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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1993-10-25-1993r COUNCIL, L7- 1 October 25, 1993 11 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 Plannine and Development Alderman Kent Alderman Newman Alderman Engelman Alderman Heydemann Human Services Alderman Moran Alderman Guthrie Alderman Holsman Alderman Feldman Alderman Drummer The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was held on Monday, October 25, 1993, at 8:19 P.M. in the City Council Chamber. ROLL CALL - PRESENT: Alderman Guthrie Aldeamea Engehm Alderman Heydemann Alderman Holsman Alderman Kent Aldermen Feldman Alderman Moran Alderman Newman Aldmmam Dnamnrr A Quorum being present. ABSENT: None PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton A video tape recording of this meeting has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the City Clerk's office. ?_1 2 October 25, 1993 PUBLIC HEARING ON THE OAKTON/HARTREY BUSINESS DISTRICT: Mayor Morton opened the Public Hearing at 8:21 P.M. Dick Stillerman. 2330 Park Place, thanked the City Manager for the information and help given to him by Economic Development Planner, Dennis Marino. He applauded Home Depot for deciding to come to Evanston, but opposed granting them any kind of subsidy, saying that it was unnecessary because Home Depot had already made a decision to come here. He suggested that the decision to render economic assistance was motivated by fear that a developer would not build a project unless helped and the tax base would shrink. He questioned the cost given for the environmental cleanup of the site and suggested that the cost to remediate the land be paid for by lowering what they'are asking for the land. He noted that there had been no subsidies given to new businesses wanting to locate in Evanston until recently and that the City had been able to keep all the new sales tax generated by these businesses. He questioned what Home Depot defined as regular costs and extraordinary costs of development and felt that the money they had agreed to give back to the neighborhood was a mere sop and represented costs that they should have borne in any case. He reiterated his opposition to granting subsidies to any developer who knocks on the door and urged Council to vote this down. He said it would be a blow to the building materials retailers and would give Home Depot an unfair advantage over them. Bob Fisher, 2647 Central Park Avenue, reiterated his opposition to a subsidy for Home Depot. He said that he did not feel that all the questions raised by the building materials retailers had been answered, questioned why there had been no cross -impact study, said that businesses in all wards would be affected and suggested that neighboring property values would be adversely affected. He questioned whether the numbers given by Home Depot for environmental clean up were accurate and questioned whether the City had adequately considered the environmental impact of having the store on that site. He felt that the neighbors had not received adequate answers to their questions. He urged Council not to approve a subsidy to a business that would be in competition with existing businesses in Evanston. Dan Cawlev. 2912 Central Street, opposed granting Home Depot a subsidy and questioned why the City wanted to create an uneven playing field for competition. Urged Council to vote against this proposal. Neil Elliott. 732 Michigan Avenue, said that when a thing is morally wrong it is wrong no matter what the numbers are and felt that it was morally wrong to take money from small shopkeepers in Evanston and give it to a large business which will put them out of business. He said that Council should consider the moral implications of everything it does because of the message it sends to the children of the community. John Cornvn. 1137 Darrow Avenue, a hardware store owner noted that small businesses in Evanston are frequently approached for donations of cash, merchandise and time by many organizations in the community and they have been happy to give. They also respond to special requests for service and emergencies. He felt that what he was watching was a process that would decimate the infrastructure of the town. Samuel Zaremski. 1919 Oakton Street, opposed having another discount store in Evanston and pointed out that building it on that site would substantially increase traffic in an area where there is already considerable traffic and heavy trucks driving by that shake the house. He questioned why nothing was done to keep Lyttons, Fields, or Wieboldts here and suggested that the City find a better use for the site such as senior citizen or low income housing. Michael Folio, Regional Real Estate Director for Home Depot, said that work on this project had been going on for nearly a year and felt compelled to respond to some of the comments made earlier. He said that it is easy to take isolated facts and build cases around those facts without having full knowledge of the detail behind those facts. Those not present in all the Economic Development Committee meetings or the many staff meetings where details of this project were gone over endlessly did not know all the facts. He said that citizens should rest assured that the Council and staff were working for their good. He said that information has been provided regarding environmental concerns and the money to remediate the site has been the subject of much negotiation. He noted that thirteen developers have looked at this site in the last several years and found it not economically feasible to pursue. The money Home Depot is requesting is not for development, but to make the site economically feasible for development. All money from the City is being spent on environmental and geotechnical remediation which 5 October 25,1993 PY * App®val of the proposal of The Brickman Group, Ltd., for a Skills Training Program for Parks, Recreation & ForesW, staff at a total cost of $5,450. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Appmal of the proposal from Advance Medical Transport, Inc., for Ambulance Fee Collection Services at a cost of 159 of actual gross collections. BID504MARY: Bidder Advow. Medical Transport Broamow, IL ' Medivt Reimbursement Services ChicgpS EL Total Collection Costs 15 % of Gross Collections 12 % of Gross Collections STAIgElectronic EMS Billing Services $15.00 per billable event, not Mundiein, EL to exceed 15 % of gross collections * AHROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-01 * App aval of the low bid from U.S. Tennis Court Construction for Mason Park Tennis Court Repairs at a total cost=",100. BID S IMMARY: Biddar Base Bid Alternates Total Cost U.S.1banis Court Construction $4,000 $1,100 $5,100.00 Locliprt, IL O1sa&Bros Recreational Surfaces 5,770 1,490 7,260.00 MwMein, IL * AIROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-01 * Aaeptance of the Guaranteed Maximum Price Proposal of W. E. O'Neil Construction Company of $14,096,211 for patruction of the new library. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Docket 230-IOA-93: Cable Commission Recommendation to Proceed with Rate Re ation - 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. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Docket 240-1OB-93: Resolution 103-R-93 - Reserved Parkin¢ for Disabled at 1223 Dodge Avenue - Consideration of proposed Resolution 103-R-93, by which the City Council would establish a reserved parking space for the disabled at 1223 Dodge Avenue.* ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-01 * Docket 241-1013-93: Ordinance 119-0-93 - Vacation of Portions of Linden Place East of Custer - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 119-0-93, by which the City Council would authorize the vacation of portions of Linden Place east of Custer Avenue. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA 6 October 25,1993 * Docket 242-1OB-93: Ordinance 120-0-93 - Creation of Special Service Area # 5 - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 120-0-93, by which the City Council would indicate their intent to create Special Service Area #5, which would provide the funding mechanism for the Downtown Streetscape Improvements, as presented at the October 11, 1993 meeting by Mr. Terrence Jenkins, EVMARK Marketing Director. The Ordinance would also establish December 13, 1993 as the date for a Public Hearing on this proposed Special Service Area. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 243-10B-93: Ordinance 122-0-93 - Two -Hour Limit on Parking - Main Strw4t and Hinman Avenue - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 122-0-93, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-10, Schedule X(C), of the Code of the City of Evanston to establish a two-hour limit on parking spaces located on both sides of Main Street between Hinman Avenue and the first alley east. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 244-10B-93: Ordinance 123-0-93 - No Parkine Durine School Hours - 828 Main Street - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 123-0-93, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-9, Schedule IX(M) of the Code of the City of Evanston to establish a No Parking Zone during School Hours at Park School, 828 Main Street. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 233-IOA-93: Ordinance 114-0-93: - Class D Liauor License - Trattoria Peppino - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 114-0-93, introduced on October 11, 1993, 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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Docket 234-IOA-93: Ordinance 115-0-93 - Class D Liauor License - Pasta. Etc. - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 115-0-93, introduced on October 11, 1993, 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 Mario Bros. Pasta Company, Etc., dba Pasta, Inc., 825 Church Street. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-01 * Docket 235-IOA-93: Ordinance 116-0-93 - Loading Zone - 3333 Culver Street - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 116-0-93, introduced on October 11, 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 at 3333 Culver Street. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Docket 236-10A-93: Ordinance 117-0-93 - Sale of Surnlus Vehicles - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 117-0-93, introduced on October 11, 1993, 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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Docket 246-1OB-93: Plat of Subdivision - 2001-2013 Maple Avenue - Consideration of a request from Donald Austin for approval of a Plat of Subdivision for the property at 2001-2013 Maple Avenue. October 25, 1993 will be certified to and approved by the City. He emphasized that Home Depot did not design this proposal for a Business District, but the process had been created by the State for sites that were difficult to develop in order encourage economic development. He did not know any other possible site that better fit the prototypical problems that this Business District proposal was created to address. Mayor Morton announced that there were no more speakers signed up for the Public Hearing and declared it closed at 8:48 P.M. MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Morton annuunced that Trick or Treat hours would be on Halloween, Sunday,. October 31st., from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. Mayor Morton announced that October 27, 1993, was Unfunded Mandates Day across the United States which is a general protest to the federal and state governments for requiring certain procedures without allocating money to accomplish that purpose. She said that they were trying to sensitize the public to these mandates and urged those who wished, to write to their senators and representatives to indicate that unfunded mandates were an imposition on our cities and we need relief. The Mayor reported that during this past legislative session 14 bills were introduced to impose further unfunded mandates, but 12 were defeated and one vetoed by the governor. She urged everyone to join her in bringing this to the attention of Congress and the Legislature. PROCLAMATIONS: Mayor Morton announced that she had proclaimed the month of October - National Arts and Humanities Month and Friday, November 5, Rabbi Richard Hirsch Day in Evanston, in honor of his installation as Rabbi of the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation in Evanston. CITIZEN COMMENT: Reta Reingruber, 132 Clyde Avenue, complained that her apartment lease was not going to be renewed because she had complained about the maintenance of her building; said that her car had been stolen and that her complaints to the police and City had fallen on deaf ears. She asked that the City help her get her lease renewed, require the owner to correct the code violations in the building and assist her in recovering her car. She said that she would be notifying the building and property standards department what the code violations were. Nelson Soltman. 