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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1994-09-26-1994b� COUNCIL September 26, 1994 Standing committees meet prior to the official regular meeting. Current 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 Plannin¢ and Development Alderman Newman Alderman Engelman Alderman Heydemann Alderman Kent Human Services Alderman Guthrie Alderman Holsman Alderman Feldman Alderman Moran Alderman Drummer The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was called to order on Monday, September 26, 1994, at 8:45 P.M. in the City Council Chamber. ROLL CALL - PRESENT: Alderman Moran Alderman Engelman Alderman Holsman Alderman Feldman A Quorum being present. ABSENT: None TARDY: None PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton Alderman Newman Alderman Drummer Alderman Guthrie Alderman Heydemann Alderman Kent A video tape recording of this meeting has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the City Clerk's office. PRESENTATION;, Skokie Police Chief, William Miller, a Commissioner on the Commission on Law Enforcement Accreditation, presented a plaque to Chief Gerald Cooper and the Evanston Police Department, signifying that the Department had met the national accreditation standards and was now re -accredited for another five years. 2 September 26,1994 Chief Miller explained that being accredited meant that the department's policies and operations had been evaluated by outside, independent assessors from all over the United States; that those evaluations had been reviewed by a 21 member governing board composed of law enforcement people, judges, mayors, city, state and county officials and corporate executives. He thought that it was more difficult to become re -accredited that to become accredited the first time. He recognized the work that Chief Cooper, Deputy Grief Kaminski, Brian Scruggs and the rest of the department had undertaken to get re -accredited. He noted that it had take a great deal of time, effort and the willingness to be accountable. Chief Miller also presented a Certificate of Commendation to Brian Scruggs, Accreditation Manager, for the work he did on the accreditation process. On behalf of the Police Department, Chief Cooper thanked Chief Miller for coming to Evanston to present the award. He confessed that when he first came to Evanston a year ago, he wasn't sure what accreditation would mean to the department and did not support it wholeheartedly. Deputy Chief Kaminski and Brian Scuggs convinced him of its value to this department, and the importance of being one of fewer than 350 law enforcement agencies out of 15,000 in the U.S. who are accredited. He also appreciated that this accreditation gave the department national standards to uphold and allowed it to be recognized as a first class organization. Mayor Morton also expressed her appreciation to Chief Miller for coming to present the award and for spending his time being a commissioner. She congratulated Chief Cooper and his department and noted that this award meant that there had been five years of superb work before this re -accreditation could be achieved. She congratulated command staff members present. Alderman Drummer congratulated the department for the award and noted that he had been an alderman when they were accredited the first time. At that time, Evanston was one of the first communities accredited. He said that Evanston has a great department and it should be recognized, especially when officers are out in the community taking some heat. They should know that Council stands behind them and appreciates all the fine work they have done. Chief Cooper introduced the following members of command staff: Commander John Papadowski, Commander John Schroeder, Deputy Chief Frank Kaminski, Sergeant Ron Walczak, Commander Art Ersler and Lieutenant Dennis Nilsson. He also introduced Sergeant Joseph Bellmo, Evidence Technician Siripong Sricharmorn and Planner,Brian Scruggs. CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS: City Manager Anderson joined Mayor Morton and Alderman Drummer in congratulating to Chief Cooper and all the members of his department for receiving the accreditation and maintaining the standards accreditation represents. He also congratulated Corporation Counsel Jack Siegel for leading the battle in the law suit against the City of Chicago for erecting the Howard Street Wall and bringing it to a successful conclusion. He thanked him for all the hard work that it required. He also thanked, on behalf of himself and the Council, Assistant City Manager Judith Aiello for all the work she has done on the Howard/Hartrey development and the support she gave Mr. Siegel with the suit. Finally, City Manager Anderson thanked Facilities Manager, Max Rubin, for the fantastic work he has done with the library construction. Mayor Morton said that she was delighted with the decision on the Howard Street Wall and was proud of the astuteness with which Mr. Siegel had presented the City's case. She noted that the judge had incorporated many of his arguments in his decision. She said that she was thrilled with the scholarship that had been given to this case. She reported that as the judge read his decision, it became slowly evident that the judgment would be in Evanston's favor. She thanked Mr. Siegel for his excellent work. She joined City Manager Anderson in thanking Ms. Aiello for all her work on the Howard/Hartrey project and noted that she had performed well under sometimes trying circumstances. Mayor Morton also commended Facilities Manager, Max Rubin and Library Director, Neal Ney, September 26,1994 110 for the diligence and dedication they had both shown in shepherding the library project to completion. Mayor Morton announced there would be an CLOSED SESSION to deal with pending litigation and land disposution. ..ar,h-ioas COMI4IENTi Hollv iowell-Bellew, 2658 Prairie Avenue, thanked the community for all the baked goods they provided for the Evanston Neighborhood Conference bake sale at the Farmer's Market and noted that they were knee-deep in bagels. She alm thanked all those who gobbled them up. She noted that the Saturday night event at the new Public Library had bean a special event and thanked the library board for a wonderful evening. She felt that the community had been bhssW by the dedication shown by all those who have helped bring the community's dream of a new library to fruifern. CONSENT AGENDA: (Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*) Aldermen Drummer moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with the following exceptions: Under Purchases: Approval of the proposal of Hewlett-Packard, Vermont Systems, and Information Development Consubsnts for Computer Software/Hardware for the Recreation Department at a total cost of $49,693.68 and Docket 192-9A-94: Families in Transition Program - Wheadon Church. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Roll call. Voting rye - Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann and Kent. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (9-0) * Appoval of Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of September 12, 1994. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) ADMIRISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS COADdITTEE: BILLS AND PAYROLL * Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for the period ending September 27, 1994; for City of Evanston payroll for the period ending September 18,1994; and that they be authorized and charged to the proper account, summarized as follows: City of Evanston bills City of Evanston payroll 9/27/94 9/18/94 $ 5,391,287.86 $ 1,245,509.23 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) PURCRASES: * Appuaval of the proposal from D.J. Miller & Associates to conduct a Disparity Study at a cost not to exceed $175,910. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * App oval of the proposal from B&B Enterprises for Refinishing Fleetwood/Jourdain Community Center Gymmsium and Dance Floors at a cost of $11,600. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) Alderson Holsman moved Council approval of the proposals from Hewlett-Packard for a HP E35 server at a total cost OF $19,083.68; from Vermont Systems for the RECTRAC registration system (including maintenance, instalhiion, project management and testing) at a total cost of $25,610; and from Information Development Consulants for the software interface with RECTRAC at a cost not to exceed $5,000. for the Recreation Deparooent for a grand total of $49,693.68. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. 4 September 26,1994 Alderman Newman questioned whether there were any other servers that would be compatible with the City's present server. Superintendent of Recreation Grodsky explained that the Finance Department had analyzed the long term computer needs of the City and determined that this was the computer of choice for the needs of the department. City Manager Anderson explained that other systems could probably be made compatible, but would require extensive modifications. Alderman Newman objected to the fact that this was a non -bid purchase and said that there was no way to evaluate how this price related to the market. Alderman Heydemann explained that the City could probably have found a lower bid for hardware, but it was her experience that the cost of customized software could become astronomical. She said that purchasing compatible hardware saves time, people power and results in more efficiency. Alderman Feldman said that the two issues here seem to be that this is a non -bid item and whether this purchase falls into a standard for a non -bid item. He felt that the City should have a standard for purchasing non -bid items. City Manager Anderson explained that it is part of the Council's purchasing policy that where the City has standardized on certain equipment, the purchase of non -bid items are part of that policy. Aldermen Holsman and Heydemann and City Manager Anderson discussed interfacing of computer equipment and how the amount and cost of modifications required depend on the compatibility of equipment. Mr. Anderson explained that when one computer can interface with another, and even though modifications are always required, they are kept to a minimum. By keeping it simple, it reduces the maintenance and the long-term costs of operating the system. Alderman Newman renewed his objections to having this as a non -bid item. Mr. Anderson further explained that it would be difficult to compare systems, because those that do not directly interface with our current system require modifications and the degree to which they need to be modified, and the costs, are like the tip of an iceberg - mostly unknown. He said that staff evaluated the needs and determined that this was the best way to go. If the City was to go to bid it would result in a more expensive product and process. Alderman Newman believed that he did not have enough information on which to make a decision. City Manager Anderson reiterated that it was not really possible for staff to give Council a comparable alternative, because many of the costs that the City might incur in another system, and avoid in this one, would be difficult to put numbers to. His concern was whether staff would be able to give Council accurate numbers. City Manager Anderson clarified for Mayor Morton that there is a standard in the purchasing policy that provides for sole -source acquisitions when the City has standardized on certain pieces of equipment. It is under that umbrella under which this proposal is brought to Council. Alderman Heydemann noted that the figures for alternative systems would be coming from the sales staff, not the technical staff, and their goal is to sell more of the product. Therefore they might present their product as much more omnipotent than it really is and may not be able to give the City complete information. Alderman Guthrie related an experience she had recently purchasing an ink jet printer and noted that, while it was less expensive, it cost her an additional $2000 to make it work with her computer. From the purchasing report, it seemed to her that there is only one hardware and one software program that will work with Evanston's current system and a system that is not compatible would cost more to make compatible. In response to a Alderman Newman's question about the expected life -span of this equipment, City Manager Anderson said that the City expects to use it for many years, even though new equipment is developed all the time. He noted that the City buys a lot of computers, and a lot of different computers, which are standardized and easily put out to bid. When more complex and specialized equipment is required, a judgment has to be made about how to go forward, as was done in this case. Roll call on the purchase. Voting aye - Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent. Voting nay - Newman. Motion carried. (8-1) 5 September 26,1994 0 * Approval of the low bid from Classic Graphic Industries for 48,000 Vehicle License Application Forms at a cost of $6,252. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Classic Graphic Industries Elmhunt, IL Total Cost $6,252.00 Moore Business Forms 6,780.48 Northbrook, II. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the proposal from Insituform Midwest for rehabilitation of combined sewer pipelines on Benson, Sherman, and Maple Avenues at a total cost of $166,750. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Appmval of the proposal from Mola International for five Personal Computers for the Library at cost not to exceed $11,587. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Cost Coma& $11,295 Compater Discount Warehouse 11,405 Mola -hiternational 11,597 Elek Tek 12,424 PCC/Valcom 12,295 _ * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Appmval of the proposal of Data Research Associates for automation Hardware and Software for the new library at a cast not to exceed $10,725. (Non -Bid Item, Requires 2/3 Majority Vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the proposal from Digitrax for Bar Code Scanning Hardware for the new Library at cost not to exceed $19,615. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Cost Digitrax $19,615 MTI Systems 21,290 Arrow Electronics 21,735 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) 1 6 September 26,1994 * Docket 196-9B-94: Resolution 61-R-94 - Lease of Civic Center Space to LEKOTEK - Consideration of proposed Resolution 61-R-94, by which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to execute a lease with LEKOTEK for space in the Civic Center. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Docket 197-9B-94: Ordinance 94-0-94 - 1994 Citv Tax Levv Ordinance - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 94-0-94, which deals with the property tax portion of the 1994-95 Budget. Percent 1993 1994 Increase Le -L—P-V-Y (Decreasel General $ 15,406,637 $ 13,943,634 (10.15%) Fire Pension 1,358,569 1,865,694 37.33% Police Pension 1.729.959 2.236.354 29.27 SUB -TOTAL $ 18,495,165 $ 17,945,672 ( 2.97 %) Debt Service (1) 5.263.934 5.812.463 10.42 TOTAL $ 23,759,099 $ 23,758,135 0.00% (1) The Debt Service Levy is not included in the Ordinance since it is levied automatically by the County by reference to approved Bond Ordinances. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 198-9B-94: Ordinance 100-0-94 - Amendment to Ward Mfg. Co. Agreement - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 100-0-94, by which the City Council would amend the Agreement with Ward Manufacturing Company, 2230 Main Street, to increase the purchase price to $97,000 and, thereafter, reimburse Ward for the construction of an access drive in an amount not to exceed $48,000. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA. Alderman Holsman moved to suspend the rules in order to adopt the ordinance the same night it is introduced. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Holsman moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 100-0-94, introduced this evening. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Roll call. Voting aye - Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann and Kent. Motion carried. (9-0) * Docket 199-9B-94: Ordinance 101-0-94 - Amendment to Natural Gas Tax - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 101-0-94, by which the City Council would amend Section 3-2-9-7-5(A) of the Code of the City of Evanston to authorize Northern Illinois Gas Company to change the method of posting customer partial payments. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 200-9B-94: Ordinance 103-0-94 - 1994 Tax Levv - Special Service District #r4 - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 103-0-94, by which the City Council would authorize the 1994 Tax Levy for Special Service District #F4. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA 7 September 26,1994 * Docket 201-9B-94: Ordinance 104-0-94 - Authorizing Negotiations to Sell Citv Property -Consideration of proposed Ordinance 104-0-94, by which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to publish a Notice for the Sale of Certain City Property and negotiate the sale of property commonly known as 1817 Church Street. A two-thirds majority vote is required. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Holsman moved to suspend the rules in order to adopt the ordinance the same night it is ink. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Holsman moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 104-0-94, introduced this evening. Seconded by Alderman Guthrie. Roll call. Voting aye - Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann and Kent. Motion carried. (9-0) * Docket 202-9B-94: Ordinance 105-0-94 - Amending Liauor Control Ordinance - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 105-0-94, by which the City Council would amend Section 3-5-1 of the Code of the City of Evanston to add a definition for Retail Package Store Area. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Holsman moved to suspend the rules in order to adopt the ordinance the same night it is introduced. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Holsman moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 105-0-94, introduced this evening. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Roll call. Voting aye - Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann and Kent. Motion carried. (9-01 * Docket 203-9B-94: Ordinance 107-0-94 - Neighborhood Watch Signs - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 107-0-94, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-1-6-2 of the Code of the City of Evanston to allow Neighborhood Watch signs on the right-of-way along with the regulatory, warning, and guide signs which are already allowed. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 204-9B-94: Ordinance 109-0-94 - Emergencv Vehicle Parking 1335 Dodge Avenue - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 109-0-94, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-21, Schedule XXI, of the Code of the City of Evanston to designate portions of Dodge Avenue south of Greenwood Street, as Emergency Vehicle Parking Only. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 205-9B-94: Ordinance 110-0-94 - Parking Lot #65 Permit (New Lot) - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 110-0-94, by which the City Council would amend Sections 10-11-11 and 10-11-17, Schedules XI and XVII, of the Code of the City of Evanston to add Lot #65, 902 Church Street, to the Parking System. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Holsman moved to suspend the rules in order to adopt the ordinance the same night it is introduced. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Holsman moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 110-0-94, introduced this evening. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Roll call. Voting aye - Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann and Kent. Motion carried. (9-0) September 26,1994 • Docket 186-9A-94: Ordinance 93-0-94 - Reduction in Class B Liquor Licenses - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 93-0-94, introduced on September 12, 1994, by which the City Council would amend Section 3-5-6 to reduce the number of Class B Liquor Licenses by one due to change in ownership of the Omni Orrington Hotel. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-01 * Docket 187-9A-94: Ordinance 96-0-94 - Increase in Class B Liquor Licenses - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 96-0-94, introduced on September 12, 1994, by which the City Council would amend Section 3-5-6 of the Code of the City of Evanston to increase the number of Class B Liquor Licenses by one to provide for issuance of a license to Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, the new owners of the Omni Orrington Hotel. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-01 * Docket 188-9A-94: Ordinance 98-0-94 - No Parking - South Side of Lee West of Brown - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 98-0-94, introduced on September 12, 1994, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-8 (Schedule VIII) of the Code of the City of Evanston to prohibit parking on the south side of Lee Street west of Brown Avenue (opposite a truck loading dock at C.E. Niehoff Co.). * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-01 * Docket 189-9A-94: Ordinance 99-0-94 - Sneed Limit on McDaniel - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 99-0-94, introduced on September 12, 1994, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-2, Schedule II(B) of the Code of the City of Evanston to establish a 25 mph speed limit on McDaniel Avenue from Golf Road to Isabella Street. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) HUMAN SERVICES COAEUTTTEE: * Docket 206-9B-94: Resolution 62-R-94 - Anolication for Illinois Clean & Beautiful Funds - Consideration of proposed Resolution 62-R-94, by which the City Council would authorize the application for Illinois Clean and Beautiful funds to support Keep Evanston Beautiful. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Docket 207-9B-94: Private Industry Council Contract for Job Placement Services - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with the Northern Cook County Private Industry Council to fund Computer Training and Job Placement Services for income -eligible Evanston residents in the amount of $40,000 for Fiscal Year 1994-5. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMK[ TEE: Docket 192-9A-94: Families in Transition Program - Wheadon Church - Consideration of the Housing Commission's recommendation that the City Council enter into an Agreement with the Wheadon United Methodist Church in conjunction with the Families in Transition Program in the amount of $ 15,000. September 26,1994 1 Alderman Engelman reported that the committee made an amendment to the proposal to make it only for six months. At which time the applicant will come back to the committee to report on the status of pending divorce proceedings, stabilization of the family and what, if any, transition is necessary to enable employment. It is a provision of the agreement that the applicant diligently pursue divorce proceedings and pursue child support from the husband. Alderman Engelman moved Council adoption of the agreement, as amended. Seconded by Alderman Heydemann. Motion carried. No nays. * Docket 193-9A-94: Ordinance 92-0-94 - Zoning Board of Appeals 94-10- V&SU (R) - Variation and Special Use - 1542 Simpson - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 92-0-94, introduced on September 12, 1994, by which the City Council, in accordance with the Zoning Board of Appeals' recommendation, would grant the application of the First Church of God for major variations and a special use to permit expansion of the lot occupied by the Church and construction of an addition thereto on the property at 1524 Simpson Street. The property is zoned R4 General Residential District. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-01 * Docket 194-9A-94: Ordinance 97-0-94 - Landmark Status for 807-817 Judson. 