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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1994-03-21-1994a6 E rr� COUNCIQ. tiOF E V9�`fl+ * ��j ),* °'� Co. tltiti�' March 21, 1"4 Standing committees meet prior to the official regular meeting. Current members are as follows: Administration and Public Works Alderman Newman Alderman Heydemann Alderman Engelman Alderman Drummer Alderman Kent Alderman Holsman Alderman Guthrie Alderman Moran Alderman Feldman Plannin¢ and Development Alderman Newman Alderman Engelman Alderman Heydemann Alderman Kent Human Services Alderman Guthrie Alderman Holsman Alderman Feldman Alderman Moran Alderman Drummer The OFFICIAL REGULAR MEETING of the City Council was held on Monday, March 21, 1994, at 8:53 P.M. in the City Council Chamber. ROLL CALL - PRESENT: Alderman Drummer Alderman Guthrie Alderman Heydemann Alderman Kent Alderman Moran A Quorum being present. ABSENT: None TARDY: None PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton Alderman Engelman Alderman Holsman Alderman Feldman Alderman Newman A video tape recording of this meeting has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the City Clerk's office. 7 2 March 21, 1994 CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS: City Manager Eric A. Anderson announced that the Chicago Chapter of the American Public Works Association had selected Public Works Director, David H. Barber, as their nominee for the prestigious Top Ten Public Works Leader of the Year Program. He said that the purpose of the program is to inspire excellence and dedication in public service by recognizing the outstanding achievements of individual public works officials. He congratulated Mr. Barber for this outstanding recognition. Mayor Morton and the aldermen joined Mr. Anderson in congratulating Mr. Barber. CITIZEN COMMENT: Hollv Lowell -Bellew, 2658 Prairie, announced that the Evanston Neighborhood Conference will hold albrum on Building a Safe Community Together on Wednesday, March 23, from 7:30-9:00 P.M. at the Unitarian Church, 1330 Ridge Avenue. Kevin Riellev, attorney for the developer of 816 Hinman Avenue and 811 Chicago Avenue, said they felt that this development was in the best interest of the community and the specific neighborhood. He said they received over 100 letters of support for the project and gave all the letters to the mayor. Alex Snroul, President of the Main Street Merchants Association, said that the merchants strongly supported these developments, but were most concerned about what happened to 811 Chicago Avenue; discussed the recent and projected vacancies in the 800 block of Chicago Avenue and emphasized that the area needed the redevelopment; noted that the City could use the increased tax revenue generated by both projects; expressed concern about parking problems in the area; urged the City to study those problems and made several suggestions for changes in parking provisions, including making Hinman a one-way street with angled parking; urged Council to approve the developments. Jav Johnson, urged Council to support the projects for the tax revenues they would generate and because the developments would clean up two eyesores in the community. Rob Paddor, owner of Evanston Nissan, urged Council to support the projects for the positive effect they would have on the area, particularly on Chicago Avenue. He noted that he, too, experienced parking problems and suggested that the City negotiate with the CNW Railroad to acquire 1000 feet on their right -of --way in that area that could be developed as a parking lot. Axel Grove, owner of Dancing Noodles, said that he located his restaurant, which depends on neighborhood business, in south Evanston because he like the ambience of the area, and explained how important the development of 811 Chicago was to his economic viability. He urged Council to approve the developments. Alderman Engelman moved to extend the time allocated for Citizen Comment. Seconded by Alderman Heydemann. Motion carried. No nays. Jonathan Perman, Executive Director of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, said that the Chamber and the business community fully supported the developments, especially 811 Chicago Avenue, and felt that it would give the area a needed shot in the arm. He noted that the developments would bring new property and sales taxes to the city and additional families to the area. He urged Council to support the variations requested by the developer. Gordon Peters, 824 Hinman Avenue, reported that he had surveyed single family neighborhoods and determined that people would not want a townhouse development like 816 Hinman in their neighborhood; said that the neighbors wanted the properties cleaned up, but felt that the development was inappropriate for the area; said that the development of 811 Chicago Avenue had been discouraged because of is interconnection with 816 Hinman; discussed the parking problems in the area; discussed the construction of the 800 Hinman Building and said that it is an eight -story building which does not comply with current zoning for parking spaces which adds to the congestion of the area; He asked Council to visualize the proposed development next to their homes. March 21, 1994 ��o Stuart Oodvche, a member of the District 202 Board of Education, discussed the ongoing budget problems of the two school districts and noted that the development would bring in additional