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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES-1994-06-13-199440 ITY COUNCIL June 13, 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 Develoloment 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 called to order on Monday, June 13, 1994, at 8:36 P.M. in the Aldermanic Conference Room. ROLL CALL - PRESENT: Alderman Holsman Alderman Newman Alderman Drummer Alderman Guthrie A Quorum being present. ABSENT: Mayor Morton and Alderman Feldman TARDY: None Alderman Heydemann Alderman Kent Alderman Moran Alderman Engelman City Clerk Kirsten F. Davis announced that, in the absence of Mayor Morton, nominations for the election of a Mayor pro tem were in order and that, in accordance with Council Rule 15.7, Alderman Engelman is next on the list of sidermen by seniority who have not served as Mayor pro tem. Alderman Heydemann nominated Alderman Engelmm. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried. No nays. PRESIDING: Mayor pro tem Engelman A vidw tape recording of this meeting has been made part of the permanent record and is available in the City Clerk's office. �S5' 2 June 13, 1994 Alderman Guthrie moved that Council recess into Closed Session to consider the acquisition and disposition of real property. Seconded by Alderman Newman. Roll call. Voting aye - Holsman, Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran and Engelman. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (8-0) Council so recessed at 8:38 P.M. and reconvened into Open Session in the Council Chamber at 9:10 P.M. CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS: City Manager Anderson announced that there will be a City -School Liaison Committee meeting on Thursday, June 23, 1994, at 7:30 P.M. at Evanston Township High School. MAYOR ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor pro tern Engelman announced that he had been voted Mayor pro tern because he was next on the list by seniority and alphabetically to fill in for Mayor Morton, who was attending the Conference of Mayors meeting in Portland, Oregon, and was working diligently on behalf of all the citizens of Evanston. CITIZEN COMMENT: David Futranskv, 9005 Pottawattami, Skokie, said that he is a member of the Niles Township Sheltered Workshop (NTSW) Board and Foundation, which is asking for Council's support for their proposal for affordable housing for independent living for senior adults at 1830 Ridge Avenue. He reviewed the history and services provided by NTSW, explained the proposal it had developed for 1830 Ridge and noted that neighbors of the property are supportive of the proposed plans. He explained that the architectural firm that NTSW was using to develop the property has worked in Evanston for over thirty years and had considerable experience in rehabbing old buildings for adaptive uses, and felt that they had designed a good place to live in an under -used and neglected older building. The building will house older adults with low or moderate incomes who desire an independent lifestyle. He enumerated the various City boards, committees and commissions that had reviewed the proposal, as well as staff, and said that the financing has been arranged through both private and public sources. The project will provide construction jobs for Evanstonians, including minorities and women. NTSW has committed to pay payments -in -lieu of taxes for the property and has offered to pay $5,000 towards repair and landscaping the alley behind the building. He asked Council to approve the ordinances necessary so they can proceed to renovate this property, which will be named for the late Richard Harr, their long-time executive director and an Evanston resident. Buzz Alnert. 222 West Bank Street, Chicago, a federally and state licensed bird rehabber who works with urban birds, protested what he characterized as the careless manner in which the company hired to re -screen the viaducts to keep pigeons from roosting under them were going about it. He said that they were trapping live birds and not being careful to seal the netting properly. He emphasized that the netting should be inspected each week to see if any holes had been opened up and birds trapped. He displayed a five -week old pigeon which he said had been trapped by the netting and found to be starving and severely dehydrated when he rescued it. He did not feel that a city such as Evanston should carry out such activities without considering the natural habitat of these birds and did not feel that leaders of the community should set an example of being cruel to animals. He urged Council not to act rashly, to find a way to be kind and offered his advice and assistance in dealing with the pigeons. Alderman Guthrie moved to extend the Citizen Comment period. Seconded by Alderman Moran. Motion carried. No nays. Robvn Douelass. 