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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1994-03-28-1994ly COUNCIL 1 March 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 Planning and Develoument 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 28, 1994, at 8:19 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. q-zv 4P2 March 28,1994 PUBLIC HEARING Special Service District 0 James Murrav, 1603 Orrington Avenue, representing property owners at 817 University Place and 1850 Sherman Avenue, the two northern -most properties in the Special Service District noted that both properties have been considered part of the downtown area for several purposes and are included in the downtown Special Service District; pointed out that they do not have the legislative benefit of being considered part of the downtown area for zoning purposes or liquor purposes. On behalf of the owners, he requested that if those properties are to be included in the downtown Special Service District, that they be extended the legislative benefits accorded the other downtown properties. Director of Public Works, David Barber, reminded Council that this process began last November. The first public hearing was held December 13; two public meetings were held at the end of January, attended by approximately 35 to 40 people. He reported receiving communications from the following property owners: 1830 Sherman Avenue, 1000-1004 Davis (1580 Maple), 960-990 Grove Street, 1800 Sherman Avenue, 1555 Maple Avenue, 500 Davis Street - all opposing their inclusion in the district. The letter from the owners of 1830 Sherman also asked for certain design considerations and Mr. Barber explained that there will be neighborhood meetings to discuss design as the process goes forward. He noted that when the hearing is closed later this evening the district cannot be changed. Mayor Morton temporarily recessed the hearing at 8:29 P.M. CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS: City Manager Eric A. Anderson announced that yard waste collection and street sweeping have begun again and will continue until the end of November. He urged citizens to remember to observed the alternate side parking regulations. City Manager Anderson also announced that Friday, April 1, would be a City holiday and that all City offices, except emergency offices would be closed. He noted that refuse, yard waste and recycling pickup would not be affected. It is not a parking holiday. MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Morton read the following proclamation: EVANSTON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WEEK WHEREAS, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program has operated since 1975 to provide local governments with the resources required to meet the needs of persons of low and moderate income; and WHEREAS, CDBG Funds are used by thousands of neighborhood based non- profit organizations throughout the nation to address pressing neighborhood and human service needs; and WHEREAS, the CDBG Program has made a significant imprint on Evanston's local economy through job creation and retention, physical redevelopment, and an improved local tax base; and WHEREAS, the City of Evanston has clearly demonstrated its capacity to administer and customize the CDBG Program to identify and resolve pressing local problems such as affordable housing, neighborhood and human service needs, job creation and retention, and physical redevelopment; and March 28, 1994 o-q WHEREAS, the City of Evanston, has utilized $34,514,661 in CDBG Funds since 1975 to further its community development objectives: NOW, THEREFORE, I, Lorraine H. Morton, Mayor of the City of Evanston, Illinois do hereby proclaim the week of March 28-April 3, 1994, as "COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WEEK" in Evanston, and do urge all citizens to join us in recognizing the COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM on its Twentieth Anniversary and the importance it serves to our community. CITIZEN COMMENT: Gordon Peters. 824 Hinman Avenue, distributed photocopies of the north elevation of the proposed townhouses and noted that would be the view the property to the north would have. He objected to the alderman of the ward taking her fellow aldermen to view the site and claimed that she did not afford the neighbors the same attention. He read a list of reasons why he believed business was down in the Main/Chicago area: 1) panderers living in the streets from Albany House; 2) marginal people, including a flasher, hang around the White Hen Pantry on Main Street; 3) parking in the area is inadequate; 4) the City allocates few resources to the area and it looks seedy, despite the new sidewalks and streetlights; 5) crime in the Third Ward has increased dramatically and is the highest in Evanston - including robberies at the Jewel and Dominick's grocery stores; 6) departure of the Main Street Newsstand; 7) the recent sewer project; 8) the park on Chicago Avenue by the CTA Station is always full litter; 9) vacant store fronts; 10) the disrepair of the Main Street CTA viaduct, creating a safety hazard; 11) graffiti everywhere; and 12) departure of Northlight Theater. He felt that 811 Chicago should not be blamed for blighting the area, and did not believe the neighbors on Hinman should be saddled with townhouses which he characterized as "two Eighteen Century