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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1993-10-11-1993V COUNCII. October 11, IM Standing committees meet prior to the official regular meeting. Current members are as follows: Administration and Public Works Alderman Newman Alderman Heydemann Alderman Engelman Alderman Drummer Alderman Kent Alderman Holsman Alderman Guthrie Alderman Moran Alderman Feldman Planning and Develovment Human Services Alderman Kent Alderman Moran Alderman Newman Alderman Guthrie Alderman Engelman Alderman Holsman Alderman Heydemann Alderman Feldman Alderman Drummer 1 The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was held on Monday, October 11, 1993, at 8:37 P.M. in the City Council Chamber. ROLL CALL - PRESENT: Alderman Drummer Alderman Guthrie Alderman Heydemann Alderman Kent A Quorum being present. ABSENT: None PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton Alderman Moran Aki m onEogehnm Alderman Holsman Alderman Feldman Alderman Newman An audio tape recording of this meeting has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the City Clerk's office. 2 October 11,1993 CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS: City Manager Eric Anderson introduced the new Police Chief, Gerald Cooper, and his wife Elaine. He said that Chief Cooper has been in law enforcement since 1961, beginning as an officer in the Chicago Police Department and progressing through the ranks to Assistant Deputy Superintendent and Deputy Chief. He earned a Bachelor's Degree from Chicago State and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University. He has been a teacher or lecturer at Loyola, DePaul, Northwestern, University of Illinois at Chicago and various police and police chief training programs and has been through extensive executive development programs, including one at Harvard University. Mr. Anderson said that he was looking forward to a long and successful association with Chief Cooper and welcomed him to Evanston. Mayor Morton joined Mr. Anderson in welcoming Chief Cooper and said that she looked forward to the Chief joining the staff. PUBLIC HEARING ON THE OAKTON/HARTREY BUSINESS DISTRICT: Mayor Morton opened the Public Hearing at 8:40 P.M. Kay Fund, 906 Elmwood, questioned whether her understanding was correct that unspent 1988-89 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds were being spent on the Southwest Evanston industrial site projects, and if it was correct, expressed concern that it was not being used to address what she felt were more pressing needs. She asked that the money be used to provide teens with a teen center in the south end of Evanston. Annie Austin, 2216 Austin, thanked City staff for their handling of an alley problem in her area and said that she hoped the City would continue to be sensitive to the needs of the area. Mayor Morton said that she was always glad to hear compliments. Michael Folio, Director of Real Estate for Home Depot, said that Home Depot has discussed the project with the City for nine months and in the last 60 days Home Depot has met a number of times with community groups, the Economic Development Committee and spent many hours with City staff. He felt that these meetings have significantly increased the economic benefit of the project to the community by modifying from a Tax Increment Financing (TiF) District to a Business District. He noted that with this proposal the City and the School Districts will receive all real estate taxes generated from the beginning; the City will receive first preference from any sales tax generated; and only if Home Depot is able to generate high sales taxes at this location, will they be able to participate in any of the sales taxes generated by this. Home Depot will only receive reimbursement for incremental development costs as they relate to the geo-technical and environmental problems that are encountered at the site. It will allow the City to convert a problem development site into a significant contributor to the community and the tax base. Bob Fisher, 2647 Central Park, representing building materials retailers, said they objected to the assistance that was being given to businesses wanting to come into the City who were in direct competition with existing businesses and felt that this subsidy would result in a net loss of revenues to the City. The group was opposed to the creation of any TIF, Business District or any subsidy of any kind. He also said that the group had spent considerable time gathering information and bringing it to the City to help it make an informed decision. He said that the consultants have used that information in such a way as to present this project as the yellow brick road to fiscal happiness and have not shown one possible detrimental effect of the redevelopment of this site by Home Depot. He felt that this cast doubt on the pro forma provided by the consultants. He did not think that proof had been provided that it was necessary to subsidize this project, questioned whether it would serve any public purpose and whether anyone but Home Depot would get a public benefit. He noted that Council refiised to fund the proposed Cross -Impact Study and felt that neighbors would be negatively impacted by increased traffic, noise, pollution and decreased property values. He also questioned the value of the Neighborhood Development Fund. He urged Council to vote against the subsidy to this project. 3 October 11, 1993 Jonathan Perman. Executive Director of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, said that they were sympathetic to the concerns raised by building materials retailers relating to the proposed assistance to Home Depot. He said that the proposal creates a dilemma for policy makers and the Chamber because, while they are pleased with the prospect of a new development on that site, they are concerned that all businesses are treated equally and that existing businesses who have been in Evanston for many years, receive the support they need. He reviewed the problems related to the attempted redevelopment of the site since its vacation by Rust-Oleum in 1987. He said that there is no open land left to develop and noted that when redevelopment takes place, something must be torn down or cleaned up in order to build. In the past Evanston has successfully used economic assistance to develop commercial and residential uses and to do so has required that the City analyze the local and regional marketplace. When considering such assistance, the