HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1994-11-21-199411TY COUNCII.
November 21, 1"4
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 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, November 21, 1994,
at 8:55 P.M. in the City Council Chamber.
ROLL CALL - PRESENT:
Alderman Newman
Alderman Drummer
Alderman Guthrie
Alderman Heydemann
A Quorum being present.
ABSENT: None
TARDY: None
PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton
Alderman Kent
Alderman Moran
Alderman Engelman
Alderman Holsman
Alderman Feldman
A video tape recording of this meeting has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the City
Clerk's office.
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November 21,1994
CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
City Manager Eric Anderson announced that due to the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 24, refuse,
yard waste and recycling materials scheduled to be collected that day would be collected on Friday, November 25.
Curbside leaf collection scheduled after Wednesday that week will be postponed until the following week. He noted
that the curbside leaf collection program would end on December 2 and any further collection would have to be
done by special request.
Mr. Anderson also announced that the EVMARK program of free holiday parking would begin the Friday after
Thanksgiving. Shoppers can park free in the Church Street, Sherman Avenue, lower level of the Holiday Inn, the
parking lot east of the library and in Lot #60 on Chicago Avenue south of Dempster every Saturday and after 5:00
P.M. He noted that EVMARK reimburses the City for the parking charges.
MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Morton called Council's attention to the Finance Director's latest report on sales tax and noted that Evanston
had experienced its second highest sales tax increase of the year this past August with an increase of 14.96 %. That
brings the cumulative sales tax increase for the year to 8.43 %. She was delighted to see that people are shopping
in Evanston.
Mayor Morton announced that three Evanstonians were being honored for their volunteer efforts and offered her
congratulations. Alexander Head will receive the Cook County Sheriffs Youth Services Medal of Honor for giving
36,000 hours of volunteer time. Christine Weber and Lynn Jones were the two Evanstonians among ten outstanding
north suburban volunteers singled out by NORTHSHORE Magazine for their volunteer efforts in their communities.
She wanted the community to be aware that these people were being recognized for their service to Evanston.
CITIZEN COMMENT:
Alan Goldbere, 606 Mulford Street, called attention to the serious problems in South Evanston and commended
Tony Halford of the Planning Department for his work with neighborhood groups. However, he felt that a greater
commitment by the City Council is necessary to solve the area's problems. He noted that there were 30 to 50
vacant apartments there and that it is difficult to find employed people to rent them.
He asked that the City consider this area during its budget process because he felt it necessary for the City to
intervene to keep the area viable. He said that the area needs a commitment from all of Evanston to deal with the
problems there.
Keshan Hosakote. 243 Callan Avenue, said that he has been a landlord in South Evanston for the past four to five
years. He reported that he gets from eight to ten calls every day in response to newspaper ads for his rental units,
but as soon as he tells them where the apartments are, they quickly lose interest. He has a 40 % vacancy rate and
soon will be forced to go to the Board of Tax Appeals to get his assessment reduced, which will mean less property
tax collected by the City. He wanted Council to know what was happening and hoped that something could be done
to change the situation in that area.
Mayor Morton said that the City is working diligently to make changes in that area. She noted that recreation,
housing, and Community Development Block Grant staff had been working with neighborhood groups. In addition
to Mr. Halford, Alderman Holsman is also involved in planning for that area. She reported that she had recently
returned from a Mayors' conference where the sole purpose of her trip was to get suggestions about what to do with
that part of Evanston. She said that the City is very aware and concerned about the problems in that area. She was
pleased to see that some landlords there had taken steps to improve their property without City help and it was very
much appreciated. She said that the City is looking seriously at the problems of the area and urged Mr. Hosakote
to share his concerns with Alderman Holsman.
November 21,1994
Hollv Lowell -Bellew. 2658 Prairie Avenue, announced that there had been an exceptional turnout for the Evanston
Neighborhood Conference (ENC) Forum on Public Safety and said that the program had been very interesting.
She also announced that ENC would have open houses on Friday, December 8 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. and on
Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. to celebrate their Eighth Anniversary. She said artists in
the area are working with them to plan festive events. She invited all to attend the open houses at the ENC office
at 1129 Florence Avenue.
Alderman Drummer noted that the Community Development Block Grant Committee had allocated $50,000 to
neighborhood planning in South Evanston.
