HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1993-11-08-19930v
COUNCIL.
November 8, 1993
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 Develooment
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, November 8, 1993, at 8:39 P.M.
in the City Council Chamber.
ROLL CALL - PRESENT:
Alderman Heydemann
Alderman Kent
Alderman Moran
Alderman Engelman
A Quorum being present.
ABSENT: None
TARDY: Alderman Guthrie
PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton
Alderman Hohrm
Alderman Feldman
Alderman Newman
Aidemrin Dr u mer
A video tape recording of this meeting has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the City
Clerk's office.
2 November 8, 1993
PROCLAMATIONS:
Mayor Morton announced that she had proclaimed November 15-19 Literary Awareness Week.
CITIZEN COMMENT:
Gerald Adler, 2235 Wesley Avenue, stated that he was opposed to the City granting a special use to permit a fast
food restaurant at Noyes and Green Bay because of traffic safety issues.
Jeff Navlor. 1433 Noyes Street, pointed out that the residents of the area had opposed a fast food restaurant on
Noyes and Green Bay since it was first proposed because they were concerned with pedestrian safety, traffic, odor
and night-time activity it might generate.
Alan Melskv. 2224 Wesley Avenue, opposed allowing a fast food restaurant on Noyes and Green Bay and
questioned whether a comprehensive economic development plan had been proposed for the block on which the
proposed fast food restaurant was located. He felt the area was in need of a comprehensive development plan and
that the fast food restaurant was not the highest and best use for the property.
Ethel Kotsovos. 1412 Noyes Street, expressed her opposition to the establishment of a fast food restaurant on Noyes
and Green Bay.
Robert Jacobsen. 1441 Noyes Street, reiterated his opposition to a fast food restaurant on that site and expressed
concern about how quickly the proposal was able to go through the variation process. He noted that there was a
lot school -age pedestrian traffic in that area and said that he had reservations about the traffic plan approved for the
project.
Guv Carpenter. 2305 Cherry Lane, Northbrook, owner of the property for which the variation was requested, felt
that everything had been blown out of proportion and said that he was trying to do a neat and orderly
redevelopment. He felt that what he was proposing would be aesthetically better for the neighborhood and would
increase employment opportunities in the area. He said that he planned to close the dining room at 7 P.M. and the
drive-in at 9 P.M., so it would not generate a lot of late -night traffic.
Dennis A. Deman. 2808 Grant Street, attorney for Mr. Carpenter, said that there has been a lot of support for this
variation, as well as a lot of criticism. He pointed out that the Zoning Board of Appeals approved the variation for
this project unanimously because it met every criteria. The traffic study for the project predicted a safe traffic
pattern and only a 4 % increase in traffic.
CONSENT AGENDA:
(Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*)
Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda, with the following exceptions: Docket 247-
IOB-93: Ordinance 106-0-93 - ZBA 93-13-SU(R) - Special Use - 2212-2216 Green Bay Road; Docket 241-1OB-93:
Ordinance 119-0-93 - Vacation of Portions of Linden Place East of Custer. Roll call. Voting aye - Heydemann,
Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer. Motion carried (8-0),
MINUTES:
* The minutes of the regular meeting of October 25, 1993, as submitted in writing to the members of the City
Council.
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November 8, 1993
ADAt[NISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS CONIIVIITTEE:
BILLS AND PAYROLL
* Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for the period ending November 9, 1993; for City of
Evanston payroll for the period ending October 31, 1993; for City Council payroll for the month of October 1993;
and that their payment be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows:
City of Evanston bills $ 2,396,145.94
City of Evanston payroll 1,212,387.36
City Council payroll 4,875.03
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0)
PURCHASES:
* Approval of the proposal from Triangle Fabrication & Body Company, Inc., for two Salt Spreaders at a total cost
of 24,921. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0)
* Approval of the low bid from F&V Construction Co., for Civic Center Boiler Building repairs at a cost of
$42,000.
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder Total Cost
F&V Construction $42,000
Skokie, IL
Raney Harris, Inc. 45,100
Chicago, EL
Windward Roofing 57,200
Chicago, II.
