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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1993-06-28-1993CITY COUNCIL i� 7 L 1 1 Standing committees meet prior to the official regular meeting. Current members are as follows: June 28, 1993 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 Alderman Engelman Alderman Heydemann Alderman Kent Alderman Newman Human Services Alderman Feldman Alderman Drummer Alderman Moran Alderman Guthrie Alderman Holsman The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was held on Monday, June 28, 1993, at 8:35 P.M. in the City Council Chamber. ROLL CALL - PRESENT: Alderman Heydemann Alderman Kent Alderman Moran Alderman Engelman Alderman Feldman Alderman Newman Alderman Drummer Alderman Guthrie A Quorum being present. ABSENT: Alderman Holsman PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton A tape recordingof this meeting has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the City Clerk's office. 2 June 28, 1993 PRESENTATION OF 1"3 EVANSTON PRESERVATION AWARDS: Carlos Ruiz, Preservation Coordinator, introduced Carol Qualkinbush, Chair of the Preservation Commission. Ms. Qualkinbush said that this was the tenth year that the Evanston Preservation Commission and the Preservation League of Evanston were presenting these awards and noted that it was the fifteenth year that the Preservation Commission had been in existence. To mark that anniversary, the Commission recently published a book of architectural walking tours and she urged people look it over. She introduced Mayor Morton, who presented the following preservation awards: The highest honor for excellence in restoration, the Margery B. Perkins Award, went to the First Baptist Church of Evanston, 607 Lake Street for restoration of the sanctuary and offices. Green Associates of Evanston were architects; Teska & Associates of Evanston, were landscape architects. Reverend Robert Thompson and Ms. Katy Pendleton, Chair of the Restoration Oversight Committee accepted the award. Other awards given: Categorv: Restoration - 601 South Boulevard. CTA Station, Chicago Transit Authority, owner. Anne McGuire & Associates of Evanston, architects. (Terra-cotta facade was restored.) Accepting the award: Jon Stubitsch, CTA manager of Station Design. 2601 Sheridan Road, The Lighthouse Park District of Evanston. Stephen Knutson of Evanston, architect. Al Hatcher, Inc., of Evanston, contractor. (North wing addition of the lighthouse keeper's quarters.) Accepting the award, Donald J. Terras, Light Keeper. Cate—gorv: Adautive Reuse 1567 Manle Avenue. C. G.June Institute of Chicago, owner. Lucien LaGrange & Associates, architects. W. B. Olson, contractor. (Interior and exterior renovation of building.) Accepting the award: Mary S. Nolan, Assistant Director. The following awards were accepted by the owners. Ca orv: Rehabilitation 2444 Pioneer Road, Mr. and Mrs. John Manos, owners. Elias/Architect, Inc., architect. Mizener Construction, contractor. (New additions.) 540 Florence Avenue, Dennis O'Keefe, Mary Jo Barrett, owners. Federico Vidargas of Evanston, architect. Freise Construction and Associates, Inc., contractor. (New additions.) Category: Maintenance 2454 Pioneer Road, Suzanne and John Amberg, owners. Mizener Construction, contractor. (Porch Restoration and building maintenance.) 1707 Madison Street, Barbara and Federico Vidargas, owners. Frederico Vidargas of Evanston, architect. Armando Ruiz, contractor. Mayor Morton congratulated the award winners and thanked them for helping to make Evanston a wonderful place in which to live. She said that their fellow citizens appreciated their efforts. She noted that the awards were different from the ones she had witnessed while on the Council - representing a broader spectrum of community effort. FAMILY FOCUS AWARDS: Geneva Wade of Family Focus and Alderman Kent presented Council with 150 red ribbons, tied together and inscribed with the names of the families who had participated in the Friendship Circle event to demonstrate their unity and love of Evanston. The event originated three years ago and is celebrated on the second Saturday of May. Co -sponsoring Friendship Circle with Family Focus were Youth Organization Umbrella (Y.O.U.), the YMCA and the YWCA. Ms. Wade noted that Mayor Morton had proclaimed May 15, 1993, Friendship Day in Evanston. She read the following proclamation prepared by Family Focus for city officials: WHEREAS, the City of Evanston demonstrates a rich human diversity and a community of unity which highlights what's best in North Shore living; and WHEREAS, Family Focus -Evanston strives to collaborate and complete the myriad family constellations that Evanston is home to; and WHEREAS, the Friendship Circle calls attention and raises community awareness of the need for unity in any diverse municipality by joining the hands of all families for a moment to demonstrate the melded force of unity and diversity; and WHEREAS, we as the families of Evanston call forth to our municipal government for commitment, cooperation and encouragement that mandates a peaceful haven for all residents. NOW, THEREFORE, we proclaim and present, from the families of Evanston to the city officials of Evanston, a visible symbol sharing and linking of all families that communicate the harmony and unity and togetherness of our great city Evanston, Illinois. 