HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1994-01-24-19943q3
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CITY Comm
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January 24, L"4
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Standing committees meet prior to the official regular meeting. Current members are as follows:
Administration and Public Works
Alderman Newman Alderman Heydemann Alderman Engelman
Alderman Drummer Alderman Kent Alderman Holsman
Alderman Guthrie Alderman Moran Alderman Feldman
Plannine and Development
Alderman Newman
Alderman Engelman
Alderman Heydemann
Alderman Kean
Human Services
Alderman Guthrie
Alderman Holsmaa
Alderman Feldman
Alderman Moran
Alderman Drummer
The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was held on Monday, January 24, 1994, at 8:?? P.M.
in the City Council Chamber.
ROLL CALL - PRESENT:
Alderman Engelman
Alderman Holsman
Alderman Feldman
Alderman Newman
Alderman Drummer
A Quorum being present.
ABSENT: None
TARDY: None
Alderman Guthrie
Alderman Heydemann
Alderman Kent
Alderman Moran
PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton
A video tape recording of this meeting has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the City
Clerk's office.
2 January 24, 1994
MAYORAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Morton read the following proclamation:
'1994 - THE YEAR OF THE YOUTH"
WHEREAS, THE YOUTH of our nation are a valuable asset and will be the future leaders of our country; and
WHEREAS; in 1994, the City of Evanston wishes to recognize, promote, display, and publicize the achievements
and talents of our young people, and cultivate the traits that will make them successful leaders; and
WHEREAS, in celebrating 'THE YEAR OF THE YOUTH" the City of Evanston will be calling attention to the
positive images reflected by our young people as opposed to focusing on negative activities; and
WHEREAS, "THE YEAR OF THE YOUTH" will attract public attention to the contributions and potential of
our Youth and will call for involving them as much as possible into the main stream of life, into cultural arts and
activities, and encouraging the restoration and enhancement of spiritual values, principles of honor, humbleness,
obedience, pride, and dignity; and
WHEREAS, "THE YEAR OF THE YOUTH" is an effort to communicate to policymakers, business and
community leaders, and to parents and teachers how the energy, enthusiasm, and talent of young people can be
channeled into solutions to serious social and economic problems facing the community; and
WHEREAS, our nation's future lies in the strength and potential of our young people:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Lorraine H. Morton, Mayor of the City of Evanston, Illinois, do hereby proclaim 1994
as 'THE YEAR OF THE YOUTH" in Evanston and encourage all citizens to acknowledge and celebrate the
contributions of our young Americans and to promote self-respect and respect for others.
t,11,�riV COMMENT:
Rosie Rees, 1610 Brummel Street, spoke in behalf of School District 65 to advise the Council that the School Board
opposes creating a Tax Increment Financing District (T1F) for the Washington National property and opposes the
current proposal for redeveloping the property. She expressed the Board's concern about the impact that the
creation of another TIF would have on tax revenue for the school districts, since property taxes are the only way
for them to raise money for the high quality educational programs that Evanston residents demand. She noted that
District 65's representative to the Joint Review Board did not believe that the property fulfilled the requirements
of a TIF and that Washington National's neglect contributed to its deteriorated condition. She noted that if this
property is developed without using a TIF, the school districts will realize their complete share of property taxes.
She also questioned the viability of the project and the tax projections, since the market (multi -family luxury) to
which it is targeted is an untested market in Evanston. She questioned why neither Washington National or the John
Buck Company was willing to invest more equity in the project. She expressed concern that the TIF Ordinance
would allow the City to spend up $7.5 million in TIF eligible costs. She suggested that Washington National put
the property on the open market and see what it would generate, before asking for a TIF. She noted that the School
Board shares the City's concern about an eroding tax base, but felt that a TIF District for this area was not the right
answer.
Sidnev Zwick, 1720 Washington Street, spoke against the creation of a TIF for the Washington National property
on aesthetic grounds and said that he was concerned about the precedent it would set by allowing the development
of a high-rise apartment building. He felt it would encourage other property owners to build high-rises and thereby
change the character of the downtown. He said that he had been attempting to gain access to the interior of the
building in order to video-tape it and share the video tape with the community. He stated that the deterioration was
due to calculated neglect. He felt that the City should be charging Washington National a
3 January 24, 1994
development fee instead of subsidizing the development. He expressed concern about what a TIF would do to the
bonded indebtedness of the City. Mr. Zwick then discussed at length certain cable programs with which he was
involved.