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0)
* Approval of the low bid from Permalawn, Inc., for a Tractor for Snow Removal from Sidewalks at a cost of
$16,610. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0)
* Approval of the low bid from Alvord, Burdick & Howson for Water Plant Engineering Services at a cost not to
exceed $9,000. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) ,
* Approval of Change Order #10 for Phase I - Basin SO6/S13 of the Long -Range Sewer Program resulting in a
decrease of $295,064.58. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0)
* Approval of Change Order #1 for additional Engineering Costs for Phase III Work Green Bay Road improvement
at a cost of $15,715.20 (reimbursable by the state). * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL
CALL. (8-0)
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4
November 8,1993
* Docket 248-IIA-93: Resolution 104-R-93 - Tax Abatement of Series 1990
General Obligation Bonds - Consideration of proposed Resolution 104-R-93, by
which the City Council would abate a portion of the 1993 levy required for the
Series 1990 General Obligation Bonds in the amount of $15,570,000 issued to
help finance a number of capital improvements and to provide the necessary funds
to call Series 1983 General Obligation Bonds for retirement on January 1, 1994.
The Resolution abates $52,019 of the 1993 total levy of $1,809,195.06. Funds
for the abatement are derived from interest earnings of the Series 1990 escrow
refunding account. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL
CALL (8-0)
* Docket 249-IIA-93: Resolution 105-R-93 - Tax Abatement of Series 1992
General Obligation Bonds - Consideration of proposed Resolution 105-R-93, by
which the City Council would abate a portion of the 1993 levy required for the
Series 1992 General Obligation Bonds in the amount of $36,240,000 issued to
help finance a number of capital improvements. The Resolution abates
$3,533,853.87 of the 1993 total levy of $3,847,741.24. Funds for the abatement
are derived from incremental property tax revenues of $728,900 allocated to the
payment of the Downtown II TIF portion of the Series 1992 debt; $2,032,682.50
of debt recorded in the Sewer Fund; $421,740 derived from other revenues in the
General Fund covering the capital cost of the Recycling Building and Equipment
and the Roll -out Carts; $227,200 from the Emergency Telephone Fund covering
the capital costs of the Emergency Telephone network; $100,000 from special
assessment funds; and $23,331.37 from investment income. * ADOPTED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Docket 250-IIA-93: Resolution 106-R-93 - Tax Abatement of Series 1993
General Obligation Bonds - Consideration of proposed Resolution 106-R-93, by
which the City Council would abate a portion of the 1993 levy required for the
Series 1993 General Obligation Bonds in the amount of $36,165,000 issued to
advance refund Series 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989 debt and to partially refund
Series 1990 General Obligation Bonds. The Resolution abates $1,269,563.76 of
the 1993 total levy of $4,075,083.75. Funds for the abatement are derived from
incremental property tax revenues in the amount of $214,622.50 from the
Downtown II TIF Funds; $194,371.26 from real estate transfer taxes allocated
to the Southwest I TIF Debt Service Fund; $158,150 from Sewer Fund revenues;
and $702,420 from the Parking Fund. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Docket 251-11A-93: Resolution 108-R-93 - HOME Lease of Civic Center
Boiler Building Apartment - Consideration of proposed Resolution 108-R-93, by
which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to enter into a monthly
lease with Housing Options for the Mentally -Ill in Evanston, Inc. (HOME).
* ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Docket 252-11A-93: Ordinance 121-0-93 - 4-Wav Stop - Asburv/Noves -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 121-0-93, by which the City Council would
amend Section 10-11-5, Schedule V(D), of the Code of the City of Evanston to
establish a Four -Way Stop at the intersection of Asbury Avenue and Noyes Street.
* MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA
5
November 8, 1993 a3b
* Docket 253-11A-93: Ordinance 126-0-93 - 3-Way Stop - Colfax/Prairie -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance,126-0-93, by which the City Council would
amend Section 10-11-5, Schedule V(C), of the Code of the City of Evanston to
establish a Three Way Stop at the intersection of Colfax Street and Prairie
Avenue. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA
* Docket 254-IIA-93: Ordinance 127-0-93 - Tax Levv for Special Service,
District #4 - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 127-0-93, the Supplemental
Tax Levy for Special Service District #4, which serves the Downtown Area, by
which the City council would approve the recommended budget for EVMARK
and authorize the 1993 Tax Levy. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT
AGENDA
* Docket 255-IIA-93: Ordinance 128-0-93 - Sale of Surplus Vehicles -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 128-0-93, by which the City Council would
authorize the sale of two surplus vehicles. * MARKED INTRODUCED -
CONSENT AGENDA
Alderman Engelman moved to Suspend the Rules in order to adopt the ordinance the same night it is introduced.
Seconded by Alderman Heydemann. Motion carried. No nays.
