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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1993-07-26-1993E arry COUNCIL 1 1 July 26, 1"3 Standing committees meet prior to the official regular meeting. Current members are as follows: Alderman Newman Alderman Drummer Alderman Guthrie Planning and Develovment Alderman Heydemann Alderman Kent Alderman Newman Alderman Engelman Administration and Public Works, Alderman Heydemann Alderman Engelman Alderman Kent Alderman Holsman Alderman Moran Alderman Feldman Human Services Alderman Feldman Alderman Drummer Alderman Moran Alderman Guthrie Alderman Holsman The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was held on Monday, July 26, at 8:37 P.M. in the City Council Chamber. ROLL CALL - PRESENT: Alderman Moran Alderman Engelman Alderman Holsman Alderman Feldman Alderman Newman Alderman Drummer Alderman Guthrie Alderman Heydemann Alderman Kent A Quorum being present. ABSENT: None PRESIDING::Mayor Lorraine H. Morton -, An audio tape recording of this meeting has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the City Clerk's office. I Kq 2 July 26, 1993 MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Morton announced there would be a CLOSED SESSION to deal with pending litigation and disposition of property at the end of the meeting. CITIZEN COMMENT: Mark Mandrake. 932 Wesley Avenue, said that he had just moved to Evanston from New York City and had been the victim of a variety of crimes - burglary to his home and garage and theft of his car - in the three and a half weeks that he had been here, and wanted to make the Council aware of this mini -crime wave. He also reported that the officer who answered the call about his stolen car, also recovered it a few days later with almost no damage. Mayor Morton noted that acting Police Chief Kaminski was taking notes and she was sure that the department was aware of the problems in his area. She also said that his best comments were his last ones. COMMUNICATIONS: City Clerk Davis announced that there would be a health fair on Thursday, July 29, at the Osco Drug Store at 3333 Central Street, co -sponsored by the American Red Cross and Osco Drugs, which is designed to promote health and safety awareness and education. Participants will receive free medical exams, screenings, and a variety of health and safety information. CONSENT AGENDA: (Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with the following exceptions: The Minutes of the Council Meeting of July 12, 1993, and Docket 174-7B-93: Plat of Subdivision - Howard/Hartrey. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Roll call. Voting aye - Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (9-0) MINUTES: Alderman Drummer moved that the minutes of the regular meeting July 12, 1993, as submitted in writing to the members of the City Council, be approved without reading. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Alderman Newman said that at the July 12th meeting he had raised questions about the appointments to the Library Board and wondered why some of his specific comments about some of the nominees had not been included in the minutes. He said that he did not want to repeat the comments again, but wanted them included in the minutes of the last meeting. He noted that he had also made comments about the process that should have been included in the minutes. City Clerk Davis reminded Alderman Newman that minutes were supposed to record the actions taken at a meeting and that, while she tried to include a sense of the discussion, they were not intended to be a transcript. She pointed out that on the front page of the minutes was a note that said that an audio tape recording of the meeting had been made part of the permanent record and suggested that he refer anyone back to that tape if they wished to know exactly what he had said. She requested that he provide the specific language, in writing, of the amendments he wished to make and also to note the specific place in which the amendments were to be added. Alderman Newman moved to hold approval of the minutes of July 12 until the next Council meeting. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. At the reouest of two aldermen. this aeenda item will be held until the next meeting. ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE. BILLS AND PAYROLL * Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for the period ending July 21, 1993; for City of Evanston payroll for the period ending July 11, 1993; and that their payment be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston bills $ 3,055,959.81 City of Evanston payroll $ 1,329,167.27 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) /j0 3 July 26, 1993 PURCHASES: * Approval of the low bid from J. A. Johnson Paving, at the unit prices bid, for Special Assessment 1396, Lawndale Avenue from Simpson Street to Grant Street at a total estimated cost of $176,991.25. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Estimated Cost Alternate 1 - Asvhalt Paving J.A. Johnson Paving Co. $ 176,991.25 Arlington Heights, IL Artley Paving & Contracting Corp. 181,708.00 Wheeling, II. Lenny Hoffman Excavating, Inc. 198,770.50 Wilmette, IL Englewood Construction 200,874.25 Chicago, IL Alternate 2 - Concrete Paving Abari Construction $ 205,550.25 Bensenville, IL Capitol Cement Co. 222,637.70 Chicago, IL Englewood Construction 285,895.25 Chicago, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Approval of the low bid from J. A. Johnson Paving for Special Assessment 1397, Prospect Avenue from Simpson Street to Grant Street at a total estimated cost of $181,416.00 BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Estimated Cost Alternate 1 - Asvhalt Paving J. A. Johnson Paving Co. $ 181,416.00 Arlington Heights,IL Artley Paving & Contracting 187,162.85 Wheeling, II, Englewood Construction 197,967.25 Chicago, IL Lenny Hoffman Excavating, Inc. Wilmette, II, 207,674.20 /9! 4 July 26, 1993 Alternate 2 - Concrete Pavine Abari Construction $210,331.00 Bensenville, IL Capitol Cement Co. 228,384.90 Chicago, EL Englewood Construction 285,556.25 Chicago, EL * APPROVED - CONSENT'AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Approval of the low bid from Capitol Cement for Special Assessment 1398, Alley North of Church Street, East of Leland Avenue at a total estimated cost of $87,147.00 BID SUMMARY: Bidder Capitol Cement Co. Chicago, IL Englewood Construction Chicago, IL Total Estimated Cost $ 87,147.00 101,275.25 Lenny Hoffman Excavating, Inc. 112,912.40 Wilmette, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-01 * Approval of the low bid from Capitol Cement for Alley Paving - Alley North of Lake Street, East of Maple Avenue at a total estimated cost of $65,642.20. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Capitol Cement Co. Chicago, IL Lenny Hoffman Excavating, Inc. Wilmette, IL Total Estimated Cost $ 65,642.20 91,982.00 Englewood Construction 99,592.00 Chicago, EL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-01 * Approval of the proposal from Bell and Gustus, Inc., for replacement of 10 Tallmadge street light heads and twenty lens panel assemblies at a total cost of $8,670.00 (Non -bid item, requires 2/3 majority vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Approval of a Change Order for additional work by G&M Cement Construction Company on the 1993 Combined Curb and Sidewalk Replacement Program at various locations in the CDBG Target Area in the amount of $11,238.90. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Approval of Change Order #2 for design services at the Communications Center at the Police Department to MJM Construction, Inc., to meet current codes, in the amount of $10,331.82. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) 1 1 July 26, 1993 * Approval of Change Order #1 for construction services at the Communications Center at the Police Department to MJM Construction, Inc., as a result of additional equipment required to meet current codes, in the amount of $10,089.42. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Docket 167-7B-93: Resolution 85-R-93 - Howard Street Police Outpost Lease - Consideration of proposed Resolution 85-R-93, by which the City Council would approve the renewal of the City's lease of space for the Police Outpost on Howard Street at the existing monthly rental of $425 for the period August 1, 1993 through July 31, 1994. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Docket 168-7B-93: Ordinance 84-0-93 - Prohibitions on the Consumption of Liauor by Minors - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 84-0-93, by which the City Council would amend language in Title 3, Chapter 5, Section 11(A) of the Code of the city of Evanston to better highlight and clarify prohibitions on the consumption of liquor by minors. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 169-7B-93: Ordinance 85-0-93 - Loadine Zone at 2601 Central Street - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 85-0-93, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-7, Schedule VII(B), of the Code of the City of Evanston to establish a loading zone at 2601 Central Street. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 170-7B-93: Ordinance 87-0-93 - 3-Hour Parking at Lakefront - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 87-0-93, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-10, Schedule X, of the Code of the City of Evanston to establish 3-hour parking restrictions on a portion of Sheridan Road adjacent to the Lakefront, and accept a recommendation for a discount plan for new parkers in the Sherman Avenue and Church Street Parking Garages. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 171-7B-93: Ordinance 88-0-93 - Definition of Boot-Elisible Vehicle - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 88-0-93, by which the City Council would amend Sections 10-6-14 and 10-0-15 of the Code of the City of Evanston to reduce the number of unpaid parking tickets which would make a vehicle boot - eligible with five or more tickets. Currently, boot -eligible vehicles must have ten or more tickets. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 172-7B-93: Ordinance 89-0-93 - Traffic Restrictions - Leland/Lyons, Park Place/ Ewing, and Park Place/Hurd - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 89-0-93, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-5, Schedules V(C) and V(D), of the Code of the City of Evanston to establish 3-Way Stops at Leland Avenue and Lyons Street and Park Place and Hurd Avenue and a 4- Way Stop at Park Place and Ewing. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 173-7B-93: Ordinance 90-0-93 - Appointment of Directors to Solid Waste AQencv of Northern Cook County Board - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 90-0-93, by which the City Council would appoint a Director and Alternate Director to represent the City on the Board of the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA lq� 6 July 26, 1993 * Docket 163-7A-93: Ordinance 80-0-93 - 3-Wav Ston - Florence/Madison - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 80-0-93, introduced on July 12, 1993, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-5, Schedule V(B) and (C), of the Code of the City of Evanston to establish a 3-Way Stop at the intersection of Florence Avenue and Madison Street. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Docket 164-7A-93: Ordinance 81-0-93 - 4-Wav Ston - Greenwood/Oak - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 81-0-93, introduced on July 12, 1993, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-5, Schedule V(D), of the Code of the City of Evanston to create a 4-Way Stop at the intersection of Oak Avenue and Greenwood Street. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-01 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Docket 174-7B-93: Plat of Subdivision - Howard/Hartrev - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council approve a Plat of Subdivision for the redevelopment of the Howard/Hartrey site. This Docket Item was removed from the Consent Aeenda and held in committee. * Docket 175-7B-93: Resolution 82-R-93 - Historic Preservation Agreement - Consideration of proposed Resolution 82-R-93, by which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to execute the Historic Preservation Agreement with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency for the revision of the City's Preservation Ordinance. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-01 * Docket 166-7A-93: Ordinance 55-0-93 - Amendment to Sign Ordinance - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 55-0-93, introduced on July 12, 1993, by which the City Council would amend Section 4-12 of the Code of the City of Evanston to incorporate amendments proposed by auto dealers. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) HUMAN SERVICES COMNIITTEE: * Docket 176-7B-93: Resolution 80-R-93 - Agreement with Evanston Townshiu Consideration of proposed Resolution 80-R-93, by which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to enter into an Agreement with Evanston Township to provide health, recreation, and social services to the poor and aged. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-01 OTHER COM(MTT TEES: * Docket 177-7B-93: Waiver of Citv Council Travel Policv - Consideration of a recommendation from the Rules Committee that the City Council waive the $1,000 maximum City reimbursement for an Alderman's attendance at the National League of Cities Leadership Summit in order to cover the registration, hotel, and travel expense associated with attending the Summit. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) 7 July 26, 1993 l9y REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES: ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS: 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 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. This Docket Item was held in Committee. HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: Docket 178-7B-93: Resolution 81-R-93 - Townshin Purchase of Services - Consideration of proposed Resolution 81-R-93, by which the Evanston Township Trustees would authorize the Township Supervisor to purchase health, recreation, and social services in the amount of $500,000 from the City of Evanston. Alderman Drummer moved that the Council resolve itself into the Town Board of Trustees. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Motion carried. No nays. At this time the Town Board of Trustees convened. Trustee Feldman moved Board approval of proposed Resolution 81-R-93. Seconded by Trustee Drummer. Trustee Feldman noted that this was the companion Resolution to Resolution 80-R-93, authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Township to provide health, recreation and social services to the poor and aged. Trustee Newman asked whether the signature of the Township Supervisor was necessary for the transfer to go through. First Assistant Corporation Counsel Herbert Hill explained that by voting to approve the Resolution this evening which authorizes the Supervisor to execute the contract, the trustees have completed their formal duties and have given the Supervisor the authority to execute the contract. He felt that it was difficult to speculate whether the Supervisor would take a particular course of action, but it is the assumption that the Supervisor will adhere to the Resolution and sign the contract. If the Supervisor chooses not to execute the contract, the trustees would have the right to take legal action to compel her to do so. By approving this Resolution, the trustees are clearly mandating that she take this course of action. He said that his research showed this action by the trustees to be a legitimate exercise of their proper authority, which allows the Township Board of Trustees to enter into contracts with municipalities for certain services, such as those contained in the proposed contract - which are clearly delineated in State Statutes. Trustee Newman wondered whether any.discussion had taken place in committee as to whether the Supervisor intended to follow through on this agreement. Trustee Moran reported that the Supervisor had d said- that she would not sign it. He also noted that she had submitted certain legal bills for outside counsel to the =co_mmittee for approval. The bills are related to legal research on matters that the Supervisor felt related to this situation: The Trustees did not agree to approve the bills and referred them to the Corporation Counsel's office for review. �qs^ July 26, 1993 Trustee Newman said that he would have appreciated a more detailed cover memo with this Resolution and noted that before he would be willing to vote to be a party to a law suit related to this matter, he would like to discuss it a closed session. In response to a question from Trustee Heydemann, City Manager Anderson explained that, since the City is nearly half way through the budget year, if these funds are not transferred it would require the City to make approximately $1 million in cuts to its expenditures, which would affect services. At this point in the fiscal year it would require double the number of cuts to the budget to achieve the same impact. Trustee Feldman reported that he had a conversation with the Township Supervisor and she had expressed a willingness meet. He felt that the meeting was important to determine what position she is taking and what she needs. He felt that as trustees, they had a responsibility to pass this Resolution because both the Council and trustees had previously committed to this purchase of services. He indicated that he hoped an amicable settlement with the Supervisor could be reached. Trustee Heydemann felt that it was in the best interests of the trustees to vote for this Resolution and noted that in all the communication about this issue, there had been nothing but praise for the Township Supervisor and the excellent job she is doing. She felt that in order to carry out their jobs it was necessary for the trustees to approve this Resolution. She hoped that approving it would not put them in a state of confrontation with the Supervisor. Alderman Heydemann said that the decision of the Supervisor to withdraw from the Unified Budgeting Process indicated that the she wanted to act independently, but that she was saddened by that decision. She felt that more could be accomplished by cooperation. She also offered to talk to the Supervisor to see what would be required to meet her needs, while keeping in mind the needs of their constituents. Trustee Drummer said that this was not a new issue and that it had been dealt with extensively in the old Township Committee. He also reminded his fellow trustees that it had been discussed during budget review. He felt that the Statutes gave the trustees the ability to approve this action and it was no different from actions taken previously, such as transferring $500,000 to the City for the Families in Transition program, or purchasing services through the Unified Budgeting Process. He noted that the trustees had complete discretion over the Town Fund and pointed out that just as the Mayor has to adhere to the wishes of the Council, the Supervisor has to adhere to wishes of the trustees regarding the Town Fund. He felt that this contract was a sound business decision that the trustees should approve and then wait to see what the Supervisor would do. Vote on Resolution 81-R-93 - roll call. Voting aye - Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann and Kent. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (9-0) Mayor Morton declared the meeting of the Town Board of Trustees to be at an end and that the meeting of the City Council was now reconvened. Docket 179-7B-93: Ordinance 86-0-93 - Increasine the Number of Members on the Recreation Board - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 86-0-93, by which the City Council would amend Section 7-9-2 of the Code of the City of Evanston to increase the number of members serving on the Playground and Recreation Board from five to nine. Alderman Feldman introduced proposed Ordinance 86-0-93. Marked introduced. REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEES: - NO REPORT C1TY MANAGER'S REPORT: - NO REPORT July 26, 1993 196 1 APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton asked for Council confirmation of the nominees to various boards, committees and commissions as introduced at the previous meeting. Alderman Engelman moved Council approval of the following reappointments and appointments to the boards, committees and commissions listed: REAPPOINTMENTS Commission on Aging E-911 Board Public Art Committee APPOINTMENTS Energy Commission - Marguerite Mose, 1900 Sherman Avenue, for term ending September 15, 1996; - Charles Seiler, 2124 Maple Avenue, for term ending July 30, 1995; - Beth Hart, 2311 Lawndale Avenue, for term ending July 30, 1996; - James Gamble, 1563 Sherman Avenue, for term ending July 30, 1996; - Raymond J. Green, 828 Custer Avenue, for term ending July 30, 1996; - Janet Goelz Hoffman, 733 Milburn, for term ending July 30, 1995; - David Kraft, 2773 Garrison Street, for term ending July 30, 1995; - Barry Cain, 3238 Colfax Street, for term ending July 30, 1995; - Elliott M. Nesvig, 721 Custer Avenue, for term ending July 30, 1995; Environment Board - Melissa A. Wynne, 1130 Hinman Avenue, - for term ending July 30, 1997; Sally Hadderman, 3201 Hartzell Street, for term ending July 30, 1997; - William M. Moss, 1103 Harvard Terrace, for term ending July 30, 1997; Ladd Arboretum Committee - Nani Boyce, 2204 Jenks Street, for term ending August 1, 1996; - Robert Baker, 2020 Hawthorne Lane for term ending August 1, 1996; Library Board - Dr. Gloria Estell Bullock, 2024 Cleveland Street, for term ending July 30, 1996; - Ellen Newcomer, 2749 Euclid Park Place, for term ending July 30, 1996; - Cheryl Wollin, 2430 Simpson Street, for term ending July 30, 1996; .,' w Mental Health Board a `Property Services_Board� -Susan Stroh, 2618 Simpson Street,-.� _ for term ending August 1, 1997; _ = - Dale A. Dellutri, 2411 Cowper Avenue, for term ending August 1, 1997; - Lester Blair, 1325 Fowler Avenue, lq7 10 July 26, 1993 Sign Review & Appeals Board for term ending July 30, 1996; - Alan Spaeth, 1214 Lake Shore Drive, for term ending August 1, 1996. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Motion carried. No nays. CALL OF THE WARDS: Alderman Feldman thanked City Manager Anderson, Assistant City Manager Zimmerman and all those who responded to a problem that has plagued the Eighth and Ninth Ward for many years. He reported that a temporary asphalt covering has been placed over the railroad tracks on Oakton Street. He had also requested that the same covering be placed over the Skokie tracks. He noted that while it is only a temporary solution, it provides some relief while plans are being made for a more permanent solution. Alderman Holsman reported that a Southeast Evanston Coalition of neighborhood groups has been working at taking back the park at Clyde, Callan and Brummel. He invited everyone to visit the park to see the mural being painted by an artist, helped by area children and adults. Alderman Holsman also invited everyone to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 3. Mayor Morton noted that Alderman Holsman had expressed concern that there was no representative of the Eighth Ward on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Committee and she was pleased to inform him that Dexter Bailey, an Eighth Ward resident, had been a long-time member of the committee. Alderman Engelman reminded everyone that the next Starlight Concert would take place the next night, Tuesday, at the Dawes Park Lagoon at 7:30 P.M. and will be Motown style music. He said that it is a wonderful way to spend an evening. Alderman Engelman also congratulated the City Manager and each member of the Council for the 9 % reduction in the City's tax rate. He noted that it was the first time in his ten years of involvement with taxes that this has occurred. He felt that it was a result of the efforts made by the City Manager, aldermen and staff and because the