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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1994-12-12-19941 1 rrY COUNCEL December 12, 1994 Standing committees meet prior to the official regular meeting. Current members are as follows: Administration and Public Works Alderman Newman Alderman Heydemann Alderman Engelman Alderman Drummer Alderman Kent Alderman Holsman Alderman Guthrie Alderman Moran Alderman Feldman Planning and Develovment 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, December 12, 1994, at 9:35 P.M. in the City Council Chamber. ROLL CALL - PRESENT: Alderman Drummer Alderman Guthrie Alderman Heydemann Alderman Kent A Quorum being present. ABSENT: None TARDY: None PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton Alderman Moran Alderman Engelman Alderman Holsman Alderman Feldman Alderman Newman A video tape recording of this meeting has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the City Clerk's office. 13 2 December 12,1994 CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS: City Manager Eric Anderson announced that on Monday, December 26 and January 2, City offices would be closed for the Christmas and New Year's holidays. All refuse and recycling collections will be take place one day later than normal, on a Tuesday through Friday schedule. December 26 will be a parking holiday. MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Morton apologized to the audience in the Council Chamber and cable viewers for the long delay in starting the Council meeting. Mayor Morton announced that there will be an Closed Session following the regular Council Session to discuss pending litigation and real estate matters. Mayor Morton noted that an anonymous citizen had left cookies that evening along with a lovely note thanking aldermen for their service to the community. She thanked the citizen for her thoughtfulness. CITIZEN COMMENT: Hollv Lowell -Bellew, 2658 Prairie Ave., thanked everyone who attended the Evanston Neighborhood Conference open house and contributed to their silent auction. CONSENT AGENDA: (Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with the following exceptions: Under purchases, the proposal of Alvord, Burdick & Howson for engineering services of FY 1995-96 Water Plant Capital Improvements at a total cost of $82,000; Docket 268-12A-94: Ordinance 127-0-94 - Sidewalk Signage; Docket 270-12A-94: Ordinance 133-0-94 - Amendment to TOPCORP Purchase and Sale Agreement; Docket 277- 12A-94: Petitions for Disconnection of MWRD Land; Docket 258-11B-94: Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment and Docket 259-11B-94: Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Roll call. Voting aye - Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman. Motion carried. (9-0) * Approval of Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of November 21, 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 December 13, 1994; for City of Evanston payroll for the period ending November 27, 1994; for City Council payroll for the month of November 1994; and that they be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized on following page: City of Evanston bills $ 6,879,968.90 City of Evanston payroll $ 1,283,823.03 City Council payroll 4,875.03 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) 3 December 12,1994 135 PURCHASES: * Approval of the low bid from Carbonite Filter Corp. for approximately 45 tons of Anthracite Filter Media for the Water Plant at a total cost of $6,335.37. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Cost Carbonite Filter Corp. $6,335.37 Delano, PA Bos Sand Co. 6,720.00 Frankfort, IL American Filter Sand Co. 7,072.00 Chicago, IL Northem Gravel Co. 7,222.00 Muscatine, IA Anthracite Filter Media Co. 7,312.00 Inglewood, CA Unifilt Corporation 8,190.00 Zelienople, PA * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the low qualified bid for Library Janitorial Services from Chain O Lakes Cleaning Service at a total cost of $93,454. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Cost Chain O Lakes Cleaning Service $93,454 Evanston, IL Imperial Service Systems 95,784 Villa Park, IL All -Pro Janitorial 98,419 Chicago, IL Roman Group 114,486 Ingleside, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the low bid from D&B Associates for Power Surge Protection Equipment for the E-911 Center at a total cost of $9,155. (Bid Summary on next page.) 4 December 12,1994 BID SUMMARY; Bidder Total Cost D&B Associates $9,155.00 Geneva, IL American Microelectronics 9,996.70 Cedarburg, WI Carzoli Engineering Sales 11,808.00 Cary, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the low bid for Natural Gas Piping for the Water Plant Pumping Station from Advance Mechanical Contractors at a total cost of $6,155. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Cost Advance Mechanical Contractors $ 0,155.00 Racine, WI International Piping Systems 8,995.00 Schiller Park, IL Grove Mechanical Contractors 9,425.53 Mundelein, IL Ortiz Mechanical Contractors 11,257.00 Orland Park, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) Alderman Feldman moved Council approval of the proposal from Alvord, Burdick & Howson for Engineering Services for Fiscal Year 1995/96 for Water Plant Capital Improvements at a total cost of $82,000. (Non -Bid Item, Requires a 2/3 Majority Vote). Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Alderman Newman expressed concern that there was no apparent minority participation in a firm with which the City has had a long term relationship. He also said that other firms seemed to have lower bids for this project. City Manager Anderson said that he appreciated Alderman Newman's concern about minority participation. He also explained that this project was only one of three combined projects, and when taken together, Alvord, Burdick & Howson (AB & H) has the low bid. Alderman Feldman discussed whether having minority participation is a value in the City's bid process. In response to this and other questions, City Manager Anderson explained that while minority participation is considered, a firm's experience and knowledge of the complex systems involved in a project was also very important. He and Alderman Feldman discussed the criteria used to determine how a bid is awarded. Public Works Director, David Barber, explained that this project was one of three considered as a package. He also noted that while this does not fit the Minority Business Enterprise criterion as a minority owned business, it is 33 % minority owned, with a staff that is 39 % minority. Twelve per cent of the staff is female. Alderman Heydemann urged the aldermen to support the staff recommendation, because this is an outstanding case of where the technical requirements of the project should be considered and the decision based on who can best provide the service the City needs. She thought it prudent to consider the best interests of the City and not to put a political agenda in front of delivery of services. 1 December 12,1994 Alderman Holsman noted that this bid had been discussed in the Flood and Pollution Commission, but was not clear whether, because the AB & H bid was significantly lower than the others, there would be a change order down the line. Mr. Barber explained that because AB & H had recently designed the new Chlorine Storage Building, which is adjacent to the current project, some of the preliminary design work for this project is done. Alderman Newman objected to characterizing questions raised about this bid as political and moved to hold over the purchase until he received a memorandum detailing the minority Darticination in this firm. Seconded by Alderman Guthrie. At the request of two aldermen this purchase will be held until the next meeting. * Approval of the low bid for nine small trucks for various department from Northwest Ford Truck Center at a total cost of $235,390. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Cost Northwest Ford Truck Center $235,380.00 Franklin Park, II. Freeway Ford Truck Sales 269,081.00 Lyons, IL Wil-Shore Ford Motors 276,899.95 Wilmette, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the low bid from Northwest Ford Truck Center for a cargo van for Traffic Engineering/Parking Systems at a total cost of $20,372. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Cost Northwest Ford Truck Center $20,372.00 Franklin Park, IL Freeway Ford Truck Sales 20,671.00 Lyons, IL Wood River Ford 21,644.53 Wood River, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the bid for two garbage trucks for the Streets/Sanitation Division from Cumberland Service Center at a total cost of $223,096. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Cost Cumberland Service Center $223,096.00 Arlington Heights, EL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the bid from Auburn Corporation for Fleetwood/Jourdain Community Center Window Replacement Project at total cost of $107,581.00 6 BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Cost Auburn Corporation $107,581.00 Orland Park, EL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) December 12,1994 * Approval of the second low bid from Continental Construction for Fleetwood/Jourdain Community center Handicapped Accessible Washroom Improvement at a total cost of $32,400. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Cost Edwin Anderson Construction $32,000 Chicago, EL Continental Construction 32,400* Evanston, EL Metropolitan Corporation _ 52,100 I Chicago, IL (* The second low bid from Continental Construction is within 3 % of the low bid from Edwin Anderson Construction. For this reason, staff recommends the bid from Continental Construction, which is within the approved City Council guidelines for award to the Evanston Firm.) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the low bid from Edwin Anderson Construction for Baker Park Fieldhouse Handicapped Accessible Washroom Improvements at a total cost of $24,000. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Cost Edwin Anderson Construction $24,000 Chicago, IL Continental Construction 25,700 Evanston, 11 Metropolitan Corporation + 31,600 Chicago, IL I * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval for the following Computer and Data Communications Equipment, Consulting Services for Various Departments: 1) The low bid from Communications Technology Group, Inc., for Data Communications Equipment (Broadband CATV) for a total cost of $18,100.17. 2) The low bid from Computer-Tec., Inc., for 32 personal computers for a total cost of $64,200. 3) The low bid from Computer-Tec, Inc., for 16 laser printers for a total cost of $19,385. :k 1 (Continued on next page) 7 December 12,1994 pr 4) The proposal from RMS Business Systems for consulting services (E-Mail - Phase 1) at a total cost of $13,600 (Non -Bid Item, Requires a 2/3 Majority Vote). The total cost of these proposals is $115,385.17. BID SUMMARIES: DATA COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT Bidder Total Cost Communications Technology Group $18,200.17 Lincolnwood, IL Zenith Electronics Corp 18,352.00 Glenview, IL S.E.A. Group 18,552.00 Schaumburg, II, PERSONAL COMPUTERSILASER PRINTERS Bidder Personal Laser Computers Printers Computer-Tec, Inc. $64,200.00 $19,395.00 Summit, IL Elek-Tek 65,581.72 21,857.36 Skokie, IL Mola International 67,099.80 22,622.00 Evanston, IL Cedar Computer Center 72,609.50 21,950.00 Rolling Meadows, II. Comark, Inc. 90,995.00 22,676.00 Bloomingdale, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the proposal from Braniff Communications to refurbish and reinstall two Warning Sirens at Fire Stations #2 and #5 at a cost of $12,846. (Sole Source Purchase) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of Change Order #9 for the City's contract with W.E. O'Neill Construction for the Library general construction resulting in a reduction of $503,900. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of Change Order #1 with Hanson Roofing for roofing and tuckpointing work at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center which adds $5,000 to the contract price and results in a revised contract total of $126,415. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of Change Order #1 for the Long Range Sewer Improvement Program, Phase IV - Contract A with J.F. Shea Company resulting in a reduction to the contract of $200,770.40. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) 15� 8 December 12,1994 * Approval of Change Order #12 (Final) for the Long Range Sewer Improvement Program, Phase I - Basin SO6/S13 with McNally Tunneling Corporation which reduces the contract by $94,354.44. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Docket 263-12A-94: Preliminary ADnroval of 1995 Motor Fuel Tax Street Maintenance Progm - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council give preliminary approval of the 1995 Motor Fuel Tax Street Maintenance Program prior to adoption of the 1995-96 Budget to allow plans to be prepared for a Spring 1995 letting. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-01 * Docket 264-12A-94: Resolution 81-R-94 - Extension of Lease for Chiaravalle School - Consideration of proposed Resolution 81-R-94, by which the City Council would extend the lease of Chiaravalle Montessori School by one year or until July 31, 1996. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-01 * Docket 265-12A-94: Resolution 82-R-94 - Transfer of Real Estate - Consideration of proposed Resolution 82-R-94, by which the City Council would approve the transfer of real estate for an Office Max Store at Evanston Center. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Docket 266-12A-94: Resolution 83-R-94 - Lease Renewal for Renresentative Schakowskv - Consideration of proposed Resolution 83-R-94, by which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to renew the lease of State Representative Janice D. Schakowsky for Civic Center office space during the period January 1 to December 31, 1995. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Docket 267-12A-94: Resolution 84-R-94 - Lease Renewal for Congressman Yates - Consideration of proposed Resolution 84-R-94, by which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to renew the lease of Congressman Sidney R. Yates for Civic Center office space during the period January 1, to December 31, 1995. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) Docket 268-12A-94: Ordinance 127-0-94 - Sidewalk Signage - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 127-0-94, by which the City Council would amend Section 7-2-6 of the Code of the City of Evanston regarding Sidewalk Signs which would allow certain private signs to be placed on public sidewalks, providing the signs meet.certain standards. This docket item�was held in committee. * Docket 269-12A-94: Ordinance 128-0-94 - Vacatine East/West Lee of Allev Svstem at Greenwood/Weslev - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 128-0-94, by which the City Council would vacate the east/west leg of the alley system in the block north of Greenwood Street and east of Wesley Avenue for a consideration of $3,000. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA Docket 270-12A-94: Ordinance 133-0-94 - Amendment to TOPCORP Purchase and Sale Agreement - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 133-0-94, by which the City Council would authorize the City manager to execute an amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between the City of Evanston, Northwestern University and TOPCORP. This docket item was held in committee. December 12,1994 ��q * Docket 271-12A-94: Ordinance 134-0-94 - Eliminate 'No Bicvcles' Regulations on Certain Streets - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 134-0-94, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-15, Schedule XV(B), of the Code of the City of Evanston to eliminate the 'No Bicycles' restrictions on certain streets. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 272-12A-94: Ordinance 135-0-94 - Stoo Signs - Grove - McDaniel/Fowler/Pitner - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 135-0-94, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-5, Schedules V(A) and V(B), of the Code of the City of Evanston to establish One -Way Stops at the intersections of Grove/McDaniel and Grove/Pitner, and a Two -Way Stop at Grove/Fowler. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 255-11B-94: Ordinance 130-0-94 - Jurisdictional Transfer of Oakton Street - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 130-0-94, introduced on November 21, 1994, 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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Docket 256-11B-94: Ordinance 131-0-94 - 3-Wav Stoo - Brummel/Hartrev - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 131-0-94, introduced on November 21, 1994, 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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) HUMAN SERVICES COMUM[II"TEE: * Docket 273-12A-94: Townshin Bills - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council approve Township Bills, Payroll, and Medical Payments in the amount of $124,506.03. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COM IITTEE: * Docket 274-12A-94: Evanston Housing Coalition Grant - Consideration of a recommendation from the Evanston Housing Commission that the City Council approve a $70,000 grant to the Evanston Housing Coalition in support of the acquisition and rehabilitation of seven vacant or deteriorated single-family homes. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Docket 275-12A-94: Plat of Resubdivision - 1830 Sherman Avenue - Consideration of a request that the City Council approve a Plat of Resubdivision for Frank Wheby at 1830 Sherman Avenue. The Plat of Resubdivision is in proper form. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Docket 276-12A-94: Provosed Reference to Plan Commission - Consideration of a proposed reference to the Plan Commission to consider amending the definition of "lot" contained in the Zoning Ordinance and any other related regulations. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) /�o 10 December 12,1994 Docket 277-12A-94: Petitions for Disconnection of Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Land - Consideration of Petitions by Keefe Development Corporation for Disconnection of Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Land from the City of Evanston or, alternatively, for Dedication and Installation of a Public Street and Curb Cut to serve a proposed residential development within the Village of Wilmette. Alderman Heydemann moved to affirm the Planning and Development Committee's unanimous recommendation to reject the Petitions. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Motion carried. No nays. Docket 258-11B-94: Zoning 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 259-11B-94: Zoning 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 Rl, R2, R3, Tl, and 12 Districts. This docket item was held in committee,. * Docket 260-11B-94: Ordinance 129-0-94 - Zonine 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. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA, * Docket 244-11A-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. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) REPORT OF THE STANDING CONE4fITTEES ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS: Docket 262-IIB-94: Reiection of Aopeal for Franksville Liauor License - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council reject the appeal of Franksville Restaurant for a Class D Liquor License. Alderman Feldman explained that this docket -item was being held -in committee to allow a representative of Franksville to address the committee. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CObIIM=E:. 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 (1). Alderman Heydemann moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 126-0-94. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. 11 December 12,1994 1�1 Alderman Newman said that he would vote against this text amendment because it only exists because it was requested by the Research Park, Inc. (RPI) Board. He noted that without it, they would be unable to prevail in their appeal to demolish the Commonwealth Edison substation. He did not believe it was necessary and felt that the amendment was designed only to further the request of one applicant. Alderman Engelman pointed out that the Preservation Commission recommended that this amendment be made to the Preservation Ordinance. He also noted that the Preservation Coordinator provided a list of specific sites, other than the Commonwealth Edison site, where this type of option might be helpful. He said that, in a legal opinion in response to Alderman Newman's request, the City's Law Department said that the text amendment is not site - specific legislation as he had implied. It attempts to balance Evanston's historical and cultural heritage with economic development. What the amendment is written to do is to allow a phased or step development of property in a historic district, where a particular plan has already been approved by City Council. In addition to applying to the Research Park area, it would also apply to the District 65 Headquarters property and to the John Buck development. It allows phased development and makes land available for future development within the context of the Preservation Ordinance and is recommended by those citizens who advocate for preservation. He urged that Council adopt the ordinance. Alderman Moran explained that in reading the Preservation Commission minutes about this issue, it is clear that the commission thought that this situation was already covered in the new ordinance they adopted. Upon closer examination of the ordinance, brought about by the RPI request, they discovered a hole in the ordinance. This amendment is designed to effectuate the original intent of the ordinance and what the commission thought was already the law. He felt that it. was clear from the minutes that this did not apply only to the Research Park and noted that Preservation Commission members are opposed to the demolition of the Commonwealth Edison substation. Alderman Newman agreed that there was a memo from staff saying that this wasn't special legislation, but felt that this amendment would never have come about if there had not been a request from RPI. He noted that the amendment had come about after a meeting between the representatives of RPI, the Assistant City Manager, Preservation Coordinator and the Chair of the Preservation Commission. He said that it did not originate with the Preservation Commission. He reiterated his belief that RPI's petition for special merit, which would allow demolition of the Commonwealth Edison substation, could not succeed without adoption of this amendment. When the Park appears to be going nowhere and an excellent new use presents itself which is right next to downtown, people should be open to new uses. A vote against this amendment is a vote against allowing Northwestern University to demolish this building. He acknowledged that the Preservation Commission went along with the amendment, but felt that an important part of the Preservation Ordinance, as written, requires that it requires a plan or use be in place before a historic landmark is torn down. Alderman Heydemann noted that she had heard similar debate before - that anything that would benefit the Research Park must be voted down, because it couldn't possibly benefit Evanston. She thought that it was an unfortunate connection and hoped that Council was smart enough to see through this juxtaposition. She noted that the expertise of staff is regularly questioned by some aldermen, but now the best judgment of citizens is also being questioned. She urged Council to support the Preservation Commission recommendation and adopt this amendment. Alderman Engelman said that he was glad that Council has