Nick Andrews, 1016 Davis Street, reported that he had attended the most recent Human Service Committee meeting
had been impressed with the thoroughness with which the committee discussed the issue of panhandling - an issue
of great concern to many Evanston citizens. He thanked them for their efforts.
COMMUNICATIONS:
City Clerk Davis announced that voter's registration for the March Primary would close on February 14 and
announced that her office would be open the next three Saturday mornings, January 29, February 5 and 12, from
9:00 A.M. until noon to provide extra time for citizens who were not registered at their current address to do so
before the Primary.
Docket 1-1A-94: Proposed 1994-95 Budd - Consideration of the Proposed
Budget for the City of Evanston for the Fiscal Year 1994-95. A copy of the
City Manager's recommended Budget was distributed on December 30, 1993.
Budget Review Sessions have been scheduled for January 8, 15, 22, 29 and
February 5, 1994. A Public Hearing on the Budget is scheduled for February
7, 1994, at 7:30 P.M.
CONSENT AGENDA:
(Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*)
Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda, with the following exceptions: Docket 14-1B-
94: Ordinance 129-0-93 - Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Plan and Project and Docket 15-12-94: Tax
Increment Financing Designation of Redevelopment Project Area. Seconded by Alderman Heydemann. Roll Call.
Voting aye - Holsman, Feldman, Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran and Engelman. Voting
nay - none. Motion carried. (9-0)
ull►l_Jt�
* The minutes of the special meeting of January 8, 1994, and the regular meeting of January 10, 1994, as submitted
in writing to the members of the City Council. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL
CALL. (9-0)
ADAIINISIRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS CORE IITTEE:
BILLS AND PAYROLL
* Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for the period ending January 25, 1994; for City of
Evanston payroll for the period ending January 9, 1994; and that their payment be authorized and charged to the
proper accounts, summarized as follows:
City of Evanston bills $ 6,342,582.72
City of Evanston payroll $ 1,222,634.53
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
A� 4 January 24, 1994
* Approval of the low bid of Maurice Rakers Electric for the installation of Electrical and Lighting Systems for
Is Park and Robert Crown Park at a cost of $182,048.
BID SUMMARA Y:
Bidder Robert Crown James Park Total
Maurice Rakers $114,132 $67,916 $182,048
Aviston, IL
J.F. Edwards Cons.Co 122,960 97,727 220,687
Geneseo, EL
Fulton Contracting Co. 125,000 98,090 223,090
Roselle, IL
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of the low bid from Fredriksen & Sons for Self -Contained Breathing Apparatus Equipment for the Fire
Department at a total cost of $5,442,40.
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder Total Cost
Fredriksen & Sons $5,442.40
Bensenville, IL
G.F.E., Inc. 5,747.73
Washington, IL
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
Approval of the proposal from Arkwright Mutual Insurance Company for All Risk Property Insurance for the 1994-
95 Insurance Program for all City of Evanston buildings at a total premium cost of $83,086. (Non -Bid Item,
requires 2/3 majority vote)
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder Total Premium
Arkwright Mutual Insurance Co. $ 83,086
Schaumburg, EL
Raymond C. Berry, AAI 119,346
Evanston, EL
Jardine Insurance Brokers 119,650
Chicago, II.
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of the extension of Engineering Consultant Services for Replacement of the Ridge Avenue Bridge with
Teng & Associates, Inc., at a cost of $7,900 (10% of the total amount of $79,000.) in Motor Fuel Tax funds.
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of Change Order #2 for the Library Project Construction with W. E. O'Neil Construction in the amount
of $133,078. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
January 24,1994 `
* Docket 9-113-94: Parking Meter Time Limit on Sherman - Lake to Greenwood
- Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council change the time limit .
for eight parking meters on the west side of Sherman Avenue between Lake and
Greenwood Streets from ten hours to two hours.
