felt that it was going to be gorgeous and looked forward to its opening in
September of 1994.
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11 November 22,1993 J D /
Alderman Guthrie also reported that the Unified Budgeting Panel had finished its work and thanked the staff for all
their help, in orienting the new— of the panel. She said that she had enjoyed the process and felt it went
very well.
Alderman Heydemann thanked Council members for their thoughtful questions about First Night, but regretted that
she had not been able to participate in the discussion. She promised written responses to the questions raised as
soon as possible. She reported that she had learned recently from the Boston office of First Night that New Year's
Eve in Boston is statistically one of the safest nights of the year. She said that Boston has had First Night
celebrations for seventeen years and promised to get those figures for Council. It appears that in Boston the
celebrations have not been catalysts for more illegal activity, but have had just the opposite effect.
Alderman Kent reminded Council about the "In the Spirit of Thanksgiving" food drive that he was conducting in
conjunction with Joe Brooks of Joey's Movers and encouraged everyone to give their donation.
Alderman Kent said that he was still in the dark about the Minority Business Enterprise Program and requested a
list of meeting dates and a list of the Evanston minority businesses that the City is working with. He also wondered...,., -
whether a mission statement had been developed. He felt that he did not have a clear understanding of what the
program is supposed to accomplish and felt that is should be opened up to become a more inclusive type of
committee.
Alderman Moran reported that the E-911 Committee had received a tour of the construction area -of the new
communications center in the Police Department, and said that it is rapidly moving along to completion. He looked
forward to its conclusion and felt that it will greatly enhance the City's emergency reporting and dispatch ability
for police, fire and emergency medical vehicles.
Alderman Moran wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Alderman Drummer moved that Council recess into a Closed Session to consider pending litigation and land
acquisition. Seconded by Alderman Heydemann. Roll Call. Voting aye - Kent, Moran, Holsman, Feldman,
Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (8-0)
Council recessed into Closed Session at 10:05 P.M. and reconvened into Open Session at 11:34 P.M. There being
no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn. The Council so
moved and adjourned at 11:35 P.M.
KIRSTEN F. DAVIS
CITY CLERK
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