Alderman Engelman moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 128-0-93, introduced this evening. Seconded
by Alderman Drummer. Roll call. Voting aye - Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman,
Newman, Drummer. Motion carried. (8-0)
Docket 241-1OB-93: Ordinance 119-0-93 - Vacation of Portions of Linden Place
East of Custer - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 119-0-93, introduced on
October 25, 1993, by which the City Council would authorize the vacation of
portions of Linden Place east of Custer Avenue.
Alderman Engelman moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 119-0-93 as amended by the Administration
and Public Works Committee to sell the property, upon vacation, to the property owner requesting the vacation for
the sum of $1.00. Seconded by Alderman Heydemann.
Alderman Engelman explained that he had voted "no" in Committee, because as committee chair, he did not
participate in the debate and wanted to address this issue now on the floor of the Council. He did not doubt that
this project would be a benefit for the City, but was concerned with the manner in which what is essentially an
economic development project, was brought to the Administration and Public Works Committee and the Planning
and Development Committee. He felt it was important that the City not give money to all developers who claim
their project will benefit the City. Everyone who does a development project brings a benefit to the City. He
questioned why the developer still needed a subsidy when the City had dropped the requirement that the alley be
paved, and thus changed the economics of the situation. He said that no one had discussed the parameters of the
project, nor the reason the City should provide the money. He felt the developer should have come before the
Economic Development Committee and been required to state the reason they needed a public partnership in order
to make the development work. He said despite those reservations, he would support the ordinance because he felt
the project provided a positive benefit to the community.
At this time Alderman Guthrie was present.
Alderman Newman said that he would vote for this and agreed with most of Alderman Engelman remarks, but did
not feel they applied to this project. He felt that Council should try to reduce the number of hoops a developer had
to jump through, not increase them. He said that this project was in an area where Council wanted a developer to
risk his dollars and felt that is why it deserved to have incentives. He hoped that the developer thought that this
process had been fair and equitable and wished him luck on the project.
' - 6 November 8,1993
while it was important to vide
Alderman Moran explained that he supported this project and agreed thatimpo pro
incentives to invest, he did not feel that this request constituted such an incentive. He felt that the decision to invest
had been made and this was really a fee -waiver request.
Alderman Feldman suggested that Council might want to consider what its policy is regarding incentives. He said
that when developers come to the City with projects, the figures they give when requesting financial incentives may
or may not reflect their final profits. He felt that what Council was doing with this project was examining and
questioning the ultimate profits to be made by this developer, which they have never done with previous large
developers. He felt there had been an unfortunate slip-up in the process with this project, but did not feel the
developer should be put through "additional hoops." At this point, Council does not know whether or not an
incentive is absolutely essential to make the project viable, but it knows that it wants this project, so should be
willing to create an incentive. He said that just because the request was not made at the appropriate time does not
negate its necessity or its desirability and a great deal of good can be expected to come from the development. It
is clear economically, socially and from a policy standpoint that the Council needs to send a message to developers.
Support for this request would send the message that if developers are willing to come here, Evanston is eager to
have them and Council will do whatever it can.
Roll call. Voting aye - Heydemann, Kent, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer, Guthrie. Voting
nay - Moran. Motion carried. (8-1)
* Docket 242-1OB-93: Ordinance 120-0-93 - Creation of Special Service Area
# 55 - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 120-0-93, introduced on October 25,
1993, 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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND
ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Docket 243-1OB-93: Ordinance 122-0-93 - Two -Hour Limit on Parkine - Main
Street and Hinman Avenue - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 122-0-93,
introduced on October 25, 1993, 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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Docket 244-10B-93: Ordinance 123-0-93 - No Parking During School Hours -
828 Main Street - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 123-0-93, introduced on
October 25, 1993, 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. * ADOPTED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
Alderman Engelman announced that effective immediately, the new chair of the Administration and Public Works
Committee was Alderman Heydemann.
HUMAN SERVICES CONIlW=E :
* Docket 256-IIA-93: Townshiv Monthly Bills - Consideration of a
recommendation that the City Council approve Township bills, payroll, and
medical payments for the month of October 1993 in the amount of $195,025.83.
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
7 November 8, 1993
Alderman Moran reported that at the last meeting the Human Services Committee received the monthly report on
Recreation Department activities. The committee also had a discussion with a representative of the Environment
Board regarding enforcement of the Noise Ordinance and the possibility of amending it to include leaf blowers and
other lawn implements. The Board will report to the committee again in the near future. Finally, the committee
reviewed the budgets of the Teen Baby Nursery, Nichols Lighted School and the Commission on Aging.