City must always consider the impact on existing Evanston businesses and the extent to which other communities have a comparative competitive advantage. It must find a way to keep an even playing field, both within Evanston and with the communities with which we compete. The Chamber agreed with the building materials retailers that development is not valuable at any cost. The Chamber feels strongly that the Rust- Oleum site should be redeveloped, but that the developers should be in compliance with all applicable governmental and environmental laws and regulations and that its development should have a net positive impact on the tax base. He urged the City to continue to work with the building materials retailers to fashion a public policy that will be helpful to their businesses and Evanston as a whole. The value of these businesses to Evanston must be included in the equation when the City is considering providing assistance to a new business, but the purpose of that should not be to fund competition for mature businesses. However, the Chamber felt that it was appropriate for Evanston, at this time to consider economic assistance - among several options - to develop new jobs and significantly enhance the tax base. Mayor Morton announced that there were no more speakers signed up for the Public Hearing and declared it closed at 8:55 P.M. MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Morton announced there would be a CLOSED SESSION at the end of the meeting to consider pending litigation and land acquisition. Mayor Morton also announced that Trick or Treat hours would be on Halloween, Sunday, October 31st., from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. She noted that October 31st was the last Sunday of October, would be the first day of the change to Standard Time and urged parents to take their children out Trick or Treating early. PROCLAMATIONS: Mayor Morton announced that she had proclaimed December 1st as AIDS Day - A Day Without Art; and Sunday, October 31st as Women's Day at Sherman United Methodist Church. PRESENTATION: Margaret Roder of the Muscular Dystrophy Association presented a plaque to a delegation of Evanston Fire Fighters for the assistance their Association had given the Muscular Dystrophy Association in their recent fund raising campaign. She said that their national organization was the group that raised the most money for Muscular Dystrophy. CITIZEN COMMENT: Mayor Morton noted that there were 26 people signed up for Citizen Comment to speak on the rezoning of 2734 Central Street and asked them to select a spokesman. She then asked each person to just state their name and address, indicate their position and let their spokesman comment in greater length. APA AID' 4 October 11, 1993 The following people stated their opposition to the rezoning of 2734 Central Street: Virginia Goseen, 2606 Bennett Avenue; Rhoda Hatland, 2733 Harrison Street; Arlene Newberger; 2730 Central Street; David George, 2730 Central Street; Babette Goldhammer, 2600 Bennett Avenue; Frank Haeger 2725 Central Street; Jane Haeger, 2725 Central Street; Jeff Clark, 2815 Hartzell Street; Alan Giese, 2730 Central Street; Karen Rigotti, 2722 Central Street; Gudrun McDougal, 2730 Central Street; Pam Bernas, 2303 Central Street; Betsy Cagney Waller, 2741 Harrison Street; Jerry Scher, 2617 Reese; Cheryl Berg, 2801 Harrison Street; and Philip Schwartz, 2722 Central Street. Nelson Soltman, 2737 Harrison Street, spokesman for the group, thanked the neighbors for their support and thanked the aldermen for listening to the citizens' concerns on this issue. He expressed the neighborhood's opposition to changing this property to B-2 zoning, noting that it would be in opposition to the Comprehensive General Plan which requires that every effort should be made to preserve the quality and integrity of neighborhoods. He expressed concern that if this is rezoned B-2, the property could be combined with the adjacent B-2 properties on the west, the present buildings torn down and a strip mall built. He suggested that the Council should not vote to grant a map amendment for someone who had guessed wrong on the real estate market. He noted that after the last Planning and Development Committee meeting Alderman Moran had been appointed to meet with the neighbors to see if there was any middle ground between them and the owner of the property. At a meeting it was their understanding that the choice was either B-2 or R-5 zoning and the idea of putting special conditions on B-2 zoning ran the risk of legal challenge, because it constituted spot zoning. The neighbors all indicated that they preferred the R-5 zoning, even though it meant that, by right, the property owner could tear down the house on the property and build a 5 1/2 story apartment house. He said that the neighbors all understood the risks of leaving it R-5 zoning and were willing to take those risks because they felt to rezone that property would alter the character of the neighborhood. He urged Council to vote no on the re -zoning. Joe Mierkiewicz, 2734 Central Street, said that there had been a great deal of misunderstanding regarding his plans for this property and explained that his original intent was to apply for a special use to allow a dentist to have an office on the first floor and to live on the second and third floors. He also had an inquiry from Hospice about renting it, but in both instances, was caught between the old zoning ordinance and the adoption of the new ordinance. Also, the new ordinance does not provide for such special uses in an R-5 district. He assured the neighbors that he had no intention of putting a Mcdonald's on that site nor were there any plans to cooperate with the adjacent property owners to build a mall. He felt that communications had been very poor; questioned why a meeting to discuss this had been scheduled with only one side of the issue. He asked people to drive by and see what would be wrong with putting a dentist's office in there or using the building for Hospice offices. He said that he was sorry it had come to this point and asked that a quick decision be made on his application. Steven J. Bernstein. 