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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1994-04-12-19941 Ll Y COUNCEL April 12, 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 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, April 12, 1994, at 9:22 P.M. in the City Council Chamber. ROLL CALL - PRESENT: Alderman Heydemann Alderman Kent Alderman Moran Alderman Engelman A Quorum being present. ABSENT: Alderman Feldman TARDY: None PRESIDING: Mayor Lorraine H. Morton Alderman Holsman Alderman Newman Alderman Drummer Alderman Guthrie A video tape recording of this meeting has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the City Clerk's office. pp 2 April 12, 1994 CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS: City Manager Eric A. Anderson announced that the City had once again received a Aaa Bond Rating from Moody's Bond Rating Service. He reported that the Aaa Bond Rating would save the City approximately $540,000 in interest charges and noted that it was important for the City to retain that rating. City Manager Anderson called Council's attention to the memorandum reporting the crime statistics for 1993 that had been placed on their desks. He noted that the statistics are drawn from the City as a whole and that there are fluctuations in neighborhoods. Overall crime in Class I and H declined by 2 % and violent crime decreased by 17 %. The previous year violent crime had decreased by 6.4%. Gang motivated incidents decreased by 8 % and arrests increased by 9 %. He observed that, while they were good statistics, they do not tell the whole story. He reported that burglaries had increased and motor vehicles burglary was up 39 %. He said that any increase in crime is a blot on the community and is a concern of the Police Department, City and citizens. He called attention to a 1993 study by Northwestern University journalism students which found that the majority of the respondents felt safer than ten years ago and noted that in the memo, Chief Cooper said that the partnership between the police and citizens seems to be working. He also agreed that the credit goes to those citizens and community groups who continue to work with the police to mold the partnerships that help to make the community a safer place to live. Credit for this reduction should also go to the police officers, their supervisors and the management of the department. He observed that the work is not done until all crime is eliminated, but felt that it was important to note the successes that the police and community have accomplished collectively to reduce the threat of crime in the Evanston. MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Morton read a proclamation declaring April 15-24 as Earth Week in Evanston, and invited everyone to join her in this observance. Mayor Morton announced that the Illinois Department of Conservation and the National Park Service had commended the City of Evanston "for its excellent effort in providing quality outdoor recreation facilities, as evidenced by the project site" at the Centennial Park Lagoon. Mayor Morton congratulated City Manager Anderson and Finance Director Shonk for their work in maintaining the City's Aaa Bond Rating. She noted that the rating report reflected the following credit considerations: 1) Evanston's diverse economic base, which features Northwestern University and a wide array of commercial and retail activities and affords a large measure of stability; 2) its proximity to Chicago, which is easily accessible by rapid transit and highway; 3) the City's North Shore location which is reflected in its above -average socio-economic indices. It notes the City's debt position, but says that it is moderated by continued strong support from non - property tax sources, including water and sewer revenues and that such support is important in maintaining manageable debt positions. It further commends the City for imposing the recent 1/4% sales tax increase, which will generate revenue to help fund police and fire pensions at levels recommended by the City's actuary - eliminating a prior credit concern. Mayor Morton said that she was very happy that the City was on the right track because it is so important to maintain that Aaa rating which will save money on the cost of our bonds. She asked Mr. Anderson and Mr. Shonk to convey her than to City staff. CITIZEN COMMENT: Robert Marks, 420 Ashland Avenue, attorney for the petitioner for a text amendment to list vehicle sales as a special use in the C-1 District, emphasized that it was not a petition to grant that special use to the petitioner, but would only give him, and other C-1 property owners the right to petition for permission for that special use. It would only give petitioners the right to show that they would comply with the special use provisions imposed by the Council and to show that such a use would not adversely affect property values or the public health, safety and welfare. He stated that the current ordinance gives Council no discretion over where motor vehicles can be sold in commercial districts and explained those limitations. He questioned why Council would want to give up such discretion and noted that it was consistent with the Comprehensive General Plan. He called attention to a memorandum he had distributed to the aldermen prior to the meeting and urged them to approve the text amendment. April 12, 1994 Holly Lowell -Belleau, 2658 Prairie Avenue, representing the Evanston Neighborhood Conference, invited everyone to the next ENC Forum on April 27, at 7:30 P.M. at the