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
* Docket 257-11A-93: Exemption from Special Use Provisions for Homeless,
Shelter - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council renew the one-
year exemption from special use provisions of the Zoning Ordinance for the
Homeless Shelter. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND,
ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Docket 258-11A-93: Plat of Consolidation - 2410-12 Wade Street -
Consideration of a request for approval of a Plat of Consolidation for the property
at 2410-12 Wade Street. The Plat of Consolidation is in proper form, and final
approval is recommended. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION
AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
* Docket 259-IIA-93: Plat of Consolidation - 2201 Oakton Street -
Consideration of a request for approval of a Plat of Consolidation for the property
at 2201 Oakton Street. The Plat of Consolidation is in proper form, and final
approval is recommended. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION
AND ROLL CALL (Alderman Moran abstained due to a possible conflict of
interest.) (7-01
* 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. * APPROVED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (Alderman Eneelman
abstained due to a possible conflict of interest.) (7-0)
Docket 247-1OB-93: Ordinance 106-0-93 - ZBA 93-13-SU(R) - Special Use -
2212-2216 Green Bav Road - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 106-0-93,
introduced on October 25, 1993, by which the City Council, essentially in
accordance with the Zoning Board of Appeals' recommendation would 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.
Alderman Kent moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 106-0-93. Seconded by Alderman Heydemann.
Alderman Kent expressed empathy for the neighbors' concerns, but felt that this proposal was more closely related
to the business area west of Green Bay than it was to the neighborhood east of the CNW viaduct on Noyes Street.
He felt it was a finishing touch on the commercial area that is being developed from Simpson to Ashland. It would
not displace any homes, but would provide a service business the area needs. He felt that neighbors' concerns had
been addressed by Mr. Carpenter's agreement to open the restaurant at 6:00 A.M., closing it at 7:00 P.M. and
closing the drive-duu at 9:00 P.M. and limiting the seating capacity to 36. He noted that a traffic plan that should
address the safety concerns had been presented by staff and said that Mr. Carpenter had agreed to contribute money
for a crossing guard to help school children to cross that intersection safely. He suggested that the odors created
by the restaurant would not be nearly as bad to deal with as those coming from the Active Service facility on
Darrow and Church (which he gets complaints about every summer from people living near there.) He also noted
that there will be no alcohol sold in the restaurant and that Mr. Carpenter promised to monitor his employees so
they would only park on the Ashland side. He reminded Council that there was a commercial district south of the
8 November 8,1993
Green Belt District to w d a manufacturing district to the southwest. He did not believe that
property, a Distn the west an turmg di n
comparing the upkeep of a muffler shop with that of a restaurant was a valid comparison and noted that the
restaurant would be landscaped. He felt that it was his job to raise the quality of life in his ward, but emphasized
that he would never vote for anything that would adversely affect another ward. He did not feel that approving this
would do that and asked his fellow aldermen to support this application.
Alderman Engelman complimented Alderman Kent for the even-handed way he allowed a full and open discussion
on this issue as chair of the Planning and Development Committee. He said that while he had great respect for
Alderman Kent, the traffic engineer and the members of the Zoning Board of Appeals, he disagreed with them about
this issue. He noted that the granting of a special use was not a matter of right, but a land use issue and
discretionary with the members of the Council. It is a legitimate exercise of government power to impose zoning
regulations to regulate land use and, in certain circumstances, to prohibit certain uses. He said that the application
was not only for a restaurant, but also for a drive-thru which would exit on Green Bay Road. He noted that there
is no restaurant with a drive-thru facility exiting onto Green Bay all the way from Emerson Street in Evanston to
Highwood. He did not believe that this was the right location for a drive-thru because of the traffic and pedestrian
safety concerns. He said that the proposal raised serious concerns about traffic flow when it was first presented
to the Site Plan and Review Committee. The committee reviewed five plans before approving the original proposal,
which they considered to be the least offensive of the plans presented. He expressed reservations with the traffic
plan which had been adopted and urged the Council to vote against granting the special use.
