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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1993-01-25-1993&L F� CITY COUNCIL January 25, 1993 Standing committees meet prior to the official regular meeting. Current members are as follows: Administration & Public Works Alderman Wollin Alderman Esch Alderman Newman Alderman Rainey Alderman Nelson Alderman Paden Human Services Alderman Moran Alderman Washington Alderman Fiske Alderman Drummer Alderman Davis Alderman Feld Planning & Development Alderman Heydemann Alderman Engelman Alderman Kent Alderman Warshaw Alderman Brady Alderman Lanyon The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was held on Monday, January 25, 1993 at 9:11 P.M. in the City Council Chamber. ROLL CALL - PRESENT: Alderman Washington Alderman Kent Alderman Moran Alderman Nelson Alderman Wollin Alderman Engelman Alderman Rainey Alderman Lanyon Alderman Feldman A Quorum being present. ABSENT: None TARDY: None PRESIDING: Mayor Joan W. Ban Alderman Warshaw Alderman Fiske Alderman Newman Alderman Paden Alderman Drummer Alderman Davis Alderman Brady Alderman Esch Alderman Heydemann 5-5- 2 January 25, 1993 CITIZEN COMMENT: Neil Elliott. 732 Michigan Avenue, said that his wife and children had complained about problems with panhandlers; questioned whether it was possible to ignore panhandlers; encouraged the aldermen to aggressively pursue the problem of panhandling; noted that a person he knows to be homeless has not been observed panhandling. John F. Norwood. 1403 Fowler Avenue, said that he was speaking in behalf of those whom the aggressive panhandling ordinance is directed against and suggested that the Council find solutions to the problems that put them there in the first place. He suggested that it was an ordinance which would be difficult to enforce and was just a way for the Council to flex its power, and would not make the problem go away. He suggested that the mental institutions that were releasing people into the community and the nursing homes that would not take them, were some of the problems to be addressed. He questioned whether there was a place in Evanston to get adequate referrals. He noted that his church had been helping the unfortunate for many years. Jonathan Perman., Evanston Chamber of Commerce, said that the problem of aggressive panhandling was not unique to Evanston, but one thing that does make Evanston unique is the level of compassion that it shows for those less fortunate. He suggested that Evanston takes on a disproportionate share of the regional burden of housing the homeless, feeding the hungry and helping those in need. He felt that would have to continue because Chicago is cutting down on its social services and looking to Evanston and similar communities to take on a share of their burden. He said that many business owners had made a considerable investment in Evanston and faced extraordinary competition from surrounding shopping areas. Two of the greatest challenges they face are finding affordable, safe, convenient and accessible parking and the perception of safety. He suggested that if the commercial areas are not perceived as safe, then people will be less willing to shop here, and felt that the increasing number of aggressive panhandlers led to that perception. He also felt it was important to bring together the human service providers, the shelter providers and the business community to talk about long term strategies such as affordable housing and jobs. He was not sure that the ordinance under consideration tonight was the best way t deal with the problem, but felt that it sent a strong message that there was a limit to even Evanston's tolerance for aggressi behavior. MINUTES: Alderman Lanyon moved that the minutes of the Special Meeting of January 9, 1993 and the Regular Meeting of January 11, 1993, as submitted in writing to members of the City Council, be approved without reading. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Alderman Warshaw asked that the minutes be corrected on page 16, under Call of the Wards, to show that she had reported that the Sister City Foundation Committee had voted to support the Somalia Resolution; and on page 12, to correct the last word in the third full paragraph to read profit, not pocket. With those corrections, motion carried. No nays. Mayor Barr announced that there will be a Closed Session to deal with pending litigation and land acquisition following the Open Session. CONSENT AGENDA: (Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Nelson moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with the following exceptions: Docket 1-1A-93: Resolution 6-R-93 - Policies on Global Warming; Docket 276-12A-92: Ordinance 99-0-92 - Aggressive Panhandling and Docket 10-1A-93: Resolution 4-R-93 - Approval of 1993-94 Community Development Block Grant Program Final Statement. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Roll call. Voting aye - Washington, Kent, Moran, Nelson, Wollin, Engelman, Rainey, Lanyon, Feldman, Warshaw, Fiske, Newman, Paden, Drummer, Davis, Brady, Esch, Heydemann. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (18-0)., Docket 1-1A-93: Proposed 1993-94 Budget - Consideration of the proposed Budget for the City of Evanston for the fiscal year 1993-94. A copy of the City Manager's recommended Budget was distributed on December 31, 1992. Budget review sessions have been scheduled for January 9, 16, 23 and 30, 1993, and a Public Hearing on the Budget is scheduled for February 1, 1993 at 7:30 P.M. 3ti 1 January 25,1993 HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: Docket 2-1A-93: Resolution 6-R-93 - Policies on Global Warming - Consideration of proposed Resolution 6-R-93, by which the City Council would endorse the recommendations of the Evanston Environmental Control Board and the National Environmental Law Center regarding global warming. Alderman Moran noted that the Committee had made a small amendment to the Resolution, removing the word "and" from the end of the second to the last paragraph. With this change, Alderman Moran moved Council adoption of proposed Resolution 6-R-93. Seconded by Alderman Lanyon. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Moran reported that the Committee had discussed the Recreation Department monthly report and the upcoming hearings with United Way and 4-C's related to funding grants to child care agencies throughout Evanston. Those hearings will be held on January 28 and February 4, at 7:30 P.M. in the United Way offices at 828 Davis St. The Committee also had discussed the drop in funding received by United Way, both locally and nationally, that will require considerable cut -backs in their funding of local agencies. Those cuts are projected to be about 5 %-6 % and will have to absorbed in the course of the next five months, which will magnify their impact. Alderman Moran reported that the federal government reduced the amount of aid that it annually grants to the City in emergency shelter. funds (the McKinney grant). The reduction will be about $14,000 of the $40,000 the City normally receives. Alderman Moran said that the Committee had received an update on activities of the Police Department's Youth Services Bureau during the last year. The Youth Services Bureau gave very favorable reports on participation in a mentoring program, Mothers Against Gangs, Parents Night, and the community service program for youthful offenders that was developed in conjunction with the Police Services Committee. The Committee also received a very favorable report on the 1992 Summer Youth Employment Program, which included a forecast that the program will be repeated next summer. ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE: BILLS AND PAYROLL: * Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for the period ending January 20, 1993; for City of Evanston payroll for the period ending January 10, 1993; and that their payment be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston bills $ 4,099,156.25 City of Evanston payroll 1,227,021.06 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) PURCHASES: * Approval of the low bid for Tree Planting Services from R. F. Idriss Landscaping at a total estimated cost of $14,880. BID SUMMARY: Bidder R.F. Idriss, Inc. Evanston, IL Klehm & Son Nursery South Barrington, IL Berthold Nursery Elk Grove Village, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT Tree - No. & Size (220) (40) 2-1/2 In. 3-1/2 In. $ 54.00 $ 75.00 59.50 84.50 125.00 225.00 AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) Total Estimated Cost $14,880.00 16,470.00 37 4 January 25, 1993 * Approval of the low bid from Value Lighting for LED Exit signs for the Civic Center at a total cost of $9,155. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Cost Value Lighting $ 0,155.00 Glenview, IL Graybar Electric 9,488.80 Chicago, IL Efengee Electric 9,628.00 Des Plaines, IL Steiner Electric 9,668.00 Elk Grove Village, IL American Electric Supply 10,536.76 Chicago, IL Howard Electric 10,997.00 Chicago, IL Englewood Electric 11,748.94 Des Plaines, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) * Docket 14-1B-93: Private Industry Council Contract for Job Training and Placement - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with the Northern Cook County Private Industry Council for funding in the amount of $40,000 for computer training and job placement for Evanston residents. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) * Docket 15-1B-93: Emnlovee Parking Permits - Consideration of a proposal to extend the authorization to sell parking permits to employees in the Evanston Residents Only Parking District located near Main Street and Chicago Avenue. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) * Docket 16-1B-93: Resolution 2-R-93 - Retain Fence at 2727 Elgin Road ,- Consideration of proposed Resolution 2-R-93, by which the agreement on behalf of the City with Lauren Runsel, owner of the property at 2727 Elgin Road to retain the fence at that location. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) * Docket 17-1B-93: Resolution 14-R-93 - Easement with Shure Bros. for Sewer Improvements - Consideration of proposed Resolution 14-R-93, by which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to enter into an Easement Agreement with Shure Brothers Company. The easement is required for construction of Phase I of the Long -Range Sewer Plan. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) * Docket 18-1B-93: Resolution 15-R-93 - Joint Agreement - Ridge Avenue Bridge — Consideration of proposed Resolution 15-R-93, by which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to execute a Joint Agreement which would allow for 80 % funding by the Federal Highway Administration and the use of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the City's share of the preliminary engineering services for the Ridge Avenue Bridge Replacement over the Skokie Swift. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) 3g 5 January 25, 1993 * Docket 19-1B-93: Resolution 16-R-93 - Parking for the Disabled - 911 Simpson Street - Consideration of proposed Resolution 16-R-93, by which the City Council would establish a Reserved Parking Space for the Disabled at 911 Simpson Street. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. 18-0 * Docket 20-1B-93: Ordinance 1-0-93 - Class D Liauor License - 624 Davis Street - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 1-0-93, by which the City Council would amend Section 3-5-6 of the Code of the City of Evanston to increase the number of authorized Class D Liquor Licenses by one to _allow the issuance of a Class D Liquor License to Konishi, Inc., (dba Lulu's) at 624 Davis Street. * ��1ffRKEO 1'NT/�JD�/CEU CDA/,5�/U7" ��-GErt/oy o * Docket 237-1013-92: Ordinance 91-0-92 - Increase in License Fees for Restaurants - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 91-0-92, introduced on January 11, 1993, by which the City Council would amend Section 8-8-4 of the Code of the City of Evanston to increase the annual License fees for Food Service Establishments. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) Docket 264-11B-92: Ordinance 110-0-92 - Parkine Svstem Rate Chanees - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 110-0-92, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-12, Schedule XII, of the Code of the City of Evanston to increase parking rates for on -street and off-street meters. Also included is a recommendation to increase the monthly rates in the Garages and various lots in the Parking System. At the November 23, 1992 meeting, the Administration & Public Works Committee referred this matter to the Mayor's Committee on Parking Needs. Docket 276-12A-92: Ordinance 99-0-92 - Aeeressive Panhandline - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 99-0-92, introduced on January 11, 1993, by which the City Council would amend Section 9-5-3 of the Code of the City of Evanston to prohibit aggressive panhandling in Evanston. Alderman Wollin reported that the Committee had agreed unanimously that they would like this referred back.to committee for discussion and clarification of language. She moved to refer the docket back to the Administration and Public Works Committee. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Motion carried. No nays. Docket 108-5A-92: Ordinance 40-0-92 - One -Hour Limited Parkine Zone - Church/Dodge - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 40-0-92, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-10, Schedule X(B), of the Code of the City of Evanston to create a one -Hour Limited Parking Zone on the south side of Church Street west of Dodge Avenue. At the October 12, 1992 meeting, This matter was held in committee. No Action PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: * Docket 21-1B-93: Greenwood/Demnster Lakefront Pathwav Proposal - Consideration of a recommendation that City Council approve a plan for the Greenwood/Dempster Lakefront Pathway Project, which is included in the City's proposed 1993-97 Capital Improvement Plan. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) Docket 7-1A-93: Architectural Plan Review and Field Inspection Contract = Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a one-year contract with Criezis Architects for Plan Review and Field Inspections for commercial, industrial, and institutional projects costing in excess of 11,000,000 in construction costs. Alderman Heydemann moved Council approval of the recommendation. Seconded by Alderman Nelson. Alderman Esch moved to hold this docket item until the next meeting. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. At the reauest of two aldermen. this docket item will be held until the meetine of February 8. sq 6 January 25, 1993 Docket 270-12A-92: Rea_uest for Buildine Permit Fee Waiver - 1501-19 Darrow Avenue - Consideration of a request from the ten owners of the Darrow -Grove Townhouses that the City Council waive building permit fees for the ten townhouses at 1501A, 1501B, 1507A, 1507B, 1511A; 1511B, 1515A, 1515B, 1519A, and 1519B Darrow Avenue. At the December 14, 1992 meeting, this matter was held in committee. OTHER CONEMHTEES: Docket 10-1A-93: Resolution 4-R-93 - Annroval of 1993-94 Community Development Block Grant Program Final Statement - Consideration of proposed Resolution 4-R-93, by which the City Council would approve the 1993-94 Community Development Block Grant Program Application to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of proposed Resolution 4-R-93. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Alderman Drummer reported that the budget had been developed based on an estimate of the funds that the City will receive from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), but had now received word what its actual allocation will be. He moved to amend the Resolution to reflect the reduction in funds the City will be receiving by $6.898 by reducing the Unspecified Local Oation Line Item by that amount. He said that it would not affect any other project allocations. Seconded by Alderman Rainey. Vote on the amendment - motion carried. No nays. Alderman Newman said that while he supported the Shelter program and felt that the Center for Public Ministry (CPM) did a fine job in running it, he felt that if the City was giving money through the CDBG Program to the shelter, it should be able to link that funding to requirements that the Shelter staff encourage their patrons not to panhandle. He complimented the Evanston churches for their great volunteer efforts, but said that the City needs to get a handle on how other commumt are using the services Evanston provides for the homeless. He noted that ours is the only homeless shelter within a 25 mi radius going west and north from Chicago. He felt that the 73,000 citizens of Evanston should not have to shoulder t burdens of the other communities. He did not feel it was unreasonable to ask the Center for Public Ministry, since the City was giving them $18,000, to have as a requirement of service there, that their patrons not panhandle on downtown streets. He did not know if it would be enforceable, but felt it should be encouraged. He thought it would be appropriate for the CPM and the churches who serve this population to raise the consciousness of the persons they are serving and to try to address other issues people have raised in the downtown area. It is constructive and a reasonable thing to do to deal with panhandling. He asked that the Human Services Committee look at it. He wanted to make sure that the Shelter relates to the downtown community. If there is no one from the Shelter or the churches who is panhandling, then this won't affect them. He said that was a reference to the Human Services Committee. In response to a question from Alderman Feldman, he clarified that his reference concerned aggressive panhandling. Alderman Rainey clarified that the money being allocated to the CPM was going to fund the family shelter program, not the Shelter at 607 Lake Street and was to replace the shortfall in funding from the McKinney grant. Director of Human Services, Jay Terry, clarified that the CMP ran two shelter programs, one for single adults housed in the First Baptist Church and one that houses homeless mothers and children in three apartments located in different areas of the community. The CDBG funds are exclusively for the family program. Alderman Davis said that the CPM had been forward -looking in monitoring the McKinney funding in Congress and became aware that Evanston will receive $14,000 less and by requesting $18,000 in CDBG funds, they were able to cover that loss. The Human Services Committee will look at Alderman Newman's reference, but if the Council passes an aggressive panhandling ordinance, it will apply to every citizen in the City. Alderman Brady emphasized that the funding was going to a family shelter program and questioned the appropriateness Alderman Newman's reference, pointing out that it was verging on a free speech issue. Alderman Newman disagreed with the other speakers. He said that this was an organization that voluntarily came to the City for money and pointed out that he had supported the work of the CPM and supported this allocation, but felt that the City had to look at how its service decisions affected the community. He suggested that when a social service organization comes to the City for funding, then it could negotiate with that organization. He felt that since the CPM was asking for money out of two budgets, then that gave the City the right to have a dialogue. He said that no matter how noble the cause, the CPM 7 January 25, 1993 could chose to not ask for funds, then they would not be subject to any requirements except the laws that everyone has to adhere to. He used as an example the attachment of conditions to zoning requests. While the family shelter is different, funds go to the same organization. He said that a lot of people believe that the City's social service programs attract people and he didn't feel that Evanston should have to shoulder the problems of the entire suburban area. He felt that Human Services is the appropriate committee to consider it and he was very comfortable with this reference because he thought that it was a constructive contribution to the community. Alderman Fiske agreed that for the CPM to have an opportunity to discourage its clients from panhandling was a fine idea and agreed that the City of Evanston bears an unfairly great burden in the human service area. However, he did not believe that it was appropriate for the CPM to have its funding linked to this. If the CPM is a well -run as has been suggested, it would be inevitable that it would cooperate in this effort. He pointed out that the Human Services Committee is in the process of looking at whether the City of Evanston is bearing an unfair human services burden for the whole North Shore and has studied this issue for some time already. He assured Alderman Newman that there was cooperation among the Chamber of Commerce, the social service providers and the City in dealing with questions of homelessness and of panhandling. Mayor Barr reminded the Council that it was discussing the CDBG allocation. Alderman Moran sought further clarification on Alderman Newman's reference. Alderman Newman said that he supported the funding for shelter of women and children, but clarified that he had already had a conversation with representatives from the CPM about this issue and had met with resistance. What he wanted was for Council to look at the impact this problem has on the community. Vote on proposed Resolution 4-R-93 - Motion carried. No nays. * Docket 22-1B-93: Resolution 17-R-93 - Dismissal of Condemnation Proceedings - Consideration of proposed Resolution 17-R-93, by which the City council would authorize the City Manager to take the necessary actions to dismiss condemnation proceedings and direct the attorneys for the City to enter an Order for Dismissal. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (18-0) APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Barr asked for a motion to confirm the name of Richard Lehner, 2419 Noyes Street, for reappointment to the Preservation Commission for a term ending December, 1995. Alderman Lanyon moved Council confirmation of this reappointment. Seconded by Alderman Nelson. Motion carried. No nays. CALL OF THE WARDS: Alderman Fiske clarified that his comments were directed to taking up the Council's time with an issue that was already being addressed. Alderman Newman made reference to an editorial in the Chicago Tribune the previous Saturday and suggested that it contained a warning for the City of Evanston that it had better find a way to interact with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) before August 15, to find a way to justify keeping its "El" stations. He pointed out that the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) had recently baled the CTA out of a funding crisis and suggested that when that money runs out, the CTA will be looking at another round of service cuts, because it would not be able to raise fares any higher. He suggested that this is an issue that ought to be discussed in the upcoming municipal campaigns. He also suggested that the City should begin to meet with the CTA to explore the possibility of automating some of Evanston's stations, because keeping a ticket seller in the station has become very expensive. He felt there was a need to justify keeping the stations open vis a vis the ridership at each station, because each station plays an important role in the economic well-being of the City. He made a reference to the Administration and Public Works Committee to convene and come uv with a strate¢v, which will include meeting directly with the CTA over the next nine months. to try to get them working on automating the stations or anv other tvnes of solutions that might reduce the cost of keening those stations oven. He suggested that was a way to be ahead of the game and to have solutions before cuts are announced. Alderman Newman reminded Council of the Economic Development Committee meeting the following Wednesday where �1 January 25, 1993 they will be considering the $5-$8 million Tax Increment Financing (TIF) request from the John Buck Company; develo of the Washington National Insurance Company site. He felt this was a very serious financial issue for the City recommended that as many aldermen as possible get involved in it early. The Buck Company should be held to a very high standard, considering where it is located, before the City agrees to come up with that kind of money. He thought that the original idea had been not to ask the City for any money. He questioned the need for $548 million for a residential project on prime Evanston real estate. He felt that Council needed to closely evaluate all the risks to see whether that kind of money for five hundred units was really justifiable to the Evanston tax payer. He invited his fellow aldermen to join him in close scrutiny of the project. Alderman Drummer congratulated and thanked the CDBG Committee and the staff of the Planning Department who for their hard work in putting together the programs adopted by the Council this evening. He said that the programs creatively addressed many needs in the community and have far-reaching effects. He pointed out that the committee was required to review 40 or 50 proposals before deciding which ones to fund. Alderman Drummer reported that on the previous Monday there had been a program at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Center to celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. with a program and exhibit entitled "The Sick Can't Wait" which honors blacks in medicine, which highlights the contributions of blacks to medical care in Evanston. He noted that the City Manager had presented a proclamation for that day on behalf of Mayor Barr. He congratulated the Fleetwood-Jourdain staff and the many people who worked on the program and exhibit. Alderman Esch said that it seemed to her that the City's disorderly conduct ordinance, with a little adjustment, would be sufficient to deal with aggressive panhandling. She questioned whether, in this economy, the City should prohibit indigent people, who have no other means of making money, from panhandling. She said that she was grateful that life had been as good to her as it has been and she is aware that there are many people in Evanston who live from one paycheck to another and are verging on disaster if something goes wrong and they may become homeless. She said that the City cannot encirc itself in a cocoon by coming down on all panhandling. She felt that there was something wrong with that concept and wa in one sense, outraged by it. In response to Alderman Newman's earlier comments, Alderman Heydemann assured him that he is not alone in being concerned about the problems of downtown. She pointed out that there are committees already in operation, such as the City -Chamber Committee, and individuals, both City staff and elected individuals, who have been working on this problem for a