the ability to consider legislation that is brought to them by the community and not just that brought by staff. The fact that the Preservation Ordinance needs changes does not make it any less valuable. He expressed concern that amending legislation always seems to get tangled in a particular project and people do not seem to have the ability to separate a project from general legislation. Because of this mindset, there will never be congregate senior housing in a "O" District. He urged Council to consider this amendment separately from the Northlight proposal and noted that there will be ample opportunity to vote on that proposal when and if it comes before Council. He urged Council to adopt this amendment, which will give flexibility and allow development within the Preservation Ordinance. Alderman Feldman said that he cares a great deal about this specific lot and its uses. He did not see Northlight Theatre just as potential occupier of a specific piece of land, he saw it as a community asset. He did not believe that a pro-Northlight stance should be construed as an anti -Park position. He wondered if there was any other I�y 12 December 12,1994 project that required that this amendment be adopted. He suggested, that if this was not the case, then this should be tabled until after the Northlight issue is settled. That way the amendment would be completely disassociated from the project. He questioned how some members of Council could support an ordinance that three City bodies had recommended against, and yet advocate that Council listen to staff on this issue. He said that if there was no pressing need for this ordinance, it ought to be dealt with in a way that did not connect it with anything else. Alderman Heydemann noted that the Preservation Coordinator told her that he was getting three or four calls a week wondering when this would be adopted and pointed out that most of the callers were interested in this amendment related to the District 65 property. She noted that she was the one in favor of an ordinance which is opposed by several staff departments - the Sidewalk Sign Ordinance. She explained that the Police Department was opposed to it under any circumstances, but she supported it because she felt that a greater good would be served. Alderman Moran stated that the Preservation Ordinance does not read as the commission thought it did and by adopting this amendment, the ordinance will be remediated. He emphasized that the ordinance is broken, and this amendment will fix it. He joined Alderman Engelman in stressing that there should be a de -linkage between the amendment and the specific projects that this applies to. It addresses a general provision that needs to be altered. Alderman Newman suggested that when it comes to consideration of the Certificate of Special Merit, the argument will be to ignore the recommendation of the Preservation Commission. He reported that he had not received one telephone call about the District 65 property and said that he would like to see a list of who had called the Preservation Coordinator. He stressed that the amendment was only coming up because of the request from RPI. He said that he would like to send a positive message to the community that the best use for the building in the Research Park was as a theater. He did not believe that the discussion of the "O" District had any relevance to this discussion and said that the analogy would not work. Alderman Feldman said that he had never heard of any these text amendments until specific issues came up. He again suggested that if the two were not linked, then this amendment should be held over or tabled. Alderman Guthrie said that a yes vote on this text amendment would not force her to vote for the demolition of the Commonwealth Edison substation, it only permits the City to have one more economic development tool. She said that the proposal from Northwestern and RPI would rise or fall on its own merits. Alderman Engelman explained to Alderman Feldman that the reason that no one knew that text amendments were needed for the Zoning Ordinance and the Preservation Ordinance before, is because both are new ordinances - one having been passed in early 1993 and the other in early 1994. He noted that new ordinances often have problems. He reiterated that this amendment addresses language that the Preservation Commission believed was already in the ordinance. He urged Council to vote on this amendment this evening before there is linkage with Northlight - the issue is still in committee and no one knows what is going to happen. He noted that the last time the Planning & Development Committee met at the request of all the parties, the meeting was postponed. He urged Council to vote for flexibility this amendment provides and decide whether the Commonwealth Edison building should be demolished when that•issue-is•before-Council. Roll call. Voting aye - Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Moran, Engelman. Voting nay - Kent, Holsman, Feldman, Newman. Motion carried. (5-4) Alderman Heydemann announced that the Planning and Development Committee had received a request in writing from the applicants - RPI, Commonwealth Edison and Northwestern University - that its December 10 meeting on the request for a Certificate of Special Merit be continued until February 6. She noted that the committee was not aware at the time that a Public Hearing on the Budget had already been scheduled for that date and did not know what the implications would be. She said that the committee would make that determination at it next meeting. 13 December 12,1994 a APPOIlVTMENTS: Board, Committee and Commission Review Committee Mayor Morton called Council's attention to her December 8 memorandum announcing the members of the ad hoc committee she was appointing to review the ordinances and resolutions that created all City boards, committees and commissions. She announced that she had asked Alison Barkley, Evelyn Raden, Don Colleton, Margaret Wold and William Smith to serve on the committee and asked for Council approval of those appointments. Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the appointments. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried. No nays. Mayor Morton introduced the following names for appointment to the boards, councils and commissions listed below: Susan Madigan, 2247 Ridge Avenue Arts Council Philip Martino, 2440 Central Park Avenue Civil Service Commission Farrokh Allen, 2502 Park Place Environment Board Renee Summers, 2126 Orrington Avenue Human Relations Commission Marion Flynn, 1720 Main Street Playground & Recreation Board George Halik, 2705 Woodbine Avenue Preservation Commission Gregory Norwell, 1504 St. Marks Court Zoning Board of Appeals Ronald Kobold, 746 Ridge Avenue Plan Commission Mayor Morton also introduced the names listed below for reappointment to the following boards and commissions: James E. Johnson, 1614 Pitner Avenue Electrical Commission Margaret Hallen, 1030 Monroe Street Playground and Recreation Board Derek Cottier, 1111 Maple Avenue Preservation Commission James Knox, 1305 Lincoln Street Preservation Commission I 14 December 12,1994 Mayor Morton asked Council for confirmation of the following names: Robert Nottenburg, Commission on Aging 961 Mulford Ave, for term ending December 30, 1997 Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the appointment. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Motion carried. No nays. Vaughan A. Jones, Economic Development Committee 1732 Dobson St, for term ending January 1, 1998 Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the appointment. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Alderman Feldman expressed his opposition to this reappointment, saying that he felt that Mr. Jones was lacking in the basic standards of civility and mutual respect. He noted that his opposition had nothing to do with his position on any issue and noting to do with the direction of his arguments. He just felt that it was difficult to accept his manner. Alderman Drummer said that he thought that Alderman Feldman had made an unfortunate statement. And, while he respected his views on matters such as this, he always felt that it was a problem to publicly discuss the volunteers who are nominated to serve on boards and commissions. He did not believe they should be subject for debate. He said that if someone is not pleased with a certain member they should discuss it privately with the mayor. He did not believe that it appropriate to express dislike and disdain for any member in public. He expressed concern that comments such as this may have a chilling effect on citizens' desire to serve as members of boards and commissions. He did not like the way this feels and thought that the repercussions of this would reverberate way down the line as people are asked to serve on boards and committees. He thought that if you don't like a committee member, just vote against him or her and let any problems be addressed by the mayor or the chair of the committee. Alderman Feldman said that he shared Alderman Drummer's concerns and reported that he agonized over this. He could have just voted no, but felt that no vote should go without explanation. He said that he has not dealt lightly with these issues and has generally supported the mayor's nominations in the past, even if he would have not chosen a particular person. He said that he was struggling with the question whether Council has anything to say about these nominations and was not sure of the answer. He said that he agreed with much of what Alderman Drummer had to say, but felt he had to speak up in this instance. Alderman Newman said that he respected the way Alderman Drummer viewed appointments, but did not believe that some of his concerns would be manifested. He recalled that two and a half years before, Council had rejected one of Mayor Barr's appointments to the Research Park Board and now twenty-eight people have applied for that Board. He felt that proved that even though Council appointees are evaluated by Council, people continue to apply. He thought that people would continue to apply for the Economic Development Committee because it is an important committee - making decisions on million dollar projects. He said that he would be voting against this applicant for many reasons, but would articulate only one. He noted that he had voted in favor of this applicant when he was first appointed. He questioned whether his attendance record was as good as the reappointment application had indicated and stated that Mr. Jones had missed 6 out of 15 meetings. He suggested that Mr. Jones had missed meetings when the most crucial City business was discussed and questioned whether he should be allowed to continue. He noted that only three of the Research Park applicants could sit on the RPI Board and suggested that left a pool of 25 possible applicants for the EDC. He thought that among those people there would be one person who would be willing to undergo Council scrutiny to be in a position to make decisions where millions of dollars are at stake. He thought that there was a great pool of talent in the community and thought that on the local, state and federal level, people would continue to want to serve even though they had to undergo scrutiny. Roll call vote on confirmation of Vaughn A. Jones. Voting aye - Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Moran, Engelman. Voting nay - Kent, Holsman, Feldman, Newman. Motion carried. (5-4) 15 December 12,1994 William E. Rattner, Board of Ethics 1046 Michigan Ave, for term ending January 1, 1998 Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the appointment. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Motion carried. No nays. Steve Fiffer, Human Relations Commission 2722 Hartzell St, for term ending January 1, 1998 Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the appointment. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried. No nays. Louie Gomez, Human Relations Commission 230 Dodge Ave, for term ending January 1, 1998 Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the appointment. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried. No nays. John B. Welch, Police Pension Fund 2415 McDaniel Ave, for term ending January 1, 1997 Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the appointment. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried. No nays. CALL OF THE WARDS: Alderman Holsman reported that he had attended an Elks Park meeting and noted that those present opposed building a recreation center in the park. He said that they were concerned about open space and parking. He also noted that the attendees had expressed ongoing concerns about safety in the area. He said that the City Manager had attended the meeting and he was sure that Mr. Anderson would be carrying the community's concerns back to the police chief. Alderman Holsman read several sections from the City Code and State Statutes concerning an alderman's ability to arrest people and be a "conservator of the peace. " He reported that in his ventures out in the ward, he witnessed a great deal of criminal activity, including drug deals. He asked that he receive the police department training course that would allow him to carry a weapon. He said that he felt very strongly about this and noted that there was a car jacking about a block and a half from his house, as well as hold-ups by knife-point nearby. He said that people who run daycare homes in the area tell him that people no longer want to bring their children there. He requested that staff look into his request further. Alderman Feldman reported that he had become a grandfather for the third time, of a 7 pound, 7 ounce boy. He said that he would be flying to New York for the medical ceremony that normally accompanies such a birth. Alderman Feldman also reported that the Ninth Ward had held a productive meeting about Home Depot. He thought that people had come away satisfied with the agreements that had been reached. He said that Home Depot has agreed to controlled egress on Hartrey, significant additional plant materials along Hartrey to shield the center from homeowners in that area (if that doesn't work then there may be a masonry solution to the issue), and to study the possibility of a light at Hartrey and Oakton. Discussion included the traffic light in front of the center and the position of the proposed tenant building. Also under consideration is the possibility of changing some of the streets north of Oakton to one-way streets to prevent people from using them to avoid the light at Dodge and Oakton. �4L 16 December 12,1994 Alderman Newman reported that prior to the Council meeting, he had met with some Cub Scouts in the Council Chamber. He said that they discussed what the Council does and the Cub Scouts had the chance to sit in the Council's chairs. He told them about what he does and how much he loves living in Evanston. He asked them how _ they liked living in Evanston and what their concerns were. He reported that several of them said how much they liked Alderman Rent. And he said that three of them who live near the 1900 block of Jackson asked him to do something about the shooting that go on where they live. He said that he wanted to do something for those kids and give them same feeling of safety that his kids have living where they live. He said he didn't know what could be done, but felt that additional police would help - even though some people have said that the City doesn't have enough money. Alderman Newman discussed the new Skokie performing arts center and noted that even though the village received state grants help fund the building, it will still require an annual subsidy of over $500,000 from the village. He said it made him think about the proposal to build a performing arts center in Evanston. He said that government got a message from the citizens in 1994 that they are overtaxed. He noted that Evanston has one of the highest tax ratter in Illinois and questioned whether it would be financially prudent to build a performing arts center like the one that has been proposed. He viewed its ongoing costs as a budget buster and a luxury. He thought that it shouldn't even be considered until the community solves some of the urgent issues he believes it faces. He did not believe that boards, commissions and staff time should be wasted on considering such a plan until a well -thought financial out plan is presented for it. He did not believe that the proposal has been well -thought out and would cost taxpayers too much. Alderman Engelman reported that he had spent a great deal of time talking to various constituencies, both inside and outside his ward, about parking on the golf course. He also reported that he had attended the National League of Cities meeting in Minneapolis with Aldermen Feldman and Guthrie and found it a valuable experience. Two sessions were especially interesting - revitalization of downtowns (he will report further on that to the Economic Development Committee) and on the information super highway and its impact on economic development. He said that he was very impressed with what the City of Palo Alto has done with the information super highway and noted that many communities have an entrance ramp on the super highway, but at Palo Alto there is an exit ramp. He thought that Evanston should look into that and said that he will make a report on that when there is more time. Alderman Engelman wished everyone a very happy holiday. Alderman Guthrie reported that her brother, a volcano expert, was featured on NBC's "Dateline" the previous week. Alderman Guthrie said that she was very impressed with the workshops presented at the National League of Cities meeting and noted that she had attended several pre -conference leadership training workshops. During the conference she followed the public safety track. She said that the police chief of Elgin spoke about community policing - a concept