tax revenue to the schools. Andrea Wells, 820 Hinman, questioned various terminology used in relation to this development; noted that the underlying zoning in this block allowed the highest density in the City and questioned why this development could not be built without variations; suggested that the 816 Hinman development was out of character fox, the neighborhood and did not meet appropriate zoning standards; charged that if this is built, it would be the epitaph for ethics, integrity and standards for the community and would be a reminder to never lower the standards again. She urged Council to put politics aside and "do the right thing." Bob Thomas, 817 Hinman, expressed concern that cars entering the development would shine their lights into the window of his apartment building; understood the need to develop both parcels of land, but felt that they -should be considered separately; questioned whether the hardship requirement in the Zoning Ordinance had been met for the 816 Hinman property; expressed concern that approval of this development would establish a bad precedent and would generate costs not figured into the development costs. Mike Wells. 820 Hinman, said that the loss of even one parking space to allow the driveway for this project, was one too many in a congested area; noted that the Zoning Board of Appeals had denied the request and urged Council to do so also; said that the four story wall of the townhouse would cut out sunlight from the gardens behind his building. Kathleen Kearnev, 801 Hinman, presented petitions to the Council containing 297 signatures against the project. Niki Hiltwein, 820 Hinman, objected to the Third Ward Alderman's support for this project and said that she had not listened to the concerns of the neighbors; said that the neighbors were not against families or children and did not wish to see Dancing Noodles die, but felt that the property should be developed in a manner that all could support. Erna Thomnson, 807 Hinman, said that she had lived there for 36 years and had never found a better location; said she had no objection to the development of this property, but questioned whether any other proposals had been received that might be a more beneficial use of the land at 816 Hinman; suggested that the development would give the neighborhood Chicago -type density, which people moved to the suburbs to escape; felt there were enough multi- unit buildings on Hinman and this development would add to the traffic congestion; thought the design of the development was incompatible with the surrounding architecture; and expressed concern whether the developers had investigated soil conditions on the property. Gladvs Gooden, said that her 7-unit building was directly across from the proposed 816 development, and did not understand why the City would allow a development that would bring many more cars into this already congested area; objected to having the driveway for the project opposite her building; felt that the development on Hinman would have a negative effect on her building; stated that the owner had allowed his property to deteriorate and questioned his claim that he had spent $250,000 fixing up 811 Chicago Avenue; objected to the ZBA's recommendation being overturned by Council. Jonathan HieQins, 649 Hinman, said that he grew up and worked in the neighborhood; suggested that Dancing Noodles was, not a destination restaurant because there was no parking in the neighborhood and discussed parking problems in the area; expressed concern that the new developments would bring additional congestion and felt it would bring more crime to the area; supported the development of 811 Chicago Avenue, but suggested that additional accommodations needed to be made for parking; pointed out that commuter parking added to the congestion; supported the idea of making Hinman a one-way street and adding parking. 1 41( 4 March 21,1994 CONSENT AGENDA: (Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda, with the following exception: Docket 53-3A- 94: Ordinance 17-0-94 - Increase in Taxicab Rates. Seconded by Alderman Feldman. Roll can. Voting aye - Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman. Voting nay - none Motion carried. (9-0) CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS * MINUTES: * The minutes of the regular Council meeting of February 28, 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 COMIMM7EE: BILLS AND PAYROLL * Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for the period ending March 24, 1994; for City of Evanston payroll for the period ending March 6, 1994; for City Council payroll for February 1994; and that their payment be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston bills $ 1,821,811.33 City of Evanston payroll $ 1,310,398.92 City Council payroll 4,875.03 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) PURCHASES: * Approval of the proposal from Stiles-Kem Division, Met -Pro Corporation for Blended Phosphate for the Water Department at a cost of $7.65 per gallon.* APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Approval of the proposal from Soil and Material Consultants, Inc., for Material Inspection and Testing Services at a total cost of $27,382.67. (Non -Bid Item, Requires a 2/3 Majority Vote) PROPOSAL SUMMARY: Firm Design Consulting Engineers Prospect Heights, IL Soil and Material Consultants, Inc Arlington Heights, IL Professional Service Industries Hillside, IL Total Estimated Cost $24,691.13 27,382.67 27,918.53 SEECO Consultants, Inc. 44,165.68 Tinley Park, II. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) 1 5 March 21, 1994 �/Z * Approval of the proposal from Insituform Midwest, Inc., for Lining of Sewers on Main Street at a total cost of $42,200.(Non-Bid Item, Requires 2/3 Majority Vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND. ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Approval of the purchase of materials from each of the nurseries listed below in the amounts specified for a total cost of $26,768.30. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Cost Shemin Nursery $13,218.75 Addison, IL St. Aubin Nursery 7,546.20 Kirkland, IL Klehm Nursery 1,890.00 South Barrington, II. Kaknes Landscape Supply 1,771.35 Naperville, IL Beaver Creek Nursery 1,627.00 Poplar Grove, IL Wheeler Nursery 715.00 Zion, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Approval of the low bid from Duro Bag Manufacturing Company for 144,000 Yard Waste Bags at a cost of $32,328. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Annual cost Duro Bag Manufacturing Company $ 32,832 Ludlow, KY Stone Container Corporation 34,560 Schaumburg, IL Dano Enterprises 36,360 Plainview, NY * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Approval of the proposal from UGC Consulting for Geographic Information System Needs Assessment Study at a cost not to exceed $67,471. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Approval of the proposal from Hebard-Porter Moving & Storage Co. for moving the Library collections from the storage site and the Interim Library Site to the new Library building at a cost not to exceed $78,889. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Approval of a Change Order to the contract with Communication Contractors, Inc., for installation of data, telephone, and CATV cable in the new Main Library at a net increase of $3,348.50. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) �13 6 March 21, 1994 * Docket 49-3A-94: Scecial Event Permit - North Shore Race Unitv Dav - Consideration of a request from the North Shore Race Unity Task Force for permission to hold a.Community Picnic at the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center on Saturday, May 14, 1994 from 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. The Task Force is also requesting that City Council waive the City fees associated with holding this event. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) *Docket 50-3A-94: Resolution 16-R-94 - License Agreement to Allow Steps on Public Sidewalk at 1006-1010 Davis - Consideration of proposed Resolution 16- R-94, by which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to enter into a License Agreement with the owner of the structure at 1006-1010 Davis Street to allow the steps to remain on the public sidewalk at each apartment tier's entryway. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Docket 51-3A-94: Resolution 22-R-94 - Reserved Parking Space for Disabled - 1004 Ashland - Consideration of proposed Resolution 22-R-94, by which the City Council would authorize the designation of a reserved parking space for the disabled at 1004 Ashland Avenue. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Docket 52-3A-94: Resolution 23-R-94 - Reserved Parkin¢ Space for Disabled - 1022 Sheridan Road - Consideration of proposed Resolution 23-R-94, by which the City Council would authorize the designation of a reserved parking space for the disabled at 1022 Sheridan Road. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) Docket 53-3A-94: Ordinance 17-0-94 - Increase in Taxicab Rates - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 17-0-94, by which the City Council would amend Section 3-19-6-3(A) of the Code of the City of Evanston to increase the metered taxicab rates. Alderman Moran introduced proposed Ordinance 17-0-94. Marked Introduced. * Docket 54-3A-94: Ordinance 22-0-94 - 1994 Tax -Exempt General Obligation Bond Issue - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 22-0-94, by which the City Council would authorize the issuance of Series 1994 Tax Exempt Bonds in the amount of $21,210,000. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 55-3A-94: Ordinance 23-0-94 -1994 Taxable General Obligation Bond Issue - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 23-0-94, by which the City Council would authorize the issuance of Series 1994 Taxable General Obligation Bonds in the amount of $2,000,000. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 56-3A-94: Ordinance 24-0-94 - Loading Zone - Darrow north of Emerson - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 24-0-94, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-7, Schedule VII(A), of the Code of the City of Evanston, to establish a Loading Zone on Darrow Avenue at the east entrance of the Springfield Baptist Church. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA 7 March 21, 1994 ql`� 1 * Docket 42-2B-94: Ordinance 14-0-94 - Special Assessment #1399 - Paving of Thayer Street - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 14-0-94, introduced on February 28, 1994, .