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Docket 10-1B-94: Resolution 6-R-94 - Motor Fuel Tax Suvolemental
A*.. ... t - Consideration of proposed 'Resolution. 6-R-94, which would
appropriate $7,900 for the City's share of funding for Phase II Engineering for
the replacement of the Ridge Avenue Bridge over the CTA tracks. It is also
recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a Joint
Agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the cost -sharing of
this project in the total amount of $79,000. * ADOPTED - CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Docket 11-1B-94: Resolution 7-R-94 - Reserved Parking for the Disabled at
1117 Sherman - Consideration of proposed Resolution 7-R-94, by which the City
Council would authorize the designation of a reserved parking space for the
disabled at 1117 Sherman Avenue. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Docket 12-1B-94: Resolution 8-R-94 - Reserved Parkin¢ for the Disabled at
1310 Judson - Consideration of proposed Resolution 8-R-94, by which the City
Council would authorize the designation of a reserved parking space for the
disabled at 1310 Judson Avenue. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Docket 13-1B-94: Ordinance 4-0-94 - 3-Wav StoD - Colfax/McDaniel -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 4-0-94, by which the City Council would
amend Section 10-11-5, Schedule V(C), of the Evanston City Code to establish
a 3-Way Stop at the intersection of Colfax Street and McDaniel Avenue.
* MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA
Alderman Kent announced that on February 28, the Energy Commission will make a presentation to the
Administration and Public Works Committee.
HUMAN SERVICES COAUM TITEE: No Docket Items
Alderman Holsman reported that the committee was working on the issue of panhandling and urged everyone to
participate.
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: No Docket Items
Alderman Engelman reported that the Committee was reviewing the comprehensive amendments to the Preservation
Ordinance and announced that two workshops will be held to discuss it. One on Thursday, February 10, at 7:30
P.M. and the other on Saturday, February 12, at 10:00 A.M. A Public Hearing on the Ordinance will be held on
Monday, February 14 at 8:30 P.M. in the City Council Chamber. He invited the public to attend.
Docket 14-1B-94: Ordinance 129-0-93 - Tax Increment Financing
Redevelopment Plan and Proiect - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 129-0-
93, by which the City Council would adopt and approve a Tax Increment
Financing Redevelopment plan and Project for the Church/Chicago area.
Alderman Engelman introduced proposed Ordinance 129-0-93. Marked introduced.
6 January 24, 1994
Docket 15-1B-94: Ordinance 130-0-93 - Tax Increment Financine Designation
of Redevelopment Proiect Area - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 130-0-
93, by which the City Council would designate the Church/Chicago Area, by
legal description, as a Tax Increment Redevelopment Project Area.
Alderman Engelman introduced proposed Ordinance 130-0-93. Marked introduced.
Alderman Engelman advised Council that he had discussed the timing of the passage of these ordinances, as they
relate to the value of the property to be frozen by the TIF, with staff. He noted that they had discussed when the
value should be frozen and, if the property generates more annually than is required to pay TIF bonds, how does
the City allocate the additional funds. He announced that when these ordinances come up for adoption at the next
meeting, he will move to table them and will move to refer the question of when it would be best to freeze the
Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) back to the Economic Development Committee (EDC). He asked staff to check
with bond counsel in the interim to see if there are any statutory requirements related to the length of time that an
ordinance can sit on the table between introduction and adoption.
Alderman Newman expressed concern that the cover memorandum on these ordinances did not indicate whether it
would be up for adoption at the next meeting or some date in the future. Assistant City Manager Aiello pointed
out that on Page 2 of the memo it explained that statute required that the ordinances be introduced 14 to 90 days
after the Public Hearing (held on December 13,1993.) There is no time restriction on when it can be adopted, the
only question is when it would be most beneficial to do so. She said that preliminary discussions with bond counsel
indicate that they can be introduced and just sit there. She was not sure if that applied to a tabled motion, but would
investigate.