Alderman Kent felt the traffic plan was adequate to deal with the problems that the drive-thru might create and cited
a study done by the traffic engineer that indicated that this was a low accident corner, averaging only about four
accidents a year. A recent traffic study found that only 21 pedestrians crossed the intersection during the peak
morning hours. He called attention to a memorandum from the Corporation Counsel's office that he felt should
allay concerns raised and asked the aldermen to read it again. He noted that while the Council had only heard from
people opposed to the special use, there had been people in support of it too.
Roll call. Voting aye - Heydemann, Kent, Holsman, Guthrie. Voting nay - Moran, Engelman, Feldman, Newman,
Drummer. Motion failed. (4-5)
* Docket 260-11A-93: Ordinance 124-0-93 - Zonine Board of Anneals' 93-16-
V(R) - Variation 601 Linden - Consideration of the Zoning Board of Appeals'
recommendation that the City Council grant the application of Claudia R.
Luebbers, as sole beneficiary under the NBD Trust Company of Illinois Trust
#66-4572, and the RF Development Group (contract purchaser) for variations
from the lot area and off-street parking requirements with respect to the aisle
width and module width regulations of the Zoning Ordinance to permit conversion
of the existing building into a 63-unit multiple -family dwelling on property at 601
Linden Place. The property is zoned MU Transitional Manufacturing District.
* MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA
Alderman Kent moved to Suspend the Rules in order to adopt an ordinance the same night it is introduced.
Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Alderman Feldman explained that the process had taken so long with this
application that he did not want to make them wait until the next meeting for final approval. Motion carried. No
nays.
Alderman Kent moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 124-0-94, introduced this evening. Seconded by
Alderman Engelman. Roll call. Voting aye - Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman,
Drummer, Guthrie. Motion carried. (9-0)
F1
9
November 8, 1993 990
* Docket 261-IIA-93: Ordinance 125-0-93 - Amendment to Fee Schedule, -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 125-0-93, by which the City Council would
amend Ordinance 78-0-90, as amended by Ordinance 77-0-93, in order to provide
a lower filing fee for certain types of fence variation requests.
* MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA,
OTHER CO ;
* Docket 262-11A-93: 1994 Citv Council Meeting Schedule - Consideration of
a recommendation that the City Council adopt the proposed 1994 Council Meeting
Schedule. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL
(8-0)
* Docket 263-IIA-93: Amended Aldermanic Travel Policv - Consideration of
a recommendation that the City Council approve a proposed Policy for
Aldermanic travel to seminars and conferences. * APPROVED - CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
AGENDA ADDENDUM
* Docket 265-11A-93: Resolution 109-R-93 - Gun Control Policv Statement
- Consideration of proposed Resolution 109-R-93 which urges the federal
government to take swift and immediate action regarding gun control. _
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0)
REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES:
Docket 264-IIA-93: Resolution 107-R-93 - Amendment to Council Rule 9.9.3.
on Aldermanic References - Consideration of proposed Resolution 107-R-93, by
which the City Council would amend Council Rule 9.9.3 to allow Aldermanic
References to be made during City Council and Council Committee meetings.
Council Rule 3.1 states that requested changes in Rules must be distributed to
members of the Council at least one week in advance of the vote thereon. NO
ACTION.
APPOINTMENTS:
Mayor Morton introduced the name of John R. Twombly, 1614 Greenwood Street, for appointment to the Property
Services Board.
MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Morton announced that there would be Closed Session to deal with pending litigation and land acquisition.
CALL OF THE WARDS:
Alderman Engelman announced that there will be no Economic Development (EDC) Committee meeting in
November, since the regular meeting day is the day before Thanksgiving. He reported that in October, EDC had
met with the Plan Commission in the first of a series of meetings to address economic development projects and
to develop a process to ensure that such projects are reviewed for how they affect the City as a whole. The joint
committees will also survey the City to try to determine what sort of economic development projects the City might
want to attract. Another aspect to these meetings will be to begin the process of "neighborhood planning" and to
look at what impact economic development projects have upon individual neighborhoods. During the next several
months they hope to reassess the economic development strategic plan to determine where it was successful, where
\\ 10 November 8, 1993
it was not successful, what aspects of economic development the City wants to promote in the future and how best
it can go forward and plan for growth in the next century. At their December 15 meeting, EDC will hear a
presentation about how to measure standards, which the committee hopes to begin using to address economic
development projects. At that meeting they will also address the Research Park and will examine what it was
supposed to do, whether it has met its objectives, and if not, how it has not and where it can be taken in the future.