2737 Harrison Street, representing the neighborhood group that was opposed to changing the zoning on 2734 Central Street, said that a meeting had been held between the parties and no agreement had been reached. He urged Council to vote on the matter this evening. Robert Jacobsen. 1441 Noyes Street, expressed his opposition to granting a plat of subdivision for 2212-2216 Green Bay. He said that by voting to allow a fast food restaurant on this site, Council had the ability to affect the quality of life in his neighborhood because it would generate additional traffic and litter. He urged them to consider where people would go after they leave the restaurant and wondered why four or five traffic plans for the site had been considered and then the original proposal adopted. He explained that the neighbors were committed to the City and interested in the community functioning well and that is why they were here to oppose this. Jeff Naylor. 1433 Noyes Street, said that the neighbors had opposed a special use that would allow a fast food restaurant with a drive-thru facility on the 2212-2216 Green Bay property since it was fast proposed and noted that it had left the Planning and Development Committee without recommendation. He urged the aldermen to read their advance materials carefully. He questioned whether such a restaurant would add to the economy or whether a fast food restaurant would be an improvement over a garage and whether it would be any better maintained than the property is currently. He suggested that Council look at traffic and pedestrian safety, litter, whether it would become a "hang-out" and where employees would park. He said that the special use for the property would be granted in perpetuity. He noted that the owner intended to continue to operate his auto service business on the site concern about his commitment to running a fast food restaurant and suggested that he might sell the restaurant space to a fast food chain, which the neighbors strongly oppose. 4 October 25, 1993 Joseoh Mierkiewicz. 2734 Central Street, asked that the Council delay the vote on the rezoning of 2734 Central Street until the next meeting, saying that he was trying to work out a different plan for the property and needed additional time to put it together. COMMUNICATIONS: City Clerk Davis announced that she had received communications from the Illinois Department of Revenue reporting that Auto Rental Tax had been collected during the month of August in the amount of $2,197.22 and that sales tax had been collected during the month of August in the amount of $399,417.14. City Clerk Davis also announced that the Evanston Human Relations Commission was co -sponsoring a pancake breakfast on Saturday, November 6, from 7:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M at the American Legion Hall, 1030 Central Street. Proceeds will go to the Christmas Fund operated by the Commission. CONSENT AGENDA: (Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda, with the following exceptions: Docket 246- IOB-93: Plat of Subdivision - 2001-2013 Maple Avenue and Docket 245-10B-93: Resolution 102-R-93 - Public Hearing to Consider a Redevelopment Project Area. Roll call. Voting aye - Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (9-0) MINUTES: * The minutes of the regular meeting of October 11, 1993, as submitted in writing to the members of the City Council and corrected on Page 10 to show Ordinance 110-0-93 as adopted, not introduced. ADMIlVISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE: BILLS AND PAYROLL * Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for the period ending October 26, 1993; for City of Evanston payroll for the period ending October 17, 1993; and that their payment be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston bills $ 4,359,154.29 City of Evanston payroll 1,192,284.31 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) PURCHASES: * Approval of the low bid from L. Marshall, Inc., for replacement of the North branch Library roof at a total cost of $36,000.00 BID SUMMARY: Bidder Base Bid Alternate Total Cost L. Marshall, Inc. $35,000 $ 1,000 $36,000.00 Glenview, EL All American Roofing Co. 37,950 2,456 40,406.00 Lake Zurich, EL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) 7 October 25, 1993 1 F� :4wman Rent moved that this docket item be held over. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. At the request of two amen this docket item is held until the next meeting. A erman Newman asked the Building Department to provide a report on all the code violations on this property *nary other properties owned by this applicant for the next Planning and Development Committee meeting. * Docket 247-1OB-93: Ordinance 106-0-93 - ZBA 93-13-SU(R) - Special Use - 2212 -2216 Green Bav Road - Consideration of the Zoning Board of Appeals' recommendation that the City Council grant the application of Leslie and Guy Carpenter, owners, for a special use to permit the construction of a Type 2 Restaurant with a drive-thru facility on the property at 2212-2216 Green Bay Road. The property is zoned C3 Commercial District. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA ftER CO1bmb mEES: Docket 245-10B-93: Resolution 102-R-93 - Public Hearin¢ to Consider a Redevelopment Proiect Area - Consideration of proposed Resolution 102-R-93, by which the City Council would call for a public hearing to consider a Redevelopment Project Area and Redevelopment Plan for an area in downtown Evanston. erman Engelman moved Council adoption of proposed Resolution 102-R-93. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. .Merman Engelman moved to amend the resolution to move the northern boundary of the proposed Tax Increment :dancing (TIF) to the northern limit of the Church Street right-of-way and the eastern boundary to the east side 41he Chicago Avenue right-of-way and directed staff to amend the legal description accordingly. Seconded by merman Heydemann. Alderman Engelman noted that the redevelopment area excludes that portion of the block runs along Davis Street and excludes that portion of the block that runs along Sherman Avenue. The committee Ad not feel it appropriate to include those areas because the TIF would capture all real estate taxes for those developed areas and they should not be taken out of the tax stream. Motion carried. No nays. A response to a questions from Alderman Newman Assistant City Manager Aiello and City Manager Anderson rt wified that the $7.5 million in estimated costs listed on Page 19 of the Redevelopment Plan represents the total Altble costs, which if the City chooses and the TIF is there, the Council could authorize the use of TIF funds for 46 range of activities listed in the plan as eligible under state statute. Each project would have to be separately Althorized by Council. The only eligible cost currently authorized is the one for demolition. These are eligible costs and there is no proposal to use the $7.5 million for these costs. Alderman Newman requested that staff provide a report before the public hearing on how much money will be going into this project from the TIF. City Manager Anderson promised that report by the next meeting. th response to a question from Alderman Feldman, Ms. Aiello clarified that eligible costs are determined by looking * that area and looking at the public improvements the City will make to the street in addition to the private *vestment - such as utility work or assisting in funding the proposed EVMARK streetscape improvements. This 16oks at the whole range of eligible improvements to see what can be done if Council votes to issue the bonds. mote on the resolution. Motion carried. No nays. * Docket 239-IOA-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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-01 October 25,1993 REPORT OF THE STANDING CONIIMIITTEES: ADNEVUSTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS: Docket 192-8B-93: Resolution 89-R-93 - Allocation of General Oblieation Bond Refinancine Funds to Capital Improvement Proeram - 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. P' Alderman Engelman moved Council adoption of proposed Resolution 89-R-93 as amended in committee to direct the City Manager to begin immediate redesign of eight parks in the City scheduled in next year's capital improvement budget to expedite their redevelopment. Motion carried. No nays. Docket 232-10A-93: Resolution 101-R-93 - Increasine 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-R-93. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Alderman Holsman urged other Council members to support this resolution so he could best represent the citizens of his. ward. He felt that the information provided in response to Alderman Heydemann's request at the last meeting was incomplete. Alderman Heydemann said that the information was sufficient to meet her needs. Alderman Newman reviewed the purpose of the CD Committee and explained the reason why the proposal had been made was to expand the committee to allow Alderman Holsman to become a member so as to be able to better represent his ward and to assure that the Eighth Ward would be able to get all the Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG) to which it was entitled. He noted that the recent problems in the ward had been going on for a number of years and noted that Alderman Rainey had served on the committee for a number of years. He said that he understood that this motion would be defeated and noted that he would be making proposals regarding a Committee of the Whole as previously proposed by Mayor Morton, which would allow Alderman Holsman to fully participate in the budget discussions for this committee. He questioned why any one would be opposed to expanding the committee, which he felt would be a positive step. Alderman Heydemann explained that motives and reasons are not synonymous. She opposed the change because it would change the balance of aldermen and citizens on the committee. She felt that it was an inappropriate basis for public policy to use the argument that only aldermen from an affected area are able to make judicious and intelligent decisions about that area. It also denigrated the other aldermen to assume that they could not make fair and compassionate judgments about activities in that area. Alderman Engelman noted that he did not debate this issue when in was in committee because he was serving as chair. He noted that all alderman are involved in the decision -making process whether they are on the committee or not, because the final decision on the budget is Council's and the committee only makes recommendations. He did not feel that expanding the committee addressed the problems highlighted by the recent murder in the area and to deal with the problems it raised required strong enforcement of the zoning, housing and criminal codes, not the expansion of a committee. He felt it was more important for the Council to make those commitments to the community. He reminded Council that for nine months prior to the installation of this City Council a committee had worked on restructuring the boards and commissions. At no time during that time did anyone propose 9 October 25, 1993� expanding the CDBG Committee. He noted that both Aldermen Newman and Feldman had participated in that committee. He felt that there were problems with the current committee structure and that it ought to be looked at and when that is done Alderman Holsman's desire to serve should be taken into consideration. He did not believe that it should be done piecemeal, but with due deliberation after it has been tried for a reasonable length of time. He felt that Alderman Holsman could continue to provide input to the CDBG Committee without being a member, just as he and other aldermen have done at the Economic Development and other committees they attend as non- members. He always has a voice any matter when it comes to the Council