HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1994-02-28-1994i
OP
ti r COUNCIL
February 28, 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
Plannine 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 held on Monday, February 28, 1994, at 8:53 P.M.
in the City Council Chamber.
ROLL CALL - PRESENT:
Alderman Guthrie
Alderman Heydemann
Alderman Kent
Alderman Moran
Alderman Engelman
A Quorum being present.
ABSENT: None
TARDY: None
PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton
Alderman Holsman
Alderman Feldman
Alderman Newman
Alderman Drummer
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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MAYORAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mayor Morton announced that, since February 28th was the last day of the fiscal year, by state law the budget had
to be adopted before midnight. She thanked City staff for working so hard to make the streets passable during the
recent snowstorm.
CITIZEN COMMENT:
Janet Larson, 811 Brummel Street, said that she wanted to clarify what the neighbors in the Eighth Ward wanted
in terms of recreation. She said that they wanted on -site recreation and arts programs, as well as access to existing
programs. She noted that last year residents of the area had worked with the Ridgeville Park District to present
some programs. They received two grants from the Evanston Foundation to fund programs; discussed examples of
those programs and discussed the collaboration between the neighbors, Recreation Department and the Arts Council
for the design and implementation of the 8-foot high, 360-foot long, mural in the Clyde/Callan area. She felt the
neighbors had demonstrated that they were willing to participate and asked that the City continue helping them.
She also asked for continued police support in the area. In closing, she took issue with remarks made during Call
of the Wards at the previous meeting about the shooting after the "Y" dance, and suggested that the victim should
not be blamed for what happened; suggested that Council consider changing the curfew for pre -teens and younger
teens.
Sherrill Frost -Brown, 137 Clyde Avenue, said that the Clyde/Callan neighbors had worked to address the problems
in the area and thanked City staff for their response. She urged Council to include long-term programs which would
address the problems in the area in the budget they are adopting this evening. She noted that the mural discussed
by the previous speaker is called the Wall of Struggles and Dreams and represented the aspirations .of the
neighborhood. She urged Council to support the pilot code enforcement program proposed at the last meeting. She
wished the neighborhood to be known, not as one where two teenage girls lost their lives, but as a neighborhood
that works collaboratively with the City to preserve and enrich it.
Tsehave Hebert, 819 Dobson Street, said that her children need safe, affordable and comprehensive programs which
reflect the desires and needs of a diverse community. She said that the area needs economic development and a
variety of services that will positively engage all residents. She expressed regret that the City's arts programs rarely
impacted that neighborhood and urged Council to be proactive, not reactive in their responses to the problems of
this neighborhood. She also urged Council to listen to the citizens, not political influences in the allocation of the
$300,000 in CDBG money scheduled to be voted on this evening.
Yolanda Kane, 807 Dobson Street, said that she hoped Council would look at the gang problem and deal with the
economic status of the gang members. She asked Council to consider that youth in this area need jobs and a place
to go.
Jerry Sanerstein, 2620 Central Street, Vice Chair of the Cable Commission and Chair of the Access Review
Committee, said that he was speaking as an individual and urged Council to reject or table the proposed agreement
to transfer government access television to public access television (Evanston Community Television Corporation)
and enumerated five reasons why he felt it was not a good idea.
Vireinia Gosse, 2606 Bennett Avenue, President of the Board of Evanston Community Television Corporation
(ECTC), said that the board welcomed the chance to provide video services for the City of Evanston and felt that
it was part of their community responsibility to do so.
David A. Williams, 418 Callan Avenue, former member and president of the Recreation Board, urged Council to
vote in favor of changing the name of the Chandler Center to the Chandler -Newberger Center and enumerated many
things done by Shel Newberger for the City in the area of recreation, the arts, the library, and other community
service. He noted that Evanston would have been a different place if Mr. Newberger had not made all the
contributions that he did to the community.
February 28, 1994
Irving L. Finston, 1804 Keeney Street, President of the Recreation Board, said that the Board enthusiastically
supported renaming the Chandler Center to honor Mr. Newberger. He noted that Mr. Newberger had been an
ardent supporter of recreation activities in his long career of public service and was the role model of how to be
involved in a community.
Alderman Hevdemann moved to extend the fifteen minute Citizen Comment veriod to allow all those who had
signed uv, to sneak. Seconded by Alderman Kent.
Jonathan Perman, The Evanston Chamber of Commerce, said that the Chamber was not interested having the City
adopt a panhandling ordinance; suggested that Council look at other cities to see what had worked for them; noted
that the Chamber had established a committee to discuss panhandling and said that the Chamber would be willing
to work with the City to address this problem.
Nick Andrews, 1016 Davis Street, said that he had been to all the meetings where panhandling was discussed, felt
that there were many issues that obscured the discussions; urged Council to adopt a panhandling ordinance.
Stevhen Frazier, 431 Sherman Avenue, read a prepared statement for the Progressive Evanston Neighbors which
said that they wanted a visible, sustained demonstration of the City government's commitment to the community
and urged them to approve funding for an additional property inspector; to provide recreational space and new
programs to meet immediate and long-term needs of that community; urged that a recreational needs study be
undertaken for this area, paid for by City funds; asked for additional police presence for the area. Noted that
anything done or not done for this area would affect the entire City.
Sidnev Zwick. 1720 Washington Street, called attention to the latest financial report of Northwestern University and
reiterated his call for the City to find a way to force the university to pay its fair share to support City services.
COAEMRMCATIONS:
City Clerk Kirsten F. Davis announced that Evanston had been named a Tree City USA for the tenth year in a row.
She also announced that she had received petitions signed by school children and others in support of the gun control
resolution adopted jointly in November by the City and two school districts.
CONSENT AGENDA:
(Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*)
Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda, with the following exceptions: Docket 40-2B-
94: Resolution 17-R-94 - Agreement with ECTC for Cable Production Services; Docket 24-2A-94: Ordinance 1-0-94
- Home Rule Natural Gas; Docket 27-2A-94: Ordinance 7-0-94 - Telecommunications Utility Tax; Docket 29-2A-
94: Ordinance 9-0-94 - Water Rate Increase; Docket 45-2B-94: Resolution 21-R-94 - Public Place Name
Recommendations and Docket 34-2A-94: Ordinance 12-0-94 - Evanston Preservation Ordinance. Seconded by
Alderman Feldman. Voting aye - Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman,
Drummer. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (9-0)
Docket 1-1A-94: Resolution 19-R-94 - Proposed 1994-95 - Consideration of
proposed Resolution 19-R-94, 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 were scheduled
for January 8, 15, 22, 29 and February 5, 1994, and a Public Hearing on the
Budget was held on February 7, 1994.
Alderman Engelman moved Council adoption of Resolution 19-R-94, the proposed 1994-1995 City budget. Seconded
by Alderman Drummer.
3 g � 4 February 28, 1994
Alderman Engelman moved to amend the budget by makin? the following chances to the General Fund:
1. increase the estimated Personal Property Replacement tax revenue by $60.000
2. add revenue of $77.983 from the settlement of the Personal Property lawsuit
3. reduce estimated revenue for the Natural Gas Tax by $10.000 to reflect exemption of the school districts
4. reduce the net property tax levy by $100.025
Alderman Moran noted that the proposed exemption for the Natural Gas Tax was included in the motion and said
that he felt it would not be a good idea, because it would cost the City $35,000 in revenue from the two school
districts every year and felt the City could find a good use for it. He suggested that it be used to fund a youth
outreach worker to the Youth Services Bureau of the Police Department.
He moved amend Alderman Encelman's motion to delete the exemption for the school district. Seconded by
Alderman Drummer. Alderman Engelman said that he did not accept the amendment to the motion and suggested
that Alderman Moran might like to make a substitute motion.
Alderman Feldman thanked Alderman Moran for his motion. In response to his question about the amount of
money District 65 requested for giving the City an easement to do sewer work near King Lab School, Alderman
Guthrie clarified that it was $225,000.
After consulting Council Rules. Mayor Morton ruled Alderman Moran's motion out of order. Alderman Newman
moved to overrule the Mayor's ruling. Seconded by Alderman Feldman.