0 t June 28,1993 / Mayor Morton thanked Ms. Wade for her presentation. Alderman Kent thanked Ms. Wade for her efforts, as well as the efforts of Delores Holmes, Director of Family Focus, the Family Focus faculty and staff and Evanston residents who are concerned about community unity. He felt that the community would get there sooner or later and noted that the Friendship Circle was an effort by the people of the Fifth Ward to extend the hand of friendship to the rest of the community. Mayor Morton added that this is the image that the City Council is also trying to project - to be friendly and to work for the best interests of the community and its citizens. MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Morton thanked Director of Building Operations, Max Rubin, and his staff for all that they had done to make the Council Chamber as nice as it is. She was delighted to see the wonderful job that they had done re -configuring the Chamber and noted that most of the work was done by City staff. Mayor Morton announced that the Recreation Board would conduct a tour of recreation facilities on Wednesday, July 14, at 9:00 A.M. and invited any interested alderman to join them. CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS: City Manager Eric Anderson announced that the Fourth of July would be celebrated as a City holiday on the Fifth of July. It will be a parking holiday and refuse will be collected one day late the rest of the week. CITIZEN COMMENT: Bob Fisher, 1001 Sherman Avenue, Evanston Lumber Company, opposed the adoption of the inducement resolution to allow the City to investigate creating a Tax Increment Financing District (TIF) for the Rust-Oleum site; urged Council to consider the impact a Home Depot would have on the building materials industry in Evanston and quoted some statistics related to its effect on that market in Atlanta; noted that the entry of Home Depot in the Evanston market might drive existing retailers out of business and create a net loss to the City's tax base; urged the aldermen to vote no on the resolution. Maureen Cawlev. 2912 Central Street, Harold's True Value Hardware, said that if Home Depot locates on Oakton Street, there will be a dramatic increase in the amount of traffic on Oakton, Dodge and Asbury; pointed out that there are two schools and a large park in that area and children frequently crossing those streets and expressed concern for their safety; she noted that the increased traffic generated by a store of this size will bring an increase of auto emissions, noise and light pollution. Dan Cawlev. 2912 Central Street, Harold's True Value Hardware, said that if Home Depot forces small hardware and building materials businesses to close, it will have a ripple effect in the community - affecting the jobs that employ local people, other businesses from which they purchase supplies and services, and the charitable contributions they give to various school, church groups, human services organizations, the arts and professional organizations. John Cornvn. 1137 Darrow Avenue, Cawley's True Value Hardware, questioned why Evanston would want to add another large discount store to the southwest area of Evanston when Target, Best Buy and Sam's Warehouse were already scheduled to build there. He expressed concern about the effect these stores would have on downtown merchants and felt that they would draw people away from the downtown area. He noted that downtown Evanston stores rely on each other to draw people and to build a strong customer base. John Cawlev. 2912 Central Street, Harold's True Value Hardware, said that he hoped to be the fifth generation of his family to own their business in Evanston, but expressed concern that it would not be possible if Home Depot were to come in to town. 170 4 June 28,1993 Don Puls. 2538 Green Bay Road, Evanston Paint and Glass, said that they had been a family owned business in Evanston since 1936, understood that the Council wanted to capture the new tax revenue this large scale new development would provide, but urged them to think carefully whether this would be a net benefit to the City. He said that a yes vote on the TIF would be a no vote to the relationship the City has enjoyed with its small business partners. Bob Okita. 1016 Church Street, Fashion Floors, said that since his store was a part of the downtown area and part of the "personality" of Evanston, he was concerned about the effect this development would have on the downtown area. He felt that all these new developments would take traffic away from the downtown area. He welcomed the competition, but questioned whether it was fair to give a large newcomer a tax advantage through a TIF and felt that they should compete on a level playing field. He questioned what effect this development would have on the overall economy of Evanston. Mayor Morton said that staff had taken note of the comments made by these retailers at the last Economic Development Committee meeting and asked Assistant City Manager Aiello to explain what steps had been taken. Ms. Aiello said that the Resolution under consideration calls for a cross -impact analysis, which will look at the impact Home Depot may have on existing businesses. Mayor Morton said that she wanted to inform those present that their earlier comments had been heard and that the City was trying respond to the concerns they had raised. I61Qa1llY�7.