floor. Alderman Moran said that he had changed his opinion on this matter since voting on it in the Administration and Public Works Committee and that he did what he felt was right at the time, but he noted that opinions evolve over time. He said that fiis vote was not predicated on any political considerations, but on policy ramifications as he perceived them now. He felt that when the issue had come before the committee two weeks ago, emotions were heightened by the shooting incident. But he did not feel that, in the heat of that moment, it was appropriate to amend the committee structure to in any way pit one area of the community against another. The issues raised by that incident were issues that need to be addressed by the Council as a whole in a unified approach. Alderman Feldman said he wanted to describe what lead to his proposing this resolution and noted that he had been concerned about the makeup of the CDBG Committee from its inception, but felt that there was nothing that would prevent it from doing a fair and honest job. He discussed the Eighth Ward meeting he had attended a few weeks ago which made him feel that the ward needed certain kinds of attention and he did not believe that Alderman Holsman was in a position of strength to give it that attention. He felt that expanding the CD Committee was a way to remedy that. He discussed his view of an alderman's role in the City committee structure and felt that Alderman Holsman would bring an added dimension to the CD Committee's deliberations. He felt that the question was not whether it was necessary to expand the committee, but whether it was desirable. He said that if people felt it would upset the balance between citizens and aldermen, he would be happy to amend the resolution to expand it by two members. He felt that none of the arguments against expansion spoke to the issue, but that the Eighth Ward needed an alderman on the committee to be empowered. This proposal did not represent an attack on the committee, but an attempt to strengthen it by placing Jon Holsman on it, which he felt would serves everyone. Alderman Newman noted that if Alderman Holsman were on the committee, he would have the ability to make motions and to influence the committee's direction earlier in the process when things are not so structured. He would be able to help decide how many inspectors and police the money would fund. He felt that a suggestion that aldermen serve either on the Economic Development Committee (5) or the CD Committee (4) was a good one and hoped it would be formally proposed. Roll call. Voting aye - Kent, Holsman, Feldman, Newman. Voting nay - Guthrie, Heydemann, Moran, Engelman, Drummer. Motion failed (4-5) Mayor Morton asked Council whether they had looked at the new CD Target Area maps sent to the City by HUD and noted that the Target Area in the Eighth Ward was significantly smaller than it was in the past. She also pointed out that the Ninth Ward's area was much larger. HUMAN SERVICES: Alderman Moran reported that at their last meeting the committee had reviewed citizen complaints against the Police Department and held a preliminary review of the budgets for the Library Board, Recreation Department and Human Relations Committee. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Docket 229-913-93: Ordinance 111-0-93 - ZPC 93-1-(M) - Rezonin¢ 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. 10 October 25, 1993 Alderman Kent moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 111-0-93. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Alderman Kent reviewed the attempts that had been made to negotiate between the neighbors and noted that the applicant had requested that it be held over again to allow him some additional time to work out a possible deal. It was Alderman Kent's understanding that there was no support for holding it over again because all of the reasons it was held before had been satisfied. Alderman Moran reported that a meeting had been held the previous Sunday between the neighbors and the applicant and that they were not able to reach an acceptable compromise. He said the meeting had been well attended and thanked Jan Wolfensperger from the Zoning Department for being there to respond to questions regarding the zoning ordinance and to clarify what could and could not be done with this property under the ordinance. r Roll call. Voting aye - none. Voting nay- Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer. Motion failed (0-91 REPORT OF THE SPECIAL CONEM=ES 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 and explained the purpose of the resolution. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Alderman Feldman reminded Council that it was making a commitment to the neighbors of the surrounding area and a commitment to deal with the entire issue of the impact of large economic development projects on adjacent communities. He did not feel that the $500,000 pledged by Home Depot for neighborhood improvements was a sop, but an attempt to begin to deal with the impact developments like this one have on a neighborhood. He said that the City will need to deal with these issues perpetually and revisit them if there are problems, such as traffic problems. The City will have to deal with anything that has a deleterious effect on the neighborhood as a result of this project and he promised that he would see that the City does. Alderman Newman said that it was important that Council explain the positive aspects of this project to the community because he felt a lot of misinformation had been disseminated. He explained the importance of using unused land to generate tax dollars and to build the tax base. He said that the site had been vacant for a number of years and there had been adequate time for a developer to come in and develop it for residential use, but there were too many environmental problems to make it economically feasible for that type of development. The property currently generates only $180,000 - $1.8 million in ten years - in real estate taxes and when it is developed by this project, in ten years it will have generated $7.5 million in real estate taxes and $7.5 million in sales taxes. There is $2 million pledged for cleanup of the property and the money