Alderman Newman said that he hoped that the City would obtain comment from the two school districts before the
ordinances are adopted. City Manager Anderson noted that he had indicated at the last City -School Liaison
Committee meeting that this issue needed to be discussed at length with the schools. He anticipated that there would
be substantial delay before any final action is taken, so the City can pinpoint when it would be most appropriate to
set the EAV. All the pieces need to be in place, such as the development agreement. Ms. Aiello stressed that the
City had promised to consult with the school districts as it is going through the whole bonding structure, to hear
their concerns, and to make sure that it would be mutually agreeable - as much as possible. Alderman Newman
was pleased that this would be referred back to the EDC for discussion. He emphasized that the two districts
wanted to be consulted and involved in the process. He was glad to hear that there had been consultation between
the staffs of the school districts and the City to discuss how the TIF might be structured in such a way to be most
beneficial to the school districts.
He asked where the developer is in obtaining financing for the project. He expressed concern about a report that
construction was going to begin in July. He said that concerns have been raised in the community as to whether
this project can be financed and felt Council needed regular reports on the developer's progress on getting financing.
He noted that conceptual approval had been granted last June and wondered what a reasonable amount of time would
be for them to obtain financing.
Ms. Aiello explained that in granting conceptual approval the Council approved something that was different in
scope from what the developer had originally submitted and Council reduced the permitted height from 250 feet to
220 feet. She said that the project had to be completely redesigned - which took about four months and noted that
the developer had presented the new design to the EDC in November. Since then the developer has been talking
to the financial community and is trying to gauge the interest. She promised to have a status report for the regular
EDC meeting in February.
Alderman Feldman said that he was disappointed that the representatives of the school districts had not articulated
why they opposed the creation of the TIF during that meeting, but he noted that Mr. Pollack (President of the
District 65 Board) has written a lengthy letter to Council detailing his reasons for opposing the TIF. Alderman
Feldman asked that Mr. Pollack's letter be referred to the Economic Development Committee and that the committee
7 January 24 1994
be asked to respond to each point raised in the letter. He also noted that his vote to move the TIF ordinances out
of the EDC was not an indication of support, but just a vote to move them out of committee so they could be
introduced at Council and be debated.
Alderman Engelman noted that one of the conditions put on the conceptual approval was that the Buck Company
had two years break ground on the project, and the clock is ticking. He also noted that conceptual approval is just
that and there is no risk to the City until the financing is in place. There is no TIF until it's a "done deal.'
Alderman Newman.r..:.+,+:1 concern about allowing the site to sit for two years if the developer is unable to get
financing. He thought that the City should not reserve the project area for the Buck Company that long if they are
having trouble obtaining financing. He felt that other developers should be given a chance to see what they could
do with a project. He suggested that the City could pull the $3.5 million off the table anytime they did not believe
the project was going through. He felt that it would be imprudent to let the Buck Company continue if financing
has not been obtained in the next six or seven months.
City Manager Anderson said that a lot needs to be done in the next several months. A development agreement
must be negotiated with the Buck Company; work needs to be done with the school boards and internally. He noted
that the clock started ticking in June and felt it was unfair to characterize the two year period as one where the City
was merely waiting. There is much to be done to tie down all the details that need to be in place.
Alderman Engelman did not believe that anyone expected to wait for two years for the developer to get financing.
The conceptual approval was two years from breaking ground. He noted that much needs to be done between
obtaining financing and breaking ground. If the Buck Company can't get financing - they will walk away long
before the two years are up. He felt that two years was not a long period considering all the problems that had to
be addressed.
Alderman Newman suggested that perhaps a another developer could build a different type of project on that site
without needing a $3.5 million City subsidy. He did not understand why the City would wait eighteen months for
the developer to get financing. In response to his question, Mr. Anderson explained that negotiating a development
agreement could take anywhere from two months to eight months, depending on the complexity. He suggested that
the City could see where the project is at the end of that process and if there is a problem with the funding, it should
be apparent at that time. Then would be the appropriate time for the City to take another look at the project. He
proposed continuing with the necessary work -tasks and if a problem develops, Council ought to address it then.