Alderman Engelman raised a Point of Order and said that in order to avoid a debate on parliamentary procedure,
he would accept Alderman Moran's motion and divide his motion to exempt the school districts from the Natural
Gas Tax and allow it to be considered as a separate motion. He reminded Council that it was only considering
amendments to the revenue portion of the budget at this time.
In response to a question from Alderman Feldman, Alderman Newman expressed opposition to deleting the
exemption for the school districts from the Natural Gas tax, but appreciated Alderman Moran's suggestion of the
outreach worker. He thought that it would adversely impact the schools' need for taxes and noted that the City had
reached an agreement with District 65 to link an easement that the City needs to an exemption from the Natural Gas
Tax.
Alderman Moran questioned granting the schools an exemption from utility taxes in perpetuity. He thought the
charge for the easement of $225,000 to be a highly -inflated demand although it would be a one-time expense. He
noted that no matter what the City does, taxpayers will pay for it either through City or school district property
taxes. He expressed sympathy for the financial problems of the school district, but suggested that the board needs
to be accountable and confront their budget problems as the City has confronted its budget problems. He felt that
from a property tax standpoint it was budget neutral; and would induce the two school districts to take further
responsibility for their budgets. If the exemption is not approved, the City would have another $35,000-$37,000
to fund an out -reach worker to work with a troubled population that needs a lot of help.
Alderman Engelman said that if the City does not reach an accommodation with the school boards over the
exemption, it will have a $225,000 hole in the budget, not a $27,000 hole. He expressed concern over the working
of the proposed waiver. He encouraged Council to grant the exemption and noted that if a satisfactory agreement
was not reached on the easement, Council could rescind the exemption. He recommended that if the exemption is
approved, negotiations take place to develop an agreement that the school districts would be exempt from all future
taxes and the City would be exempt from all school district user fees. He said that in recent months the City has
been trying to establish "truth in taxation" and felt that if it needed the money it should tax taxpayers directly instead
of taxing the school districts and letting them raise their portion of the property tax. He noted that the City had
demonstrated its understanding of the schools districts' tax problems, and its willingness to work with the school
districts on this problem, by the actions it had taken regarding the Home Depot project - by not establishing a Tax
Increment Financing District (TIF) for that project - and the continuing discussions on how to minimize the impact
on the school districts of the proposed TIF for the Washington National site. He emphasized that, while the City
would do what it could to not add to their financial burden, the school districts will have to get their fiscal house
February 28, 1994 g q
3 (�
in order to lessen the tax burden they place on citizens which makes Evanston less competitive than surrounding
communities.
In response to a question from Alderman Newman, City Manager Anderson clarified that if the City has to pay
$225,000 for the easement near King Lab, the funds will come out of the project cost and the amount of the bonds
issued for the project will have to be increased by that amount. Alderman Newman asked that the City not add to
the burdens of District 65 by requiring them to pay more taxes.
Vote on the first part of Alderman Engelman's separated motion to exempt the school districts from the Natural Gas
Tax and deduct $10,000 from the revenue projections (amendment #3). Motion carried.
Vote on the second part of Alderman Engelman's motion to amend the budget as spelled out in amendments #1,#2
and #4, motion carried. No nays.
Alderman Engelman moved to take the $81.000 in surplus funds being returned to the Citv by Research Park. Inc.
(RPD and aDDly $50.000 to increase the Citv's annual aDDroDriation to RPI from the $200.000 originallv Droposed
in this fiscal vear budget to the previous level of $250,000 per vear and to take the remaining $31,000 and place
it in the Economic Development Contineencv Fund and earmark it for neighborhood Dlannine. and to take $27.958
in un-earmarked funds resulting from the nrevious amendments and give it to the Police Department to nartiallv fund
an additional vouth outreach worker to address the concerns raised earlier by Alderman Moran. or whatever the
Chief determines would be the best use of those funds. He also suggested that there may be another $10.000 that
can be found to fully -fund such a position. He said that he would be haDpv to divide this motion. Seconded by
Alderman Drummer.
Alderman Newman moved a substitute motion to reduce the Citv's contribution to RPI to $150.000. so it would be
$100.000 lower than the last fiscal vear. Seconded by Alderman Feldman.
Alderman Newman said that he did not want the City to give such a large subsidy to a private corporation, as
determined by the courts in Hopf vs TOPCORP, even though RPI had representatives from the City. He felt that
since RPI had been in position to return $81,000, they did not need such a large subsidy and, as a private
corporation, should be independent. He thought there was a duplication of effort on a minority business enterprise
program and felt that they both did not need to have a staff person for that program. He said that this was the
beginning of the amendments that he would make in order to try to eliminate the need for an increase in water rates,
which he was opposed.
Alderman Engelman indicated an interest in hearing all Alderman Newman's proposals for revenue reductions, but
reminded him that immediately after the adoption of this budget, the City will undergo a budget prioritization
process to see what expenditures can be cut. He reviewed the reasons RPI had generated a surplus and the
agreement that had been reached between the City and the University. He reminded Council that the Economic
Development Committee was in them middle of a comprehensive review of RPI and the Research Park, including
funding, and felt that no decisions regarding funding should be made until that review is complete.
Alderman Newman objected to Alderman Engelman's suggestion to delay a decision until the study is complete and
suggested that the money be held in escrow until the study is finished and a decision is made. He reiterated his
objection to raising water rates. He stated that he did not want to make any of the cuts that he was going to propose
this evening, but was going to do so because he did not want to burden the poorest people in the community with
a water rate increase. He felt that he had his priorities in order and urged Council to support his motion.
Alderman Feldman agreed with Alderman Newman and reviewed the points made by both Alderman Newman and
Alderman Engelman. However, he said that he came from a different perspective and if Alderman Newman's
motion failed, he would propose a reduction in RPI funding and use the money to funding a community center on
Howard Street. He felt that would be a better way in which to spend the money.
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6 February 28, 1994
Alderman Holsman agreed with Aldermen Newman and Feldman and said that he had reservations about funding
a private enterprise. He felt it was like giving $200,000 a year to Cyrus Realty to develop property in the areas
where it is needed.
Roll call vote on Alderman Newman's substitute motion. Voting aye - Holsman, Feldman and Newman. Voting
nay - Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman and Drummer. Motion failed. (3-6)
Roll call vote on Alderman Engelman's motion on the appropriation of the $81,000. Voting aye - Guthrie,
Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman and Drummer. Voting nay - Holsman, Feldman and Newman. Motion
carried. (6-3)
Vote on the second part of Alderman Engelman motion to allocate the $27,958 in the General Fund to the Police
Department. Motion carried. No nays.
Alderman Engelman moved to further adiust the budget by raisine the pronerty tax levy for the Police Pension Fund
by $54.880 and the Proverty Tax Levy for the Firefighters Pension Fund by $45.145. which would raise each of
the levies to the level nroiected by the City's actuary as necessary to coma_ lv with budget volicv. Seconded by
Alderman Hevdemann. Motion carried. No nays.
Alderman Feldman moved to use the $81.000 from the RPI sumIus to fund a neighborhood recreation center and
additional recreation programs. He thought that the amount of $15,000 to $20,000 that the alderman were told in
the Administration and Public Works Committee would be set aside for recreation would be woefully inadequate.
Seconded by Alderman Newman. Alderman Feldman said that people had come before Council in Citizen Comment
this evening and demonstrated anxiety and concern and he felt that something of a significant nature had to happen
to begin to address the needs articulated by these people. He thought that Council should move on two more
fronts, recreation and increased police presence, in addition to committing resources to an additional inspector to
address housing problems. He questioned whether Council wished to continue to support RPI or support
recreational needs in the southeast section of the City.
Alderman Newman questioned whether Alderman Feldman's motions would address only the needs of the Eighth
Ward or citywide needs. He said that during the recent police retreat, there was discussion that the Youth Division
was understaffed. Alderman Feldman said that he wanted to make sure that all aldermen have the flexibility they
need and wanted to address this issue on a citywide basis. Alderman Newman said that he supported Alderman
Feldman's motion because he felt that RPI, because of its well-connected board, could go elsewhere to get
resources, but did not believe that the neighborhoods had anywhere else to go to get the resources they needed. He
felt it was a higher priority to fund recreation in this section of town.