prison houses." He felt that the townhouses facing inward toward each other would negatively impact property values and affect the amount of sunlight available to neighboring properties. He complained that the owner of the two properties did not advertise that parking was available in the Hinman lot and charged that the owner did not maintain the property and discussed a list of complaints about the lack of maintenance. He questioned why no reconstruction plans had been filed for 811 Chicago Avenue; chronicled the evolution of the side yard requirement from five feet to three feet in the new zoning ordinance and compared it to neighboring communities; requested specific changes to the townhouse plan; questioned whether the developer had satisfied the hardship requirements; questioned whether the Plan Commission had been involved in approval of this project and questioned whether the Chair was involved in a conflict of interest; urged Council not to approve this project. Alderman Engelman moved to extend Citizen Comment for an additional fifteen minutes. Seconded by Alderman Holsman. Motion carried. No nays. Robert E. Thomas: 817 Hinman Avenue, said that this project would have a negative effect on his property because the townhomes do not face the street; objected to having an exit onto Hinman that would allow headlights to shine into his property; felt that the developer had not satisfied the hardship provision of the ordinance. Andrea Wells. 820 Hinman Avenue, questioned whether the developer had met the standard for hardship as defined in the Zoning Ordinance, urged Council to separate their consideration of the 811 Chicago Avenue and 816 Hinman properties; suggested that the Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Merchants Association and the Evanston Bank help provide funding for the development of 811 Chicago Avenue; discounted the amount of taxes that would be lost if 816 Hinman was not developed; suggested that the 816 property could be developed in an alternative fashion that would not require variations. Niki Hiltwein. 820 Hinman Avenue, objected to the ward alderman touring the proposed site with other aldermen; questioned whether the developer had met the hardship standard of the Zoning Ordinance; reiterated her opposition to the project; questioned whether the Chair of the Plan Commission had a conflict as attorney for the developer; discussed the Comprehensive General Plan and whether this project fit into it; urged Council to vote no on this project. j r� t7 4 March 28, 1994 Alderman Engelman moved to extend the Citizen Comment period. Seconded by Alderman Newman. Motion carried. No nays. Kevin Riellev, 2121 Pioneer Place, attorney for the developer, said he was aware that some neighbors were desperately opposed to this project, but noted that none of their objections relate to the variations requested. He pointed out, that while there will be loss of sunlight, there will not be nearly as much sunlight lost as would be lost if the developer put an eight -story building on the property - as permitted by current zoning. He noted that the original proposal had much wider side yards, but dropped those in response to neighbors, concerns about those side yards being used. He said that the property was designed to fit in with adjacent properties. He said that there was no evidence that the project not facing the street would have a negative impact on property values and noted that similar projects built by this developer did not negatively impact the areas in which they were built and may have increased property values. He announced that the developer had agreed to eliminate the curb cut on Hinman and said that there will be no loss of street parking. He agreed that parking on the vacant lot will be lost, but pointed out that the owner has a right to develop his property. He thought that the developer had been sensitive to the issue of density by proposing only 12 townhouses on the site where an eight -story building with 30 units is permitted. He said that this development will not look substantially different from other similar projects built in southeast Evanston. Jonathan Perman. Executive Director of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, urged Council to vote favorably on this proposal and to welcome 12 new households to Evanston. He said that the project would bring added tax dollars and the 12 new families would contribute to the vitality and culture of the community, spend their paychecks here and contribute to the religious, social and political fabric of the City. He noted that there has been a healthy debate concerning this project that has resulted in accommodations, a good agreement and a willingness to take a new look at parking and other neighborhood problems. He objected to the personal and unwarranted attacks on elected officials and on the City. He said that there had been adequate debate on the project and felt that both the interests of the Third Ward and the entire City had been considered. He urged Council and the neighbors not to pass over an opportunity to welcome 12 new families to the neighborhood. Gladvs Goodson. 