� Alderman Feldman moved that the minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 14, 1993, as submitted in writing to the members of the City Council, be approved without reading. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Motion carried. No nays. CONSENT AGENDA: (Any Docket Item marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Drummer moved Council adoption of the Consent Agenda with the following exceptions: Docket 138-0B-93: Ordinance 72-0-93 - Use of Personal Watercraft at Lakefront; Docket 158-6C-93: Consultant for Analysis of the WNIC Redevelopment Project. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Roll Call. Voting aye - Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer and Guthrie. Motion carried (8-0). Mayor Morton announced that there would be a Closed Session to discuss pending litigation following the Council meeting. ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE: BELLS AND PAYROLL * Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for the period ending -June 23, 1993; for City of Evanston payroll for the period ending June 13, 1993; and that their payment be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston bills $ 5,598,100.68 City of Evanston payroll $ 1,220,010.72 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-01 PURCHASES: * Approval of the low bid from Palumbo Bros., at the unit prices bid for 1993 Contract Street Maintenance Program at a total estimated cost of $181,104.50. June 28, 1993 , 7 I BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Estimated Cost Palumbo Bros. $ 181,104.50 Hillside, IL J.A. Johnson Paving 197,707.50 Arlington Heights, IL Allied Asphalt Paving 199,442.00 Hillside, IL Artley Paving Co. 204, 862.95 Wheeling, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the bid from Freeway Ford, for two one -ton Dump Trucks for the Water and Sewer Division at a total cost of $44,522.00 Bidder Total Cost* Freeway Ford Truck Sales $ 44,522.00 Lyons,IL * Includes trade-ins * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CAI:1 (8-Q) * Approval of the bid from Stanton Equipment Co. for Combined Sewer Cleaner Machine for the Water Plant at a total net cost of $200,947.00. Bidder Total Cost* Stanton Equipment Co. $ 200,947.00 La Grange, IL * Net cost includes trade-ins * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the low bid from Nature's Perspective for Parking Lot Landscape Maintenance Program at a total cost of $30,000.00 BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Cost Nature's Perspective Landscaping $ 30,000.00 Evanston, IL Turf Care Landscaping 30,400.00 Evanston, EL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the proposal from Custom Home Elevators of St. Louis for a Handicapped Lift at the Fleetwood/Jourdain Community Center at a total cost of $11,650.00. (Non -Bid Item, Requires a 2/3 Majority Vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) June 28,1993 * Approval of the low bid from Tru-Link Fence for Fencing for Clyde-Brummel Park at a total cost of $6,000.00 BID SUMMARY: Bidder Tru-Link Fence Co. Chicago, IL Midwest Fence Corp. Chicago, EL * APPROVED - CONSENT Total Cost $ 6,000.00 7,988.00 AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of the following two proposals from Insituform Midwest for Sewer Linings: 1) $377,020.00 to complete the rehabilitation of combined sewers as part of the Phase III Relief Sewer Improvement Project, -..and 2) $208,890.00 for the rehabilitation of combined sewer pipelines at various locations in the City. The total cost of the two proposals is $585,910.00 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Approval of Contract B Construction Services for Phase III of the Long -Range Sewer Program to J. F. Shea Company, Inc., for the Base Bid and Alternate Bids 2 and 4 in the amount of $13,287,972.00 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Docket 150-6C-93: Snecial Event - Central Street "In Harmony - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council permit the Central Street Merchants' Association to conduct their Annual Arts & Crafts Fair on July 9 and 10, 1993 on Central Street between Hartrey and Eastwood Avenues. During the event, Stewart Avenue north of Central Street will be closed. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Docket 151-6C-93: Resolution 83-R-93 - Amendment to Congressman Yates' Lease - Consideration of proposed Resolution 83-R-93, by which the City Council would amend Congressman Yates' lease of Civic Center office space by adding a 75-square foot storage room. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-01 * Docket 152-6C-93 Resolution 79-R-93 - Driver's Washroom at Transportation Center - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into a funding agreement with PACE to construct a washroom for bus drivers in the Transportation Center. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-01 * Docket 153-6C-93: Ordinance 54-0-93 - Regulating Use of Bicycles - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 54-0-93, by which the City Council would amend Title 10, Chapter 9, Section 10, of the Code of the City of Evanston pertaining to bicycle use regulation, to change the definition of adult to 17 years and allow officers to issue citations to adult violators. * " MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 154-0C-93 Ordinance 76-0-93 - Lakefront Parkine Regulations - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 76-0-93, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-9, Schedules IX (H) and (Q), of the Code of the City of Evanston, to prohibit parking on either side of Lake Shore Boulevard between Greenwood and Dempster Streets from May 1 through September 30 between 9:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA 1 1 7 June 28, 1993 115 * Docket 136-6B-93 Ordinance 66-0-93 - State License for Motor Vehicle Revair Shoos - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 66-0-93, introduced on June 14, 1993, by which the City Council would amend Section 3-21-2 of the Code of the City of Evanston to require a State license for motor vehicle repair shops. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. L2 Docket 138-6B-93 Ordinance 72-0-93 - Use of Personal Watercraft at Lakefront - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 72-0-93, introduced on June 14, 1993, by which the City Council would amend Section 7-11-7 of the Code of the City of Evanston to permit launching and operation of personal watercraft on the Lakefront under the same rules and regulations required of power boats and power boat operators. Alderman Feldman said that he had questions about the hours of operation permitted by the Ordinance and the fact that personal flotation devices are not required to be worn while operating them. He moved that the consideration of the Ordinance be held until the next meeting, so some of his concerns could be addressed. Seconded by Alderman Newman. At the request of two aldermen. this Docket Item is being held until the meeting of July 12. * Docket 139-6B-93 Ordinance 73-0-93 - 2-Wav Stou - Emerson/Orrington - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 73-0-93, introduced on June 14, 1993, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-5, Schedule V(B), of the Code of the City of Evanston to establish a 2-Way Stop at the intersection of Emerson Street and Orrington Avenue. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Docket 140-6B-93: Ordinance 74-0-93 - No Parkine Zone - 1416 Sherman - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 74-0-93, introduced on June 14, 1993, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-8, Schedule VIII(A), of the Code of the City of Evanston to prohibit parking at 1416 Sherman Avenue. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Docket 141-6B-93: Ordinance 75-0-93 - No Parkine Zone - Colfax East of Ridge - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 75-0-93, introduced on June 14, 1993, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-8, Schedule VIII(A), of the Code of the City of Evanston to prohibit parking on Colfax Street east of Ridge Avenue. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) Docket 80-3B-93: Ordinance 39-0-93 - Definition of Lowest Bidder - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 39-0-93, introduced on March 22, 1993, by which the City Council would amend Section 1-17-1 of the Code of the City of Evanston by defining lowest bidder for the purchase of goods and services. A copy of proposed Ordinance 39-0-93 and a descriptive memorandum were transmitted for the March 22, 1993 meeting. At the April 13, 1993 Council meeting, this matter was held over to the next meeting. At the April 26, 1993 meeting, this matter was tabled to the May 24, 1993 meeting. This matter remained tabled at the May 24, 1993 meeting. (Administration & Public Works Committee) (Committee Vote: 5 ayes - 1 nay) No Action PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COM[M TTEE: * Docket 155-6C-93: Library Public Art Plan - Consideration of a . recommendation from the Public Art Committee of the Arts Council and the Library Board that the City Council approve the Phase II Library Public Art Plan. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) June 28,1993 * Docket 156-6C-93: Temnorary Sien - American Craft Exposition - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council approve the request of the Auxiliary of Evanston/Glenbrook Hospitals to erect temporary signs advertising and directing patrons to the American Craft exposition at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) * Docket 146C-93: Ordinance 77-0-93 - Zonine Fees - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 77-0-93, which would revise Ordinance 78-0-90 to establish fees for zoning requests and related matters. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 146-6B-93: Ordinance 65-0-93 - ZBA 93-6-SU(R) - Special Use 2516 Green Bav Road - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 65-0-93, introduced on June 14, 1993, by which the City Council, in accordance with the Zoning Board of Appeals' recommendation, would grant the application of the 2516 Green Bay Limited Partnership, as beneficiaries under the Harris Bank Winnetka Trust #L-3580, and Pizza Hut of America, Inc. (lessee), for a special use to permit establishment of a Type 2 Restaurant without drive-in facilities, limited to carry -out and delivery only, on the property at 2516 Green Bay Road. The property is zoned Cl Commercial District. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Docket 147-6B-93: Ordinance 67-0-93 - ZBA 93-5-SU(R) - 951 Howard - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 67-0-93, introduced on June 14, 1993, by which the City Council, in accordance with the Zoning Board of Appeals' recommendation, would grant the application of Walter E. Ryan, Jr. and Dennis Ryan, as beneficiaries under the Northwest Bank of Chicago Trust #3612, and Pizza Hut of America, Inc. (lessee), for a special use to permit establishment of a Type 2 Restaurant without drive-in facilities, limited to carry -out and delivery only on the property at 951 Howard Street. The property is located in a Cl Commercial District. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-01 * Docket 148-6B-93: Ordinance 68-0-93 - ZBA 93-7-V&SU(R) - 3200 Grant - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 68-0-93, introduced on June 14, 1993, by which the City Council, in accordance with the Zoning Board of Appeals' recommendation, would grant the application of The Presbyterian Home for a special use for an institution for the aged, and for variations from the use and front yard regulations of the Zoning Ordinance to permit construction of a fitness center, relocation of six existing garages, and construction of three new garages on the property at 3200 Grant Street. The property is zoned R4 General Residence District. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) Alderman Engelman called Council's attention to the Plan Commission's annual report that was included in their packet last week and urged them to review it, along with the Comprehensive General Plan also promulgated by that body. He said that the Plan gives an excellent overview of the City and when Council considers a land use issue, they should consider it in that context. 1 9 June 28,1993 17s OTHER COMMITTEES: Docket 158-6C-93: Consultant for Analvsis of the WNIC Redevelopment Project - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council authorize the City Manager to solicit proposals for a consultant to assist in the analysis of the Washington National redevelopment project as proposed by the John Buck Company. Alderman Engelman moved Council approval of the recommendation. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Alderman Newman requested that two questions be added to the consultant's task when he analyzes the project. He asked that the consultant verify that property taxes on the property would be reduced to $200,000 if the building is not used for five years and the site not redeveloped. He also asked that the consultant evaluate the total parking needs for the project, whether it is condo or rental, and compare the number of parking spaces with other 300-unit buildings to see whether the amount of parking alloted will be adequate. Vote on the recommendation - motion carried. No nays. Docket 159-6C-93: Resolution 40-R-93 - Establishing Redevelopment Proiect Area - Consideration of proposed Resolution 40-R-93, by which the City Council would establish a Redevelopment Project Area generally bounded by Oakton Street on the south, the western edge of the Rust-Oleum property on the west, the northern edge of the Rust-Oleum property on the north, and the east side of Hartrey Avenue on the east. Alderman Engelman moved Council adoption of proposed Resolution 40-R-93 and pointed out that as part of the consideration, this Resolution provides for a study to determine whether it would be feasible to establish a neighborhood business development fund to address issues of neighborhood development and identify the preliminary components of such a program; provides for a cross -impact study to determine what potential impact a Home Depot, located on the Oakton site, may have on the existing home improvement businesses; provides for a study to identify the benefits to the community from the proposed development, including proposed MBE/WBE/EBE programs; and establishes a way for the City to coordinate with Home Depot, if they are to be the developer, to address neighborhood issues concerning the proposed development. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Alderman Feldman said that the Council has had its consciousness raised regarding its obligation to community elements affected by economic development projects. He noted that the people directly affected by Sam's Warehouse have been assured by Alderman Drummer, the City and himself that they will pay special attention to the problems of the community generated by this development and that they will think in terms of a long-term development program. He felt that it was appropriate to extend that sort of consideration to the business community. He said that he would be voting no on this Resolution because he wanted to be sure that the impact of this development project was mitigated dramatically. He wanted to be certain that the City and Home Depot have a commitment to resolve all the problems that might occur as a result of its presence - including its impact on the neighbors directly across the street. He committed to working closely with the neighbors, the community, Home Depot and the Economic Development Committee to make sure these issues are addressed. Alderman Heydemann said that because she shared many of Alderman Feldman's concerns, she was going to vote yes on the Resolution. She pointed out that a no vote would mean the City's involvement with Home Depot was at an end. Her concern was that Home Depot had indicated its intention to open stores