10 Canterbury, Wilmette, expressed her opposition to netting the viaducts to prevent pigeons from roosting in there and displayed a sample of the nets and pigeon carcasses which she said she had removed from the netting. She also displayed pictures she had taken of trapped or dead birds and pigeon droppings from trapped birds which was fermenting in the netting which she noted was a health hazard. She said that unless the netting is compartmentalized and inspected on a weekly basis to deal with breakage and vandalism, it should be eliminated. She asked for a humane solution and said that she passes under the Ridge/Green Bay viaduct and sees live birds trapped all the time. June 13, 1994 q6 COMMUNICATIONS: City Clerk Davis reported that she had received three communications from the Illinois Department of Revenue reporting that a warrant for Auto Rental Tax for the month of March had been issued in the amount of $2,204.90; a warrant for Sales Tax for the month of February had been issued in the amount of $367,453.50; and a warrant for Home Rule Sales Tax for the month of March has been issued to the City in the amount of $67,079.79. CONSENT AGENDA: (Any Docket Item Marked with an Asterisk*) Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of the Consent Agenda with the following exceptions: Docket 125-6A- 94: Use of Parking Lots #25 and #27; Docket 104-5A-94: Ordinance 47-0-94 - Amendment to Class N Liquor License; Docket 134-6A-94: Business Relocation; Docket 121-5B-94: Ordinance 42-0-94, ZPC 94-1(7) - Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment and Docket 123-5B-94: Ordinance 52-0-94 - Redevelopment Agreement between City and Home Depot. Seconded by Alderman Heydemann. Voting aye - Holsman, Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Dent, Moran, Engelman. Voting nay - none. Motion carried. (8-0) CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS MINUTES: * Approval of Minutes of the Council Meeting of May 23, 1994. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS CONIIVIITTEE: BILLS AND PAYROLL * Approval, as recommended, of City of Evanston bills for the period ending June 14, 1994; for City of Evanston payroll for the period ending May 29, 1994; and that they be authorized and charged to the proper accounts, summarized as follows: City of Evanston bills $ 2,648,095.05 City of Evanston payroll 1,249,096.44 * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL (8-0) PURCHASES: * Approval of the low bid from Abbey Paving for Resurfacing the Greenwood -Dempster Lakefront Bike Path at a total cost of $76,986.00 BID SUMMARY: Bidder Base Bid Alternate Total Cost Abbey Paving $66,978.00 $10,008.00 $76,986.00 Hillside, IL Artley Paving 73,180.80 18,070.00 91,250.00 Wheeling, IL J. A. Johnson Paving 80,778.00 48,650.00 129,428.00 Arlington Heights, IL �91 4 June 13, 1994 Bidder (continued) Base Bid Alternate Total Cost North & South Gen. Contr. 107,760.00 95,910.00 203,670.00 Lynwood, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Approval of the low bid from Chicago Turf & Irrigation for a Riding Mower for the Parks Division at a total cost of $13,900. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Cost Chicago Turf & Irrigation $13,900 Itasca, IL Reinders, Inc. 18,665 Elm Grove, WI * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Approval of the proposal from Best Buy Tile for Rubber Tile Flooring for Robert Crown Center at a total cost of $14,000. (Non -Bid Item, Requires a 2/3 Majority Vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Approval of the low bid from Aldridge Electric, at the Unit Prices indicated, for 1994 Traffic Signal Installation and Modernization Program at an total estimated cost of $184,222.80. BID SUMMARY: Bidder Total Estimated Cost Aldridge Electric $184,222.80 Libertyville, IL Benson Electric, Inc. 188,600.00 Waukegan, EL Lyons Electric/Pinner Electric 195,777.50 Brookfield, IL Hecker & Co. 212,357.00 Wheeling, IL Contracting & Material Co. 213,252.50 Chicago, IL * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Approval of the proposal from Mid -America Truck & Equipment Co., for a Hi -Lift Bucket Truck for the Traffic and Parking Divisions at a total cost of $69,737. (Sole -Source Item, Requires a 2/3 Majority Vote) * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Approval of Change Orders #1 and #2 for the Research Park Embankment Improvement Project to Schaefges Brothers, Inc., at a cost of $12,261. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROIL CALL. (8-0) * Approval of Change Order #11 - Phase I - Basin S06/S13 of the Long -Range Sewer Program to McNally Construction and Tunneling Company at a cost of $17,265.15. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) 5 June 13, 1994 * Approval of Change Order #5 - Phase H, Area II, Sewer Improvements Program to Marino Midwest, Inc., for a cost reduction of 193,157.99, * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Approval of Change Order #7 - Phase II, Area III, Sewer Improvements Program with DiPaolo Company for a cost reduction of $2,925. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-01 * Docket 124-6A-94: Special Event Permit - St. Andrew's Church Anniversary Celebration - Consideration of a request from St. Andrew's Episcopal Church to close Darrow Avenue between Emerson and Foster Streets on August 20, 1994 for the Church's 75th Anniversary celebration. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) Docket 125-6A-94: Use of Parking Lots #25 and #27 - Consideration of a recommendation from the Parking Committee concerning the use of City Parking Lots #25 (1600 Oak) and #27 (1600 Maple). The proposal includes moving Postal Service vehicles from Lot #27 to Lot #25 and concerting the spaces they will vacate in Lot #27 to a mix of permits and meters. Alderman Drummer moved Council approval of this proposal. Seconded by Alderman Heydemann. Alderman Moran expressed reservations about approving this proposal at this time, since the Parking Committee was undertaking a comprehensive study of parking and he expressed concern that selling the permits to the Post Office would be selling the same 80 spaces twice. He felt that approving this arrangement at this time would limit the committee's flexibility and further Balkanize the parking problem, pushing parking problems from one neighborhood to another. He expressed concern about the impact this would have on the Economic Development Committee's discussion about the development of an additional building in the Research Park and pointed out that if it is built, it would further limit available spaces. Alderman Newman felt that the evidence was very clear as staff had studied this parking problem over time, and, based on staff studies, there were always more than 80 empty spaces in that lot on any given day, even though permits were sold for all spaces. Parking is on a first come, first served basis. He felt that taxpayers had subsidized this parking lot long enough and it was time for it to generate a little revenue for the City. He did not believe that it would affect any plans currently on the table and other lots could accommodate anyone who had to be moved. He did not believe that it would Balkanize the parking problem and supported getting employee parking off the street on Davis Street because it would help commerce in that area. He thanked staff for their work in this area. Motion carried. Docket 126-6A-94: Northwestern Telecommunications Easement Agreement - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council authorize the City manager to enter into an Easement Pricing Agreement with Northwestern Telecommunications Service for the use of public right-of-way for a private telecommunications system at a cost of $6.00 per linear foot per year and other considerations. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Docket 127-6A-94: Resolution 42-R-94 - Motor Fuel Tax Maintenance - Consideration of proposed Resolution 42-R-94, by which the City Council would appropriate $500,000 in Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the purpose of maintaining streets under the jurisdiction of the City from January 1 through December 31, 1994. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. Ll Yr 6 June 13, 1994 * Docket 128-6A-94: Resolution 43-R-94 - Reserved Suace for Disabled - 909 Gaffield - Consideration of proposed Resolution 43-R-94, by which the City Council would authorize the designation of a Reserved Space for the Disabled at 909 Gaffield Place. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Docket 129-6A-94: Resolution 44-R-94 - Prevailing. Waee Rates - Consideration of proposed Resolution 44-R-94, by which the City Council would ascertain and establish prevailing wage rates for various categories of workers engaged in the work associated with public works construction projects within the City. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Docket 130-6A-94: Ordinance 60-0-94 - Creation of Special Service District #5 - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 60-0-94, by which the City Council would create Special Service District #5. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 131-6A-94: Ordinance 62-0-94 - Limitine No Turn on Red - Chicaeo/Main - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 62-0-94, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-3, Schedule HI(D), to limit the No Turn on Red restriction at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and Main Street to the time period when pedestrians are present instead of the full-time restriction which now exists. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA * Docket 132-6A-94: Ordinance 63-0-94 - Disposition of Pronertv - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 63-0-94, by which the City Council would authorize the City manager to negotiate a contract for the sale of 2230 Main Street. * MARKED INTRODUCED - CONSENT AGENDA Docket 104-5A-94: Ordinance 47-0-94 - Amendment to Class N Liauor License - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 47-0-94, introduced on May 23, 1994, by which the City Council would amend Section 3-5-6(N) of the Code of the City of Evanston to establish that Combination Stores are eligible to apply for a Class N Liquor License. On behalf of the Committee, Alderman Newman moved Council approval of proposed Ordinance 47-0-94. Seconded by Alderman Heydemann. Alderman Newman explained that the entire committee had voted to recommend this ordinance to the Council except himself who opposed it. He thanked Alderman Holsman for his work in this area, but said that even though a referendum had allowed warm beer and wine in other grocery stores, he felt that there was a certain unfairness about the ordinance and would continue to oppose it. Roll call on Ordinance 47-0-94. Voting aye - Holsman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran and Engelman. Voting nay - Newman. Motion carried. (7-1). * Docket 114-513-94 Ordinance 54-0-94 - Sale of Sumlus Property - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 54-0-94, introduced on May 23, 1994, by which the City Council would authorize the sale of surplus Police Department dictaphone equipment. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) June 13, 1994 U * Docket 115-5B-94: Ordinance 55-0-94 - 4-Wav Ston - Harrison/Hastings - 3- Wav Ston - Reba/Sherman - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 55-0-94, introduced on May 23, 1994, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-5, Schedules V(C) and V(D) of the Code of the City of Evanston to establish a 4-way Stop at the intersection of Harrison Street and Hastings Avenue and a 3-Way Stop at the Intersection of Reba Place and Sherman Avenue. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. 8-0 * Docket 116-5B-94: Ordinance 56-0-94 - Prohibit Parkin¢ on North Side of Sheridan at Hinman - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 56-0-94, introduced on May 23, 1994, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-8, Schedule XIH(A) of the Code of the City of Evanston to prohibit parking on the north side of Sheridan Road between Hinman Avenue and the eastern most driveway to Northwestern University. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Docket 117-SB-94: Ordinance 57-0-94 - Establish Residential Exemption Parkin¢ District on CentralBrvant/Asbury - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 57-0-94, introduced on May 23, 1994, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-10, Schedules X(C) and X(F) of the Code of the City of Evanston to establish a Residential Exemption Parking District on portions of Central Street, Bryant Avenue, and Asbury Avenue. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) *Docket 118-5B-94: Ordinance 58-0-94 - Expansion of Residential Exemption Parkin¢ District "M" - Lvons. Asburv/Weslev - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 58-0-94, introduced on May 23, 1994, by which the City Council would amend Section 10-11-10, Schedules X(C) and X(F) of the Code of the City of Evanston to expand Residential Exemption Parking District "M" to include the south side of Lyons Street between Asbury and Wesley Avenues. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE: * Docket 133-6A-94: Township Bills - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council approve the Township bills, payroll, and medical payments for the month of May 1994, in the amount of $131,197.56. * APPROVED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) Alderman Drummer reminded Council of the Public Hearing on proposed amendments to the Clean Air Ordinance that will be held on next Monday, June 20, at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chamber. Alderman Drummer reported that the Committee had heard an extensive presentation on and discussed the IPLAN (a review of the provision of health care in the community). He hoped that Council had received copies of the plan and that it will be made available to the public. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMJTTEE: Docket 134-6A-94: Business Relocation - Consideration of a recommendation that the City Council authorize the Relocation Benefits Package in the amount of $190,775.50 for the relocation of Ward Manufacturing Company to 2230 Main Street contingent upon acquisition and sale of real estate. 