811 Hinman Avenue, objected to the design of the project and said that it was not compatible with the architecture of the rest of the neighborhood; said that the neighborhood was already too dense; discussed parking problems and said that crime in that area had increased during the last 30 years; said that it was more important to have a decent, upright neighborhood than to have more housing, especially townhouses. COMMUNICATIONS: City Clerk Davis announced that she had received two communications from the Illinois Department of Revenue reporting that Auto Rental Tax had been collected in the City during the month of January in the amount of $1,688.32 and Sales Tax had been collected for the same month in the amount of $495,638.58. Ms. Davis also reminded Council to fill out and return the Financial Disclosure Statements she had placed on their desks that evening. CONSENT AGENDA: (Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda, with the following exception: Docket 61-3A- 94: Ordinance 21-0-94 - Zoning Board of Appeals 93-18-V(R.) - Variation - 816 Hinman Avenue. Seconded by Alderman Heydemann. Roll Call. Voting aye - Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman and Drummer. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (9-0) CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS * MINUTES: * The minutes of the regular Council meeting of March 21, 1994, as submitted in writing to the members of the City Council. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-01 March 28,1994 q)-� ADNEWISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS COAfMTr E. BILLS AND PAYROLL * Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for fiscal year 1993-94 for the period ending March 28, 1994; City of Evanston bills for fiscal year 1994-95 for the period ending March 29, 1994; for City of Evanston payroll for the period ending March 20, 1994 and that they be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston bills FY 93-94 (period ending 3/28/94) $ 1,050,789.44 City of Evanston bills FY 94-95 (period ending 3/29/94) 1,352,705.21 City of Evanston payroll 1,218,106.92 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) PURCHASES: * Approval of the proposal from Standard Parking Corporation for Parking Garage management Services at a total monthly fee of $22,000. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-01 * Approval of the low bids from Water Resources for various Water Meters listed at a total cost of $46,000. BID SUMMARY: Item Bidder Bidder Displacement Meters Water Resources Don Jons 5/8 Inch T-10 $68.80 $82.00 3/4 Inch T-10 94.90 126.00 1 Inch T-10 123.40 178.00 1 1/2 Inch T-10 254.40 388.00 2 Inch T-10 359.80 549.00 Compound Meters 2 Inch $987.00 1890.00 3Inch 1448.00 2250.00 4 Inch 2080.00 3240.00 6 Inch 3689.00 5400.00 Turbine Meters 2 Inch $360.00 654.00 3 Inch 535.00 852.00 4 Inch 1010.00 1543.00 6 Inch 2185.00 2800.00 8 Inch 2940.00 no quote 10 Inch 4610.00 no quote * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-01 * Approval of the proposal from G. F. E., Inc., for a Fire Pumper and Aerial Ladder Truck for the Fire Department at a total cost of $541,755.00 (Non -Bid Item, Requires a 2/3 Majority Vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the bid from Freeway Ford Truck Sales for an Animal Control Vehicle at a cost of $22,093.40. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-01 6 March 28, 1994 * Approval of the proposal from Physio Control Corporation for Life Pak Ambulance Equipment for the Fire Department at a total cost of $7,700.00 (Non -Bid Item, Requires a 2/3 Majority Vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the proposal from Hydroaire, Inc., for a Submersible Sludge Pump for the Water Department at a total cost of $18,690.00 (Non -Bid Item, Requires a 2/3 Majority Vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the proposal from GreenHouse Communications for the Human Relations Commission's 1994 Street Gang Initiative Public Service Announcements at a cost of $8,000. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the low bid from Shaefges Bros., Inc., for Contracts A and B for Research Park Embankment Improvements at a cost of $471,008. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Approval of the low bid from Great Lakes Landscape Co., for Green Bay Road Embankment Improvements at a total cost of $1,312,305. (This item was held in Committee.) * Approval of the proposal of Land Design Collaborative for Construction Services for the Embankment Improvements at a total cost of $115,000. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-) * Approval of Change Order #4 of the Library Construction Contract for Audio -Video Communication Access and Security Equipment at a cost of $175,000.02. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) * Docket 63-3B-94: Permit for Presbvterian Home Banners - Consideration of a request from the Presbyterian Home for permission to hang Banners at various locations in the rights -of --way. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL f9-01 * Docket 64-3B-94: Fourth of Julv Association Fee Waiver Reauest - Consideration of a request from the Evanston Fourth of July Association that the City Council waive the fees for services provided by the City for the Annual Fourth of July Celebration. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-01 * Docket 65-3B-94: Resolution 24-R-94 - Illinois Department of Transportation Agreement for Green Bav Road Paving - Consideration of proposed Resolution 24-R-94, by which the City Council would authorize the City manager to enter into an Agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the paving of Green Bay Road between Isabella and Livingston Streets. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Docket 66-3B-94: Resolution 25-R-94 - MFT Paving of Green Bav Road - Consideration of proposed Resolution 25-R-94, by which the City Council would authorize the use of Motor Fuel Tax Funds in the amount of $200,000 for paving Green Bay Road between Isabella and Livingston Streets. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-01 * Docket 67-3B-94: Resolution 26-R-94 - Reserved Parkine Space for Disabled - 802 South Boulevard - Consideration of proposed Resolution 26-R-94, by which the City Council would establish a reserved parking space for the disabled at 802 South Boulevard. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-01 7 March 28, 1994 *Docket 68-3B-94: Ordinance 30-0-94 - Traffic Regulations on Madison/Custer - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 30-0-94, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-5, Schedule V(D), of the Code of the City of Evanston to establish a four-way stop at the intersection of Custer Avenue and Madison Street. Also included in this Ordinance is converting a short section of Madison Street west of Custer Avenue from one-way to two-way operation. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA *Docket 31-2A-94: Ordinance 11-0-94 - Receal of Messaee 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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Docket 54-3A-94: Ordinance 22-0-94 - 1994 Tax -Exempt General Obligation Bond Issue - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 22-0-94, introduced on March 21, 1994, by which the City Council would authorize the issuance of . Series 1994 Tax Exempt Bonds in the amount of $24,210,000. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Docket 55-3A-94: Ordinance 23-0-94 - 1994 Taxable General Oblii+ation Bond Issue - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 23-0-94, introduced_ on--:: March 21, 1994, by which the City Council would authorize the issuance" of , v; Series 1994 Taxable General Obligation Bonds in the amount of $1,850,000: * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) * Docket 56-3A-94: Ordinance 24-0-94 - Loading Zone - Darrow north of Emerson - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 24-0-94, introduced on March 21, 1994, 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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (9-0) HUMAN SERVICES COMI4IITTEE: No action items. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: * Docket 69-3B-94: Drivewav Permits for Howard/Hartrev - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council authorize the issuance of six driveway permits for the Proposed Evanston Center on Howard Street and Hartrey Avenue. The property is zoned Cl Commercial District. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (9-0) Docket 61-3A-94: Ordinance 21-0-94 - Zoning Board of Anneals 93-18-V(R) - Variation - 816 Hinman - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 21-0-94, introduced on March 21, 1994, by which the City Council, would grant 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- 8 March 28,1994 street parking regulations from 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. Alderman Heydemann moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 21-G-94. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Alderman Guthrie moved a substitute motion to overrule the Zoning Board of Anneals recommendation to deny the variation requested for lot width. general lot and bulk controls and off-street narking. These variations are to be granted on the condition that the buildings are in conformance with the revised plans and specifications which were submitted to the Planning and Development Committee and the Citv Council. including the moving of rooftop decks to the inside lane. deleting the patios. widening the interior lane and the execution of a covenant with regard to 811 Chica o Avenue and the elimination of the curb cut on Hinman Avenue. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. In response to several questions from Aldermen Feldman and Holsman, Alderman Engelman explained that the Planning and Development Committee never considered this ordinance as such in committee, but did approve the concepts and variations contained in the ordinance. Alderman Guthrie further clarified that her substitute motion= __-.. contains everything detailed in the ordinance, in addition to the elimination of the curb cut on Hinman Avenue. She said that the side yards were narrowed from the original proposal in response to neighbors' requests. She assured Alderman Holsman that the ordinance includes a requirement that covenants be executed relative to the redevelopment of 811 Chicago Avenue, before building permits are issued for 816 Hinman. Alderman Guthrie provided Council with a detailed history of the development -of this project and noted that;alt- notice requirements were met. -She pointed'out that the public had six opportunities to address this projecti ii z" ' various changes were made to the project in response to that input.. She thanked all those who had given their -time and energy to the project and thanked the aldermen who had taken the time to view area and to get an idea of how; - the project would fit into the neighborhood. She said that the project would not contribute