513 Chicago Avenue, attorney for Mr. Mierkiewicz, said that he was seeing what he felt was common to many zoning cases in Evanston and that was fear, frustration and misinformation. He made reference to misinformation surrounding the relocation of the Blind Faith restaurant. He said that he had come here with the understanding that there would be a hearing on this case tonight, which they had been precluded from having before the Planning and Development Committee. He said that it was not uncommon to have zoning case move slowly and said that it was important for his client that this be expedited. However, after what he heard tonight, he wanted to request that this be delayed two weeks and a meeting set up with the neighbors. He felt that a meeting to discuss possibly putting covenants on the property might achieve what both parties wanted. He said that at the last P and D meeting he had thought it had been agreed that he and the applicant would meet with the neighbors to discuss possible covenants, but that there had been a major breakdown in communication and a meeting scheduled which neither he or his client could attend. He reviewed the zoning history of the property and said that as zoning currently stands, the owner could build a 5 1/2 story apartment building without obtaining any variations, which would significantly impact the property to the east. He suggested that the permitted uses in the B-2 District would impact the neighborhood less significantly than the permitted uses in the R-5 District. He urged Council to hold this docket item until he and his client had an opportunity to meet with the neighbors, thanked them for coming out and thanked Council for its patience. 11 October 11, 19 93 U, Alderman Moran reported that at their last meeting the Human Services committee had discussed the new drop -in program established at Evanston Township High School developed as a joint venture between the Evanston Recreation Department and ETHS. It is hoped that this program will give substantial opportunities to young people to use the facilities at the high school on the weekend and at other times. He said that it looks to be a very good program and noted that additional details would be forthcoming at a later time. The committee also reviewed the annual audit for the Township and considered the budgets for the Ecology Center and the Arts Council. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMNIlTTEE,: * Docket 227-9B-93: Ordinance 107-0-93 - Code Changes re Regulating Development in Special Flood Hazard Areas, - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 107-0-93, introduced on September 27, 1993, by which the City Council would amend Title 4, Chapter 16 of the Code of the City of Evanston to incorporate format and renumbering changes as required by the Illinois Department of Transportation concerning regulating development in Special Flood Hazard Areas. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL, CALL (9-0) OTHER COMM !MES: Docket 238-10A-93: Resolution 100-R-93 - Redevelopment of 2301 Oakton Street - Consideration of proposed Resolution 100-R-93, by which the City Council would adopt business principles and authorize the City Manager to negotiate an Agreement with Home Depot to redevelop the Rust-Oleum site at 2301 Oakton Street. Alderman Engelman moved Council adoption of proposed Resolution 100-R-93. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Alderman Engelman moved to hold over Resolution 100-R-93 until the next meeting because there will be an additional public hearing on the question of redeveloping 2301 Oakton at the next meeting and it would be inappropriate to vote on this resolution until after that hearing. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. At the request of two aldermen. this docket item will be held until the next meeting., Docket 239-10A-93: Ordinance 113-0-93 - Oakton/Hartrev Business District Plan, - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 113-0-93, by which the City Council would authorize the establishment of the Oakton/Hartrey Business District and Plan. Alderman Engelman introduced proposed Ordinance 113-0-93. Marked Introduced. REPORT OF THE STANDING CObIIW=ES: 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) See Call of the Wards 12 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT CONII4II=: October 11, 1993 Docket 229-9B-93: Ordinance 111-0-93 - ZPC 93-1-(M1- Rezoning 2734 Central Street - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 111-0-93, introduced on September 27, 1993, by which the City Council, in accordance with the Plan Commission's recommendation,would rezone 2734 Central Street from R5, General Residence District to B2 Business District. Alderman Kent moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 111-0-93. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Alderman Moran noted that no good deed goes unpunished and said that the Council had received a good lesson in civic participation this evening. He reviewed the history of the ordinance before the Planning and Development Committee and his efforts in attempting to mediate between the applicant and the neighbors. In his meeting with the neighbors, it was clear the neighbors felt strongly about keeping this property zoned residential. He reported that he would be voting against this ordinance and explained why he felt others should do so. Among the reasons he cited, was that this property appeared to act as a buffer between the adjacent B-2 zoned property to the west and the multi -family property to the east. He noted that as mentioned in Citizen's Comment, the Comprehensive General Plan (CGP) designates this as primarily a residential area and the commercial area to the west is very small. To be consistent with CGP, he felt this area should remain residential. While a number of attempts were made to arrive at a middle position, B-2 zoning is B-2 zoning and the wide range of commercial uses available with that zoning are not compatible with a residential neighborhood. He felt that in trying to reconcile the needs of the community with this particular petition, that the limitations contained in the zoning ordinance could not be reconciled and it became clear that one must go one way or the other. He was convinced that efforts to consider this issue have been exhausted and had given many hours to considering this issue. He felt that it was heartening to see how the community has responded to this issue. He was glad to be part of a neighborhood that believes so much in itself. He recommended that this petition be denied. Alderman Newman said that if this ordinance stays in its current form, he could not support it because it would allow a restaurant or a food store on that property. He said that he had responded to everyone who had contacted him and was glad to see so many Sixth