Alderman Newman requested that the City provide periodic reports on the developer's quest for financing was
coming. Alderman Feldman asked whether there was any limit on their search for financing - aside from the two-
year requirement to break ground. Assistant Manager Aiello reiterated that the requirement was two years for them
to start construction and in order to meet that deadline they have to do plans and specs and to go out for bids. She
speculated that they needed nearly a year's lead time between obtaining financing and breaking ground. She said
that they would not want to develop the plans and specs if they could not get financing. She speculated that they
would have exhausted their search of the finance community within six months, or at least have a good idea of their
chances. She thought Mr. Iberle could address that at the EDC, meeting in February. Alderman Feldman said that
the EDC should constantly monitor those efforts. He felt that the longer it drags out, the more cost to the
community and felt that whatever resolution the City comes to with the developer should come as quickly as
possible.
Alderman Heydemann said she was surprised how the Council was able to create an issue to debate when everyone
on it appears to have the same goals. Everyone, including the developer, wants to get the financing question settled
as soon as possible and everyone wants the steps to proceed in an orderly fashion as quickly as possible. She felt
that reports on the Buck Company's attempts to get financing were futile, because getting financing is a negotiating
effort. She said that everyone would like to see this move along speedily.
g January 24,1994
* Docket 16-1B-94: Ordinance 1314)-93 - Tax Increment Financing -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 13140-93, 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.
* MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA
* Docket 17-1B-94: Resolution 4-R-94 - ADDroval of the 1994-95 Community
Develonment Block Grant Program Final Statement - Consideration of proposed
Resolution 4-R-94, by which the City Council would approve the 1994-95
Commumity Development Block Grant Program Application to the U.S.
D - - L.. i of Housing & Urban Development. * ADOPTED - CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0q
* Docket 8-lA-94: Resolution 2-R-94 -Amendment to Communitv Development
Block grant Program - Consideration of proposed Resolution 2-R-94, by which
the City Council would amend the 1991, 1992 and 1993 Community
Development Block grant Programs and authorize the reallocation of $133,080
from those Programs to the 1994-95 CDBG funding year. * ADOPTED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-01
REPORT OF THE STANDING CObEWrI TEES
No action items - all docket items on Consent Agenda.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
Docket 277-IIB-93: Resolution 110-R-93 - Council Rule pertaining to
Aldermanic Debate - Consideration of proposed Resolution 110-R-93, as
proposed by Alderman Newman, by which the City Council would delete
language from the Council's Rules that provides a mechanism for limiting
aldermanic speech to five minutes. This matter was considered by the Rules
Committee during its November 1, 1993 meeting. The Rules Committee chose
to make no change to the existing Council Rule. At the request of three
Aldermen, this matter has been placed on the Council's Agenda. In accordance
with Council Rule 3.1. , which requires that proposed Rule changes be distributed
to Council at least one week in advance of the vote thereon, a copy of proposed
Resolution 110-R-93 and a descriptive memorandum were transmitted to Council
on November 11, 1993. Tabled.
APPOINTMENTS:
Mayor Morton asked for Council confirmation of the following names for appointment:
Kenneth S. Watson, (King Home) 1555 Oak Avenue,
for term ending February 1, 1997 Commission on Aging
Hans F. Baumann, 3319 Simpson Street,
for term ending February 1, 1996. Energy Commission
Alderman Drummer moved Council confirmation of these names. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried.
No nays.
January 24, 1994
Mayor Morton introduced the following names for appointment to the Property Services Board:
Donald Jeffers, 2034 Hawthorne Lane
Junad Rim, 2784 Sheridan Road .
Tom Rosengren, 1215 Greenleaf Street
Peter Eric Siegal, 1513 Crain Street
CALL OF THE WARDS:
Alderman Drummer noted that the resolution concerning 1817 Church Street was still on the back of the Council
Agenda. He reported that Alderman Kent was heading up the subcommittee that was discussing its disposition and
he thought that the committee had about thirty days more work on the issue.
Alderman Guthrie said that she wished to pass on a commendation from someone on her block who had a water
pipe break at the meter inside her house. She called at 9:00 o'clock in the evening and had immediate service and
was very impressed. She thanked the staff for their quick and efficient work.
Alderman Heydemann thanked Mr. Zwick for making the video of First Night, for making it available on cable TV
and also for purchase at a very low price.