to the congestion and µ. density nearly as much as. was permitted on the site, especially considering that there is an eight -story building with 102 units to the south of the property. It will not contribute to the parking problem in the area, nor will it be . . _ available to relieve parking. She pointed out that the Zoning Ordinance was not an inflexible document, but a starting point for discussion. She noted that the property had been on the market for 15 years and this is the first proposal that was received. She found a suggestion that the Chamber of Commerce finance construction of a different project on that site to be outlandish, and pointed out that banks also do not go looking for projects to �... __ _... finance. She thought that the project would contribute something worthwhile to. the neighborhood and would be.--" _._ .. - much preferable to a vacant lot with weeds and unshoveled sidewalks. In response to a question from Alderman Holsman, Alderman Heydemann clarified that the ordinance requires - covenants for the development of 811 Chicago and $200,000 has been placed in escrow for that redevelopment. Alderman Newman explained that he has had a number of reservations about this project and thought that the issue had never been whether the project was preferable, but whether it had met the hardship standard of the Zoning Ordinance. He noted that there were alternatives that could be built without variations and therefore was troubled by resorting to the hardship standard. He raised a question as to whether that provision should be in the Zoning Ordinance. Alderman Newman commended Alderman Guthrie on her efforts in meeting with members of Council to explain her position and for listening to their input. He felt she deserved credit for that and said he was only voting for this proposal because she listened to his concerns about the curb cut. He also commended the neighbors for focusing Council's attention on problems in the Main/Chicago area. He noted that there are parking problems in the area and that a reference has been made by Alderman Guthrie to the Parking Committee to address them. He said that there is a great deal of graffiti on the 811 Chicago Avenue building and asked the City to make the commitment after it is fixed up, that there not be one speck of graffiti or any tall weeds on that property. He asked 9 March 28, 1994 q -30 Property Standards to be especially vigilant in enforcing standards for this property. Alderman Feldman said that he shared Alderman Newman's concerns about a conflict of needs and interests. He assured Mr. Peters that he would work to address the litany of problems he raised concerning the Main/Chicago area. He said that it was an area of the City that Council wanted to remain a credit to the community. There are serious issues that need to be addressed and asked that Mr. Peters get a response. He thought that the neighbors did a service to the City by their advocacy. He commended Alderman Guthrie for her leadership on this project and for making it one that satisfied more than the Chamber of Commerce and the business people. He said he would like to give all the relief requested by the neighbors, but knew that was not possible, so hoped that there was another way to say yes to them by dealing with the problems they articulated. Alderman Engelman said that he, too, was troubled by this vote. He pointed out that many Evanstonians develop their fondness for Evanston by living in that area when they first come to the City and noted he had both lived there and had a law practice in that area. The 811 Chicago Avenue building became vacant while his office was there fifteen years ago and many of the problems articulated by Mr. Peters existed then and have not been addressed. He expressed concern about eliminating the curb cut because by doing so, it is turning the "front" of these apartments onto the alley. He felt that created a new set of policy issues. However, because of the leadership shown by Alderman Guthrie in the last several months in dealing with competing concerns, he said he would support the proposal as written. He said that she had reached out to the Council, the members of her ward and all the various constituencies in the community to try to accommodate as many needs as possible while moving the project forward. Alderman Newman asked whether it would be possible to switch the farthest northwest unit on the north building to the southeast comer of the south building. The developer, Mr. Huzenis, said that there have been so many design changes, and the project is so far along, that it would not be possible and would result in an unbalanced project, Alderman Kent said that he did not favor this project as originally presented, but felt that the neighbors concerns about the patios and headlights shining into window across the street had been addressed by design changes. He said that he appreciated his field trip to the site. In response to his question about whether elimination of the curb cut would affect the project, Mr. Huzenis said that while he felt it was a better project with the curb cut and the residents would not be captive to an alley blocked by snow or trucks, the project would be alright without it. Vote to approve Alderman Guthrie's substitute motion. Voting aye - Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman and Drummer. Motion carried. (9-0) REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS Docket 53-3A-94: Ordinance 17-0-94 - Increase in Taxicab Rates - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 17-0-94, introduced on March 21, 1994, 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 moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 17-0-94. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Roll call. Voting aye - Guthrie, Heydemann, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman and Guthrie. Voting nay - Kent. Motion carried. (8-1) HUMAN SERVICES All action items on the Consent Agenda. e f ,3 ( 10 March 28, 1994 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Docket 60-3A-94: Ordinance 2040-94 - Zonine Ordinance Text Amendment, - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 20-0-94, by which the City Council, in accordance with the Planning & Development Committee's recommendation, would 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 Cl Commercial District. Alderman Holsman moved to hold this docket item over. Seconded by Alderman Newman. At the request of two aldermen. this docket item will be held until the next meeting-. Alderman Heydemann announced that the Planning and Development Committee would meet on Monday, April 11, to discuss relocation policies. OTHER COAEM=ES: 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 15-1B-94: Ordinance 130-0-93 - Tax Increment Financine Desienation 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-lB-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. PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL SERVICE DISTRICT # 5 At this time Mayor Morton reconvened the Public Hearing on Special Service District #5. Alderman Newman moved to eliminate the area north of Universitv Place encompassing Yesterdav's Restaurant and Covote Joe's from Special Service District #5. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Alderman Newman thought that the attorney for the two restaurants had made a compelling argument for removing them from the district. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Newman expressed concern about this district and said that the City was asking businesses that were already paying high taxes to pay additional taxes. He thought that this would make it more difficult to compete. Alderman Drummer moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Motion carried. No nays. And the hearing adjourned at 10:08 P.M. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: Mayor Morton announced that there would be a Closed Session to discuss Land Acquisition and Personnel. 11 March 28, 1994 4 APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton asked Council for confirmation of the following name for reappointment: Harry Mickelsen, Jr., 2739 Girard Avenue, Commission on Aging for term ending March 31, 1997; and the following names for appointment: Verner Reid, 1578 Sherman Avenue, Cable Commission term ending April 1, 1997; . Sheldon Garber, 1030 Michigan Avenue, Library Board for term ending April 31, 1997. Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of these appointments. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Motion carried. No nays. -- - CALL OF THE WARDS: Alderman Newman thanked the members of the Preservation Commission for tremendous amount of work they did to develop the new Preservation Ordinance. Alderman Newman made a reference to the Planning and Development Committee to examine the notice given to residents when someone in a residential district comes to the Citv for zonine relief. He made a reference to the Rules Committee to look at whether members of the Plan Commission or the Zoning Board of Anneals (ZBA) should be renresentine private developers before the Council. He pointed out that a City Council member cannot represent someone before the ZBA and noted that with the changes in the Zoning Ordinance, some appeals are heard by the ZBA and some are heard by the Plan Commission. In response to Alderman Newman's question as to how much longer the City can do additional bonding for the Research Park, City Manager Anderson said that bonds can be issued for 13 years. Alderman Newman also asked what remained to be bonded for in the project, at what cost and what length of time the City has to pay off those bonds and what the annual payments would be. He thought that it was important for Council to understand what their financial responsibilities are, what length of time the City has to pay for them and exactly how much the increment has to increase to meet the City's legal obligations. City Manager Anderson said that that information would be provided to Council through the Economic Development Committee. Alderman Newman commented on the Marino Report issued by the Board of Ethics and said that he was less than thrilled with it and noted that it took a great deal of staff time. He was most disappointed with the Minority Opinion which stated the belief that the Ethics Ordinance had been violated, when the majority found that not to be the case. He felt that it was damaging to a current member of Council and said that he felt that Alderman Kent's actions had been entirely appropriate. Alderman Engelman announced that the Economic Development Committee meeting scheduled for April 11 has been moved to April 20. Alderman Engelman asked what the Parking Committee was doing regarding his reference regarding Residents Only