Ward residents in the Council Chamber. He noted that the Sixth Ward residents could not win this vote without the support of aldermen not in that ward, said that he was happy to support them, and urged that his fellow aldermen not to forget that when it came to zoning matters in the First Ward. He raised the questions of notice and distance requirements and noted that in the two major zoning cases that Council has considered since the new zoning ordinance, neighbors had complained about not receiving appropriate notice. He felt that everyone should get proper notice. He also noted that if they had gotten proper notice that they could have filed a petition that would require a 3/4's vote of the Council to approve this ordinance. He hoped that one of the lessons learned this evening was the importance of notice and announced that he would be proposing an amendment that all neighbors within 500 feet of any requested zoning change would be required to get a hearing notice. He expressed concern that a meeting between neighbors and applicant had not taken place and felt that such a meeting take place before Council votes on the ordinance. Alderman Engelman said that it is unfortunate that this ordinance passed out of the Planning and Development Committee without the testimony heard here tonight. He felt that the problem was not with the notice requirement in the zoning ordinance, but the interpretation of that notice requirement. He thought that had been dealt with in P & D last time and that staff would be bringing a change to Council. He applauded Alderman Moran for his exhaustive efforts over the last few weeks and he also complimented the neighbors for their efforts. He felt that a dialogue between neighbors and the applicant should be held and suggested that perhaps an office district with a covenant prohibiting a restaurant might be a solution for the neighbors concerns. But if it is not, Council will do what they are elected to do and that is to vote on the issue. He moved that the matter be held for two weeks. Seconded by Alderman Heydemann. At the request of two aldermen. this docket item will be held until the next meeting. Alderman Heydemann asked whether is was possible to have a covenant that runs with the land and asked legal counsel to clarify that issue. She assured the neighbors that all the members of the City Council would remember their testimony and it will not be necessary for them to come back in two weeks. She complimented them on the excellent job they had done in making Council aware of where they stand. 9 October 11,1993 * Approval of a Change Order for the Zebra Mussel Control Project in the amount of $7,260 to Kadinger Marine Services, Inc. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of Change Orders #5 for Phase II, Areas I and III of the Long -Range Sewer Plan at no additional cost. ► APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of Change Order #9 for the Transportation Center to Blinderman Construction Company with a total cost impact reduction in the amount of $3,024.30. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-01 Docket 230-10A-93: Cable Commission Recommendation to Proceed with Rate Regulation - Consideration of a recommendation from the Cable Commission that the City Council authorize the City Manager to seek certification for Cable Television basic rate regulation. This Docket item was held in committee. * Docket 231-10A-93: Revisions to Citv Manager Emplovment Agreement - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council amend the City Manager's Employment Agreement to allow for a car allowance of $250 per month. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL, Ll Docket 192-8B-93: Resolution 89-R-93 - Allocation of General Obligation Bond Refinancing Funds to Capital Improvement Program - Consideration of proposed Resolution 89-R-93, by which the City Council would approve the allocation of approximately $730,000 in new revenue received as a result of the 1993 Bond Refinancing for capital projects. This Docket item was held in committee. Docket 232-10A-93: Resolution 101-R-93 - Increasing Aldermanic Participation on Housing & Community Development Act Committee - Consideration of proposed Resolution 101-R-93, by which the City Council would amend Resolution 27-R-82, which established the Housing & Community Development Act Committee By -Laws, to increase the number of members on the Committee to nine, five of whom will be aldermen. On behalf of the Administration and Public Works Committee, Alderman Engelman moved Council adoption of proposed Resolution 101-0-93. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Alderman Hevdemann moved to hold the docket item over. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Alderman Newman asked why this docket was being held over. Alderman Drummer clarified that the only reason someone could ask questions about a hold over was to obtain information as to whether there were any time constraints involved in holding it over. Alderman Feldman requested clarification of the rule. Mayor Morton asked why Alderman Heydemann was requesting the hold over. Alderman Heydemann said that she would like to request information on how many of the requests that came from the Eighth Ward had been granted, whether or not there was an Eighth Ward alderman on the CD Committee. She also requested information on any other plans that had been put into effect to assist the Eighth Ward during this period of crisis. She said that she would like the total picture of the City's response to the conditions in the Eighth Ward. At the request of two aldermen. this docket item will be held until the next meeting. * Docket 233-10A-93: Ordinance 114-0-93: - Class D Liquor License - Trattoria Peppino - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 114-0-93, by which the City Council would amend Section 3-5-6 of the Code of the City of Evanston to allow for the issuance of a Class D Liquor License to Demi, Inc., dba Trattoria Peppino, 1571 Sherman Avenue. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA 10 October 11,1993 * Docket 234-10A-93: Ordinance 115-0-93 - Class D Liquor License - Pasta. Etc. - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 1154-93, by which the City Council wound amend Section 3-5-6 of the Code of the City of Evanston to allow for the issuance of a Class D Liquor License to Mario Bros. Pasta Company, Etc., dba Pasta, Inc., 825 Church Street. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 235-10A-93: Ordinance 116-0-93 - Loadine Zone - 3333 Culver Street - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 116-0-93, 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 3333 Culver Street. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 236-10A-93: Ordinance 117-0-93 - Sate of Surplus Vehicles - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 117-0-93, by which the City Council would authorize the sale of fourteen surplus vehicles at the Northwest Municipal Conference Auction to be held on October 23, 1993. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 221-9B-93: Ordinance 108-0-93 - Residential Only Parking District - Dodge - Church to Emerson and Lyons - Dodge to Darrow - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 108-0-93, introduced on September 27, 1993, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-18, Schedule XVIII, of the Code of the City of Evanston to establish a Residents Only Parking District on Dodge Avenue between Church and Emerson Streets and on Lyons Street between Dodge and Darrow Avenues. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Docket 222-9B-93: Ordinance 109-0-93 - Loading Zone - Ashland north of Lake Street - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 109-0-93, introduced on September 27, 1993, 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 on the east side of Ashland Avenue north of Lake Street. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Docket 223-9B-93: Ordinance 110-0-93 - Traffic Controls - Grant/Asbury, Lyons. Darrow, Thayer/Lawndale, and Harrison/Central Park - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 110-0-93, introduced on September 27, 1993, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-5, Schedule V, of the Code of the City of Evanston to establish a 2-Way Stop at Grant Street and Asbury Avenue; a 3- Way Stop at Lyons Street and Darrow Avenue; and 4-Way Stops at Thayer Street and Lawndale Avenue and at Harrison Street and Central Park Avenue. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND R.OLLCALL (9-0) HUMAN SERVICES CONEMU TTEE * Docket 237-10A-93: ADvroval of Townshin Bills - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council approve Township bills, payroll, and medical payments for September 1993 in the amount of $114,318.53. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) 7 October _11, 1993 PURCHASES: * Approval of the low bids from Shemin Nursery, Arthur Weiler Nursery, St. Aubin Nursery and Bethold Nursery for furnishing and delivery of plant materials for the Fall Tree Planting Program at a total cost of $30,939.65. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Cost Shemin Nursery $20,730.25 Addison, II1, Arthur Weiler Nursery 6,015.00 Zion, II, St. Aubin Nursery 2,985.40 Kirland, II. Berthold Nursery 1,209.00 Elk Grove Village, II. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the proposal of R. F. Idriss Landscaping for the Fall Tree Planting Contract at a total cost of $13,965. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the bid from Pinel Andrews Construction for construction of a Gazebo in Cartwright Park at a total cost of 121,880.00 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the proposal from Feinstein & Windsor at annual fees stated for Actuarial Services Contract for five years for the Police and Fire Pension Funds at a total cost of $30,500. (Non -Bid Item, Requires a 2/3 Majority Vote) BID SUMMARY: Annual Fees Firm YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 YR 4 YR 5 Total Fees Feinstein & Windsor $ 5800 5800 6000 6300 6600 $30500 Evanston, II. Goldstein & Associates 6000 6000 6500 6500 6500 31500 Chicago, II1, Hewitt Associates 11000 11000 11000 11000 11000 55000 Lincolnwood, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the low bid from Mid -America Truck & Equipment for Two Chipper Trucks for the Forestry Department at a total cost of $128,970. BID SUMMARY: VJV 8 October 11, 1993 Bidder Total Cost Mid -America Truck & Equipment Co. $128,970 Rosemont, II. Utility Sales & Service 132,600 Appleton, WI * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the low bid from Continental Building Service for Civic Center Janitorial Services for a two year period - November 1, 1993 through October 31, 1995 at a total cost of $69,576. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Continental Building Services Lincolnwood, II. Imperial Service Systems Villa Park, II. Tri-Angle Maintenance Service St. Petersburg, FL Radix Services Chicago, II. Hugo's Cleaning Service Chicago, II, Total Cost $69,576.00 ($2,899.00/mo) $70,656.00 ($2,944.00/mo) $79,979.04 ($3,332.46/mo) $91,734.92 ($3,822.29/mo) $101,926.08 ($4,246.98/mo) Majesty Maintenance $118,236.72 ($4,926.53/mo) Wood Dale, II. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the low bid from Hugo's Cleaning Service for Municipal Service Center Janitorial Services for a two year period - November 1, 1993 through October 31, 1995 at a total cost of $31,583.52. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Hugo's Cleaning Service Chicago, II. Continental Building Services Lincolnwood, II. Tri-Angle Maintenance Service St. Petersburg, FL Radix Services Chicago, IL Majesty Maintenance Wood Dale, II. Total Cost $31,583.52 ($1,315.98/mo) 34,000.00 ($1,416.67/mo) 35,934.00 ($1,497.00/mo) 38,716.80 ($1,613.20/mo) 41,280.00 ($1,720.00/mo) Imperial Service Systems 67,200.00 ($2,800.00/mo) Villa Park, II. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) 1 1 October 11, 1993 Holly Lowell -Bellew, 2658 Prairie, announced that the Evanston Neighborhood Conference was holding its Fifth Annual Conference on Saturday, October 16, and said that it was the first time the conference would be a community -wide collaborative with a commitment from a variety of City institutions. She said that the greater to attendance, the more likely they would be able to move forward in a cooperative spirit. In this spirit she invited everyone to buy into the future of Evanston and to come and weave a vision with them, and to transform dialogue into action. She said that the conference would take place at National Louis University from 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Registration will begin at 8:30 A.M. and parking is available at Evanston Hospital parking lot, with shuttle service available. Stevhen Frazier, 431 Sherman Avenue, President of Progressive Evanston Neighbors, said that he came to ask Council to put the Eighth Ward Alderman on the Community Development