that his community has been using for a number of years and one that he is very enthusiastic about. She noted that he emphasized that more police officers are not the answer to community crime and a number of other speakers reinforced that. He said that what he had the hardest time convincing his Council of was the need for more social workers. Elgin has experienced real success with this program. Alderman Guthrie said that she came back from the NLC Conference early to attend the opening of the Coronet Theater on Saturday night. The opening act was Bill Monroe, who at age 80, was very enthusiastic and wanted to come back to play in the Spring. During each performance she went out in the alley and listened to the noise levels. She reported that the Coronet had held an open house the previous Thursday, after distributing about 500 flyers, and those who attended seemed universally pleased to have it open. The Coronet will have a valet parking service beginning New Year's Eve. Mr. Schuba has worked out parking arrangements with several businesses in the area to use their parking after hours. She noted that Mr. Schuba has agreed to sell First Night buttons there, even though he is not directly involved in that event. She believed that the new Coronet was great asset to the neighborhood and to the community. Alderman Heydemann said that she considered the term "politician" an honorific not a pejorative term, and that she felt that political solutions are often the best possible solutions. She did not find it insulting in any way. 17 December 12,1994 � 41 Alderman Heydemann noted that she works at the high school every day and feels very safe there, even though she is surrounded by a lot of enormous teenagers. She felt that her best protection is that she "yells a lot and is old and mean! " She could teach anyone to do that. She urged everyone to buy First Night buttons while they were still $6 and noted that they will go up to $8 on New Year's Eve day. She encouraged people to volunteer and noted that volunteers get free buttons. She announced that buttons are on sale all over the City. First Night will go on no matter what the weather because the events happen indoors and there will be free shuttle buses. Alderman Kent thanked all those who contributed to Thanksgiving baskets - whether they gave money, turkeys or canned goods. He reported that baskets were distributed to well over eighty people. He especially thanked Alderman Moran for his ongoing support. Alderman Kent said that he had prepared a Christmas wish -list for Santa wearing different hats. For Santa in his police chiefs hat, he asked for even more enforcement than we are getting now. He questioned those who say more police are not the answer and said that he would have to be shown why that is true. But he thanked the police chief for all he had done this year. For Santa wearing his city manager's hat, he requested that he look into the development of small businesses in neighborhood business districts in the Fifth Ward. He said that often emphasis is on developing the downtown area, but he felt that small businesses in the neighborhoods were also important to economic development. For Santa wearing his property maintenance hat, he asked that he look at those same small business districts and noted that there are buildings that have been sitting vacant for at least ten years and they look like it. He wondered how anyone could get people to start businesses in those buildings, when they look so terrible. He asked for help with those areas. Alderman Kent wished everyone a Merry Christmas and happy holidays. Alderman Moran said that he wanted to respond to the comments made by Alderman Newman about a performing arts center. He noted that he had made the reference in September and the proposal is slowing making its way through various committees. He found it interesting to hear the recent discussion before Planning and Development in relation to Northlight Theatre's continued search for a home in Evanston, including Alderman Newman's remarks concerning how wonderful it would be to have a playhouse in downtown Evanston. He said that he agreed 100 % and that was why he put together his proposal in September. He noted that he had received invitations to speak from several of the committees to which he had made the references and reported that good discussions have resulted. It was not his intention in making this proposal to raise people's hopes only to dash them. He did not know when he made the proposal whether it would succeed, but he hoped that it would. It would be a tremendous addition to Evanston and would be a great economic development, cultural and educational tool. He felt that it was a good thing to invoke people's hope and to give people a vision of what could be. He thought that most people found the conclusion of the library building project to be inspiring and said that he was not done with inspiration and hoped that Council wasn't either. When you start a journey, you don't always know if you will end up where you planned. But if you don't set out, you'll never get anywhere. With a spirit of cooperation, effort, collaboration, discussion, lobbying, and leaning on people perhaps at some point in time, Evanston will have a performing arts center close to downtown which will add one more vibrant aspect of the City. Then North Shore Magazine will have to revise the glowing article on Evanston to include a performing arts center as another wonderful aspect of the City - which will make him feel very good. He wished everyone happy holidays. Alderman Heydemann moved that Council recess into Closed Session to consider pending litigation and real estate matters. Seconded by Alderman Guthrie. Roll call. Voting aye - Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, and Newman. Motion carried. (9-01 Council so recessed at 11:21 P.M. and reconvened in Open Session at 12:33 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 12:34 A.M. KIRSTEN F. DAVIS CITY CLERK E