Alderman Guthrie said that she was sorry this discussion appeared to be turning into a balancing act between the
Eighth Ward and RPI. She noted that a recent memo indicated that the Police Chief has committed additional
resources to the Eighth Ward and expects that commitment to last into the future. She reported that she had
discussed the problems in the southeast area with the Director of the Evanston Neighborhood Conference, who
assured her that the neighbors were working on them, and expressed concern about the effect imposed solutions
would have on a fragile process, especially if those solutions have not been developed by neighborhood consensus.
She stressed that Council had sat through about eight budget sessions and questioned why none of the motions now
being made had been brought up during those work sessions and took exception to the long series of motions being
proposed at this late hour. She felt that certain aldermen had not done their work during the budget sessions and
felt it unfair to the people of the Eighth Ward. She noted that there is a substantial allocation already in the budget
for that area, which had been developed over the last eight weeks. She felt that what was happening this evening
did not represent a thoughtful process.
Alderman Engelman said that he appreciated Alderman Feldman's concerns about the recreational needs of this
community and was aware that City staff, along with Alderman Holsman, had been meeting with the neighbors to
address those concerns. He noted that those who spoke at Citizen Comment presented different points of view and
the aldermen were saying that certain things have a higher priority than other things. He thought that was what
Council had agreed to address in a prioritization process after this budget was adopted. It was discussed before and
February 28, 1994 I I
consensus was reached that Council did not have time to give it due deliberation before this budget was adopted.
He felt that there was a better time to address the need for a community center and its cost. He asked Alderman
Newman to present all his ideas for reducing the budget for discussion instead of presenting them on a piecemeal
basis.
Alderman Holsman wondered when there would be another time and another place, since this was the budget
discussion. He noted that he had brought up the idea of a recreation center a number of times in the Human
Services Committee and had brought up recreational needs during Saturday budget sessions. He said that this
community had been trying to get attention for years and wondered when Council would address their concerns.
In response to a question from Mayor Morton about the amount of money committed to the Eighth Ward next year,
Alderman Holsman explained that in the budget for the coming fiscal year the City had committed $200,000 for
Howard Street sidewalks and reallocation of CDBG funds in the amount of $350,000, for a total of $550,000. He
noted that the ward had only received a total of $275,000 in CD Funds during the last seven years, which he felt
was severely inadequate.
Alderman Newman felt that it was alright to spend a hour or two discussing a $126 million budget and said he had
asked for budget memos on several things he intended to bring up as changes to the budget. He felt that it was not
inappropriate to bring things up at the last minute during the budget process. He discussed his understanding of the
prioritization process. He noted that there are two new taxes and an increase in water rates up for adoption this
evening and wanted to discuss them. He said that a committee of Eighth Ward neighbors could be set up to decide
what to do with the money Alderman Feldman is proposing to reallocate and he supported the motion.
Alderman Feldman said that Council is doing what it is supposed to do by making these motions. He felt that any
discussion of community values was appropriate, and did not want to be told he could not bring this subject up.
He said that he had been waiting for a serious and significant report on what was happening in the Eighth Ward and
had never received it. He wondered when Council would deal with this issue. He said he had a fair idea of what
the reception to this motion would be, but wanted to articulate it anyway, because he wanted people to know that
some aldermen wanted to spend that money on something other than RPI. He felt that this was the business of
government.
Alderman Engelman expressed concern about taking pot shots at RPI to fund this and that program, and while he
understood Alderman Feldman's concern over a particular need and priority, it bothered him. He asked that this
be voted on and that Council get on to addressing more revenues and expenditures. He asked Alderman Feldman
to restate his motion.
Alderman Feldman restated his motion and on a roll call vote, Aldermen Holsman, Feldman and Newman voted
aye. Aldermen Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman and Drummer voted nay. Motion failed. (3-6)
Alderman Newman said that he was trying to find $1 million in cuts to avoid a water rate increase and he had
already proposed the reduction of $100,000, which was voted down, but he wanted to continue to try with this next
proposal. He moved to delete $200.000 in training funds from the Contingencv Fund. Seconded by Alderman
Holsman. Alderman Newman explained that he was not against training, but wanted to try to avoid a water rate
increase and reiterated concerns about its effect on taxpayers.
In response to a question from Alderman Engelman, City Manager Anderson said that Northwestern University,
Evanston Hospital, St. Francis Hospital and other large users would also be paying the increased water rates.
Vote on Alderman Newman's motion. Voting aye - Kent, Holsman, Feldman and Newman. Voting nay - Guthrie,
Heydemann, Moran, Engelman and Drummer. Motion failed. (4-5)
Alderman Newman moved to reduce amount of monev being transferred throueh the General Fund. from interest
on Library bonds. to the newly established Insurance Fund. from $1 million to $500.000 and keen that $500.000
in the General Fund to reduce the amount of water rate increase needed. He noted that the Insurance Fund was
proposed by the City Manager because it would provide a reserve to cover any large judgments handed down against
the City without having to issue bonds. He said that $500,000 was a sufficient amount to have in the Insurance
3q� 8 February 28, 1994
Fund at this time, and if a major judgment was handed down against the City, it could go to the bond market. He
felt that it was more important to defer the water rate increase.
City Manager Anderson noted that the City has no control of expenditures for judgments against it and if Council
reduces the amount by $500,000, it does not necessarily reduce expenditures by that amount. If that money is used,
it can't be used for something else, and for each dollar bonded, it costs nearly two dollars in property tax to pay
it back.
Alderman Holsman said he supported Alderman Newman's motion because he also was opposed to a water rate
increase and expressed concern about the effect the rate increase would have on owners of laundromats, car washes
and large apartment buildings, who will pass it on to their customers and tenants.
Alderman Engelman said that everyone on Council appreciated the efforts being made by Alderman Newman and
none of them relished the idea of increasing charges and fees paid by residential and some commercial customers.
He noted that Council had been made aware of the need to increase the rate last year. He expressed grave concern
about reducing the amount in the insurance fund and felt it was a dangerous position in which to put the City. He
felt that having the insurance fund was sound fiscal policy and noted that even at the $1 million level, it would not
cover all the potential liability that the City may have in the next year. He expressed concern about relying on
bonds to pay judgments and the effect the need to do so may have on the City's Aaa bond rating.
Alderman Moran asked what effect the proposed 17 % water rate increase would have on a small residential user.
Alderman Newman said that a memo estimated it to be only $3-$4 a month, but expressed concern about the
cumulative effect small increases in rates, fees and taxes would have when Evanston is already considered an
expensive place in which to live. He said that he wanted one of the costs of living in Evanston to be substantially
below that of its neighbors.
In response to question from Alderman Newman, City Manager Anderson said that in the next twelve months the .
City could be liable anywhere from $500,000 to $2.2 million in judgments, depending on timing.
Vote on Alderman Newman's motion, motion failed.
Alderman Drummer noted that there were a number of people in the audience who were interested in the
Preservation Ordinance, and felt that Council should let them know that it would not deal with that ordinance this
evening and let them go home. Alderman Engelman said that he would move to hold it over, but that before that
could be done, Council had to deal with extending the moratorium on subdivisions. He also noted that he had some
additional points he wanted the aldermen to think about before adopting it. Mayor Morton noted that Council would
deal with the ordinance in the Planning and Development Committee report.
Alderman Newman explained that he had five additional budget cuts to propose, but said that he would save them
for the prioritization process, since it was obvious that he would be unable to reach the $1 million he needed to
avoid a water rate increase. He noted that there had been a budget memo on each of the cuts he had planned to
propose.
Vote to adopt Resolution 19-R-94, the 1994-1995 Fiscal Year Budget, as amended. Voting aye - Guthrie,
Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman and Drummer. Voting nay - Feldman and Newman. Motion
carried. (7-2)
Docket 38-2B-94: Resolution 20-R-94 - 1994-98 Capital Improvement Program
- Consideration of proposed Resolution 20-R-94, the 1994-98 Capital
Improvement Program. A copy of the Program was transmitted on December
30, 1993. A CIP Review Session was held on February 5, 1994.
Alderman Engelman moved Council adoption of proposed Resolution 20-R-94. Seconded by Alderman Guthrie.