Block Grant Committee (CDBG) and urged them to support the expansion of the CDBG Committee as proposed by Alderman Feldman's resolution. He felt that, in light of the two recent shootings in that area, following a shooting 18 months earlier, it would signal Council was sensitive to the area's needs. Judy Lewin, 720 Oakton Street, Vice President of Progressive Evanston Neighbors, joined Mr. Frazier in urging that the Eighth Ward Alderman be appointed to an expanded CDBG Committee. PRESENTATION: Terry Jenkins, Executive Director of EVMARK, gave a presentation on the proposed revitalization of downtown Evanston. He explained that EVMARK was funded by a Special Service District and was created to market downtown Evanston as a place to shop and a place to make an investment, either as a tenant or as a property owner. The other purpose of EVMARK is to maintain and improve the appearance of the downtown area beyond those services normally provided by the City. He referred to the plan for the revitalized downtown area which was presented to Council at a June meeting and reviewed it in detail. He explained that it had been initiated approximately three years ago when it became apparent that the infrastructure was getting "tired" and the street lights were in need of rewiring. The revitalization, as proposed, will be a public/private partnership with the City paying 53.2 % and area property owners paying 46.8 %, with the money from the property owners coming from a proposed additional special service district. He said that there would be a series of community meetings about the project in late November or early December to explain the proposal to people and to hear their comments. He reviewed the proposed timetable for the project and noted that the revitalization would help the downtown area stay competitive. Alderman Newman requested that before this proposal is considered by Council, that the City Manager provide information on what the implications of this and other capital projects are, what they will end up costing us, and what the tax implications are (because they will be funded by General Obligation Bonds). With just the library, proposed fire station renovation and downtown revitalization, you are looking at over $30 million in General Obligation bonds out of a limit of $50 million. We need to know what the implications are and what it means for other projects that might be competing for the same dollars. He thanked Mr. Jenkins for his presentation and noted that one of the community meetings was scheduled for the Georgian and would probably include residents of the Mather Home and the North Shore Hotel. City Manager Anderson explained that the fire station proposal received by the aldermen that evening during communications in Administration and Public Works (A&PW) Committee and the revitalization proposal for downtown are both to be included in the Capital Improvement Program and the Council will receive a copy of that proposed document in December along with the annual budget. It will include all the projects proposed for capital expenditure and the funding sources associated with them. The document will also discuss the implications of the decisions for the bonding limit and the property taxes of the projects if they go forward. Alderman Engelman suggested that it may be a good idea to deal with the "big ticket" capital improvement items before the Council turns its attention to the smaller ones. He suggested perhaps it would be appropriate to discuss the big ticket items in a separate meeting before dealing with the rest of the capital improvement budget. He pointed out that there was one big ticket item that had been discussed in A&PW not yet mentioned on the Council floor this 6 October 11, 1993 evening and that was paving unimproved alleys. The committee felt that an incentive of 33 % would not be enough to generate interest in the private sector to participate in the cost of paving an alley. What we have seen tonight is the private sector offering to pick up the tab for nearly 48 % of a public improvement as an incentive for the City to come up with 52%. He thanked Mr. Jenkins for his excellent presentation and thanked the people who have generously made the offer to participate in making downtown a more vital area for all. In response to a question from Alderman Newman, City Manager Anderson explained that there is a process for developing a Special Service Area (SSA) that requires that a certain timeline be followed and if it is to be brought to conclusion in February, it is necessary to begin in October. In response to a question from Mayor Morton, Mr. Anderson explained that the private sector would issue bonds in the SSA to be paid over a period of years by the property owners in the area, the same way as the City's bonds would be. That would allow both sectors to have the money available up front for the project. Mr. Jenkins further clarified that if the private sector approves the SSA in February and the City does not feel that it is appropriate to spend that money at that time, they could not delay more than a year or two in providing their part of the funds before the SSA process would have to be done all over again. In response to a question from Alderman Feldman, Mr. Jenkins clarified that sidewalk treatment in front of the library and the transportation center would be consistent with the overall plan for downtown, but is already slated to be paid for out of public sector funds. CONSENT AGENDA: (Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda, with the following exceptions: Under Purchases, the proposal of Xerox Corp for the 5-year lease of three copy machines for the Police Department, (failed in committee); Docket 230-10A-93: Cable Commission Recommendation to Proceed with Rate Regulation; Docket 192-10A-93: Resolution 89-R-93 - Allocation of G.O. Bond Refinancing Funds to CIP; Docket 232-10A-93: Resolution 101-R-93 - Increasing Aldermanic Participation on Housing & Community Development Act Committee; Docket 238-10A-93: Resolution 100-R-93 - Redevelopment of 2301 Oakton Street; Docket 239-10A-93: Ordinance 113-0-93 - Oakton/Hartrey Business District. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Voting aye - Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (9-0). Ju11� The minutes of the regular meeting of September 27, 1993, as submitted in writing to the members of the City Council. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. 