school boards were not allowed to increase their levy this year. He noted that next year the reassessment will have a large impact, and considering the problems with the budget that the City Manager has previously outlined, creative solutions will be required in the next fiscal year. He felt that tax payers would not be able to get accustomed to a 9 % reduction every year. Alderman Moran noted that on the previous Friday, a new monument to fire fighters who had died in the line of duty had been dedicated in Firemen's Park. While he had been unable to attend the dedication, he spent some time in the park the next day and found the memorial to be a dignified and powerful tribute to those who had made the ultimate sacrifice while providing civic service. He commended all the fire fighters who had worked to build the monument in their spare time and urged everyone to visit it. Alderman Kent also commended the fire fighters for building the monument and noted that a number of City officials and staff had attended the dedication. He also urged everyone to stop by and see it. He reported that the City and Northwestern University had been working on a project to do something for the City's children. The program allows Evanston children who would not normally be able to go to attend various Northwestern University camps. He said that he had good reports from children who had attended the first day and hoped the program could be expanded in the future. _ Alderman Kent commended the Police Department again for their work on Dodge Avenue and, while everything was not perfect, he felt that the neighbors were beginning to understand the importance of calling the policeand reporting what they see and what they don't want to happen in their area. He also reported that in addition to the block club that is being organized in that Dodge area, he has had inquiries from neighbors in the Ashland and Simpson area and the Garnett area about starting a block club. He said that this is a good example of citizens working together to make a better community. and he was proud to see. all that the Fifth Ward was doing. -A. Alderman Heydemann congratulated Alderman Kent and Mayor Morton for the way relations with Northwestern seem to be improving. Alderman Heydemann made reference to the Resolution to increase the size of the Recreation Board and noted that 1 E 1 11 July 26, 1993 I�Y it is a very important issue. She invited citizens, and particularly current members of the Recreation Board, to share their views with the Council. She felt it was important to hear several points of view on this issue. Alderman Drummer noted that National Night Out was scheduled the same night as a Rules Committee meeting and suggested that the aldermen of the even numbered wards and the mayor meet after the Council meeting to set a different date for that meeting. He congratulated Alderman Kent and Mayor Morton for the new relationship with Northwestern. He also reminded Alderman Holsman that the mural and all the improvements being made in the park were paid for by CDBG funds. Alderman Newman thanked Alderman Engelman for inviting people to the First Ward to enjoy the concert by the lagoon. He noted that the president of the Recreation Board and another member had the opportunity to address the Human Services Committee and that there had been a long discussion on this issue. He stated that he was pleased by the support from the Committee on this Resolution and felt there was broad -based support for it in the community. He looked forward to the debate on the issue at the next meeting. Alderman Newman noted that amendments to the Sign Ordinance regarding signs for automobile dealers had been approved on the Consent Agenda, but wanted to highlight that action. He felt that the automobile dealers, who are important contributors to the sales tax, would be more encouraged about doing business in Evanston. He noted that they have other problems about parking, but that those problems would be addressed by the Parking Committee. He thanked the other members of the Planning and Development Committee and the Economic Development Committee for their help with this issue. Alderman Newman commended Senator Carol Moseley -Braun on recent remarks before the Senate. He felt that she had done a fabulous job in representing the State of Illinois on the issue of whether the symbol of the Daughters of the Confederacy, containing a Confederate flag, should receive protection and a special exemption from the United States Congress. He noted that she had taken on some tough opponents, but had received strong support and praise from her party. He pointed out that Evanston had been an early and strong supporter of her candidacy And he felt that what had happened in the Senate recaptured the excitement of having the first black female senator and demonstrated that