1814 Weslev and 2307 Orrin tg_on - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 97-0-94, introduced on September 12, 1994, by which the City Council would grant Landmark Status to the properties at 807-817 Judson Avenue, 1814 Wesley Avenue and 2307 Orrington Avenue. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-01 OTHER CO1VII4 I=ES * Docket 208-9B-94: Resolution 63-R-94 - Amending the 1992-3 and 1994-5 Communitv Development Block Grant Proms - Consideration of proposed Resolution 63-R-94, by which the City Council would authorize the reallocation of unexpended 1992-93 MBE/WBE/EBE Program small business loan funds for partial funding of a Disparity Study. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-01 ADA0 STRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS: Docket 209-9B-94: Citv Policv on Police Force - Consideration of Alderman Feldman's request that it become a part of the City's Budget Policy to increase our Police force by twenty Officers, in any combination with federal funds, within a period of one year and a half. Alderman Holsman moved Council approval of this docket item. Seconded by Alderman Newman. Mayor Morton noted that the key words in this motion were 'consideration of.' Alderman Feldman noted that there had been extensive discussion of police services in the special Administrative and Public Works Committee meeting on September 19. He said that this motion comes about from the experiences of Aldermen Newman, Kent, Holsman and himself and their attempts to represent their wards. He reported that he had experienced problems and had heard pleas from citizens for additional police officers in his ward. Constituents expressed concern about response time and police presence and asked for a larger police force. He explained that he had arrived at the number of 20 by figuring how many people were needed to add one person per beat per shift. He was not wed to the number, but felt that it would help the police department, as well as help citizens feel more comfortable. He said that in most of his ward, people have never heard of nor seen a foot patrol officer. He suggested that if the City did not want to fund twenty new officers, fewer could be hired and targeted 10 September 26,1994 to areas where extra help is needed. He'd like to see the extra help to solve problems faster and more efficiently. He urged his colleagues to consider that as they examine the needs of the community and how Council can respond to the needs that have been articulated. He said that Alderman Kent has brought problems to Council over and over again that the City does not seem to be able to solve or mitigate. He conceded that additional police are not the only answer and said that the City needs additional recreation programs, increased social services, stringent enforcement of property standards, attention to the landlord -tenant relationships, as well as seeing to it that the garbage is picked up and the streets swept. He noted that increased citizen participation in block watches would be helpful as well as having citizens accept more responsibility for their own neighborhoods. He thought that a response from City Council, would signal that Council will do its part as well. Alderman Newman discussed deployment of the foot patrol beat officer and squad car in his ward with Police Chief Cooper. They discussed procedures the department used when an arrest is made and how coverage of the area continued when the arresting officer took the suspect into the station. He said that he understood that 80 % of a patrol car's time was spent answering calls and asked to have that confirmed. He and Chief Cooper discussed techniques used by the Police Department when there was a rash of robberies in a particular area. Alderman Newman suggested that an analysis be made to see if the department could use more people and how they could be used. Secondly, the City should look at how many they can afford. He conceded that it may not be able to afford as many as are needed. He felt it was important to have two patrol cars per beat and supported Alderman Feldman's motion. He also said that perhaps foot patrol beats could be cut in half or a new tactical unit formed. He'd like to see what options and benefits additional police would bring. Then he would get to what the City can afford and take his chances on what the community is willing to pay for. Mayor Morton noted that if this motion is adopted it becomes a budget policy question. The motion is to add additional officers within a year and a half and that implies that there is funding for them. Alderman Drummer agreed with the previous speakers and said that he had heard from the community about the need for additional police. He felt Council needed to give it serious consideration. He asked Alderman Feldman to stav anv action on this motion this evening until the Police Chief a,jld the Citv Manager come back with an analvsis of the Police Department within 90 days. and detail to Council how ten additional police officers could be used. Do we have the need? Where would thev be deploved? How would we uav for them? He noted that 90 days brings Council into budget time. He noted that the City had applied for federal funding of six new police officers and said that it would apply for additional officers under the new Crime Bill and wondered how they would be funded. He repeated his request to Alderman Feldman to hold his motion until information is available on the questions he asked. Alderman Feldman said that he would be willing to entertain that request. Alderman Engelman said that it was his understanding that information had been requested in a motion at the September 19 meeting. In response to a question from Alderman Heydemann, Chief Cooper clarified that there are more officers than beat ` officers on the street during each shift. There are all sorts of configurations of deployment that the department is involved in as need dictates. Alderman Guthrie asked how Alderman Feldman's motion was different from one that was voted down at the September 19 Administration and Public Works Committee meeting and then a subsequent motion reflecting what Alderman Drummer had asked, was adopted 9-0. Alderman Feldman said that he was concerned about waiting 90 days for the analysis. City Manager Anderson said that he and Police Chief Cooper were committed to doing the analysis as rapidly as possible. Alderman Feldman asked the City Manager to let Council know, as soon as he knew, the maximum number of police officers that the City could apply for under the new Crime Bill. City Manager Anderson said that he did not believe that there was an absolute number, but that there were certain waivers that had to be obtained from the Attorney General if a city were to go beyond a certain number. There is not an absolute prohibition to extend beyond a certain number. The number of officers will structure the process used by the City. It was his expectation that the Chief would look at the nature of the problems, the expectations he understands from the community, and arrive at a number of people he would need to accomplish that. 11 September 26,1994 Alderman Newman asked that the Police Deea,1py-Pt nmvicie information rnz the m»nber of people le on the Midnight Shift for each day of the month durin AAugust. 1994. In response to a question from Alderman Newman, Alderman Drummer clarified that his request was for the Police Chief and City Manager to look at the numbers of police officers needed to address the problems raised by Council and report back within 90 days. He explained that he put that time frame on it because when Chief Cooper was appointed last year, he said that he wanted 18 months to evaluate the department and this 90-0ay period would bring him close to that time period. He noted that Alderman Feldman had every right, under Council Rules, to bring back a motion to Council that had been defeated in committee. He said that his request was different from Alderman Feldman's in that Alderman Feldman was asking for an analysis of the Crime Bill relative to how many police officers the City could get under that, and he was asking to analyze the department to see what was needed. He said that Council needs to move this along so it will have an analysis by budget time. He emphasized that there was no way to deal with this issue this evening. He was trying to move something along that everyone could agree on. Alderman Feldman moved to table the docket item until the Citv Manager and Police Chief report back to the Council, but in no case longer than 90 days. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. He was pleased that the Council was willing to deal with this issue and that they have indicated that they are going to respond to the community in the manner that it had hoped. Motion carried. No nave. Docket 159-7B-94 - Ordinance 76-0-94 - Exnansion of Residents Onlv Parking District #7 - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 76-0-94, introduced on July 25, 1994, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-18, Schedule XVIII, of the Code of the City of Evanston, to add portions of Central Street, Stewart Avenue, Pioneer Road, and Harrison Street to Residents Only Parking District #7. Tabled Docket 165-8A-94: Ordinance 73-0-94 - Reduction in Class G Liauor Licenses - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 73-0-94, introduced on September 12, 1994, by which the City Council would amend Section 3-5-6 of the Code of the City of Evanston to reduce the number of Class G Beer and Wine Package Liquor Store Licenses by one and increase the minimum beer container size. Alderman Holsman moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 73-0-94. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Roll call. Voting aye - Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann and Kent. Motion carried. (9-0) Docket 166-8A-94: Ordinance 83-0-94 - Reduction in Class H Liauor Licenses - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 83-0-94, introduced on September 12, 1994, by which the City Council would amend Section 3-5-6 of the Code of the City of Evanston to reduce the number of Class H Alcoholic Package Liquor Sore Licenses by one and increase the minimum beer container size. Alderman Holsman moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 83-0-94. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Roll call. Voting aye - Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann and Kent. Motion carried. (9-01 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CO14I KI TEE: Docket 179-813-94: Ordinance 90-0-94 - Sale of 1928 Foster - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 90-0-94, introduced on September 12, 1994, by which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to sell the property at 1928 Foster Street to Uptown Habitat for Humanity. Tabled until September 26. K", 12 September 26,1994 Alderman Engelman said that since this was tabled until today, it was now open for consideration. Alderman Kent explained that he had not been able to meet with the neighborhood group, due to everyone's busy schedule, and moved to keep the docket item on the table for an additional two weeks. He promised that there would be a decision by the neighbors by that time. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Motion carried. No nays. OTHER COMMITTEES: Docket 195-9A-94: Ordinance 95-0-94 - Redevelopment Agreement for 1600 Chicago Avenue - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 95-0-94, introduced on September 12, 1994, by which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to execute a Redevelopment Agreement for the redevelopment of the former Washington National Headquarters Site. Alderman Engelman moved Council approval of proposed Ordinance 95-0-94. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Alderman Engelman noted that the aldermen had received a revised Redevelopment Agreement in their packet and moved a substitute motion to adopt that revised Redevelopment Agreement. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Alderman Engelman called upon Assistant City Manager Aiello to explain a further amendment. Ms. Aiello noted that an earlier version of the Agreement had been sent to the aldermen for the previous meeting and apologized for the error. She said that the paper she had just distributed contained an additional language to be added to the Agreement. On page 17 a sentence is added that indicates, in clear language, that the developer will not get the final million dollars until Phase IT of the project is completed. On the top of pages 3 and 10 it the whole issue of taxable vs. tax exempt bonds is further clarified. The language added states that it is the City's intent to issue tax exempt bonds, but if it becomes necessary for some reason by law that it cannot, the City will sit down with the developer to make sure that the taxable bonds meet the bond counsel's needs, the City's needs and the developer's need. The City will then discuss if any other amendments need to be made to the Agreement if taxable bonds have to be issued. Alderman Engelman moved Council adootion of the amendments detailed by Ms. Aiello. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Alderman Engelman said that this agreement for 1660 Chicago Avenue gives Council the opportunity to move the City forward with a clear vision. He noted that the City has been working on this for 18 months. He felt this addressed some of the original concerns with this project such as making the City an equity partner. He noted that the revised Redevelopment Agreement changes the structure of the agreement and the City is no longer taking the same kind of risks. When the concept was first adopted, concern was expressed about documentation and verification and the City now has that. This property would not be developed in the marketplace without some City participation. The revised agreement does not require the City to put its money up front, but requires the developer to build the building. When the building is built he gets some money, when he begins to lease it, he gets additional money. The money will not go to subsidize the developer, but will go to Tax Increment Finance (TIF) eligible expenses to do infrastructure improvements on the property and other improvements allowed by law, which are the responsibility of a municipality. Some of the improvements will also address the environmental issues that cause this property to be in need of development and caused the property to require some City participation. The property was built over a half-=tury ago, for a single user for a single purpose, and was added on in a hodge-podge fashion. What is there now is a building that is functionally and economically obsolete and not capable of adaptive re -use. This new development will allow 268 new families to move into the downtown area, to spend money there and to walk the streets there at night and making the City a more vibrant and alive place to live, work and play. The initial concept was to spend $3.5 million on the remediation efforts, but that has been changed to $2.5 million and then, if it generates the incremental tax revenues, the developer is entitled to the additional $1 million. The City is not at risk. If it does not generate the revenues promised, the developer does not get the money. It is an incentive for the developer to be successful. If the project is successful, it will set the Equalied Assessed Value at $3.1 million, which means there will be no loss in revenue to the other taxing bodies because the base revenue is almost exactly what they are getting today. If Council does not pass the Redevelopment Agreement, this functionally obsolete property will continue to depreciate, and will not pay the taxes it is paying today and will continue to bring down that gateway corner to our community. He urged Council to pass the Redevelopment Agreement. 