1 8 June 13, 1994 Alderman Kent moved Council approval of the Relocation Benefits Package. Seconded by Alderman Heydemann. Alderman Newman raised questions on the proposal and said that he was not aware when he voted in committee that there would be additional expenses beyond this for this relocation. In response to one of his questions, Assistant City Manager Aiello explained that acquisition of property for the relocation of this business was still in negotiation and a subject for Closed Session discussion. She also noted that this relocation package is contingent on the acquisition of 1110 Emerson Street and sale of 2230 Main Street. In response to another question, she said that there are no immediate plans for the Ward Manufacturing property, but as soon as the City acquires it, it is cleared and land banked. Alderman Newman also asked that Council be provided information on the amount of real estate taxes paid by the Emerson property and how much will be paid by Ward on the property to be acquired on Main Street. He asked whether the number of employees would be increased because of the move; and asked the number of Evanstonians and the number of minorities working at that site. In response to questions from Mayor pro tern Engelman, he said that he would like that information before Council had to take final action on this acquisition. Alderman Heydemann asked Ms. Aiello to provide Council with information on how many parcels the City had purchased in the Research Park and how much time had elapsed between the time the City purchased the property and when it was developed. She also asked whether the City normally collects information on the residency, race and gender of employees of City businesses. Ms. Aiello said that it was not customarily done. Alderman Newman thought that what had been done before was not very material to this case, since the City would be spending a lot of money to purchase a lot that would not be used soon. He felt it was appropriate to request information on employees, since the City is committed to expanding job opportunities for Evanstonians and minorities. Ms. Aiello clarified that Mr. Ward has indicated for a long time that he needed to relocate because he has outgrown this facility and, if he had not found something in Evanston, he would have had to relocate out of the City. She said she would be happy to obtain the information Alderman Newman requested and noted that she had observed a number of minorities, particularly Hispanics, working at Ward Manufacturing. Alderman Drummer observed that Mr. Ward has needed to relocate for sometime and said that the City has worked with him on a number of occasions. He reminded Council that as part of the Research Park Agreement, the City has the responsibility for acquiring the land and clearing the site. He noted that it is easier to sell and promote assembled land and a clean site. While he appreciated Alderman Newman's support on minority job opportunities, he felt that minority jobs were not legitimate relocation questions. He suggested that if the aldermen reviewed the extensive relocation packages that Council has given to others who had to move from the Research Park area, they would not find this amount to be frightening. He also noted that no one else has been required to adhere to any goals of that sort, and felt Mr. Ward should not be held to a different standard. In response to a question from Alderman Kent, Ms. Aiello explained that Mr. Ward had looked at every property that has come on the market in Evanston that was 20,000 square feet or more. His intent is to build a 20,000 square foot building and possibly build foundations to allow for a future expansion. To date, this is the only site in Evanston that will accommodate him. He wants to stay in Evanston because many of his employees rely on public transportation and it is close to his residence. Alderman Kent requested a list of the properties that Mr. Ward had looked at. Alderman Newman agreed that Mr. Ward was being forced to relocate and it is desirable to keep him in Evanston, but objected to the cost of the relocation package. He said that he did not plan"to ask Mr. Ward to meet any goals. He noted that he had received a call from Dave's Italian Kitchen inquiring about relocation and who said that they were told by the City that they can't be relocated at this time. He reiterated that he needed the information before he votes. In response to questions from Alderman Heydemann, Ms. Aiello said that these costs are consistent with the City's relocation policy (which was approved by Council) and the relocation consultant goes out and meets with the person being relocated and get estimates on the cost of the move, the cost of dismantling and reassembly of the equipment and the various other