Alderman Feldman said that while he appreciated the remarks made by the mayor relative to what the City was
doing in South Evanston, he and other alderman did not agree with them. Mayor Morton inquired which remarks
he did not agree with.
Alderman Engelman raised a Point of Order and noted that Council Rules do not permit discussion or debate on
items raised at Citizen Comment.
CONSENT AGENDA:
(Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*)
Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with the following exceptions: Approval of
Change Order #7 - Phase H (Area 2) of the Long Range Sewer Program; Docket 248-11B-94: Resolution 73-R-94 -
Revised Easement Agreement with School District #65; Docket 249-IIB-94: Resolution 74-R-94 - Easement
Agreement with School District #202; Docket 258-11B-94: Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment; Docket 259-11B-
94: Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment; Docket 260-11B-94: Ordinance 129-0-94 - Zoning Ordinance Text
Amendment. Docket 243-11A-94: Resolution 70-R-94 - Township Assessor Signatories - was added to the Consent
Agenda. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Roll call. Voting aye - Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann,
Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (9-0)
MINUTES:
* Approval of Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of November 7, 1994. * APPROVED - CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE:
BILLS AND PAYROLL
* Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for the period ending November 22, 1994; for City of
Evanston payroll for the period ending November 13, 1994; and that they be authorized and charged to the proper
accounts, summarized on following page:
City of Evanston bills $ 11,293,482.67
City of Evanston payroll $ 1,257,715.76
APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0)
PURCHASES:
* Approval of the proposal of Global Fire Equipment Inc., for purchase of various lengths and sizes of fire hose
at a total cost of $6,952. (Non -Bid Item, Requires 2/3 Majority Vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0)
4 November 21,1994
* Approval of the proposal from Bell & GustusBernd, Wallace Lighting, Inc., for Traffic Engineering Replacement
Streetlight Poles at a total cost of $13,498. (Sole -Source Item, Requires a 2/3 Majority Vote) * APPROVED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0)
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* Approval of the proposal from Motorola for Base Station Radios for the Fire Department at a total cost of
$74,466.25. (Non -Bid Item, Requires 2/3 Majority Vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND
ROLL CALL. (9-0)
* Approval of the low bid from Mark Industries for Noyes Center Door Replacement at a total cost of $41,106.
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder Total Cost
Mark Industries $41,106
South Elgin, IL
Pinel Andrews Construction $55,195
Evanston, EL
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0)
* Approval of the second low bid from Pinel Andrews Corp. for installation of a Handicapped Access Ramp at
Noyes Center at a total cost of $9,380.
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder Total Cost
Kabayama Construction $9,200
Chicago, IL
Pinel Andrews Construction $9,380
Evanston, IL
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0)
Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of Change Order N7 - Phase II (Area 2) of the Long Range Sewer
Improvement Program resulting in a reduction of $9,055.92 to Marino Midwest, Inc. Seconded by Alderman
Drummer.
Alderman Moran said that he had reservations about the settlement that was negotiated with Marino Construction
regarding this Change Order and thought that there should be a $109,000 reduction in the contract. He noted that
residents and businesses in the area of construction had endured many difficulties due to problems with this contract.
He did not believe that this dispute should be settled by awarding Marino $100,000 to cover their fixed costs.
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November 21,1994
Alderman Engelman agreed with Alderman Moran about the difficulties created by the contractor in South Evanston.
He did not believe that Marino was being awarded additional benefits that they were not entitled to, but pointed out
that this is an issue that has two sides and could result in costly litigation. He noted that staff had originally
recommended giving Marino $80,000 to cover their fixed costs after their contract was reduced in scope, while
Marino demanded $158,000. Marino capitulated and agreed to accept $100,000. He thought that to be a fair
compromise under the circumstances.
Alderman Newman supported Alderman Engelman's comments.
Alderman Feldman said that he did not believe that the City was acting capriciously in this case. He noted that
Marino based their fixed costs on the whole contract and were unable to amortize them over the reduced contract.
He said that the City was acting responsibly and fairly, while taking into consideration the possibility of litigation.
He felt that they were doing what was just and right in this case.
Alderman Heydemann said that she would be voting with Alderman Moran because she was aware of the hardships
that the contractor had created for the residents and businesses along Main Street. She thought that the losses they
had suffered far exceeded $100,000 and felt that they deserved some consideration. She urged her fellow aldermen
to not reward Marino by giving them this $100,000.