Alderman Drummer moved to amend the Capital Improvement Program as proposed on Page 4, to remove the
February 28, 1994 30
$100.000 in G.O. Bond monev from the Howard Street enhancement program and target $75.000 for the purchase
of a mobile police van and allocate the remaining $25.000 to an allev lighting incentive program. Seconded by
Alderman Hevdemann.
He said that discussion of the problems in the Eighth Ward had consumed a great deal of Council's time recently,
but, as Alderman Kent pointed out at the last meeting, it may have been overlooking problems in the greater
community. He felt that this motion addressed fighting crime and problem solving in the larger community. He
thought that the van would also play a large role in efforts that will be made in the Eighth Ward. He asked that
the alley lighting incentive program be directed to the Eighth Ward and an area of the Fifth and Second Ward
bounded by Dodge, Lake, Ashland and Simpson. He felt that the alley lighting incentive program would fit right
in with the community policing strategy. He proposed to call it the Mayor's Alley Lighting Incentive Program and
proposed that the City would pay 50 % of the cost of one light per alley for five years. After five years, the
residents will have to pay the full cost of the light. He noted that frequently he was asked how citizens could get
a light in their alley.
Alderman Holsman objected to the motion and said that he thought the Council had committed to helping Howard
Street. Mayor Morton clarified that the money was for sidewalks. He said that he would prefer to eliminate the
alley paving program and objected to funding an incentive program for alley lights when many citizens already pay
the full cost of alley lights. He urged Council to vote against this motion.
Alderman Newman moved to delete $100.000 from the allev paving Drooram and apply it to the needs addressed
by Alderman Drummer in his motion. Seconded by Alderman Holsman. Alderman Newman agreed that the van
was important and agreed with the alley light incentive program, but thought, based a memo of about a year ago,
that to light every alley would cost $300,000. He said that it would be better to take the money from the alley
program, because at most it would only pay to pave two alleys and felt that Alderman Holsman should have the
$100,000 for Howard Street, while Alderman Drummer and Kent should have the van and alley lights they wanted.
He urged Council to vote for his substitute motion, or come up with another $100,000 for the Howard Street
sidewalks.
Alderman Feldman supported Alderman Newman's substitute motion, but asked if the Ninth Ward was included
in Alderman Drummer's motion.
Alderman Kent said that no one wants the van more than he does, because he felt it was another way to attack crime
and gangs in Evanston and to deal with the open street drug dealings. He felt it was important for the police to park
anywhere at any time. He felt that it would enhance the community policing program and would serve the whole
city. He reminded Council that it was he who had objected at the last meeting to committing $350,000 to one area,
because he knew that there were great needs in many areas of the City. He wanted a program that would work in
all areas of the City. He said what he was trying to get past was pushing crime and drugs from one street to the
next and felt that a van would be more effective in dealing with the problem in a more comprehensive fashion.
Alderman Engelman said that the police van was something all Evanston needs because crime and safety are issues
of great concern in every ward, and Council has to make a commitment to address them. He supported the alley
lighting program to help shed light on crime. He expressed concern about taking the money away from the Howard
Street sidewalks. In response to his question, City Manager Anderson clarified that there is still $100,000 of CDBG
money allocated to the sidewalk enhancement program on Howard Street.
Alderman Holsman supported the police van, but thought that the money should come from a citywide program and
not one targeted to a specific area. He urged Council to support Alderman Newman's substitute motion.
Alderman Drummer emphasized that the van would be used on a citywide basis. He said that Council was hearing
a lot about crime in the Eighth Ward and noted that the police felt that they could use the van to address crime there
as well as in the rest of the community. He said that he was not writing off Howard Street, just deferring $100,000
to next year. He said that a lot of interest had been expressed in the alley paving program and he had received a
list of seven alleys that people were interested in paving. He felt that alley paving, the police van and the alley light
incentive program were all good programs and urged Council to defeat the substitute motion.
10 February 28, 1994
39�
Alderman Feldman reiterated his support of Alderman Newman's motion and felt that the choice was between alleys
and Howard Street was a clear case of reasonable accommodation. He felt that Howard Street needed all $200,000
and thought it to be a good business decision.
In response to a question from Alderman Newman, City Manager Anderson clarified that the money proposed for
Howard Street was proposed for sidewalks, curbs and gutters in the business area. The redevelopment of those
sidewalks would be based on the model of Main Street sidewalks, and those proposed for the downtown area and
Green Bay Road. The first year's allocation was to fund the exploratory phase of the redevelopment program,
where staff would begin to work with that business community, and perhaps Chicago to develop the improvement
program. -
Alderman Newman said the difference between the two motions is what you cut out. He outlined motions he
intended to make relative to housing code compliance and discussed his past support for housing programs. He
supported the van for all of Evanston, but said that since the City had waited this long to pave alleys, it could wait
a little longer, especially since the money would only cover the paving of two alleys. He thought that the need was
greater on Howard Street. He noted that he had supported housing programs for the Fifth Ward in previous years
because the neighbors had asked for them. Since he had done that, he felt that Council should support the
neighbor's request for Howard Street sidewalk redevelopment.
Alderman Holsman said that this evening they had heard comments from Eighth Ward residents, who showed
support for Howard Street and had not heard any comments about the alley paving program, either at Council or
at the CDBG Committee meetings. He felt there was a lot of support for and a great need for the Howard Street
program.
Vote on Alderman Newman's substitute motion. Motion failed.
Alderman Feldman moved to amend Alderman Drummer's orieinal motion to exclude all references to boundaries
in the alley li¢hting incentive Droeram.
Alderman Drummer said that he would not accept that amendment and wanted the money spent in the two areas
he had indicated, because he wanted to try to address the problems in those areas. If there is money left over after
the alleys in those two areas are lighted, he would be willing to spend money in other areas.
Alderman Feldman objected to Alderman Drummer's rejection of his amendment and demanded a second to his
motion. Alderman Newman seconded his motion. Alderman Drummer expressed surprise that Alderman Feldman
was bringing up the Ninth Ward at this time, since he had only discussed the Eighth Ward during the last two
meetings. He emphasized that after the first two areas are lighted, he would be happy to have any additional funds
used in the Ninth Ward.
Alderman Engelman sought clarification as to the size of the two areas Alderman Drummer had designated and
asked whether he would accept a substitute amendment to include all the CDBG tareet areas. Alderman Drummer
accepted Alderman Engelman's amendment.
Alderman Holsman moved a substitute motion to fund the nolice van and the alley liehtin2 incentive Droaram out
of funds designated on Pace 3 of the CIP for Green Bay Embankment. Phase I. reducine the amount of $500.000
by $ 100.000. Seconded by Alderman Newman.
Alderman Holsman noted that the project had been in the CIP for a number of years and said that the $100,000
could be deferred until next year. City Manager Anderson explained that if the $100,000 is taken away from the
project, it will significantly affect the program because the funds were scheduled as a result of a lot of planning and
would require a radical re -design of the project. Alderman Holsman said that the motion to reduce the Howard
Street sidewalk program will have a significant effect on that program.
Vote on Alderman Holsman's substitute motion - motion failed.
11 February 28, 1994
3qs
Alderman Newman protested that a program such as the alley lighting incentive program that is targeted to CDBG
areas, should be funded out of CD funds. He discussed the need for alley lights in his ward and suggested that the
program should be citywide. Alderman Drummer agreed to accept Alderman Newman's modification to Alderman
Engelman's motion, as long as the emphasis on the Eighth Ward was first.
Vote on Alderman Drummer's motion as amended to make the alley lighting incentive program a citywide program,
with emphasis on the Eighth Ward. Motion carried.
Alderman Kent moved to further amend the CIP to change the oronosal for a new basketball court for Twig
to use the $10.000 to rehab the existing half -court basketball court and to use the remaining funds for paint and
other materials to maintain the Dlav equipment at the other end of Twiees Park. He explained that there was strong
community feeling not to have a full basketball court at that location. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Motion
carried. No nays.
Alderman Drummer moved that the allev Raving Droeram proposed in both the CEP and CDBG be offered to citizens
as a 50/50 cost sharing program with the Citv. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Motion carried.
Alderman Holsman said that he had not received the information on what a recreation needs studv would cost. but
he moved to fund it in the amount of $15.000 that the same studv cost nine veers ago, and figurine 2% a vear for
inflation, to come out of funding for the Green Bay Road Embankment Program. Seconded by Alderman Newman.