provisions of the relocation policy. She said that the Vector Corporation has over twenty years of experience in relocating everything from a storefront to airports. Alderman Heydemann noted that the I June 13, 1994 / v- EDC has frequently discussed the importance of keeping businesses in Evanston. Alderman Drummer emphasized that the cost of this relocation doesn't frighten him, because of the cost of relocations the City has had to do previously. He noted that the City had tried to make improvements in the situation of those they relocated, from renters to businesses. He said that Vector Corporation is a good company and accounts for every nickel before making a recommendation. Vote on the motion. Motion carried. No nays. * Docket 135-6A-94: Resolution 41-R-94 - Bikewav Through Evanston - Consideration of proposed Resolution 41-R-94, by which the City Council would support an interagency agreement to obtain a grant for a feasibility study and design options for an improved Bikeway linking Kenilworth, Wilmette, and Evanston. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) * Docket 120-5B-94: Ordinance 41-0-94. ZPC 93-9(M) - Zoning Map Amendment - 2010 Dewev - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 41-0-94, introduced on May 23, 1994, by which the City Council, in accordance with the Plan Commission's recommendation would approve the petition by Family Focus, Inc., to rezone the property at 2010 Dewey Avenue from OS Open Space to R4 General Residence District. * ADOPTED - CONSENT AGENDA MOTION AND ROLL CALL. (8-0) Docket 121-5B-94: Ordinance 42-0-94. ZPC 94-lrT) - Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 42-0-94, introduced on May 23, 1994, by which the City Council, in accordance with the Plan Commission's recommendation, would approve the petition by the Niles Township Workshop to amend Sections 6-15-2-3 and 6-15-2-4 of the Zoning Ordinance to list an independent living facility as a special use in the 01 Office District and establish a residential density of 400 square feet of lot area per dwelling unit. Alderman Kent moved Council adoption of proposed Ordinance 42-0-94. Seconded by Alderman Heydemann. Alderman Newman said that at the next meeting, the Director of Health and Human Services will provide some additional information on the special use related to this map request, so he asked that this be held until the next meeting. Seconded by Alderman Kent. At the reauest of two aldermen this item was held until the next meeting. He noted that if the special use is not approved, there is no need for the text amendment. OTHER COMMITTEES Docket 123-SB-94: Ordinance 52-0-94 - Redevelopment Agreement between Citv and Home Depot - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 52-0-94, by which the City Council would approve the Redevelopment Agreement and authorize the City Manager to execute said Agreement. Alderman Hevdemann moved to hold this docket item over. Seconded by Alderman Drummer. At the request of two aldermen. this docket item will be held over until the next meetine. REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC WORKS - No action items HUMAN SERVICES - No action items P10 June 13, 1994 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMNIITTEE Docket 136-6A-94: Ordinance 43-0-94 - ZBA 94-3-SU(R) - 1830 Ridge Avenue - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 43-0-94, by which the City Council, in accordance with the Zoning Board of Appeals' recommendation, would grant the application of The NTSW Foundation, a not -for -profit corporation (contract purchaser), for a prospective special use for establishment of an "independent living facility" on the property at 1830 Ridge Avenue. The property is zoned 01 Office District. Alderman Kent introduced proposed Ordinance 43-0-94. Marked Introduced. OTHER CON [M=ES: Docket 14-1B-94: Ordinance 129-0-93 - Tax Increment Financing Redevelonment Plan and Proiect - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 129-0- 93, introduced on January 24, 1994, by which the City Council would adopt and approve a Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment plan and Project for the Church/Chicago area. No Action. Docket 15-1B-94: Ordinance 130-0-93 - Tax Increment Financing Designation of Redevelopment Proiect Area - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 130-0- 93, introduced on January 24, 1994, by which the City Council would designate the Church/Chicago Area, by legal description, as a Tax Increment Redevelopment Project Area. No Action. Docket 16-1B-94: Ordinance 131-0-93 - Tax Increment Financing - Consideration of proposed Ordinance 131-0-93, introduced on January 24, 1994, by which the City Council would specify the administration of incremental real estate taxes in the Church/Chicago Tax Increment Financing District consistent with State Statutes. No Action. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: APPOINTMENTS: - None CALL OF THE WARDS: Alderman Holsman announced that the Evanston Neighborhood Conference would be having a potluck on Thursday, June 23, from 7:00-8:30 P.M. He invited everyone to attend and to bring a dish to share. Alderman Holsman also asked those from his ward who were watching the Council meeting on television, to call and let him know. (475-2043) Alderman Newman thanked the staff of Dave's Italian Kitchen for all the help they gave during a recent incident at the Transportation Center, including Mike Purcell, Julie Newberry and First Ward resident, Tom Hammerschmidt, a cab driver. He said that they will be honored for actions above and beyond being a citizen. Alderman Newman expressed concern about the number of semi -fast food outlets that have opened on Sherman Avenue, apparently through a loophole in our ordinance, as specialty stores. He said that the intent of the Zoning Ordinance is to deal with these stores as fast food outlets, Type 2 restaurants, and these restaurants have created severe parking, congestion and litter problems. He made a reference to the Planning and Development Committee to look at how specialty store is being interoreted by the Zoning Administrator and to look at how notice of some of the Zoning Administrator's interpretations of some of the uses is getting back to the Council and the neighbors. 11 June 13, 1994 4q He asked for staff to ascertain whether or not there has been a private sector offer made in the last two years for the property at 1830 Ridge, not including the one turned down. He wanted to clear that question up and asked that the potential buyer be contacted to see what use he had in mind for the property. He also asked that information be provided on the total amount of subsidies that the project at 1830 is projected to be receiving from governmental bodies, including $50,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds. Alderman Guthrie announced that the Parking Committee would not meet on Tuesday, June 21, but would meet instead on Tuesday, June 28. She also reminded everyone of the Public Hearing on the No Smoking Ordinance on Monday, June 20, at 7:30 P.M. Alderman Guthrie made a reference to the Si¢n Review and Anneals Board to see if they can develop standards for sidewalk sandwich si¢nboards. She said that she has heard from several businesses in her ward, with well -designed sandwich boards, and would like to find a way to have them permitted without having them become hazards to pedestrians. Seconded by Alderman Hevdemann. Motion carried. No nays. Alderman Guthrie also announced that the Chamber of Commerce had made copies of the Panhandling Report available to Council, the City Manager and the public (available in the City Clerk's office.) She noted that the report had been completed in 62 days, with the committee meeting almost weekly. She called attention to the publicity the report had received in the Chicago Tribune two weeks before and reported that several other papers picked up the story. She also reported that she had appeared on WBEZ with Richard Steel, a man from Street Wise and Carol Moschandreas on the telephone. She was pleased that the report had received such favorable publicity and said that they hoped to institute the recommendations within the next two weeks. She said that the committee would get together in the Fall to do an evaluation. She said that there is a component in the report aimed at college and university students, because they are among the most generous supporters of panhandlers. She noted that the committee did not want to cut off people's generosity, but hoped to redirect it in the hope that it would serve people better. Alderman Heydemann congratulated all the students who walked across the stage and received diplomas from ETHS the day before, particularly the relative of the alderman of the Sixth Ward. She also reported on the agreement reached by Aldermen Drummer, Engelman and herself with the Niles Township Sheltered Workshop on payment -in -lieu of taxes. She noted that they agreed to pay a payment -in -lieu of taxes and that will be increased every year according to the cost of living, with a floor of 3 % and a ceiling of 5 %. Also included in that agreement is an agreement to give the two school districts payment -in -lieu of taxes. She felt that it demonstrated the sensitivity of the NTSW to the needs of the two school districts and thought it to be a very workable agreement. Alderman Kent congratulated Chief Cooper and the Evanston Police Department on their "wonderfully needed" drug bust. He urged them not to get comfortable and said that there was plenty more opportunity to take people away who were