will be spent only if it can be proven that it is being spent for environmental costs. The developer will bear all other costs of developing site. Thirteen million dollars in ten years represents a lot homes not paying $1000 in property taxes. He discussed the effect on existing businesses and pointed out that Evanston was first approached by the developers of the Old Orchard shopping center and turned them down because of concern about the impact on existing businesses. Old Orchard located instead in Skokie and many of the businesses that we were concerned about left the City anyway - Fields, Lyttons, Wieboldts - even though the competition came from outside the city. He pointed out that all the building materials retailers in the City will be affected by Home Depot even if it locates outside the City limits but in close proximity. Home Depot is coming whether we want it or not and the worst thing that can happen is for them to locate nearby, cause some of those same businesses to go under and the City get not one dollar in real estate or sales taxes. He noted that the City is not giving any money for development of the store, but is only providing funds for environmental remediation. He felt that the small retailers would be able to stay in business because of the fine service they provide. He felt that he had to vote yes on this to preserve the tax base, even thought it was a difficult choice. 1 11 October 25, 1993 Alderman Engelman complimented Alderman Newman on his fine explanation. He also said that he needed to respond to comments made by Alderman Feldman about impact on the neighborhood. He also reminded Council that the Economic Development Committee was meeting with the Plan Commission on Wednesday of this week for the purpose of discussing the impact of large economic development projects on the community. He noted that this project has been discussed and debated for over nine months and a lot questions and concerns have been answered. He said that this property has sat there for a number of years and will continue to sit there not generating revenue unless this is adopted. He emphasized that Council is not providing development funds, but is providing money to remediate a site with serious environmental problems. He noted that the City is not issuing bonds but will be paying for the environmental remediation out of money this property generates. He shared the concern about the impact this will have on the small businesses in town, but felt Home Depot would affect them even if they located nearby - which they ve indicated that they will. Alderman Guthrie said that as a small business owner in Evanston for seven years, she shared the concerns about the impact Home Depot will have on existing businesses by locating here. She felt that they would be impacted whether it locates here or nearby, so she felt that there was greater benefit - in the form of tax relief- to the, homeowners in Evanston. And since Council hears about the need for tax relief constantly, that is why she will vote for this. Alderman Holsman said that there was much about this project that he liked but he was still concerned about the impact on the neighborhood and was not sure it had been addressed. He did not consider this a subsidy to Home Depot, but was unhappy about the dollar amount because he felt it was too high and would vote against it. Roll call. Voting aye - Guthrie, Heydemann, Engelman, Newman, Drummer. Voting nay - Kent, Holsman, Feldman. Abstaining - Moran. (Moran abstained due to a possible conflict of interest) Motion carried. (5-3) APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton asked Council confirmation of the following names to serve on a Board, Council or Commission: Nicole M. Perrin, 1201 Pitner Avenue Arts Council, term ending November 15, 1996; Scott Fosdick, 3015 Thayer Street Cable Commission, term ending November 15, 1996; Zeno Ivy, 201 Kedzie Street Electrical Commission, term ending November 30, 1997; Norman Barber, 1917 Brown Avenue Playground and Recreation Board, term ending November 15, 1996; Morton Denlow, 2206 Orrington Avenue Playground and Recreation Board, term ending November 15, 1995; Oliver Gray, 2039 Darrow Avenue Playground and Recreation Board, term ending November 15, 1998; Yolanda Hernandez, 113 Dodge Avenue Playground and Recreation Board, term ending November 15, 1997; James Stricker-Gay, 714 Main Street as Chair of the Sign Review & Appeals Board Alderman Engelman moved Council confirmation of the above nominees. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Motion carried. No nays. MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Morton announced that the Planning and Development Committee would be holding a public hearing on Monday, November 1, at 7:30 P.M., on whether the Center for Public Ministry should continue to operate a Shelter for the Temporarily Homeless at 607 Lake Street for a period of one year. �l� 12 October 25, 1993 CALL OF THE WARDS: Alderman Moran thanked everyone who had worked on the issue of rezoning 2734 Central Street. He felt that there had been a concerted effort by all concerned to try to reach an accommodation. Alderman Engelman requested that minutes of the Human Services Committee and the Planning and Development Committee be provided before the Council meeting, rather than the following week. He felt that it was important to know what the debate was on issues that are before the Council before they are required to vote on them. He congratulated Assistant City Manager Aiello and Economic Development Planner, Dennis Marino, for their excellent work on the Home Depot project. He noted that the negotiations on the Statement of Understanding was long, arduous and compressed and felt they had done a magnificent job. On behalf of the Economic Development Committee, City Council and citizens, he thanked them and said the community was well served by their efforts. Alderman Holsman made reference to the new CD map and noted that while the size of the Eighth Ward designated as a Target Area has shrunk, he suspected that the population size is still the same since the area it encompasses is densely populated. He only recognized one area that expanded as a CD Target Area and that is a small area in the Seventh