Alderman Drummer thought that there was no need for such a study, and noted that there had been no
recommendation from staff for such a study. Director of Parks/Forestry and Recreation, Don Wirth, explained that
the demographics of Evanston have not changed very much since the 1986 study and thought that the study would
still be applicable.
Alderman Holsman disagreed about the demographic information and cited the application for a federal grant to hire
supplemental police officers, which indicates failing family units, few or no job opportunities and a lack of
recreation facilities as contributing to gang activity and felt there was need for a recreation study.
Alderman Engelman said that recreational needs are a citywide concern and one of the aspects of neighborhood
planning, which is being studied by the Plan Commission. He felt that it was inappropriate to take these funds out
of the Green Bay Road Embankment Project, but thought that the Economic Development Committee could join
the Plan Commission in looking at the recreational component of neighborhood planning and possibly use some of
the neighborhood planning funds for studies along this line.
Vote on Alderman Holsman motion, motion failed.
Vote to approve Resolution 20-R-94, the 19944998 Capital Improvement Program, as amended. Motion carried.
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
Docket 45-2B-94: Resolution 21-R-94 - Public Place Name Recommendations
- Consideration of proposed Resolution 21-R-94, by which the City Council, in
accordance with the recommendations of the Public Place Names Committee,
would rename Chandler Park Leisure Center.
Alderman Engelman said that it was a distinct pleasure, to move, on behalf of the entire community, the adoption
of proposed Resolution 21-R-94, to change the name of the Chandler Center to the Chandler -Newberger Center to
honor Shel Newberger and to waive the five-year waiting period requirement for public place designations.
Seconded by Alderman Feldman.
Alderman Feldman asked what would be done in the building to indicate why the building was named for these
individuals and Mr. Wirth indicated that there were no plans for a plaque in the building. Alderman Feldman made
a reference to the Public Place Names Committee to consider developing something that would indicate why the
12 February 28,1994
building is named for these men. He noted that Mr. Newberger served as an alderman and held the same seat as
he now holds. He enumerated Mr. Newberger's contributions to recreation, the arts, the library and said that he
felt that Mr. Newberger set the standard for community involvement. He said that Mr. Newberger came to each
issue well -prepared and with a passion, and he demonstrated his love for Evanston by his service to this community.
He noted that Mr. Newberger's work in the community affected many people. He felt Council was doing the right
thing by naming this center after Mr. Newberger and congratulated the family.
Alderman Drummer supported Alderman Feldman's comments and shared his belief that Council was doing the
appropriate thing in renaming the Chandler Center to honor Mr. Newberger. Mayor Morton thanked the aldermen
for their comments.
Motion carried. No nays.
Mayor Morton congratulated the Newberger family and asked them to stand and be acknowledged. She said that
she was pleased that they were able to be here and noted that it was a personal joy to her to know that the name
Newberger would live on in the community.
At this time Council took a ten minute recess and reconvened at 12:37 A.M.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
* The minutes of special Council meetings of February 5 and 7, 1994, and the regular meeting of February 14,
1994, as submitted in writing to the members of the City Council. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0)
ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS CONIlvIITTEE:
BILLS AND PAYROLL
* Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for the period ending March 1, 1994; for City of Evanston
payroll for periods ending February 6, 1994 and February 20, 1994; and that their payment be authorized and
charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows:
City of Evanston bills $ 3,649,840.18
City of Evanston payroll (period ending 2/6/94) $ 1,224,012.86
City of Evanston payroll (period ending 2/20/94) 1,282,105.54
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
PURCHASES:
* Approval of the proposal from Ralph Helmick and Stuart Schechter for a suspended sculpture for the new Library
at a cost not to exceed $55,000 and the proposal from Michele Oka Doner for an Art Flooring Installation at a cost
not to exceed $25,000. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of the low bid from Midwest Emergency Vehicles Sales for an Ambulance for the Fire Department at
a total cost of $115,483.
13
February 28, 1994 3qq
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder - Total Cost
Midwest Emergency Vehicle Sales $115,483.
Bourbonnais, IL
Wheeled Coach Industries 122,800.
Winter Park, FL
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of a one -month rental of one excavator and one wheel loader from Roland Machinery for Church Street
Boat Ramp Dredging at a total cost of $14,602.
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder Total Cost
Roland Machinery $14,602.
Bolingbrook, EL
Case Equipment 14,850.
Wheeling, EL
Howell Tractor & Equipment 18,060.
Elk Grove Village, IL
SES, Inc. 18,090.
West Chicago, II,
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of the proposal from Midwest Employers Casualty Co. for Excess Workers' Compensation Insurance
at a cost of $78,836. (Non -Bid Item, Requires a 2/3 Majority Vote)
SUMMARY OF QUOTES:
Ouotations
American Re -Insurance Co.
Princeton, NJ
Midwest Employment Casualty
St. Louis, MO
Illinois National Insurance Co.
New York, NY
Coverage Retention Total Premium
$350,000 $73,600
325,000 78,736
400,000 85,000
Safety National Casualty 300,000 96,647
Chicago, IL
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of the low bid from Rowell Chemical Corporation at the rate of $360 per ton for Liquid Chlorine for
the Water Plant at a cost of $63,000.
1
39 � 14 February 28, 1994
BID SUMMARY:
Total
Bidder Unit Price Estimated Cost
Rowell Chemical Corporation $360.00/Ton $63,000.00
HInsdale, II
Alexander Chemical Corporation 365.00/Ton 63,875.00
Lisle, II.
K. A. Steel Chemicals 379.50/Ton 66,412.50
Lemont, II.
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of the low bid from Mid -America Truck & Equipment for Two Utility Trucks and One Utility Van for
Building Operations at a total cost of $97,520.
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder Total Cost
Mid -America Truck & Equipment Co. $97,520.00
Rosemont, IL
Freeway Ford Truck Sales, Inc. 98,500.00
Lyons, IL
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of the following proposals: 1) from Wil-Shore Ford for eleven patrol cars at a cost of $156,733.50; and
2) from Lund Industries for installation of emergency accessory equipment (and removal of old equipment) for
patrol cars at a cost of $19,396.08 creating a total cost for both purchases of $176,129.58 for 1994 Police
Department vehicles. (Non -Bid Item, Requires a 2/3 Majority Vote)
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of the bid from Environmental Safety Group for Fire Department Hazardous Material Suits and
Equipment at a total cost of $6,119.04. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of the proposal from Public Administration Service for Consultant Services for an AFSCME
Classification and Compensation Study at a cost of $24,400.
BID SUMMARY:
Bidder Total Cost
Yarger & Associates $24,400
Falls Church, VA
Public Administration Service 24,850
McLean, VA
Ralph Andersen & Associates 29,800
Dallas, TX
Graber Management Consultants 34,700
Evanston, IL
* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
15
February 28,1994 3 9 I
* Approval of the proposal from Police Executive Research Forum for Community Police Consultant Services at
a cost of $56,000. (Non -Bid item, requires 2/3 Majority Vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION
AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Approval of Change Order #5 for Phase II, Area 3, of the Long -Range Sewer Project resulting in a reduction in
the contract with DiPaolo Company in the amount of $192,350.50. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Docket 39-2B-94: Snecial Event Permit - Custer's Last Stand Consideration
of a recommendation that the City Council approve the request of the Custer
Street Fair Organization for permission to hold Custer's Last Stand on June 18-
19, 1994. This approval also includes permission to close portions of Chicago
Avenue, Main Street, Custer Avenue and Washington Street. * APPROVED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
* Docket 22-2A-94: Resolution 13-R-94 - Chandler Center Plaveround
Development - Consideration of proposed Resolution 13-R-94, by which the City
Council would authorize the City Manager to execute an Agreement with
Evanston Hospital Corporation for development of a playground in Chandler
Park. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
Docket 40-2B-94: Resolution 17-R-94 - Agreement with Evanston Community
Television for Cable Production Services - Consideration of proposed Resolution
17-R-94, by which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to enter
into an Agreement with Evanston Community Television whereby ECTV will
provide video production casting services at no charge to the City.