Unitarian Church. The topic for the evening will be "Building Comprehensive Recreation Programs Together." She said that recreation would be an important consideration this summer since District 65 has announced that it will not conduct a summer school program. COMMUNICATIONS: City Clerk Kirsten F. Davis reminded the aldermen who have not returned their financial disclosure forms to do so before May 1. City Clerk Davis called the aldermen's attention to the Bond Orders that she had placed on their desks this evening which are responsive to Ordinance 22-0-94, providing for the issuance of Series 1994 Tax Exempt General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds in the amount of $24,210,000 and Ordinance 23-0-94, providing for the issuance of Series 1994 Taxable General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds in the amount of $1,850,000. CONSENT AGENDA: (Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda, with the following exception: Minutes of the Council meeting of March 28, 1994. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Roll call. Voting aye - Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Newman, Drummer, Guthrie. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (8-0) CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS AIINUTES: Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the minutes of the regular Council meeting of March 28, 1994, as submitted in writing to the members of the City Council. Seconded by Alderman Engelman. Alderman Newman moved to correct the minutes on Page 11, middle of the page, and said that his reference to the Planning and Development Committee should read: "...to review Notice provisions to Citizens in regard to the Sign Ordinance." On Page 8, paragraph 5, second sentence, he asked that the words "by resorting to" be deleted and the words "as to whether the development met" be added in their place. With these changes, motion carried. No nays. ADNIDVISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS CONMUTTEE: BILLS AND PAYROLL * Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for fiscal year 1994-95 for the period ending April 13, 1994; for City of Evanston payroll for the period ending April 3, 1994; for City Council Payroll for March 1994; and that they be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston bills $ 2,042,079.26 City of Evanston payroll 1,230,330.95 City Council payroll 4,875.03 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) PURCHASES: * Approval of the proposal from Great Lakes Construction for Green Bay Road Embankment Improvements at a total cost of $868,129.70. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Approval of the recommendations of Deloitte & Touche for changes in the City's Health Insurance Program at a savings of $275,000. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) 4 April 12, 1994 * Approval of the proposal from Howard, Needles, Tammen & Bergendoff for Consulting Services for the Chicago Avenue Water Line at the Skokie Swift Bridge at a total cost of $12,844. (Non -Bid Item, Requires 2/3 Majority Vote) PROPOSAL SUMMARY: EnEineering Firm Prouosed Cost WVP Corporation $ 12,700 Oak Brook, II. Howard, Needles, Tammen & Bergendoff 12,844 Chicago, IL Alvord, Burdick & Howson 13,000 Chicago, II. Camp, Dresser & McKee, Inc. 16,000 Chicago, EL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Approval of the low bid from G & M Cement Construction for the 1994-95 50150 Sidewalk and Curb Replacement Program, at the unit prices bid for a total estimated cost of $118,080. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Sidewalk Curb Type B Comb.Type B6.12 Total Cost Unit Estimated Unit Estimated Unit Estimated Price Total Price Total Price Total G&M Cement $2.27 $111,230 $6.00 $6000 $8.50 $850 $118,080 Addison, IL Schroeder & Schroeder $2.44 $119,560 $7.50 $7500 $8.50 $850 $127910 Des Plaines, IL Globe Construction $2.59 $126,910 $10.00 $10000 $10.00 $1000 $137910 Addison, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. * Approval of the proposal from Oce Office Systems for Copiers for the Police Department at a total cost of $41,616. (Non -Bid Tem, Requires a 2/3 Majority Vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Docket 70-4A-94: Special Event - Youns Evanston Artists' Festival - Consideration of a request from the Chicago -Dempster Merchants' Association to hold the Seventh Annual Young Evanston Artists' Festival on public right- of-way on Saturday, May 21, 1994, from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. The request includes closing of Sherman Place from Dempster Street north to mid - block. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) April 12, 1994 * Docket 71-4A-94: Special Event - Saint James Armenian Church Fair - Consideration of a request from Saint James Armenian Church, 816 Clark Street, to hold its Annual Church Fair on public right -of --way on Sunday, August 28, 1994. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Docket 72-4A-94: Special Event Permit - EVMARK's "Dancing in the Streets" - Consideration of a request from EVMARK to hold a "Dancing in the Streets" Block Party in conjunction with the World Jazz Dance Congress on Friday, August 19, 1994. The request includes closing of Orrington Avenue from Grove Street north to Davis Street; Sherman Avenue between Davis and Grove Streets; and Davis Street at Fountain square. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Docket 73-4A-94: Resolution 31-R-94 - Urban Empowerment Zone - Consideration of proposed Resolution 31-R-94, by which the City Council would authorize the City Manager to make application to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Urban Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Community Program, which is structured to assist in economic development, job creation, and community development. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Docket 74-4A-94: Ordinance 25-0-94 - Special Assessment #1400 - Paving Allev North of Dempster/East of McDaniel - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 25-0-94, by which the City Council would authorize, under Special Assessment #1400, the paving of the alley north of Dempster Street and east of McDaniel Avenue. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 75-4A-94: Ordinance 26-0-94 - Special Assessment #1401 - Paving Allev North of Crain/East of McDaniel - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 26-0-94, by which the City Council would authorize, under Special Assessment #1401, the paving of the alley north of Crain and east of McDaniel Avenue. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 76-4A-94: Ordinance 274)-94 - Special Assessment #1402 - Paving Allev North of Colfax/East of Ashland - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 27-0-94, by which the City Council would authorize, under Special Assessment #1402, the paving of the alley north of Colfax Street and east of Ashland Avenue. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 68-3B-94: Ordinance 30-0-94 - Traffic Reeulations on Madison/Custer - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 30-0-94, introduced on March 28, 1994, 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. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) P-J t 6 April 12, 1994 vl� HUMAN SERVICES COAU IIZTEE: * Docket 77-4A-94: Township Monthlv Bills - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council approve Township bills, medical payments and payroll in the amount of $159,941.25 for the month of March 1994. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. * Docket 78-4A-94: Ordinance 19-0-94 - Townshin Budget - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 19-0-94, by which the City Council, acting as Township Trustees, would approve the Fiscal Year 1994-95 Budget for Evanston Township. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 79-4A-94: Ordinance 31-0-94 - Regulating Beach Hours - Consideration of a recommendation from the Recreation Board that the City Council amend Section 7-11-4(D) of the Code of the City of Evanston to authorize the City Manager to close City beaches when weather conditions or staffing reductions negatively affect public safety. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMM TTEE. * Docket 80-4A-94: Ordinance 18-0-94. ZPC 93-6M - Zoning Text Amendment - Definition of through Lot - Consideration of the Plan Commission's recommendation that the City Council amend Section 6-18-3 of the Zoning Ordinance to revise the definition of "through lot." * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA OTHER CONBUTTEES * Docket 81-4A-94: Resolution 32-R-94 - Assault Weapons - Consideration of proposed Resolution 32-R-94, by which the City Council would support the Illinois Campaign to Ban Assault Weapons and its effort to ban the manufacture, sale, or possession of semi -automatic assault weapons. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-02 * Docket 82-4A-94: Ordinance 32-0-94 - Site Plan for Evanston Center - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 32-0-94, by which the City Council would modify the site plan for the Evanston Center (redevelopment of the Bell & Howell Site). * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Engelman moved to Suspend the Council Rules in order to adopt this ordinance this evening. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Alderman Engelman explained that the developers were ready to proceed with construction and if the Council were to wait to approve this until the next meeting, it would delay that construction. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Engelman moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 32-0-94, introduced this evening. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Alderman Holsman noted that this change had been discussed with the Evanston neighbors and was made in response to requests from the Chicago neighbors. Voting aye - Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Newman, Drummer, and Guthrie. Motion carried. (8-0) 7 April 12, 1994 REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS All action items on the Consent Agenda HUMAN SERVICES All action items on the Consent Agenda. Alderman Drummer encouraged the Trustees to review the Township Budget, which is up for adoption at the April 25th meeting. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Docket 60-3A-94: Ordinance 20-0-94 - Zonine Ordinance Text Amendment - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 20-0-94, introduced on March 21, 1994, 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 Heydemann moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 20-0-94. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Alderman Holsman said that he found the memo from Mr. Marks who is the attorney for the petitioner, to be very persuasive and felt that the special use component gave the City special tools with which to regulate land. Alderman Engelman said that flexibility was not the sole issue and, if that standard is used, all uses could become special uses. The question is whether a particular use is appropriate in a certain location. He noted how long it had taken to develop the new Zoning Ordinance and said that it should be used as a planning document. He felt that it needed to be more than benign. It should encourage and discourage development in certain areas and should set forth the values of the community and how the City will use its land in the future. He compared the areas in which C-1 and C-2 were mapped and said that it was determined that C-2 Districts were the areas that would be compatible with automobile sales. He emphasized that he did not want to discourage automobile sales, particularly sales of new automobiles because of the sales tax revenue they generate, but expressed concern about allowing used vehicles in open lots. He did not believe that use was consistent with the areas mapped as C-1. He thought that the community wanted to discourage such a use and said that this would not be an appropriate change. Alderman Heydemann stated that this ordinance would grant discretion to Council through the special use process, but noted that text amendment was brought to Council by an individual who had an interest in changing it, and, if that amendment was approved, would be asking for a special use. She agreed that the Zoning Ordinance was a planning document that reflected community values and did not think that the sale of used cars on open lots would enhance the Howard Street area where the City was spending a great deal of money and community effort in order to make it a more attractive and user-friendly place. Alderman Newman said that it was easy to say that this special use did not fit into a C-1 District. However, he noted that both the Howard/Hartrey and the Sam's Warehouse properties are zoned C-1 and thought they would be appropriate places to have used car lots if they did not work out as shopping centers in the future. He noted that automobile repairs and service stations were permitted in C-1 as special uses, and thought that used car sales in open lots was consistent with those uses. He felt that it did not change the character of the district or have an undesirable effect. He supported giving the Council the discretion under the special use process and noted that would give the neighbors the ability to have input to suggest improvements. He agreed that Mr. Marks had a persuasive argument and agreed that not every property should be subject to the special use provisions. He said that it was a relatively benign use and would not create problems in that C-1 District. a ` , 8 April 12, 1994 Alderman Engelman agreed with Alderman Newman that used auto sales would be appropriate on the properties he mentioned in the southwest corner of the City. What swayed him against this amendment is that the City does allow certain auto uses in the C-1 District. He expressed concern about the future of certain service stations which may decide to go out of business. He said that such cemented -over properties would be a perfect place to put up a few banners and sell used cars. He felt it would not be compatible in most C-1 areas. In response to a question from Mayor Morton, Alderman Engelman clarified that approval of the text amendment would not grant the special use, but would only allow a property owner in a C-1 District td petition the City for a special use to sell used cars which would go through the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Planning and Development Committee and ultimately the City Council. He emphasized that, if the standards are met, then the City has to grant the special use and cannot act arbitrarily. Alderman Newman felt that the standards were difficult to meet and said that the special use process allows the neighbors to have input. He noted that someone cannot just put up flags and open a used car lot, but must go through the special use process and did not believe that it would lead to a large number of petitions to become used car lots. The question is whether it is a compatible special use. He felt is was. In response to a question from Alderman Heydemann, First Assistant Corporation Counsel Hill clarified that the discretion of the City Council is in its determination whether the facts meet the standards. If the facts meet the standards, then the special use is granted and there is not discretion at that point. In response to a question from Mayor Morton, he said that the determination of the City Council could be subject to litigation in the Circuit Court of Cook County. In response to a question from Alderman Holsman, City Manager Anderson said that he believed that underground tanks have to be removed if they have disturbed the soil or leak. Under state law, they may have to be removed, even if neither of those apply. If it is a gas station and it closed after the effective date of the ordinance, the tanks must be removed. In response to a question from Alderman Drummer, Mr. Hill said that the special use process allows Council to place certain conditions on a special use and gives it substantial control over the development of property. City Manager Anderson and Alderman Drummer discussed the requirements for underground tank removal and explored circumstances under which it might not be required. Alderman Drummer questioned whether, with this text amendment, a gas station would be allowed to sell used cars as an accessory use and expressed reservations about that possibility. Alderman Newman said that an existing gas station with a special use would be limited to that special use and someone applying to become a gas station