Parking Permits for employees of schools or other businesses within the district. and exnanded it to include vermits for volunteers at Rovcemore School and the Kendall College Indian Museum. Alderman Engelman said that he did not want to stifle debate in any way, or to prevent citizens from coming to the Council and talking about their feelings, but noted that this evening a number of people who had had the opportunity 12 March 28, 1994 to present their views on an issue at length and a number of forums, including last week's Citizen Comment, had spoken at length again this evening. And, while he had no wish to prevent citizens from coming before Council, he felt that the Citizen Comment period should not be used to continually press a point of view. He noted that Council had heard their comments a number of times. He said that the reason for the committee structure was to Provide, a place testimony can be taken and information can be received. He asked that the Rules Committee look at this auestion. Alderman Engelman observed that at the District 65 School Board meeting this evening the Board would be unveiling another redistricting plan. He emphasized that in order to create property value stability, people who move to Evanston, or live here, have to know where their children will go to school the following year and the rest of their time in elementary school. He stressed that certainty is much more desirable than uncertainty. He asked what had happened to his reference of six months ago regarding integrated housing patterns in this community. He said that we will not get certainty if district lines have to be changed every few years and said that the City must make a concerted effort to integrate housing in this community. Alderman Newman shared Alderman Engelman's concern and asked that the issue of the redistricting be placed on the agenda of the City/School Liaison meeting scheduled for April 28 and invited everyone to attend. He reported that at a previous meeting, the committee had discussed Alderman Engelman's reference concerning residency of students. In response to a question from Alderman Feldman, Alderman Engelman said that his reference about housing patters was made to the Human Relations Commission, but could also be considered by the Human Services Committee. Alderman Guthrie said that she was pleased with the outcome of the vote on the 816 Hinman project, but was not quite ready to allow herself a little celebration. She thanked everyone on Council for their support. Alderman Guthrie also thanked the Preservation Commission for their work on the new Preservation Ordinance and made a reference to Mayor Morton to draft a letter to the Commission, on behalf of herself and Council, thanking them for their efforts. Mayor Morton said she would be delighted to do so. Alderman Guthrie said that, based on her experience with the school board, the map unveiled this evening will have no resemblance to the one that will be adopted. She noted that this puts the community through its biennial catharsis and forces it to reexamine the fact that this is not a very well integrated community and that, while people want their schools to be integrated, they also want neighborhood schools. 2 She observed that people are so invested in their children that they don't always see the problems very rationally. Alderman Kent commented that District 65 was attempting to deal with their budget problems in various ways and noted that he had received a flier in the mail that day that said "Due to budget cuts, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned out., He thanked Alderman Newman for his support on the Marino Report. Alderman Kent reported that he and Mayor Morton had attended the ground breaking ceremony for Christ Temple on Brown and Simpson this past Sunday. He said that it had been a long time in coming and expected that it would be a wonderful addition to that area. He announced that at 9:00 A.M. on Saturday the Neighborhood Action Block Club, Cub Scout Troop Soy and himself would be putting on a play called "Our Beginning Spring Clean." He invited everyone to come out and take a part in the play. Alderman Moran inquired whether the play had been scripted by Mark Twain. 13 March 28 1994 �5� Alderman Drummer observed that whenever a redistricting plan is unveiled, it revives a lot of groups in town. He congratulated aldermanic members of the City/School Liaison Committee for their work and was pleased to see that they were feeling more positive about the effectiveness of that committee. He reported that at the last EDC meeting, school board representatives had indicated that they were pleased with what was happening with that committee. Alderman Drummer shared Alderman Engelman's concern about the way Citizen Comment had been used recently, noted that Council Rules provide for a 15 minute period and observed that Council has always voted "aye" to extend the period. He felt that those signed up to address the Council should be reminded that the period is 15 minutes and instructed to divide up that time among themselves. He thought that allowing 45 minutes for Citizen Comment was too much. Alderman Drummer commented about the graffiti problem in the community and pleaded with parents to take responsibility for instilling the values in their children that would not allow them to destroy other people's property in this fashion. He noted