Alderman Kent moved Council adoption of proposed Resolution 17-R-94. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. In
response to a question from Alderman Engelman, Assistant to the City Manager and staff to the Cable Commission,
Vince Adamus, responded to several objections to this agreement raised by a speaker in Citizen Comment and
clarified several points. Motion carried. No nays.
Mayor Morton noted that this was Mr. Adamus' last meeting and thanked him for all he had done for Council and
the City during his years as a staff member and asked Council to give him a round of applause.
* Docket 41-2B-94: Resolution 18-R-94 - Illinois Department of Transportation
Grant Amendment #3 - Transportation Center = Consideration of proposed
Resolution 18-R-94, by which the City Council would authorize the City
Manager to execute Amendment #3, which extends the time period covered by
the Illinois Department of Transportation Grant to December 31, 1994.
* ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0)
* Docket 42-2B-94: Ordinance 14-0-94 - Special Assessment #1399 - Paving of
Thaver Street - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 14-0-94, by which the City
Council would authorize the Special Assessment paving of Thayer Street east of
Crawford Avenue. The Board of Local Improvements has held the required
Public Hearing for this Special Assessment Paving Project. * MARKED
INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA
* Docket 43-2B-94: Ordinance 15-0-94 - Amendment to Department Head
Ordinance - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 15-0-94, by which the City
Council would amend Section 1-9-1 of the Code of the City of Evanston to
establish the Director of Facilities Management as a Department Head position.
* MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA
//0
0 16 February 28, 1994
Docket 24-2A-94: Ordinance 1-0-94 - Home Rule Natural Gas Tax -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 1-0-94, introduced on February 14, 1994,
by which the City Council would impose a home rule tax of $.95 per therm on
the purchasers of natural gas at retail.
Alderman Kent moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 1-0-94. Seconded by Alderman Drummer.
Alderman Engelman moved to amend Section 3-2-9-7-3D to add "or (3) a school district created and operating under
the School Code of the State of Illinois." He also moved to amend Section 4 to add that 'the ordinance will be
in full force and effect from and after April 1, 1994, following its passage, approval and publication in the manner
provided by law." Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Vote on the amendments, motion carried. Roll call on the
Ordinance as amended. Voting aye - Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Drummer.
Voting nay - Newman. Motion carried. (8-1)
* Docket 25-2A-94: Ordinance 5-0-94 - Special Service District #5 -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 5-0-94, introduced on February 14, 1994,
by which the City Council would declare the City's intent to create Special
Service District #5 and set March 28, 1994 as the date for a Public Hearing.
* ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0)
* Docket 26-2A-94: Ordinance 6-0-94 - Loadine Zones on Ashland -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 6-0-94, introduced on February 14, 1994,
by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-7, Schedule VII(B), of
the Code of the City of Evanston to establish Loading Zones at 2143 and 2201
Ashland Avenue. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL
CALL. (9-0)
Docket 27-2A-94: Ordinance 7-0-94 - Telecommunications Utility Tax -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 7-0-94, introduced on February 14, 1994,
by which the City Council would extend the 5 % Utility Tax on communications
to interstate telephone calls.
Alderman Kent moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 7-0-94. Seconded by Alderman Drummer.
Alderman Engelman moved to amend the Ordinance in Section 5 to provide that the Ordinance be in full force and
effect after April 1, 1994, following its passage, approval and publication as provided by law. Seconded by
Alderman Heydemann. Motion carried. Roll call on the Ordinance as amended. Voting aye - Guthrie, Heydemann,
Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Drummer. Voting nay - Newman. Motion carried. (8-1)
* Docket 28-2A-94: Ordinance 8-0-94 - Expansion of Residents Only Parking
District #4 - Dodge Avenue - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 8-0-94,
introduced on February 14, 1994, by which the City Council would amend
Section 10-11-18, Schedule XVIII, of the Code of the City of Evanston to
expand Residents Only Parking District #4 to include Dodge Avenue between
Lake and Church Streets. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND
ROLL CALL. (9-0)
Docket 29-2A-94: Ordinance 9-0-94 - Water Rate Increase - Consideration of
proposed Ordinance 9-0-94, introduced on February 14, 1994, by which the City
Council would increase the water rates to Evanston water customers by 17 % for
all bills issued after March 1, .1994.
Alderman Kent moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 9-0-94. Seconded by Alderman Drummer.
Alderman Newman renewed his objections to this rate increase and said it was a tax to subsidize the Water Fund
that he did not believe was needed for actual operating expenses. He felt that it was the fourth increase in taxes
since the Municipal Election, without the Council making any significant reductions to programs. He noted that
17 February 28, 1994 q 0 1
he had presented proposals for budget reductions earlier this evening that were rejected by Council, so felt free to
vote against the ordinance.
Alderman Feldman said that City is raising taxes to pay for everything in the budget and the community has to
understand that the money raised will pay for the choices that Council made. He said that he'd tried to cut
expenditures and to divert the money where he felt it was clearly needed. He felt that Council was not addressing
the needs of the Eighth Ward as articulated by those neighbors. He felt that Council would be voting to raise the
water rates, while not spending any of that money on programs for that area, and wondered why no accommodation
was made. He said that they should have gotten something and felt that the CDBG proposal to reallocate funds was
not enough. He wondered if his perceptions were wrong that it was not a neighborhood in trouble and did not
understand why the rest of Council did not share his views. He said that he would not vote for this water rate
increase, because this is not the way he wanted to spend the money. Voting aye - Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent,
Moran, Engelman, Drummer. Voting nay - Holsman, Feldman, Newman. Motion carried. (6-3)
* Docket 30-2A-94: Ordinance 10-0-94 - Sewer User Rate Increase, -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 10-0-94, introduced on February 14,
1994, by which the City Council would increase the water rates to Evanston
customers from the current $.90 per 100 cubic feet of water consumed to $1.20
per 100 cubic feet for all bills issued after March 1, 1994. * ADOPTED -
CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0)
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE:
* Docket 44-2B-94: Emergencv Shelter Grant Aonlication - Consideration of a
recommendation that the City Council authorize the submission of an application
to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development for $60,000 in
McKinney Emergency Shelter Grant funding. * APPROVED - CONSENT
AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
* Docket 46-2B-94: Families in Transition Program - Fisher Memorial A. M.E.
Zion Church Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council authorize
the City manager to enter into an Agreement with the Fisher Memorial A. M.E.
Zion Church in conjunction with the Families in Transition Program for an
amount not to exceed $14,500. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0)
Docket 34-2A-94: Ordinance 12-0-94 - Evanston Preservation Ordinance -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 12-0-94, introduced on February 14, 1994,
by which the City Council would comprehensively amend Ordinance 23-0-75,
the current Preservation Commission Ordinance.
Alderman Engelman moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 12-0-94. Seconded by Alderman Guthrie.
Alderman Engelman said that he had three small technical changes to offer to the ordinance, which he would present
later in writing, and he raised the following policy issues: 1) Who is final authority on a Certificate of
Appropriateness -as to whether a property owner can make the alterations he wishes to make - the Preservation
Commission or Council? Is the Preservation Commission the final authority or a recommending body, or an
authority with an appeals process to the Council? 2) Is the granting of authority for subdivisions the estate overlay
in a different form? He said that Council needs to deliberate carefully on these issues.
Alderman Newman disagreed with Alderman Engelman's second point and said that it was an issue addressed by
the consultant and the Preservation Commission. However, he said that neither of these issues were debated in
committee. He said that he would like the Preservation Commission and others to have an opportunity to respond
to them. Alderman Newman moved to extend the resolution establishing a moratorium on plats of subdivision until
LM 18 February 28, 1994
March 29. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. He asked that the ordinance be discussed in the Planning and
Development Committee on March 14. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Newman moved to hold this docket
item over until the next meeting. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. At the request of two aldermen, this docket
item will be held until the next meeting
OTHER CO :
* Docket 47-2B-94: Ordinance 13-0-94 - Taxicab Advisory Board -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 13-0-94, by which the City Council would
increase the number of citizens appointed to the Taxicab Advisory Board, as
representatives of the public at large, from one member to three, and increase
the total number of members on the Board from five to seven.* MARKED
INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA
REPORT OF THE STANDING COAEM[ITTEES
ADMIlVISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS
Docket 31-2A-94: Ordinance 11-0-94 - Reveal of Message Tax - Consideration
of proposed Ordinance 11-0-94, introduced on February 14, 1994, by which the
City Council would delete the 5 % Utility Tax on intrastate communications from
Section 3-2-9-2 of the Code of the City of Evanston. The authority for the 5 %
Utility Tax on intrastate communications is contained in proposed Ordinance 7-0-
94. No Action
HUMAN SERVICES
Docket 48-2B-94: Citizen Panel on Panhandling - Consideration of a
recommendation that the Mayor appoint a panel of citizens to develop a
comprehensive City strategy to address panhandling, which will report back to
the City Council in sixty days.