Ward near the University. Other than that, the Eighth Ward is generating new Target Areas, which deeply concerned him. Alderman Holsman reported that he had received many complaints about businesses along Howard Street, the amount of refuse they generate, and the number of abandoned autos that were being worked on continuously. He said that there were no requirements that the businesses erect fences to screen some of the unsightly debris from residents and made a reference to the Planning and Development Committee to consider whether the Citv should, reouire that some of these businesses erect fences that are tall enough to screen out some of the unsightly debris that thev generate. Alderman Holsman encouraged everyone to attend the swearing -in ceremony for new Police Chief Gerald Cooper on Monday, November 1. Alderman Newman noted that the CD Committee will meet on November 9 to consider recommendations to Council. He felt that there will be some interesting decisions to be made in the Public Service category and invited all members of Council to participate in this process at this point, even though the recommendations will get to Council eventually. He commented on the new areas that have been designated CD Target Areas and requested that staff provide a memorandum explaining how the various City programs work in the CD areas, such as for sidewalks and facades. Alderman Newman made reference to a letter that had been given to each alderman concerning a recent incident in Raymond Park and announced that there would be a meeting on November 18 at the First Presbyterian Church at 7:30 P.M. regarding the restoration of Raymond Park: He noted that the discussion would include making the park handicapped accessible. He reported that a number of churches around the park run pre-school programs that use the park and are willing to put up some of the money to accomplish this. It will help make a valuable resource better. Alderman Newman expressed concern about problems in the downtown area that have been reported to him, such as sleeping in vestibules and other inappropriate behavior. He said that these problems could affect whether people were willing to invest in Evanston or not. He wanted to know what the root problems were and said if there was a problem with Greenwood Care, they needed to be addressed. If the problem is with the soup kitchens surrounding the downtown area then the City may have to work with the churches and other institutions that serve the homeless to rethink how to deliver services them. He felt that the City needs to address some of the conditions that are creating problems in the downtown area. He asked the Human Services Committee to take that as a reference and to seek information from the Director of the Librarv. the Director of Human Services and the Police Department concerning these problems. He felt that it was a human issue, an economic development issue and quality of life issue and which needed addressing. He was making the reference now because he wanted to make sure that Raymond Park restoration program would be a success and the families who bring their children there would feel safe. 13 October 25,1993 Alderman Drummer said that as Chair of the CD Committee, he was inviting all alderman who were not members of the committee to attend their meetings, but noted that while the committee is happy to receive input, when the deliberations begin, there will be no participation by non -committee - W _ +. He reminded them that they will have an opportunity to discuss the recommendations at the City Council meeting and that those recommendations are always discussed with Council sitting as a Committee of the Whole. Alderman Drummer said that the Council had done a great job that evening in getting through a number of difficult issues, putting them to rest and moving the City forward. However, he strongly urged Council members to think about the amount of time they take to make a point and encouraged them to make their points more succinctly, so Council could adjourn a little sooner. He noted that the same points had been made over and over, both on the Council floor, in committee, and in other meetings and felt there was no value in having them repeated. 44 Alderman Guthrie reported that the new street lights are in on Main Street, but was sorry to see they were not going to stay red. She was pleased with the design and felt they were flattering to the streetscape. She also reported that the Director of Public Works had informed her that the street would be paved next week. She noted that a new paper, The Beacon, has made its appearance in Evanston, and when you read it you will think that the Council is composed of only two or three aldermen. She noted that a photographer for the paper had taken pictures for several hours at this meeting and he never took her picture nor wrote down notes from any of her statements. She wanted citizens to know that she was here and doing her job. She thought that the Medill students and the reporters for the Review treated Council members a little more equitably. Alderman Heydemann noted that she had received the memorandum from the City Manager on the cost of video taping these meetings. She did not believe that $100 a year was a large expense and requested that the City begin to do so. Alderman Heydemann expressed disappointment that the City -School Liaison Committee had not taken the opportunity to coordinate some letter writing to the State Legislature on unfunded mandates. She noted that unfunded mandates are also an enormously burdensome part of any school budget. She requested that the Mayor ask the two superintendents and the two board presidents to write letters acknowledging Unfunded Mandates Day on October 27. She noted that by the time Council met again, the Farmer's Market would have closed for the year and said she was always sad to see it end. She thanked Curtis Chancellor, the Market Manager, and Dennis Marino who was the staff coordinator for the market, for making it such a well -run event that adds greatly to the quality of life in Evanston. She looked forward to its opening again next year. Alderman Kent noted that he was always looking for activities that will get youth involved and announced that