and a used car lot would have to apply for both uses. Acting Director of Planning and Zoning, Dave Rasmussen, said that to do both would require them to apply for two special uses. Council would have the ability to grant one and deny the other, but it would be possible to have both special uses on the same property. Alderman Engelman pointed out that the service station on Central Street across from the Osco, often has two or three cars for sale. Mr. Rasmussen said that is not permitted as an accessory use. Alderman Newman emphasized that anyone can apply for multiple special uses for any property. It is up to Council to determine whether each use would be appropriate and compatible. Alderman Engelman said that he had no problems with selling new cars in showrooms, but had reservations about used cars being sold in open lots. Alderman Guthrie noted that all the new car dealers in Evanston were in a strip on Chicago Avenue in her ward and said that while she is not a fan of the way car dealers properties look, when they are confined to an area like that it didn't bother her as much. She expressed concern about the impact of open lots selling used cars on former gas station properties that are primarily in residential neighborhoods. She said that she had heard nothing to persuade her that the City wanted little corner used car lots all over town. Alderman Holsman noted that most of the concern expressed has been about having open air used car lots. He pointed out that most of the properties that would be eligible for this use would be former service stations and noted that they currently were not appealing in appearance. With the special use process, it would give Council the tools to assure that the property would look better and allow the neighbors to have input. 9 April 12, 1994 oq! 1 Alderman Drummer noted that the Second Ward had been impacted by the bulk of economic development in the City and felt that his constituents would want him to oppose this amendment because of its potential impact on the Dempster/Dodge area and other parts of the Second Ward. He said that he had wanted to vote for this, but was persuaded by Alderman Engelman's arguments. He expressed concern that there were too many potential sites in the Second Ward that would be eligible for this type of special use. Vote on Ordinance 20-0-94. Voting aye - Kent, Holsman, Newman. Voting nay - Engelman, Guthrie, Heydemann, Drummer, Moran. Motion failed. (3-5� Alderman Heydemann reported that the Planning and Development Committee had discussed the City's relocation policy regarding the Research Park at its meeting the previous evening. She said that there was a recommendation from a consultant, as well as an objection to that recommendation. A suggestion was also made that Council consider a City policy quite at variance to what the consultant recommended. She said that the recommendation would be considered in the larger context of the Economic Development Committee's examination of the many different aspects of the Research Park. She asked that the Council be particularly attentive to the minutes of that meeting last night because the issue discussed will be considered by the entire Council. Alderman Heydemann announced that the committee is considering cancelling their meeting on April 18, due to a light agenda and is considering holding their meeting instead at 6:00 P.M. on April 25. OTHER COMIWMES: Docket 14-1B-94: Ordinance 129-0-93 - Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Plan and Proiect - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 129-0- 293, 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 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: APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Morton introduced the following names to serve on boards and commission: Environment Board Housing Commission H. Reed Harris Joseph P. Beckman April 12, 1994 Mental Health Board Frank Summers Taxicab Advisory Board Jean Esch Maryland L. Garrett Patricia Packett CALL OF THE WARDS: Alderman Drummer congratulated City Manager Anderson, Finance Director Shonk, all City staff involved and Mayor Morton for maintaining the Aaa Bond Rating. He also congratulated Human Resources Director, Judith Witt, for the excellent job she and her staff did in negotiating the new medical insurance contract. Mayor Morton joined him in congratulating Ms. Witt and complimented her on her clear and concise report explaining the issues relating to the contract. Alderman Holsman reported that the Clyde/Callan/Brummel Neighbors had held a successful Easter Egg Hunt on April 2nd, and that it was so well attended that next year they will try to obtain more eggs. Alderman Holsman announced that there would be a Trash Busters Cleanup along Howard Street on Saturday April 23. He noted that in the past, neighborhood groups from the Chicago side of Howard Street had joined the Evanston neighborhood groups in this effort and expected that they would do so again. He reminded everyone of the ENC Forum on Wednesday, April 27, at the Unitarian Church at 7:30 P.M. where the discussion will center on recreation programs. He reported that he had seen first hand how important these programs are to the community and had learned how important community input is on this issue. He reported that a meeting is tentatively scheduled for April 15th between the Howard/Hartrey neighbors and the developer of Evanston Center. Alderman Holsman noted that Council had received a memorandum summarizing how CDBG funds had been distributed during the nineteen years of