Roll call. Voting aye - Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Kent, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman. Voting nay - Heydemann
and Moran. Motion carried (7-2)
* Docket 247-11B-94: Acceotance of Donation from American Legion -
Consideration of a recommendation from the Human Relations Commission that
the City Council accept a donation from the American Legion Post #42 and
. authorize the Executive Director to disseminate the funds. * APPROVED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0)
Docket 248-11B-94: Resolution 73-R-94 - Revised Easement Agreement with
School District #65 - Consideration of proposed Resolution 73-R-94, by which
the City Council would authorize the City Manager to execute a revised
Easement Agreement with School District 65 for an easement at the Martin
Luther King Laboratory School site and rescind Resolution 7-R-94, adopted
September 7, 1994. The easement is required for Phase IV of the Long -Range
Sewer Improvement Program.
Alderman Feldman moved Council adoption of proposed Resolution 73-R-94. Seconded by Alderman Drummer.
Alderman Moran stated that he had reservations about both this resolution and Resolution 74-R-94. He did not
believe that it was appropriate to waive a tax that both districts would normally pay in order to receive a grant -of -
easement for necessary sewer work. He discussed how several previous intergovernmental grants -of -easement had
been arrived at and noted that the only time one government body charged a fee to another, the fee was based on
the value of the land that the easement was crossing. Waiving a tax is a major departure from previous
intergovernmental agreements. He was uncomfortable that there was no parallel between the value of the land and
the fee for the easement and thought that there was no clearly articulated basis for that fee. He said that this was
a bad precedent to establish and noted that plans for the sewer work had been changed to mitigate the disruption
this work might cause. He urged Council to vote against both of these resolutions.
Alderman Guthrie said that she was the one who proposed waiving this tax for the school districts because she did
not think that it made sense to tax another taxing body. She also thought that the City should extend the same
courtesy to other taxing bodies. She believed that it was a good policy over the long term.
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6 November 21,1994
Alderman Newman noted that District #65 indicated that it would incur some additional costs because of the sewer
construction outside the classrooms, so he thought that the compromise was a fair one. He reported that
Superintendent Alson had said that the districts have the choice of raising the tax levy or eliminating staff or
programs to pay for the natural gas tax. He recalled that in 1985 the superintendent had supported creating the Tax
Increment Taxing (TIF) District for the Research Park area, despite knowing that it meant a loss of tax revenue to
the school districts. He suggested that the Council had inflicted a tremendous burden on the school districts' budgets
by including the 1800 Sherman Building in that TIF District. He felt this compromise was a good one and in the
best interests of citizens and tax payers.
Alderman Moran said that the Research Park and the TIF District had no bearing on this issue. He questioned
whether Superintendent Alson had said that the tax would cause them to lay off staff or raise taxes. He asked
whether, if this is adopted, the City would be funding a staff position at the high school. He did not believe that
it was their decision as City Council members.
Alderman Newman reiterated that to pay the tax, the school districts would either have to raise taxes or reduce staff
and/or programs. By implementing this compromise, he felt that could be avoided.
Alderman Drummer asked the City Manager whether the question of this tax had not already been voted on. City
Manager Anderson said that it had been as part of the City's budget deliberations.
Vote on Resolution 73-R-94 - motion carried.
Docket 249-11B-94: Resolution 74-R-94 - Easement Agreement with School
District 202 - Consideration of proposed Resolution 74-R-94, by which the City
Council would authorize the City manager to execute a revised Easement
Agreement with School District 202. The easement is required for Phase IV of
the Long -Range Sewer Improvement Program.
Alderman Feldman moved Council adoption of proposed Resolution 74-R-94. Seconded by Alderman Guthrie.
Motion carried.