She also thanked the League of Women Voters for their annual meeting and dinner the previous evening, which she
found to be informative, friendly and inviting.
Alderman Heydemann made a reference to the Parking Committee to investigate the parking lot next to the Oak
Street Market, currently used by the post office. She asked how long their lease was and suggested that leasing that
parking lot to the federal government was not the highest and best use for that land.
(She noted that she was experiencing later and later mail delivery and wondered if anyone else had a similar
problem.)
Alderman Heydemann said that she had recently been asked by a constituent for certain information and when she
called the appropriate department to ask if it could be done, she was told that it would take two departments about
20 hours. She thought that was not an appropriate way to spend staff time, so declined to make the request. She
felt it would be useful for all the aldermen to find out how many departments and how much time their aldermanic
requests would take before making them and wondered if they should be factored into the regular workload. She
felt that such a consideration should be part of the Council's responsible deliberations when they decide what
requests should be made. She requested that new aldermanic request forms include a place for information on how
many departments and how long it took to fill an aldermanic request.
Alderman Hevdemann moved to refer her auestion about the length of the lease of parkin¢ lot by the Oak Street
Market and to begin a discussion about vossible alternative uses for that lot to the Parking Committee. Seconded
by Alderman Moran. Motion carried. No nays.
Alderman Kent moved to send a reference to the Parking Committee (for their February 8 meeting) to review the
towing ordinance which allows abandoned and neglected cars to sit in the neighborhoods for ten days after ticketing.
He felt that the value of the neighborhoods was in their maintenance and wondered why Evanston's ordinance
allowed them to sit for so long. He thought that state statute allowed seven days as the maximum. As part of the
reference. he asked the Committee to consider whether the City could reduce the sitting time to five days. He also
asked for invut from the officers involved in the towing gram if it would help their orwation.
Seconded by Alderman Newman. Alderman Kent requested that this information come back to Administration and
Public Works meeting February 14th. Motion carried. No nays.
Alderman Kent requested that he receive written information on the appeals process available to part-time
employees.
Alderman Holsman reported that there had been a Clyde/Callan/Brummel party on Sunday, which went very well.
He thanked Mayor Morton, City Manager Anderson, and Jim Wolinsld, Jay Terry and Frank Kaminski for coming.
He noted that there were paring problems in that area and made a reference to the Administration and Public
Works Committee to transmit regular reports on streets and curbs that will be resurfaced to the Parking Committee
on a regular basis. so that committee can review the vronosed improvements to see if any streets could be widened
to help address the parking vroblems.
V 10 January 24, 1994
Alderman Holsman announced that there will be an Evanston Property Owners Forum to deal with property issues
on Tuesday, January 25, at 7:30 P.M. at the Holiday Inn.
Alderman Holsman also announced that there will be a Rules Committee meeting on Tuesday, February 1, at 7:30
P.M. and invited everyone to attend.
Alderman Newman thanked the Human Services Committee for their good discussion on panhandling in the
downtown area.
He reported that at the recent City -School Liaison Committee, District 65 refused to discuss the question of the
easement near the King Lab School. He noted, however, that he had a short discussion with District 65 people after
the meeting. He expected that in their February meeting, the committee will consider joint lobbying efforts with
the two school districts on issues of interest to all the bodies. Alderman Newman made reference to the comments
made by Rosie Rees about the four TIF districts in Evanston and said that the City needed to get the school districts
into that process early. He did not believe it had been done. He suggested that during the EDC review of the
Research Park, that Council look at the amount of money going into that TIF and the amount of money that will
continue to go into that TIF over the next 15 years and suggested it was a major issue for the school districts He
pointed out that the City is nowhere near the annual income projected by those who presented the Research Park
concept in 1985. He said that the EDC needed to focus on where that tax revenue would come from and when.
He stressed that it was important for the schools to have the property tax revenue from those properties and not to
have the taxes go to support the TIF. He urged Council to heed the concerns expressed by District 65 here tonight.
Alderman Engelman noted that it had been announced on three different occasions that the City was planning to
involve the school districts in discussions of all economic development projects earlier than they have in the past.