in the Chicago area and if a Home Depot were to open just outside Evanston borders, it might still affect small Evanston businesses. If that were to happen, the City would lose both the tax dollars and the chance to negotiate any terms with them to mitigate their effect on those businesses. The City's most powerful position at this point is to continue to negotiate with Home Depot. She noted that continued negotiations with Home Depot did not indicate that the City was giving up on or giving away the small businesses of Evanston and indicated that she wanted to do as much as possible to protect them. -16 10 June 28,1993 Alderman Drummer said that the document before the Council was just the first step in a long development process. He pointed out that he had had the experience of being forced out of business, but noted that competition is a fact of life and the City cannot restrain trade. He understood that those opposed to the development did not want the City to give Home Depot any financial incentives and emphasized that this Resolution did not do that. He pointed out that this vote would not allocate one cent of City money to Home Depot and said that he was voting for it to allow the studies it provides for to go forward. Those studies will show whether or how the City will benefit from this development. He also felt that it was important to verify the statistics Mr. Fisher quoted in Citizen Comment about Home Depot's effect on the Atlanta building materials industry. He noted that one of the most competitive businesses was the grocery business and reminded the aldermen that the City was allowing a large grocery store to be built in the Howard/Hartrey development and suggested that the building materials industry was not the only one that may be affected by a large development. He suggested that every large development affects other businesses within a community. In response to a question from Alderman Newman, Alderman Engelman clarified that two sites outside of Evanston, but close to its borders, have been identified by the developer as possible locations for a Home Depot if the Rust- Oleum site does not work out. In response to another question from Alderman Newman, Assistant City Manager Aiello explained that the Resolution before the Council was a Resolution of Intent to consider the establishment of the redevelopment project area - the first step in the TIF process - and all it does is state the Council's intent to consider the establishment of a TIF and allows the process to begin. She further explained that the TIF process involves an eligibility report, a redevelopment plan and a Joint Review Board made up of representatives of the various taxing bodies in the City. That process will take between 60 to 90 days. Concurrent with that, a cross - impact analysis will be conducted and will go to the Economic Development Committee (EDC) for consideration and recommendation. In addition, the feasibility of establishing a "Neighborhood Business Development Fund" will be explored. The scope of that program will be determined by input from the various businesses, the neighborhood areas, the Chamber and the Economic Development Committee. When all of this is done, it will go to the EDC for their analysis and recommendation to the City Council. Alderman Kent expressed concern about the impact this project may have on existing small businesses and wondered if a cross -impact study could be done before Home Depot "had a foot in the door". Ms. Aiello explained that after the Resolution of Intent is adopted, it allows the City to be reimbursed from the proceeds of the TIF for the costs it incurs to establish that an area is appropriate for a TIF. If it is not adopted the City could do the cross -impact study and an environmental impact study, but could not be reimbursed for those costs. Alderman Engelman emphasized that this is a Resolution of Intent to establish a TIF study area to determine whether the Rust-Oleum site is an appropriate place to use TIF financing as an economic development tool. He said that this issue should be divorced from Home Depot and reminded them that the site has been vacant for six years and, while there have been 17 inquires about redeveloping the site, no one has pursued it any further because it has major environmental problems. He noted that Rust-Oleum had cleaned up the site as required by the Environmental Protection Agency, but that significant environmental problems remain under the surface because the site was an old garbage dump. The estimated cost of cleaning up the site is from $35-$40 million. The real question is what the City needs to do to this site to make it attractive to a developer. While this resolution was inspired by an inquiry from Home Depot, it does not commit any money to them. During the TIF process the City will also study whether to give Home Depot any incentives to locate here and what impact the store might have on existing businesses and the surrounding neighborhood. The City will also be exploring the legality of setting up a neighborhood redevelopment fund and how it can best channel remediation money to existing businesses that may be affected by the development. It will also identify what benefits the development may bring to the community and coordinate questions of MBE/WBE and EBE enterprises. None of these studies will be paid for by TIF