* Docket 250-I IE-94: Resolution 75-R-94 - License Agreement with Chicago
and North Western Railway - Consideration of proposed Resolution 75-R-94, by
which the City Council would authorize the Mayor to execute a License
Agreement with the Chicago & North Western Railway to cover installation of
an underground electrical service from Poplar Avenue to Green Bay Road
between Isabella and Jenks Streets. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Docket 251-11B-94: Resolution 76-R-94 - Motor Fuel Tax Agreement of
Understandin¢ with Illinois Department of Transoortation - Consideration of
proposed Resolution 76-R-94, by which the City Council would authorize the
City Manager and the City Engineer to execute the Agreement of Understanding
on behalf of the City in order to expedite the Motor Fuel Tax Maintenance and
Construction Programs. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND
ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Docket 252-11B-94: Resolution 77-R-94 - Lease of Service Center Apartment
- Consideration of proposed Resolution 77-R-94, by which the City Council
would authorize the City Manager to execute a Lease with Khurram Sair for the
west apartment in the Service Center. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
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November 21,1994
* Docket 253-11B-94: Resolution 78-R-94 - Lease of Civic Center Space to
Mothers Against Gangs - Consideration of proposed Resolution 78-R-94, by
which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to execute a Lease
with Mothers Against Gangs for office space in the Civic Center. * ADOPTED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-01
* Docket 254-11B-94: Resolution 79-R-94 - Agreement for Imnrovement of
Oakton Street - Consideration of proposed Resolution 79-R-94, by which the
City Council would authorize the City Manager to execute an Agreement of
Jurisdictional Transfer with the Cook County Highway Department on behalf of
the City so as to cause an improvement of Oakton Street from the west City
limits to Asbury Avenue. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND
ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Docket 255-11B-94: Ordinance 130-0-94 - Jurisdictional Transfer of Oakton
Street - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 130-0-94, by which the City
Council would add the Cook County section of Oakton Street to the municipal
street system upon improvement of Oakton Street by the Cook County Highway
Department. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA
* Docket 256-11B-94: Ordinance 131-0-94 - 3-Wav Ston - Brummel/Hartrev -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 131-0-94, by which the City Council would
amend Section 10-11-5, Schedule V, of the Code of the City of Evanston to
establish a 3-Way Stop at the intersection of Brummel Street and Hartrey
Avenue. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA
* Docket 237-IIA-94: Ordinance 121-0-94 - Decrease in Class C Liauor
Licenses - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 121-0-94, introduced on
November 7, 1994, by which the City Council would amend Section 3-5-6 of the
Code of the City of Evanston to decrease the number of Class C Liquor Licenses
in effect by one due to the change in ownership of Las Magueyes Restaurant,
750 Chicago Avenue. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND
ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Docket 238-11A-94: Ordinance 125-0-94 - Increase in Class C Liauor licenses
- Consideration of proposed Ordinance 125-0-94, introduced on November 7,
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 C Liquor Licenses in effect by
one to allow for the issuance of a license to Amigos Hermanos, Inc., dba Salsa
Borracha, 750 Chicago Avenue. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Docket 239-11A-94: Ordinance 122-0-94 - Increase in Class D Liauor
Licenses - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 122-0-94, introduced on
November 7, 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 D Liquor Licenses
in effect by one to allow for the issuance of a license to Noodle Garden, 1239
Chicago Avenue. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL
CALL (9-0)
November 21,1994
* Docket 240-11A-94: Ordinance 123-0-94 - Decrease in Class D Liauor
Licenses - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 123-0-94, introduced on
November 7, 1994, by which the City Council would amend Section 3-5-6 of the
Code of the City of Evanston to decrease the number of Class D Liquor Licenses
in effect by one due to the change in ownership of Wild Asparagus, 1709 Benson
Avenue. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL
(9-0)
* Docket 241-11A-94: Ordinance 124-0-94 - Increase in Class D Liauor Licenses
- Consideration of proposed Ordinance 124-0-94, introduced on November 7,
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 D Liquor Licenses by one to
allow for the issuance of a License to Wild Asparagus, 1709 Benson Avenue.
* ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
HUMAN SERVICES COMNIITTEE:
* Docket 257-IIB-94: School -Based Health Clinic - Consideration of a
recommendation that the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into
an Agreement with Evanston Township High School District #202 for the
provision of public health services pursuant to an ETHS application for Illinois
Department of Public Health School -Based Clinic funding. * APPROVED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0)
* Docket 243-11A-94: Resolution 70-R-94 - Townshio Assessor Signatories
Consideration of proposed Resolution 70-R-94, by which the City Council,
acting as Trustees of the Town of the City of Evanston, would authorize
signatories for the financial accounts of the Township Assessor. * ADOPTED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COM[ IITI'EE:
Docket 258-11B-94: Zonine Ordinance Text Amendment - Consideration of
the Plan Commission's recommendation that the City Council not amend Chapter
11 of the Zoning Ordinance to list 'specialty food stores' as a special use in the
Downtown Zoning Districts.