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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Docket 43-2B-94: Ordinance 15-0-94 - Amendment to Department Head Ordinance - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 15-0-94, introduced on February 28, 1994, 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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: * Docket 57-3A-94: Township Bills - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council approve Township bills, payroll, and medical payments for February 1994 in the amount of $178,444.62. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Docket 58-3A-94: Health Care for the Homeless - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an Agreement with the Center for Public Ministry for the provision of public health services for persons who are homeless. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0). PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: * Docket 59-3A-94: Ordinance 16-0-94 - Zoning Board of Appeals 93-SU(R) - Special Use - 1000 Central - Consideration of the Zoning Board of Appeals' recommendation that the City Council grant the application of Evanston Hospital Corporation for a special use to permit establishment of a Child Day Care Center on the property at 1000 Central Street. The property is zoned 01 Office/ORD Redevelopment Overlay District. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Heydemann moved to Suspend the Rules to adopt the ordinance the same night it was introduced. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Heydemann moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 16-0-94, introduced this evening. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Voting aye - Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman and Newman. Motion carried. (9-0) * Docket 60-3A-94: Ordinance 20-0-94 - Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment - Consideration of a recommendation from the Planning & Development Committee not to concur with the recommendation of the Plan Commission and, instead, grant the petition of Ark Khanuk to amend Section 6-10-2-3 of the Zoning Ordinance to list automobile sales as a special use in the C1 Commercial District. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA March 21, 1994 * Docket 61-3A-94: Ordinance 21-0-94 - Zonine Board of Anneals 93-18-V(R) - Variation - 816 Hinman - Consideration of the Zoning Board of Appeals' recommendation that' the City Council d_y the application of the 816 Hinman Avenue Limited Partnership for variations from the lot width, rear yard, yard obstruction, general lot and bulk controls, and off-street parking regulations for the Zoning Ordinance to permit construction of fourteen single-family attached dwelling units on the property at 816 Hinman Avenue. When this matter was considered by the Planning & Development Committee, the plans of the proposal were revised so that the only variations necessary are lot width, general lot and bulk controls, and off-street parking in order to permit construction of twelve single-family attached dwelling units. On February 21, 1994, the Committee voted to report this matter out without a recommendation. The property is zoned R6 General Residence District. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA OTHER CONE4IITTEES: * Docket 47-2B-94: Ordinance 13-0-94 - Taxicab Advisory Board - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 13-0-94, introduced on February 18, 1994, 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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) REPORT OF THE STANDING CONIM=ES ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS Docket 31-2A-94: Ordinance 11-0-94 - Reveal of Messa¢e 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 All action items on the Consent Agenda. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COM TTEE: 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 Heydemann stated she had an additional amendment to version #5 of the ordinance received in their packets. She moved to amend Section 2-9-3 (B) to read as follows: "Appointments, Terms, Vacancies and Relocation. (1) Commissioners shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of Council for terms of three (3) years. Appointments shall be staggered so that the terms of not more than four (4) Commissioners shall expire in any calendar year. A Commission member may be reappointed only once. When a vacancy is created by the resignation or death of a member prior to the expiration of that member's term, the member appointed to fill this vacancy shall be appointed to a full term." Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Heydemann moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 12-0-94, .as amended.. Seconded by 9 March 21, 1994 q16 Alderman Engelman. Roll call. Voting aye - Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman and Newman. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (9-0) On behalf of the Planning and Development Committee. Alderman Hevdemann made a reference to the Citv-School, Liaison Committee to discuss school safety, handicapped accessibility and the standards that oueht to be maintained at the schools so that all the citizens of Evanston can be assured that the schools are a safe place in which to be., Alderman Newman requested a legal opinion on the right of the City of Evanston to inspect and enforce building codes in regard to District 65 and 202 property. OTHER CONEUrITEES: Docket 62-3A-94: Reconsideration of Code Enforcement Area Funded by Reallocated CDBG Funds - Consideration of Alderman Engelman's Request to reconsider the use of reallocated Community Development Block Grant Funds for code enforcement. On February 28, 1994, the City Council voted to restrict code enforcement to a portion of the Target Area. Alderman Engelman requests Council consideration of expanding the use of these Funds to the entire Target area. Alderman Engelman moved Council reconsideration of Alderman Drummer's motion, approved at the last meeting. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Motion carried. No nays. Aldermen Drummer, Feldman, Engelman discussed expanding the areas in which the code enforcement rehabilitation funds would be used. City Manager Anderson noted that it was the City's intent to leverage the money allocated through local banks, but he was not sure how far they would go to address the extent of the aced. If the money is not sufficient, Council can look at it again to see if more money can be found to fund the program. Alderman Newman supported expanding the program to an additional area, but expressed concern about how far the money would stretch. Alderman Holsman questioned whether the program would be expanded to the target areas originally defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or the blended Target Areas proposed by the City. Alderman Kent supported the idea that everyone in a Target Area could apply for this money. Alderman Drummer felt that the money moved out of the program at the last meeting would be spent well on a police van and an alley lighting program and reminded Council that this was only one year and there are CDBG funds to allocate each year. He urged the aldermen to look around their wards and bring proposals to the CDBG Committee for next year's allocation. Alderman Heydemann expressed concern that by expanding the areas where the funds can be used, it will dilute the pilot project in the Eighth Ward for which these funds were originally allocated. Mayor Morton and City Manager Anderson discussed the Target Area maps and Mayor Morton asked to see the copies of the HUD approved map. The City Manger asked Council to designate specifically in which Target areas they wanted the funds to be used. Alderman Engelman emphasized that the funds they were discussing should be used strictly for code enforcement rehabilitation and not for relocation. He felt that the areas in which the funds were to be used should be determined by the appropriate committee as a programmatic decision and not be a policy decision. Alderman Newman thought that the Planning and Development Committee is the appropriate committee to make these decisions, and appropriate to have the Housing Commission do an evaluation all over the City. City Manager Anderson noted that the funds had originally been proposed to be used by a small area of the Eighth Ward and expressed concern that there would not be enough money for the program if it was to be used widely in a number of areas. Alderman Feldman moved to amend Alderman Drummer's motion from the last meeting to exvand the area in which the Housing Code Enforcement Rehabilitation Program funds could be used to include an area bounded by Oakton. RidEe, Washington and Custer in the Ninth Ward. in addition to the Clyde/CallanBrummel area in the Eighth Ward and the area in the Second and Fifth Wards bounded by Ashland, Lake, Dodge and Simnson, vreviously designated. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Motion carried. No nays. 417 10 March 21, 1994 Docket 14-1B-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-lB-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. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: Mayor Morton announced that there would be a Closed Session to discuss Land Acquisition and Personnel. APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton asked Council for confirmation of the following names for reappointment: Dr. Harriet Gillette, 422 Davis Street, for term ending March 31, 1997; Grace Halperin, 734 Noyes Street, for term ending March 31, 1997; Brian Lamberg, 1417 Noyes Street, for term ending March 31, 1997; and confirmation of the following names for appointment: Sandra Davis Houston, 1324 Dewey Avenue, for term ending March 31, 1997; Daniel Wegner, 1717 Greenleaf Street, for term ending March 31, 1997; Janet Webb, 1721 Hartrey Avenue, for term ending March 31, 1999 Commission on Aging Commission on Aging Electrical Commission Human Relations Commission Ladd Arboretum Committee Playground and Recreation Board Alderman Feldman moved Council confirmation of the above names. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Motion carried. No nays. 1 11 March 21, 1994 q/ Mayor Morton introduced the following name for reappointment: Harry Mickelsen, Jr., 2739 Girard Avenue and.the following names for appointment: Verner Reid, 1578 Sherman Avenue Sheldon Garber, 1030 Michigan Avenue CALL OF THE WARDS: Commission on Aging Cable Commission Library Board Alderman Feldman reported that there had been a fire at 929 Washington this evening resulting in serious injuries. He said that according to the Fire Chief, most of the residents will be back in the building this evening and those who can't return will stay with friends or will be housed by the City. He said that the Fire Department acted with extreme dispatch and was able to contain most of the fire in one apartment. Judging by the damage he had seen, their fast action kept the whole building from going up in flames. He said that the residents were very