very long time and noted that people have been addressing it even before he made his reference. They will continue to work to try and solve this problem. She reminded everyone that there will be a Public Hearing on the proposed Zoning Ordinance on Tuesday, February 2, at 7:30 P.M. She also called Council's attention to the opening of the Black Artists exhibition at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center on Friday, February 5 and encouraged everyone to attend the reception. Alderman Kent noted the passing of former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and recalled that Justice Marshall had said that people thought that he said the things that he said because he was old, but he said that he said the things he did because they were right. Alderman Kent said that he had come prepared to comment on the aggressive panhandling ordinance. He felt that Evanston was a great city, and even though it may be overburdened with human services, we have it and we should share it because there are people who need it. He expressed concern that Evanston would be dragging itself through further debate on the panhandling ordinance in the future. Alderman Moran made reference to his earlier report on the Human Service Committee's discussion on the Youth Services Bureau and wanted to respond to comments made about at -risk youth programs not being successful. He pointed out that the Youth Services Bureau had been successful with their programs in the course of the last year. The Bureau has become involved with joint programs with Districts 65 and 202 with respect to at -risk youth, violence prevention, anger management and a whole range of considerations that are very important to addressing questions that are germane to us, the entire city and youth that need help. He said the Bureau has an effective mentoring program that they are co -sponsoring with the YMCA that he has been involved with and knows to be doing a great deal of good. The Bureau has also been working with Mother Against Gangs and has been tremendously effective. He also noted that the newly created community se1wh program has been getting positive feedback and, he felt, was making tremendous strides in terms of diversion of youths might be taking unacceptable directions. Alderman Rainey said that she was concerned about the delays in the Bell/Howell project and asked whether is was necessary for the City to sell the bonds for the project this summer. City Manager Anderson said that in the agreement approved by Council that the City will be signing with the participants, there is extension of the time during which the City could sell 9 January 25, 1993 the bonds. That time extension is to sell the bonds within thirty days of the demolition of the building. It does not require the City to wait that long, but empowers the City to wait that long if it is appropriate. On the previous Saturday he had indicated to Council that the City would watch development of the project carefully and when the City believed the project was clearly going forward, and there were good bond rates, the City would try to sell the bonds. The bond sale will not be based on a season, but on a circumstance. Alderman Rainey asked about the cost of having the debt in the Debt Service Fund; asked what the City's bond counsel fees are and all the miscellaneous fees and expenses that are involved in servicing the debt. City Manager Anderson said that there were costs of issue and other costs and promised a budget memo on the subject. Alderman Rainey also asked for a budget memo on line item 24300, the rental of passenger cars from fleet services. She asked for the totals of passenger vehicle costs in each departmental budget, excluding the police and fire departments. She also asked for the difference in cost between a department providing an automobile allowance versus actually providing the vehicle. She felt that it was the next part of the operation that the City should look at in reducing expenditures. She noted that the capital outlay budget did not include money for any civilian passenger vehicles. She also asked for the chargebacks for those vehicles, such as major maintenance and body repair, which is not part of the rental expenditure in the various departments. Alderman Warshaw called Council's attention to the flyers on their desks with information on the February 13, Sister City Dinner Dance, hoped that they were planning to attend and urged them to get their tickets from her. She said that the mayor of Belize City and an alderman would attend. She also said that a troop of high school dancers may be coming for three days and that she would need the Council's help in housing them. Mayor Barr expressed her sorrow over the death of Mary Gibb, former executive director of the Commission on Aging, who died on January 17. She said that many of the Council members and the staff had the pleasure of working with her. Mayor Barr asked for a motion to go into CLOSED SESSION to consider pending litigation and land acquisition. Alderman Lanyon so moved. Seconded by Alderman Nelson. Roll call: Voting aye - Washington, Kent, Moran, Nelson, Wollin, Engelman, Rainey, Lanyon, Feldman, Warshaw, Fiske, Newman, Paden, Drummer, Davis, Brady, Esch, Heydemann. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (18-0)., The Council so recessed at 10:20 P.M. and adjourned from CLOSED SESSION at 11:17 P.M. . KIRSTEN F. DAVIS CITY CLERK I I