This docket item was held in committee.
Docket 259-IIB-94: Zonine Ordinance Text Amendment -Consideration of
the Plan Commission's recommendation that the City Council not list "parking
areas' containing more than five spaces as a special use in the R1, R2, R3, T1,
and T2 Districts.
This docket item was held in committee.
Docket 260-11B-94: Ordinance 129-0-94 - Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment
- Consideration of proposed Ordinance 129-0-94, by which the City Council, in
accordance with the Plan Commission's recommendation would amend Section
6-6-5-2 of the Zoning Ordinance, non -complying structure regulations.
This docket item was held in committee.
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November 21,1994
Docket 244-IIA-94: Plat of Resubdivision - 1246 Hinman Avenue -
Consideration of a request that the City Council approve a Plat of Resubdivision
for Bonnie Wilson and Russell Ruth at 1246 Hinman Avenue. The Plat of
Resubdivision is in proper form, and final approval is recommended.
Alderman Heydemann announced that this docket item was held in committee to allow the alderman, neighbors and
owners to meet to discuss the issue. It will be a special order of business on the Planning and Development
Committee agenda at their next meeting on December 12.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
* Docket 261- 1995 City Council Meeting Schedule - Consideration of the
proposed Schedule of City Council Meetings for 1995. * APPROVED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0)
REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
Docket 246-11A-94: Ordinance 126-0-94 - Text Amendment to Preservation
Ordinance - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 126-0-94, by which the City
Council would amend Section 2-9-2 of the Preservation Ordinance by adding the
definition of "Development Plan," and Section 2-9-11 by adding text to
paragraphs (H)(2) and (n-
Alderman Heydemann stated that this docket item was being reported out of committee with no recommendation.
She introduced Ordinance 126-0-94. Marked introduced.
Alderman Heydemann apologized for the committee running over again. She noted that they were unable to finish
their business and had to hold over the three text amendments. She reported that the committee had considered
proposed Ordinance 127-0-94 regarding sidewalk signs (which was not on the yellow agenda) and had referred it
to the Administration and Public Works Committee.
Alderman Heydemann announced that the Planning and Development Committee had made two references to the
Preservation Commission as follows:
1) To consider changing the language of the Preservation Ordinance so that their
report can be sent to the Planning and Development Committee at the same time
as a reauest for approval is made. She explained that the committee would like
the report to be prepared and to be received by the committee at the same time
that they receive the Plat. Currently the language requires the committee to
request the report.
2) To consider changing the language of the Preservation Ordinance to allow the
imposition of conditions when a special use is annealed to Council.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
Docket 262-11B-94: Reiection of Appeal for Franksville Liquor License -
Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council reject the appeal of
Franksville Restaurant for a Class D Liquor License.
Alderman Drummer moved that Council accept the recommendation of the Liquor Control Board. Seconded by
Alderman Guthrie.
/9 10 November 21,1994
Alderman Engelman asked that this docket item be referred to the Administration & Public Works Committee to
make sure that there were no due process rights that were infringed upon before Council votes on this.
APPOINTMENTS:
Mayor Morton introduced the following name to serve on the Commission on Aging.
Robert Nottenburg,
961 Mulford Avenue
Mayor Morton also introduced the names listed below for reappointment to the following boards, committees and
commissions:
Vaughan A. Jones,
1732 Dobson Street
Steve Fiffer,
2722 Hartzell Street
Louie Gomez,
230 Dodge Avenue
William E. Rattner,
1046 Michigan Avenue
John B. Welch,
2415 McDaniel Avenue
Economic Development Committee
Human Relations Commission
Human Relations Commission
Board of Ethics
Police Pension Fund
Mayor Morton asked Council for confirmation of the following name to serve on the Library Board for term ending
December 1, 1997:
Archibald T. Bryant, 1519 Hinman Avenue
Alderman Engelman moved Council confirmation of this appointment. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Motion
carried. No nays.
MAYOR'S REPORT:
Mayor Morton announced that there would be a Closed Session at the end of the meeting to deal with litigation.