Alderman Holsman moved Council approval of the recommendation. Seconded by Alderman Drummer.
Alderman Newman moved a substitute motion to let the issue be handled by the City/Chamber Committee. In
response to his request for a second, Alderman Holsman seconded the motion.
Alderman Newman said that there appeared to be a consensus at the City/Chamber Committee that there is a
problem that needs to be addressed. He noted that the Chamber did not want an ordinance. He wanted the problem
addressed before summer and expressed concern that waiting for a committee to be appointed would delay dealing
with it. He said that the Chamber had offered to be in the center of this effort and suggested that many of the
solutions that may be put forward could -involve private sector contributions. He felt that this committee was a
duplication of the Chamber's effort.
Alderman Heydemann said that she had spoken to the president of the Chamber and she indicated that she had no
preference as to how it was handled, nor did the Executive Director. She also pointed out that the Chamber had
offered to consolidate their efforts with the City if this committee is appointed. She thought that the City committee
was the appropriate place to discuss this issue and develop a consensus. She expected that the Chamber's research
would be available to the committee.
In response to a question from Alderman Guthrie, Alderman Moran read the list of groups and organizations that
would be asked to have a representative on the committee, and noted that they represented a wide spectrum of the
community.
19 February 28, 1994
�03
Alderman Newman said that the Chamber had a good relationship with the churches and reiterated his opposition
to appointing this committee and expressed concern about the time -frame involved in appointing the committee.
Alderman Moran said that he would be pleased to have the Chamber involved and to consolidate its efforts with
the City and felt they had much to contribute to this discussion. He felt that since the issue had been referred to
the Human Services Committee by Alderman Newman, there was value in having elected officials involved, as well
as broad representation from the community. He said that he also looked forward to the expenditure of private
funds, but thought that an inclusive approach was more appropriate. He did not think that it would take long to
identify those who wished to serve on the panel.
Alderman Feldman noted that he had opposed the formation of this committee in the Human Services discussion.
He said that he did not have a lot of confidence in blue ribbon committees and felt that in voting to foim such a
committee, the elected aldermen would be abdicating their responsibilities. He questioned whether such a diverse
group would be able to reach a consensus on solutions to the problem of panhandling. He noted that Council did
not have blue ribbon committees to develop a Clean Air Ordinance or a blue ribbon committee on the budget. He
thought that the Energy Commission had done a wonderful job on their task, but noted that they were not a diverse
group. He questioned whether the panel could finish such a complex task in 60 days and said that he would vote
against creating the committee.
Alderman Holsman supported Alderman Feldman's comments and agreed that Council should not pass the buck to
another committee. He felt that the issue belonged in the Human Services Committee.
Alderman Newman also wanted the issue to stay in the Human Services Committee, but realized that the rest of the
committee did not share his view and therefore supported dealing with the issue in the Chamber committee. He
felt the Chamber committee was the appropriate place to consider this issue because, at some point, businessmen
would be asked for money to support the solutions. He questioned whether any solutions proposed by a City -
appointed committee would be accepted by businessmen.
In response to a question from Alderman Engelman, Mayor Morton said that the resolution did not require her to
get the advice and consent of the Council for her appointees. Alderman Engelman urged her to put the committee
together quickly, so they could begin their work. Mayor Morton noted that there would be no problem recruiting
people for the panel, but said that establishing meeting dates may be more of a problem because of everyone's busy
schedules.
Alderman Drummer noted that there had been a number of very valuable and successful blue ribbon committees,
such as the blue ribbon committees on gangs, special housing, substance abuse and the homeless.
Alderman Kent said that he was more comfortable sitting down with a table of social workers than businessmen,
but felt that since the Chamber committee had started work on this issue they had an time advantage, when the
committee is supposed to report back in 60 days. He felt that the City committee would be starting a square one.
Vote on Alderman Newman's substitute motion, voting aye - Kent, Holsman, Feldman and Newman. Voting nay -
Guthrie, Heydemann, Moran, Engelman and Drummer. Motion failed (4-5)
Vote on the main motion, motion carried.
Alderman Newman announced that he was volunteering for the committee.
OTHER COMMITTEES:
Docket 36-2A-94: Resolution 14-R-94 - Amending 1994-95 CDBG Program -
Consideration of proposed Resolution 14-R-94, by which the City Council would
amend the 1994-95 Community Development Block Grant Program authorizing
the reallocation of Multi-Family/Single-Family Revolving Loan Funds to various
programs.
20 February 28, 1994
Alderman Drummer moved Council adoption of proposed Resolution 14-R-94. Seconded by. Alderman Newman.
Alderman Drummer moved to amend the Resolution to have the $250.000 designated for Multi-Familv
Rehabilitation Program and the $50.000 designated for the Code Enforcement Relocation Program. be used in areas
of the Second and Fifth Wards bounded by Dodge. Ashland. Lake and Simnson. as well as the area previously
designated in the Eighth Ward: that the S50.000 designated for the Landlord -Tenant nrogram be used to train tenants
in the same two areas of the Second and Fifth Ward previously stated. as well as the area of the Eighth Ward. and
the Landlord portion of the program. including landlord schools, to be citvwide: that $75.000 be designated for the
Youth Entrepreneur Trainin ►Pre xam and the Education at Work Program as outlined in the memorandum: that
$40.000 be allocated to the alley improvements and $10.000 to the Police Department to augment the $27.958
previously designated for an outreach worker: that the remaining $25.000 be allocated to the Commission of Aging
Handyman Assistance Program. as outlined in other memorandums: and that, once these programs are assembled.
that they be directed to the appropriate committees and then to City Council. Seconded by Alderman Engelman.
Alderman Holsman made a substitute motion to make the Multi-familv Rehabilitation Program and the Code
Enforcement Relocation Program and the Tenant -Landlord Assistance Program citvwide and delete the $75.000
designated for the Youth Entrepreneur/Tramme Program, the $50.000 designated for the Alley Improvement
Program, and the $25.000 designated for the Handyman Program and apply the $150.000 to the Multi-Familv
Rehabilitation Program. Mayor Morton noted that CD programs cannot apply citywide. Alderman Holsman further
amended his motion to apply only to CDBG target areas.
City Manager Anderson asked whether he wished he wished the relocation assistance program in CD areas to
include student housing. He noted that the program was designed to aid families that had been displaced by code
enforcement for overcrowding.
Alderman Heydemann noted that the $75,000 designated for youth training had matching grants tied to them and
suggested that by deleting those funds, the City would lose approximately the same amount in private funds.
Alderman Newman moved to amend the substitute motion to eliminate the Code Enforcement Relocation Program
and put the $50.000 designated for that program into the Multi-Familv Rehabilitation Program. making that program
a total of $450.000. Seconded by Alderman Feldman.
Alderman Holsman said that he wished people who were relocated to have assistance in some way.
Alderman Newman said that he considered that program was ill-conceived, was bad public policy, and the City
should not reward people for breaking the law. He said that ignorance of the law is not an excuse and felt that the
City should not give money to people who violate it. He said that he didn't want social workers to tell people to
come to Evanston, over -occupy, and get three months rent. He felt that the law had to be enforced and people who
unknowingly violate this should be given time to move out, but no money, if they sign an affidavit that they did not
know. But he felt that someone should have known, such as the landlord. He asked if any other communities had
a similar program.
Director of Health and Human, Jay Terry, noted that in terms of policy, code enforcement relocation has been in
place in Evanston for many years as a service through the Emergency Assistance Program. He clarified that the
program proposed this evening extends the dollar amount and the time limit, but is not a change in policy.