19-01 ADNI[NISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE: BILLS AND PAYROLL * Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for the period ending October 12, 1993; for City of Evanston payroll for the period ending October 3, 1993; for City Council payroll for the month of September 1993; and that their payment be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston bills $ 2,405,250.30 City of Evanston payroll 1,176,761.08 City Council payroll 4,875.03 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) 13 October 11, 1993 6� APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton asked Council confirmation of Cindy Levitt, 2527 Lawndale Avenue, for reappointment to the Human Relations Commission, term ending November 15, 1996. Alderman Engelman moved Council approval of the reappointment. Seconded by Alderman Kent. Motion carried. No nays. Mayor Morton introduced the following names to serve on a Board, Council or Commission: Nicole M. Perrin, 1201 Pitner Avenue Arts Council Scott Fosdick, 3015 Thayer Street Cable Commission Zeno Ivy, 201 Kedzie Street Electrical Commission Norman Barber, 1917 Brown Avenue Playground and Recreation Board Morton Denlow, 2206 Orrington Avenue Playground and Recreation Board Oliver Gray, 2039 Darrow Avenue Playground and Recreation Board Yolanda Hernandez, 113 Dodge Avenue Playground and Recreation Board CALL OF THE WARDS: Alderman Kent thanked Officer Demos, Badge 238, for returning his wallet which he had dropped at a cleaners. He also thanked Acting Chief Kaminski for the super job he has done serving as the Acting Chief of Police. He _ said that it will not be forgotten. He welcomed Chief Cooper to Evanston. Alderman Kent also thanked Traffic Engineer David Jennings for the many meetings he had attended with Fifth Ward residents and for listening to and responding to their concerns. Alderman Engelman reminded Council that there will be another public hearing on the Oakton/Hartrey redevelopment area at the next Council meeting. He announced that there will be a special meeting of the Economic Development Committee meeting on Wednesday, October 13, at 6:30 P.M. for the purpose of addressing the possible Tax Increment Financing area in downtown for the Washington National site. He joined Alderman Kent in thanking Acting Chief Kaminski for the excellent job he has done heading up the Police Department. He said that he had done a great job through difficult times for a lot longer than anyone anticipated. Alderman Holsman thanked Chief Kaminski for all the support he had given Eighth Ward residents. He reported that last week a community meeting was held to discuss the shooting that had taken place a few days before and thanked Aldermen Feldman, Heydemann and Newman, Mayor Morton, City Manager Anderson and Acting Chief Kaminski for coming. He was pleased to see that they were all interested in what was happening in that area. He said that many of the concerns that were raised at the meeting were not new ones. Residents of the area have been working on them for the last four years and have not been able to come up with any solutions. He looked forward to working with City staff, neighbors and Council in an attempt to develop long term solutions to the problems in that area. He also praised the Evanston Neighborhood Conference (ENC) for the support they have give the Eighth Ward. They have helped organize meetings and have facilitated communication between groups. He felt that they deserved more recognition for their efforts and looked forward to working with them in the future. He encouraged everyone to attend the ENC conference on Saturday. Alderman Feldman congratulated and thanked Acting Chief Kaminski for the outstanding job he had done. He felt that Council owed Mr. Kaminski a debt of gratitude and wanted him to know that all his efforts were appreciated. He said that he would like to respond to the question raised at Citizen Comment about the CDBG expenditure and explained that the money is being spent on a neighborhood cul-de-sac to beautify and create an area of respite in an area along Cleveland by Hartrey. 14 October 11, 1993 V . Alderman Newman pointed out that notice requirements for amendments to the zoning ordinance are as follows: 'Notice shall also be given by first class mail to all owners of property contiguous to, or directly across a public street or alley from the area proposed to be rezoned or redistricted whose address appear on the current tax assessment list." He pointed out that there is no 250 foot requirement for zoning amendments and said that the .ordinance is very inconsistent and needs to be corrected. He made a reference to the P & D Committee to make, all the notice requirements in the zoning ordinance a flat 500 feet. without regard to streets and alleys. He made reference to the neighborhood meeting in the Eighth Ward and asked what the rest of the City was going to do for the Eighth Ward.- He was happy to hear the City Manager's response and said that he would like to debate that response to see whether the rest of Council feels it is sufficient. It is a city-wide concern. A murder in Evanston is a murder in Evanston and a young child being shot reflects on all of us. He did not want that neighborhood to feel that it was the abandoned step -child. He said that we all need to help them and not wait to see what they bring to us. Alderman Newman reported that at the most recent meeting of the City -School Liaison Committee a resolution had been put forward by Superintendent Alson in regard to gun control. He explained that he and Alderman Guthrie had some disagreement on it, and said that it would be coming to Council in the next couple of meetings. He felt that there had been some myth -making going on regarding the City -School Liaison Committee's ability to deal with the property tax question and explained that since it was composed of elected representatives from three independent bodies and no one on that committee has the ability to make one line -item adjustment on the District 65 or 202 budgets. The school board representatives feel very strongly that they were elected to provide the best education for Evanston school children. We can tell them about the tax problem, but can do nothing to make them reduce their budgets. He felt that the City had undermined its position recently by raising the sales tax. He said that the City had revenue alternatives that the school districts do not have. He wanted to make people aware of the limitations of the committee and that the two school districts