CALL OF THE WARDS:
Alderman Newman reported that he had received several complaints about curbside leaf collection. He said that
he had seen tremendous piles of leaves all over his ward and did not believe that reflected first class, high -quality
service to that part of the City. He felt that the program was not working, though he thought staff was doing the
best that it could. He said that it did not reflect well on the City's ability to deliver service and thought it presented
a parking and safety problem which needed to be addressed.
Alderman Newman noted that at the Planning and Development Committee November 14 hearing, speakers from
several organizations opposed granting a demolition permit for the Commonwealth Edison Substation. He reported
that Northlight Theatre group indicated interest in developing the site. He hoped that Council could build a
consensus to support Northlight and allow them the opportunity to develop Lot 15 into a theater. He suggested that
the 80,000 patrons that it would draw was something that the downtown area desperately needs and said that they
could not wait four to five years for an alternative site to be developed. He did not believe that
11 November 21,1994 I "
the City could go to its citizens and say that it was opposed to developing the Commonwealth Edison Substation
because Northwestern was opposed to it. He said that there is widespread support in the community for the
Northlight redevelopment proposal and noted that Northlight is an Evanston organization whose board is largely
composed of Evanstonians. He urged Council to reach a strong consensus on this.
Alderman Engelman reported that in driving down the streets of his ward over the last several days, he observed
that precious parking spaces were being used to park piles of leaves. He said that it was hard to maneuver in the
streets with parked cars and piles of leaves. He noted that the leaves in his section had been collected that week
and had been swept into huge piles for collection and then the rain came - creating very large piles of very wet
leaves. He said that it did not reflect well on the City's service delivery. He felt that the staff did an admirable
job under the circumstances, but suggested that Council should reconsider whether this is a service that the City
should provide. He noted that the City did not have curbside pickup of leaves three years ago - homeowners bagged
their leaves in leaf bags and the leaves did not clog the streets and take up parking places. He reported that he had
seen several aldermanic requests dealing with leaves creating problems in the streets and clogging sewers. He asked
every Council member to consider whether this service is worth continuing.
Alderman Engelman said he wanted to join the mayor in relating what is good about Evanston. He reported that
he had a letter that complimented ETHS students who had attended the Stratford Festival in Ontario, Canada, this
past summer. The letter stated that the students had dressed extremely well, acted maturely and were attentive and
appreciative of the experience they were having. It also reported that the students had expressed disapproval of
another group which acted like typical adolescents. He congratulated the students for creating such a positive image
of Evanston young people. He also congratulated the ETHS football team for making it to the state semi-finals and
the girls swim team for its recent excellent showing.
Alderman Engelman noted that for the third meeting in a row, the Planning and Development Committee meeting
had run over and delayed the start of the Administration and Public Works Committee meeting. He said that some
of the issues they considered could have been referred to another committee or a committee of the whole. He made
a reference to the Rules Committee to consider looking at the idea of creating a working committee - a committee
of the whole- to consider controversial issues that all aldermen would like to participate in debating and for issues
where than one committee would have iurisdiction. He suggested that such a committee meet on the off -Council
Mondav on an as needed basis and the routine matters be taken care of in the three committees composed of three
aldermen each.
City Manager said that as a Point of Personal Privilege, he wanted to comment on the problem of leaf collection.
He noted that three years ago Council had directed the Public Works Department to begin collecting leaves curbside,
but did not allocate additional funds to accomplish this. The majority of people are now sweeping their leaves into
the street and the department has developed a system to pick up those leaves without additional expense, except
some overtime. This has been in addition to the rest of their jobs. He suggested that Council needs to consider
whether it wants to continue this system of having City employees use the same techniques to pick up the leaves;
whether it wants to go back to having residents bag their own leaves in biodegradable bags; or whether it wants to
go to significant additional expense and use an improved technology to pick up the leaves curbside.
Alderman Guthrie reported that Library Board member, Sheldon Garber, had hosted a reception for outgoing
Library president, Fred Malkinson to thank him for all the work he did to bring the new library to reality. She said
that it was a delightful party and thanked Mr. Garber for hosting it. She also thanked Mr. Malkinson for all he had
done to see the library through and observed that she understood that he had extended his term on the board to see
the library to completion. She reported that she had asked Library Director Neal Ney about how many people had
come into the library in the six weeks it has been open. He stated that during the first 21 days 60,000 people had
visited the library. She noted that was 5/6's of Evanston's population.