selling drugs. He said that it is really crazy in some neighborhoods, and reported that when they were cleaning up one neighborhood on Saturday, he was raking and came up with a 9mm clip that was laying out in an alley under some rubble. He said it is a shame that not everyone gets to see what goes on. He also cautioned people not to forget drinking in the parks and congregating on the sidewalks. He expressed concern about those under 16 who were going to have time on their hands this summer and encouraged everyone to find something for them to do. Alderman Kent reported that he had received some information he requested on the Taxicab Advisory Board and said that he did not believe that they were doing what they were supposed to be doing. He asked for a report from staff about a report he had received that Magic Cab had been purchased by 303 Cab in Wilmette and that their cabs were being dispatched from Wilmette. He said that a lot of Evanston cabbies are unhappy that Wilmette cabs are coming into Evanston and taking their business. He asked whether the Taxicab Board knew that this had happened and wondered why Council had not been informed. He asked whether the Evanston Police could ticket Wilmette cabs who come into Evanston for fares and noted that the Chicago Police do it to Evanston cabs if they go into Rogers Park. He reported that he had called Magic Cab the previous Saturday and believed that he got a Wilmette dispatcher, and when the cab came, it said 303 on the side, with "Magic Cab" in one -inch letters that could barely 12 June 13, 1994 be seen. He asked for information on that. Alderman Moran reported that he had also been a member of the Panhandling Committee and extended his thanks to all those who served on the panel. He said that it was an interesting group of people who were drawn from different perspectives and from all segments of Evanston. He thought that the work product coming out of the committee was reflective of the multiplicity of viewpoints, strong debate and discussion. He reported that he had discussed the recommendations with several police officers involved in the panel's work, who had done surveys of the panhandling population. They report that there appears to be a substantial reduction in the amount of panhandling currently going on in the downtown area. He also felt that media reports on the work of the panel helped. Alderman Moran reported that he had attended a citywide conference at the Family Focus facility on Dempster and Dodge on May 26 relating to Hispanic concerns in the Evanston community, some of the problems they have encountered as an emerging population, the needs they have, the frustrations they have regarding housing and employment opportunities, and their public health needs. They also discussed their fears of negative stereotyping and the hurdles presented to them because of the difference in languages. He said that there were many forceful statements made and appeals were made to both the public and private sector to come forward and put together a network to allow them to incorporate themselves more directly in the fabric of our community. He made a reference to the Human Services Committee to address these concerns and to explore the possibility of creatin¢ a liaison or ombudsman who would work as a eatekeener to the Hispanic community. Alderman Engelman made a reference the Planning and Development Committee to examine our Zoning Ordinance related to modifications and changes to non -conforming structures where you are not enlarging the footprint on the building. Alderman Engelman announced that on Wednesday, June 15, the League of Women Voters is sponsoring an economic development roundtable at which there will be many noted authorities on economic development, including Professor Don Haider, Assistant City Manager Aiello. The public is invited to attend. The roundtable will be in the auditorium of the Shand -Morahan Building at 7:30 P.M. In response to a question from Alderman Heydemann, he admitted that, as Chair of the Economic Development Committee, he would also be on the panel. He hoped people would attend to hear what people's feelings are about economic development within the community and the region. Alderman Guthrie announced that a week ago Sunday, she received her J.D. Council offered their congratulations. Alderman Drummer moved that Council recess into Closed Session to discuss disposition of property. Seconded by Alderman Heydemann. Roll call. Voting aye - Holsman, Newman, Drummer, Guthrie, Heydemann, Kent, Moran and Engelman. Motion carried. No nays. (8-0) The Council so recessed at 10:35 P.M. and reconvened in Open Session at 11:10 P.M. Mayor pro tern Engelman asked for a motion to adjourn. The Council so moved and adjourned at 11:11 P.M. KIRSTEN F. DAVIS CITY CLERK L11