appreciative of all the support they were getting from the City. He thanked the Fire Department for their fine work that avoided a larger tragedy. Alderman Newman made a reference to the CDBG Committee to consider expanding the Code Enforcement Program and looking at the Special Housing Fund to see if any of those funds could be used to support the program. He reported that he had attended the March 8th neighborhood meeting in the Eighth Ward and that the recreation proposals developed by staff were well received by the neighbors. He was pleased to see that there would be meaningful recreation programs for those residents this summer. Alderman Newman raised questions about the City's ability to grant variations for the 816 Hinman property. He noted that the Zoning Ordinance had certain standards and asked whether the variations met those standards. He requested that the Law Department research whether there was any case law to guide Council as to how much, leeway it has in intewretine the Zoning Ordinance. He noted that the Zoning Ordinance was there to protect the community and felt that if Council was going to overturn a ZBA decision, it should be on sound footing when it makes a decision. He said that he wasn't sure that the standard for hardship had been met. Alderman Engelman said that Council had received a memo from the Law Department regarding the hardship issue and the minutes of the Planning and Development Committee contained a statement as to how the developer had met the hardship standard. He noted that in committee a motion to overturn the ZBA recommendation, as amended to eliminate the curb cut for the driveway had been supported by Alderman Newman and Kent, but had failed because it was a tie vote. A motion to overturn the ZBA recommendation, and including the curb cut, had been supported by himself and Alderman Heydemann, but had failed because of a tie vote. He said that what both motions had in common was that they included overturning the ZBA recommendation. Therefore, everyone must have thought that the hardship standard had been met. He reported that there would be a joint meeting of the Economic Development Committee (EDC) and the school boards on Wednesday, March 23, to discuss the development of the old Washington National property and the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) proposal for that site. The committee will also hear a presentation from representatives of the Buck Company as to the status of the project and their search for financing. He announced that there will also be a meeting of the EDC on Monday, April 11, to continue discussions on the Research Park and to begin formulating policy regarding it. ' Alderman Engelman congratulated the Northwestern University basketball team for its excellent performance the previous Wednesday, but noted that they lost in overtime this evening. He said that they did an excellent job to get as far as they did (in the National Invitation Tournament [N.I.T.]) and hoped it portended great things for �J 12 March 21, 1994 Northwestern athletic teams in the future. He also hoped that all the people who wanted to come into the N.U. athletic facilities to see a winning team would be sensitive to the concerns of the residents of the Seventh Ward as they come in to watch. Alderman Newman clarified that he was interested in the case law defining the Council's ability to determine hardship and questioned at what point evidence could be presented to support the claim of hardship (whether only at a ZBA hearing or also during Council consideration) and what burden of proof the City has to have to support overturning a ZBA recommendation. Alderman Guthrie responded to comments made by several speakers during Citizen Comment, noting that she represents not only those in the 800 block of Hinman, but also 50 other square blocks, 4500 voters and about 8000 residents. She reported that she had received over 40 telephone calls during the last four days from -people in support of the Hinman Avenue project which were generated by a letter to the Evanston Review opposing the project. She thought that she might not have received those calls if it hadn't been for that letter. She read a letter from the owner of 820 Hinman which described the adverse affect he believed the four-story townhouse development at 816 would have on his building, then called Council's attention to an article in the READER about a similar project, where the developer ended up putting up an eight -story building with only one parking space per unit. She noted that this developer was putting in a four-story townhouses (where he could have built an eight -story building) and they will have almost two parking spaces per unit and four parking spaces in back for guests - both conditions at her insistence. She noted that two neighborhood meetings had been held at her insistence and neighbors had opportunities to comment on the project at two ZBA hearings and two Planning and Development Committee meetings. She noted that the developer had gone from wanting to build 30 units to 12 units and from one parking space per unit to almost two, and eliminated back patios and decks in response to neighbors' concerns. She felt that he had made a lot of concessions and reported that she would ask him for one more - to eliminate the curb -cut on Hinman. She made a reference to staff to studv the bossibility of creatine diagonal narking on Hinman