on November 18th, the Boy Scouts of America would be holding a rally at Masonic Temple to establish a pack there. He explained that in the Fifth Ward it was often difficult for kids to participate in evening events at schools because they were bussed to their schools. This will be the first time a pack is being organized in that community and will give kids an opportunity to participate. He encouraged boys who might be interested and adults who might be interested in being den leaders to drop by. Alderman Kent announced that he was in the process of organizing the third annual In the Spirit of Thanksgiving food drive that he had organized with Joey Brooks of Joey Movers. He asked that since the Council was reduced in size, that each Council member provide a turkey. He reported that the first year they had served 146 people, last year they served nearly 100 people and this year they hoped to serve nearly 200. He noted that the recipient families were from all over Evanston. He asked Council members to drop the turkeys at Joey's Movers on Emerson. He made reference to block clubs and reported that at a recent meeting held by Health Director Louise Brown, which he and Alderman Moran had attended, the discussion was on how guns impacted health and the quality of life. Because of this discussion, he had approached Director of the Human Relations Commission, Owen Thomas, to see if he could come up with a strategy that would help to address some of the problems raised at the meeting, including the problem of litter. He would like to see a strategy developed that could be applied in all the wards. He said that the strategy should address how to deal with people who just don't care and businesses that need to provide more than they are providing. Alderman Kent made a reference to the CD Committee askinf them to explain what is Qoine on with the Minoritv/Women Business Entemrise Program (MBE/WBE) and why there was no apparent coordination with the Youth Job Center. Alderman Drummer invited him to attend the meeting the next Tuesday night where that will be discussed. 4l14 October 25,1993 Alderman Kent made a reference reardin the plowing of Pratt Court and Oak Tree Court now income housing on Simpson and Ashland. which are reallv on an allevl,. He noted that residents are complaining and felt there was a way to devise a plan to get down those streets and make them safer. Alderman Engelman seconded Alderman Kent's reference to the CD Committee. Alderman Newman commented that he would like to hear a presentation on the MBE/WBE program explaining the program and allowing aldermen to provide input. He amended the reference to request that it come back to Council and that it be dealt with in a Committee of the Whole before Council deals with the whole budges; Seconded by Alderman Holsman. Alderman DrummeApposed the amendment to the motion and said that the committee has to go through a process and that the MBE Committee is a new structure, with a new staff person and new board members. He noted that there had been some down -time after losing the first staff person, but that the new staff person was on board and Council needs to give him time to get the program operating. He said that Alderman Kent had a legitimate concern and that he supported that reference. He said after the committee goes through its process, the Council will have. the opportunity to debate the program. In response to a question from Alderman Newman, City Manager Anderson clarified that this program is proposed to be funded through the CD program. Alderman Newman said that this was an issue of highest priority and thought it should be discussed by Council as a whole so it could attempt to address some of the concerns expressed by the community. He felt that it was important for the aldermen to have a complete understanding of the program and what it was going to accomplish. Alderman Newman withdrew his amendment. City Manager Anderson said that this could be made a special item in the budget deliberations and we could make sure that time is set aside with a special presentation, if that is required, during the budget process. Vote on Alderman Kent's reference. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Feldman said that he felt that nothing Alderman Drummer could say that would take too long. He did not feel that any dialogue engaged in by the members of the Council represented any redundancy. He made reference to comments by the Mayor in the Evanston Review regarding the City's relationship with Northwestern University. He did not share in any of the euphoria surrounding that issue - especially since the Board of Trustees is engaged in a search for a new president. He reported that he had received a call from a reporter from The Dailv asking him to comment on President Weber's tenure and he recalled the fruitless negotiations that he had been engaged in with the University after being appointed by a Council resolution to a negotiating committee in 1990. He read the resolution and noted that the Negotiating Committee was established to try to get the University to make significant fiscal contributions to the City and to accept its responsibility as an institution that is a corporate citizen of the community - a responsibility that has accepted by many major universities all over the country. He read the last paragraph of the report from the Negotiating Committee and suggested that this issue is not dead and the responsibility articulated in that report is present at this very moment. He urged that Council not let these efforts die, expressed the hope that there would be a reopening of dialogue with a new president and urged Council to re-establish a Negotiating Team shortly after a new president is inaugurated. He did not feel that just because the university makes a substantial cultural, intellectual and fiscal contribution to the City that there weren't other contributions that they could make. He felt there was much yet to be resolved. He said that the reason the City was getting along so well with the University was because it asked so little of them. Mayor Morton disagreed. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn. The Council so moved and adjourned at 11:03 P.M. KIRSTEN F. DAVIS CITY CLERK 1 1 I.