that City Hall and the Police Department cannot change values, that has to be done by the parents. In response to a question from Mayor Morton, City Manager Anderson explained that when individuals are apprehended creating graffiti, it is an ordinance violation. The City has a relatively new program that provides that they perform community service. The amount of that service depends on the nature of the offense and how often an individual has been caught. Alderman Newman requested a report on the number of graffiti cases the City has. He said that he thought that each individual caught defacing property with graffiti should be required to perform 100 hours of community service. He also asked that the graffiti removal program begin before April 15. Alderman Holsman reported that he had met with several neighborhood groups and heard their concerns about various neighborhood issues including a new townhouse development west of Dodge; the presence of gangs and problem buildings in an area west of Ridge; and additional complaints from neighbors near the Howard/Hartrey development. He thanked Deputy Chief Kaminski and Foot Patrol officers for attending one of the neighborhood meetings. He also thanked Commander Moses for his presentation on Community Policing at a forum sponsored recently by the Evanston Neighborhood Conference. He thanked ENC for sponsoring the forum and said that he found it very informative. Alderman Holsman made reference to a memo from Traffic Engineer Jennings to Alderman Guthrie on parking and said that he thought that the idea of angled parking was a good idea and made a reference to the Parkine Committee to conduct a detailed survey of the existing parking layout to obtain the current capacity and to develop a elan which accuratelv shows the, layout of angled parking where it is feasible, specifically along Custer Avenue. Clvde. Callan. Brummel. Dobson and Mulford in the high density area. Alderman Hevdemann seconded this varking reference and the one made previously by Alderman Engelman. Mption carried No nays. He reported that there will be an Easter Egg Hunt in Brummel Park on April 2, that will be open to all children in the area. Alderman Holsman also reported that he was getting an increasing number of calls regarding people hanging out on street comers and noise at night. He hoped that the Police Department would be addressing these problems. He noted that more of the calls were coming from west of Ridge and north of the Target Area. He hoped that the City could come up with some creative solutions for these problems. Alderman Feldman disagreed that 45 minutes was too long for Citizen Comment and felt that it was one of the most productive periods of the evening. He acknowledged that no one wants to listen to the same thing six to eight times, but was concerned that if Council did not do so, it may miss something important or useful. He said that Council needed to be very patient and very tolerant in accepting not the most expedient, not the most efficient, not the most perfect way of going about it, in favor of a value shared by all. 14 March 28, 1994 Alderman Feldman made the following references to deal with issues raised by Gordon Peters in Citizen Comment: to the EDC to deal with the question raised about investment in southeast Evanston: to the Administration and Public Works Committee to look at the issue of the CTA viaduct at Main Street: to the Citv Manager. the problem of litter in the park and area surrounding the Main Street CTA station on Chicano Avenue: the issue of panhandlers in the Main/Chicago area to the Mavor's Blue Ribbon Committee on Panhandling: and the issue of vacant store fronts to the EDC. He noted that there was nothing the Citv could be do about Northlight Theater moving and the sewer nroiect is complete. so that is no longer a concern. He commented on the issue of graffiti in the community and said he shared Alderman Drummer's concerns about this problem. He noted that it has a significant negative effect on anyone looking at houses in Evanston who may be confronted by graffiti in an area of otherwise lovely homes. Graffiti causes people to lose the value of their property. He expressed concern about the effectiveness of the City's graffiti removal program and said that he was not ready to give up on this problem. It has to dealt with. Alderman. Feldman reported that at a Planning and Development Committee meeting this evening a number of neighbors from the Dodge/Oakton area were present and expressed their strong feelings about the gas station on that corner. He said that the issue would come before Council on April 25. Alderman Engelman seconded Alderman Feldman's references to the EDC Committee. In response to a question from Alderman Newman, City Manager Anderson responded that it is City policy for employees to report in any graffiti they see. Alderman Heydemann moved that Council recess into Closed Session to consider pending litigation and personnel. Seconded by Alderman Guthrie. Voting aye - Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Feldman, Newman and Drummer. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (9-0) Council so recessed at 10:47 P.M. and reconvened in Open Session at 11:40 P.M. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Morton asked for a motion to adjourn. The Council so moved and adjourned at 11:41 P.M. KIRSTEN F. DAVIS CITY CLERK 1