proceeds unless this Resolution is passed. In response to a question from Alderman Newman, Assistant City Manager Aiello said that the developer is aware of the time -frame required to do both the TIF study and the cross -impact analysis. Alderman Newman said he would support this Resolution because he would like to have the all the information that the studies will generate. He did not feel that this would be his final vote on this project and agreed that the site was in need of help. Alderman Feldman said that he did not know what the studies would show, but felt that Council was committed to mitigating the impact that opening a Home Depot in Evanston might have on existing businesses. He said that Council would attempt to work with the business community to solve this problem and to lessen the impact. I Ll 11 June28,1993 117 Alderman Kent expressed doubts about that commitment, but said that he understood the need to clean up the Rust- Oleum site. He said that he would have been more comfortable if there were two parties interested in the property and made reference to a brochure produced by the Evanston building materials industry, which alleged that Home Depot forced significant numbers of businesses to close in the Atlanta market when they came in. He asked how Home Depot felt about coming into an area and driving out existing businesses who had been in the community for a long time. Ms. Aiello said that while she could not speak for Home Depot, she noted that at a recent EDC meeting representatives of Home Depot indicated that there were errors in fact in that brochure. She said that in some other areas, businesses had become stronger because they were forced to compete with Home Depot. She did not believe that Home Depot went into a market with the idea of putting other people out of business. Alderman Newman wondered if the business redevelopment fund could be funded out of TIF revenues (it can), how much money might be generated and what type of impact it might have. He felt that the studies that will approved as part of this Resolution would help to answer some of those questions. Motion carried. (Alderman Moran abstained on the vote due to a possible conflict of interest.) * Docket 149-0B-93: Resolution 77-R-93 - Standine Committee Chairmanships - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council amend Council Rule 9.7 pertaining to Standing Committee Chairmanships. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton asked for confirmation of the names of Kay Fund, 906 Elmwood Avenue; Mary E. Lane, 800 Brummel Street; Penny Miller, 1310 Hinman Avenue, Colleen M. Murphy, 1608 Davis Street; Anthony Poole, 612 Mulford Street and Vivian P. Young, 731 Brummel Street, for appointment to the Housing Commission, for terms ending July, 1996. Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of these appointments. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Motion carried. No nays. Mayor Morton asked for Council confirmation of Robert K. Costello, 2135 Sherman Avenue, for reappointment to the Police Pension Board for term ending May, 1995. Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of this reappointment. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Motion carried. No nays. Mayor Morton introduced the name of David Sallach, 802 South Boulevard, for appointment to the Cable Commission. CALL OF THE WARDS: Alderman Newman congratulated the Southeast Evanston Association on their Annual Meeting, held last Friday evening at Dawes House. He said that it was very well attended and demonstrated the strength of that organization. He also thanked the Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring the Fountain Square Art Fair over the weekend. Alderman Drummer reminded members of the Rules Committee that their meeting, scheduled for July 6, was cancelled. Alderman Heydemann reminded citizens that if small animals have chewed through the tops of their garbage cans, they are entitled to new ones free from the City. They can be obtained by calling the Public Works office (866- 2956). Alderman Heydemann congratulated everyone involved in the Unity Scholarship service, held the previous day at Second Baptist Church, and said that Alderman Kent had spoken very eloquently. She noted that at least four of the scholarship recipients were former students of hers and she was very pleased to see them. It had been a wonderful afternoon. /1� 12 June 28,1993 Alderman Moran called Council's attention to the ...,,—j,,.,—dum from Police Chief Kaminski informing Council that the Police Department had raised substantial funds to provide young people in need with the opportunity to attend summer camp. Alderman Moran noted that the department had been involved with this effort for many years and thanked them for their continuing dedication and good work. Mayor Morton joined Alderman Moran in thanking Chief Kaminski and his officers for their efforts in behalf of young people. Alderman Drummer moved that Council recess into a Closed Session to consider pending litigation. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Roll Call. Voting aye - Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer and Guthrie. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (8-0). The Council so recessed at 10:14 P.M. and adjourned from Closed Session at 10:32 P.M. KIRSTEN F. DAVIS CITY CLERK