and asked whether it could be two-wav or would be better as a one-wav street in that area. She asked what impact Residents Onlv Parking in the 800 block of Hinman would have on that block and on other blocks in the area. She also asked staff to studv the effect that 2-hour Resident Exemnt Parking would have in that area. Alderman Guthrie said that she had asked the Traffic Engineer to leaflet the area informing parkers that there were 31 available spaces in the parking lot at South Boulevard and Hinman and hoped that may relieve some of the congestion further south in the ward. She made a reference to the Parking Committee to studv the feasibilitv of building a multi-story barking ¢araee on the property at the northeast corner of Main and Chicaeo Avenue. She will ask the Dresident of the Main Street Merchants Association to work with Citv staff to bromote emblovee barking stickers for the lot on Hinman. She also asked that consideration be given to includine funds in the Cavital Imbrovement Program for the vurchase of lots for barking. She noted that the CNW right-of-wav south of Washington has been looked at for barking and it is estimated that it would cost $500.000 to Dave, light and Drovide some kind of security for it and suegested that perhays that could be considered when Council is Drioritizine issues. Alderman Guthrie commended Director of Public Works, David Barber, for the new trash containers on Main Street, which she felt were substantial enough to not be blown over -in the wind. Alderman Guthrie made a reference to the Administration and Public Works Committee to take another look at the ordinance Drohibitine dogs on the beach. She said that it was not being enforced and hoped that some accommodation could be found for dogs who like the water. She related an experience she had at a restaurant with recirculated smoke in a non-smoking area and made a reference to the Human Service Committee to consider the bossibility of banning smoking from all bublic spaces, in the Citv of Evanston. Alderman Guthrie reported that Mayor Morton, Alderman Feldman and herself had attended the National League Cities Convention in Washington D.C. the previous week and found it to be a very worthwhile experience. She 13 March 21, 1994 noted that Washington is a very walkable city and reported that she and the mayor had covered a lot of ground there on foot. She said that she would like to see better representation from the City in the future and urged her fellow aldermen to consider going to the next meeting. Alderman Heydemann reported that during February over 600 ETHS students had seen 'Schindler's List,' and noted that was the largest group from any area school to see the film. She reported that they had wonderful discussions after seeing the film and was pleased to report that the students' responses were very sensitive and adult. She said that it was very rewarding to see how they reacted to the film. She called attention to a newspaper article that she had previously distributed to Council and commented on a student essay included in the article. Alderman Heydemann also reported that in February the high school had participated in an African -American Author Read -In, sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English. Teachers and students were video taped reading passages from their favorite African -American author and those readings were edited into a half-hour program that was shown many time during Black History Month. She said that the highlight of the tape was a poetry reading by pre-schoolers. It is a wonderful tape and will be shown again. Alderman Hevdemann reauested information about snow removal on sidewalks and at crosswalks in the downtown. area. She noted that the two groups who use the sidewalks most were school children and senior citizens and she felt that they had a difficult time this year. She thought that snow removal in front of private residences left a lot to be desired this winter and pointed out that snow plowing in the downtown area pushed snow into the crossing areas and pedestrians had to climb over mounds of snow to cross the street. Alderman Hevdemann called Council's attention to the Marino Report nreeared by the Board of Ethics and made a reference to the Rules Committee to consider requiring City Council members to revort to the mayor or the city manager if they are contacted by a comoanv takine vart in a bidding Brocess: and to consider that if such contact takes Dlace after a Request for Provosal goes out. whether that would be sufficient grounds for the City to disaualifv that contractor from further Darticivation in the bidding vrocess. She felt that the Marino situation was unfortunate and wanted to make it more difficult for a similar situation to occur in the future. She complimented and thanked -the Board of Ethics for all the work they had done on the Marino investigation and for the thorough report that they had prepared, which she thought included a lot of thoughtful comments. Alderman Kent made a reference to the Public Works Devartment to look at Emerson from Green Bay to Dodge and urged staff fill in the large Dot holes on that stretch as quickly as possible. He said that there are some vot holes large enough to lose a small child in! He said that the stretch of Dodge from Emerson south to Lvons also had a vroblem with vot holes and thought that some were so large that they should be marked by saw