diversity is of tremendous value to all governmental bodies. Mayor Morton said that she wanted to point out how well things were going since the reduction in the size of the Council. She pointed out that the Administration and Public Works Committee is now composed of all nine aldermen, she attends the meetings, and she felt that the present composition contributed to a more efficient operation of City government. Mayor Morton joined the aldermen in commending the fire fighters who had erected this memorial to their fallen comrades during their off hours. She noted that one of the fire fighters who is memorialized lost his life in a dwelling in the Fifth Ward and so felt that a park in the Fifth Ward is an appropriate place for the monument. She also noted that the sister of that fire fighter, Gail Leoni, had designed the monument. She expressed her gratitude to Alderman Kent for all he had done on the new approach to Northwestern. She said that he really had taken the ball and run with it. She said that all the projects had gotten off to a very good start and that she was expecting greater things next year. Alderman Engelman moved that Council recess into a Closed Session to consider pending litigation and land acquisition. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Roll call. Voting aye - Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann and Kent. Motion carried. (9-0) The Council so recessed at 9:30 P.M. and adjourned from Closed Session at 10:32 P.M. KIRSTEN F. DAVIS CITY CLERK ;.a • ... i �r.9, �h'r r:k.;:..�r::. _a:�:irt�;.•rrnr:::. J•:;... . `J r Addedum provided by Alderman Newman at the July 26, 1993 meeting. See Page 185. I like to make a reference to the Rules Committee .. -,, because I just didn't hear a answer to my question, I'd like to be able to see the names and the applications of the other people that applied, so I am making a reference to the Rules Committee, whether or the Mayor upon request shall tender those, I like to have it supported by, I'd like to have the legal department look at that to see whether or not there is any legal probation for us to be able to see those documents. I don't have a problem and I want to address myself on the topic while I have the floor. If people want to make appointments that are political, they can make the appointments that way. Lets say when we put the Ad in the paper, lets -say that if the criteria is ,going to be you will get preference if you worked on somebodAs campaign lets say it, lets not, and lets tell people what the criteria are. And if it is not a criterion, lets not say it. a.-bi-g--dea'_ i:- this Gam, -there was an article in the Sun Times&_today about favoritism of the City of Chicago on the park boards A we make a big deal that we don't want to be like the City of Chicago, and the City Manager form of Government is a beautiful thing because there is a lot of impartiality, and I just happen to think that, and I'm not calling in the question the qualifications of the people that are being appointed to the library board, because I'm sure they're very qualified, I just want to know what the selection process was, I want to know who the other people were, and I want to ascertain for myself whether or not whether you have to be the campaign Manager or a defeated candidate for Mayor, whether or not that helps you. If that's what you need to get on the prestigious boards, like the Library Board lets tell everybody. O.K., lets not just..., and I'll admit that I'm political. Everybody likes to say, Hey, I make political decisions, I try to listen to people in my Ward, I'm affected by it, there is not shame in being political, but lets tell everybody what the process is, lets not kid them, lets be straight forward with them, somebody who takes the time to apply and if its going to be a meritorious process, let it be it. If its not going to be, tell the people who are spending their time what to expect up front. Its not a big deal as an elected official, if you want to tell them that they have to know an Alderman, tell them that they have to know an Alderman, if you want to tell them they have to work on a campaign, tell them they have to work on a campaign, if you want to tell them that they are going to be compared based on their ability to every person who applies, and on their experience, then tell them that. O.K., and lets be straight and then I'll approve them. I don't care, because we elected a Mayor in this town and that decision will be reviewed but I want to know what the process is and I think I have an investment in making sure the process is fair, and as long as I'm on the coun.` I'm going to take a keen and very strong interest in that process, and I do it without any shame. So I hope that the Rules Committee will quickly consider that so I can try and figure out how I am going to vote on these- 1