13 September 26,1994 Alderman Newman said that he found it difficult to understand the Redevelopment Agreement and asked Ms. Aiello to explain the provisions of the Agreement. Ms. Aiello reviewed the provisions of the Agreement and expanded on several points touched on by Alderman Engelman in his presentation. In response to several questions raised by Alderman Newman, she further clarified that it is the City's intent to use tax exempt bonds, but if that is not possible, it would use taxable bonds. At that point, there may be other provisions that the City would like to revisit in the Agreement - which would be to both the City's and the developer's advantage. She conceded that it is a very complicated agreement because the City wants to have the protections in it to make sure that the developer does not get the money just because he is there. Complex formulas have been devised that various monies will funnel through the project and go in the pot and the money cannot go out to the developer until certain performance standards are met. As each redevelopment agreement has been negotiated, it has gotten more complex, with more protections built in for the City. In response to further questions from Alderman Newman, Ms. Aiello explained that in order to get the first $2.5 million (covered on page 15 of the document,) the developer will first get $1.2 million based on evidence that he has finished the building and received a temporary occupancy permit from the City, which also includes completion of the parking garage, sidewalks and driveways. The developer will get the second $1.2 million, and any interest, if he has 10 % occupancy and all the site work and landscaping done. The final $1 million is based upon costs he has incurred that are eligible under the TIF statute, he has begun construction of Phase H by July, 1998, and the project has generated some increment. If the project is not performing, the developer will not get that money. The City will also be taking out $25,000 every year for its costs if there is the excess increment. In no event, will the developer get more than $3.5 million, although he may get interest on the money that is in the various accounts of the excess tax increment. It will only mean that he may get his money sooner, but in no case will it be over $3.5 million. In response to questions from Alderman Newman about property taxes generated by the project, Ms. Aiello explained that estimates of unit taxes that will be generated are very conservative and it is expected that even if the building is not fully rented, the taxes will still be enough to cover the increment. Also included in the projections are very conservative estimates of what is needed for debt coverage. Alderman Newman expressed concern that if the building does not rent up as expected that the developer will go in and have his property taxes reduced, which will reduce what the City expected to get from the project. Ms. Aiello explained that if that happens and revenues are below the City's projections, it will probably mean that the developer doesn't have it any more and someone else has stepped in. She emphasized that the City's projections are very conservative. If the developer does not meet those projections, there are probably other consequences beyond the TIF projections. Alderman Newman asked how the figure $250,000 as a contribution to the Housing Fund was arrived at. Ms. Aiello said that it had been discussed early on when conversion was discussed. At the time the City expects to receive that money, bond counsel would have to review the outstanding debt to determine whether, in the eyes of the 1RS, it would still qualify those bonds as tax exempt instruments. If the City has satisfied those thresholds, it will get the money, but will probably not get any amount more than that, based on the amount of money it is providing to the developer. The City could get less if bond counsel determines that the IRS would rule that the outstanding debt is at a point that it would jeopardize the tax exempt status of those bonds. Alderman Newman said that he would continue to vote no on this because he believes that the City is subsidizing a private developer without going to the private market and allowing the private market to develop the project. He felt that no private developer was able to come in during the last 18 months because there was a deal between the Buck Company and Washington National. He felt that the deal proposed during the conceptual stage had been more attractive and would generate a greater return for the City. He felt that new information that has become available on taxable bonds should have been available earlier. He also believed that the City now stands no chance of getting its $3.S million back. He expected that the only return would be perhaps a minimal contribution of $250,000 to the Special Housing Fund and that this project would only benefit those who could afford the highest rents. While he thought that it would be a positive change to have a new building go up, he was still concerned about giving the developer $3.5 million. He did not think there had been sufficient proof that the property could not be developed without City participation. He did not believe that the City would invest $3.5 million in a similar housing project. on the west side of Evanston and felt that reflected a major inequity. Philosophically, he cannot support it. 14 September 26,1994 Alderman Feldman said that he could not support the project for many of the same reasons as Alderman Newman. He also did not believe sufficient time had been taken to explore whether the project could have been developed without a TIF, which he opposed using for residential housing. He said that it was a very desirable site and could have been developed privately. Alderman Engelman reminded Council that it had hired a pre-eminent real estate consulting firm to determine whether or not this property could be developed without City participation. That was after the City had spent a year discussing and analyzing this issue. The consultant said that property would not be developed without City participation. So, to say that Council did not study it enough and did not have it out in the marketplace enough, is to gloss over the fact that the Council did do its due diligence and to gloss over the tremendous amount of work that was done by staff and the Economic Development Committee. He pointed out, that the EDC had gone paragraph by paragraph over the Agreement, as it was explained to the committee and the discussion could have been heard by anyone there that evening. Alderman Newman said that after the study was done, a pre-eminent developer from Chicago approached him with plans to develop the property and told him what they would pay for it. He reported that the developer claimed that they were unable to negotiate because it was not on the market. He said that the deal was already made between Washington National and the Buck Company before the City was brought in. He felt that the City was giving a good going away package to Washington National. He said that no one else could have come in during the last 18 months because Washington National had an agreement with one developer. - He believes that the property could have been developed without City participation. Alderman Heydemann pointed out that one thing that seems to be forgotten in this discussion is that the property belonged to Washington National Insurance Company, and the City did not have a choice to whom they chose to sell it. If Council wants to characterize the amount of money the City is making available to the project as a present, then she would like to characterize it as a present to the tax payers of Evanston. The City's contribution allows a building to be put up a minimum of three years earlier than it would have if the negotiation had begun much later in time than the negotiations with the Buck building. The City will have three extra years of a much higher tax base at 1660 Chicago Avenue. Everyone will benefit from the taxes coming to the City much sooner than they would have if the City had not become a partner in this enterprise. Vote on the amendments. Motion carried. No nays. Roll call on the amended Redevelopment Agreement. Voting aye - Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent. Voting nay - Feldman and Newman. Motion carried. (7-2), Docket 16-1B-94: Ordinance 131-0-93 - Tax Increment Financing - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 131-0-93, introduced on January 24, 1994, by which the City Council would specify the administration of incremental real estate taxes in the Church/Chicago Tax Increment Financing District consistent with State Statutes. Alderman Engelman moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 131-0-93. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Roll call. Voting aye - Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent. Voting nay - Feldman and Newman. Motion carried. (7-2) MISCELLANEOUS BUSINES,- APPOINTMENTS= Mayor Morton asked for Council confirmation of the following appointments: David Bradford, 2102 Dobson Street Human Relations Commission Deborah Thorne, 1118 Judson Avenue Human Relations Commission for terms ending October 1, 1997; 15 September 26,1994 Jennifer Coladarci, 1000 Monroe Street Ladd Arboretum Committee for term ending October 1, 1997; Ann Carra, 2408 Lincolnwood Drive Playground & Recreation Board for term ending October 1, 1999. Alderman Drummer moved Council confirmation of the above appointments. Seconded by Alderman Heydemann. Motion carried. No nays. Mayor Morton introduced the names of the following citizens to serve on the commission or board indicated: Louise M. Martin Commission on Aging John K. Chatz Board of Ethics CALL OF THE WARDS: Alderman Moran said that he was pleased that the City had reached this point with the Buck project and that it was a long time in coming. He noted that the Economic Development Committee has been working on it for some time and was gratified to see it passed. Alderman Moran noted that in recent months, the Economic Development Committee (EDC) had been assessing the Research Park and its future. He said that he would like to make a reference to the EDC to see what else could be done to enhance economic development in the community, particularly in the downtown area. What he would like to see would be something that would be consistent with Evanston's overall image and its historical outlook towards itself and the activities of its citizens. He reported that he had noted favorable trends in the downtown and adjacent areas - such as night-time commerce, sparked by a thriving restaurant trade; the completion of Evanston's beautiful new library, and an emphasis on the arts and culture. He thought that it would be,a favorable development for Evanston to explore and attempt to pursue, the establishment of a Performing Arts Center in Evanston. He made a reference to the Economic Development Committee to explore and examine various aspects related to the development and financing of a Performing Arts Center on Parcel 18. on the south side of Church Street, iust north of the new Transportation Center in the Research Park. He thought that such a development would fulfill one of the provisions in the Research Park Development Agreement and the Master Plan, to have a community facility in the Park. He thought that it would be a strategic location that could double as a conference center. In examining this in relation to the Research Park, he was reminded of the work that had also been done several years ago to develop a program statement for a new senior citizen center. He noted that the commitment had been made to vacate Lot 11, on which the Levy Center is located. Since it must be relocated, he suggested that perhaps a new Levy Center could be built in conjunction with a new performing arts center on Parcel 18. He felt that it would be very advantageous and would address some of the concerns expressed about moving the Levy Center. It would be right across the street from the current Levy Center, even closer to a transportation hub, remain in close proximity to downtown and minimize the sense of dislocation. He felt that it would allow the City to once again address the good work done on this issue by the Recreation Board and not let it go to waste. He moved that the Arts Council, in coniunction with the EDC, undertake examination of the possibility of developing a performing arts center. develop a needs assessment, develop potential oroerams. including communitv nrograms. that could be presented at such a center. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Alderman Newman questioned who was going to pay to build a performing arts center and who was going to operate it. Alderman Moran said that those were issues that should be examined in the larger context of the Economic Development Committee considering the advisability of developing a performing arts center. Alderman Feldman said that after the study was done by the Recreation Board and the recommendation made to develop an expanded Levy Center, the demographics of Evanston have changed dramatically. He was not sure whether many of the programs recommended at the time would be necessary or viable now. Vote on Alderman Moran's reference - motion carried. No nays. il� 16 September 26,1994 Alderman Moran made a reference to the Evanston Commission on Agg. the Lew Center Advisory Board and the Evanston Recreation Board to examine the advisability and the vossibility of engasi g in a vrocess by which the City would construct a new Lew Center as wart of this overall. notential municipal facility and it be co -located with a nwforming arts center and the recommendations be reported out to the Human Service Committee for its examination and review. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Drummer reported that he had a very good time on Saturday at the City Council retreat and reminded everyone of what they had promised to do. He noted that people had promised that when something goes wrong, or something is not right, that it would be discussed. However, he noted that he would not do it on the Council floor, but on the telephone. He thought that Council had done a good job and looked forward to an enhanced relationship among the aldermen. He hoped that everyone would try as hard as he promised to, to make it work. Alderman Holsman thanked the Evanston Property Owners Association and Linda Buch, for their continued efforts in looking for possible solutions for the Howard Street area, both in the commercial district and the residential area down there. He also thanked St. Francis Hospital and Jim Stack for their help and ideas and for providing meeting space. He wished Alderman Kent a belated Happy Birthday. Alderman Newman made a reference to the Administration and Pubic Works Committee to take a look at the budget for the newly completed library. the amount of money committed to it and whether the City saved any money. whether there was any extra money left over for other capital improvements from any savings incurred. Alderman Newman made a reference to the Recreation Board to follow un on a commitment made to the neighbors in the Custer/Callan area to exvlore the building of some tvoe of a recreation facility in the Eighth Ward area. Seconded by Alderman Holsman. Motion carried. Alderman Newman requested that this report come back at the same time as the report on the Levy Center. Alderman Newman requested that the City Manager provide a report on all improvements that are necessary in the next five to seven years in the Police Department Headquarters facility. He thought that the building was in desperate need of work. He also asked the City Manager to look at the Capital Improvement budget relative to all the projects that have just been put on the table, as well as redevelopment of the Sherman Street garage and what impact all of these projects would have on the City budget. Alderman Engelman noted that there have several proposals to spend a lot of money, including that for 20 additional police officers and a performing arts center. Alderman Engelman noted that the aldermen had received answers to their questions on the service descriptions in their packet, which is the last piece before they do their prioritization. He thought that this was long awaited and very necessary if it becomes necessary to cut the budget. He