horses. Alderman Kent made a reference to the Law Devartment to research the Citv's litter ordinance to see whether it would be Dossible to require neiehborhood stores to pick uv litter around their property. He noted that the City requires fast food restaurants to pick up litter on their property as well as a certain distance on either side of their property. Alderman Kent reported that his Cub Scout Pack was up and running and invited visitors to attend the second den meeting on Thursday. Alderman Kent reported that he disagreed with the Board of Ethic's Marino Report and thought that its conclusions were unfortunate. He explained that any time he had an opportunity to find someone a job, he would do so. He suggested that there should be a place where some who was unemployed could call and leave his name and become part of a pool of names to be considered for work. He said that he thought the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) program would serve that function, but felt that it was going in another direction. He said that if someone tells him that he is looking for a job, he feels that it is his duty to try and help. He reported that he had written letters for people and even had counseled perfect strangers on how to act in order to be more employable. He reminded Council about the discussions they had held before adopting the new Zoning Ordinance concerning backyard mechanics and said that he had supported them because they were earning money and supporting their families. He suggested that the EDC bring in some of them in and give them a chance. He felt that the City needed to help 14 March 21, 1994 them experience success and felt that it also should encourage apprenticeships in carpentry and plumbing. He said that he wanted to be able to tell people, when they asked him for help fording a job, that they could call the MBE Coordinator, and that he would look them over and put them in a position where they might become employed. Alderman Moran commended the Y.M.C.A and the high school students on the Brillianteen production of "Destry Rides Again." He reported that it was a tremendous show. He also complimented the ETHS dance group, ESANDE, for their recent show, called "Serendipity." He said that it gave him a lot of hope to see what these students were capable of producing. Alderman Drummer congratulated the Fleetwood-Jourdain staff, Don Colleton, COE-Pops and COE-Moms for their successful basketball league this winter. He reported that they had held their banquet this past Saturday and awarded the Mayor's Trophy. He noted that Mr. Colleton had run the league this year without him and had done a tremendous job. Alderman Drummer commented that the Council Chamber had some fore new chairs and said he was pleased to see that the press now was sitting up in front after all the years "in the back of the bus." Alderman Holsman congratulated City Manager Anderson having a new daughter-in-law. He reported that there would be a meeting on the Howard/Hartrey project on Tuesdays, March 22, at the Shure Brothers Cafeteria at 7:00 P.M. where neighbors will receive an update on the construction of the shopping center. Alderman Holsman reminded everyone of the Building a Safe Community Together Forum at 7:30 P.M. on Wednesday at the Unitarian Church, sponsored by the Evanston Neighborhood Conference. Alderman Holsman announced that City staff including Eric Anderson, Jay Terry, Richard Grodsky and Jim Wolinski had met with the Clyde/Callan/Brummel neighbors on March 8. He reported that the neighbors were very enthusiastic about the recreation programs that were proposed at the meeting. Alderman Holsman also reported that previous Saturday the Recreation Department, in conjunction with the Ridgeville Park District, had conducted a recreation job sign-up at the Police Outpost on Howard Street. He said that the turnout was much greater than anyone had expected and hoped that something similar could be done in the future. Alderman Holsman also reported that there had been a shooting on the Chicago side of Howard Street a week and half before, and commended the Evanston Police Department for apprehending the alleged shooter. He noted that the person arrested was 19 years old and the victim was 16 years old. He made a reference to the Police Department to include statistics on crime incidents taking place on the Chicago side of Howard Street in their crime reports. He noted that the criminal elements did not consider borders in their activities and felt that the crimes on the Chicago side of Howard should be considered when police staffing in that area is considered. Alderman Holsman expressed concern about graffiti in the Evanston and made a reference to the Administration and Public Works Committee to investigate Chicago's graffiti blasters nrogram and to consider using it in Evanston. He reported that Chicago removes graffiti from private property after obtaining a waiver from the owner. Alderman Feldman moved that Council recess into Closed Session to consider land acquisition and personnel. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Roll Call. Voting aye - Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman and Newman. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (9-0) Council so recessed at 11:20 P.M. and reconvened in Open Session at 11:43 P.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 11:44 P.M. KIRSTEN F. DAVIS CITY CLERK