were not interested in adopting a budget policy similar to the City's. He pointed out that the City -School Liaison Committee had no ability to lower Evanston's property taxes - the only way to do that is at the ballot box, and he didn't want anyone to have unrealistic expectations. Mayor Morton pointed out that to lower property taxes was not the charge of the committee, the charge of the committee was for the three bodies to "coordinate taxation and borrowing that affect Evanston taxpayers." She said that the key word was "coordinate% Alderman Newman said he went to the committee with the idea of coordinating budget policy, but the other two bodies did not seem interested. He said that if Council wanted to forward a resolution to the committee, he would be very happy to have the additional help. He said that coordinating does not affect their line items, nor the raises they give their employees, nor what we do on TIF districts or sales taxes. He said that the place to affect change in the budget policy for the two school districts is at the ballot box in November. Mayor Morton felt the charge of the committee was adequate and said that she was not as pessimistic about the committee as he was. She felt that some of the committee members were looking ahead to the November election and so were not anxious to come up with plans that might not be executed if they are not re-elected. She felt they were people of good will and felt that they had not had to grapple with problems with the intensity that the Council has. However, they are hearing people in the community make statements about taxation. She reported that the Superintendent Alson had indicated to her after the most recent meeting that he was interested in beginning to coordinate something. Alderman Drummer moved that the Docket Item on Page 5 of the Agenda - Definition of Lowest Bidder - be referred to the MBE/WBE Advisory Committee. Seconded by Alderman Guthrie. Motion carried. No nays. He offered his congratulations and thanks to Frank Kaminski and said that not only has he performed well as Acting Chief, but he had always been able to call the department and receive immediate, excellent service from him. Alderman Drummer noted that a month ago today he received a telephone call to inform him that his eighteen year old son had been in a tragic automobile accident in Louisiana. He said that nothing can prepare someone for a call like that, where it happened a thousand miles away and you get only sketchy information. His son was the only 15 October 11, 1993 one of three to survive the accident. The other two young men were his (Alderman Drummer's) sister's son and his cousin. His son sustained severe injuries to both legs and his right foot had to be amputated. He said that tragedy affected five large, proud families in Louisiana. He felt that by not taking all three young men God had given them another chance. He reported that during this ordeal his son had given them all strength. He thanked all of those who had expressed concern, sent cards, flowers and made phone calls. He said that his son would be all right after one small operation the next day and would be on his way home the next week. He appreciated all everyone had done and reminded them that you never know what moment will change your life. He said en Francais and translated into English "Each day we thank the Lord, we thank the good Lord, for the beautiful sunshine, we never stop thanking the good Lord, because life is good. Alderman Guthrie welcomed Alderman Drummer back and said that she had a similar experience with her brother last January and now fourteen surgeries later he is doing very well. She reported that she had stopped by his shop recently, and she was in tears and he was fine, telling her that they had found strength through their families and his son was doing well. She felt it was quite a testimony to a large and very strong group. She noted that the Main Street sewer project is almost completed in the Third Ward and she commended Director of Public Works, David Barber, for staying on top of this project. Alderman Guthrie also reported that she and Aldermen Heydemann and Newman recently attended a Dempster Street Merchants Association meeting and said that they had a very nice turnout and had been peppered with questions from the merchants until they had to leave for an NAACP meeting. She said that last Sunday she had attended six events, three in the ward and three out of the ward, including meeting Chief Cooper. She said that another event was the Black Policeman's Picnic. She said it had nice weather and was well attended. Alderman Heydemann said most of the time we all live on the surface of our lives and it takes an experience like Alderman Drummer's to remind us of that. She welcomed him back and said that she was glad to hear that his son would recover. She reported that she too had attended several events which have already been alluded to including the Black Policeman's Picnic. One event where she and the City Clerk had been the only City representatives was at the ceremony commemorating the rescue of Jews of Denmark by the citizens of Denmark fifty years ago. She said that one woman in attendance, had been the housekeeper for one of the Nazi officers (Denmark was occupied by the Nazis at that time) and she, at age 17, had saved 12 Jews. Alderman Heydemann said that in attending the community meeting in the Eighth Ward, she realized that people are the City's greatest treasure and faced with the tragedy that happened with the shooting, they were at the meeting looking for solutions. She was glad to be part of a group having that response and having the attitude of how are WE going to solve this problem. She was pleased that the Chicago Tribune covered the meeting of the community starting to pull together. Alderman Heydemann commended Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, Don Wirth and Executive Director of the Arts Council, Joe Zendell for all the work they have done organizing for the first First Night celebration. Alderman Heydemann made a reference to consider keeping video tapes of the Council meeting as part of the permanent record. Alderman moved that Council recess into CLOSED SESSION to consider pending litigation and land acquisition matters. Seconded by Alderman . Roll call. Voting aye - Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (9-0) The Council so recessed at 10:55 P.M. and adjourned from CLOSED SESSION at 11:40 P.M. KIRSTEN F. DAVIS CITY CLERK �l