He said that one thing that is being forgotten about Tax Increment Financing is that, but for Tax Increment
Financing, there is an assumption that there will be no development. When someone says that you are taking money
away from me with tax increment financing, it is not necessarily the case because there is the assumption that there
would be no development to generate taxes on that property unless you give it a jump start with a TIF to begin with.
He reminded everyone that the EDC is engaging in a comprehensive review of the Research Park, which began at
their regular meeting this month and will continue with a special meeting on Wednesday, February 9, at the
Research Park. He expected that there would be several other special meetings to finish that project.
Alderman Engelman stated that parking is also an issue in the Seventh Ward. He recalled a previous reference to
the Parking Committee dealing with employee permits and designated residential parking zones, and noted that the
Seventh Ward had a number of problems in that area with the CNW and CTA Stations, where commuters want to
park, businesses with employees who want to park and residents who want to park. District 65 has also requested
employee permits. He moved a reference to the Parkin¢ Committee to provide a report on what their
..,.,........ —dation is with regard to emhlovee hermits. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Motion carried. No nays.
Alderman Engelman reported that he had read an article in one of the Chicago papers that morning on "border
hoppers," people who reside in one city and go to another city to register in their schools. He said that the article
included the cost of educating a student in District 65 and noted that the Director of Pupil Services had identified
57 border hoppers at the beginning of the school year, which means that Evanston tax payers subsidized these
students. He pointed out that Oak Park had an ordinance which mandated that the names of all children living in
an apartment be listed on the lease. This allows the Oak Park district to see if all the children they enroll actually
live in the village. He noted that the cost of educating the�57 border hoppers identified by District 65 would run
over $450,000 and represented a major budget impact. He moved a reference to the Citv-School Liaison Committee
to consider an ordinance similar to Oak Park's for Evanston. Seconded by Alderman Hevdemann. He suggested
that after it comes out the City -School Committee it should go to the Planning and Development Committee to see
if that would also be a way for the City to address some of the overcrowding issues in the Eighth Ward brought
to Council's attention by Alderman Holsman. Alderman Kent said he would be interested in how the border
hoppers were identified and asked that the reference be expanded to include District 202 students. Alderman
Engelman said that 202 was already included. Motion carried. No nays.
Alderman Newman asked whether/there had been any specific proposals to involve the school districts earlier in
economic development projects, iiecause he wanted to bring them to the February meeting of the City -School
Liaison Committee. He said he as not aware that such proposals had been on any agenda. Alderman Engelman
said he had made a commitment �representatives of District 65 and 202 at the Tax Increment Financing Joint
Review Board meeting on behalf of the EDC and himself, that the City would meet with the schools early and often
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January 24, 19sa � J
_ to diacoss any new econounc deewelopment proJect.� He also noted that g . , ..had been reaterated at two EDC
''meetarigs. ': He was not aware that such,a commitment "required any ifi kind of resohrtwa or vote. Alderman Newman
nteadent:Alsan'said thathe had not been involved early enough in the TIF pmcess. He
:1 that .. be devil b * the EDC that defines at what
.�specific grooess oiled y point the schools would be involved
of a "fulcra economic development project, so he could bring it back to the City -School Liaison
Camamittee: ` City Manager Anderson clarified that the schools were brought in early in the won of the Buck
Y tipmjcct, -.Assistant Manager Aiello reminded Council.that the -Buck project was originally conceived as a tax cap
is to. discuss that possibility before there was any public discussion of the project.
°-.,,mod the ecfiools were-
to two school boards early in the per. -She noted that at the Joint Review
were' also.made th6'
Biid;Atdan.Engelmin made the point that the Home Depot project was not made a TIF because of objections
fraz� the schools early in the discussions and if money will be lost, it will be the City losing sales tax. Alderman
H.i ' K reassured Alderman Newman that in informal discussions she had with District 202 Business Manager,
Jerry Leibforth, he indicated that he had all the information he needed from the City. She suggested that perhaps
he was not aware that the official channel for g such information was the City -School Liaison
Committee.
Time being no more business to come before the Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion. to adjourn. The
Cow so moved and adjourned at 10:12 P.M.
KIRSTEN F. DAVIS
CITY CLERK
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