The committee will look at it from a perspective of land use, planning and marketing as well as how it has been
managed fiscally and how best to address the economic issues of the park. He said that at the meeting of the 15th,
they will discuss what information they will ask the Research Park Board to provide them with for the EDC January
meeting. He urged all aldermen who have questions, to get them to himself, Ms. Aiello, or Mr. Marino.
Alderman Engelman made a reference to the Rules Committee to look at the role of the Chair in the Planning and
Develooment Committee and whether it is anaroo late for the chair to narticioate in the discussion and make
motions. He felt that it was difficult in small committees, such as P & D when the chair is precluded from taking
part in discussion by Robert's Rules of Order. He asked that the Rules Committee discuss whether special rules
should be passed concerning the chairs of the standing committees. He noted that small boards and commissions
may have similar problems and the role of the chair in these committees should be considered also...
Alderman Holsman announced that demolition of the Bell and Howell structure would begin that week. He noted
that he is in the process of setting up meetings between the developer and the neighbors to answer any questions
or concerns they may have as the project is going forward.
Alderman Holsman reported that another community meeting was held on November 3, and he thanked all the City
officials who attended. He also thanked the Evanston Neighborhood Conference, Brummel Park Neighbors and the
Clyde/Callan Neighbors for their ongoing support in trying to address the concerns of the area. He also thanked
all the neighbors who attended and provided valuable input.
Alderman Holsman noted that Council had received a memo from Chief Cooper requesting additional police officers
and he was pleased to see that. He felt it was an issue that needed to be addressed.
Alderman Newman thanked Alderman Engelman for letting Council know where his reference on the Research Park
was going and looked forward to participating in the discussion.
He announced that the City/School Liaison would meet on November 30 at the Civic Center.
Alderman Newman congratulated all the winners in the recent School Board Election, and thanked all the candidates
who were willing to commit their time to that process. He said that he was looking forward to working with the
new school board members.
Alderman Drummer announced that the next evening at 6:30 P.M., the Community Development Block Grant
Committee would begin their deliberations on CD funding applications.
Alderman Heydemann read the following quote from the New York Times regarding poverty policy: "Today, as
always, it remains politically easier to engender resentment against the weak than against the powerful." She felt
that it was an important thought to keep in mind as CD funding was being considered the next evening.
Alderman Heydemann reported that the Rules Committee had recommended adopting the 1994 calendar as proposed,.
but wanted Council to know that it was considering altering the summer schedule and not having two meetings a
month during July and August. She asked that staff begin collectine information on when staff takes vacations. the
number of absentees at the (summer) City Council and committee meetings and said that the committee would
welcome suggestions on how to deal with the summer months.
Alderman Heydemann also reported that she had attended the most recent show at the Levy Center - Romeo and
Juliet - and found it to be one of the most enjoyable events she had ever attended in Evanston. She .reported that
Lois Miller had directed the play and noted that many Evanston residents were involved in the production. She
hoped that even more people would participate next year.
She announced that plans were moving ahead with First Night, the New Year's celebration being planned for
downtown Evanston. She called Council's attention to an article about it in the latest edition of "Highlights' and
commented that her co -Chair, Muriel Chalem would be happy to hear from anyone willing to volunteer to help.
She informed Council that the First Night Committee would be coming before it to ask for a waiver of the fees that
the City normally charges for such an event. Anyone who wants more information about the event can talk to her
or to Paula Crismond, the staff person.
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Alderman Moran congratulated all the Evanston Township High School students who participated in the fall athletic
season. He noted that both the final games for the football team and the soccer team were real 'heartbreakers' and
was pleased to see the fan support. He felt that the athletes had put out tremendous efforts, especially the football
team, which had been a 28-point, underdog to Loyola.
Alderman Moran reported that the Unified Budgeting Panel had held its 'Super Saturday' the previous Saturday
to make funding decisions for the next year. He thanked all those involved in organizing and administering the
project, especially United way, the Mental Health Board, Director of Health and Human Service, Jay Terry and
Assistant Director of Mental Health, Harvey Saver. He felt that it had been an informative and productive day.
Alderman Drummer moved that Council recess into Closed Session to consider pending litigation and land
acquisition. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Roll call. Voting aye - Heydemann, Bent, Moran, Engelman,
Holsman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer, Guthrie. Motion carried. (9-01
Council recessed into Closed Session at 10:10 P.M. and reconvened into Open Session at 11:06 P.M. 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 11:07 P.M.
KIRSTEN F. DAVIS
CITY CLERK
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