Alderman Guthrie congratulated Evanston Bank on its 75th Anniversary. She reported that it will have a drawing
during the first week in December to award a college scholarship to a lucky depositor.
Alderman Guthrie congratulated Steve Prescott on the opening of Pete Miller's Steakhouse the previous Tuesday.
She said that it looks like an old-fashioned New York steak house.
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Alderman Guthrie reported that she had stopped by the Coronet Theater recently to check on the progress being
made. She reminded everyone that liquor will only be served for one hour before the show and during intermission.
Opening night will be on December 2 and feature Rusty Root. On December 3, Bill Monroe will play. On
December 5 or 6, the theater will have an open house so the community meet Mr. Schuba and his new manager
and see the changes they have made to the building. Fliers will be going out with that information.
Mayor Morton confirmed that Mr. Malldnson had graciously agreed to serve beyond the expiration of his term in
order to see the library through to completion. She joined Alderman Guthrie in thanking Mr. Malkinson for his
dedication.
Alderman Heydemann congratulated both the ETHS football team and girls' swimming team for their efforts this
past weekend. She said that the whole community should be congratulated also for the way it hosted all the visitors
to these two events. She noted that 10,000 people had attended the football game and felt that the community had
presented itself very well.
Alderman Heydemann noted that the employee Christmas luncheon was going to take place at the library on
December 14. She said that she will volunteer to serve at the luncheon for an hour and urged her fellow aldermen
to join her.
Alderman Kent reminded Council and staff that it was time for the annual Thanksgiving food baskets and urged
them to donate turkeys and canned goods for the baskets. He noted that this was an annual event he did in
conjunction with Joey's Movers. He said that they hoped to serve fifty families.
Alderman Moran said that he was pleased to have worked with Alderman Kent as a small subcommittee to work
out the sale of 1817 Church Street. He noted that one of the unfortunate circumstances about the sale - the
dislocation of Mothers Against Gangs - had been remedied this evening with the lease of Civic Center space to the
group.
Alderman Moran said that he was glad to see so many Evanstonians people get so excited about the ETHS football
team. He observed that they were not expected to do so well this year and felt that they did a tremendous job to
get to the state semi-finals.
Alderman Drummer said that he was glad to hear Aldermen Newman's and Engelman's comments about leaves and
noted that he had been opposed to curbside collection of leaves three years ago. He has received many complaints
about the program and reported that a contractor had dumped leaves in front of his house in the middle of the night.
Alderman Drummer reminded the standing committee chairs that it is their responsibility to finish the committee
meeting on time. The early committees have to finish on time so the Administration and Public Works Committee
can start on time and that committee needs to conclude on time, so the Council meeting can start on time. He said
that the public is waiting for Council and they expect the meeting to start at 8:30 P.M., as posted. He emphasized
that Council can not continue to operate like it has been much longer. He recalled that committee meetings ended
more promptly when there were 18 aldermen. He suggested that aldermen keep their comments succinct and allow
the committees to finish on time.
Alderman Holsman reported that he had attended an Elks Park meeting recently. He said that there had been a good
discussion and that many of the concerns expressed at the meeting were repeated at citizen comment this evening.
People feel that conditions in that area are not improving fast enough and he said that he shared their frustration.
He hoped to gain some new insights from the proposals that the mayor received at the St. Louis conference she
attended.
Alderman Holsman asked City Manager Anderson whether he had heard if Evanston will be receive funding for
more police officers. Mr. Anderson said that the City had not yet heard.
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November 21,1994
Alderman Feldman said that there is an issue that came up during the Human Services Committee that perplexes
him. He invoked Council Rule 2.6 that allows an alderman to request that something be placed on the Council
Agenda. He requested that the recommendation of the City's delegates to the Unified Budeetine Panel be vut on
the Council Aeenda for debate at the next meeting_
Alderman Heydemann moved that Council recess into a Closed Session to consider litigation. Seconded by
Alderman Engelman. Roll call. Voting aye - Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman,
Holsman and Feldman. Motion carried. (9-0).
Council so recessed at 10:15 P.M. and reconvened in Open Session at 10:58 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 10:59 P.M.
KIRSTEN F. DAVIS
CITY CLERK
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