Alderman Newman said that he was unaware that this program existed and if he had been aware, he would have
moved to delete the program. He did not object to give people time to move, but strenuously objected to giving
them money. He felt it flew in the face of strong code enforcement and zoning enforcement.
Alderman Feldman said that many people don't come to Evanston because they can't afford it, but if they become
aware of this program and over -occupy, they might be able to afford it. He objected to the program.
Mr. Terry clarified that if over -occupancy is cited by the Property Standards Department, the existing practice is
to provide one months assistance and a security deposit to move into a legal unit for those who have to move out
21 February 28, 1994
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to bring a unit into compliance. Director of Housing and Property Services, Jim Wolinski, said that in cases like
that the landlord is cited and taken to court if the over -occupancy is not taken care of in the proscribed time. What
the city strives for is compliance. He noted that the problem is usually with tenants, because they are supposed to
file an affidavit with the lease on how many people will be occupying the unit.
Alderman Holsman expressed concern for those who would be turned out from their units, but felt that if giving
them a time extension without the money would accomplish the goal, then he favored the extending the time. He
said that he didn't wish to have them, out in the street in ten days.
Alderman Newman restated his substitute motion and said that he would be happy to amend it to include a'provision
that tenants in an over -crowding situation be given 120 days to relocate.
City Manager Anderson said that sometimes there are situations where there are life -threatening circumstances and
the City cannot give them the 120 days. Alderman Newman said that in life -threatening situations, he would give
that discretion to the staff to waive that.
Alderman Engelman sympathized with Alderman Newman's concerns about paying people to relocate, but said that
he was familiar with the issue from both the landlord's and tenants' point of view. He noted that most often
landlords don't get a list of who lives in the apartment and reminded Council that he had made a reference
concerning this. He cited several examples of how a family might get into an over -crowding situation inadvertently,
such as birth of additional children or taking in extended family. He expressed concern about giving 120 days to
relocate, when one of the problems this is trying to address is gang bangers overcrowding an apartment. Sometimes
this program will give a little money to the wrong people, but he would rather see them get it and get out than
seeing them stay in a building and create more problems. However, he felt that the money would be used to help
the right people.
Alderman Holsman said that this program should not apply to gang bangers, but that they should be dealt with by
the police.
Alderman Newman said that there were many different ways to handle this problem and felt that giving them time
to relocate was a better way. He said that this program was an incentive to over -occupy.
Vote on Alderman Newman's amendment, motion failed.
Vote on Alderman Holsman's substitute motion, motion failed.
In response to a question from Alderman Feldman, Alderman Drummer clarified that his motion applied to the
target area of the Eighth Ward and the area of the Second and Fifth Ward bounded by Dodge, Lake, Ashland and
Simpson.
Alderman Feldman moved to amend Alderman Drummer's motion to include all CDBG areas. Seconded by
Alderman Holsman. Voting aye - Kent, Holsman, Feldman and Newman. Voting nay - Guthrie, Heydemann,
Moran, Engelman and Drummer. Motion failed.
City Manager Anderson noted that part of Alderman Drummer's motion included an additional $10,000 for the
Police Department, which falls into the public service category, and is already at the limit set by HUD. Additional
expenditures cannot be added to it under existing guidelines.
At this time Alderman Feldman left the meeting.
Aldermen Newman, Engelman, Drummer and City Manager discussed caps on the various CD categories and the
guidelines imposed by HUD. Alderman Drummer amended his motion to delete the $10.000 for the Police
Department and returned it to the Allev Paving Improvement Program to conform with HUD guidelines. He also
Y6k22 February 28, 1994
amended his motion to allow landlords and tenants to participate in Landlord -Tenant Program on a citvwide basis.
Alderman Newman said that he considered the Landlord -Tenant School to be a waste of money because he didn't
know what tenants would attend. He said that he didn't want to spud any money on this program until 100 tenants
had signed up. He objected to having the CDBG Committee design programs like this and felt it should be done
by the Housing Commission. He also objected to giving money to the Commission on Aging for their Handyman
Program, suggesting that it duplicated the efforts of the Neighbors at Work program. In response to Alderman
Newman's question, Assistant City Manager Aiello clarified that all senior citizens in the City can participate in the
Handyman Program if they are income -eligible and do not have to live in a target area. He continued to question
whether other programs in Alderman Drummer's motion would exceed the caps in certain categories.
Alderman Heydemann assured Alderman Newman that the CD Committee had not designed any program, but only
allocated the funds so certain concepts could be moved forward. She said that she is committed to having
community input in the early stages of the program design process.
Alderman Moran clarified that the Commission on Aging had been told by Neighbors at Work that their resources
were being used to help with more serious problems, such as code violations, and said that they were unable to
handle simple maintenance tasks such as this program addresses. Alderman Newman said that the Handyman
Program should be worked into the Neighbors at Work Program and objected to starting up a new program.
Alderman Newman moved that when the $75.000 vouth training program gets to the Human Services Committee
for discussion. the committee consider expanding the Youth Emnlovment Program to include a public/private
partnership, where the Citv contributes $1000 per teen and that is matched by $1000 by the private sector. so at
least 75 iobs are created. He said that he would like also to get to 125 kids into the program, rather than 10-15,
and would like to see them working in private sector jobs, rather than in alleys. Seconded by Alderman Holsman.
Alderman Newman, Engelman and Drummer discussed which committee should be responsible for design of this
program and Alderman Drummer thought that it should go first to the Minority Business Enterprise/Women's
Business Enterprise Committee.
Vote on Alderman Newman's amendment, motion failed.
Vote on Alderman Drummer's motion on Resolution 14-R-94, as amended, motion carried.
Alderman Drummer moved to further amend the CDBG Proeram to reallocate $44.000 in CDBG funds to fund the
salary and benefits for an additional pronerty maintenance inspector. Seconded by Alderman Holsman. Motion
carried. No nays.
Docket 14-lB-94: Ordinance 129-0-93 - Tax Increment Financing
Redevelopment Plan and Proiect - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 129-0-
93, introduced on January 24, 1994, by which the City Council would adopt and
approve a Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment plan and Project for the
Church/Chicago area. No Action.
Docket 15-1B-94: Ordinance 130-0-93 - Tax Increment Financing Designation
of Redevelopment Proiect Area - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 130-0-
93, introduced on January 24, 1994, by which the City Council would designate
the Church/Chicago Area, by legal description, as a Tax Increment
Redevelopment Project Area. No Action.
Docket 16-1B-94: Ordinance 131-0-93 - Tax Increment Financing -
Consideration of proposed Ordinance 131-0-93, introduced on January 24, 1994,
by which the City Council would specify the administration of incremental real
estate taxes in the Church/Chicago Tax Increment Financing District consistent
with State Statutes. No Action.
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MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
APPOINTMENTS:
February 28,1994
Mayor Morton asked for Council confirmation of the following name for appointment to the Property Services
Board for term ending March 1, 1997:
Ann Graff, 1038 Asbury Avenue
Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of this appointment. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried.
No nays.
Mayor Morton introduced the following names for reappointment:
Dr. Harriet Gillette, 422 Davis Sheet
Grace Halperin, 734 Noyes Street
Brian Lamberg, 1417 Noyes Street
Mayor Morton introduced the following names for appointment:
Sandra Davis Houston, 1324 Dewey Avenue
Daniel Wegner, 1717 Greenleaf Street
Janet Webb, 1721 Hartrey Avenue
CALL OF THE WARDS:
Commission on Aging
Commission on Aging
Electrical Commission
Human Relations Commission
Ladd Arboretum Committee
Playground and Recreation Board
Alderman Newman made a reference to the Administration and Public Works Committee to re-examine the City's
curfew laws to consider earlier curfews.
Alderman Guthrie moved that Council recess into Closed Session to consider pending litigation. Seconded by
Alderman Moran. Roll call. Voting aye, Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Newman and
Drummer. Motion carried. (8-0)
Council recessed into Closed Session at 2:25 A.M. and reconvened into Open Session at 2:45 A.M.
There being no more business to come before the Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn. The
Council so moved and adjourned at 2:46 A.M.
KIRSTEN F. DAVIS
CITY CLERK
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