said that it is necessary to know which services have the highest priority, as well as which ones have the lowest priority in allocating scarce resources. He noted that Council has spent the last two weeks discussing police services and has indicated that it is committed to maintaining police services at a certain level and has directed staff to recommend the number of police officers that are necessary to provide that service. He reported that over the summer he had received comments from citizens who thought that the level of the City's maintenance of parks was not up to what it used to be. He noted that Alderman Holsman had talked about the level of recreation services for youth. Alderman Engelman pointed out that these are all the kinds of things at the high end of the priority that have to be looked at. If Council wishes to increase the level of service, it has to know which ones are more important in terms of spending more money. Therefore, he felt that this was a very important process when Council goes to allocate scarce resources. On behalf of the Economic Development Committee, he said that he was looking forward to Alderman Moran's reference on the performing arts center. He noted that this evening Council approved a project that would enable 268 families to locate in the downtown area. He reported that the Planning and Development Committee had discussed the changing nature of the downtown area and the need to give young people something to do at night as an alternative to hanging out on street corners. He said that it is important to look at the kind of facility that the City would need to bring people to the downtown area at night for something other than to eat. what is needed is something that would encourage them to stay in that downtown area and make it a more vibrant place. 17 September 26,1994 Alderman Engelman added his congratulations to Corporation Counsel Siegel for his stunning victory this past weeL He noted that when you go to the Circuit Court of Cook County, with judges who are appointed by a political process, and you are up against a Chicago alderman, you never know what is going to happen. He said that took a man of determination, skill and knowledge to shepherd such a difficult a case through that system. He also congratulated the Council for approving the Buck project. He thought that it was a tremendous step forward and a tremendous opportunity for the City. He was proud of the debate on all sides and was proud of the vote. He said that he was sorry former Alderman Nelson, who had been here earlier, had to leave before the vote. He said that it was with this development that the torch was passed from his Council to this Council and it would have been nice if he had been here for the final vote. He congratulated former Alderman Nelson for bringing that project to the Council. He congratulated Mr. lberle of the John Buck Company for his perseverance. He also congratulated Council for persevering on this issue. Alderman Engelman announced that the EDC meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 28, had been cancelled and meetings scheduled for Wednesday, October 12 and 26. He hoped that the committee would address Alderman Moran's reference at one of those meetings. He said that they hoped to have a preliminary report from the Balcor Company on the Research Park. He also hoped that Mr. Kysiak would be able to provide some of the demographic data on economic development in this community. Discussion on the next building for the Research Park is also tentatively scheduled for one of the October meetings. Alderman Guthrie announced that the next meeting of the Parking Committee was scheduled for October 11 and noted it was not on the list of meetings at the back of the agenda. She also announced that there will be a Library Finance Committee on October 5 at the new building. She also congratulated Max Rubin for seeing the library project through to completion. She reported that the building had received universal acclaim from everyone who had attended the event there Saturday night and that everyone was impressed by the art work. Alderman Guthrie thanked Council for the retreat on Saturday and said she considered it time well spent. She made reference to an article in the Sunday Chicago Tribune, which she has asked to be put in the packet, and noted it used the mayor's word 'civility." The article indicated that other Councils were engaging in the same process this one was and she felt that it was very valuable. Alderman Guthrie noted that the Unified Budgeting Panel needs a volunteer. It had been suggested that an alderman who does not usually sit on Human Services might be interested. UBP will meet from 8:30 A.M. until about 2:30 P.M. on October 15. She urged anyone who was interested to contact Alderman Moran or herself. Alderman Guthrie joined her colleagues in congratulating Corporation Counsel Siegel. She said that as a new lawyer she was most impressed and noted that this was a good one to win. Alderman Guthrie reported that the CTA bridge at Washington has been replaced and passengers no longer have to be bused on the Evanston route. She said that the bridge looks so good that it makes the other bridges look like they need to be replaced. Alderman Guthrie noted that she has been talking regularly with the new lease holder of the Coronet Theater and reported that he will appear before the Liquor Commission the next day. She said that he expects to be open by the end of October. Alderman Guthrie reported that she, Alderman Heydemann and Mayor Morton had attended the ground breaking for the Habitat for Humanity house on Dodge Avenue two Saturdays ago. She believed that it will be ready for occupancy by year's end. Alderman Guthrie congratulated Alderman Drummer on his new son-in-law. Alderman Heydemann asked Council to consider philosophy for a few moments. She noted that some aldermen 18 September 26,1994 feel that the marketplace was not give the opportunity to operate frilly in terms of the development of 1660 Chicago Avenue. Council is currently considering the extent to which time and the marketplace should be allowed to operate in the Research Park. She noted that on Ridge Avenue the vote was taken not to develop the offer that was made, and to allow the market place to work there. She pointed out that it is always a balancing act and asked them to be conscious of what is gained and lost when delaying adaptive reuse of a property. Alderman Heydemann asked the City Clerk to make copies of the Howard Street court judgment available to citizens. She thought it was clear and easy for a lay person to read and thought that citizens should have an opportunity to read it. Alderman Heydemann noted that at the event on Saturday evening, people had expressed interest in purchasing children's chairs, the regular chairs and the lighting fixtures in the new library. She suggested that the Library Finance Committee look into making copies of the furniture and light fixtures available for sale to the general public. Alderman Heydemann said that citizens should know that the City is instituting a no smoking policy in all City buildings, effective October 15. Alderman Heydemann requested that the Energy Commission provide a report updating the Council on its activities. She said that it could be in writing or a presentation before Council. She noted that their first report had bees very encouraging, especially considering the concern expressed that nothing would get done in the six years of the franchise extension. She said that the commission seems to be composed of very dedicated people, with a great deal of expertise among them. Alderman Feldman moved that Council recess into Closed Session to consider pending litigation and land disposition. Seconded by Alderman Holsman. Roll call. Voting aye - Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann and Kent. Motion carried. (9-0) The Council so recessed at 11:30 P.M. and reconvened in Open Session at 12:58 A.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 12:59 A.M. KIRSTEN F. DAVIS CITY CLERK 1