the program. He said that based on that, the Eighth Ward had only received .02 % on those funds. Mayor Morton recommended that he look at the size of the CDBG Target Area in the Eighth Ward and compare it to Target Areas in other wards and suggested that he compare allocations based on size of those areas, which she felt would provide for a more accurate comparisons. Alderman Newman announced that the City -School Liaison Committee meeting scheduled for April 28th did not appear on the schedule at the end of the agenda and asked that it do so in the future. It will be at 7:30 P.M. in the Civic Center. He reported that Alderman Engelman's reference regarding the redistricting plan be put on the agenda and that District 65 has been asked to make a presentation on that plan. He agreed with Alderman Engelman about the effect this plan could have on the City and on property values. This is a non -tax issue that may be affecting property values. He noted that he will propose that the school district consider some sort of moratorium, perhaps as long as ten years, on involuntary transfers. He said that it is a tremendous concern to the City and to constituents. He said that the City needs to work with the school district to create stability. Mayor Morton said that the school district should provide the committee with its projections on enrollments in various areas of the City and where they are going. Population treads would probably give the committee some solid bases for making decisions. She said that Mr. Dawkins would be able to give them to the committee. Alderman Kent announced that the Foster Reading Center will be having an open house on Monday, April 18. He said that it would be a good time to see an excellent program in action and complimented Director Tom Jenkins for his fine work. 1 �1 1 11 April 12, 1994 Alderman Kent thanked the Neighborhood Action Block Club near Dodge and Lyons for the wonderful job they had done in cleaning up their area. He noted that it was the first time that members of other block clubs had helped out of their area. He joined Alderman Holsman in noting that Saturday, April 23 was Trash Busters Day and urged everyone to get out and pick up some trash. He also encouraged everyone to get kids involved. Alderman Kent commented on the memorandum on crime statistics and said that there were certain things that generated inside of him when he heard about statistics that report that citizens feel safe, that the crime rate is down, especially the gang motivated activity. He found it scary to realize that there are people who live in certain sections of the community who are in a big plastic bubble. He said that he would like to see the wall around their house. He expressed concern about what the summer would bring, especially because District 65 was not having summer school and said he would be happy if it was zero degrees and snowed all summer, because then the Fifth Ward streets would be clear. He felt that there was a large portion of the City where the residents did not feel safe because their neighborhood is falling apart. He did not dispute the statistics, but said that someone should go down to, the very bottom source and find out from the people who are living with the problems that are going on every day and night to find out some real statistics. Alderman Moran said that he was happy to hear the report on crime statistics this evening. He was especially pleased to hear about the reduction in gang related incidents. He felt that the Police Department deserved a tremendous amount of credit for the work they have done in this area over the last two years. He noted, however, that it needs to be a community effort and made reference to a program in which he is involved - Project SOAR, which is a joint effort between the Youth Services Bureau of the Police Department and the McGaw YMCA. It is a mentoring program matching men and women with high risk youths who have come to the attention of Project SOAR through the Youth Services Bureau. He noted that there are a lot of young people who are waiting for a mentor and encouraged those interested to participate. He announced that there will be a benefit for Project SOAR on Friday, April 29, at the Orrington Hotel from 8:30 P.M. -1:00 A.M. and invited everyone to attend and become involved. Mayor Morton reported that when she is out in the community, sometimes at two or three events a day, she hears nice comments about the City Council. At a recent affair, she was approached by a man who said that trash cans are needed around Evanston and said that he would give her $100 to start the campaign and hoped that would encourage other citizens to also donate for that purpose. Mayor Morton encouraged people to join this man in contributing to a fund that would purchase some trash cans for downtown Evanston. She will ask the him to make his presentation to the City Council. Alderman Engelman moved that Council recess into Closed Session to consider pending litigation and land acquisition. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Roll call. Voting aye - Heydemann, Kent, Moran, Engelman, Holsman, Newman, Drummer and Guthrie. Council so recessed at 10:43 P.M. and reconvened in Open Session at 11:42 P.M. Alderman Heydemann moved Council approval of the 1993-1995 Fire Fighters contract and the arbitrator's award as detailed in the memorandum of April 5, 1994. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. Motion carried. No nays. 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 11:45 P.M. KIRSTEN F. DAVIS CITY CLERK 1 1 1